Current Affairs 2012-2014 Study Material

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February 2014 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Libya Destroyed All Chemical Weapons
Libya has completely destroyed the chemical arsenal it inherited from Moamer Kadhafi, 10 years after the now
slain dictator signed the Chemical Weapons Convention, Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdelaziz announced on 5
February.Now the Libya has become totally free of usable chemical weapons that might present a potential threat
to the security of local communities, the environment and neighbouring areas.
Matteo Renzi Named new Italian Prime Minister
The leader of Italys centre-left Democratic Party (PD), Matteo Renzi, was appointed as the countrys new prime
minister on 17 February. Renzi, who at 39 would be the countrys youngest-ever prime minister, was summoned
by Italian President Giorgio Napolitano at Quirinale presidential palace and given a mandate to try to form a new
cabinet after the resignation of Enrico Letta as prime minister on 14 February.
Ugandan President Signed Anti Gay Law
Ugandas President Yoweri-Museveni has signed a controversial anti-gay bill on 24 February that allows harsh
penalties for homosexual offences, calling them mercenaries and prostitutes.Yoweri Museveni signed the bill,
which holds that homosexuals be jailed for long terms, outlaws the promotion of homosexuality and requires
people to denounce gays.
Arseniy Yatsenyuk Elected As Ukrain Interim PM
The Ukrainian parliament has on 27 February elected former opposition leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk as the
countrys Interim Prime Minister.He was backed by 371 of 417 participating deputies in the Parliament.
INDIA & WORLD
India and Germany Signed Two Agreements On Financial and Technical Co-operation
India and Germany have signed two umbrella agreements for financial and technical co-operation under Indo
German bilateral Development Cooperation framework.The Umbrella Agreements were signed by Finance Minister
P Chidambaram and German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Gerd Mueller during
their bilateral meeting on 5 February in New Delhi.
India and China Held 17th Round Of Border Talks
India and China held their 17th round of border talks on 10 11 February 2014 .Special representatives National
Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon and Chinese State Councillor and top diplomat Yang Jiechi met in New
Delhi on 10 February and 11 February for talks on the boundary question.The talks between both sides have
crossed the first stage on agreeing to settlement of the boundary question. The second stage talks on the
framework for resolution of the boundary question has been continuing for the past eight years.
India and Canada Signed Three MoUs
India and Canada have signed three MoUs for cooperation in health sector, audio-visual co-production and skill
development.The MoUs were signed after talks between Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Govenor General
of Canada David Johnston in New Delhi on 24 February.
India and Israel Signed Homeland Security Agreement
India and Israel have on 27 February signed a slew of agreements on cooperation in legal assistance and public
and homeland security.These agreements were signed by Additional Secretary (Home Ministry) Rajiv Sharma and
Israeli Ambassador Alon Ushpiz.
NATIONAL
Union Cabinet Approved National Policy On Agroforestry
The Union Cabinet on 6 February approved National Policy to promote Agroforestry by facilitating credit and
insurance to farmers, besides strengthening market access.The national policy assumes importance as the
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sector is currently affected by adverse policies, legal constraints, inadequate investments, weak markets and a
dearth of institutional finance.
Maulana Azad Taleem-e-Balighan Scheme Launched
Minister of State for HRD, Dr Shashi Tharoor on 18 February launched Maulana Azad Taleem-e-Balighan under
Sakshar Bharat at New Delhi.The programme aims to impart functional literacy, vocational skill development and
continuing education to one crore Muslim adults with an outlay of Rs 600 crore.
CCEA approved Green India Mission
The National Mission for Green India has received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
(CCEA) on 20 February as a Centrally-sponsored scheme.The project, which has a planned investment of about
Rs.13,000 crore during the 12th Plan Period.
Parliament Passed Whistleblower Protection Bill
Whistleblower Protection Bill was passed by Parliament on 21 February.The bill aims to provide a regular
mechanism to encourage persons to disclose information on corruption or willful misuse of power by public
servants and ministers.The bill was passed by Lok Sabha in 2011 and was taken up by the Upper House in 2012
for consideration.
STATES
Indias First Monorail Service Inaugurated In Mumbai
Indias first monorail service was inaugurated by the Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj chavan on 1 February in
Mumbai.The monorail service that will link the city to major stations will begin its first phase of 8.93 km between
Wadala and Chembur in the eastern fringes of the Commercial Capital.
Odisha Lokayukta Bill 2014 Passed In Assembly
Odisha Legislative Assembly on 14 February passed the Odisha Lokayukta Bill 2014, with provision of keeping
Chief Minister, ex-Chief Ministers, other ministers and public servants under the purview of a six-member anti-
corruption panel. The Bill has provisions similar to that of the Central Act which was passed in Parliament in
December, 2013.
Presidents Rule Imposed in Delhi
President Pranab Mukherjee has imposed Presidents rule in Delhi and accepted the Arvind Kejriwal governments
resignation.This information was on 17 February published in a press release by Lt Governor Najeeb Jungs
office.With this imposition of the President Rule, the Delhi Assembly will be kept under suspended animation.
Chhattisgarh Government To Set Up A Law Commission
Raman Singh, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh on 25 February announced that a new Law Commission will be
set-up in the state to suggest changes in laws as per the geographical and social requirements of the state. This
announcement was made in the state Assembly.
CONFERENCES
101st Session of Indian Science Congress
101st Session of Indian Science Congress (ISC) held at Jammu University, Jammu from 3-7 February 2014. The
theme of ISC 2014 is Innovations in Science and Technology for Inclusive Development. Prime Minister of India,
Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the session on 3 February.This was the tenth time Manmohan Singh had the
privilege to address the inaugural address at the Indian Science Congress.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Sachin Tendulkar and CNR Rao Received Bharat Ratna
Renowned scientist C.N.R. Rao and former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar were on 4 February conferred the Bharat
Ratna, the highest civilian award of the country for exceptional contribution in any field of human endeavour.The
award was presented by President Pranab Mukherjee at a brief ceremony in the historic Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati
Bhavan.
Malala Nominated For Childrens Nobel Prize
Pakistani teenage rights activist Malala Yousafzai is among three persons nominated for an award known as the
Childrens Nobel Prize.Malala Yousafzai has been nominated for the 2014 Worlds Childrens Prize with John
Wood from the US and Nepalese child rights worker Indira Ranamagar.
VV Dongre and Guocheng Zhang Won International Gandhi Award 2013
Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India on 15 February presented the International Gandhi Award for the year
2013 to Dr. Vijaykumar Vinayak Dongre (VV Dongre) and Prof. Guocheng Zhang at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New
Delhi. They were awarded for making outstanding contributions in the field of leprosy to eradicate the disease
through treatment, training and research.
Sikkim Won National Tourism Award 2012-13
Sikkim has been declared as best state in the country in implementation of Rural Tourism Projects by Ministry of
Tourism Govt of India .Union Minister for Human Resource Development Dr. Shashi Tharoor,presented the
National Tourism Award 2012-13 to Sikkim tourism minister Sh Bhim Dhungel in a function at Vigyan Bhawan in
New Delhi on 18 February.
SPORTS & GAMES
Vijay Amritraj Honoured with Davis Cup Commitment Award
Vijay Amritraj, a former Indian tennis player was on 1 February presented the Davis Cup Commitment Award
.Previously Four Indian tennis icons Ramanathan Krishnan, Ramesh Krishnan, Anand Amritraj and Mahesh
Bhupathi were honoured with the Davis Cup Commitment awards.The award was instituted by the International
Tennis Federation (ITF).
Joshna Chinappa Won Winnipeg Open Title
Indias Squash player Joshna Chinappa won the Winnipeg Winter Club Open trophy on 3 February. She defeated
Heba El Torky of Egypt in the final.The triumph of Chinappa marked the second consecutive year of an Indian
winning the trophy with Dipika Pallikal being the first to clinch it before her in 2013.
Deepika Kumari Named FICCI Sportsperson Of The Year
Indias top archer Deepika Kumari was on 13 February named the Sportsperson of the Year at the India Sports
Awards, presented by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Former India captain
Rahul Dravid was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement award. P.V Sindhu, bronze medallist at the badminton
World Championships, was named the Breakthrough Sportsperson of the Year , while cricketer Yuvraj Singh
was named the Most Inspiring Sportsperson of the Year .
Delhi Waveriders Won Hockey India League Title
Delhi Waveriders defeated Jaypee Punjab Warriors in the penalty shoot-out to emerge as the champions in the
second edition of Hero Hockey India League (HIL) at the packed Astroturf Hockey Stadium at Ranchi on 23
February.
Somdev Devvarman Won Delhi Open ATP Challenger Title
Indias Somdev Devvarman won his third ATP Challengers title as he defeated Aleksandr Nedovyesov of Russia in
the Delhi Open ATP Challenger Mens singles final on 23 February at New Delhi .Somdev last won a Challenger
level title in 2010 at the Izmir event in Turkey.
ECONOMY
Rajasthan Bans FDI in Multi-brand Retail
Rajasthan on 1 February cancelled its approval for the foreign direct investment in multi-brand retailing.The
approval was given earlier by the previous Congress state government led by former Chief Minister, Ashok
Gehlot.With this decision of cancelling the approval over FDI made Rajasthan the second state after Delhi to
withdraw approval for FDI in multi-brand retail.
Indian Economy To Grow At 4.9 Percent In 2013-14
Central Statistics Office (CSO) in its release on 7 February estimated that Indias economic growth in the current
(2013-14) fiscal will be 4.9 percent as compared to the growth rate of 4.5 percent in 2012-13.The countrys Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) at factor cost at constant (2004-05) prices in 2013-14 is likely to be Rs.57.5 lakh crore
as compared to Rs.54.8 lakh crore in the previous year, registering year-on-year increase of 4.9 percent.
Tata Group Indias Most Valuable Brand
According to the list released on 18 February of worlds 500 most valued brand, Brand Finance Global 500 , Tata
group was declared Indias most valuable brand with a value of US$ 21.1 billion, while US-based technology giant
Apple has retained its top position globally with about US$ 105 billion.Apple is followed by Samsung (US$ 79
billion) at second place globally.Tata has retained its top place among Indian brands and its global ranking has
also improved from 39th in 2013 to 34th now.
Indias First Post Office Savings Bank ATM Inaugurated In Chennai
Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on 27 February inaugurated the countrys first post office savings bank
ATM at the Head Post Office in Thyagaraya Nagar in Chennai.The ATM was part of an Information Technology (IT)
modernisation project of the Department of Posts.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
BrahMos Missile Successfully Test Fired In Salvo Mode
The 290km-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully fired on 6 February from a naval warship
INS Trikand in salvo mode in the Arabian Sea.For the first time, the BrahMos cruise missile was fired in salvo
mode off the Russian-built warship off the coast of Karnataka with an interval of three seconds off the coast of
Goa.
Australian Astronomers Discovered Oldest Known Star In Universe
A team of scientists at the Australian National University has on 11 February discovered the oldest known star in
the Universe.The star known as SMSS J031300.36-670839.3, is in the Milky Way galaxy and some 6000 light
years from the Earth. The star was formed shortly after the Big Bang 13.7 billion years ago.The star was
discovered using the ANU SkyMapper telescope at the Siding Spring Observatory.
Indian-origin Boy Shubham Banerjee Invents Braille Printer Using Lego Set
A 12-year-old boy of Indian Origin Shubham Banerjee has on 23 February designed a low-cost Braille printer using
toy construction Lego pieces.Banerjee developed the Braille printer called Braigo, which is short for Braille with
Lego.It was created from the Lego Mindstorms EV3 set, which retails for USD 349.
India Successfully Test Fired Akash Missile
India on 26 February successfully test-fired its Akash medium-range surface-to-air missile from a defence base in
Odisha, for the third time. Akash was earlier successfully tested from the same defence base on 21st and 24th
February 2014. The indigenously-developed missile, with a 27-km range and an effective ceiling of 15 km, was
test-fired from the Integrated Test Range of Chandipur in the coastal district of Balasore, 230 km from
Bhubaneswar.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
N. Ramachandran Elected IOA president
World Squash Federation (WSF) chief N. Ramachandran was elected unopposed as the president of the Indian
Olympic Association (IOA) on 9 February.Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) president Rajeev Mehta and All India
Tennis Association (AITA) president Anil Khanna were also elected unopposed respectively as the secretary
general and treasurer.
R.K.Tiwari Appointed as new Chairman of CBDT
R.K.Tiwari has been appointed as the as the new chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on 9
February.He will succeed Chairperson Sudha Sharma who is scheduled to retire on 28 February 2014.Tiwari is a
1976-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer. He is currently working as the Member of Legislation and
Computerisation Department in the CBDT.
B)RESIGNS
Jammu and Kashmir Minister Shabir Ahmad Khan Resigned
Jammu and Kashmir Minister of State for Health Shabir Ahmad Khan on 7 February resigned as Minister from the
Omar Abdullahs cabinet in an alleged molestation case while the Governor N N Vohra has accepted the
resignation.
C)DEATHS
Noted Hindi Writer Amar Kant Died
Noted Hindi writer and Jnanpith Award winner Amar Kant died on 17 February .Kants prominent novels are Inhin
Hathiyaron Se, Katili Raah ke Phool, Sookha Patta, Kale Ujle and Beech ki Deewar.He received several awards,
including Jnanpith award in 2009, Sahitya Acdemy Award in 2007, Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan Award, Maithli
Sharan Gupta Award, Amarkant Keerti Samman from Madhya Pradesh government among others.
D)VISITORS
Bahrains King Hamad Al Khalifa Visited India
The King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa visited India from 18 20 February 2014.During his three day visit,
King Hamad met Indian President Pranab Mukherjee , Vice-president Hamid Ansari and held delegation-level
discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on bilateral, regional and global issues. After delegation-level
talks between the two leaders , both nations signed three agreements to boost bilateral ties between the two
countries.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Indra Nooyi and Chanda Kochhar In Fortunes Most Powerful Businesswomen List
PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi and ICICI Bank Managing Director Chanda Kochhar are among Fortune magazines list
of 50 most powerful women in business: Global edition.The list, which was released on 7 February, has been
topped by General Motors CEO Mary Barra, the first woman to run a global automaker.
PLACES IN NEWS
Delhi Ranked 22nd In Global Fashion Capital List
New York has topped the list of global fashion capitals leaving Paris and London behind. In an annual ranking
survey report by Global Language Monitor (GLM) released on 19 February, Delhi stands at the 22th spot and
Mumbai at 45th.
ABBREVIATIONS
ASEAN - Association of South East Asian Nations
NAFDAC National Agency for Food & Drug Administration and Control
IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency
BCSBI Banking Codes and Standards Board of India
TARC Tax Administration Reform Commission
CBDT Central Board of Direct Taxes
BOOKS IN NEWS
Penguin Decided To withdraw a Book entitled The Hindus: An Alternative History
Penguin India, the publisher of book entitled The Hindus: An Alternative History on 11 February agreed to
withdraw the book from the Indian market. This book is written by Wendy Doniger, an American Scholar and
Indologist. The decision was made by the publisher following a legal wrangle against it.The decision was made
between the publisher and Delhi based complainant organisation called Shiksha Bachao Andolan, who moved to
court alleging distortion aimed at denigrating Hindu traditions. The organisation has found that the book is
insulting Hindus.
COMMITTEES
Bimal Jalan Committee On Bank Licences Submits Recommendations To RBI
The Bimal Jalan committee which is scrutinising applications for new bank licences submitted its report to the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 25 February.The committee led by former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Dr
Jalan held its third and final meeting before submitting its recommendations to the central bank.
IMPORTANT DAYS AND DATES
International Mother Language Day Observed Across The World
International Mother Language Day (Bhasha Divas) was observed across the world, with Bangladesh leading on 21
February 2014. This day is observed with an aim to promote awareness of linguistic, multilingualism and cultural
diversity.International Mother Language Day was announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999 and was formally
recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution establishing 2008 as the International Year
of Languages.
National Science Day Observed Across India On 28 February
India on 28 February 2014 observed National Science Day to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian
physicist Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (CV Raman).In 2014, the theme of the day is Fostering Scientific
Temper and Energy conservation. This day is celebrated every year on this day to spread a message about the
significance of scientific applications in the daily life of the people.The National Council for Science and
Technology Communication (NCSTC) in 1986 asked the Government of India to designate 28 February as National
Day.
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January 2014 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Colorado Becomes First US state To Allow Marijuana Sale
Colorado has on 1 January become the first U.S. state to license the sale of the drug for recreational use. In
November 2012, Colorado voters approved the sale of recreational marijuana, as did voters in Washington state.
Under the new state law, residents are now able to buy marijuana like alcohol.
US Senate Passed USD 1.1 Trillion Spending Bill
The US Senate has passed the USD 1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill that eliminates the threat of another
government shutdown at least until October 2014 and puts conditions on Pakistan for continuation of aid. Passed
by the House of Representatives on 16 January, the bill now goes to the White House for President Barack
Obama to sign it into law, thus preventing another shutdown.
Bolivian President Evo Morales Assumes G77 Chairmanship
Bolivian president Evo Morales has assumed the Chairmanship of the Group of 77 nations.Bolivia was chosen
head of the G-77, which actually groups 133 developing nations, by consensus, and Morales was at the United
nations on 8 January to take over the chairmanship from outgoing Fiji. The organization was created in June 1964
with the purpose of formulating and promoting the new economic interests of southern countries within the United
Nations system.
South Sudan Government and Rebels Signed Ceasefire Agreement
South Sudans Government and Rebels have signed a ceasefire agreement .The agreement was signed in the
Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa by representatives of South Sudans President Salva Kiir and rebel delegates loyal
to ousted vice president Riek Machar on 23 January . As per the deal, the government has agreed to release 11
officials close to Machar, who were detained after the fighting broke in the country.
INDIA & WORLD
India and Maldives Signed 3 MoUs
India and the Maldives on 2 January agreed to amicably resolve all differences, including over cancellation of
Indian company GMRs contract to run Male International Airport. Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen held talks
in New Delhi with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the two sides signed three Memorandum of Understanding
(MoUs).Two agreements are related to health and human resource development and one on the diplomatic front.
India and Canada Signed LOI for Co-operation in Iron and Steel Sector
India and Canada have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for co-operation in Iron and Steel Sector. The letters were
signed on 13 January in New Delhi by Beni Prasad Verma, the Union Minister of Steel and Minister of Natural
Resources, Government of Canada, Joe Oliver.
India and South Korea Signed Nine Agreements
India and South Korea have signed 9 agreements in different areas to boost bilateral ties between the two
countries.The agreements were signed on 16 January after delegation level talks between Manmohan Singh, the
Prime Minister of India and Park Geun-hye, the President of South Korea in New Delhi.
India and Japan Signed 8 Agreements
India and Japan have agreed to boost defence ties and signed eight agreements with Japanese Prime Minister
Shinzo Abe, pledging another tranche of infrastructure loans worth 200 billion yen, during his talks with Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on 25 January.
Pakistan and India Ranked 97th In Global Food Index 2014
According to the Global Food Index 2014 released on 17 January , Pakistan ranked 97th in a list of 125
countries with regard to availability, quality and affordability of food and dietary health.The listing means Pakistan
is one of the countries with the most unhealthy and scarce food. India got the same rank as Pakistan.The
Netherlands emerges as the country with the most nutritious, plentiful and healthy food leaving France and
Switzerland behind at the joint second place.The Index namely Good Enough to Eat has been compiled by the
UK-based international relief and development organization Oxfam.
NATIONAL
Government Launched Indias First Comprehensive Adolescent Health Programme
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad on 7 January launched the nations first
comprehensive adolescent health programme named Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) in New
Delhi.The programme will include a sharp focus on adolescents sexual health.The RKSK defines an adolescent
as a person within 10-19 years of age, in urban and rural areas, includes both girls and boys, married and
unmarried, poor and affluent, whether they are in school or out of school.
Government Notified New Natural Gas Pricing Formula
The Government of India on 10 January notified the new natural gas pricing formula, which will be in effect from 1
April 2014. As per the newly issued notification, the rate of all domestically produced fuel will be almost doubled
to 8.2 to 8.4 dollar per unit.
Government Grants CBI greater Financial Autonomy
The Central Government on 14 January relaxed its control over the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and
granted the CBI director a rank equal to a Secretary.
Ghulam Nabi Azad Launches National Urban Health Mission
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad on 20 January launched the National Urban
Health Mission (NUHM) in Bangalore to provide timely quality health services to the urban poor.The scheme will
now be introduced as a sub-mission under the National Health Mission (NHM).The mission will be implemented in
779 cities and towns, each with a population of more than 50,000, and cover over 7.75 crore people.
STATES
Manmohan Singh Launched Total E-literacy Project In Kerala
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has launched the total E-literacy project implemented by PN Panicker Vigyan
Vikas Kendra in Thiruvanathpuram on 4 January.This would act as the corner-stone of the Kerala model of
development.The programme was aimed at achieving total e-literacy in the state in 33 months, marching from total
literacy to complete-literacy.
Maharashtra Govt. Launched Unique Blood On Call Scheme
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on 7 January rolled out Jeevan Amrut Yojana (blood-on-call
scheme) across the state.The ambitious plan is aimed at facilitating blood supply to patients scheduled to
undergo surgeries and medical procedures, at cheaper rate by dialling a dedicated helpline number 104. Under
the scheme, the request for blood will have to be placed by hospitals.
Chhattisgarh Govt. Launched Toll Free Number 1100 For Graft Complaints
Chhattisgarh government has on 7 January launched a toll free helpline number 1100 where people could lodge
graft-related complaints against the state government officials.The facility will help provide better governance to the
people.Now, the people can just dial 1100 to lodge complaints regarding corruption.
Anu Vidyut Pariyojana Launched In Haryana
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh laid the foundation of 2,800 Megawatt nuclear power plant in Fatehabad district
of Haryana on 13 January.The project named as Anu Vidyut Pariyojna, will have four units of 700 MWes each and
it will be built at a cost 23502 crore rupees. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) will build
these reactors. This is the first time Haryana will have a nuclear project.
CONFERENCES
12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Held in New Delhi
The 12th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was held in New Delhi from 7 9 January 2014 at Vigyan
Bhawan, New Delhi. The theme of the event was Engaging Diaspora Connecting across Generations .The
convention was inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 7 January. Malaysias Minister of Natural
Resources and Environment Y B Datuk Seri Palanivel ,was the Chief Guest. On 9 January President Pranab
Mukherjee conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards and addressed the closing session of the
Convention.
AWARDS & HONOURS
President Pranab Mukherjee Conferred Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards
President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards on 9 January during the 12th
edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD). Peace activist Ela Gandhi, who is a grand-daughter of Mahatma
Gandhi, was among the 13 non-resident Indians (NRIs), persons of Indian origin (PIOs) and organizations
honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards. Ela Gandhi was given the award for public
service and for enhancing Indias image and for promoting ties between India and South Africa. Lisa Maria Singh is
the first member of Australian Parliament of South Asian descent and has held several ministerial portfolios in the
past. She is a senator from Tasmania. Singh was given the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman for public service and
fostering friendly relations between India and Australia. Ramkrishna Mission, serving in Fiji since 1937, was
honoured for community service and philanthropic activities and enhancing Indias prestige abroad.
Three Security Personnel Selected For Kirti Chakra Award
Three personnel of the armed forces have been selected for the year 2014 Kirti Chakra award , the second
highest peace time gallantry award, for their acts of bravery on the Line of Control (LoC), anti-maoist operation and
relief operation in flood-hit Uttarakhand, respectively. The three are among 368 gallantry award winners this year
including 10 Shaurya Chakra awardees.
Indian-American Wins Top US Teaching Award
India-born Meera Chandrasekhar, professor of physics and astronomy and Curators Teaching Professor of
Physics at the University of Missouri, has on 18 January won Baylor Universitys 2014 Robert Foster Cherry
Award for Great Teaching.
Mohinder Singh , Radhakrishnan Selected For Communal Harmony Awards
National Communal Harmony Award for Mohinder Singh for his work done in restoring peace after the 1984 anti-
Sikh riots and noted academician N Radhakrishnan for his promotion of Gandhian values were announced on 25
January. Singh, along with Gandhian Radhakrishnan of Kerala, have been selected for the coveted award in the
individual category while the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai has been selected in the
organisation category.
SPORTS & GAMES
Rafael Nadal Won Qatar ExxonMobil Open Title
Rafael Nadal of Spain won the Qatar ExxonMobil Open title on 4 January.He defeated Frances Gael Monfils in
the Mens Singles final at Doha.It was his 61st ATP title.
Brisbane International Tennis Tournament Winners 2014
Womens Singles :- Serena Williams of the U.S. on 4 January won the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament
Womens Singles title after defeated Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the final in Brisbane, Australia. Williams has
now won 58 tour singles titles.
Mens Singles :- Australias Lleyton Hewitt won the Mens Singles Title. He defeated Roger Federer of
Switzerland in the Brisbane International final. It was Hewitts 29th title on the ATP tour but his first since 2010,
when he also beat Federer in the final at Halle.
Ana Ivanovic Won Auckland Open Tennis Title
Ana Ivanovic of Serbia won the Auckland Open Tennis Title on 4 January. She defeated Venus Williams (U.S) in
the final at Auckland, New Zealand.It is the 12th title for the Ivanovic and second seed but her first success since
victory in Bali in 2011.
Anju Bobby George Declared World Athletics Gold Medalist For 2005
Indian Long jumper Anju Bobby George on 13 January became the first Indian track and field athlete to win a gold
medal in a major world event after international governing body International Association of Athletics Federation
(IAAF) upgraded her second place finish at the 2005 Monaco World Athletics Championships final to the top spot
, following a dope violation by a Russian competitor Tatyana Kotova.Anjus fifth place finish at the 2005 Helsinki
World Championships long jump event was also upgraded to fourth.
Netherlands Won Hockey World League 2014
The Netherlands on 18 January won the first ever Hockey World League final after defeating New Zealand by 7-2 in
New Delhi. Belgium retained his fifth place , while India secured sixth place.
ECONOMY
Government Retains 100 Per cent FDI in Existing Pharma Units
Government of India on 8 January decided to retain the policy of allowing 100 per cent foreign investments in the
existing pharma firms, brushing aside concerns about non availability of affordable drugs in view of MNCs
takeovers.India permits 100 per cent FDI in pharma through automatic approval route in the greenfield, or new
projects.
Indias Growth Projected To Rise To 7.1 Percent By 2016-17
According to the World Banks Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report released on 16 January , Indias growth
is projected to rise to over six percent in fiscal 2014-15, increasing to 7.1 percent by fiscal 2016-17 with the world
economy expected to strengthen this year.
Indian Economy Projected To Grow At 5.35% In 2014
According to the UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2014 (WESP) report released on 24 January ,
Indias economy is projected to grow at a slower-than-expected rate of 5.3 per cent in 2014. Full-year growth
decelerated to 4.8 per cent in 2013 from 5.1 per cent in the calendar year 2012.
RBI raised Repo Rate By 25 Basis Points To 8 Percent
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the Repo rate under Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) by 25 basis points
from 7.75 percent to 8 percent. Besides, it kept the cash reserve ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks unchanged at 4
percent of net demand and time liability (NDTL). The decision to raise the repo rate and keep the CRR unchanged
was announced by the RBI in its Third Quarter Monetary Policy Review on 28 January. As a result, the reverse
repo rate under the LAF stands adjusted at 7 percent, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank
Rate at 9.0 percent.
GSLV-D5 Rocket Carrying Communication Satellite GSAT-14 Successfully Launched
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 5 January successfully launched its heavy-duty rocket
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Development 5 (GSLV-D5) having indigeneous cryogenic engine that
placed a 1,982 kg GSAT-14 communication satellite into the orbit. The 49.13-metre tall rocket GSLV-D5 lifted off
from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota , Andhra Pradesh .The launch vehicle successfully injected the
GSAT-14 communication satellite into the intended orbit.With the successful launch of GSLV-D5 flight India has
now become the sixth nation to possess the cryogenic engine technology, and has joined the elite club of the
United States, Russia, France, Japan and China.
India Successfully Test Fired Nuclear Capable Prithvi II Missile
India on 7 January successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable surface to surface Prithvi II
missile , which is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads and has a strike range of 350 km, from a
test range at Chandipur near Balasore (Odisha).The launch was part of a user trial by the Army.Prithvi-II missile is
already inducted into the Indian Armed forces.The last trial of Prithvi-II was successfully carried out from the same
base on 3 December 2013.
Astronomers Discovered Two New Exoplanets
In the month of January 2014 A team of Astronomers from Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA),
have discovered two new extrasolar planets circling a dim, red dwarf star about 200 light-years away from our
planet.One of the planets, dubbed KOI-314c, weighs the same as Earth, but around 60 percent larger in
diameter.The second planet, named KOI-314b, is about the same size as KOI-314c but significantly denser,
weighing about 4 times as much as Earth.The team discovered the planet using data from NASAs Kepler
spacecraft.
Worlds Fastest Organic Transistor Developed
In the month of January 2014 Scientists claim to have developed the worlds fastest thin-film organic transistor
that could operate more than five times faster than previous examples of this technology.Researchers from the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and Stanford University explained that this experimental technology has the
potential to achieve the performance needed for high-resolution television screens and similar electronic devices.
Engineers created the thin-film organic transistors that could operate more than five times faster than previous
examples of this experimental technology.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
R Chandrashekhar is new NASSCOM President
Former Telecom Secretary (Government of India), R Chandrashekhar on 5 January took over as the President of
Information Technology trade body Nasscom (National Association of Software and Services Companies).He
succeeds Som Mittal, who served as President from 2007-2013.This is the first time that NASSCOM has
appointed a former bureaucrat as the president.
US Senate Confirmed Janet Yellen as new Federal Reserve Chairperson
The US Senate has on 6 January confirmed Janet Yellen as new leader of the Federal Reserve. She is the first
woman to lead the central bank in its 100-year history. She succeeds the Chairman Ben Bernanke as the next
head of Americas central bank.
Sheikh Hasina Sworn In As Bangladesh Prime Minister
Sheikh Hasina was on 12 January sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the third time. She had won
an overwhelming majority in the Bangladesh general election held on 5 January 2014 by defeating opposition
party, Jatiya party.The Awami League has secured absolute majority in the 10th Parliament elections by bagging
232 seats 105 contested and 127 uncontested.
B)RESIGNS
Tunisia Prime Minister Ali Larayedh Resigned
Tunisias Islamist Prime Minister Ali Larayedh has resigned from his office on 9 January . With his resignation, the
country will be led by the caretaker Government of technocrats led by led by new Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa.
He resigned following a deal between the Islamist Ennahda Party of Ali Larayedh and the secular opposition for a
transition to the democracy in the country.
C)DEATHS
Israels Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Died
Israels former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon died on 11 January .The former general of Israeli Army had been in
coma since 4 January 2006. He served as the 11th Prime Minister of Israel until he was incapacitated by a stroke.
Sharon was a commander in the Israeli Army from its creation in 1948.Nicknamed The Bulldozer, the veteran
soldier fought in all of Israels major wars before beginning a turbulent political career in 1973.
D)VISITORS
Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Visited India
Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Visited India from 6 10 January 2014. During his visit , Bhutan
King held extensive talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi. The two leaders exchanged views
on bilateral relations and on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The prime minister and other
Indian leaders reiterated their full commitment and support to Bhutans socio-economic development and to further
development of Bhutans hydropower resources. This is King Wangchucks second visit in 12 months. He was
also the chief guest at Indias Republic Day celebrations in January 2013.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Sachin Tendulkar 5th Most Admired Person In The World
Microsoft founder Bill Gates has been named as the most admired person on the planet with cricketing legend
Sachin Tendulkar fifth on a list of 30 people compiled after a poll in 13 countries, including India.The Worlds most
admired people poll was conducted by YouGov for The Times by surveying almost 14,000 people.
PLACES IN NEWS
Odishas Chilika Lagoon Named Destination Flyways By UNWTO
Chilika lagoon in Odisha was named Destination Flyways by the United Nations World Tourism Organization
(UNWTO) on 21 January .The lagoon was named so for its sustainable and resilient destination for migratory
birds. Chilika is the only site to be selected from Asia by the UNWTO and was included in a list of eight such
sites. The Destination Flyways initiative of UNWTO aims at promotion of sustainable tourism.
ABBREVIATIONS
GPS Global Positioning System
TCS Tata Consultancy Services
NASSCOM National Association of Software and Services Companies
GSLV Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
FSLRC Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission
NBFC Non Banking Finance Companies
BOOKS IN NEWS
Incredible Opportunities Back Home Book Released
The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh released the book entitled Incredible Opportunities Back Home on 8
January during the 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in New Delhi .This book will provide access to credible
information, essential for meaningful engagement.
COMMITTEES
Nachiket Mor Committees Report on Financial Inclusion
The committee constituted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBIs) on 23 September 2013 to suggest steps for
promoting financial inclusion headed by veteran banker and ex-ICICI Bank executive director Nachiket Mor. The
committee on 7 January 2014 suggested setting up of specialised banks to cater to low income households to
ensure that all citizens have bank accounts by January 1, 2016.
World Braille Day was Observed on 4th January
World Braille Day is celebrated today (4th January) across the world to observe the Birthday of Louis Braille.
Louis Braille, born in 1809, was the inventor of braille, a system of reading and writing used by people who are
blind or visually impaired. Braille became blind after an accident at the age of three. He created a language based
on the patterns of raised dots on paper, which could be felt and one can read anything that is unable to see. He
did this to have an access to works of literature.
National Girl Child Day Observed on 24 January
National Girl Child Day observed on 24 January 2014 across India by the Government. This day is observed every
year to raise awareness and consciousness of the society towards girl children. The day is being observed every
year on 24 January since 2008. Government of India has started National Girl Child Day as a national girls
development mission. The mission raises the awareness among people all over the country about the importance
of girls promotion. It helps in enhancing girls meaningful contribution in decision making processes by active
support of the parents and the community members.
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December 2013 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Asian Countries Top OECDs PISA survey of Global Education
According to the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) latest survey
report , which evaluates the knowledge and skills of the worlds 15-year-olds in 65 countries and has been
released on 3 December. The OECDs PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) 2012 tested more
than 510,000 students in 65 countries and economies on maths, reading and science. The main focus was on
maths.
Highlights of the Survey Report :-
* Asian nations cemented their top positions in an eagerly awaited report on global education , as their students
continued to outshine western counterparts in maths, science and reading.
* Shanghai again ranked first in maths, science and reading .
* Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea rounded out the top five in maths skills.
* Already strong performers in 2009, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore continued to improve their
performances in the three categories.
* The report highlighted Italy, Poland and Portugal for showing improvements in maths skills since the last survey
,but noted drops in Sweden and Finland.
* Peru ranked at the bottom of the list in all three categories.
* 23 per cent of students in OECD countries, and 32 per cent overall, failed to master the simplest maths
problems.Boys performed better than girls in maths. They scored higher in 37 out of the 65 countries and
economies, while girls outperformed boys in 5 countries.
* Across OECD countries, 8.4% of students are top performers in reading. Shanghai-China has the largest
proportion of top performers 25.1%. Over 15% of students in Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore are top
performers in reading, as are more than 10% of students in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Ireland,
Korea, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway and Chinese Taipei.
Thailands PM Yingluck Shinawatra Dissolves Parliament
Thailands Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on 9 December formally dissolved the countrys parliament and
called for new elections.The new elections are scheduled to take place on 2 February 2014.The members of the
opposition party (Democrat Party) of Thailand resigned en masse from the Parliament on 8 December 2013 to
protest a Government claimed by them as illegitimate.The opposition party of Thailand cant work in the legislature
anymore because the government is no longer accepted by the people. This will bring in a political crisis in the
country.The opposition party has aligned with the anti-government protesters, who have staged the biggest rally of
the country in the years. These demonstrations began in November 2013 and aims to oust Prime Minister of
Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra from the office.Yingluck Shinawatra won the elections in 2011. The opposition party
Democrats has not won an election, since 1992. Democrat Party has won most of the seats on the Parliament in
1948, 1976 and 1992 but has never won an outright Parliamentary majority.
Michelle Bachelet Elected as Chilean President
Socialist Michelle Bachelet has been elected as Chiles president on 15 December for a second time by a wide
margin. Bachelet, a moderate socialist, got 62 percent votes against 38 percent votes for Evelyn Matthei, a former
minister from the governing centre-right coalition.Michelle Bachelet, candidate for a centre-left coalition of parties
known as Nueva Mayoria , she first served from 2006 to 2010, but under Chiles constitution she could not stand
for a second consecutive term.She was the first woman President of Chile.She begins her second turn in the
office next year.The term of the president is for four years.Michelle Bachelet will succeed the present president
Sebastian Pinera.
Saudi Arabia Passed Anti-Terror Law
Saudi Arabias Cabinet has approved a new anti-terrorism draft law on 16 December that criminalizes acts that
disturb public order, defame the reputation of the state or threaten the kingdoms unity, raising concerns by
activists it could be used to quash political dissent.
Mexicos President Signed Energy Reform Law
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto on 20 December signed into law a sweeping reform that will allow private
companies to drill for oil and gas, and end a seven-decade-long monopoly held by the state oil company.Mexico
President called the energy bill a fundamental, historic reform needed for Mexico to speed up the lagging pace of
its economic growth.The bill was approved by both houses of Congress and it has also received the approval from
majority of Mexicos states legislatures, which was required for any constitutional changes.
INDIA & WORLD
Brahmaputra Cruises Among World Top 10 Adventurous Cruises
Brahmaputra Cruises by Assam Bengal Navigation Company has been recognised by CNN International as one
of the top 10 Most Adventurous Cruises in the World for 2013.The Brahmaputra Cruises (Jungle Book Tour/India)
has been ranked sixth on 3 December among the cruises including the Amazon, the Antartica, the North Pole,
Australia and Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Recalling that Assam Bengal Navigation Company, an Indo-British
joint venture, had pioneered long-distance river cruising in India in 2003.Assam Bengal Navigation Company
managing director Ashish Phookan announced the company had pioneered long-distance river cruising in India in
2003 and has completed ten years of cruising on Brahmaputra river on the ABN Charaidew this year.
Ten Indian Universities In Developing Nations Top 100 List
Indian universities have grabbed 10 of the top 100 slots in the first-ever rankings of higher education institutions
from emerging economies across the globe, a list dominated by Chinese varsities. The Times Higher Education
magazine , known for its definitive educational rankings, published on 5 December the worlds first ranking for
universities in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) and 17 other emerging economies. Pakistan
was included in the analysis, but none of its institutions make the tables.Indian representation is led by Panjab
University, which comes in joint 13th with Chinas Renmin University. The alma mater of Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh is followed by Indian institutes of Technology (IITs) including Kharagpur (30th), Kanpur (34th),
Delhi and Roorkee (joint 37th), Guwahati (46) and Madras, which shares 47th place with Jadavpur University. India
remains conspicuously absent from the top 10, which is largely dominated by Chinese institutions with Peking
and Tsinghua University coming in at No 1 and 2. The latest annual tables, a subsidiary of the prestigious Times
Higher Education World University Rankings, are based on the same range of 13 rigorous performance indicators
used to create the annual world university rankings including teaching, research, knowledge transfer and
international outlook.
India 2nd Largest Supplier Of Overseas Students For Australia
According to the latest data released on 9 December , India has emerged as the 2nd largest supplier of higher
education students for Australian universities.The number of Indian students to undertake higher education in
Australia has witnessed growth this year (2013) with total enrolments reaching over 15,800 during the period of
January-October as compared to 12,062 last year (2012).The data indicated that even if the total enrolments
dropped, India emerged as the second top supplier of international students for Australia.Vocational Education
and Training (VET) was the sector that saw an overall drop in total enrolments from India as well China, the
topmost supplier of overseas students for Australia.The top five source countries for students studying in Australia
are China (29.7 per cent), India (9.2), Korea (5.3), Vietnam (4.8) and Malaysia (4.7).
Mauritius-India Agreed To Limitation Of Benefits Clause In Revised Tax Treaty
Mauritius has agreed to include a limitation of benefits (LOB) clause in its revised tax treaty with India.This was
revealed by the Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC) Chairman Marc Hein on 9 December.While
details of this clause in the India-Mauritius tax treaty are being worked out, LoB clauses aim to prevent treaty
shopping or inappropriate use of tax agreements by third-country investors. Treaty benefits are limited by this
clause to those who meet certain conditions, including those concerned with business, residency and investment
commitments of anyone seeking benefit of a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
India and Nepal Agreed To Check illegal Border Trade
India and Nepal on 22 December agreed to address each others concerns on commerce and transit, including
reduction of tariff barriers and checking illegal trade along the border. The decision was made during the two-day
Inter-Governmental Committee meeting that concluded in Kathmandu.The delegations of the two sides were led
by the Commerce Secretaries of the two countries namely SR Rao of India and Madhav Prasad Regmi of Nepal.
NATIONAL
Department of Posts Launched Express Parcel and Business Parcel Services
The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications & IT, on 2 December launched an Express Parcel service
and Business Parcel Services for speedy delivery of parcels across the country. The services were launched by
Smt. P. Gopinath, Secretary, Department of Posts, at a function organized at New Delhi G.P.O. These two new
parcel services aim to promote the e-commerce market in India by offering reliable and cost efficient delivery
solutions. Whereas Express Parcel is an air mail service providing guaranteed time bound delivery of parcels,
Business Parcel will provide fast, secure and cost efficient transmission of parcels through surface.These
services will have Cash on Delivery facility which has become a pre-requisite today for e-commerce parcels.
Supreme Court Judgement On Homosexuality
Indias Supreme Court on 11 December upheld the constitutional validity of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code
making gay sex an offence punishable with upto life imprisonment.A bench of justices G S Singhvi and S J
Mukhopadhaya set aside the Delhi High Courts verdict which had in 2009 decriminalised gay sex among
consenting adults in private.The Supreme Court bench allowed the appeals filed by various social and religious
organisations challenging the Delhi high court verdict on the ground that gay sex is against the cultural and
religious values of the country. With the apex court verdict, the operation of penal provision against gay sex has
come into force.The Delhi High Court had on 2 July 2009 decriminalised gay sex as provided in Section 377 of the
IPC and had ruled that sex between two consenting adults in private would not be an offence.
Cabinet Approved The Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence (Access to Justice and
Reparations) Bill, 2013
The Union Cabinet on 16 December approved the Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence (Access to
Justice and Reparations) Bill, 2013.The bill aimed to prevent and tackle the communal violence in the country and
punish the perpetrators of the violence.The Bill has been named as The Prevention of Communal and Targeted
Violence (Access to Justice and Reparations) Bill, 2013.The Bill has the provision of creating an institutional
arrangement for speedy investigation, disposal of cases and for providing relief and rehabilitation to victims of
communal violence. It also seeks imposition of enhanced punishment on persons involved in communal violence.
Prime Minister Released Postage Stamp On Former Punjab CM Beant Singh
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on 17 December released a postage stamp in honour of former Punjab Chief
Minister Sardar Beant Singh.He was an Indian National Congress politician and the Chief Minister of Punjab from
1992 to 1995. He was killed by suspected Khalistani separatists in a car bombing.
Lok Sabha Passed The Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill ,2011
The Lok Sabha on 18 December approved the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2011 .The bill was already passed by
the Lok Sabha in December 2011 but it came to the house again as it underwent amendments before being
approved by the Rajya Sabha on 17 December 2013.The bill will now go to President Pranab Mukherjee for his
approval before it becomes law.The Bill seeks to establish an anti-corruption watchdog that will have in its purview
even the Prime Minister Office (PMO).The Lokpal consists of a Chairperson and a maximum of eight members of
which 50% shall be judicial members.The Lokpal Chairperson or member shall not be connected with any political
party and one member will be an eminent jurist nominated by the President.The Bill lays down clear time lines for
Preliminary enquiry & investigation and trial and towards this end, the Bill provides for setting up of Special
Courts.
STATES
Bihar Govt. Announced New Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy For Maoists
The Bihar Governments Principal Secretary for the Cabinet Coordination Committee, Brajesh Mehrotra, has on 3
December approved a new surrender and rehabilitation policy for Maoists in the state.The policy was approved in a
Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.The new surrender policy aimed to convince the
Naxals to put down arms and lead a normal life and bring youths to the mainstream of society.The move comes
after seven policemen were killed in a land mine blast by the Maoists in Aurangabad district of the state on 3
December 2013. According to the new policy 2.5 lakh rupees would be given for state, regional, central
committees and to politbureau members of Maoists who surrender under the new policy.
Maharashtra Cabinet Approved Sets Up Sugarcane Control Board
The Maharashtra state cabinet has on 4 December approved the setting up of a Sugarcane Control Board in the
state.The decision came in the wake of the recent violent agitation by farmers, demanding increased price for
sugarcane. The board would function on the lines of state electricity regulatory commission.The cabinet also
approved the draft Maharashtra Sugarcane (Purchase and Supply) Bill 2013, expected to be tabled in the winter
session of the state legislature. Maharashtra has 202 registered co-operative sugar factories and over 65 private
ones.
Karnataka Assembly Passed Essential Services Maintenance (ESMA) Bill 2013
The Karnataka state assembly on 4 December passed the Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance (ESMA)
Bill 2013. According to the new bill, striking work will be a non-bailable offence and police can arrest a striking
employee without warrant. The Bill, popularly known as ESMA, is to put an end to employees working in water,
power, health, transport and service sectors going on strikes, inconveniencing people.As per the ESMA Bill 2013,
the definition of essential services includes any service connected with the production, generation, storage,
transmission, supply or distribution of water or electricity and any transportation service for the carriage of
passengers or goods by motor vehicles.
Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Passed Anti-Superstition Bill
Maharashtra Assembly on 13 December passed the much-awaited Anti-Superstition Bill.The Bill seeks to curb
black magic and other inhuman practices arising out of superstition.It came after four months of the murder of the
noted rationalist Dr. Narendra Dabholkar on 20 August 2013 in Pune, who fought for such a law for more than for
one and a half decade. Earlier, the State Government of Maharashtra on 21 August 2013 adopted an Anti-Black
Magic and Superstition Ordinance.
CONFERENCES
8th Asia Gas Partnership Summit Held In New Delhi
The 8th Asia Gas Partnership Summit (AGPS) was held from 3 4 December 2013 at New Delhi, India.The 8th
AGPS was organized by GAIL (India) Limited and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
(FICCI).The theme of the conference is Asian Gas Market : Challenges and Opportunities in the Changing
Paradigm .Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 3 December inaugurated the summit.During the summit Prime
Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh dedicated GAIL India Ltds 1000 km Dabhol-Bangalore natural gas pipeline
to the Nation.The Dabhol Bangaluru pipeline connects South India to the national gas grid for the first
time.Pipeline has been constructed at an investment of 4500 crore rupees with a design capacity of 16 MMSCMD
of natural gas which can produce 3000 MW of clean energy.The pipeline starts at Dabhol in Maharashtra and
passes through Belgaum, Dharwad, Gadag, Bellary, Devanagere, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Ramanagaram, Bengaluru
Rural and Bengaluru Urban districts.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Indian Origin Doctor Jaswinder S Bamrah Gets Britain Excellence Award
Indian-origin doctor Jaswinder S Bamrah, consultant psychiatrist in Manchester, has on 1 December received
Asian Lite Professional Excellence Award for his contribution to the medical field in the UK. He is a dedicated
medical professional conducting a large number of lectures nationally to psychiatrists, general practitioners, to
other disciplines and voluntary organisations such as Alzheimers Disease Society and PACE on a variety of
topics, such as the role of carers in the community, dementia, which antidepressant to choose, suicides and
treatment of major depression in the Asian community.
Indian-American Author Manil Suri Won Literary Award In Britain
Indian-American mathematician and author Manil Suri has won this years Bad Sex in Fiction Award by
Britains Literary Review magazine for his book The City of Devi.The book was published in 2013. The prize was
presented by British actress, author and columnist Joan Collins on December 3 in London.Suri, who lives in US
and works as a professor of mathematics at the University of Maryland, was, however, unable to accept the prize
in person.The City of Devi is the third novel by the author. His other two novels are The Death of Vishnu and
The Age of Shiva. Suri has been long listed for the Man Booker Prize in 2001 and shortlisted for the
Pen/Faulkner Award.He won the Barnes & Noble Discover Prize in 2002.The annual award was introduced by the
magazine in 1993.
ONGCs Vasudeva Won SCOPE Leadership Excellence Award
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) chairman Sudhir Vasudeva and Engineers India Ltd head A K Purwaha
have been adjudged the best leaders in public sector companies.Vasudeva won the SCOPE Excellence Award for
Individual Leadership in the Maharatna/Navaratna public sector enterprises category, while A K Purwaha got the
same award in the Miniratna PSE category.The award winners were chosen by the eminent jury.The jury met on
12 December and selected the winners of the SCOPE Excellence Awards 2011-12, SCOPE .The SCOPE
Excellence Awards Individual Leadership CategoryIII (Other Profit Making PSEs) went to A A Naqvi,
managing director, National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation.
GHIAL Awarded British Safety Councils Sword of Honour
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) , has
been awarded the Sword of Honour for safety management.The award was in recognition of its effective
implementation of occupational health and safety management systems from the British Safety Council for health
and safety works at the airport.The Sword of Honour is considered to be the Oscar of the Safety World. RGIA is
the first Indian airport to receive this honour in the world.In the month of December the award was presented to
CEO-GHIAL in a glittering ceremony held at the famous Goldsmiths hall at London.
Vijayan Pillai Gets Karshakasree Award 2014
J Vijayan Pillai, native of Chavara, Kollam (Kerala), has been selected on 21 December for the Karshakasree
award 2014, instituted by Malayalam Manorama to honour the best farmer in the state. The award carries a cash
prize of Rs 2 lakh, gold medal and a memento. Pillai is the 12th recipient of the award. He was chosen for his
efforts to manage a dairy farm which consists of 100 cows along with paddy, plantain, vegetables farming and
aqua farming.
SPORTS & GAMES
India To Host Under-17 FIFA World Cup In 2017
India have won the right to host the 2017 Under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017 by the FIFA executive committee in
its meeting at Salvador de Bahia in Brazil on 5 December . By virtue of being the host country, India will take part
in the 24-nation tournament for the first time in its history. This will be the biggest ever football tournament in the
country as this is the first FIFA event in the countrys history. India has hosted Asian Football Confederations
Youth Championships (Under-20) in 2006 and then the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008 but never has hosted any
FIFA tournament.United Arab Emirates hosted the tournament this year while Chile will be the host country for the
2015 edition.
Chitra Won Bronze at IBSF World Snooker Championships
Indias Chitra Magimairajan had to settle for a bronze at the International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF)
World Snooker Championship held at Daugvapils, Latvia. She lost to Wendy Jans of Belgium in the semifinals.In
the final, Wendy Jans successfully defended her title by defeating Chunxia Shi of China.The next edition of the
IBSF World Snooker Championship will be held at Bangalore in November 2014. The last edition was held at
Sofia, Bulgaria in 2012.
India Won Womens Kabaddi World Cup 2013
India on 12 December won the womens Kabaddi World Cup championship for the third time in a row, defeating
New Zealand 49-21 in the summit clash in Jalandhar, Punjab. The Indian womens team led their New Zealand
counterparts for most part of the match and held out a strong challenge by the visitors in the second half, on
course to a resounding win. The Indian team took home a first-place prize of 1 crore rupees. Anu Rani was
adjudged the best stopper while Ram Bateri was declared the best raider. Both received a Maruti Alto car
each.Indian womens team has won 2011, 2012, and 2013 editions of World cups.
Cheteshwar Pujara is ICCs Emerging Cricketer of theYear
The Indian cricketer and a Rising Test batsman, Cheteshwar Pujara has bagged the Emerging Cricketer of the
Year award.The annual International Cricket Council (ICC ) awards were announced in Dubai on 13 December.This
is the first ever ICC Award for Pujara.He became the second fastest Indian to score 1000 Test runs during the
course of his double hundred against Australia on March at Hyderabad. He put on the board 370-run record
second wicket partnership with Murali Vijay. Pujara, the 25 year old cricketer has scored 1310 runs in 15 tests
with an average of 65.50.Clarke was earlier named in the ICC Test and ODI Teams of the Year in Mumbai on 3
December 2013.In the same event, India captain Dhoni was revealed as the Peoples Choice award
winner.Australian captain Michael Clarke was the winner of the Sir Garfield Sobers trophy for ICC Cricketer of the
Year and was also named as the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year. In total, there were eleven individual awards. The
full list of winners is :-
* ICC Cricketer of the Year (Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy) Michael Clarke (Australia)
* ICC Test Cricketer of the Year Michael Clarke (Australia)
* ICC Womens ODI Cricketer of the Year Suzie Bates (New Zealand)
* ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
* ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year Cheteshwar Pujara (India)
* ICC Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year Kevin OBrien (Ireland)
* ICC Twenty20 International Performance of the Year Umar Gul (Pakistan)
* ICC T20I Womens Cricketer of the Year Sarah Taylor (England)
* ICC Spirit of Cricket Award Mahela Jayawardena (Sri Lanka)
* ICC Umpire of the Year (winning the David Shepherd Trophy) Richard Kettleborough
* LG Peoples Choice Award MS Dhoni
Sunil Chhetri Named 2013 AIFF Player of the Year
Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri was on 20 December named the 2013 AIFF Player of the Year. The
announcement was made by All India Football Federation (AIFF) at the annual general meeting held at the
Football House in the Capital.Chhetri, with 43 goals, is presently Indias highest scorer in international matches.
He had earlier won the award in 2007 and 2011 and joins IM Vijayan, who too had won the award on three
occasions.Oinam Bembem Devi was adjudged the 2013 AIFF Womens Player of the Year.
ECONOMY
Microsoft Co-founder Paul Allen Named Worlds Wealthiest Bachelor
According to the Wealth-X, a global wealth intelligence and prospecting company latest report released on 4
December , with an estimated personal fortune of $15.3 billion, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen is the worlds
wealthiest bachelor, followed by Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who has a net worth of $10.9
billion.Mikhail Prokhorov, owner of an American basketball team, Brooklyn Nets is the worlds third wealthiest
bachelor.
Health Insurance Premium To Cross Rs 32K crore Mark By 2016-17
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) Economic Research Bureau (AERB)
latest study report titled Health Insurance in India-A review released on 8 December.According to the report ,
Growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 20 per cent, Indias total health insurance premium
is likely to reach Rs 32,038 crore by 2016-17 from the level of about Rs 13,092 crore recorded as of 2011-12
owing to rising income levels together with growing health insurance premium.The ASSOCHAM projection is
based on average of the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 6.7% for income levels of people during
2004-05 and 2011-12 together with 32.5 per cent CAGR of health insurance premium during 2006-07 and 2011-12.
Indian Oil Corporation Tops Fortune India 500 List
The business magazine Fortunes Indian edition released its annual list of Fortune 500 Indian companies for 2013,
on 10 December.According to the list , State-run Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has emerged as the countrys
biggest company in terms of annual revenue of Rs 4,75,867 crore, followed by Mukesh Ambani-led private sector
giant Reliance Industries (annual revenue of Rs 4,09,883 crore ) at the second place. Both IOC and RIL have
retained their top-two ranks from the previous (2012 )year. In this (2013) years list, the two are followed by Bharat
Petroleum (Rs 2,44,822 crore) at the third place and Hindustan Petroleum (Rs 2,17,771 crore) at fourth.Besides,
there are a total of six state-run companies in the top-ten positions, as against four from the private sector.
Indians Most Optimistic About Growth Prospects
According to a global survey conducted by research firm Ipsos, India has emerged as the most optimistic country
globally with respect to growth prospects in the coming time. More than half (53 per cent) of the people in India
are confident about the countrys future and are hoping that in next one year the economy will revive. India is
followed by Canada and Australia in the second and third place respectively with 47 per cent of their citizens
confident about their countrys growth in next 12 months.Besides, China (4th), Sweden (5th), Argentina (6th),
Brazil (7th), Germany (8th) and Russia (9th) and South Africa (10th) figured in the top 10 list out of 20
countries.The survey was conducted across 20 countries and included over 16,000 respondents.
United Nations Lowers India Growth Forecast To 4.8% For 2013
United Nations has on 19 December lowered Indias economic growth forecast for 2013 to 4.8 percent while
warning that emerging markets should be prepared to deal with the impact of US Federal Reserves quantitative
easing programme.According to the UNs World Economic Situation and Prospects 2014 report , Indias economy
is forecast to grow at 4.8 percent in 2013, down 1.3 percent from its earlier projection.Similarly, it has lowered the
growth projection for 2014 to 5.3 percent, down 1.2 percent from earlier forecast. The UN sees India to grow by 5.7
percent in 2015.
SpaceX Rocket Successfully Launches Its First Commercial Satellite
An unmanned Falcon 9 rocket developed by Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, blasted off on 3
December to put its first commercial satellite known as SES 8 into orbit. The rocket lifted off from its seaside
launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida Perched on top of the rocket was a 7,000-pound (3,175
kg) communications satellite owned by Luxembourg-based SES SA, which operates a 54-satellite fleet, the
worlds second-largest. About 30 minutes after liftoff, the satellite and worth more than $100 million, was in an
elliptical orbit that reached more than 50,000 miles (80,000 km) from Earth, about a quarter of the way to the
moon. From there, SES-8 will manoeuvre itself down to a circular, 22,369-mile (36,000-km) high orbit to provide
television, broadband and other communications services to customers in India, China, Vietnam and elsewhere in
Asia.SES-8 is the first commercial communications satellite to be launched from Cape Canaveral in four years.
Previous SES satellites were launched primarily aboard Russian Proton and European Ariane rockets, which cost
far more than the approximately $55 million the company paid for its ride on SpaceXs Falcon booster.
Greece Tests Russian-Made S-300 Missile System for First Time
Greek armed forces test-fired a Russian-made S-300 air defense system on 13 December , for the first time since
it was bought 14 years ago. Greece is the only NATO member that has an S-300 in service. The system was
initially purchased by Cyprus in the mid-1990s, and was later transferred to the Greek island of Crete following
objections from Turkey. The launch was carried out as part of the White Eagle 2013 military exercise and was
described as successful.
Iran Sent Second Monkey into Space For Second Time
Iran has on 14 December successfully launched its second monkey named Fargam into the space and back,
the countrys latest step toward sending humans into orbit.The monkey was flown on Irans liquid-fueled
Pajohesh (research) rocket for a 15-minute mission that took him approximately 72 miles into space.This
process will help the Iranian Scientists in developing Irans Space Research works with necessary information,
which would enrich their space technology knowhow.The first rocket carrying a monkey named Pishgam (pioneer)
in the space was launched by Iran on 28 January 2013.
First Human Artificial Heart Implanted In France
The first human artificial heart implantation performed in Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris on 18 December was
successful.The artificial heart designed by the French biomedical firm Carmat and developed by the Dutch based
European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS).The artificial heart can give patients up to five years of
extra life, which replaces the real heart.The previous heart assistance devices are created mainly for temporary
use.The artificial heart weighs as little as less than a kilogram (900grams), almost three times heavier than an
average healthy human heart.
India Successfully Test Fires Nuclear Capable Agni-III Missile
India on 23 December successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable Agni-III ballistic missile with a strike range of
more than 3,000 km as part of a user trial by the Army from Wheeler Island off Odisha coast.The test fire of the
surface-to-surface missile was conducted by Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the Indian Army with the
logistic support from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Agni-III missile is
powered by a two-stage solid propellant system.It has a length of 17 metres, 2 metres diameter and launch
weight is around 50 tonnes. It can carry a warhead of 1.5 tonne, which is protected by carbon all composite heat
shield.Though the first developmental trial of Agni-III carried out on July 9, 2006 could not provide desired result,
subsequent tests on April 12, 2007, May 7, 2008 and February 7, 2010 as well as the first user trial on
September 21, 2012 from the same base were all successful.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Justice D.P Buch Sworn In As Gujarat Lokayukta
Justice (retired) D.P Buch, a retired judge of the Gujarat High Court, was administered the oath of Lokayukta by
Governor Kamla Beniwal at Raj Bhavan in the presence of Chief Minister Narendra Modi on 11 December.Justice
Buch is Gujarats fourth Lokayukta.The post had been lying vacant since the last incumbent, Justice RM Sonis
term expired in December 2003.
Raman Singh Sworn In As Chhattisgarh CM for Third Consecutive Term
Raman Singh was sworn in as Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh for the third consecutive term on 12
December.Raman Singh retained his Rajnandgaon Assembly constituency by defeating Congress candidate Alka
Mudliyar, the wife of former Congress MLA Uday Mudliyar who was killed in the Darbha naxal attack in May this
year, by a margin of 35,866 votes.Raman Singh, the three-term Chief Minister who had an uninterrupted 10-year
rule in Chhattisgarh-the tribal-dominated state, earned the Chawal Wale Baba nickname for the popularity of his
unique pro-welfare schemes including distribution of rice at one rupee and two rupees per kg to families belonging
to extremely poor and below poverty lines categories respectively. Raman Singh is the fourth chief minister of
Chhattisgarh state.
Harsh Bhanwala is new NABARD Chairman
Harsh Kumar Bhanwala has been appointed as the Chairman of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development (NABARD) on 15 December.Bhanwala succeeds Prakash Bakshi, who retired as Nabard chairman
in September 2013.At present, Snehlata Shrivastava, Additional Secretary in the Department of Financial Services
in the Ministry of Finance, holds additional charge of the chairmans post.Bhanwala is currently Executive Director
at India Infrastructure Finance Company (IIFCL). He was earlier chief general manager, looking after corporate
planning, human resource development and credit enhancement at IIFCL.
Sushma Singh Sworn In As New CIC
The President Pranab Mukherjee on 19 December administered the oath of office to former IAS officer Sushma
Singh as Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.Sushma Singh , who is the fifth Chief
Information Commissioner of CIC, is the second woman to be appointed to the post after Deepak Sandhu, whose
term ended on 18 December.She had joined the CIC as Information Commissioner on 23 September 2009.Prior to
joining the CIC, Sushma Singh served as Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministries of Information &
Broadcasting, Panchyati Raj and the Development of the North East Region (DONER).
Arup Raha Takes Over As 24th IAF chief
Air Marshal Arup Raha on 31 December took over as the 24th chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) succeeding Air
Chief Marshal N.A.K Browne.He is expected to have tenure of three years as IAF chief .
B)RESIGNS
Sudans Vice President Ali Osman Taha Resigned
Sudans Vice-President Ali Osman Taha, a key figure behind the Islamist-backed coup 24 years ago, has
resigned to pave the way for a new government.His resignation was announced by the Sudanese President, Omar
al-Bashir in Khartoum on 7 December . He resigned and vacated his office at the presidency ahead of his cabinet
reshuffle.Taha has been the first Vice President of Sudan, the second highest political party.
C)DEATHS
Former South African President Nelson Mandela Died
Former South African President Nelson Mandela, who served 27 years in prison for anti-apartheid activities and
led his continent into a new era, has died in Johannesburg on 5 December. He was 95 years old. He was also
known as Madiba in South Africa.He was the first black South African to hold the office of President from 1994
to 1999, and the first elected in a fully representative multiracial election. He was born on 1918 in Eastern Cape.
He joined the African National Congress in 1943. In 1962, he was arrested and was convicted of incitement and
leaving country without a passport. He was sentenced to five years in prison. In 1964, he was charged with
sabotage, sentenced to life. He was freed from the prison in 1990 .In 1999, he stepped down as leader.Mandela
has received more than two hundred and fifty awards over four decades.He was the winner of the Nobel Peace
Prize in 1993.In 1990 he was conferred with the Bharat Ratna.He was the recipient of Mahatma Gandhi peace
award in 2001.
Union Labour Minister Sis Ram Ola Died
Union labour and employment minister Sis Ram Ola has died on 15 December in Gurgaon, Haryana. Sis Ram Ola
was a member of the 15th Lok Sabha of India. He represented the Jhunjhunu constituency of Rajasthan and was
a member of the Indian National Congress. He was a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from 1957 to
1990, and from 1980 to 1990 he was a cabinet minister in the Government of Rajasthan. A recipient of the Padma
Shri award in 1968, Ola started girls education in a remote area in rural Rajasthan with three girls in the school
known as Indira Gandhi Balika Niketan Ardawata in 1952. He took over as the Labour Minister in June 2013 after
Mallikarjun Kharge was shifted to Railways.In 1968, he became a recipient of Padma Shri award for social work .
D)VISITORS
Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai Visited India
Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai visited India from 12 15 December 2013.During this four day visit , Hamid
Karzai met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delh and discussed strengthening of bilateral cooperation in
areas of security and defence.The two leaders also agreed on deepening defence and security cooperation,
including through enhancement in training and meeting the equipment and infrastructure needs of Afghanistan
National Security and Defence Forces that would increase their operational capabilities and mobility.India has
provided more than $2 billion in aid towards Afghanistans reconstruction and is providing military training to
Afghan troops.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Edward Snowden Is The Guardians Person Of The Year
The Guardian newspaper has on 9 December named U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden its person of the (2013)
year.Its the second consecutive year a whistleblower receives such a title. Last year (2012) Chelsea Manning
became a person of the year.As the Guardian reports, Edward Snowden leaked an estimated 200,000 files that
exposed the extensive and intrusive nature of telephone and internet surveillance and intelligence gathering by the
US and its western allies.
Pope Francis is Times Person of the Year 2013
Pope Francis has been named Time magazines Person of the Year for 2013 on 11 December. He was named
the Person of the Year for changing the perception of the Catholic Church within nine months.The former
Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected in March as the first pope from Latin America and the first
Jesuit.It was the third time a Catholic pope had been Times selection.John Paul II was selected in 1994 and John
XXIII was chosen in 1962.Edward Snowden the person who leaked the secret documents about NSA surveillance
activities was selected at the second position in the list.
PLACES IN NEWS
1400-year-old Buddhist Temple Discovered In China
In the month of December 2013 , A 1,400-year-old Buddhist temple, built during the Northern Qi Dynasty, has
been discovered in north Chinas Shanxi Province.The shrine, enclosed by walls carved with Buddha niches, is
part of the Tongzi Temple complex secluded on a mountain near the city of Taiyuan- the capital of Shanxi.The
researchers from Institute of Archaeology of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (IA CASS) explained that
structure was built in 556 AD during the rule of Northern Qi Dynasty (550-557 AD), a booming period for
Buddhism.The structure is the only one of its kind ever found in China and it sheds light on early Buddha
carvings.Though destroyed in a war in 1,117 AD, the temple has yielded a batch of well-preserved statues.One of
its walls was carved with a Buddha figure of over 20 meters in height. It was unrecognisable, but the
archaeologists unearthed some remnants that suggested its original look. The structure also houses a 2.6-meter
mural dating from the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), which archaeologists believe is of great value.
ABBREVIATIONS
ICC - International Cricket Council
DSIM - Department of Statistics and Information Management
EBT - Electronic Benefit Transfer
IIFCL - India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited
IPCC - Inter-Govermental Panel on Climate Change
NABARD - National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
SEBI - Securities and Exchange Board of India
SIDBI - Small Industries Development Bank of India
OECD - Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
BOOKS IN NEWS
Mary Koms Biography Unbreakable Released
Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan unveiled Olympic medal-winning boxer M.C. Mary Koms autobiography, titled
Unbreakable, on 9 December in Mumbai. Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom is a boxer, a World Champion five
times over and winner of an Olympic bronze in 2012 the first time that womens boxing was part of the Olympic
Games.The book was published by Published by Harper Collins.
COMMITTEES
Justice Sodhi Committee On Insider Trading Regulations Submits Report To SEBI
The High Level Committee to Review the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 1992 constituted under
the Chairmanship of Justice N.K. Sodhi, former chief justice of Karnataka and Kerala High Courts and former
presiding officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal, submitted its report to SEBI Chairman, Shri U.K. Sinha, on 7
December .The Committee has made a range of recommendations to the legal framework for prohibition of insider
trading in India and has focused on making this area of regulation more predictable, precise and clear by
suggesting a combination of principles-based regulations and rules that are backed by principles. The Committee
has also suggested that each regulatory provision may be backed by a note on legislative intent.
World AIDS Day Observed on 1 December
World AIDS Day was observed on 1 December 2013 across the globe to raise awareness about the HIV/ AIDS.
The theme for the year 2013 is: Getting to Zero.HIV/AIDS remains a major global issue, having claimed more than
36 million lives so far since the discovery of the virus more than 20 years ago. According to the World Health
Organisation, there were approximately 35.3 million people living with HIV in 2012. Since the inception of World
AIDS Day in 1988, it has been observed on 1st December every year with different themes. The theme for this
year is Getting to Zero- means zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.
December 9th Observed As A International Anti-Corruption Day
International Anti-Corruption Day is observed on 9th December across the world to raise awareness about the
menace of Corruption and what people can do to fight it. The theme for the year 2013 is Act against Corruption
Today. The day is observed on 9th December each year to raise awareness about the corruption. The UN
General Assembly by resolution of 58/4 of 31 October 2003 designated 9 December as International Anti-
Corruption Day. This decision aimed to raise peoples awareness of corruption and of the role of the United
Nations Convention against Corruption in combating and preventing it.
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November 2013 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Taiwan and Singapore Signed Free Trade Agreement
Taiwan signed a free trade agreement with Singapore on 7 November in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan.It is first trade
agreement Taiwan has signed with a member of the Association of Southeast Nations.Singapore is Taiwans fifth-
largest trade partner and fourth-largest export market, with bilateral trade totalling US$28.2 billion in 2012.
U.S. named Nigerias Boko Haram Terrorist Group
The US State Department has on 13 November officially designated Boko Haram, the Nigerian Islamist group
responsible for the 2011 bombing of the UN headquarters in Abuja, as a foreign terrorist organisation. The
designation is significant because it directs US law enforcement and regulatory agencies to block business and
financial transactions with Boko Haram, which is fighting to impose Islamic law in northern Nigeria and has ties to
al Qaeda. Boko Haram means Western education is sacrilege.
Abdullah Yameen Elected as President of Maldives
Abdulla Yameen, the candidate of Progressive Party , has been elected as president of the Maldives on 16
November .In the presidential election, Yameen defeated Mohamed Nasheed of Maldivian Democratic Party with a
margin of six thousand votes.Yameen secured 51.39 percent (1 lakh 11 thousand) of votes, whereas Mohamed
Nasheed received 48.61 (1 lakh 5 thousand votes).Yameen is an economist and the half-brother of Maumoon
Abdul Gayoom, the former autocratic ruler, who ruled Maldives for 30 years.
Iran and P5+1 Group of Nations Signed The Historic Nuclear Deal
Iran and P5+1 group of Nations reached a breakthrough deal on 24 November 2013 to curb Irans nuclear
programme in exchange for limited sanctions relief.An agreement to this effect was signed at UN Headquarters in
Geneva on 24 November 2013 between the Chief negotiator for the six nations, Catherine Marie Ashton and
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Jawad Zarief. The interim deal for six months is intended to give time and
space to the international community to work towards a comprehensive agreement.After four days of negotiations,
representatives of P5+1 group of nations the US, the UK, Russia, China, France and Germany reached an
agreement with Iran.The deal is intended as the first step in a six-month process aimed at a permanent resolution
to the decade-old global impasse over Irans nuclear programme, and heading off the threat of a new war in West
Asia.
INDIA & WORLD
India Ranked 7th In Expat Quality Life
According to the research survey commissioned by HSBC Expat and conducted by independent research
company YouGov , India is placed seventh out of 37 in a list of countries ranked in terms of expat quality of
life.Thailand tops the list which is dominated by Asian countries with mainland China, Singapore and Taiwan are
ranked 3rd, 6th, and 8th places respectively.Others in the top 10 include Bahrain (2nd), Cayman Islands (4th),
Australia (5th), Spain (9th) and Brazil (10th).The results show Asia to be the leading destination for expat quality
of life, with the region also emerging as an expat social hotspot.The survey report was released on 4 November.
India and Kuwait Signed Five Agreements
India and Kuwait on 8 November discussed collaboration in petrochemicals, and Kuwaiti investments in
infrastructure in India as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held bilateral talks with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh
Jaber al-Mubarak al-Hamad al-Sabah in New Delhi.After the bilateral talks , five agreements were signed including
an agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons, cooperation in the field of sports and youth affairs and
exchange of cultural and information programmes, besides cooperation in the field of education.
India and Japan Decided To Strengthen their Cooperation in the Maritime Sector
India and Japan have decided to further strengthen their cooperation in the maritime sector as a part of the overall
robust bilateral relations.The two countries on 9 November agreed to enhance their interaction through the existing
forums and through port-to-port exchanges.These issues came up for a discussion between the Union Minister of
Shipping Shri G.K. Vasan, and Akihiro Ohta , Minister of land, Industries and Transport & Tourism, Government of
Japan.
India-Ukraine Inter-Governmental Commission Held In New Delhi
The fifth session of India-Ukraine Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological,
Industrial and Cultural Cooperation held in New Delhi on 13 November.The Commission was chaired by E.
Ahamed, the Minister of State for External Affairs.The Ukrainian delegation was led by Mr. Ihor Mykolayovych
Prasolov, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine.During the session current status and future
prospects of cooperation in trade and investment, heavy/light industry, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals and healthcare,
mining and metallurgy, science and technology, energy (coal, nuclear), transportation, agriculture and food
processing, education, culture and tourism were reviewed.The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government
of India, and the State Administration of Ukraine on Medicinal Products signed the Memorandum of Understanding
for Cooperation in Joint Ventures and Research and Development in Pharmaceuticals and Bio-pharmaceuticals.
US exempts India, China From Iran Oil Sanctions
The US has on 29 November exempted some countries, including India and China, from the tough Iranian
sanctions for reducing their dependence on Iranian oil. Secretary of State, John Kerry announced in a statement
in Washington that other countries which have significantly reduced the purchases of Iranian crude oil are the
Republic of Korea, Turkey, and Taiwan and these have qualified for an exception to sanctions under the National
Defence Authorisation Act.This move came after the decision made by US President Barack Obama that there is
sufficient supply of non-Iranian oil for countries to continue to reduce import of oil from Iran.This is the fourth time
that these countries have qualified for an NDAA exception as a result of their continued significant reductions in
the volume of crude oil purchases from Iran or their end to such purchases.
NATIONAL
Medical Council of India Reconstituted
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India on 6 November reconstituted the Medical Council of India (MCI)
with 68 members as per provisions contained in the Indian Medical Council(Amendment) Second Ordinance,
2013.Among the 68 members of the Council, 29 members will represent the Universities/ Health Sciences
Universities, 23 members will be nominated by the Central Government in consultation with the States, eight
members will be nominated by the Centre, seven members will representing the Registered Medical Graduates of
the states, and one member will be nominated by the Central Government representing the UT Administration of
Daman and Diu. All the members would hold office for four years.
National Portal On Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Launched
Union Minister of Minority Affairs K Rahman Khan on 11 November launched a National Portal on Maulana Abul
Kalam Azad .The portal was inaugurated to mark 125th birth anniversary of the great national leader- Maulana
Abul Kalam Azad.This portal is an initiative to digitise the heritage of the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and make
his life and legacy available online. Along with a biographical account on Maulana Azad, the portal contains titles
and information on over 20 books written by Maulana Azad, in Urdu and English, as well as information on over 45
books written on Maulana Azad in Urdu, Hindi and English.
India Poised To Become The Largest Provider Of Global Talent
According to the Ficci-EY Report on Higher Education in India: Vision 2030 released on 13 November , India is
poised to become the largest provider of global talent with one in four graduates in the world a product of the
Indian system.The report further outlines that by 2030, the emergence of a robust higher education system would
enable India to augment its gross enrollment ratio (GER) to 50%, with a student enrollment of more than 70
million across the higher education system; reduce disparity in GER to 5 percentage points across states, gender
and various social groups and emerge as a better informed and evolved society, leading to improved social
indicators including better health and sanitation, life expectancy, and law and order.India would also emerge
among the top 5 countries in the world in terms of research output, with an annual R&D spend of US$140 billion;
have more than 20 universities among the global top 200 and become a global destination for higher education.
Government Released Postage Stamps On Sachin Tendulkar
Union Law Minister Kapil Sibal on 14 November released specail edition postage stamps on cricketer Sachin
Tendulkar at a felicitation ceremony to mark his 200th and final cricket test match at the wankhede stadium in
Mumbai.Tendulkar is the second living person after Mother Teressa to get a postage stamp in his honour.
STATES
Kannur Declared First Zero Landless District in the Country
Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh on 1 November declared Kannur in Kerala as the first zero-
landless district in the country.Kannur District Authorities provided land to as many as 11118 beneficiaries,
including 85 families belonging to the Scheduled Tribes category.The prestigious Zero Landless programme of the
United Democratic Front was flagged off by Congress president Sonia Gandhi in October 2013.
RAF Academy of Public Order inaugurated in Meerut
Ministry of Home Affairs on 9 November inaugurated RAF Academy of Public Order in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. This
academy will train personnel of Rapid Action Force along with selected members of other paramilitary forces and
civil police. Public administration, riot control, crowd management, disaster management, human rights, media
management and first aid to the victims are some of the core issues on which focussed training will be provided to
troupes. Besides, security persons moving on to peace missions under the United Nations, will also be provided
necessary training in the Academy.
Indias First Private Rapid Metro Service Started Operation From Gurgaon
Rapid MetroRapid Metro-Indias First Private Metro service started operation from Gurgaon, Haryana on 14
November.Rapid Metro is Indias first fully privately financed Metro system connecting NH-8 to Delhi Metro via
Cyber City, Gurgaon.Rapid Metro, with an elevated route and six stations with a frequency of every four minutes,
can carry 800 passengers in each trip. The 5.1 km long route covers six stations-Sikanderpur, Phase-2, Belvedere
Towers, Cyber City, Moulsari Avenue and Phase 3. The Rapid Metro is using a common ticketing system with
Delhi Metro.Rapid Metro is a metro rail system in the Indian city of Gurgaon, Haryana, linked with the Delhi Metro
systems Yellow Line. Built and operated by Rapid MetroRail Gurgaon Limited (RMGL), the system is Indias first
fully privately financed metro.
Union Cabinet Approved For Legislative Council In Assam
Union Cabinet on 28 November 2013 approved a proposal to create a Legislative Council in Assam.According to
the Article 169 of Constitution of India, Parliament can create or abolish the Legislative councils in
States.According to the proposal, the Legislative Council will have 42 members. As per Article 171 of the
Constitution, the total number of members in the Council of a state having such a House shall not exceed one
third of the total number of members in the Legislative Assembly of that state.
CONFERENCES
Delhi To Host 12th Edition Of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014
The 12th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention to be held in Delhi from 7th to 9th January 2014
.The theme of the convention is -Engaging Diaspora Connecting across Generations- with a special focus on the
younger generation.One of the focus areas of the PBD this year is a Youth PBD on 7th January 2014 to open new
horizons of a strong network of young overseas Indian.This was announced by Shri Vayalar Ravi, Minister for
Overseas Indian Affairs on 5 Novemeber 2013 in New Delhi.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Bihar Health Worker Martha Dodray Gets UN Award For Polio Work
Martha Dodray, a health worker from Bihar on 6 November won the global UN Award for her commitment and
dedication to eradicate Polio in India.United Nation has conferred the UN Frontline Workers Global Leadership
Award to Martha Dodray.The award was given in recognition of the roles to individuals, organizations, and
corporations played in supporting the work of the United Nations to advance global peace, justice, and prosperity.
The United Nations Foundation and the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) honored recipients of
the 2013 Global Leadership Awards at the annual Global Leadership Dinner in New York City.
Indian-American Doctor Rahul Jindal Gets Prestigious US Award
An Indian-origin doctor ,Eminent transplant surgeon and philanthropist , Rahul Jinda has been selected for
prestigious Outstanding American by Choice award for his valuable contribution to US health sector.He was
honoured by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at the Women in Military Service for America
Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on 13 November .The initiative recognises naturalised citizens
who have made significant contributions to both their community and their adopted country.Jindal, who recently
received the Leadership Award from the International Leadership Foundation, has been appointed the
Commissioner on Service and Volunteerism.
RGIA wins Best Cargo Airport Award
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad being managed by GMR Group has been adjudged the
Best Cargo Airport of The Year at the recently concluded 40th Annual Convention of Air Cargo Agents
Association of India (ACAAI) held at Jaipur.This is the second year in a row that RGIA has won the accolade for
its cargo operations.
CSIR Scientist Rajesh S. Gokhale Gets Infosys Prize 2013
The Infosys Prize 2013 in Life Sciences is awarded to Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Director, CSIR-Institute of
Genomics & Integrative Biology,on 13 November for his work in the field of lipid metabolism in tubercle
bacilli.Each year two million people are infected and die of tuberculosis (TB) and there will be 10 million new
patients every year. Dr. Gokhale discovered biochemical networks and new paradigms necessary for the
synthesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) cell envelope coat that makes these bacteria escape host
immune systems.
Prof. CNR Rao and Sachin Tendulkar Selected for Bharat Ratna Award
The Government of India on 16 November decided to confer, the Bharat Ratna , the highest civilian award on
eminent scientist Prof CNR Rao (Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao) and cricket player Sachin Tendulkar.
Sachin Tendulkar :- Sachin will the youngest recipient of the award.He is also the first sportsperson to be
chosen for the honour.He will also become the ninth person from Maharashtra to join the exclusive club of 43
Bharat Ratna awardees till date, which includes a galaxy of presidents, prime ministers, Nobel laureates,
scientists and artistes.The award was announced hours after Tendulkar retired from international cricket following
Indias victory over the West Indies in a Test in Mumbai on 16 November.Tendulkar received the Arjuna Award in
1994 for outstanding sporting achievement, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 1997, Indias highest sporting
honour, and the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan awards in 1999 and 2008, respectively, Indias fourth and
second highest civilian awards.
Prof CNR Rao :- He is the third scientist to be awarded the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna, a crowning
glory of his inexorable list of outstanding achievements.Before Rao, C V Raman and former President A P J Abdul
Kalam were bestowed with the award.Rao, founder of the Bangalore-based Jawharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced
Scientific Research, has served as Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Council to Prime Minister under different
regimes, a manifestation of immense faith different governments have placed in him.A renowned scientist and an
institution builder, Rao has worked mainly in solid-state and structural chemistry.He was also conferred with
Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan by Government of India and Karnataka Ratna by the Karnataka State
Government.He was awarded the Hughes Medal by the Royal Society in 2000, and he became the first recipient
of the India Science Award, instituted by the Government of India, for his contributions to solid state chemistry
and materials science, awarded in 2004.He has become the first Indian to reach the h-index of 100, reflecting the
enormity of the body of his published research work.
* Rao, a Kannadiga and Sachin, a Maharashtrian have got Indias highest civilian award together.After engineering
genius Sir M Vishweshwaraiah and the Hindustani music great Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, CNR Rao is the third
Kannadiga to get Bharat Ratna. Sachin is the 6th Maharashtrian to get the same honour.
SPORTS & GAMES
Sebastian Vettel Won Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix 2013
Red Bull Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany won the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix on 3
November at the Yas Marina circuit, Abu Dhabi.Vettels team-mate Aussie Mark Webber finished with second
position, with Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany finishing third.Sebastian Vettel won the Abu Dhabi Grand
Prix for the second time in his career. (First time is in 2009). This victory has drawn Vettel level with compatriot
Michael Schumachers mark of seven successive wins.
Indian Mens Hockey Team Qualified For Hockey World Cup 2014
Indian mens team has qualified for the Rabobank Hockey World cup 2014 to be held at The Hague, Netherlands.
International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed the Indias berth in a official press release at Switzerland.
Australia success at Oceania Cup on 3 November confirmed latest teams for world cup 2014.The Rabobank
Hockey World Cup will be held from 31 May to 15 June 2014.
Novak Djokovic Won Paris Masters Title
Novak Djokovic of Serbia won the Paris Masters Tennis Title on 3 November at Paris, France.He defeated David
Ferrer of Spain in the final.It is the first time Djokovic, the 2009 Paris Masters champion, has won back-to-back
Masters Series events since his successive triumphs in Rome, Madrid and Montreal in 2011.This Paris Master
title was Novak Djokovics 40th career title and sixth title in 2013.
Yuki Bhambri Won Traralgon Challenger Title
Indian Yuki Bhambri won the ATP mens singles title of Traralgon event in Australia on 4 November .He defeated
Bradely Klahn of America in the final.It was his first ATP Challenger level singles title of the season and second of
his career .
India To Host Mens Hockey World Cup In 2018
India will host the mens section of the hockey World Cup in 2018, the International Hockey Federation (FIH)
announced on 7 November .The finals will be played from 1 to 16 December 2018.Also, England will host the
Womens World Cup of hockey from 7-21 July, 2018. India last hosted the World Cup in New Delhi in 2010 , while
the 2014 edition of Hockey World Cup would be played in The Hague, Netherlands.Hockeys World Cup is held
every four years and is second only to the Olympics in significance.
Heena Sidhu Won Pistol Gold In World Cup Shooting
Shooter Heena Sidhu created history by becoming the first pistol exponent from India to win a gold medal at the
ISSF World Cup finals on 10 November in Munich, Germany .In the Womens 10-metre Air Pistol event final, She
defeated World Champion Zorana Arunovic of Serbia to bag her first Gold.The earlier gold medallists in this
competition were Anjali Bhagwat (2002) and Gagan Narang (2008) in small bore rifle shooting.
Sebastian Vettel Won United States Grand Prix 2013
Red Bull Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany on 17 November won United States Grand
Prix.Frances Romain Grosjean in Lotus was second with Red Bulls Mark Webber took the third place.This was
his eighth successive race of Vettel in a season. With this win he succeeded ahead of Michael Schumachers
previous record of winning seven races in a row in the same season, which was set in 2004.This was also vettels
12th win of the season.
ECONOMY
India Will Be Worlds 3rd Largest Economy By 2030
According to the Standard Chartereds Super-Cycle Report released on 6 November , India will worlds third
largest economy by 2030 , behind China and the USA, adding that the world is in the midst of an economic super-
cycle.A super-cycle is a period of historically high global growth, lasting a generation or more, driven by opening
up of new markets, increasing trade, high rates of investment, urbanisation and technological innovation.India is
likely to be the third largest economy with a GDP size of $15 trillion by 2030.China with a GDP of $53.8 trillion is
projected as the biggest economy, followed by the US at $38.5 trillion.
Worlds 6th Largest Number Of Billionaires In India
According to the World Billionaire Census 2013 released on 6 November , India has more number of billionaires
than France, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and Hong Kong and is home to the sixth largest group of super rich
population in the world.Moreover, the countrys financial capital Mumbai with 30 billionaire, is among the top 5
billionaire cities globally, which was topped by New York that is home to 96 billionaires.Hong Kong, Moscow and
London make the top five with 75, 74 and 67 billionaires respectively.Notwithstanding the number of billionaires in
India having decreased between July, 2012 and June, 2013, India still enjoys a decent 6th position in the top 10
league with 103 billionaires.This list was topped by United States with 515 ultra-rich people, three times more
than in China, which ranks second with 157 billionaires.Germany, United Kingdom and Russia make the top five
countries with a billionaire population of 148, 135 and 108 respectively.
Azim Premji Tops India Philanthropist List
According to the China-based Hurun Report Inc HurunIndia Philanthropy List 2013 released on 13 November ,
Wipro chief and IT tycoon Azim Premji tops the list of Indian philanthropists with donations amounting to Rs8,000
crore in the past year.Shiv Nadar , chairman of HCL group, is the second highest contributor in the list with a
donation of Rs.3,000 crore.Hurun India Philanthropy List is a ranking of 31 Indians who donated more than Rs.10
crore cash or cash equivalent during Apr 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013.
Three of Indian Origin Among Africas 50 Richest
Three persons of Indian-origin are among the 50 richest people in Africa, according to a list released by Forbes
magazine on 14 November.Vimal Shah , Sudhir Ruparelia and Naushad Merali figure in the list which has been
topped by Aliko Dangote who has a networth of USD 20.8 billion and is the largest cement manufacturer in sub-
Saharan Africa.Vimal Shah is a newcomer on the list and ranks 18 with a networth of USD 1.6 billion .Ruparelia
ranks 24 on the list and has a networth of USD 1.1 billion.On the 48th spot is Merali with a networth of USD 430
million.
Prime Minister Inaugurates Indias First Bharatiya Mahila Bank
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi Jointly inaugurated Indias first all-women
bank, Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) in Mumbai on 19 November , marking the 96th birth anniversary of former
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.This first branch of BMB was inaugurated at Air India building at Nariman Point in
Mumbai.The main objectives of the bank will be to focus on the banking needs of women and to promote their
economic empowerment. The bank will commence operations with an initial capital of one thousand crore
rupees.The new Bharatiya Mahila Bank, with the tagline Empowering Women, Empowering India , is due to
have 25 branches by next March and 771 total branches over a seven-year period.The Union Cabinet cleared the
proposal for setting up of all-women bank on August 2013.The Reserve Bank of India gave its in-principal approval
for the Bharatiya Mahila Bank in June 2013 and the banking company was set up.The Union government approved
1000 crore Rupees seed capital for the women-focused public sector bank, announced by Union finance minister
P. Chidambaram in his 2013-14 budget speech.
Pakistan Successfully Test-Fires Short Range Hatf IX Missile
Pakistan on 5 November successfully test fired Hatf IX (Nasr) missile, a short range surface to surface missile
that has a range of 60-kilometres.The test fire was conducted with successive launches of 4 x missiles (Salvo)
from a state of the art multi tube launcher.Nasr, with a range of 60 Kilometer and in-flight maneuver capability is a
quick response system, with shoot and scoot attributes.The missile has the capability to carry nuclear weapons.
Indian Navy Inducts Advanced Jet Trainer Hawk 132
Indian Navy on 6 November inducted the fourth generation advanced jet trainer aircraft Hawk 132, which has led
to a jump in the operational versatility.Hawk 132 was inducted into the Navy at a ceremony held at the Naval Air
Station INS Dega at Visakhapatnam,Andhra Pradesh.The aircraft was built by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
(HAL) with Transfer of Technology from M/s British Aerospace, UK.Hawk 132 is equipped with advanced and
reliable navigation systems and has the capability to deploy an impressive array of weaponry including air-to-air
missiles, air-to-ground rockets, bombs and guns.It can also carry two extra fuel tanks under the wing, which
extends its considerable strike range.Hawk 132 is a proven aircraft operating with over 24 nations around the
world.The induction of this highly capable aircraft will provide the much needed fillip to the training of combat pilots
in the Navy by bridging the gap between basic flying training and advanced fighter flying.
Carbon Dioxide Levels Pollution Levels Hit Record High In 2012
According to the United Nations (UN) weather agency World Meteorological Organization (WMO) latest report
released on 6 November , the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere reached a record-breaking high in
2012.The report found the greenhouse gas measure at 393.1 parts per million in 2012, exceeding the 350 parts
per million that some scientists and environmental advocates have pegged as the maximum safe limit. The 2012
levels were an increase of 2.2 parts parts per million from the previous year.The U.N. weather agency predicts
worldwide pollution levels will surpass 400 parts per million by 2016.
3D Printer Creates Worlds Smallest Working Human Liver
In the month of November 2013 , A group of US scientists have created the worlds smallest human liver which
can survive for 40 days and works like the real thing using a 3D printer.The mini-livers, made by California-based
medical research company Organvo, are just half a millimetre deep and four millimetres wide but can perform
most of the functions that a real liver can.The printer builds up 20 layers of hepatocytes cells, which carry out liver
functions, along with two major types of liver cell. It also adds cells from the lining of a blood vessel. This allows
the liver cells to receive nutrients and oxygen.
NASA Releases Natural Color Portrait Of Saturn
NASA has released the first natural-color image of Saturn from space showing the planet, its moons and rings, as
well as the planets Earth, Venus and Mars.The new panoramic image of the Saturn system, taken by NASAs
Cassini spacecraft, shows the view, as human eyes would see it. It was unveiled at the Newseum in Washington
on 12 November.The spacecrafts imaging team processed 141 wide-angle images to create the single panorama
mosaic, which sweeps across 404,880 miles of Saturn and its inner ring system.
Worlds First Green Helicopter Tested in Germany
The worlds first green helicopter which is noiseless and emission-free has been successfully tested in Germany
on 17 November.The helicopter, named Volocopter, developed by the German company e-volo, two seat prototype
made it earlier voage in kalsruhe, Germany.The volocopter uses eighteen electrically driven rotos propel instead of
one combustion engine which is environmentally friendly and emission-free.The emission free Volocopter is a
vertical take-off and landing manned aircraft, with rich features and incredibly quiet sound, absolutely no
noticeable vibrations, new spring strut landing gear and extremely calm rotor plane that replace conventional
aircraft .
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Usha Sangwan First Woman Managing Director of Life Insurance Corporation
Usha Sangwan has become the first woman managing director (MD) at the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of
India in its near six decades of existence. Along with Sangwan, Vijay Kumar Sharma also took charge as an MD
of the countrys premier financial institution on 1 November . Sangwan joined LIC in 1981 as a direct recruit. Prior
to taking charge as MD , she was executive director, corporate communications, LIC of India.
Usha Ananthasubramanian is first Bharatiya Mahila Bank CMD
Usha Ananthasubramanian has been appointed as the first Chairperson and Managing Director (CMD) of
Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB), the first all-women bank of India.Ananthasubramanian assumed charge on 12
November.Before joining BMB, she was an executive director with Punjab National Bank (PNB).In a career
spanning over 31 years, she has worked in various positions in the banking and allied areas.
R. Banumathi Appointed Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court
Justice R. Banumathi, Judge of the Madras High Court was on 12 November appointed as the Chief Justice of the
Jharkhand High Court. Justice R. Banumathi entered the Tamil Nadu Higher Judicial Service in 1988 as a direct
recruit district judge. She worked as District and Sessions Judge in Coimbatore and Vellore, and Principal District
and Sessions Judge in Pudukottai, Madras, Tirunelveli and Salem.
Justice A.P.Shah is the new Chairman of Law Commission of India
Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah has been appointed on 22 November as the new
chairman of the 20th Law Commission of India.Justice Ajit Prakash Shah succeeded Justice D. K. Jain who
resigned in October 2013 to take over as the President of National Consumer Disputes Redressal
Commission.Justice Ajit Prakash Shah was Chief Justice of the High Court of Delhi from May 2008 till his
retirement in February 2010.The 20th Law Commission was established in September 2013.Its tenure has been
fixed till 2015.The terms of reference of the 20th Law Commission include review/repeal obsolete law,examine the
existing laws,Revise Central acts of general importance etc.
Five Central Information Commissioners Appointed To CIC
Five new Information Commissioners are appointed to the Central Information Commission (CIC) on 22 November.
Chief Information Commissioner Deepak Sandhu administered the oath of office to them in New Delhi.The new
commissioners are Yashovardhan Azad, Sharat Sabharwal, Manjula Parasher , M A Khan Yusufi and
Madabhushanam Sridhar Acharyulu. With this the total number of Information Commissioners including the Chief
Information Commissioner has gone up to 10.
B)RESIGNS
PFRDA Chairman Yogesh Agarwal Resigned
Yogesh Agarwal, chairman of the Pension Fund Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA), resigned from the
post of Chairman on 13 November.He resigned because of the Governments decision to not allow him to be a part
of the selection panel for members of the regulator.
C)DEATHS
Legendary Pakistani Folk Singer Reshma Died
Legendary Pakistani folk singer Reshma, who mesmerised music lovers in the Indian subcontinent with soulful
rendition of songs like Lambi Judai and Dama Dam Mast Kalandar in her trademark rustic voice, died in Lahore
on 3 November.Reshma, known as Nightingale of the Desert ,was born in 1947 in Bikaner, Rajasthan, in a
Banjara family.She has no formal education in music, but at the age of just 12 years, she was seen singing at the
Shahbaz Qalanders shrine. Thereafter, her iconic song Laal Meri was recorded on the state-run Pakistan
Radio.With this, she became the most popular folk singer of Pakistan.
British Nobel Laureate Author Doris Lessing Died
Doris Lessing, one of Britains most-influential authors and a Nobel Literature laureate, has died on 17 November
at London.She was 94 years old.Her best-known works are The Golden Notebook, Memoirs of a Survivor and The
Summer Before the Dark. In her life time she wrote more than 80 books, including poetry, two operas, short
stories, plays and non-fiction. In 2007, the 88-year-old Doris Lessing became the oldest recipient of the Nobel
Prize in Literature. and only the 11th woman to win the award.
D)VISITORS
Kuwaits Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Visited India
Kuwaits Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah visited India from 7 10 November
2013.During his four day visit , Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber held detailed bilateral consultations with Prime
Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi.Both nations discussed collaboration in petrochemicals, and Kuwaiti
investments in infrastructure in India.India and Kuwait agreed to expand cooperation in key areas, which includes
energy and investment.The two Prime Ministers were held extensive talks on trade, energy and investment and
also on labour laws after which both sides inked five pacts, including on the transfer of prisoners and cooperation
in the field of culture and education.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Miss Venezuela Gabriela Isler Won Miss Universe 2013 Title
Miss Venezuela Gabriela Isler won the Miss Universe 2013 crown on 9 November ,beating 85 other contenders
from around the world at a glittering ceremony held in Moscow, Russia.Miss Spain Patricia Yurena Rodriguez was
named runner-up, while Miss Ecuador Constanza Baez came third in the contest. Miss Universe 2012 Olivia
Culpo of USA crowned the new beauty queen Miss Venezuela Gabriela Isler.Manasi Moghe from India had been
shortlisted for the top 10 finalists of Miss Universe 2013 but failed to win the crown.Islers triumph was the seventh
Miss Universe win for Venezuela, where beauty pageants are a major source of national pride.
Malala, Malia Obama Among Times Influencial Teens List
Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai and the elder daughter of US President Barack Obama, Malia, are
on Time magazines list of 16 most influential teens of 2013 .The list, published on 12 November, took young
people who have inspired the society by their work in various fields like music, sports, technology, science,
writing and media.
PLACES IN NEWS
One World Trade Center is Tallest Building in US
One World Trade Center was on 12 November declared the tallest building in the Americas, standing at a
symbolic (and now official) 1,776 feet. The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, an international body that
determines the heights of skyscrapers, has ruled that the spire atop One World Trade is an architecturally
significant feature of the building not an antenna.The decision makes the official height of the building 1,776
feet, not 1,368 feet, which is the height of the buildings roof. It also allows One World Trade to beat out Chicagos
Willis Tower as the tallest in the US. Willis Towers antenna does not count towards its official architectural
height.One World Trade Center has been built on the lower Manhattan site of the iconic WTC Twin Towers, which
were destroyed in the terrorist attacks of 11 September, 2001. More than 2,000 people were killed in that attack.
ABBREVIATIONS
BPCL - Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
AAA - Asian Athletics Association
CITU - Centre of Indian Trade Unions
EVM - Electronic Voting Machine
ERDA - Energy Research and Development Administration
FEMA - Foreign Exchange Management Act
GFCI - Global Financial Centres Index
BOOKS IN NEWS
Vice President Released a Book on Indias Nuclear Energy Programme
Indian Vice President Mohammad Ansari released a book entitled Indias Nuclear Energy Programme : Future
Plans, Prospects and Concerns edited by Prof. R. Rajaraman at a function organized by Indian National Science
Academy (INSA) in New Delhi on 7 November.The book is aimed at creating the public opinion on nuclear energy.
COMMITTEES
Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai Committee To Deal with Sexual Harassment Complaints
The Supreme Court on 26 November constituted a 10-member committee headed by its woman judge, Justice
Ranjana Prakash Desai, to deal with complaints of sexual harassment within its precincts.Chief Justice of India P
Sathasivam formed the Supreme Court Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC) in
which there are six other female members.There are two members who are outsiders and not connected with the
apex court in any manner.The committee is in consonance with the guidelines laid down by apex court in its
judgement in Vishaka case for dealing with complaints of sexual harassment at workplace.Under the guidelines, it
is required that the committee has a majority of female members and two members of civil society nominated by
the Chief Justice of India.
National Education Day of India Observed Across the Country on 11 November
The National Education Day of India was celebrated on 11 November 2013 at Gangtok, Sikkim. The National
Education Day has been celebrated in India since the year 2008. It is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary
of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a great freedom fighter, an eminent educationist and the first Education Minister of
India. It was also celebrated at Mewat in 2008.
National Press Day observed on 16 November
National Press Day is celebrated across the country on 16 November 2013. The day is symbolic of a free and
responsible press in India. It is the day on which the Press Council of India started functioning as a moral
watchdog to ensure that not only the press maintains the high standards expected from this powerful medium but
also that it was not fettered by the influence or threats of any extraneous factors. The Press Council of India was
first constituted on 4 July 1966 as an autonomous, statutory, quasi-judicial body, and it started functioning from
16 November 1966 with Justice J R Mudholkar, then a Judge of the Supreme Court, as Chairman.
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October 2013 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Gambia Decided To Withdraw From The Commonwealth
The Gambia is on 2 October decided to withdraw from the Commonwealth, 48 years after joining. Gambian, a
West African country joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1965.The last country to be withdrawn from the
Commonwealth group was Zimbabwe in 2003.The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of 54
countries, many of them former territories of the British Empire. It was established in 1949.
China and EU Signed Bilateral Currency Swap Agreement
China and the European Union signed a 350 billion yuan (45 billion euro) currency swap agreement on 10
October.The agreement signed between the Peoples Bank of China and the European Central Bank (ECB), aims
to support bilateral trade and protect financial stability.
US and Vietnam Signed Nuclear Trade Agreement
The US and Vietnam have on 10 October signed a agreement on civilian nuclear power that will allow american
firms in to the market and commits the vietnamese to not producing ingredients for aotmic weapons.U.S.
Secretary of State John Kerry and his vietnamese counterpart signed the 123 agreement at the East Asian
Summit in Brunei .
Mulatu Teshome Elected New President of Ethiopia
Ethiopias parliament on 7 October elected Mulatu Teshome as the countrys new president for a six-year term.
Mulatu Teshome will replace Girma Wolde Giorgis, who first took the post in 2001 and was re-elected in
2007.Mulatu Teshome was elected at a joint session of the House of Peoples Representatives (HPR) and the
House of Federation (HoF). Mulatu Teshome is the Fourth president of Ethiopia.
Five New Members Elected To UN Security Council
The UN General Assembly on 18 October elected Chad, Chile, Lithuania, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to a two-year
term in the UN Security Council.Saudi Arabia rejected its seat on the United Nations Security Council because of
the failure of the international community to end the war in Syria and act on other Middle East issues.The New
Council members will replace Azerbaijan, Guatemala, Morocco, Pakistan and Togo.The new members will
assume their posts on 1 January 2014 and serve through the end of 2015.The 15 Members of the Security
Council has five veto-wielding permanent members the United States, Britain, France, Russia, and China
and 10 nonpermanent members.
Social Democratic Party Won Czech Republic Elections
The CSSD Social Democratic Party has won the parliamentary elections held in the Czech Republic with 20.5
percent of the vote.The office of statistics in Prague announced on 26 October.Coming in third was the KSCM
Communist Party, with 15 percent, while the the party that was in power until recently, the liberal Top 09, was left
with 11.9 percent.Also finding a place in the 200-seat parliament was the liberal ODS party, which crashed from
20 percent in 2010 to 7.7 percent this time out.The conservative Christian Democrat KDU-SCL with 6.8 percent,
and the new Dawn of Direct Democracy party of the senator and businessman of Japanese origin, Tomio
Okamura, with 6.9 percent.
INDIA & WORLD
India To Reach 160 cr Population By 2050
On 2 October According to the French Institute of Demographic Studies (INED) survey report, India will be a
country of 160 crore population by 2050.Then, China, currently world No 1 with 130 crore, will become No 2 with
130 crore people.The total world population is projected to rise to 9.7 billion in 2050 from the current 710
crore.Besides, China and India, currently, the worlds most populous countries are: the US 31 crore, Indonesia
24.8 crore and Brazil 19.5 crore.According to the report, the projected population of other countries in the world by
2050 will be :- Nigeria 44 crore, US 40 crore, Indonesia 36 crore, Pakistan 36 crore, Brazil 22 crore, Bangladesh
20 crore, Congo 18crore, Ethiopia 17 crore, Philippines 15 crore, Mexico 15 crore, Russia 13 crore, Tanzania 12
crore, Egypt 12 crore, Uganda 11crore, Vietnam 10 crore, Iran 9.9 crore, Japan 9.7 crore, Kenya 9.7 crore,
Turkey 9.3 crore, Iraq 8 crore, UK 7.9 crore, Germany 7.6 crore, France 7.2 crore.
Bangladesh and India Inaugurated Joint Power Transmission Plant
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 5 October jointly inaugurated the
India-Bangladesh Grid Inter-connection at Bheramara in Bangladesh.The joint venture was launched through video-
conferencing. The transmission line and the HVDC station in Bheramara provide a safe and reliable
interconnection of the power grids of our two countries, which will enable supply of 500 MW of power from India to
Bangladesh.Both the Prime Ministers also jointly laid the foundation stone for 1320 megawatt Maitri Thermal
Power Project, being developed by Bangladesh-India friendship power-company which is a joint venture of Indias
NTPC and Bangladesh Power Development Board.
Global Hunger Index Report 2013
The 2013 Global Hunger Index (GHI), released on 14th October 2013 by the International Food Policy Research
Institute (IFPRI), Welthungerhilfe, and Concern Worldwide- revealed that 842 million people were chronically under
nourished across the world.South Asia continued to have the maximum number of hungry people in the world,
followed by sub-Saharan Africa.India has moved from 65 to 63 in the Global Hunger Index, making a marginal
improvement since 2012, but continues to suffering far behind other emerging economies.
Global Slavery Index 2013
The Australia-based rights organisation Walk Free Foundation (WFF) on 17 October released its first Global
Slavery Index 2013, ranking 162 countries on the number of people in slavery and bondage per capita and the
absolute number of slaves.According to the report , About 14 million Indians are living in conditions of modern-day
slavery, nearly half of 30 million across the world.The ten countries on the list, which follow India (13,956,010) ,
are:- China (2,949,243), Pakistan (2,127,132), Nigeria (701,032), Ethiopia(651,110),Russia(516,210),
Thailand(472,811), Democratic Republic of Congo (462,327), Myanmar (384,037), and Bangladesh
(343,192).Mauritania has the highest proportion of people in slavery, with many people inheriting slave status from
their ancestors.Haiti came second in the index, with about one in 10 children trapped in an exploitative system of
child labor.The survey revealed that 72 percent of people in modern slavery lived in Asia.The WFF defines modern
slavery as something which includes slavery itself along with other slavery-like practices such as forced marriage,
debt bondage, forced labour and human trafficking.The Foundations estimate of 29.8 million slaves worldwide is
higher than other attempts to quantify modern slavery. The UN estimates almost 21 million people are victims of
forced labour.
India and China Signed Border Defence Cooperation Agreement
India and China have signed a Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA) to maintain peace and tranquility
on the Line of Actual Control.The agreement is one of the nine MOUs/agreements signed by the two countries on
23 October.The agreements were signed after the bilateral talks between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing.The other 8 agreements/Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were :-
(i) MoU on Nalanda University (ii) MOU to Strengthen Cooperation on Trans-Border Rivers (iii) Cultural Exchange
Programme 2013-15 (iv) MoU on Cooperation in Road Transport and Highways (v) MoU on Power Equipment
Service Centres in India (vi) Agreement between Delhi-Beijing on Establishment of Sister City Relationship (vii)
Agreement between Bengaluru Chengdu on Establishment of Sister City Relationship (viii) Agreement between
Kolkata Kunming on Establishment of Sister City Relationship.
1.3 Million People Died of Tuberculosis (TB) Worldwide in 2012
The Global tuberculosis report 2013 released by World Health Organization (WHO) on 23 October.According to
the report , Tuberculosis (TB) killed 1.3 million people worldwide in 2012, while India alone accounted for 26 per
cent of total TB cases globally.The report found that global TB deaths decreased to 1.3 million in 2012, which is
100,000 less than the previous year.Approximately 75 per cent of total TB deaths occurred in the African and
South-East Asia Regions in 2012. India and South Africa accounted for about one-third of global TB deaths.The
report also found that the number of people ill with TB fell to 8.6 million in 2012.The largest number of incident
cases in 2012 were India (2.0 million-2.4 million), China (0.9 million-1.1 million) and South Africa (0.4 million-0.6
million).The majority of TB cases worldwide in 2012 were in the South-East Asia (29 per cent), African (27 per
cent) and Western Pacific (19 per cent) regions.
NATIONAL
Union Cabinet Decided to Withdraw Ordinance and Bill Relating to Representation of Peoples Act
Union Cabinet on 2 October decided to withdraw the ordinance on convicted lawmakers, as well as the Bill that
sought to amend the Representation of the People Act.The Union Cabinet had approved on 24 September
2013.The ordinance, once promulgated, will allow the convicted MPs or MLAs to continue in office if their appeal
is admitted by a higher court within 90 days of conviction by the trial court.The Ordinance which sought to negate
the Supreme Court order of 10 July 2013 which ruled that any lawmaker would stand immediately disqualified if
convicted by a court.
CCEA approves Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) , a
Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) on 3 October for reforming the state higher education system.During the 12th
Plan period, 80 new universities would be created by converting autonomous colleges/colleges in a cluster to
State universities. 100 new colleges, including professional/technical colleges would be set up and 54 existing
colleges would be converted into model degree colleges.In the 12th Plan period, RUSA would have a financial
outlay of 22855 crore Rupees, out of which 16227 crore Rupees will be borne by the Centre.Apart from this,
allocation of 1800 crore Rupees in the 12th Plan for the existing scheme Sub-Mission polytechnics would also be
subsumed in RUSA.Centre-State funding would be in the ratio of 90:10 for North-Eastern States, Sikkim, Jammu
and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and 65:35 for other States and Union Territories.RUSA will be a
new Centrally Sponsored Scheme spread over two plan periods, for improving access, equity and quality in the
state higher education system.
64,000 Married Men Commit Suicide Every Year In India
On 3 October According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics revealed more incidences of
suicide by married men than by married women.
Highlights of the Report :-
* The alleged misuse of section 498 A of IPC is leading to a rise in mens suicides in the country.A report of the
National Crime Records Bureau(NCRB) has pointed out that nearly 64,000 men are committing suicide every year
due to this section.
* In 2012 approximately 64,000 married men committed suicide vis-a-vis 32,000 married women.
* As per the Survey , In West Bengal the number of cases under the section has grown exponentially at the rate
of 11 per cent in the last two years but the conviction rate has dropped to just 4.4 per cent from 6.3 per cent
earlier.The state accounts for 1.06 lakh cases recorded.
Cabinet Approves National Identification Authority of India Bill
The Union Cabinet on 8 October approved the National Identification Authority of India Bill that will give statutory
status to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).The new law will provide for the creation of a National
Identification Authority of India ,which will oversee implementation of the Aadhaar project.The bill will give legal
backing to Aadhaar, the project which aspires to give every Indian a uniquely identifiable number based on
biometrics.Besides giving statutory status to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the Bill seeks to
provide legal backing to Aadhaar, which is used to disburse subsidies.Adhaar is a unique Identification number
issued by UIDAI to individuals for the purpose of establishing unique identification of every single person. It serves
as the proof of identity and address anywhere in India.Aadhaar is a 12-digit number.
Land Acquisition Act To Come into effect from 2014 January 1
Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh on 15 October announced the 2013 Land Acquisition Act
would come into force on January 1, 2014.The new law received the assent of the President on 27 September
2013.Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh took the decision after consideration of another view, particularly
from state governments, that the Act replacing a 119-year-old legislation should be notified from April 1, 2014.
STATES
Gujarat Lokayukta Aayog Bill 2013 Passed By State Assembly
The Gujarat Lokayukta Aayog Bill 2013 has been passed by state Assembly on 1 October after it was returned by
Governor Kamla Beniwal. The Governor had on September 2 returned the Lokayukta Aayog Bill 2013 passed by
the Assembly in April, 2013.
Foundation Stone Laid For First Mega Food Park In Uttar Pradesh
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing, Government of India Dr. Charan Das Mahant laid the
foundation stone on 8 October for establishment of Shaktiman mega Food Park (the first in the north India) in
Jagdishpur of Amethi district in Uttar Pradesh.The Shaktiman Mega Food Park was set up with assistance under
the programme Scheme of Mega Food Parks.It will be developed with the assistance of Aditya Birla Group.The
Park will have most-modern infrastructure and facilities for food processing.
President Gave Assent To Uttarakhand Lokayukta Bill
The President of India Pranab Mukherjee on 17 October 2013 gave his assent to the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Bill
,which will bring the chief minister among others under the ambit of the ombudsman, with a provision of
punishment up to life imprisonment.With this Uttarakhand Lokayukta Bill became an Act.The main objective of the
Lokayukta Act was to curb corruption in the Uttarakhand state.The Bill was unanimously passed by the
Uttarakhand Assembly on October 2011.
Assembly Elections Schedule Announced For Five States
The Election Commission on 4 October announced the schedule for Assembly Elections to be held in five states,
namely Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram will be held between 2013 November 11
and 2013 December 4.The counting of votes will be held for Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh on 8
December 2013.The Election Commission on 23 October changed the Mizoram assembly election schedule by
advancing the polling on November 25 and postponing the counting by a day to December 9.As per the Supreme
Court direction a None of the Above button (the option of rejecting all candidates) would be provided in electronic
voting machines in the polls.Over 11 crore electorate in all five states.630 Assembly seats in total in five states.
Five States Election Schedule as Announced by the Election Commission :-
* Chhattisgarh- 11 Nov 2013 (Phase I), 19 Nov 2013 (Phase II) (90-member state assembly)
* Madhya Pradesh- 25 Nov 2013 - (230-member state assembly)
* Rajasthan- 1 Dec 2013 (200- member state assembly)
* Delhi- 4 Dec 2013 (70- member state assembly)
* Mizoram- 25 Nov 2013 (40- member state assembly)
Himachal Becomes 2nd State After Haryana To Introduce NVQF
Himachal Pradesh on 26 October has become the second state after Haryana to introduce Centres National
Vocational Qualitative Framework ( NVQF) Scheme.The scheme has been implemented by the All India Technical
Education Council and the National Skill Development Council. As per the scheme, 70 skill development councils
will be established and each council will be given specific trades. The scheme was being implemented for
students of Class IX to Class XI and every student has to clear four levels to get the certificate.
Gujarat CM Laid The Foundation Stone Of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patels Statue
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on 31 October laid the foundation of the Statute of Unity-a 182-metre tall
statue (Worlds largest statue) of Indias first Home Minister and iron man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 138th
birth anniversary at Sardar Sarovar Dam site in Bharuch district in Gujarat.The Statue of Unity will be double of the
height of the Statue of Liberty (93 metres) in the USA.This Statue , which is being constructed at a cost of Rs.
2,074 crore, will be double of the height of the Statue of Liberty (93 metres) in the USA.The statue is to be built on
an island called Sadhu Bet on the river Narmada in Gujarat.The Spring Temple Buddha statue in China is the
closest rival at a height of 153 metre.
CONFERENCES
23rd ASEAN Summit Held in Brunei Darussalam
The 23rd ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit was held in Brunei Darussalam on 9 10
October 2013.The theme of the summit is Our People, Our Future Together.The leaders of 10 ASEAN
(Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member countries discussed on ways to consolidate these gains to
meet the 2015 target of having an economically integrated, politically cohesive and socially responsible ASEAN
Community and to ensure ASEANs place in the global community of nations by 2015 and beyond.One of the
highlights of the ASEAN Summit in Brunei was the turn-over of the Chairmanship to Myanmar who for the first
time assumes leadership of this regional organisation beginning 1 January 2014.The 10 ASEAN nations are
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.The
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in 1967.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Malala Yousafzai Won EUs Sakharov Human Rights Prize 2013
Pakistani schoolgirl and campaigner Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head by the Taliban, has won the
European Unions (EU) Sakharov human rights prize 2013 on 10 October .In 2012 the award went to detained
Iranians, lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh and film maker Jafar Panahi, to honour those standing up for a better Iran.The
Sakharov Prize for free speech is awarded by the European Parliament annually in memory of Soviet physicist
and dissident Andrei Sakharov.Previous winners include former South African president Nelson Mandela and
former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan.
M.S Swaminathan Gets Indira Gandhi National Integration Award
Eminent agricultural scientist Dr. M.S Swaminathan, known as the father of Green Revolution, on 10 October
selected for the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration for the year 2012.Previous recipients of the Award are
Aruna Asaf Ali, P N Haksar, M S Subbulakshmi, A P J Abdul Kalam and Shankar Dayal Sharma and Rajiv
Gandhi (posthumously).The Indian national congress, in its centenary year 1985, instituted an Indira Gandhi
award for national integration to give recognition to outstanding contribution to this cause by distinguished
individuals or institutions.
2013 Nobel Prize Winners
The Nobel Prize winners of 2013 in the different categories were announced in the month of October 2013. Nobel
Prizes are announced by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences every year in the memory of Alfred Nobel.The
categories were the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the Nobel Prize in Physics, the Nobel Prize in
Chemistry, The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences, The Nobel Literature Prize and The Nobel Peace
Prize.Swedish industrialist, inventor, and armaments manufacturer Alfred Nobel established the prizes in
1895.The prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace were first awarded in
1901.The related Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences was created in 1968.The prize is awarded on
December 10 in Oslo City Hall each year.The value of each prize is 1.2 million US Dollar.
The Nobel Prize winners of 2013 in the different categories were as follows:-
Medicine :- James Rothman and Randy Schekman of US as well as German-born Thomas Suedhof won the
2013 Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology .They were awarded for their groundbreaking work on how the cell
organises its transport system. James Rothman, Randy Schekman and Thomas Suedhof work at the US
universities.The three of them discovered the complex transport system in the human body which makes the
delivery of the life-saving proteins and molecules at right place and right time. James Rothman, Randy Schekman
and Thomas Suedhof work at the Yale University, University of California and Stanford University respectively.
Physics :- Peter Higgs, United Kingdom and Francois Englert , Belgium jointly awarded Nobel Prize for
Physics.They were awarded for the theoretical discovery of a mechanism that contributes to our understanding of
the origin of mass of subatomic particles.Their contribution forms the cornerstone of modern particle
physics.Higgs and Francois Englert discovered a quantum field which is a distribution of energy, throughout the
universe. It is a field with special properties. When the field is disturbed, waves travel through it. The dimmest
possible wave is called a particle in the field. They called this field as Higgs field. In the Higgs field particles are
called as Higgs Boson.
Chemistry :- Michael Levitt, a British and US citizen of Stanford University, US-Austrian Martin Karplus of
Strasbourg University and US-Israeli Arieh Warshel of the University of Southern California share The Nobel Prize
in Chemistry.They were awarded Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2013 for the development of multi scale models for
complex chemical systems.
Literature :- Canadas Alice Munro won the Nobel literature prize for her short stories that focus on the frailties of
the human condition, becoming just the 13th woman to win in the history of the coveted award.The Swedish
Academy honoured Munro as a master of the contemporary short story. She won the Man International Booker
Prize in 2009 for a body of work.She won the Giller Prize twice, for The Love of a Good Woman in 1998 and
Runaway in 2004.
Economics :- The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences decided to award The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in
Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel for 2013 to Eugene F. Fama, Lars Peter Hansen and Robert J.
Shiller for their empirical analysis of asset prices.The three American Economists awarded for their work on
creating a deeper knowledge of how market prices move.
Peace :- The Nobel Peace Prize for 2013 has been awarded to the Organisation for the Prevention of Chemical
Weapons (OPCW) for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.The Hague-based OPCW was founded
in 1997 to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention signed on January 13, 1993.The organisation is
presently involved in destroying Syrias stockpiles of chemical weapons the first time the OPCW has worked in
a war zone.This marks the second consecutive year an organisation has won the prestigious award. Last years
award went to the European Union.
Eleanor Catton Wins 2013 Man Booker Prize
New Zealand author Eleanor Catton at the age of just 28 years, became the youngest ever winner of the 2013
Man Booker Prize for her novel The Luminaries on 15 October at the Londons Guildhall.Her 832-page novel
The Luminaries is the story of 19th-century goldfields, which won 50000 Pound Man Booker Prize 2013 along with
a trophy, and Emmanuel Roman.The Luminaries is also the longest work to win this prize in the history of 45
years of Man Booker Prize.The Luminaries is the longest ever book to win this Prize, beating Hilary Mantels 672-
page Wolf Hall which received the Man Booker Prize 2009.
Lata Mangeshkar Honoured With The First Yash Chopra Memorial Award
Legendary singer and Bharat Ratna awardee Lata Mangeshkar has been honoured with the First Yash Chopra
Memorial Award.The Award carries a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs (One million) and a citation was presented by the
Union Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Manish Tewari at a star studded function in Mumbai on 19
October.The award is a tribute to the legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra on the eve of his first death
anniversary.Yash Chopra the memorial award will be given annually to people in recognition of their outstanding
contribution in the field of art and culture.The Yash Chopra Memorial Award has been instituted by the TSR
Foundation of T. Subbarami Reddy.
Aung Suu Kyi Received EU Sakharov Prize After 23 years
Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was on 22 October presented with the European Unions Sakharov
Prize for Freedom of Thought at Strasbourg, France.She was chosen by the European Parliament in 1990.The
Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought announced by the European Parliament in 1990 when she was under
house arrest.The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named after Soviet scientist and dissident Andrei
Sakharov, was established in December 1988 by the European Parliament as a means to honour individuals or
organisations who have dedicated their lives to the defence of human rights and freedom of thought.
SPORTS & GAMES
Sports Ministry Announced HRD scheme In Sports
Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports have revised the existing Scheme relating to Talent
Search & Training and renamed it as Scheme of Human Resources Development in Sports. This was announced
by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Jitendra Singh on 1 October.The scheme intends to award
fellowships and scholarships, besides providing financial grants to a number of projects in order to develop one of
the top 10 sporting nations in the country.
Mumbai Indians Won 2013 Champions League Twenty-20
Mumbai Indians won the 2013 Champions League Twenty-20 title after defeated Rajasthan Royals by 33 runs in
New Delhi on 6 October.This was the second Champions League Twenty-20 title for Mumbai Indians.The Mumbai
Indians secured the Champions League Twenty20 title in 2011 after defeated Bangalore Royal
Challengers.Harbhajan Singh gets Man of the Match.Dwayne Smith, in the meanwhile, was declared Champion of
the Series.This was the last T-20 match of Sachin Tendulkar and Royals skipper Rahul Dravid after they both
announced their retirement from T-20 format.
China Open Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners
Womens Singles :- Serena Williams (U.S) won the China Open Tennis Tournament womens singles title on 6
October at the National Tennis Stadium in Beijing, China.Williams defeated Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in the final.It
was her 10th title of the year.
Mens Singles :- Novak Djokovic (Serbia) won his fourth China Open Mens Singles title in five years ,after
defeated Rafael Nadal (Spain) in the final.Novak Djokovic won the same tournament earlier in 2009, 2010 and
2012.
Womens Doubles :- Sania Mirza won the China Open tennis doubles title with Cara Black of Zimbabwe on 5
October in Beijing.They defeated Vera Dushevina of Russia and Arantxa Parra Santonja of Spain in the final.It is
fifth title of the season for Sania Mirza and 19th overall.
Mens Doubles :- Belarus Max Mirnyi and Romanias Horia Tecau have won the mens doubles title.They defeated
Italian pair Fabio Fognini -Andreas Seppi in the final.
Sachin Tendulkar Announced Retirement From Test Cricket
India legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar on 10 October announced his decision to retire from Test cricket after
playing his landmark 200th Test match against the West Indies in November 2013. Previously, Sachin Tendulkar
announced retirement form one day cricket on 23 December 2012 and from Twenty20 cricket format on 26 May
2013.The Sachin Tendulkar made his Test debut against arch-rival Pakistan at Karachi in 1989. He is the only
batsman to score 100 international centuries 51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs.His 198 Test appearances yielded
15,837 runs at an average of 53.86.From his 463 ODI matches, he had, under his belt, a whopping 18,426 at an
average of 44.83.
Virat Kohli Becomes Fastest Indian To Score Century In ODIs
Virat Kohli has added another feather to his illustrious cap scoring a century off only 52 deliveries, thus becoming
the fastest Indian to score a One-Day International (ODI) century.This is the seventh fastest century in ODI
cricket.He achieved the feat against Australia in the second ODI at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on 16
October.Kohli broke Virender Sehwags 60-ball century which was scored against New Zealand at Hamilton in
2009. Kohlis knock at Jaipur was punctuated by eight boundaries and seven sixes.
North and South Zone Declared Joint Winners of Duleep Trophy
North Zone and South Zone were declared joint winners of the Duleep Trophy 2013-14 after the fifth days play of
the final match was called off due to bad weather in Kochi on 21 October .Only 10 overs, on the second day on 18
October were possible in the five-day match as wet ground conditions at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium due to
persistent rain played spoilsport.It was the fourth instance in the history of Duleep Trophy when the title has been
shared.
Sebastian Vettel Wins 4th F1 Title at Indian Grand Prix
German Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel won the Indian Grand Prix on 27 October at the Buddh International
Circuit in Greater Noida ,Uttar Pradesh.He becomes the youngest ever racer to win Formula one Championship
four times in a row.Mercedes Nico Rosberg (GER) finish second followed by Romain Grosjean (FRA) of Lotus in
third place.Only two drivers before Vettel have won four straight titles Juan Manuel Fangio from Argentina and
German great Michael Schumacher. Frenchman Alain Prost is another driver who has won four titles but he did
not win those in a row and Vettel is now youngest quadruple champion at the age 26.At present he is the world
champion as he won the Championship in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 .
ECONOMY
Mumbai 72nd Rank On Global Financial Centre Index
On 1 October Mumbai has slipped six places to 72nd rank, the bottom 10, on the Global Financial Centre Index
(GFCI), while London has retained its top slot.Mumbai is the only Indian city to find a place on this bi-annual list of
80 financial centres globally and was ranked 66th in its previous edition published in March this year.In the top-
five, London is followed by New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo.Others in the top 10 are: Zurich (6th),
Boston (7th), Geneva (8th), Frankfurt (9th), Seoul (10th).Although New Delhi, the countrys political hub, was
added the GFCI questionnaire recently, it is yet to acquire sufficient assessments to be included in the index.
India Ranks 78th On Human Capital Index
According to the global Human Capital Index , India has been placed at a low 78th slot on a global Human Capital
Index, which ranks countries on the basis of economic potential of their labour force, while Switzerland has topped
the ranking. According to the list of total 122 countries released on 1 October by the Geneva-based World
Economic Forum (WEF), India has been ranked lower than three of its BRICS peers China (43rd), Russia
(51st) and Brazil (57th), while South Africa is placed at 86th place.
India Tops Foreign Remittances Recipients List
The World Bank report entitled Migration and Remittance Flows: Recent Trends and Outlook-2013-16 released
on 2 October revealed that India emerged as the largest recipient of foreign remittances among developing
economies in 2013.In 2013 Non-Resident Indians (NRI) sent a record 71 billion Dollars home compared to 70
billion dollars in 2012. According to a Word Bank report NRIs are estimated to remit up to 85 billion dollars a year
by 2015.India (with an estimated 71 billion Dollars) continued to top the remittances list in 2012 while China is
placed a close second with $66 billion expected migrant remittances in the same year.The Philippines (26 billion
Dollars) got third place in the list.Globally, the worlds 232 million international migrants are expected to remit
earnings worth 550 billion Dollars in 2013 and over 700 billion Dollars by 2016.Remittance is the act of
transmitting money to a distant location to fulfill an obligation. International remittances are transfers of funds by
foreign workersremitterswho are living and working in other countries typically to their families who are still
living in their home countries.
World Bank cuts Indias 2013-14 GDP forecast to 4.7%
The World Bank on 16 October slashed Indias economic growth forecast for the current financial year to 4.7
percent from an earlier projection of 6.1 percent.In April, the World Bank had projected Indias GDP would grow at
6.1 percent in the current financial year and at 6.7 percent the following year.
Four Indians in Fortunes List of 50 Most Powerful Women in Business
On 20 October Four Indians led by ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar have made to Fortune magazines global list
of top-50 women business leaders, while PepsiCo chief Indra Nooyi has been ranked second in a similar list for
the US.Kochhar has been ranked fourth, followed by National Stock Exchange chief Chitra Ramkrishna at 17th,
Axis Banks Shikha Sharma at 32nd and HSBCs Naina Lal Kidwai at 42nd place among the Indians on the
international list of most powerful women in business.Kochhar, Managing Director and CEO of Indias largest
private sector bank, has moved up one position from her fifth position on the 2012 list, while NSEs Ramkrishna
has made it to the list for the first time.This list is topped by Brazilian energy giant Petrobras CEO, Maria Das
Gracas Foster, followed by Turkish conglomerate Sabanci Holdings Guler Sabanci at the second and Australian
banking giant Westpacs CEO Gail Kelly at the third.
RBI increases Repo Rate By 25 Basis Points
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 29 October released the Second Quarter Review of Monetary Policy 2013-
14.According the released statement by the RBI, the Repo rate increased by 25 basis points from 7.5 percent to
7.75 percent.
The highlights of the Second Quarter Review of Monetary Policy 2013-14 :-
* RBI reduced the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate by 25 basis points from 9.0 percent to 8.75 percent with
immediate effect.
* RBI also increased the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 25 basis points from 7.5
percent to 7.75 percent with immediate effect.
* Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) unchanged at 4 Percent
* RBI downward FY14 GDP growth to 5 percent from 5.7 percent.
India Successfully Test Fired Nuclear Capable Prithvi-II Missile
India on 7 October test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile with a strike range of 350
km from Chandipur Integrated test range in Odisha.India on 8 October successfully test-fired for the second time
Prithvi-II missile from a test range at Chandipur.The surface-to-surface missile was test fired from a mobile
launcher.The Prithvi II missile inducted into Indias Strategic Forces Command in 2003, the Prithvi II missile is the
first missile to be developed by DRDO under Indias Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.It is capable
of carrying 500 kg to 1000 kg of warheads and thrusted by liquid propulsion twine engines, uses advanced inertial
guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory.The last user trial of Prithvi-II was successfully carried out from the
same base on 12 August 2013.
Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sunayna Commissioned
INS Sunayna, the second of the Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel class of ship, was on 15 October commissioned by
Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command.The ship was designed
and built by the public sector Goa Shipyard.INS Sunayna will strengthen the Indian Navy capability to safeguard
the maritime interests.Two diesel engines propel INS Sunayna and enables it to achieve speeds in excess of 25
knots. The ship also has an automatic power management system and is fitted with the latest Navigation,
Communication and Electronic Support Systems.The ship is equipped with the most advanced communication,
navigation and electronic warfare equipment besides a 76-mm SRGM (Super Rapid Gun Mount), and close-in
weapon system (CIWS). The vessel also has the ability to embark an advanced light helicopter (ALH) or a Chetak
search and rescue helicopter.
Scientist Developed Worlds First Fully Bionic Man
In the month of October 2013 Scientists have developed the worlds first robot human (Bionic man) made entirely
of prosthetic parts.The bionic man can walk, talk and has a beating heart.Bionic man was assembled from
prosthetic body parts and artificial organs donated by laboratories around the world.The bionic man also has a
nearly complete set of artificial organs including an artificial heart, blood, lungs (and windpipe), pancreas, spleen,
kidney and functional circulatory system.He also sports a cochlear implant, speech recognition and speech
production systems. He lacks a few major organs including liver, stomach and intestines, which are too complex
to replicate in a lab. His brain can mimic certain functions of the human brain and he has a retinal
prosthesis.Roboticists Rich Walker and Matthew Godden of Shadow Robot Co in England developed the bionic
man.The robot was modeled in some physical aspects after Bertolt Meyer, a social psychologist at the University
of Zurich in Switzerland, who wears one of the worlds most advanced bionic hands.The total cost for development
of the robot is around 1 million US Dollars.
Chinese Scientists Developed Bird Flu Vaccine
Chinese scientists announced on 25 October they had successfully developed the vaccine for the H7N9 bird flu
virus.This is the first influenza vaccine ever developed by Chinese scientists.The vaccine has provided important
technical support to battle the new flu strain, making contribution to the H7N9 flu virus epidemic control all over
the world.
Worlds Most Powerful MRI Scanner Developed
Scientists have developed the worlds most powerful MRI scanner strong enough to lift a 60 metric tonne battle
tank.The imagers superconducting electromagnet is designed to produce a field of 11.75 Teslas, making it the
worlds most powerful whole-body scanner. Most standard hospital MRIs produce 1.5 or 3 Teslas.The
development of the scanner, known as Imaging of Neuro disease Using high-field MR And Contrastophores
(INUMAC), has been in progress since 2006 and is expected to cost about USD 270 million.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Arundhati Bhattacharya Takes Charge As First Woman Chief of SBI
Arundhati Bhattacharya on 7 October took over as the new chairperson of the State Bank of India (SBI). She is
the first woman to be appointed to the top job at the countrys largest lender.She succeeds Pratip Chaudhuri who
retired on 30 September 2013.She will hold the post for a period of three years in this 207-year-old bank.This is
the first time that an SBI chief will get a three-year tenure the first time that any SBI chairperson is getting
such a fixed term irrespective of when the person will retire.Bhattacharya is the banks 24th chairperson of
State Bank of India (SBI).Earlier, she was managing director and chief financial officer of SBI.She also holds the
distinction of becoming the first woman managing director of SBI in 2013 August. She joined SBI in 1977 as a
probationary officer and has served in various positions, including head of SBI Capital Markets Ltd, the banks
investment banking unit.
Janet Yellen Nominated as Head of US Federal Reserve Board
US President Barack Obama has on 9 October nominated Federal Reserve Board vice-chair Janet Yellen to be
the next head of the Federal Reserve Board.Janet Yellen replaced Ben Bernanke as Chair of the Federal Reserve
Board.Janet Louise Yellen took office as Vice Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on 4
October 2010, for a four-year term.Janet Yellen is the first woman to lead the Federal Reserve Board and also the
first Democrat to head the Board since 1979.
Pakistan Appoints Ibne Abbas new Envoy To India
Pakistan has appointed on 9 October Syed Ibne Abbas as its new high commissioner to India replacing Salman
Bashir.Previously Syed Ibne Abbas served as the Director of Kashmir Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.He
also acted as the Director General of the South Asia division.
Arunendra Kumar Appointed as new Chairman of Railway Board
The Railways on 16 October appointed acting Chairman of the Railway Board Arunendra Kumar as the head of
the Board.Arunendra Kumar, the Mechanical Member, was holding additional charge of Chairman, Railway Board
(CRB) after the retirement of Vinay Mittal on June 30.
Air Marshal Arup Raha Appointed as new IAF Chief
Air Marshal Arup Raha has been appointed on 29 October as the next chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF).He will
take over as the next chief of the Indian Air Force on December 31, 2013 after the retirement of Air Chief Marshal
N A K Browne.Air Marshal Raha is currently serving as the IAF vice-chief.He joined IAF in December 1974 in the
Fighter Stream.During a career spanning over 39 years, he has held various command, staff and instructional
appointments in the force.He has served as Air Attache at the Indian embassy in Ukraine and commanded the
Central Air Command and the Western Air Command.
B)RESIGNS
Goa Lokayukta Justice B Sudershan Reddy Resigned
Goa Lokayukta justice B Sudershan Reddy has resigned from his post citing personal reasons on 17
October.Sudershan Reddy former judge of the Supreme Court was appointed as the Lokayukta on March, 8,
2013. Mr. Reddy, the first ever Lokayukta of the state, assumed charge in March 2013.
C)DEATHS
US Thriller Author Tom Clancy Died
Tom Clancy, the writer known for thrillers, especially The Hunt for Red October and Patriot Games, died in
Baltimore, US on 1 October .He was credited with 17 New York Times bestsellers and had launched into the
career of writing with the help of the then US president Ronald Reagan.Clancy arrived on best-seller lists in 1984
with The Hunt for Red October.Tom Clancy was born on 12 April 1947 in Baltimore, US.He was an American
author who was best known for detailed espionage as well as military sciences stories set during and after the
time period of the Cold War.
Legendary Singer Manna Dey Died
Legendary singer Manna Dey has died on 24 October in Bangalore.His original name was Prabodh Chandra Dey
but he was nicknamed Manna.He began his playback career with the film Tamanna.He debuted in the film
Tamanna in 1942, and went on to record more than 4000 songs during 1942-2013. The Government of India
honoured him with the Padma Shri in 1971, the Padma Bhushan in 2005 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in
2007.
D)VISITORS
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Visited Russia
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Visited Russia on 20 21 October 2013.During the visit , Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh attended the 14th India-Russia Annual Summit with President Vladimir Putin at Moscow.They
discussed priority areas of bilateral cooperation and noted common positions on current international and regional
issues.Both nations agreed to expeditiously finalise the General Framework Agreement and the Techno-
Commerical Offer for for Units- 3 & 4 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.India and Russia pitched for
implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) quota reforms latest by January to give more
representation to the emerging economies in the multilateral institution. India currently has a voting share of 2.44
per cent in the Washington-based IMF. US has the highest voting share of 17.69 per cent.Minister Manmohan
Singh was conferred an Honorary Doctorate by the prestigious Moscow State Institute of International
Relations.He became the first Indian to receive an honorary doctorate from the Moscow State Institute of
International Relations.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Visited China
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Visited China from 22 24 October 2013.During his three day visit ,
Manmohan Singh held bilateral talks with Chinese premier Li Keqiang in Beijing .After the talks , both nations
signed a border defence cooperation agreement and several other agreements to focus on growth and
strengthening of relationship between the two sides.The exchange of visits by the prime ministers within the same
calendar year was the first since 1954. Premier Li Keqiang had visited India in May 2013. India and China agreed
to study the possibility of setting up an economic corridor spanning the two nations and covering Bangladesh and
Myanmar.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Google Tops Worlds Best Multinational Work Places List
According to the human resources consultancy Great Place to Work Institute latest survey , Internet giant
Google has emerged as the worlds best multinational company to work for, followed by software developer SAS
Institute and network storage provider NetApp in the second and third place, respectively.Software giant Microsoft
was ranked fourth.There is no India-based company in this list and all 25 firms are either American or European.
Indian-American Emily Shah Crowned Miss New Jersey USA 2014 Title
Eighteen-year-old Indian-American Emily Shah has won Miss New Jersey USA 2014 title.Emily Shah, a resident
of Edison, home to a large Indian-American community, was crowned on 20 October at a glittering ceremony in
Parsippani , a small hill township in the state.Emily Shah would now compete for Miss America and Miss
Universe titles.
PLACES IN NEWS
Archaeologists Discovered 3,300-year-old Ancient City In Iran
Archaeologists on 2 October have discovered an ancient city called Idu , that thrived between 3,300 and 2,900
years ago, hidden beneath a mound in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq.Located in a valley on the northern
bank of the lower Zab River, the remains of the city Idu, are now part of a mound created by human occupation
called a tell, which rises about 32 feet above the surrounding plain.
Worlds Largest Hindu Temple To Come Up In Bihar
The worlds largest Hindu temple named Virat Angkor Wat Ram Mandir with a towering height of 405 feet , will
be built in Bihar.The proposed Virat Ramayan Mandir, at Janki Nagar near Kesaria in West Champaran district,
about 125 km from Patna, will stand almost double the height of world-famous 12th century Angkor Wat temple
complex in Cambodia, which is 215 feet high.The temple is to be built at a cost of over Rs.500 crore.
ABBREVIATIONS
BPCL - Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
AAA - Asian Athletics Association
CITU - Centre of Indian Trade Unions
EVM - Electronic Voting Machine
ERDA - Energy Research and Development Administration
FEMA - Foreign Exchange Management Act
GFCI - Global Financial Centres Index
GIC - General Insurance Corporation
MNC - Multi National Corporation
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
OPEC - Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries
WEF - World Economic Forum
BOOKS IN NEWS
Autobiography of Malala Yousafzai entitled I am Malala Released
The autobiography of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot by the Taliban for supporting girls
education released on 8 October in London.Malala Yousafzais story is detailed in I Am Malala: The Girl Who
Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban, co-written with British journalist Christina Lamb, and tells of
the day two Taliban gunmen boarded her school bus on 9 October 2012, and shot her in the head.The
autobiography talks about Yousafzais life as an activist under the Talibans brutal rule in northwestern Pakistan in
the mid-2000s, when the group banned female education and bombed local schools.
COMMITTEES
Mukul Mudgal Committee Submitted Report on Cinematograph Act
The Empowered Committee headed by Mukul Mudgal, retired Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court
submitted its report on 9 October to Information and Broadcasting Minister, Government of India.The committee
was appointed to examine issues of certification under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and give
recommendations.The committee was constituted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 4 February
2013.The committee revisited major areas of concern and has made key recommendations on issues such as:
Advisory Panels; Guidelines for certification and issues such as portrayal of women, obscenity and communal
disharmony; Classification of Films; Treatment of Piracy; Jurisdiction of the Appellate Tribunal; and Review of the
provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.Apart from giving its recommendations, the committee has also
proposed a draft Cinematograph Bill.
Kirit Parekh Committee on Pricing of Diesel, Petrol & LPG Submits Report
Kirit Parikh committee on advising Pricing Methodology for Diesel, Domestic LPG and PDS Kerosene submitted
report to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry on 30 October.The committee in its report recommended a price
increase of 5 Rupees per litre in diesel, 4 Rupees per litre in kerosene, and 250 Rupees in LPG cylinder with
immediate effect.The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on 12 June 2013 constituted an Expert Group to
advice on Pricing Methodology for Diesel, Domestic LPG and PDS Kerosene.The panel was headed by planning
commission member Dr. Kirit S. Parikh.
United Nations Day Observed Across the World on 24 October
The United Nations Day was observed across the world on 24 October 2013. The UN Day is observed to mark the
anniversary of entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. The founding document was ratified on this day by its
signatories, including the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. With this, the United
Nations came into being officially. 24 October is celebrated and observed as the UN day since the year 1948. In
the year 1971, the UN General Assembly recommended that this day should be observed as the public holiday by
the Member States.
World Food Day Observed Every Year on 16 October
World Food Day celebrated on 16 October every year across the world since 1981. The main objective of the
World Food Day is to strengthen national and international solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition
and poverty and draw attention to achievements in food security and agricultural development.The Theme of the
World Food Day 2013 is Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition.
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September 2013 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Tony Abbott is Australias new Prime Minister
Tony Abbott , Leader of the Liberal Party elected as the Prime Minister of Australia on 8 October.Liberal Party
won the 44th Parliamentary elections. Liberal Party defeated the in-power Labor Party in the general elections
held on 7 September 2013 to return back in power as the Liberal-National coalition for the first time in six
years.With this win, Tony Abbott the leader of the Liberal-National Coalition will become the Prime Minister of the
Country and successor of Kevin Rudd of the Labor Party.The coalition won 88 seats in the 150 seat Parliament.
The ruling Labor Party was successful in winning 57 seats.
US and Russia Agreement on Removing Chemical Weapons on Syria
The United States and Russia have on 14 September agreed on a framework for removing chemical weapons from
Syria .The breakthrough was announced after three day talks between the US Secretary of State John Kerry and
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva.The USA and Russia have agreed that Syrias chemical
weapons must be destroyed or removed by mid-2014. USA outlined a six-point framework under which Syria must
hand over a full list of its stockpile within a week.
European Union Pledges 650 million euros To Somalia
The European Union has pledged 650 million euros ($868 million) in aid to Somalia to back a three-year
reconstruction plan aimed at building on fragile security gains in the country.International donors met in Brussels
on 16 September to approve Somalias New Deal.International donors pledged 1.8 billion euros for Somalia.
232 Million Global Migrants Living Abroad World Wide
On 12 September According to the new figures from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-
DESA) showed that 232 million people, or 3.2 percent of the worlds population, live abroad worldwide, compared
with 175 million in 2000 and 154 million in 1990.With more people than ever living abroad, Asia sees the largest
increase of international migrants in the past decade, and the US remains the most popular destination.New
figures from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) showed that 232 million people, or 3.2
percent of the worlds population, live abroad worldwide, compared with 175 million in 2000 and 154 million in
1990.The new estimates include breakdowns by region and country of destination and origin, and by sex and age.
The north, or developed countries, is home to 136 million international migrants, compared with 96 million in the
south, or developing countries.
Egyptian Court Bans Muslim Brotherhood
The Egypt court on 23 September has banned the Muslim Brotherhood from carrying out any activities in the
country.The court also ordered the seizure of any assets held by the Brotherhood, estimated by the interim
military-backed government to have more than a million members.The administrative court gave the ruling after a
lawsuit was filed by the leftist Tagammu Party to review the Islamist groups status as a non-governmental
organisation.
INDIA & WORLD
3rd India Republic of Korea Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue Held In Seoul
The 3rd India Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) was held in Seoul on 2
September .The Indian side was led by Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
and the Republic of Korea (ROK) side was led by First Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Kim Kyou-hyun.Both
nations discussed ways to further expand and deepen their Strategic Partnership. They undertook a
comprehensive review of bilateral ties, including in the fields of economic collaboration, defense and security
cooperation, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.They agreed to step up cooperation in the spheres
of maritime and cyber security.It was agreed that the 4th India-ROK Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue will be
held at New Delhi at a mutually convenient time in 2014.
Government Approves India-Abu Dhabi Air Services Agreement
The India-Abu Dhabi bilateral air services agreement, which ran into controversy following the Jet-Etihad deal, was
approved by the Government of India on 2 September enabling their airlines to fly 50,000 seats each week, up
from the current level of 13,700.The agreement received post-facto approval of the Union Cabinet at a meeting
chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in NewDelhi
7th India-Laos Joint Commission Meeting Held In Vientiane
The 7th India-Lao Joint Commission Meeting on bilateral cooperation was held in Vientiane on 9 September.In the
meeting Indian side was led by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and the Laos side was led by Dr.
Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.An Agreement under Line of Credit for
four Irrigation Projects in three provinces in the Lao PDR for 30.94 million US dollars was signed and conversion of
another Line of Credit to substitute the Nam Boun-2 hydro power plant by the extension of transmission lines to
Thasala-Laksao amounting to 35.25 million US dollars was approved. The projects will contribute to socio-
economic development in Lao PDR.The two nations identified agriculture, defence, ICT, culture, education, health,
trade and investment promotion, mining as priority areas of cooperation between the two countries that would give
further impetus to bilateral relations.
India, Japan Signed Statement To Study LNG Pricing
India and Japan on 9 September signed a statement on conducting a joint study on the pricing of Liquefied Natural
Gas (LNG) with an aim to form a transparent and globally competitive LNG price in the Asia Pacific market.Indias
Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Veerappa Moily and Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry
Toshimitsu Motegi signed the joint statement in Tokyo.
India China Agreed To Enhance Cooperation In Media Sector
India and China on 16 September have agreed to initiate steps to include media cooperation as part of 2014
celebrations being observed to commemorate Friendly Exchanges between the two countries.The agreement
was a part of the first meeting of the India-China Media Forum being held in New Delhi. The meeting took place
between Manish Tewari, Minister for Information & Broadcasting of India and Cai Ming Zhao, Minister of State
Council Information Office of China.
India and US signed First Commercial Agreement Under Nuclear Deal
Five years after India and the US signed a landmark civil nuclear deal, the two countries have clinched the first
commercial agreement on civilian nuclear power cooperation.President Barack Obama announced the agreement
on 27 September after his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the White House Oval Office.Indias
nuclear operator NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited) and US firm Westinghouse have signed an
agreement that will pave the way for setting up an atomic plant in India.
NATIONAL
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Launched Gandhi Heritage Portal In NewDelhi
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 2 September launched the Gandhi Heritage Portal in New Delhi.The
Gandhi heritage Portal is set up to preserve, protect and disseminate original writings of Gandhiji.The Gandhi
Heritage Portal is a technology-driven initiative aimed at making Gandhiji accessible all over the world on an
electronic platform. It would be one of the most authentic open source archives on the life and work and thought of
Mahatma Gandhi.
3rd All India Survey on Higher Education Launched
On 3 September Minister of State for Human Resource Development Jitin Prasada launched the third All India
Survey on Higher Education (AISHE)-2012-13 .The survey was initiated in the year 2011 to prepare a robust data-
base on higher education.Data for the year 2010-11 was collected during the first year of the survey.Keeping in
view the usefulness of data collected during the very first year, Ministry has decided to make this survey an
annual exercise of data collection in higher education sector. The survey covers all the Higher Education (HE)
Institutions of the country including Universities, Colleges, and Stand-Alone Institutions.The main items of data
collection under survey are Basic details, Programme details, Teaching & Non-Teaching Staff, Student Enrolment,
Examination Results and Scholarships.
Judicial Appointments Commission Bill Passed In Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha on 5 September passed the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, which seeks to scrap the
collegium system of appointing judges to higher courts.The bill, which entails Constitutional amendment, seeks to
set up a Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) to recommend appointment and transfer of Supreme Court and
High Court judges.
Lok Sabha Passed Bill To Set Up First National Aviation University
Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University Bill, 2013 was passed by the Lok Sabha on 6 September.The purpose of
the bill is to establish the first-ever national aviation university in India, called Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation
University, which is named after Rajiv Gandhi. The University would train the cabin crew, pilots as well as aircraft
engineers.The proposed university would come up at Sonia Gandhis constituency of Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh.
Cabinet Committee On Economic Affairs Approved Proposal For Restructuring SJSRY
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on 3 September approved the proposal for restructuring of the
centrally sponsored Scheme of Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) in the 12th Plan and as the
National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) with an allocation of approximately Rs. 6,405 crore.The mission of
National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) is reduction of poverty and vulnerability of the urban poor households
by enabling them to access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities.The mission will
also aim at providing shelter equipped with essential services to the urban homeless in a phased manner.
President Gave Assent To Land Acquisition Bill
The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill
2013,has received the assent of the President of India on 27 Septmeber.The bill has now become law.The Lok
Sabha passed the bill on 29 August 2013 and Rajya Sabha passed the bill on 4 September 2013.The Right to Fair
Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Law, 2013, replaces a
British-era law of 1894. It provides for fair compensation to owners whose land is taken over, brings transparency
to the process and lays down measures for rehabilitation of those displaced.
STATES
Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Launched New Health Initiatives For Assam
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad on 1 September launched several new health
initiatives worth Rs.500 crores under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) for the strengthening of healthcare
services in Assam.The new initiatives are Free Generic Drug Service, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya karyakram
(RBSK), National Iron Plus Initiative, Fleet of 359 New Ambulances for National Ambulance Service.Ghulam Nabi
Azad also inaugurated Mother and Child Tracking System Call Centre and Tele-Radiology Project under NRHM.
Himachal Pradesh Scrapped Palchan-Rohtang Ropeway Project
Himachal Pradesh cabinet on 4 September decided to cancel construction of Palchan-Rohtang ropeway project in
Kullu district. The proposed project was planned to transport around 9000 visitors between Palchan and Rohtang
daily to decongest the Manali-Leh road. There is a huge rush of tourists between May and July every year.
Kerala Government Launched E-Payment Facility
The Kerala Government has launched on 5 September an e-payment facility system enabling people to pay
various utility bills and access Government department services online.The payment of Utility bills of Kerala State
Electricity Board, Kerala Water Authority, BSNL and university fees could be done through the gateway using
credit and debit cards of 66 banks identified for the scheme.One can avail the service at all Akshaya e-centers of
the government which would act as decentralized information hubs and service delivery points.
MP Government Decided To Constitute State Disaster Emergency Response Force
The Madhya Pradesh Government on 10 September decided to constitute a State Disaster Emergency Response
Force to deal with any calamity more effectively and provide immediate relief to affected persons.Initially, the State
Disaster Emergency Response Force will be set up in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior and Jabalpur districts.100 jawans
will be deployed in each of these districts.
Union Government Approved 1000 crore Proposal To Develop J&K sports
The Union Government of India on 16 September approved a special package 1000 crore Rupees to strengthen
sports infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir .The objective of the special package is construction of new stadiums
and sports fields across the state.The Jammu and Kashmir Government made a policy under which every block in
the state will be provided with both indoor and outdoor sports complexes. Every panchayat in the state will be
provided with a sports field, and the government will also upgrade the already available sports equipments.
Prime Minister Manmohan Laid The Foundation Stone For New Airport In Rajasthan
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 21 September laid the foundation stone for a new airport at Kishangarh town
in Ajmer District, Rajasthan.Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singhon also announced that small destinations in the
country will have air connectivity with a network of more than 100 airports, planned to meet the expected
passenger load capacity of 30 crore, by 2020.The first such airport will come up in Kishangarh town in
Rajasthans Ajmer district, the airport which is scheduled to get operational by 2016.
CONFERENCES
8th G-20 Summit Held In Saint Petersburg
The eighth G20 Summit was held at St. Petersburg , Russia on 5 6 September 2013.The G20 nations
discussed ways to ensure economic growth and financial stability, create jobs and combat unemployment,
stimulate investment and promote multilateral trade, international development and anti-corruption. The members
of the Group of Twenty (G-20) are: Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Great Britain, Germany, European Union, India,
Indonesia, Italy, Canada, China, Mexico, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, USA, Turkey, France, South Africa,
Republic of Korea, and Japan. The presidency of the G20 rotates annually among its members.During the
summit, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh focused on the ongoing economic crisis and urged the G-20
nations to pay more attention to their monetary policies.The 2014 G-20 Australia summit will be the ninth meeting
of the G-20 heads of government.It will be held in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, Australia, on 15-16
November 2014 .In a 27-page declaration adopted at the end of the two-day Summit , the group of 20
industrialised and major emerging economies also reaffirmed its commitment to roll back new protectionist
measures.
Important Points of G-20 Leaders Declaration :-
* Recognising the risk of economic slowdown and weakening trade posed by protectionism, the G20 has decided
to extend until the end of 2016 its standstill commitment to further progress in removing barriers and impediments
to global trade and investment.
* G-20 Leaders endorsed an ambitious action plan to change national tax rules that encourage multinational
companies to shift their profits to low- or no-tax jurisdictions, allowing them not to pay tax on much of their
income.
* The declaration committed itself to cooperate to ensure that policies implemented to support domestic growth
also support global growth and financial stability and to manage their spillovers other countries.
* It noted that the most urgent need is to increase the momentum of the global recovery, generate higher growth
and better jobs while strengthening the foundations for long term growth and avoiding policies that could cause the
recovery to falter or promote growth at other countries expense.
* Agreeing on the Action Plan, the leaders said cross-border tax evasion and avoidance undermine public finances
and trust in the fairness of the tax system.
* The Summit also shared Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs views on the need for orderly exit from the monetary
stimulus undertaken in the context of 2008 economic crisis.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Zubin Mehta Received Tagore Award
World acclaimed orchestra conductor Zubin Mehta was conferred the prestigious Tagore Award for Cultural
Harmony on 6 September by President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi.The award carries an amount of One
Crore Rupees, a citation in a scroll, a plaque as well as an exquisite traditional handicraft/handloom item.He is
the second recipient after sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar.
Amitabh Bachchan Honoured With 2013 Global Diversity Award
Veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan was conferred with the 2013 Global Diversity Award at the House
of Commons in the Palace of Westminster, Britain on 11 September.Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon
John Bercow MP, presented the award to Amitabh Bachchan.Bachchan, who has acted in more than 180 films,
was voted the greatest star of the millennium in a 1999 BBC poll.Frances highest civilian honour, the Knight of
the Legion of Honour, was conferred upon him by the French Government in 2007 for his exceptional career in the
world of cinema and beyond.
Indian Freedom Fighter Gets House of Commons Award
On 11 September An Indian freedom fighter was posthumously conferred a Lifetime Achievement Award at UKs
House of Commons for his contribution during Indias independence movement and its journey afterwards.Britains
Minister for Business Engagement with India Gregory Barker and Virendra Sharma, Chair of the Indo-British All
Party Parliamentary Group jointly presented the award to late Jawaharlal Dardas son, Vijay Jawaharlal Darda, MP
and Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Lokmat, the most widely circulated Marathi language newspaper.
John Abraham Honoured With Pride of the Nation Award
Bollywood actor John Abraham has been conferred with the Pride of the Nation award on 16 September for his
attempt to raise the sensitive issue of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhis assassination through his role as a
RAW agent in Madras Cafe.The award was presented by Anti Terrorist Front chairman Maninderjeet Singh in New
Delhi. All-India Anti-Terrorist Front (AIATF) is an anti-terrorist organisation led by Maninderjeet Singh Bitta.In
Madras Cafe film John Abraham made a courageous attempt to unravel the conspiracy behind the assassination
of Rajiv Gandhi. The film Madras Cafe is set in the late 80s and early 1990s, during the time of Sri Lankan civil
war and the assassination of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Malala Yousafzai Received Amnesty International Award
Pakistani education rights activist, Malala Yousafzai has been named as the recipient of 2013 Amnesty
Internationals highest award.Malala received Amnesty Internationals Ambassador of Conscience Award along
with American singer and human rights activist Harry Belafonte at ceremony on 17 September in Dublin,
Ireland.The Ambassador of Conscience Award is the human rights groups highest honour, recognizing individuals
who have promoted and enhanced the cause of human rights through their life and by example.She made her first
public appearance on 12 July 2013, her 16th birthday, when she delivered a speech at the United Nations General
Assembly in New York.
President of India Presented National Communal Harmony Awards For The Year 2011 & 2012
The President of India Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Communal Harmony Awards for the year 2011
and 2012 at a function in New Delhi.
National Communal Harmony Award for 2011: - Odishas MD Janab Haji Abdul Bari and Mizorams
Khamliana jointly awarded for the year 2011 individual category. Both are social activists.
National Communal Harmony Award for 2012:- The Foundation for Amity and National Solidarity, Delhi
awarded for Organisational category. The foundation formed in 1984.The Foundation works for spreading amity
and communal harmony.
Bunker Roy and Malala Yousafzai Received Clinton Global Citizens Awards
India environmentalist Bunker Roy and Pakistans teenage education activist Malala Yousafzai on 23 September
2013 declared as winners of the Clinton Global Citizens Awards for the year 2013. Roy is the founder of the
Barefoot College, which has been providing solutions to problems in rural communities for more than 40
years.Malala Yousufzai has co-founded Malala Fund with the intension to continue support for universal access to
education.They received these awards during Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting on 24 September in New
York City.The Clinton Global Citizen Awards were launched in 2007 to honour outstanding individuals for their
visionary leadership, demonstrated impact, and sustainable and scalable work in solving global issues.
SPORTS & GAMES
US Open Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners
Womens Singles :- On 8 September Serena Williams (U.S) won the US Open Tennis Tournament 2013
Womens singles title after defeated Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New
York.With this win Serena Williams secured her fifth US Open title and 17th Grand Slam title of the overall career.
Mens Singles :- Rafael Nadal (Spain) won the 2013 mens singles U.S. Open title after defeated Novak Djokovic
(Serbia) in the final.It is Nadals second US Open title, and his 13th Grand Slam.
Womens Doubles :- Czech duo Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka won the U.S. Open womens doubles
title after defeated Australias Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua in the final.
Mens Doubles :- The pair of Leander Paes of India and Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic won the doubles
title after defeated Alexander Peya of Austria, and Bruno Soares of Brazil in the final .Leander Paes has earlier
won the US open title two times .Now Paes has 14 major titles in his cupboard, including six mixed doubles
trophies.
Tokyo To Host 2020 Summer Olympics
On 7 September Tokyo has been chosen to host the 2020 summer Olympic Games by the events organising
committee, beating out Istanbul and Madrid in the final vote tally.Japan won the right to host Olympic Games for
the second time. It had previously hosted the Games in 1964.
Wrestling Selected for 2020 Olympic Games
Wrestling regained entry into the Olympic Games program on 8 September after the International Olympic
Committee selected the sport for inclusion in the 2020 and 2024 Games over bids from squash, baseball and
softball.IOC at its 125th session held in Buenos Aires, Argentina decided to include wrestling in the 2020
Olympics in addition to the 25 core sports.Wrestling, squash and baseball/softball were in contention for being
included as an additional sport in the 2020 Olympics.
Afghanistan Won SAFF Championship 2013
Afghanistan, for the first time in its history, won the trophy of South Asian Football Federation (SAFF)
Championship 2013 defeated India 2-0 in the final held at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on 11 September.
India has won the championship six times (1993, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011).The next edition of the SAFF
Championship will be held in India in 2015.
Mohameddan Sporting Won Durand Foot Ball Cup
Kolkatas Mohammedan Sporting club won the 126th Durand Foot ball tournament on 19 September as it
defeated ONGC 2-1 in the final at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi.They have lifted the cup after 73 years
having won it back in 1940.The Durand Football Tournament was started at Simla in the year 1888 by Sir Henry
Mortimer Durand, who was then, the Foreign Secretary to Government of India. Durand is the third oldest football
tournament in the world and oldest in Asia and India.
Sania Mirza Wins Pan Pacific Open Doubles Title
Sania Mirza of India and Cara Black of Zimbabwe won the Toray Pan Pacific Open tennis championship womens
doubles title after defeated Hao-Ching Chan (Chinese Taipei) and Liezel Huber (USA) in the final at Tokyo on 28
September .This was Sanias fourth title of the season.
India Won Sultan of Johor Cup Hockey Tournament 2013
India defeated Malaysia 3-0 to win 3rd Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament in Johor Bahru on 29
September .The goals from the Indian side were scored by Amon Mirash Tirkey (22nd), Affan Yousuf (52nd) and
Manpreet Singh (64th).
ECONOMY
Microsoft Decided To Buy Nokias Mobile Phone Unit and Services
Microsoft Corporation and Nokia Corporation on 3 September announced that both companies have decided to
enter into a transaction whereby Microsoft will purchase substantially all of Nokias Devices & Services business,
license Nokias patents, and license and use Nokias mapping services.Under the terms of the agreement,
Microsoft will pay 3.79 billion Euros to purchase substantially all of Nokias Devices & Services business, and
1.65 billion Euros to license Nokias patents, for a total transaction price of 5.44 billion Euros in cash.Nokia
Corporation is a Finnish multinational communications and information technology corporation (originally a paper
production plant) that is headquartered in Espoo, Finland.Its principal products are mobile telephones and portable
IT devices.Nokia owns a company named Nokia Solutions and Networks, which provides telecommunications
network equipment and services.
India Now Has 7850 Ultra Wealthy Individuals
On 11 September According to the 2013 Wealth-X report , India has 7850 UHNW (Ultra-High-Net-Worth)
individuals in 2013 compared to 7730 in 2012 an increased of 1.6 percent. Out of these, 103 individuals have
wealth of over USD 1 Billion dollars. The billionaire club has shrunk from 109 people in 2012 to 103 in 2013.Total
combined wealth of billionaires also fell by 5.3 per cent $180 billion ($190 bn in 2012).A city-wise analysis shows
that more than 90 per cent of Indias UHNW population live in top 10 cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore,
Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Gurgaon and Jaipur.Mumbai and Delhi, however, dominate with
more than 50 per cent of the countrys UHNW population based in one of these two cities.
Cabinet Approved Buying $ 4.3 billion World Bank Bonds
The Union Cabinet on 12 September gave the go-ahead to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to invest $4.3 billion in
special bonds of the World Bank as it would help in securing additional funding from the multilateral lending
agency for infrastructure development projects.Under the arrangement, the Reserve Bank of India will subscribe to
special private placement of bonds by the IBRD, a lending arm of the World Bank.
Indian Economy To Grow At 5.3% In 2013-14
The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (of India) on 13 September 2013 released the report
Economic Outlook 2013-14 in New Delhi.The economic growth forecast of India for the current fiscal 2013-14
was lowered to 5.3 percent from 6.4 percent projected earlier. The PMEAC had in April 2013 projected 6.4 percent
growth for Indian economy for current financial year.RBI too had earlier lowered its growth projection for this fiscal
to 5.5 percent from 5.7 percent.
Highlights of the of Economic Outlook India are as following : -
* The PMEAC expects the agriculture sector to grow by 4.8 percent in the current fiscal up from 1.9 percent, while
the industrial growth has been pegged at 2.7 percent as against 2.1 percent in 2012-13.
* Services projected to grow at 6.6%in 2013-14 as against 7.1% in 2012-13.
* Referring to the external sector, the advisory council expressed hope that the Current Account Deficit (CAD) in
2013-14 will come down to 70 billion US dollars or 3.8 percent of GDP, from 88.2 billion US dollars or 4.8 percent
a year ago.
* The trade deficit ,would come down to around USD 185 billion in 2013-14, against an estimated USD 195.7
billion in 2012-13.
* Between 2010-11 and 2012-13, the combined impact of higher net oil and net gold imports on the CAD (Current
Account Deficit) was almost 57 billion US dollars or 3 percent of GDP.
* The CAD may go even below $ 70 billion in 2013-14 if the recent trends in exports and imports are maintained
through the year.
* Net Capital flows are projected to fall to USD 61.4 billion in 2013-14 against an estimated USD 89.4 billion in
2012-13 putting pressure on the countrys forex reserves.
RBI Increases Repo Rate By 25 Basis Points
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 20 September increased the repo rate or the short term lending rate by 25
basis points to 7.5 per cent from 7.25 per cent with immediate effect. This means that the Repo rate has been
increased by 0.25 percent.The cash reserve ratio (CRR) remained unchanged at 4 percent.The RBI previously
raised the repo rate in October 2011 by 0.25 per cent to 8.5 per cent.
India Entertainment & Media Outlook 2013 Report Released
According to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) s latest report titled,
India Entertainment & Media Outlook 2013 was released on 13 September in New Delhi.
Highlights of the India Entertainment & Media Outlook 2013 Report :-
* Indias entertainment and media industry to clock over INR 224, 500 crore by 2017: CII-PwC study forecast
CAGR of 18% over 2012-17
* Now the size of the Indian M&E sector increased from about 805 billion INR in 2011 to almost 965 billion INR in
2012 representing an year-on-year growth of 20%.
* The television and print sectors dominate the industry with about 40% and 22% contribution to industry revenues
respectively in 2012.
* Internet access now commands about 18% share and films 12% of industry revenues.
* Internet access now commands about 18% share and films 12% of industry revenues.
* The print sector revenues are expected to increase at over 9% CAGR to reach 331 billion INR in 2017 from 212
billion INR in 2012.
* Year-on-year sectors such as internet access (30%), internet advertising (29%), gaming (19%), and music
(15%) are expected to continue on their high growth trajectory.
* The radio sector is also expected to receive a fillip with the successful conclusion of Phase III licence auctions
and it is expected to grow at a robust CAGR of about 16%.
Indian Air Force inducts its Biggest Transport Aircraft C-17 Globemaster III
Union Defence Minister AK Antony on 2 September formally inducted IAFs biggest 70-tonne heavy-lift transport
aircraft C-17 Globemaster III into service at the Hindon Air Base near Delhi.The C-17 Globemaster III aircraft has
been procured from the US under a deal expected to be over Rs.20,000 crore.The C-17, with a capability to carry
around 70 tonnes of load and around 150 fully geared troops, will replace the Russian Il-76 as the biggest aircraft
in the IAF inventory till now.The IL-76 has the capability to carry loads upto around 40 tonnes.The IAF has placed
orders with the US for ten C-17 aircraft under the deal signed in 2011 and three of them have already been
delivered.The US Air Force is scheduled to complete the delivery of all the 10 planes by the end of 2014.
NASA Launches Spacecraft To Study Moon Atmosphere
NASAs Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) mission was successfully launched by a
Minotaur 5 (spin stabilised delivery version) rocket on 7 September from NASAs Wallops Flight Facility in
Virginia.LADEE is a robotic mission that will orbit the moon to gather detailed information about the lunar
atmosphere, conditions near the surface, and environmental influences on lunar dust.
Worlds Largest Volcano Discovered Under Pacific Ocean
The worlds largest volcano has been discovered on 5 September by University of Houston researchers on the floor
of the Pacific Ocean. The volcano, 1,600 kilometres east of Japan and called the Tamu Massif, is the size of the
British Isles.At 310,000 sq km (119,000 sq mi) Tamu Massif is comparable in size to Mars vast Olympus Mons
volcano the largest in the solar system..The volcano consists of a vast single rounded dome in the shape of a
shield, which is believed to have been formed 144 million years ago when it last erupted.Its top lies about 6,500
feet below the ocean surface.
Japan Launches New Epsilon Rocket
Japans Epsilon-1 rocket the first in a new generation of space rockets and the countrys first rocket in 12
years lifted off on 14 September from a space center on Japans southern main island of Kyushu.The rocket,
24 meters in height and 90 tons in weight, placed the Spectroscopic Planet Observatory for Recognition of
Interaction of Atmosphere, or SPRINT-A, into its orbit about an hour after the launch. The telescope will be used
to observe planets including Venus, Mars and Jupiter from its Earth orbit.The Epsilon is the first new rocket
design for Japan since the H2A was introduced in 2001. The H2A remains Japans primary rocket but officials
hope the Epsilon will lead to improvements in the more costly H2A program. Japan hopes to be more competitive
in the international rocket-launching business.
India Successfully Test Fired Nuclear Capable Agni V Long Range Missile
Indias most deterrent nuclear capable ballistic missile, Agni-5 was successfully test fired on 15 September from
Chandipur Test Range in Balasore district off Odisha coast.Developed by the Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO), the Agni-5 can carry a single nuclear warhead of over 1000 kg and can strike with precision
targets in China and Europe.The indigenously developed missile Agni-V is capable of striking a range of more than
5000 km. It is about 17 meter long and 2 metres wide with launch weight of around 50 tonnes.The first test flight of
the Agni-5 on 19 April 2012 was a phenomenal success after which India joined the select club of the United
States, Russia, France, Britain and China who have such capabilities. Agni-5 will give India the ability hit back or
have second-strike capability even after a nuclear attack. The missile is Indias fastest-travelling object and the
first one to cross the Equator when launched from India.In the Agni series, India at present has Agni-1 with 700
km range, Agni-2 with 2000 km range, Agni-3 and Agni-4 with 2500 km to more than 3500 range.
US Launches Unmanned Cygnus Cargo Ship To ISS
Orbital Sciences Corp launched the first flight of its unmanned Cygnus cargo ship on 18 September to the
International Space Station, as NASA forges ahead with its plan to privatise US space missions.The Cygnus
capsule, hitched to Orbital Sciences Antares rocket, blasted off from NASAs Wallops Flight Facility off Virginias
eastern coast.Cygnus will ferry about 1,300 pounds (590 kilograms) of food, clothing and other cargo for the crew
aboard the space station.
Iran Displays 30 Missiles With 2000 km Range
Iran paraded 30 missiles with a nominal range of 2,000 km on 22 September, the first time it had displayed so
many with a stated capacity to hit Israeli targets.Iran displayed 12 Sejil and 18 Ghadr missiles at the annual
parade marking the anniversary of the outbreak of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.The stated range of both missiles
would put not only Israel but also US bases in the Gulf within reach.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Rakesh Sood Appointed as PMs Special Envoy on Disarment and Non-Proliferation
On 1 September Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has appointed Rakesh Sood, Indias former Ambassador to
Nepal, Afghanistan and France and the countrys first Ambassador in charge of Disarmament in Geneva, as his
new Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation.Rakesh Sood is a recognised expert in his field and will
be able to make a valuable contribution to the countrys foreign policy on security, non-proliferation and
disarmament issues.
Deepak Sandhu Becomes The First Woman Chief Information Commissioner
On 5 September Deepak Sandhu became the first woman Chief Information Commissioner of the country.She was
administered the oath of the office by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee.Sandhu served in many key
positions like Principal Director General (Media and Communications) in the Press Information Bureau, Director
General of DD (News), Director General (News) All India Radio before taking over as Information Commissioner in
2009.
Kulkarni Becomes First Indian American State Judge In Northern California
On 6 September A leading Indian American lawyer, Sunil R Kulkarni, has become the first South Asian American
state judge in Northern California with his appointment to Santa Clara County Superior Court.In 2010, Indian
American Paul Singh Grewal was appointed a magistrate judge in US District Court for the Northern District of
California.
Thomas Bach is new IOC president
Thomas Bach of Germany on 10 September has been elected as the new president of the International Olympic
Committee (IOC).Bach succeeds Jacques Rogge, the Belgian who is stepping down after 12 years.Bach is also
the first gold medalist to become IOC president. He won gold in team fencing for West Germany in the 1976
Montreal Olympics.
Justice Prafulla Chandra Pant Appointed First Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court
On 19 September Justice Prafulla Chandra Pant has been appointed as the first Chief Justice of the newly
established Meghalaya High Court.Justice Pant will succeed Justice T Meena Kumari whose term as the
Meghalaya Chief Justice was over two months ago.Justice Pant is a judge of the Uttarakhand High Court.Born in
Pithoragarh district of then undivided Uttar Pradesh, he joined the UP Judicial Service in 1976 and held different
posts. After the creation of Uttarakhand, he was the first Secretary, Judicial, of the state.
Srinivasan Re-Elected As BCCI President For The Third Term
Narayanaswamy Srinivasan has been re-elected as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India
(BCCI) for a third term at its 84th annual general meeting (AGM) held at Chennai on 29 September. He was
unanimously re-elected as the president of BCCI for the term of 2013-14.
Ranjib Biswal Appointed as new IPL chairman
Former national selector Ranjib Biswal on 29 September has been appointed as chairman of the Indian Premier
League (IPL) during the Annual General Meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at Chennai.Prior
to this appointment Ranjib Biswal was manager of the Indian Cricket team during the ICC World Cup 2011 and the
ICC Champions Trophy 2013. He is also the head of Orissa Cricket Association.
B)RESIGNS
Rajasthan Minister Babulal Nagar Resigned
Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies Babulal Nagar on 19 September resigned from the Rajasthan cabinet
after being accused of raping a woman.
C)DEATHS
Audio Pioneer Ray Dolby of famed Sound System Died
Ray Dolby, the engineer who pioneered the noise reduction in audio recordings that produced clearer sound for
music and cinema, died on 12 September in San Francisco.He was the founder of Dolby Laboratories.His works
in noise reduction and surround sound has been appreciated across the world and have won recognitions
too.Dolby moved his company to San Francisco in 1976 and in 1989 was awarded an Oscar for his contributions
to cinema, which he shared with Dolby executive Ioan Allen.Dolby also was given musics Grammy award 1995
and televisions Emmys in 1989 and 2005.
Worlds Oldest Man Salustiano Sanchez-Blazquez Died
The worlds oldest man, a former musician and coal miner, Salustiano Sanchez-Blazquez has died at the age of
112 in Grand Island, New York on 13 September.Salustiano Sanchez-Blazquez was officially certified by
Guinness World Records as the worlds oldest man.He was born on 8 June 1901 in Spain.
D)VISITORS
Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Visited India
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia, visited India from 9 13 September 2013 .During this
visit,President Sirleaf met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in NewDelhi and held delegation level discussions on
bilateral, regional and international issues.Both sides noted that there still remained considerable potential for
cooperation and agreed to enhance the partnership between the two countries in all areas of mutual interest.On
12 September 2013, the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for the year 2012 was
conferred upon President Sirleaf.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Malala Yousafzai Inaugurates Europes Largest Library In UK
Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head in a failed assassination attempt by the Taliban, on 3
September inaugurated Europes biggest public library in her newly adopted home of Birmingham in UK.The
library of Brimingham was built with cost of 189-million pound ,while it has more than 200 public access
computers,theatres ,an exhibition gallery and music rooms.
Zardari Becomes First Pakistani President To Serve Full Term
Pakistans president stepped down on 8 September 2013, after finishing his five-year term .Asif Ali Zardari is the
first president in the history of Pakistani democracy to be democratically elected, serve his full term, and then
step down.He served as the 11th President of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013.
Diana Became First Woman to Swim Across Florida Straits without Shark Cage
Diana Nyad, 64-year old American long-distance swimmer became the first person to cross Florida Straits from
Cuba without any shark cage on 2 September 2013. This was her fifth attempt to cross the 110-mile (177-km)
distance.Diana Nyad completed the 110-mile or 177-km distance.
Nina Davuluri Wins Miss America 2014 Title
Nina Davuluri, Miss New York, was crowned the new Miss America on 15 September in Atlantic City, New
Jersey.Miss New York, Nina Davuluri, became the first contestant of Indian heritage and the second consecutive
contestant from New York to win the Miss America pageant.She succeeds another Miss New York, Mallory
Hagan, whose tenure was cut short when the pageant moved back to Atlantic City after a six-year stint in Las
Vegas, where winners were chosen in January.Nina Davuluri from Syracuse, sashayed off with the tiara and the
$50,000 scholarship cash.She is the first Miss America winner of Indian descent.
Megan Young Crowned Miss World 2013
Megan Young of Philippines was crowned Miss World 2013 at the Bali Nasa Dua Convention Center in Bali,
Indonesia on 28 September.Miss France, Marine Lorphelin took second place, while Miss Ghana, Carranzar Naa
Okailey Shooter ,came in third. Miss India World Navneet Kaur Dhillon finished among the top 20 finalists but
couldnt reach final ten. She won the title of Miss Multimedia.
PLACES IN NEWS
China Inaugurated Worlds Highest Daocheng Yading Civilian Airport
China has opened the worlds highest civilian airport named Daocheng Yading on 16 September in a restive and
remote Tibetan region of southwestern Sichuan province.The Daocheng Yading airport in Ganzi prefecture in
southwestern China is the worlds highest civilian airport.The region is a gateway to Tibet.Daocheng airport in
Garzi, a heavily ethnic Tibetan part of Sichuan, is 4411 metres above sea level, and overtakes Qamdo airport in
Tibet, which sits at 4334 metres above sea level, for the title of worlds highest.
Strong Earthquake Hits Pakistan
A major 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit southwestern Pakistan on 24 September, killed more than 350 people and
damaged several houses near the epicentre in a remote part of Balochistan province. The quake, with its epicentre
69 km from Awaran, was originally measured at 7.4 on the Richter Scale by the US Geological Survey which later
it revised to 7.8. Pakistans meteorological office gave the magnitude as 7.7.The 7.6 magnitude quake in 2005
killed at least 73,000 people and left several million homeless in one of the worst natural disasters to hit Pakistan.
ABBREVIATIONS
NCRB National Crime Records Bureau
AISHE All India Survey on Higher Education
MNIC - Multi-purpose National Identity Card
IBRD - International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organisation
HDI - Human Development Index
ESMA Essential Services Maintenance Act
DRDO Defence Research and Development Organisation
CTBT Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
BOOKS IN NEWS
India and Malaysia : Interwined Strands Book Released By Vice President of India
The Vice President of India M. Hamid Ansari on 9 September released a book entitled India and Malaysia:
Intertwined Strands at New Delhi . The book is authored by former Diplomat Veena Sikri. The book is written for
the Institute of South East Asian Studies (ISEAS), Singapore. It is a comprehensive book on a very useful subject
of relationship between India and Malaysia.
COMMITTEES
Nachiket Mor Committee To Frame Vision For Financial Inclusion
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 23 September announced a 13-member committee, including former Citibank
CEO Vikram Pandit and Axis Bank chief Shikha Sharma, to frame a clear and detailed vision for financial
inclusion/deepening across the country.The Committee is headed by Nachiket Mor, Member on the RBIs Central
Board of Directors. The committee, which will submit its final report by December 31.Committee is to lay down a
set of design principles that will guide the development of institutional frameworks and regulation for achieving
financial inclusion and financial deepening in India.
International Day of Peace Observed on 21 September
International Day of Peace observed on 21 September 2013 across the world to recognise the efforts of those who
have worked hard to end conflict and promote peace. The International Day of Peace is also a day of
ceasefire.The theme for the year 2013 is Education for Peace.Each year the International Day of Peace is
observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to
strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.The International Day of Peace
was established in 1981 by resolution 36/67 of the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening
session, which was held annually on the third Tuesday of September.
World Rabies Day Observed on 28 September
World Rabies Day observed on 28 September 2013 across the world to raise awareness about the impact of
rabies disease and to deliver the message that rabies is preventable.The theme for the year 2013 is Rabies:
Understand it to defeat it.World Rabies Day is an initiative of Global Alliance for Rabies Control and the day
started it in 2007 to create a global opportunity for people to focus on rabies prevention.The World Rabies Day is
observed each year on 28 September- on the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur who developed the first
efficacious rabies vaccine with his colleagues.
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August 2013 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Bangladesh Court Disqualifies Jamaat-e-Islami Party
On 1 August a Bangladesh court has disqualified the countrys largest Islamic party from taking part in the next
general election.The High Court panel ruled that the opposition Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami partys regulations
violate the constitutional provision of secularism.
Robert Mugabe Re-elected As President Of Zimbabwe
On 3 August Zanu-PF (Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front), the political party of the incumbent
President Robert Mugabe has won the Presidential election of Zimbabwe .Mugabe won 61 percent of the vote
against the 34 percent won by the Morgan Tsvangirai, the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe of Movement for
Democratic Change (MDC) party.With this win, Mugabe has won his seventh term to the office of the President of
Zimbabwe .Robert Mugabe is one of the leaders of the guerrilla movements against white-minority rule of
Zimbabwe and was elected to power in 1980.
China Built Port Terminal Opens In Sri Lanka
On 5 August Sri Lankas President, Mahinda Rajapakse declared open the new International Container Terminal of
the Colombo harbour.The $500 million Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) was built by China
Merchants Holdings.The new South Port is the only harbor in South Asia that can accommodate the Triple-E
Class vessels.85-pct of the investment is by CICT and the remaining 15-pct has been funded by the by the Sri
Lanka Ports Authority.
Ibrahim Boubacar Keita Elected As New President of Mali
On 12 August Former Prime Minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was elected as President of Mali.He won the Malis
Presidential elections , after his opponent and Ex-Finance Minister Soumala Cisse, conceded defeat. He was
Prime Minister of Mali from 1994 to 2000 and President of the National Assembly of Mali from 2002 to 2007. He
founded a political party, Rally for Mali (RPM), in 2001 and he has led the party since then. In addition to serving
in the National Assembly, Keita was a member of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African
States.
Britain Parliament Votes Against Possible Military Action In Syria
On 29 August the Britain Parliament rejected a proposal for military action in Syria .By a 285 to 272 margin
British MPs rejected the governments motion to support in principle military action against Syria.
INDIA & WORLD
India Signs DTAC protocol with Morocco
On 8 August India signed a Protocol amending the India Morocco Double Taxation Avoidance Convention
(DTAC) in New Delhi .The Protocol was signed by Dr Sudha Sharma, Chairperson, Central Board of Direct Taxes
on behalf of Government of India and H.E. Mr. Larbi Reffouh, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to India on
behalf of Government of the Kingdom of Morocco.The Protocol is based on international standards of transparency
and exchange of information. It provides for effective exchange of information including banking information
between tax authorities of the two countries.
5th India China Strategic Dialogue Held In Delhi
The 5th India-China Strategic Dialogue was held at New Delhi on 20 August .The Indian side was led by Foreign
Secretary Sujatha Singh and the Chinese side was led by Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin.The two sides
discussed several issues including enhancing understanding on the utilization of trans-border river waters,
expanding bilateral trade and investment while addressing problems of the large and growing deficit faced by India,
ways of maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the India-China border areas,
methods of boosting cultural cooperation as well as people-to-people exchanges and expansion of scientific and
technological cooperation.
India Third Largest Internet Using Nation
On 21 August According to research firm com Score latest report titled India Digital Future in Focus 2013 , India
with 73.9 million Net users is the worlds third largest Internet population, overtaking Japan (4th position) but
behind China (First position) and the US. (Second position) Riding on a 31 per cent year-on-year increase, Indias
online population grew to 73.9 million.With an extended online universe in excess of 145 million the market is at a
tipping point for online businesses.India overtook Japan by adding 17.6 million users in 2012.
Indians Third Largest Immigrant Group In US
On 23 August According to the Migration Policy Institute latest study report , Indians have emerged as the third-
largest immigrant group in the US behind Mexicans and Chinese, with nearly 1.9 million of them living in the
country.Indian population in the US has grown to over 150 times its size since 1960, when the slightly more than
12,000 Indian immigrants represented less than 0.5 per cent of the total immigrant population of 9.7 million
immigrants.Till 2011, Indian-born immigrants accounted for almost five per cent (1.86 million) of Americas 40.4
million immigrants.Almost one-third of all Indian immigrants resided in just two states- California and New
Jersey.More than a quarter of them lived in three major metropolitan areas- New York, Chicago and San Jose.Two
per cent of all unauthorised immigrants in the United States were also from India.
India and Iraq Signed Energy Cooperation Agreement
On 23 August India and Iraq signed an agreement on energy cooperation to boost the bilateral ties.The agreement
was signed along with three other agreements after comprehensive talks between Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan
Singh and his Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on strategic bilateral, regional and international issues. Iraq is an
important Gulf nation and has emerged as Indias second largest crude oil supplier after Saudi Arabia.
India Announced Rs 5,000 crore For Bhutan
On 31 August India announced an aid of Rs 5,000 crore, including a special package of Rs 500 crore, for Bhutan
as part of commitment to its continued socio-economic development, a move that assumes significance against
the backdrop of unease in the bilateral ties recently. India will contribute Rs 4500 crore towards Bhutans 11th
Plan, as well as Rs 500 crore towards an Economic Stimulus Package.The decision was announced after talks in
NewDelhi between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
NATIONAL
India Lost 220 Languages In Last 50 Years
On 9 August A two-year survey by Bhasha Research and Publication Centre based in Vadodara has revealed that
India has lost around 20 per cent of its languages over the last 50 years.Officials of the survey, called the Peoples
Linguistic Survey of India (PLSI) has held that the country had 1,100 languages in 1961 of which 220 have
vanished. The survey has found 780 languages and might have missed another 100, which makes it around
880.The 1961 census had recorded that India had 1,652 languages in all but the number was narrowed down to
1,100 later for variants of same languages were also included in the list. The 1971 census registered only 108
languages for it was decided that only those languages with over 10,000 speakers will be included.
Rajya Sabha Passed The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2012
On 13 August Rajya Sabha passed a bill to make registration of marriages mandatory.The Registration of Births
and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2012, which was passed by Rajya Sabha, seeks to provide compulsory registration
of marriages irrespective of religion. The registration of marriages will not apply to those who have registered their
marriage under any other law.At present, there is provision for registration of only births and deaths.
Lok Sabha Passed National Food Security Bill, 2013
On 26 August Lok Sabha passed the National Food Security Bill, 2013.The Bill seeks to give legal rights to get
subsidized grains every month to 67 percent of the overall population (of which 75 percent is rural and 50 percent
is urban population).A beneficiary will be entitled to 5 kg of rice, wheat or coarse cereals at Rs. 3, Rs. 2 and Re. 1
per kg a month, respectively.The beneficiaries will be identified by the States based on parameters prescribed by
the Union government.Once the Bill gets its nod in the Rajya Sabha and Presidents accent, India will join the
selected league of countries that guarantee food grants to a majority of its population.
Rajya Sabha Passed The Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010
On 26 August the Rajya Sabha passed The Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010 was passed by voice vote .It
seeks to amend the Hindu Marriage Act 1955 and the Special Marriages Act, 1954 which provides for irretrievable
breakdown on marriage as a ground for divorce as well as grants women the right to a share in the property of
their husbands.Under the new bill, a provision has been made to restrict the grant of decree of divorce on the
ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage if the court is satisfied that adequate provision for the maintenance of
children born out of the marriage has not been made consistently with the financial capacities of the parents.
Lok Sabha Passed Land Acquisition Bill
The Lok Sabha passed the landmark land acquisition and rehabilitation bill on 29 August 2013 that aims to
provide fair compensation to those whose land is taken, brings transparency to the process and details measures
for rehabilitation of those displaced.The bill, which will now be called, The Right to Fair Compensation and
Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2012, replaced a nearly 120-year-old law
enacted during British rule in 1894.
Companies Bill 2013 Receives Presidents Assent
The new Companies Bill has received Presidents assent, that will make it into a law replacing the nearly six-
decade old regulations that govern corporates in the country.The Companies Bill 2013 received assent from the
President Pranab Mukherjee on 29 August 2013.The Companies Bill 2012 was passed in Rajya Sabha on 8
August 2013 . Earlier, the bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on 18 December 2012. With the Presidents assent,
the Companies Bill 2012 became the Companies Act, 2013 (New Act).The new Bill, providing for sweeping
changes in the way companies operate and are regulated in the country, received Parliamentary approval earlier
this month. It would replace the Companies Act 1956.
STATES
Karnataka Becomes First State To Establish Calamities Relief Fund
On 5 August Karnataka Government has become the first state in the country to establish State Natural
Calamities Relief fund of Rs. 125 crore.The Relief Fund will provide for a natural calamities relief fund which would
provide for building capital assets and relief in respect of man-made disasters that are not covered under the state
disaster response fund guidelines of the Government of India.
First Public Sector Breast Milk Bank Inaugurated In Kolkata
On 7 August A modern and sophisticated breast milk bank was inaugurated at the state-run Seth Sukhlal Karnani
Memorial Hospital (SSKM) by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee . This novel scheme was launched to
cater to the basic needs of a child who is just born, but does not get the milk from the mother or when the mother
dies after giving birth to the child.The breast milk bank would help specially to non-lactating mothers. The stored
milk can be used to feed babies whose mothers fall ill during the six-month lactating period after pregnancy.
Indias First Cyber Forensic Laboratory (CFL) Established In Tripura
The first Cyber Forensic Laboratory (CFL) of India was established in Tripura on 11 August .The lab was
established at the Tripura High Court and the purpose of the lab is to facilitate information related to court cases.
The CFL was inaugurated by Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B. Lokur.
Agar-Malwa Becomes The 51st District Of Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh government gave nod to creation of the new district of Agar-Malwa, taking the number of districts
in the state to 51.The district will come into existence on 16 August.The new district will be created by bifurcating
Shajapur district; it will comprise the tehsils of Agar, Badoud, Susner and Nalkheda. Headquarters would be at
Agar town.Spread over 2,785 square km, Agar-Malwa will have population of 4.80 lakh.
Sonia Sonia Gandhi Launches Food Security Scheme In Delhi
On 20 August Congress president Sonia Gandhi launched the Centre-Sponsored Food security scheme on the
occasion of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhis 69th birth Anniversary.Delhi was the first state to implement the
scheme.Under the scheme, a total of 73.5 lakh people will get foodgrain at highly subsidised rates.The food
security programme would provide subsidised grains for 67 per cent of the population and would see government
spending an estimated Rs. 1,25,000 crore to supply 62 million tonnes of grains. Under the scheme, beneficiaries
would get wheat at Rs. 2 a kg, rice at Rs. 3 a kg and coarse grain at Rs. 1 a kg.Congress party ruled northern
states Haryana and Uttarakhand have also launched this scheme.
Maharashtra Cabinet Approved Anti-Black Magic and Superstition Ordinance
On 21 August the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the Anti-Black Magic and Superstition Ordinance after the
death of anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar.The decision was taken by the state cabinet in wake up of
the protests that followed after the murder of Dabhokar in Pune on 20 August 2013.Dabholkar was at the forefront
of a campaign to persuade the Maharashtra government to pass an anti-superstition and black magic bill.
Rajasthan Government Laid Foundation Stone For Worlds Largest Solar Park
On 21 August State Government of Rajasthan laid the foundation stone for worlds biggest solar park at Bhadla of
Jodhpur District of Rajasthan.The solar park with generation capacity of 3000 MW would be commissioned in
phased manner. In its first phase the solar park will generate 1000 MW.Solar Park would be established in 10
thousand hectare land and Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide 3000 crore rupees loan for development of
transmission lines of this solar park.
CONFERENCES
BRICS Business Council Meeting Held In Johannesburg
The first BRICS Business Council Meeting was held on 19 20 August 2013 in Johannesburg , South Africa.The
objective of the meet is aiming to increase the trade and investment ties between participating economies.The
two-day meeting was attended by the Chairpersons of the respective chapters of the BRICS Business Council
that attended the meeting are: Jose Rubens de la Rosa (Brazil), Sergey Katyrin (Russian Federation), Onkar
Kanwar (India) and MA Zehua (China).The meeting was chaired by Patrice Motsepe, Chairman of the South
African and BRICS Business Council.In a joint statement following the first BRICS Business Council meeting ,the
council made several recommendations includes urging governments to facilitate convenience in expediting
multiple entry business visas for longer periods, as well as considering a proposal to create a BRICS business
travel card ; Enhancing connectivity; and Creating a BRICS business portal, which will be facilitated by the
BRICS Business Council Secretariat, among others.The council has agreed to work together in areas such as
infrastructure, mining and mineral beneficiation, value-added manufacturing development, skills development and
sustainable development.BRICS an acronym for the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa group of
countries.The BRICS Business Council was established during the 2013 BRICS Summit in Durban in March, with
South African businessman Patrice Motsepe named chairman of the body.
Second ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus Held In Brunei
The 2nd ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus has concluded in Brunei on 29 August .Defense ministers from
ASEAN signed a declaration of commitment to enhance peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.They
committed to adhere to the principles of equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit and respect for international laws
in the handling of disputes. The defense ministers also agreed to promote better understanding and confidence-
building measures among defense establishments.ASEAN Defence ministers meeting firstly convened in
Vietnams capital Hanoi on October 12, 2010, the regional event has involved 18 member states, including
ministers from the 10 ASEAN nations.ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus was established in 2010.This
forum is convened every two years.The third ADMM-Plus is scheduled to be held in Malaysia in 2015.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Malayalam Poetess Sugathakumari Awarded With Saraswati Samman 2013
On 2 August Renowned Malayalam poetess and social activist Sugathakumari has been conferred with the
prestigious Saraswati Samman 2012 for Manalezhuthu (the Writings on the Sand), a collection of poems in
Malayalam.Manalezhuthu was published in the year 2006.Saraswati Samman Award was instituted by KK Birla
Foundation in 1991.This award is given every year to the literary work in any Indian language which is the part of
Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
US Presidential Medal To Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey
On 8 August Barack Obama, the US President would confer the Presidential Medal of Freedom on former US
President, Bill Clinton and talk show queen, Oprah Winfrey. It is the highest civilian honour of America.
Indian American Professor Received Top US Environmental Award
On 16 August An Indian American professor of biological and agricultural engineering has been recognised by a
top US environmental and water resources institute for his pioneering work in hydrology. Vijay P Singh, professor
and Caroline ; William N Lehrer distinguished chair in the department of biological and agricultural engineering at
Texas A&M University, was named a recipient of the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Society
of Civil Engineers Environmental and Water Resources Institute (ASCE-EWRI).Singh is an internationally
recognised and pre-eminent engineer specialising in water resources engineering and hydrology. His work has
developed the application of kinematic wave theory to the point where it is widely used throughout the world in
hydrologic models used for water resource modelling, flood planning and hydrologic design.
Harshwanti Bisht Selected For Sir Edmund Hillary Mountain Legacy Medal 2013
On 12 August Professor of economics, and conservationist, and mountaineer Dr. Harshwanti Bisht has been
selected to receive the Sir Edmund Hillary Mountain Legacy Medal 2013.The award is presented for remarkable
service in the conservation of culture and nature in mountainous regions.In 2003 the Sir Edmund Hillary Mountain
Legacy Medal was initiated by unanimous resolution of the Namche Conference: Parks, People and Mountain
Tourism.
Malala Yousafzai Wins International Childrens Peace Prize
On 27 August Pakistani school pupil and education activist Malala Yousafzai won the International Childrens
Peace Prize 2013. The peace prize carries a cash value of 100000 euros (133000 US dollars) which is invested in
projects relating to the winners cause. The International Childrens Peace Prize is an initiative of the Amsterdem-
based Dutch KidsRights Foundation. It was launched in the year 2005 by former Soviet President Mikhail
Gorbachev, when he chaired the Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome. Since then, the prize has been
awarded every year by a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. The prize is presented annually to an exceptional child,
whose courageous or otherwise remarkable actions have made a difference in countering problems, which affect
children around the world.
Mandela Is The First Recipient Of Mahathir Award For Global Peace
On 27 August Former South African President Nelson Mandela was awarded the first Lifetime Campaigner for
Peace and Freedom of the Mahathir Award for Global Peace .Current South African President Jacob Zuma
received the award on behalf of Mandela, who is in a critical condition in a hospital in Pretoria.The Mahathir Award
for Global Peace is a peace award instituted by the Mahathir Global Peace Foundation. The foundation was
formed to contribute to worldwide peace efforts.Mahathir bin Mohamad is a Malaysian politician who was the
fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia. He held the post for 22 years from 1981 to 2003, making him Malaysias
longest serving Prime Minister.
SPORTS & GAMES
India Won Bronze Medal at Junior Women Hockey World Cup
On 4 August Indian Junior Women Hockey team won its first ever Bronze medal in ERGO Hockey Junior World
Cup at Monchengladbac, Germany .India defeated England by 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out.Indian forward Rani was
declared the Best Player of the ERGO Junior Women Hockey World Cup 2013.The Netherland team won the final
against Argentina and clinched the trophy for a record third time.
Parimarjan Negi Won Politiken Cup
On 4 August Indian Grandmaster Parimarjan won the Denmarks Politiken Cup at Copenhagen, Denmark by
gaining 9 out of the total possible 10 points. He defeated the seventh seed, Italian Sabino Brunello in just 31
moves of Ruy Lopez.
Jadeja First Indian After Kumble To Top ODI Bowlers List
On 4 August Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja became the first Indian bowler to top the bowlers chart in the latest
ICC ODI Player Rankings after former captain Anil Kumble claimed the pole position way back in 1996.Overall,
Jadeja is the fourth India bowler after Kapil Dev (March 1989), Maninder Singh (December 1987-November 1988)
and Kumble to claim the number-one spot in ODIs.
Franklin Wins Record 6 Golds at World Swimming Championships
On 5 August American swimmer Missy Franklin became the first woman to win six gold medals at a world-
championships.She claimed her record sixth gold medal of the world championships , swimming the leadoff leg for
the Americans in the 400-meter medley relay in Barcelona, Spain.Missy Franklin won four golds and a bronze at
the 2012 London Games, joins American men Michael Phelps and Mark Spitz as well as German woman Kristin
Otto with six golds in either a world or Olympic competition.Franklin became the winningest female swimmer ever
at a world meet, eclipsing the record that was shared by Tracy Caulkins, who won five times in 1978, and Libby
Trickett, who did it in 2007.
PV Sindhu Won Bronze Medal at World Badminton Championships
On 10 August Indian shuttler P V Sindhu lost to the Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand in the semi-final match at the
World Badminton Championships at Guangzhou, China.P V Sindhu now became the only second Indian singles
player to win a medal after Prakash Padukone .Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa had won the doubles bronze
in London in 2011.
World Badminton Championship 2013 Winners
Womens Singles :- Thailands Ratchanok Intanon won the womens singles title ,after defeated Li Xuerui (China)
in the final at the World Badminton Championships at Guangzhou.This is the first time any shuttler from Thailand
has won a gold at the Worlds in any category.
Mens Singles :- Chinas Lin Dan reinforced his claim to being the greatest badminton player in history after he
defeated arch rival Malaysian Lee Chong Wei in the World Championship final to become the first man to win five
world singles titles.
Rogers Cup Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners
Womens Singles :- On 11 August Serena Williams (U.S) won the Rogers Cup Tennis Tournament Womens
singles title ,after defeated Romanias Sorana Cirstea in the final at Montreal (Canada).Serena Williams won the
Rogers Cup womens title for the third time.
Mens Singles :- Rafael Nadal (Spain) won his third Rogers Cup Mens Singles title , after defeated Canadas
Milos Raonic in the final.
Marion Bartoli Retires From Tennis
On 14 August Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli of France announces her retirement from professional
tennis.She announced the retirement after losing in the second round of the Cincinnati Masters to Romanias
Simona Halep. She is ranked seventh in the world.Besides Wimbledon 2013, Bartoli won seven other WTA Tour
titles, the first one was in Auckland in 2006. Recently she won two tournaments both in 2011 at Eastbourne and
Osaka, Japan, prior to Wimbledon.
2013 World Championships in Athletics Winners
The 14th World Championships in Athletics are held in Moscow, Russia from 1018 August 2013. Russia (17
medals )topped the medal table with seven gold, four silver, and six bronze medals.The US (25 medals) came in
second place at the event, receiving six gold, 13 silver, and six bronze medals. Jamaica (19 medals )placed third,
with its athletes earning six gold, two silver, and one bronze.
Winners Of The 2013 World Championships in Athletics :-
* Jamaicas Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce both won three gold medals in the mens and womens 100
m, 200 m and 4 x 100 m relay respectively to become the most successful athletes at the event.Usain Bolt
moved to the top of the all-time World Championships medal table by winning three gold medals.It was Bolts
second three gold performance at the World Championships.With this victory Usain Bolt has joined the club of
highest (8) gold medal winners list along with American womens 200m specialist Allyson Felix, and retired US
track stars Carl Lewis and Michael Johnson including relays.
* Christina Obergfoll of Germany won the womens javelin title with a throw of 69.05 metres .
* French athlete Teddy Tamgho claimed gold in the mens triple jump event ,, with a jump measuring 18.04m.
* In the Mens 1, 500 metres race Kenyan Asbel Kiprop ( 3min:36.2 sec) won the gold and Eunice Jepkoech Sum
of Kenya won gold in Womens 800 metres race (1min :57.38 sec)
* Womens 10,000 meters Race :- Tirunesh Dibaba (Ethiopia)
*Mens 10,000 meters Race :- Double Olympic champion Mo Farah of Britain created history once again in
Moscow as he became the first British man to win a 10,000m world title.The Somalia-born Mo Farah went down in
the history books as just the second man to win the 5000 and 10,000m races at the Olympics and the world
championships.
* Mens 20 kilometres Walk :- Aleksandr Ivanov (Russia)
* Womens Marathon :- Kenyas Edna Ngeringwony Kiplagat becomes the first women in history to defend her
world championship marathon title.
* Shot put :- New Zealands Valerie Adams has become the first woman to win four individual world athletics titles
in the same event.
* Mens 110 metres Hurdles :- David Oliver (USA)
* Mens 400metres Hurdles :- Jehu Gordon (Trinidad)
* Womens 400 metres Hurdles :- Zuzana Hejnova (Czech Republic )
* Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva won gold..Yelena Isinbayeva is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2004
and 2008), a three-time World Champion (2005, 2007 and 2013), the current world record holder in the event, who
is widely considered the greatest female pole-vaulter of all time.
Cincinnati Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners
Womens Singles :- On 18 August Victoria Azarenka of Belarus won the Cincinnati Tennis Tournament womens
singles title.Azarenka defeated Serena Williams of the U.S in the final at Cincinnati (U.S )
Mens Singles :- In the Mens category Rafael Nadal (Spain) has won the Cincinnati Tennis Tournament title for
the first time.He defeated John Isner (U.S) in the final.Nadals five Masters titles this season are a career best.
Hes tied with Novak Djokovic for most Masters titles in a season since 1990. Hes won seven of the nine Masters
events during his career.
Sania Mirza Jie Zheng pair Won New Haven Open Title
On 24 August Indias Sania Mirza won the womens doubles title at the New Haven Open Tennis tournament
along with her partner Jie Zheng of China.Sania and Jie defeated the pair of Anabel Medina Garrigues (Spain) and
Katarina Srebotnik (Slovenia) in the final at Yale.This is Sania Mirzas 17th WTA doubles title and the third Title in
2013.
Australias Aaron Finch Hits T20 World Record
Australian batsman Aaron Finch hit a new record in Twenty20 Internationals in Southampton (England), when he
scored 156 runs off 63 balls against England at Southampton on 29 August.Finch mashed 14 sixes and 11 fours
in his innings and surpassed the previous international record of 123, scored by New Zealands Brendon
McCullum.In the process he also became the first Australian to score a T20 international century.
ECONOMY
Union Cabinet Approved the Setting up of Bharatiya Mahila Bank
On 8 August the Union Cabinet approved the proposal for setting up of Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) with an
initial corpus of Rs 1,000 crore.The proposed bank will be headquartered in New Delhi.The Mahila Bank will start
with 6 branches one each in north, south, east, west, central and north eastern part of the country.The
proposed bank is likely to begin operations by November this year.
India Signed Agreement With World Bank For Low Income Housing Finance Project
On 14 August the government of India and the World Bank signed a $100 million credit agreement aimed at
helping low-income households in Indian cities access loans to purchase, build or upgrade their dwellings.The
Low Income Housing Finance Project would be implemented by the National Housing Bank (NHB).The credit
agreement for the Low Income Housing Finance Project was signed between the Government of India, National
Housing Bank (NHB) and World Bank in New Delhi.
Muslims Have Lowest Living Standard In India
According to the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) study titled Employment and Unemployment
Situation Among Major Religious Groups in India among various religious groups,Muslims have the lowest living
standard in the country
* According to the survey data , Muslims average per capita expenditure of just Rs 32.66 in a day.At the other end
of the spectrum, Sikh community enjoys a much better lifestyle as the average per capita spending among them
is Rs 55.30 per day, while the same for Hindus is Rs 37.50. For Christians it is Rs 51.43.
* At all-India level, the average monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) of a Sikh household was Rs 1,659 while
that for a Muslim household was Rs 980 in 2009-10.The average MPCE for Hindus and Christians were Rs 1,125
and Rs 1,543, respectively.The survey said that average monthly per capita consumption at all-India level was Rs
901 in villages and Rs1,773 in cities. Overall, the average MPCE was Rs 1,128.
* Muslims were at the bottom in rural areas, with an average MPCE of Rs 833, followed by Hindus at Rs 888,
Christians at Rs1,296 and Sikhs 1,498.
* In urban areas, Muslims average MPCE was also the lowest at Rs 1,272 followed by Hindus at Rs 1,797,
Christians Rs 2,053 and Sikhs at Rs 2,180.
Per Capita Income Up 6.7% in 2004-12
On 25 August According to official sources data ,the per capita income in the country increased 6.7 per cent per
annum during 2004-05 to 2011-12, while the percentage of poor declined by 2.2 per cent over the period.For 2011-
12, the Planning Commission has estimated percentage of people living below the poverty line at 21.9 per
cent.The poverty line in 2011-12 in terms of monthly per capita consumption expenditure was estimated at Rs 816
in rural areas and Rs 1,000 in urban areas.State-wise, Uttar Pradesh had highest number of people living below
poverty line during 2011-12 at 598.19 people below poverty line out of every lakh.It was followed by Bihar at 358.15
people (per lakh), Madhya Pradesh 234.04 people, Maharashtra 197.92 people and West Bengal at 184.98 people
living below the poverty line.
27 crore People Live Below Poverty Line In India
Indias population was estimated at 123 crore as of March 1, 2012, while as many as 27 crore people lived below
the poverty line in 2011-12, Minister of State for Planning Rajeev Shukla explained in a written reply to Rajya
Sabha on 29 August.As per the Population Census of 2011 conduced by the Office of Registrar General of India,
the population in the country was estimated at 121 crore as of March 1, 2011.The poverty ratio in the country has
decreased to 21.9 per cent in 2011-12 from 37.2 per cent in 2004-05.The rate of decline between 2004-05 and
2011-12 is three times faster than experienced between 1993-94 and 2004-05.As per the Millennium Development
Goals Report 2013, the poverty rate in India fell from 49 per cent in 1994 to 42 per cent in 2005 and 33 per cent in
2010.
Australias Most Powerful Super Computer Unveiled
On 1 August Australias most powerful supercomputer Raijin was unveiled in Canberra.Raijin, named after the
Japanese God of thunder and rain, has costed USD 45.2 million to build and will cost USD 10.85 million a year to
run.The super computer, unveiled at Australian National University (ANU),and it is the 27th most powerful
computer in the world.
Indias DRDO Launches Explosive Detection Kit In US
On 2 August the India-developed US-manufactured Explosive Detection Kit (EDK) was launched at the US
Chamber of Commerce building in Washington.In a first of its kind of reverse technology sharing between India
and the US, an innovative Explosive Detection Kit developed by Indian scientists would be manufactured in
America and sold globally for quick detection and identification of combinations of explosives.This was probably
for the first time that technology developed by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) was being
manufactured and marketed in the US.
Japan Sends Worlds First Talking Robot Into Space
On 4 August Japan has successfully launched the worlds first talking humanoid robot called Kirobo in to
space. The robot was sent by H2B rocket from the island of Tanegashima. The rocket carried food, water and
other supplies. Kirobo will serve as a companion for Japanese astronauts.Kirobo was put through a series of zero-
gravity and other safety tests prior to sending him into space. Kirobo is 34 centimetres tall and can speak
Japanese. It will provide emotional support for people in space. Kirobo will talk to JAXA astronaut Koichi Wakata
when he arrives at the space station in November. The name of Kirobo is a merging of Kibo and robot. Kirobo was
designed by scientists and engineers at the University of Tokyo. It is equipped with voice-recognition and face-
recognition technology, as well as a camera, emotion recognition software and natural language processing.
Japan Unveils Largest Warship
On 6 August Japan has unveiled its biggest warship since the Second World War as part of a plan to bolster its
defense of territorial claims in disputed waters.The ship, named the Izumo, is classified as a helicopter
destroyer, though its flattop design makes it look like an aircraft carrier.The ship is nearly 250 metres (820ft feet)
long and is designed to carry up to 14 helicopters.Japanese Defense Ministry announced the ship is not intended
to be used as an aircraft carrier and will not be used to launch fighter jets.It will also be used to bolster the
nations ability to transport personnel and supplies in response to large-scale natural disasters.
Pinaka Rockets Successfully Test Fired
On 7 August India successfully test fired two rounds of indigenously developed Pinaka rockets from a multi-
barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) from a defence base in Chandipur-on-sea near Balasore, off the Odisha coast.The
tests were routine trials conducted for training purpose. The tests were conducted by personnel from Armament
Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune unit at Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE)
firing point-2. Pinaka is an area weapon system with a range of 40 km.Pinaka system can fire a salvo of 12
rockets in 44 seconds. Ten rounds of Pinaka rockets were tested from the same base on 30 and 31 January and
28 February this year.
INS Arihant Nuclear Reactor Activated
On 10 August India has activated the reactor on board the INS Arihant nuclear submarine, the first to be
designed and built in India.With this success, India became a member of the exclusive club of countries that have
built their own nuclear powered submarines along with Russia, US, UK, China and France.After the nuclear
reactor is activated, INS Arihant has been undergoing trials at Navys key submarine base in Vishakhapatnam
(Andhra Pradesh) and would be launched for sea trials soon since the nuclear reactor has gone critical.Nuclear
triad has the ability to fire nuclear-tipped missiles from land, air and sea.Arihant means destroyer of enemies in
Sanskrit is an Indian submarine, which is 111 meter long, 11 broad and 15 meter tall.The 6,000 tonne vessel was
built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam ,at a
cost of around Rs 15,000 crore .INS Arihant, was introduced to the public on 26 July 2009 at a symbolic launch
ceremony by Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs wife Gursharan Kaur.India operates the INS Chakra, which is an
Akula II class submarine leased from Russia for ten years and has plans of building two more nuclear submarines
indigenously.
ICGS Rajveer Commissioned
On 10 August Seventh in the series of eight inshore patrol vessels (IPV), ICGS Rajveer was commissioned at
Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) by defence secretary R K Mathur in the presence of vice-admiral Anurag G
Thapliyal, director general of Indian Coast Guard.The IPV is equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated
navigational and communication sensors and equipment. The ship is propelled to a maximum speed of 31.5 knots
and has an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles. The special feature include an integrated Bridge System,
Integrated machinery control system and an indigenously built 30mm gun mount with fire control system.
India Launched First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant
India launched its first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on 12 August .Defence Minister A K Antonys wife
Elizabeth launched the 37,500 tonne carrier INS Vikrant at Kochi shipyard.This will mark Indias entry into a
select club of countries capable of designing and building a carrier of this size. Other countries capable of
designing and building an equivalent size ship are the US, the UK, Russia and France.Fighter aircraftMig-29K,
Light Combat Aircraft and Kamov-31 helicopterswill deployed on board the carrier which will also carry an array of
other weapons systems.INS Vikrant has a length of 260 metres and it is 60 metres wide.It is behind schedule by
three years.The carrier is expected to be delivered to the Navy by the end of 2018.
India Successfully Test Fired Nuclear Capable Prithvi-II Missile
On 12 August India has successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II missile from
a mobile launcher in salvo mode from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at (Odisha)
Chandipur.Prithvi-II missile was launched by the personnel of the Strategic Force Command (SFC) from ITRs
Launch Complex-III as part of routine user training. The missile scientists of the Defence Research and
Development Organisation(DRDO) monitored the launch operations.The missile, with a range of 350 km,
developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) .The missile, 9 metres in height with
a launch weight of 4.6 tonnes, is capable of carrying a warhead of more than 500 kg.The last users trial of Prithvi-II
was successfully carried out from the same base on on December 20, 2012.
Voyager Becomes First Man-Made Object To Leave The Solar System
According to the new research shows ,NASAs long-lived Voyager probe crossed into interstellar space last year,
becomes the first man-made object to leave the solar system.Voyager 1 space craft was launched in 1977 along
with a sister probe, Voyager 2, to observe the outer planets. Voyager 1 is now approximately 120 times farther
away from the sun than Earth. Voyager 2 is heading out of the solar system in a different direction.The probes are
powered by the slow decay of radioactive plutonium. Voyager 1 will begin running out of energy for its science
instruments in 2020. By 2025, it will be completely out of power.
Indias Super Hercules Lands At Highest Airfield On LAC
The Super Hercules C 130 J transport plane landed at the worlds highest and recently-activated Daulat Beg Oldie
airstrip in Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir for the first time on 20 August .The Daulat Beg Oldie airstrip
located at 16614 feet (5065 metres) in the Aksai Chin area..In April, the area saw a 21-day stand-off between
Indian and Chinese troops who came and pitched tents in the vicinity of the airfield and returned only after several
rounds of flag meetings between both sides.The achievement will enable the armed forces to use the heavy-lift
aircraft to induct troops, supplies, improve communication network and also serve as a morale booster for
maintenance of troops positioned there.C-130J is capable of lifting upto 20 tonnes of load.
Indias First Defence Satellite GSAT-7 Launched Successfully
Indias first exclusive defence satellite GSAT-7 was successfully launched by European space consortium
Arianespaces Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou spaceport in French Guiana on 30 August.This launch will push ahead
Indias maritime security.GSAT7 has been built at an expense of 185 crore rupees and will act as the countrys
maiden dedicated spacecraft for defence applications.The frequency bands of GSAT-7 will help space-based
marine communications. It has coverage over India landmass as well as surrounding seas.Earlier, satellite
communication in ships was through Inmarsat, a major provider of global mobile satellite communications
services.The state-of-the-art satellite carrying payloads operating in UHF, S, C and Ku bands, had a lift-off mass
of 2625 kg and is based on ISROs 2500 kg satellite bus with some new technological elements, including the
antennae.According to ISRO, GSAT-7 is an advanced communication satellite to provide wide range of service
spectrum from low bit rate voice to high bit rate data communication.Payload of the GSAT7 is designed to
provide communication capabilities to users in distant oceanic regions. Its solar arrays generate 2900 W of
electrical power.
US Scientists Created the Most Precise Clock of the World
The National Institute of Standards and Technology Scientist from U.S , revealed in the month of August 2013 that
they created the most precise clock of the world. The ticking rate of this clock varies less than two parts in one
quintillion, or ten times better than any clock in the world. The clock is made up of the element ytterbium. This
element can be used for technological advancements beyond the timekeeping. The clock can be used for various
purposes such as checking temperature, navigation systems as well as magnetic fields.The co-author of the
study which revealed the clock, Andrew Ludlow explained that the stability of this ytterbium lattice clock paves
way for other practical applications of high-performance timekeeping.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Rajeev Rishi is new CMD of Central Bank of India
On 1 August Rajeev Rishi took over as the Chairman and Managing Director of Central Bank of India .His
appointment is for a period of five years.Prior to the new appointment, Mr. Rishi served as the Executive Director
of Indian Bank, since October 2010. Before joining Indian Bank, he was the General Manager of Oriental Bank of
Commerce.Rajeev Rishi, who belongs to Chandigarh, holds a BA and an LLB and an expert in Banking.
Arundhati Bhattacharya Appointed Managing Director Of SBI
On 2 August Arundhati Bhattacharya was appointed the managing director and chief financial officer of the State
Bank of India(SBI).She is the first managing director at SBI, which is Indias largest bank.Arundhati succeeded
Diwakar Gupta.
Hassan Rouhani Sworn In As Irans New President
On 4 August Hassan Rohani was sworn in as the new President of Iran in the ceremony held at the Iranian
Parliament in Tehran.Rouhani is the seventh (different) President of Iran after the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
Raghuram Rajan Appointed as the New Governor of RBI
On 6 August Chief economic adviser Raghuram Govind Rajan has been appointed as the Governor of the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI).Rajan will have a term of three years.He will be the 23rd Governor of RBI.He is 50 years of age
and so far, he is the youngest person to become the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.He was appointed as
the youngest-ever Economic Counselor and Director of Research (chief economist) at the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) from October 2003 to December 2006.Rajan was appointed as Chief Economic Advisor to the Ministry
of Finance, Government of India on 10 August 2012.
Dilip Trivedi is new CRPF chief
On 17 August Senior IPS officer Dilip Trivedi has been appointed as the new chief of the countrys largest
paramilitary force CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force). Trivedi, a 1978-batch officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre has
served in various positions in the state police and has also served in the Centre as ADG of the Indo-Tibetan Border
Police.He succeeded Pranay Sahay who retired on 31 July 2013.
Michel Djotodia Sworn In As Central African Republic President
On 18 August Former rebel leader Michel Djotodia was formally sworn in as the Central African Republics
President.Djotodia has been in charge of the country during the chaos that followed the rebels seizure of control
in March 2013, when they swept into power from their northern bases, overpowering South African forces
protecting former leader Francois Bozize.Djotodia was a leader of the Seleka rebel coalition in the December 2012
rebellion; following a peace agreement, he was appointed to the government as First Deputy Prime Minister for
National Defense in February 2013.
Robert Mugabe Sworn In As Zimbabwe President
On 21 August Robert Mugabe has been sworn in for a new five-year term as President of Zimbabwe.Mugabe of
Zanu-PF (Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front) party won the Presidential election (Parliamentary
Election) by winning 61 percent votes in his favour on 3 August .
Parthasarathi Shome Appointed As Chairman Of TARC
On 26 August the Union Government of India set up a commission under the chairmanship of Parthasarathy
Shome to review tax laws and suggest ways for a stable and non-adversarial tax administration.The seven-
member Tax Administration Reform Commission (TARC) will have a 18-month tenure to suggest various measures
including an appropriate organisational structure for tax governance.
Justice N V Ramana Appointed as Chief Justice of Delhi High Court
On 30 August Justice Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana, Judge of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh,was appointed as
the Chief Justice of the High Court of Delhi.Justice Ramana replaced Chief Justice D. Murugesan, who retired in
June.Justice Ramana was appointed as a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on 27 June
2000.Ramana had enrolled as an advocate in February 1983 and has practiced in the Andhra Pradesh High Court,
central and state administrative tribunals and the Supreme Court.He holds specialisation in constitutional,
criminal, service and inter-state river laws.He has specialized in Constitutional, criminal, service and Inter-State
River laws. He has functioned as Panel Counsel for various Government organizations.
B)RESIGNS
Egypt Vice President ElBaradei Resigned
Egyptian vice-president, Nobel laureate Mohamed ElBaradei, announced his resignation in a letter to the interim
president on14 August .The resignation comes after scores were killed in a crackdown by security forces on
loyalists of ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.
C)DEATHS
Veteran Music Director Dakshinamoorthy Died
Venkateswaran Dakshinamoorthy, the veteran veteran carnatic musician and music director died on 2 August in
Mylapore, Chennai.The veteran was known as Swamy in the music industry and gave music to songs of more
than 125 films in Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi.He has to his credit about 859 songs that were composed by him
over seven decades of his service to the world of Music. He debuted as a Music composer in the a Malayalam
movie Nalla Thanka (Nalla Thankal in Tamil) in 1950.He was the proud recipient of Kerala State Film Award for
best music director in 1971.In 1998, he received the Kerala State Film Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Former Air Commodore Jasjit Singh Died
On 4 August Noted strategic analyst Air Commodore (retired) Jasjit Singh died in NewDelhi. He was conferred
with the Padma Bhushan, the second highest civilian award, in the year 2006 by the former president APJ Abdul
Kalam.
Former Union minister Devendra Prasad Yadav Died
On 11 August Former Union minister and senior Congress leader from Bihar, Devendra Prasad Yadav, died in
NewDelhi.Yadav was a three-time Member of Parliament from Munger parliamentary seat of Bihar and had served
as Minister of State for Education between 1971-77 in Indira Gandhis cabinet.
Renowned Naturalist and Ornithologist Zafar Futehally Died
On 11 August Zafar Rashid Futehally an Indian naturalist, ornithologist and conservationist has died on 11 August
at Kihim in Maharashtra.Zafar Futehally led the early years of the conservation movement in India and served as a
link between conservationists and corporate.He was conferred with several national and international honours,
including the Padma Shri in 1970.He also edited and published an anthology of writings by Indian birdwatchers,
India through its birds, which was published in 2007.
Former Nepal Prime Minister Man Singh Shrestha Died
Former Nepalese Prime Minister Marich Man Singh Shrestha has died in Kathmandu on 15 August.He had served
as Nepals Prime Minister for about four years till April 1990, when the political parties launched an agitation to
restore democratic rights.
Kapil Devs Former Coach Desh Prem Azad Died
On 16 August Desh Prem Azad, the former coach of cricketer Kapil Dev and Dronacharya awardee died in
Mohali.He trained cricketers such as Kapil Dev, Ashok Malhotra, Chetan Sharma and Yograj Singh in the late
1970s.Desh Prem Azad represented Haryana, the Maharaja of Patialas XI and Southern Punjab, while playing 19
first-class matches. In these matches, he scored 658 runs while grabbed 8 wickets in all.
Crime Novelist Elmore Leonard Died
Elmore Leonard, one of Americas best known crime novelists,has died on 20 August .Twenty-six of his books
and short stories have been adapted for the screen, including Hombre, Get Shorty, Jackie Brown, (based on
1992s Rum Punch) and Justified, a TV shows based on 1993s Pronto, 1995s Riding the Rap and the 2001
short story Fire in the Hole. His most recent novel, Raylan, was released in 2012.
Eminent Classical Singer Raghunath Panigrahi Died
On 25 August Eminent Indian classical singer and music director Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi died in
Bhubaneswar.Pandit Panigrahis effort to popularise poet Jayadevas Gita Govinda.Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi
was born at Gunupur in Odishas Rayaga (earlier Koraput) district.Pandit Raghunath was the first Odia singer to
be honoured by the French government for his Gita Govinda composition way back in the 70s.He was also
conferred with the Padmashri award in the year 2010.
Nobel Literature Laureate Seamus Heaney Died
On 30 August Irish writer and poet Seamus Heaney, who won the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literature, died in
Dublin.Seamus Heaney was born on 13 April 1939 in Northern Ireland.Northern Ireland-born Heaney published his
first major collection of poems, Death of a Naturalist, in 1966 and went on to become one of the English
languages leading poets.Heaney worked as the professor of poetry at Oxford University between 1989 and 1994.
D)VISITORS
Afghanistan Vice-President Mohammad Karim Khalili Visited India
The vice president of Afghanistan, Mohammad Karim Karim Khalili visited India from 20 22 August.During the
visit Khalili met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New delhi .In the meet both nations discussed security
issues and trade among other bilateral issues.Khalili also meets Indias president Pranab Mukherjee, vice-
president Mohammad Hamid Ansari, and external affairs minister Salman Khurshid and discussed on both
countries bilateral issues.
Iraqs Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Visited India
Nouri Al-Maliki, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq visited India from 22 -25 August.During his four day visit ,
Maliki met with the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh and President of Indian Union, Pranab Mukherjee,
Vice President of India, Hamid Ansari in New Delhi.Both the nations exchanged views on bilateral, regional and
multilateral issues of mutual interest and reached a broad consensus. The discussions enabled better
understanding and appreciation of each others concerns and perspectives and helped in forging closer
understanding at the highest political level and also several MoUs were signed between the two nations. This was
the first visit of Maliki to India
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Amazon Founder & CEO Jeff Bezos Buys Washington Post
Amazon Founder & CEO Jeff Bezos has purchased the Washington Post Newspaper of US. Seattle-based
Amazon owner Jeffrey P Bezos has agreed to buy the newspaper assets of The Washington Post Company for
USD 250 million.Bezos, whose entrepreneurship has made him one of the worlds richest men, will pay $250
million in cash for The Post and affiliated publications to The Washington Post Co., which owns the newspaper
and other businesses.The Washington Post (WP) is an American daily newspaper. It is the most widely
circulated newspaper published in Washington, D.C., and oldest extant in the area, founded in 1877.
11-year-old UK girl has higher IQ than Einstein
On 5 August An 11-year-old schoolgirl in the U.K. has achieved the highest possible score of 162 on a Mensa IQ
test, making her brainier than scientists Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein. Cerys Cooksammy-Parnell, a
grade six schoolgirl took up the test with the aim of beating her fathers score of 142. She also scored the highest
mark possible in the test, scoring 162 on the Cattell B scale.
Sharapova Tops Forbes List of Best Paid Female Athletes
On 6 August Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova has topped the Forbes list of highest-earning female athletes
for the ninth-straight year, raking in $29 million over the last 12 months.American Serena Williams is second on
the list with earnings of 20.5 million US dollars, Chinese star Li Na in third with $18.2 million and Victoria
Azarenka of Belarus in fourth with $15.7 million.
Indian American Students Wins National Geographic World Championship
On 9 August A team of three young Indian American students defeated teams from 17 other regions to win top
honours at the 11th National Geographic World Championship in Russias St Petersburg.The team was made up
of captain Gopi Ramanathan from Sartell, Minnesota; Asha Jain from Minocqua, Wisconsin; and Neelam Kaur
Sandhu from Bedford, New Hampshire.In the biennial competition, teams of students answered questions on
physical, cultural and economic geography.Ramanathan, already has won his state geography bee twice. He had
finished seventh in the 2012 National Bee in Washington, DC. The competition was sponsored by Google, and
presented by the US National Geographic Society in partnership with the Russian Geographical Society.
Canadian Street Named After Mahatma Gandhi
On 15 August A street in Canadas Winnipeg city has been named after Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of
Indias 67th Independence Day. The street leading to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights will now be known
as Honorary Mahatma Gandhi Way. At a ceremony , the Mayor of Winnipeg Sam Katz explained that the street
was named so after an individual who is synonymous with the struggle for human rights.
Dhoni Beats Rafael Nadal Usain Bolt In Forbes List Of Highest Paid Athletes
On 20 August Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been ranked 16th in the latest Forbes list
of highest-paid athletes with an earning of $31.5 million (around Rs.180 crore).In the list, he was placed above
Rafael Nadal and Usain Bolt.As per the latest Forbes list of highest-paid athletes in the world, dhoni earned $31.5
million between June 2012 and June 2013.List of places don above F1 Fernando Alonso, who is on the 19th,
Lewis Hamilton on the 26th, Novak Djokovic on the 28th, Rafael Nadal is in 30th place, and Usain Bolt in the 40th
grade.Doni has risen 15 places in this years list. It took 31 th rank in the last year. Sachin Tendulkar is the only
Indian athlete, who is one of the rank of 31 and a total annual revenue of $ 22 million (Rs 125 crore).List is topped
by golfer Tiger Woods, who made $ 78.1 million last year, followed by Roger Federer, who earned $ 71.5 million,
basketball player Kobe Bryant with earnings of $ 61.9 million.The calculation is based on earnings estimates,
which includes salaries, bonuses and cash prizes from both the club and the national team, as well as approval of
revenue.
Madonna Tops Forbes 2013 Highest-Paid Celebrities List
On 27 August According to Forbes 2013 list of highest-paid celebrities Madonna was the worlds highest-earning
celebrity in 2012-13.Madonna made $US125 million between June 2012 and June 2013.Veteran film director
Steven Spielberg took second place in the list, while musical talent show mogul Simon Cowell tied for third with
Fifty Shades of Grey author EL James and disc jockey Howard Stern.
Most Wanted Indian Mujahideen Terrorist Yasin Bhatka Arrested
Indian Mujahideen co-founder and one of Indias most wanted terrorists, Yasin Bhatkal was arrested on 30
August.Yasin has been on the run since 2008. The IM leader is wanted in a string of terror attacks in Ahmedabad,
Surat, Bangalore, Pune, Delhi and Hyderabad.Yasin, who co-founded IM in 2008 along with brother Riaz, is also
wanted in the German Bakery bomb blast in Pune on February 13, 2010.
PLACES IN NEWS
Strong Earthquake HitsChina
On 14 August China hit by strong earthquake with magnitude of 6.1.The earthquake occured in jolted parts of
Tibet.Due to this earthquake at least 87 people were injured and over 45,000 homes damaged .The epicenter of
the earthquake was identified nearer to the Ringo town.
Submarine INS Sindhurakshak Sinks After Major Blast In Mumbai
On 14 August in a huge setback to the Indian Navy, a conventional submarine INS Sindhurakshak exploded after
a fire on board and sank in the naval dockyard in Mumbai , in which 18 personnel, including three officers are
feared killed.A smaller intensity explosion was followed by two massive blasts, causing a major fire in the
Russian-made submarine.In 2010, a fire broke out on board Sindhurakshak leaving a sailor dead and two others
injured. INS Sindhurakshak was a Russian-made Kilo-class 877EKM(Sindhughosh-class) diesel-electric
submarine of the Indian Navy.Commissioned on 24 December 1997, it was the ninth of the ten Kilo-class
submarines in the Indian Navy.On 4 June 2010, the Indian Defence Ministry and Zvezdochka shipyard signed a
contract worth US$80 million to upgrade and overhaul the submarine. After the overhaul, it returned to India from
Russia in 2013.
1300 People Killed In Chemical Attack On Syria
On 21 August nearly 1300 people, including children were killed in in Damascus, the capital of Syria..This was
one of the deadliest chemical attacks in the civil war of Syria. Toxic gas was fired from the rockets.
ABBREVIATIONS
DRDO Defence Research and Development Organisation
SAARC South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
AGOC Asian Games Organisation Committee
CDRI - Central Drug Research Institute
FEMA Foreign Exchange Management Act
FIPB - Foreign Investment Promotion Board
IFTU International Federation of Trade Unions
IRDA Insurance Regulatory Development Authority
NABARD - National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development
SEBI - Security Exchange Board of India
UNHCR United Nations High Commission for Refugees
WMO World Meteorological Organisation
BOOKS IN NEWS
The Moon Baller Book Released
On 5 August Former India No.1 and tennis ace Nirupama Vaidyanathans autobiographical account The Moon
Baller was released at a function held at the Madras Cricket Club.The book, which goes back in time to chronicle
the times when professional tennis for Indian women was quite unheard of, was launched by tennis legend Vijay
Amritraj.
My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions by Abdul Kalam Released
In the month of August My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions by former President of India, Dr. APJ
Abdul Kalam was launched by the Rupa Publication.In his new book Kalam shares the inspiration and the
lessons he learned from personal stories of his life. The book describes the lesser known events from his life.
Dhyan Chand The Wizard of Hockey Book Released
The first-of-its-kind graphic biography on former Indian Hockey player Dhyan Chand titled Dhyan Chand-The
Wizard of Hockey was launched at Dhyanchand Stadium in New Delhi on 29 August .The biography was
launched on the National Sports Day to commemorate the 108th birth anniversary of the legend.The book has
been written by Luis Fernandes, who researched extensively on the subject.The book is being printed by comic-
series publication Amar Chitra Katha.The book focussed on Dhyan Chands achievements and goal-scoring feats
at 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympics that got him the title The Wizard.
COMMITTEES
Virginius Xaxa Committee To Asses Status Of Scheduled Tribes
On 17 August On the pattern of Sachar Committee for Muslims, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has set up a
committee to assess the status of scheduled tribes with an aim of ensuring their uplift, particularly in socio-
economic, health and education fields.Prof. Virginius Xaxa was appointed as the chairman of the seven-member
committee.The committee will finalise and present its report within nine months from the date of this
notification.The Prime Ministers decision of setting up a committee came after the government found that the
STs, who form 7.5 percent of the countrys population, are not getting enough dues despite the special status in
the constitution.
International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances
The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances on August 30
each year.The UN General Assembly declared this day by its resolution 65/209, on 21 December 2010. The UN
General Assembly, by this same resolution also welcomed the adoption of the International Convention for the
Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. The involuntary or enforced disappearances are a result
of abduction, detention or arrest or other factors or reasons. Also, there are growing numbers of reports which
include ill-treatment, harassment as well as intimidation of the witnesses of these disappearances or of the
persons or the relatives who have disappeared.
National Sports Day Is Observed On 29 August
National Sports Day in India is observed on 29 August of every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of
Indian hockey legend Dhyan Chand.National sports day celebrated every year on 29 August to bring awareness
about sports in public.This year, events like walkathon and football tournaments were held across the country for
the first time as part of the National Sports Day celebrations. On the occasion of National Sports Day, a scheme
known as Come and Play has been launched for general public to make optimal use of Sports Authority of India
stadia. Major Dhyan Chand is an iconic Indian hockey player who is remembered as a magician of Indian hockey.
He was the prime member of Indian hockey team which brought three Olympic gold medals in field of Hockey in
1928 (Amsterdam), 1932 (Los Angeles) and 1936 (Berlin).He was honored with Padma Bhushan by the
Government of India in 1956 for his outstanding contribution to Indian Hockey.Major Dhyan Chands birthday, 29
August is celebrated as National Sports Day in India. Major sports awards like Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna,
Dronacharya awards are presented on this occasion to the sportsperson who has shown tremendous commitment
towards the game and made the Country proud.
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July 2013 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Croatia Joins The EU as 28th Member State
On 1 July Croatia became the 28th member of the European Union.It is the first addition since Bulgaria and
Romania joined EU in 2007.Croatia formally applied for EU membership in 2003.
International Assistance Force In Mali Transformed into UN Force
On 1 July A new United Nations peacekeeping mission for insurgent-affected Mali was launched on 1 July .The
previous African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) has been transformed to the UN
Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).The transfer of authority from the forces of
the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization
Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) took place during a ceremony in Bamako, capital of the West African country.
Pakistan China Signed 8 Agreements
On 5 July Pakistan and China signed eight documents of cooperation in various areas of economy , for furthering
already strong economic and technical ties between two friendly countries.The first pact signed pertained to the
building of a long term project (Pak-China Economic Corridor) a 200KM tunnel which will be built at a cost of $18
billion.These agreements and MoU were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese
Premier Li Keqaing.Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal signed the pact from the Pakistani
side while Chairman National Development and Reforms Commission of PRC, Xu Shao Shi inked the pact from
the Chinese side.
Hazem El-Beblawi Named As New Egyptian Prime Minister
On 9 July Hazem el Beblawi a liberal economist and Egypt s former finance minister was named as the new
Prime Minister of Egypt by the Interim President Adly Mansour.El-Beblawi is a founding member of the Egyptian
Social Democratic Party, Al Ahram.He has also served as the undersecretary-general at the United Nations
between 1995 and 2000.
Taiwan and New Zealand Signed Free Trade Agreement
On 10 July New Zealand signed a free trade agreement with Taiwan.Two-way trade is worth 1.6 billion New
Zealand dollars (US$1.2 billion) annually, with New Zealand exporting mainly agricultural products like milk and
Taiwan shipping largely electronics.Taiwan is New Zealands 12th largest trading partner, with bilateral trade
totalling about $120.7 million.
France and Switzerland Signed New Inheritance Tax Agreement
On 11 July France and Switzerland have signed an agreement on inheritance tax as part of an amended double
taxation agreement. Paris hopes will help it bring in more money.Under the agreement inheritances would be
taxed based on where the recipient resides, not where the deceased lived, as used to be the case.
Bhutans Opposition Party Wins Parliamentary Elections
On 14 July Bhutans Election Commission formally announced that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won the
National Assembly elections by having secured a majority of thirty two seats.The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT)
won fifteen seats and was elected as the opposition party.PDP leader Tshering Tobgay is likely to be named
prime minister of the new government.
Bangladesh Passes Labour (Amendment) Bill 2013
On 15 July the Bangladesh Parliament passed Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Bill 2013 aimed to protect the
interest and rights of the workers and ensuring their safety.The new law has seen amendments to a total of 87
sections of the Labor Act 2006.
Britains Queen Elizabeth II Signed Bill Legalizing Gay Marriage
On 17 July Britain has legalized gay marriage after Queen Elizabeth II gave her royal stamp of approval.The
queens approval was a formality.Britain became the 15th country to legalize gay marriage after a bill cleared
Parliament and Queen Elizabeth II signed off on the law.
Iran and Iraq Signed Gas Export Agreement
On 21 July Iran has signed an agreement to export gas to Iraq, worth 3.7 billion dollars a year.The agreement was
signed in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad by Irans Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi and his Iraqi counterpart, Abdul
Kareem Luaibi.
EU Declared Hezbollahs Military Wing As Terrorist Organization
On 22 July The European Union (EU) declared the military wing of Hezbollah a terrorist organization.The EUs 28
foreign ministers reached the decision unanimously at their meeting.The Iranian-backed group plays a major role
in Lebanese politics and has dominated the government since 2011.The blacklisting would mean imposing visa
bans on individuals and asset freezes on organizations associated with the group.
Thirty Meter Telescope Partners Signed Agreement
On 26 July The partners building the worlds largest and most advanced optical telescope at Mauna Keas summit
have signed an agreement laying the foundation for the telescopes operation.Mauna Kea is a volcano on the
island of Hawaii.The Thirty Meter Telescope project representatives from partnering institutions in the U.S.,
Canada, China, India and Japan signed the document.The agreement defines project goals, member party rights,
obligations and benefits. It also establishes a governance structure.The telescope is a partnership of the
Association of Canadian Universities for Research in Astronomy, the California Institute of Technology, the
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, institutions in India, a consortium of Chinese institutions and the
University of California.
Liberals, Smaller Tribes Win Seats In Kuwaits Parliamentary Elections
On 27 July Liberals and candidates from some of Kuwaits more marginalised tribes have won seats in a
parliament .The ballot was the sixth since 2006 in the major oil producer, where political upheaval and
bureaucracy have held up the vast majority of projects in a 30-billion-dinar (68 billion pounds) economic
development plan announced in 2010.Kuwait has the most open political system in the Gulf Arab region but
parliaments have been repeatedly dissolved over procedural disputes or for challenging the government in which
members of the ruling Al-Sabah family hold top posts.Shiites estimated at 20-30 percent of the population won
just eight seats in the 50-member parliament compared to 17 in the last election in December, after Sunnis in
their districts ramped up a campaign to win seats.
Myanmar China Gas Pipeline Starts To Deliver Gas To China
On 28 July Myanmar-China natural gas pipeline (Myanmar section) was inaugurated in northern Myanmars
Mandalay and started to deliver gas to China.The gas pipeline stretches for 793 kilometers onshore within
Myanmars territory with six processing stations, while the crude oil pipeline, which is nearing completion, starts
from Made Island and extends onshore for 771 kilometers.
Republican Turkish Party Wins Turkish Cypriot Parliamentary Elections
On 29 July the centre-left Republican Turkish Party (CTP) emerged as the winner on in the Turkish Cypriot
parliamentary elections, but came short of winning an outright majority.The CTP won 38.49 per cent of the vote
and 21 seats in the 50-seat Parliament of the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, results
showed.The nationalist National Unity Party (UBP) won 27.16 per cent and 14 seats and the centre-right
Democratic Party (DP) took 23.1 per cent of the vote and 12 seats.The centre-left Communal Democracy Party
(TDP) won 7.41 per cent of the vote and three seats.The CTP will now need to form a coalition government.The
election was called a year early after the Government of Prime Minister Irsen Kucuk, in power since 2009.Cyprus
has been divided into a Turkish northern part and a Greek south since a Turkish invasion in July 1974.
Mamnoon Hussain Elected As Pakistans New President
On 30 July Pakistan Muslim League-Nawazs (PML-N) nominee Mamnoon Hussain was elected as the 12th
President of Pakistan.Hussain emerged as a clear winner in the contest with ex-judge Wajihuddin Ahmed of
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party , headed by cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan.Mamnoon Hussain has secured
432 votes whereas justice Wajihuddin (Ahmed) secures 77 votes.The presidential office of Pakistan will be
vacated on 8 September 2013 by the incumbent Asif Ali Zardari, as his term of 5 years ended.Mamnoon Hussain
will be administered the oath of the office on 9 September 2013. Mamnoon Hussain was born on 2 March 1940 in
Agra, India.He is the textile businessman as well as politician of Pakistan.He migrated to Pakistan from India in
1954.
Ireland President Signed The Abortion Bill In To Law
On 31 July Ireland President Michael D. Higgins has signed the abortion bill into law. The bill, overwhelmingly
passed by both houses of the Irish parliament on 12 July 2013, permits abortions only in cases where doctors
deem the womans life at risk from continued pregnancy.
INDIA & WORLD
India Ranks 66th On Global Innovation Index
On 2 July India ranked 66th in the Global Innovation Index 2013, published by Cornell University, INSEAD, World
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) as a knowledge
partner.Switzerland and Sweden maintained rank 1 and 2 respectively The study ranked 142 economies across
the world on their innovation capacity and efficiency.
India and Mauritius Signed 5 MoUs
On 5 July India and Mauritius signed 5 MoUs (Memorandum of understanding).The 5 MoUs are signed in the
presence of the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Anand Sharma and Mr. Sayyad Abd-Al-Cader Sayed
Hossen, Minister of Industry, Mauritius, in Port Louis.Five institutional level MoUs were signed to take the
partnership forward. These are:
* MoU between Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) and Enterprise Mauritius (EM)
* MoU between Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) and Mauritius Standards Bureau
* MoU between NITRA and National Productivity and Competitive Council (NPCC) of Mauritius
* MoU between Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) and Mauritius Export Association (MEXA);
and
* MoU between Institute of Apparel Management (IAM) and Fashion and Design Institute of Mauritius (FDI)
UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2013
On 5 July According to the UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2013, the world has reached the poverty
reduction target five years ahead of schedule. In developing regions, the proportion of people living on less than
$1.25 a day fell from 47 per cent in 1990 to 22 per cent in 2010. Extreme poverty is also falling in every
region.Nevertheless, the gender gap in employment persists, with a 24.8 percentage point difference between men
and women in the employment-to-population ratio in 2012.
India, Albania Signed Agreement For Avoidance Of Double Taxation
On 8 July India and Albania signed an agreement for avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal
evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital.The agreement was signed by Ms Sudha Sharma,
chairperson, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), and Mr Fatos Kerciku, Ambassador, Republic of Albania.
India, Iraq Signed Agreement To Enhance Co-operation In Energy Sector
On 8 July India and Iraq signed a agreement to enhance co-operation in energy security, bilateral trade &
commerce, infrastructure development among others.The agreement was signed between the Union Petroleum
Minister Veerappa Moily and his counterpart from Iraq, Abdul Karim Luaibi at the end of the India-Iraq Joint
Commission on technical co-operation in Baghdad.
India, SriLanka & Maldives Signed Tripartite Maritime Security Agreement
On 8 July India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have entered into a tripartite agreement on maritime cooperation to
secure sea routes in the Indian Ocean region at the end of the Meeting on Trilateral Cooperation on Maritime
Security.The agreement was reached by all on the importance of raising the maritime cooperation between the
three countries in the current context of maritime security environment in the Indian Ocean region.
India Tanzania Signed Agreements On Bilateral Cooperation
On 9 July India and Tanzania have signed agreements on bilateral cooperation in several sectors, including
agriculture, health and education, mines and minerals.All the agreements were signed between the Union Minister
of State for External Affairs, Preneet Kaur and the Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation, Bernard K. Membe at Dar es Salaam.
15th India Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting
On 11 July India and Vietnam held 15th Joint commission meeting in New Delhi.The meeting was co-chaired on
the Vietnams side Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and on the Indian side by Indias External Affairs Minister
Salman Khurshid .In the meeting both nations discussed the strengthening of strategic partnership which included
an exchange of a co-operative agenda on bilateral relations.At the end of the meeting, both nations signed the
Agreed Minutes of the JCM and witnessed the signing of an Agreement on the US$19.5 million LOC for setting up
Nam Trai-IV hydropower project and Binh Bo Pumping station by CMD, Exim Bank and the Vietnam Vice Minister
of Finance.
India, Nigeria Signed Solar Power Plant Agreement
On 22 July India and Nigeria have signed an agreement to locate sites for solar power plants in Niger state.The
agreement will provide additional energy for Nigerias national grid.The agreement was signed between Nigerias
permanent secretary in the Ministry of Power Godknows Igali and the secretary to the Government of India,
Sutanu Behuria.
India, Belarus Signed Protocol To Enhance Trade Ties
On 24 July 2013 India and Belarus signed a protocol to enhance trade ties during the sixth session of the Inter-
Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation held in New
Delhi.The session was co-chaired from the Indian Side by Dr. E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan, Minister of State for
Commerce and Industry, and Dmitry S. Katerinich, Minister of Industry of the Republic of Belarus.
India and France Hold Talks On Military Cooperation
On 26 July India and France discussed their ongoing military cooperation including the progress over Rs 50,000
crore 126 multirole combat aircraft deal during the defence minister-level talks in NewDelhi.The two sides are also
holding negotiations for a Rs 30,000-crore project for co-developing the Maitri surface-to-air missile defence
system.In a joint statement issued after the deliberations between defence minister A K Antony and his French
counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, they agreed that such cooperation should continue to be progressed to the
mutual benefit of both countries, including in high technology areas involving joint research and development and
transfer of technology.
India and Afghanistan Signed MoUs for SDP scheme projects
On 30 July India and Afghanistan have signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in Kabul for implementing 60
projects in ten Afghan provinces under the Small Development Projects (SDP) scheme.The MoUs signed by
Afghan Minister of Economy Abdul Hadi Arghandiwal and Indian Ambassador Amar Sinha in Kabul are related to
the third phase of the SDP scheme and will be completed in the next four years.
NATIONAL
Government Announced National Cyber Security Policy
On 2 July the Union Government of India announced the National Cyber Security Policy with an aim to protect
information and build capabilities to prevent cyber attacks. The National Cyber Security Policy 2013 to safeguard
both physical and business assets of the country.This policy aims at facilitating creation of secure computing
environment and enabling adequate trust and confidence in electronic transactions and also guiding stakeholders
actions for protection of cyber space.The National Cyber Policy in order to create a secure cyber ecosystem has
planned to set-up a National Nodal Agency to coordinate all matters related to cyber security in the country.
President Pranab Mukherjee Signed Ordinance On Food Security
On 5 July President Pranab Mukherjee signed the ordinance on food security ,which seeks to give legal rights to
67 per cent of the population over subsidised grains every month.Now, with the presidential consent, the bill will
be presented before the Parliament when it convenes for the Monsoon Session.The Government had issued the
ordinance to give nations two-third population the right to get 5 kgs of foodgrains every month at highly subsidised
rates of 1-3 Rupees per kg amid political opposition.
District Rural Development Agency Disbanded
On 9 July the Union government announced disbanding of the Rural Development Agency (DRDA), the body which
looks after implementation of anti-poverty programmes of Rural Development Ministry.The agency will now be
rechristened and it will perform its role under zila parishads, the local elected bodies at the district level.The
District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) were set up as independent societies in 1980 and since then have
been principal organs at the district level to oversee the implementation of the ministrys anti-poverty programmes.
Cabinet Approved For Aviation, Women Varsities In Raebareli
On 11 July the Union cabinet has approved two universities for Raebareli, the parliamentary constituency of
Congress president Sonia Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh.Raebareli will get the first ever all-women university and first
national aviation university in the country.National University for Women in Uttar Pradesh by the name of The
Indira Gandhi National University for Women.This will be the first university of the country to be established
exclusively for women.The cost involved is Rs.500 crore.National Aviation University (NAU) in the name of Rajiv
Gandhi National Aviation University at the District of Rae Bareli in the State of U.P. as a Central University.The
Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University will be established as a Central University and as an autonomous body
under the administrative control of Ministry of Civil Aviation in Rae Bareli District of U.P. with an estimated Central
Governments funding of Rs. 202 crore in 12th Plan period.Both universities bills will be introduced in the coming
Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Govt Approved To Replace DGCA With Civil Aviation Authority
On 11 July The government cleared a proposal to replace Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) with a new
aviation regulator with full operational and financial autonomy.The new regulatory body would be called the Civil
Aviation Authority (CAA) and it would replace the DGCA.The estimated cost of establishing the new Authority
would be over Rs 110 crore.
Free Medical Treatment For Pregnant Women
On 16 July Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad announced the government will provide free pre-natal health
care and ambulance facilities to pregnant women across the country .Under the Janani Suraksha Yojna (JSY)
scheme, pregnant women are provided free medical treatment during the delivery and post natal care.Pregnant
women will be given free medical and ambulance facilities from conception to delivery. They will also be able to
avail free consultation from doctors at government hospitals for 45 days from delivery and infants will be given free
treatment at the hospitals for one year.
Indian Telegram Service Stopped
The 163-year old telegram service in the country ends on 14 July.Started in 1850 on an experimental basis
between Koklata and Diamond Harbour, it was opened for use by the British East India Company in 1851and it
was opened to the public in 1854.Within a short time of BSNL handling telegram services in 1990s, the PSU had
a rift with the Department of Posts following which telegrams were accepted as phonograms from various villages
and other centres from telephone consumers.
Bengaluru International Airport Renamed as Kempegowda International Airport
On 17 July the Union Cabinet gave its approval for renaming Bengaluru International Airport as Kempegowda
International Airport to fulfill the long pending demand of the people of Karnataka, as well as the State
Government of Karnataka.Hiriya Kempegowda, known as Kempegowda was a ruler under the Vijayanagar Empire,
who ruled most parts of Karnataka during the sixteenth century. He had the vision of building a large futuristic city
and is widely accepted as being the founder of Bengaluru. Kempegowda built Bengaluru Fort and moved his
capital from Yelahanka to the new Bengaluru.
President Of India Promulgated The Securities Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2013
On 18 July Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India promulgated the Securities Law Amendment Ordinance
2013. The ordinance would grant Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the powers to regulate any
pooling of funds under an investment contract involving a corpus of 100 crore rupees or more and attach assets in
case of non-compliance.The Chairman of SEBI would have powers to authorize the carrying out of search and
seizure operations, as part of its efforts to crack down on ponzi schemes.
Acid Attacks On Women Non-bailable Offence
On 18 July the Supreme Court o made acid attack a non-bailable offence and ordered all state governments to
pay Rs 3 lakh compensation to acid attack victims. The states were also directed to frame rules for regulating
sale of acid within three months.The material cannot be sold to a person who is below the age of 18 years.Going
through the compensation schemes of 17 states and seven Union Territories (UTs), the bench found the amount
being paid to the victims as grossly inadequate.The compensation for after-care and rehabilitation at present
ranges between Rs 5,000 and Rs 1,50,000.
Union Tourism Minister Launched Clean India Campaign
On 24 July Union Tourism Minister K. Chiranjeevi launched the Project Clean India Campaign at Taj Mahal.Clean
India Campaign has been initiated by the Ministry of Tourism with the objective to increase tourist arrivals to the
country and to improve quality of services and provide a hygienic environment in and around tourist destinations
across the country.Taj Mahal is the second heritage site to be covered under this project. The first being Qutub
Minar Delhi, which has been adopted by India Tourism Development Corporation in June 2012.On the request from
the Tourism Minister, the Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) has agreed to adopt and upkeep the environs
of Taj Mahal Complex including up gradation of tourist facilities in the monument.Besides Taj Mahal, the ONGC
has also agreed to adopt five more monuments including Ellora and Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra, Red Fort in
the national capital, Golkonda Fort in Hyderabad and Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu.
STATES
Himachal Pradesh Declared First Smoke Free State In Country
On 2 July Himachal Pradesh has been declared the first smoke-free State in the country in compliance with
Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. The State has achieved 85.45%
compliance with the relevant parameters.
Uttar Pradesh Grants District Status To Amethi
On 5 July the Uttar Pradesh government granted district status to Amethi ,which will include three tehsils of
Sultanpur and one of Rae Bareli. The district headquarters of Amethi will be Gauriganj.Sultanpurs Amethi,
Gauriganj and Musafirkhana tehsils and Rae Barelis Tiloi will be part of Amethi district.Some revenue villages of
Maharajganj tehsil of Rae Bareli were included in Tiloi tehsil of Amethi and in exchange some villages of Tiloi were
included in Maharajganj.
Karnataka Launched Anna Bhagya Scheme
On 10 July Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the ambitious Anna Bhagya scheme in
Bangalore.The scheme under which 30 kg of rice per month will be given to BPL (below poverty line) families
across the state at Re 1 per kg. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced the scheme after taking oath on
June 13.The government will spend Rs 4,300 crore every year on the scheme.
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project Starts Fission
On 13 July Indias 21st nuclear power reactor and the countrys first pressurised water reactor under the light
water reactor category ,Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu began the nuclear fission
process.Indias atomic power plant operator, NPCIL is setting up two 1,000 MW reactors with Russian technology
and equipments at Kudankulam, around 650 km from Chennai.The over Rs 17,000 crore project, which generated
severe protests from the locals, has started generating heat and steam from the 163 uranium fuel bundles loaded
in the reactor.
Night Policing Scheme Launched In Punjab
On 14 July Punjab government launched the Night Policing Scheme (NPS) with 4000 police personnel and an
independent cadre and command structure. The NPS is aimed at augmenting and strengthening the deployment
of police personnel, through the usage of modern technology during night hours in cities and towns of the
state.The NPS will also focus on the national and state highways and major roads crisscrossing the state, mainly
to instill a sense of security among the citizens.
UP Launched Family Health Campaign
On 15 July the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, launched the Hausla awareness state-wide
campaign to improve family health in 75 districts of the State.The campaigns twin goals include galvanizing state
health systems to deliver high-quality, accessible health programs and services, while also increasing awareness
and utilization of services by families and communities across the states 75 districts.
Kerala Govt.Approved Tapping Sweet Toddy From Coconut
On 16 July the Kerala Government has given its nod for tapping neera or unfermented sap from coconut across
the State.Neera, which is also called sweet toddy, is the non-alcoholic drink which is extracted from immature
inflorescence of coconut.This decision would prove to be very beneficial for depressing coconut sector.Neera
tapping will take place in units of 1500 coconut trees in each and every district all over Kerala, in the beginning as
a part of the pilot project.lic content.
Madhya Pradesh Police Health Security Scheme
On 17 July Madhya Pradesh state cabinet has decided to implement Madhya Pradesh Police Health Security
Scheme for police officers and employees. The scheme will be applicable only to the police personnel working in
the state.The scheme will not be applicable to Indian Police Service officers. It will be run by a registered trust,
whose state-level management committee will be headed by the Director General of Police. Members and their
dependents will be entitled for treatment of up to 8 lakh rupees in a financial year. They can avail the treatment
facility in hospitals recognised by the state government.
Maharashtra Extended Ban On Gutkha and Paan Masala
On 19 July Maharashtra state government has announced a ban extension on nicotine-laced gutkha and paan
masala for another year considering health hazards of these products.In July 2012, the government had banned
the sale, storage and consumption of nicotine-laced gutkha and paan masala in any form for a year, which was to
end on 19 July 2013. The government move was prompted by the incidence of oral diseases, including cancer due
to consumption of such gutkha and paan masala.
Latest Statistics Data On Tourism In India Released By Ministry Of Tourism
On 23 July According to the latest statistics on tourism in India released by Ministry of Tourism during the year
2012.
* Andhra Pradesh has become the top tourist destination in the country recording 206.8 million domestic tourists
last year.
* Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh stood at second and third positions respectively with 184.1 million and 168.4
million domestic tourists.
* According to the data, the top ten states in terms of number of domestic tourist visits (in millions) during 2012
are: Andhra Pradesh (206.8), Tamil Nadu (184.1), Uttar Pradesh (168.4), Karnataka (94.1), Maharashtra (66.3),
Madhya Pradesh (53.2), Rajasthan (28.6), Uttarakhand (26.8), Gujarat (24.4) and West Bengal (22.7).The
contribution of these States was about 84.5% to the total number of domestic tourist visits during 2012.
* The number of foreign tourists visiting the country too registered a growth of 6.33 per cent during the same year.
* Maharashtra (5.1 lakh) topped the list in number of foreign tourist visits, followed by Tamil Nadu (3.6 lakhs) and
New Delhi(2.3 lakhs).
* The top ten most sought after states by foreign tourists (in millions) during 2012 were :- Maharashtra (5.1), Tamil
Nadu (3.6), Delhi (2.3), Uttar Pradesh (2.0), Rajasthan (1.5), West Bengal (1.2), Bihar (1.1), Kerala (0.8),
Karnataka (0.6) and Himachal Pradesh (0.5).
First Textile Park Inaugurated at Bagru near Jaipur
On 24 July First Textile Park dedicated to hand block printing and craft was inaugurated by the Union Minister of
Textile, Dr. Kavuru Sambasiva Rao at Bagru near Jaipur. The textile park would bring in new opportunities for
exporters and artisans, as the textile sector holds vast potential of employment. The park has been named Jaipur
Integrated Texcraft Park Pvt. Ltd. (JITPPL) and is also known as is also known as Jaipur Bloc.Bagru the place
where the park is located is known all over the world for its traditional textiles, various styles of hand block printing
and related skills. This is the first park in India that will cater to the segment of hand block printing. The textile
park is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to conserve and preserve water.
WIFS Programme Launched In Rajasthan
On 25 July the Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) Programme for the State of Rajasthan was
launched by ShriGhulamNabi Azad, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfareat Jaipur.Adolescents form 22 % of
Indias total population who are the future of the country. But half of the adolescent population, both girls and
boys, suffers from anaemia.Anaemia results in poor physical growth, poor school performance and reduced
concentration in daily tasks.Anaemia contributes to poor maternal and child health, resulting in increased
morbidity and mortality.For this reason, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has taken upWeekly Iron and
Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) programme to prevent and control the anaemia situation in adolescents.The
programme will reach out to 13 crore boys and girls of the country enrolled in government, government aided and
municipal schools as well as out-of-school girls.
Himachal Government Launched Video Chat In Prisons
On 26 July Himachal Pradesh state government launched video chat facility in all six prisons of the state .The
video conference facility, first of its kind in the country, would help family and friends save time and money on
travelling to prisons to meet the inmates. Even foreigners can avail this facility.The government has already
amended the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), enabling the courts to utilize the video-conference facility between
the jails and the courts. This would also help save time and money of the prison department in escorting the
prisoners from jails to courts.
Two New Rail and Road Projects Launched In Haryana
On 28 July Two rail as well as road projects which are worth 1500 crore Rupees were launched in Haryana.The
foundation stone of 68 Kilometer rail line between Hansi-Meham and Rohtak at Hansi was laid down by Union
Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge. The cost of this project is 500 crore Rupees. The rail route would include
eight railway stations, four halt stations as well as four crossing stations.The projected rail line will connect the
crucial parts of Haryana, i.e., Fatehabad and Sirsa direct with Delhi. The Union Transport Minister Oscar
Fernandes, at Hansi laid the foundation of 99 Kilometer long Hisar-Rohtak four lane National Highway. The cost of
this project would be 1000 crore Rupees. The road project would include two road-over bridges, under pass as well
as 29-bus bays at both the sides.
Government Of Odisha Announced Rice For Olive Ridley Conservation Scheme
The Government of Odisha announced Rice for Olive Ridley Conservation (ROrC) scheme for the year 2013 in
order to help the fishermen families affected by seven-month ban on marine fishing at Odisha coastal areas.The
identification of beneficiaries under Rice for Olive Ridley Conservation (ROrC) Scheme was announced on 22 July
2013.The main aim of the ROrC scheme is to help the fishermen families who are affected by seven-month ban on
marine fishing as an Olive Ridley turtle protection measure.
CONFERENCES
First IOR-ARC Economic and Business Conference
(IOR-ARC) Economic and Business Conference held in Port Louis, Mauritius on 4 5 July 2013.The Union
Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Anand Sharma co-chaired the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional
Cooperation (IOR-ARC) Economic and Business Conference.India and Mauritius co-hosted the first economic and
business conference under the theme of Deepening Economic Linkages for Balanced, Inclusive & Sustainable
Growth. The IORARC has 20 members, of which India and Australia are the largest economies.During the meet
Trade and industry ministers of member countries and dialogue partners of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for
Regional Cooperation (IORARC) agreed to push trade within the grouping to promote economic cooperation and
development in the strategic Indian Ocean region.The Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation
(IOR-ARC), initially known as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative, is an international organization with 20 member
states.It was first established in Mauritius on March 1995 and formally launched on 67 March 1997.
National Conference Of State Tourism Ministers Held In New Delhi
The National Tourism Ministers Conference was held in New Delhi on 18 July 2013.The Conference was chaired
by Union Tourism Minister Shri K. Chiranjeevi. State and Union Territory Tourism Authorities were represented in
the conference either through their Tourism Ministers and/ or senior officials.The objective of the conference was
discussion of the future strategies for realising the complete tourism potential of India.The Departments of Tourism
of all States and UTs will consider setting up of a special force such as a Tourist Police, where it does not exist at
present, either by taking few companies on deputation from the Police Department or by engaging Ex-Servicemen
or Home Guards.During the conference, a new campaign known as I Respect Women was also launched.The
campaign was launched with Ministry of Tourism issuing badges in Hindi and ten international languages.
G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting Held in Moscow
The G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting was held on 19-20 July in Moscow,Russia.G20
Countries ministers ,Central Bank Governors and Indian Finance minister P.Chidambaram ,RBI governor D
Subbarao attended the meeting.In the meeting delegates discussed traditional G20 agenda including the G20
Framework agreement for strong, sustainable and balanced growth, the financial regulation reforms, and market
transparency. The final communique contains the usual sentence urging convergence stressing this time how
convergence can contribute to financial stability:At the end of the meeting Finance Ministers and Central Banks
Governors approved the Joint Communique.
AWARDS & HONOURS
27 Individuals Conferred With National Youth Awards 2011-12
National Youth Award 2011-12 was conferred by Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India on 4 July 2013 to 27
individuals and an organization at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is for the first time that the National
Youth awards were given by the President of India.A total of 27 individuals and one organisation received he award
this year.The youth award carries a Silver Medal, a Certificate and a cash prize of 40000 rupees in cases of
individual awardees and 2lakh case prize for voluntary organizations.The selected individuals are expected to
possess leadership qualities and use them in carrying out voluntary activities in the field of youth development.
IIFA Awards 2013 Winners
The 14th IIFA awards held at Macau on 6 July 2013. And this years IIFA will always be remembered for some
outstanding performances by veteran actresses Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi.Ranbir Kapoor won the Best Actor
Award for Barfi, while Vidya Balan took the Best Actress Award home for Sujoy Ghoshs Kahaani.
Winners List :-
* Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor (Barfi!)
* Best Female Actor: Vidya Balan (Kahaani)
* Best Film: Barfi!
* Best Director: Anurag Basu (Barfi!)
* Best Story : Tani and Anurag Basu (Barfi!)
* Best Supporting Actor (Male): Annu Kapoor (Vicky Donor)
* Best Supporting Actor (Female): Anushka Sharma (Jab Tak Hai Jaan)
* Best Music Director: Pritam (Barfi!)
Zubin Mehta Conferred Tagore Award 2013
On 10 July Zubin Mehta, western classical music conductor of Indian-Parsi origin, has been awarded 2nd Tagore
Award For Cultural Harmony ( for 2013).He was named for the award because of his outstanding contribution to
cultural harmony.The first Tagore Award was conferred on Pt. Ravi Shankar, the Indian Sitar Maestro in 2012
Two Indians Among 7 Girls Awarded On Malala Day
On 12 July Two Indians were among the seven young girls honoured with the UN Special Envoy for Global
Educations Youth Courage Award for Education as part of Pakistani teen activist, Malala Yousafzai, Malala Day
celebrations at the world body.Among them were two Indians,Ashwini from Bangalore and Razia from Uttar
Pradesh who were awarded with UN Special Envoy for Global Educations Youth Courage Award for Education.
Tongam Rina Selected For German Media Prize
On 13 July Senior journalist of Arunachal Pradesh-Tongam Rina has been selected for the prestigious Prize for
the Freedom and Future of the Media 2013 instituted by Media Foundation, Leipzig, Germany.Brigitte Alfter
and Ides Debruyne are the initiators of the European Fund for Investigative Journalism. Instituted in 2001, the
award, which carries a prize of 30,000 Euros.
Human Powered Helicopter Wins US prize
On 13 July The worlds first human-powered helicopter by a Canadian engineer has become the first winner of a
decades-old US$250,000 (S$316,255) engineering prize ,after performing a minute-long flight at an altitude of 3.3
meters fueled only by the pilots pedaling of a modified bicycle.The winning vehicle is called the Atlas , and
was designed by a team of about 20 students and young professionals.The aircraft is extremely light just 121.4
pounds (55 kilograms) but it spans a sprawling 162 feet (49.4 meters).
Shalini Singh Wins 2013 Prem Bhatia Award
Shalini Singh, a deputy editor with The Hindu, has bagged the prestigious Prem Bhatia Award for Political
Reporting 2013.She has been selected for her excellent coverage of several key issues, particularly her
reporting of the telecom and Coalgate scandals.Previous award-winners include Harish Khare, Praveen Swami, P.
Sainath, Gargi Parsai, Nirupama Subramanian, Pallavi Aiyar and Amit Baruah for their works in The Hindu.
Amitabh Bachchan Received Maestro Award
On 17 July Amitabh Bachchan, classical flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia and ace santoor exponent Shivkumar
Sharma were honoured with the WWI (Whistling Woods International) Maestro Awards.The honour was bestowed
on the trio by filmmaker Subhash Ghais film and media institute.
2013 Ramon Magsaysay Award Winners
On 24 July the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation announced the Ramon Magsaysay Awards for the year
2013.Three individuals and two organizations from Afghanistan, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal and the Philippines to
receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Asias premier prize.The Ramon Magsaysay Award is an annual award
established to perpetuate former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysays example of integrity in government,
courageous service to the people, and pragmatic idealism within a democratic society.The prize was established
in April 1957.
The Awardees are:-
* Habiba sarabi Afghanistans first woman governor, was selected for helping build a functioning local government
and pushing for education and womens rights in Afghanistans Bamyan province despite working in a violent and
impoverished environment in which discrimination is pervasive.
* Lahpai Seng Raw of Myanmanr honoured for helping the rehabilitate work in damaged communities amid armed
conflict.
*Ernesto Domingo, from the Philippines.He is being recognized for his exemplary embrace of the social mission of
medical science and his profession, his steadfast leadership in pursuing health for all as a shared moral
responsibility of all sectors.
*Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (Corruption Eradication Commission), from Indonesia.The organization is being
recognized for its fiercely independent and successful campaign against corruption in Indonesia.
*Shakti Samuha (Power Group), from Nepal.The organizations founders and members are being recognized for
transforming their lives in service to other human trafficking survivors, their passionate dedication towards rooting
out a pernicious social evil in Nepal.
Azim Premji Bags Asian Business Leaders Award
On 24 July Wipro chairman Azim Premji has been awarded the Asian Business Leaders Award 2013 for his
impressive business credentials and service to society by London-based Asia House.Past recipients of the
honour includes Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group, and Lord Stephen Green, UKs minister of state for trade
and investment and former group chairman of HSBC Holdings.
Four Indian Americans Won Simons Investigators Awards
On 27 July Four Indian-American Professors Kannan Soundararajan, Rajeev Alur, Salil P Vadhan and Senthil
Todadri won Simons Investigators Awards 2013. Apart from these, 9 other mathematicians, theoretical physicists
and theoretical computer scientists were also selected for the Simons Investigators Awards for their cutting edge
research.The 2013 awards were announced by the New York-based Simons Foundation, which is a non-profit
organisation. Its mission is to advance the lines of research in mathematics and basic sciences. The Simons
Investigators program provides a stable base of support for outstanding scientists, enabling them to undertake
long-term study of fundamental questions. The foundation was incorporated in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons.
Metro Man Sreedharan Chosen For 2013 Lokmanya Tilak Award
On 29 July Metro Man E. Sreedharan has been selected for the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak award for 2013
for his outstanding contribution to society.Name of Sreedharan, considered as the architect of the ambitious Delhi
metro project, was announced by Lokmanya Tilak Trust.The Padmashree laureate is also credited for pulling off
the Konkan Railway project.
Amjad Ali Khan To Get Rajiv Gandhi National Sadhbhavna Award
On 30 July Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan was chosen for the 21st Rajiv Gandhi National Sadhbhavna Award for
his contribution towards promotion of communal harmony and peace. The award was instituted by All India
Congress Committee of the Indian National Congress Party (INC).
SPORTS & GAMES
Negi Won Continental Chess Open Title
On 2 July Indias young Grand Master Parimarjan Negi has won the Continental Chess Association Open title in
Washington.The second and third places are won by the International Master Bindi Cheng of Canada and
American Grand Master Konrad Holt from Kansas respectively.
Chris Martin Announced Retirement From All Cricket
On 3 July Chris Martin, the fast Bowler of New Zealand has announced his retirement from all forms of
cricket.Chris Martin is New Zealands third-highest Test wicket taker only after Richard Hadlee and Daniel Vettori.
He had taken 233 Test wickets with an average of 33.81.Martin played 71 Tests, 20 ODIs and six Twenty20s for
his country in an international career.
Wimbledon Tennis Tournament Title 2013 Winners
Womens Singles :- On 6 July Frances Marion Bartoli won the Wimbledon 2013 womens title after defeated
Germanys Sabine Lisicki in the final.Bartoli is the fifth oldest woman to become a first-time Grand Slam winner in
the Open Era.By finally winning her maiden major title in the 47th Grand Slam appearance of her career, Bartoli
surpassed the previous record set by Jana Novotna, who won Wimbledon in 1998 after 45 appearances at the
majors.
Mens Singles :- On 7 July Andy Murray (Britain) won the Mens Singles title after defeated Novak Djokovic
(Serbia) in the final.Andy Murray became the Britains first male winner after almost eight decades, to win the
championship. Earlier he was Fred Perry, who won his last Championship in 1936.
Womens Doubles :- Hsieh Su-wei (Taiwan) and Peng Shuai (China) won the womens doubles title after
defeated Australian duo Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua in the final at Wimbledon.
Mens Doubles :- Americans Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan won the Wimbledon mens doubles title after defeated
Ivan Dodig (Croatia )and Marcelo Melo (Brazil) in the final.
Indian Women Won Gold At Asian Athletics Championship
On 7 July India clinched a gold medal in womens 400m relay in a sensational race to finish sixth overall as the
curtains were drawn on the 20th Asian Athletics Championships with China confirming their supreme status in the
continent.The home team came up with a rich haul of eight medals, one gold, two silvers and five bronzes on the
fifth and final day .India ended the Championships with two golds, five silvers and 10 bronzes, a much improved
performance than the last edition in 2011 in Kobe.As expected, China, who had been ruling the Asian
Championships for the last 15 editions, finished at the top spot with 16 golds, six silvers and five bronzes.
Sebastian Vettel Won German Grand Prix
On 7 July Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel won the German Grand Prix title .Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean
got second and third positions respectively.It was Vettels first victory in his home race and the 30th of his career.
Shiva Thapa Wins Gold at Asian Boxing Championships
On 8 July Nineteen-year-old Shiva Thapa became the youngest Indian to win a gold medal at the Asian Boxing
Championships in Amman, Jordan.Thapa defeated local pugilist Obada Alkabeh,on a split decision to win the gold
in the 56kg class.The nimble-footed boxer, who made his Olympic debut in London last year, thus followed
Suranjoy Singh (2009) and Rajkumar Sangwan (1994) into the history books as a rare Indian gold-medallist at the
premier continental event.
Lajja Goswami Won Silver In Shooting World Cup
On 9 July Indian woman shooter Lajja Goswami has won silver medal in womens 50-metre Rifle 3 Position event
at the ISSF World Cup in Granada, Spain.Gauswami, a silver medallist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, shot
454 in the finals to bag the silver ahead of Norways Malin Westerheim.Petra Zublasing of Italy won the gold
medal.
Shane Warne Inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame
On 11 July ICC announced that Shane Warne, former Australian spinner would be inducted into the ICC cricket
hall of fame .On 19 July during the tea interval of the second Ashes Test between England and Australia at Lords,
Shane Warne was officially inducted into the ICC cricket hall of fame.Warne becomes the 69th male member of
the Hall of Fame, and joins fellow 2012-13 inductees Brian Lara of the West Indies, Englands Enid Bakewell and
former Australia team-mate Glenn McGrath in being recognised by the ICC and the living members of the Hall of
Fame.He played for Australia in 145 tests between 1992 and 2007. He claimed 708 test wickets with a strike rate
of 25.41. He was the first bowler to take 700 test wickets.He was the part of the Australian cricket team that won
the World Cup in 1999 at Lords against Pakistan.
Martina Hingis Inducted In Tennis Hall Of Fame
On 13 July Swiss tennis legend Martina Hingis was inducted in Tennis Hall of Fame.She became one of the
youngest members to be included in the one of the most elite clubs of tennis.Hingis won three Australian Open
titles (1997, 1998, 1999), one Wimbledon (1997) and a US Open title (1997).She also won nine grand slam
doubles titles and a mixed doubles title.
Abhijeet Gupta Won Commonwealth Chess Championship
On 14 July Indian Grandmaster and former world junior champion Abhijeet Gupta has won the Commonwealth
Chess Championship ,after settled for a draw with Indian national title-holder G. Akash in the final round at Port
Elizabeth in South Africa.
Nicolas Mahut Won Hall Of Fame Championship
On 14 July Frenchman Nicolas Mahut has won the title after defeated Lleyton Hewitt of Australia in the Hall of
Fame Tennis Championships final.Mahut won his second career ATP title.
Serena Williams Won Swedish Open Title
On 21 July Serena Williams (U.S) won Swedish Open Tennis title, after defeated Johanna Larsson(Sweden) in the
final of the Swedish Open at Bastad in Sweden.The win is her 53rd WTA title and 51st match win of the year.
Indian Women Won Recurve Gold At Archery World Cup
On 21 July Indian womens archery team Deepika Kumari, Laishram Bombayla Devi and Rimil Biruly won Gold
medal in the Womens Recurve Team event at the Archery World Cup Stage-3 in Medellin, Colombia.In the final
Indian womens archery team defeated China in the recurve event to claim the gold medal.India claim their second
medal of this World Cup and their first World Cup Womens team gold since Shanghai 2011.
Divij Sharan Purav Raja Won First ATP Title
On 21 July Purav Raja and Divij Sharan of India clinched their first ever ATP tour doubles title after defeated
Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France and Igor Sijsling of the Netherlands in the final match of Claro Open in Bogota,
Colombia.
Devendra Jhajharia Won Gold In World Paralympic Championships
On 22 July Indias Paralympian Devendra Jhajharia has won a gold medal in the Javelin Throw at IPC
(International Paralympic Commitee) athletics World Championships in France.He became the first differently-
abled Indian to win gold at the IPC Athletics World Championships.He threw the javelin to 57.04 meters in F-46
category, which is meant for one-armed athletes.He won a Gold medal at the 8th FESPIC Games in Korea,
2002.In March 2012, he received the Padma Shree Award and became the first paralympian to win the award.
Dhyan Chand Nominated For Bharat Ratna
The sports ministry has chosen hockey legend late Dhyan Chand for Indias highest civilian award, the Bharat
Ratna.Dhyan Chand, who passed away in 1979, won three gold medals at the Olympics in 1928 ( Amsterdam),
1932 ( Los Angeles) and 1936 ( Berlin).
Jennitha Wins World Chess Title For Disabled
On 24 July Indias K. Jennitha Anto has became the World Chess Champion for disabled, after won the 13th IPCA
World Womens Individual Chess Championship in Velke Losiny, Czech Republic.Hailing from Tamil Nadu,
Jennitha scored 4.5 points in nine games after winning three, drawing three and losing three games.She
competed in a combined group with men and became the highest scorer among the women players.The title
came along with the Woman International Master title.
Lewis Hamilton Won Hungarian Grand Prix Title
On 28 July Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes won the Hungarian Grand Prix title 2013 held on
Buadpest.Raikkonen and Vettle got second and third positions respectively.
Afridi Becomes First Batsman To Hit 400 Sixes
Pakistans Shahid Afridi became the first cricketer to hit 400 sixes in an international career on 26 July.Afridi
reached the landmark in the 16th over of Pakistans reply to the West Indies 152 for seven in the first Twenty20
international.Chris Gayle, playing for the West Indies, is next on the list having hit 353 sixes in his Test, ODI and
T20 career.
Indian Wrestlers Won 15 Medals In Asian Cadet Championship
On 27 July Indian wrestlers finished the Cadet Asian Championships with a rich haul of three golds, nine silvers
and three bronze medals, besides winning the Champion Trophy in the freestyle category in Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia.The gold came through Amit Kumar (58kg), Vikas (63kg) and Parveen (85kg) of the freestyle category
while silver medals were won by Ravi Kumar (54kg), Ankur Rathi (69kg), Balraj (76kg) and Gursewak Singh
(100kg) in the same division.The freestyle team secured 84 points and finished ahead of Iran who were the
runners-up.
Aditya Mehta Won Snooker Gold In World Games
On 30 July Indias numero uno snooker player, Aditya Mehta won the gold medal in the World Games after
defeated Chinas Liang Wenbo in the final of the quadrennial event at Cali, Columbia.
India Won Under-16 SAFF Championship
On 30 July India won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-16 Championships held at the Dasharath
Stadium in Kathmandu.Indian boys defeated Nepal 1-0 in final to lift the South Asian Football Federation Under-16
Championship title. This is the first time that India have won the championship.
ECONOMY
Indian Internet Economy To Touch USD 100 Billion By 2015
On 3 July According to the Economist Intelligence Unit Good to Grow: The Environment of Asias Internet
Business report ,Indias Internet Economy that stands at 1.6 per cent of GDP is slated to touch USD 100 billion
by 2015 .Online advertising in Asia will grow from 24 per cent of worldwide online advertising in 2010 to 26 per
cent by 2015.However, Asias mobile advertising market is expected to account for one-third of the mobile
advertising market globally by 2015.
Latvia Gets EU Approval To Join Eurozone
On 9 July European Union (EU) states approved the adoption of the euro by Latvia as of January 1, 2014. The
country will be the 18th member of the European Monetary Union.Latvia is the second Baltic republic to join the
euro zone. In 2011, Estonia adopted the currency. Lithuania plans to do so as well, in 2015.
Indias Growth Forecast To 5.6% For 2013-14
On 9 July the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has scaled down Indias economic growth forecast by 0.2
percentage points to 5.6 per cent for 2013-14 from 5.8 per cent forecasted in April 2013 World Economic Outlook
(WEO) projections.The growth projection for FY 2014-15 was also scaled down by 0.1 percentage points to 6.3
per cent.
Indians Among Top Five Buyers Of Property In US
On 10 July According to the National Association of Realtors survey report ,Buying property worth nearly $3.5
billion .Indians are among top five international real estate buyers in the US.India along with Canada, China,
Mexico and the United Kingdom accounted for approximately 53 percent of international transactions worth $68.2
billion.
Government Approved 100 percent FDI In Telecom Sector
On 16 July the Union Government of India raised the FDI limit in Telecom Sector from 74 percent to 100 percent.
Government also cleared that the FDI in the Insurance and Telecom sectors will be up to 49 per cent through
automatic route.The foreign direct investment limit in insurance sector will be hiked to 49 per cent from the
existing 26 per cent.The Government also confirmed that the FDI in Defence Production will continue to be 26
percent.
Colombia Among Worlds Most Corrupt Nations
On 17 July According to the Global Corruption Barometer 2013 report , was released by NGO Transparency
International (TI) ,Colombia is among the countries with the highest rate of corruption in the world.Colombia was
placed 5th among the seven countries whose citizens realize that Congress is one of the most corrupt public
bodies.Transparency International (TI) was Founded in 1993 and based in Berlin, Germany, the T has 100
branches and operates in 70 countries.
India Becomes Largest Nigerian Crude Oil Buyer
India has overtaken the U.S. as the top buyer of Nigerian crude oil.On the bilateral trade,the present figure stands
at $10 billion, even as the total investment of India in Nigerian economy could be valued at $16.6 billion.
Poverty In India Drops To 21.9 percent In 2011-12
On 23 July the Planning Commission of India released its report on the Poverty Estimates for 2011-12. The report
was based on the Large Sample Surveys on Household Consumer Expenditure conducted by the National
Sample Survey Office (NSSO) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.However, since 2009-
10 was not a normal year because of a severe drought, the NSSO repeated the large scale survey in 2011-12
(NSS 68thround). The summary results of this survey were released in June 2013.Since the data from the NSS
68th round (2011-12) of Household Consumer Expenditure Survey is now available .Now the Planning Commission
has updated the poverty estimates for the year 2011-12 as per the methodology recommended by Tendulkar
Committee.The commission present ,released estimates of state wise poverty lines for rural and urban areas for
2011-12 .
Poverty Estimates 2011-12 :-
* Poverty ratio in the country has declined to 21.9 per cent in 2011-12 from 37.2 per cent in 2004-05 on account of
increase in per capita consumption.
* According to the Planning Commission, in 2011-12 for rural areas, the national poverty line by using the
Tendulkar methodology is estimated at Rs. 816 per capita per month in villages and Rs. 1,000 per capita per
month in cities.This would mean that the persons whose consumption of goods and services exceed Rs. 33.33 in
cities and Rs. 27.20 per capita per day in villages are not poor.
* For a family of five, the all India poverty line in terms of consumption expenditure would amount of Rs. 4,080 per
month in rural areas and Rs. 5,000 per month in urban areas. The poverty line, however, will vary from state to
state.
* The percentage of persons below poverty line in 2004-05 was 41.8 per cent in rural areas, 25.7 per cent in cities
and 37.2 per cent in the country as a whole.In actual terms, there were 26.93 crore people below poverty line in
2011-12 as compared to 40.71 crore in 2004-05.
* State-wise, the Commission said ,highest poverty rate of 39.93% was recorded in Chhattisgarh (2011-
12)followed by Jharkhand (36.96 per cent), Manipur (36.89 per cent), Arunachal Pradesh (34.67 per cent) and
Bihar (33.47 per cent).
* Among the union territories, the Dadra and Nagar Haveli was the highest, with 39.31 per cent people living below
poverty line followed by Chandigarh at 21.81 per cent.
* Lowest poverty rate of 5.09% was recorded in Goa (2011-12) followed by Kerala (7.05 per cent), Himachal
Pradesh (8.06 per cent), Sikkim (8.19 per cent), Punjab (8.26 per cent) and Andhra Pradesh (9.20 per cent).
ISRO PSLV C22 Successfully Launched IRNSS 1A Navigation Satellite
On 1 July ISROs Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C22, has successfully launched IRNSS-1A, the first
satellite in the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre,
Sriharikota ,Nellore District (Andhra Pradesh)This is the 23rd consecutively successful mission of PSLV.The
IRNSS-1A was launched on 1 July 2013 at 11.41 p.m.It was the first near midnight satellite launch by the Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO).The satellite has been designed to provide accurate position information
services to users in India as well as to the regions extending up to 1,500 km from its boundary.IRNSS-IA is
among the first seven satellites that constitutes the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) Space
Segment. The mission has a life of 10 years.
IRNSS will provide two types of services :- standard positioning service using signals in the L5-band to an
accuracy of 20 meters for all users and an encrypted service in S-band provided for authorized users.
About PSLV-C22 :-
* Rocket Height 44-metres
* Weight 320 tonnes
* Satellite IRNSS-1A
* Satellite Weight 1425 kg
Russias Proton-M Rocket Failed
On 2 July Russia has launched an unmanned Proton-M , carrying three Russian Glonass positioning, navigation
and timing satellites failed 17 seconds after liftoff , with the rocket crashing some 2.5 kilometers from the
Baikonur Cosmodrome launch pad in Kazakhstan.
Scientists Created 3D Bionic Ear With 3D Printer
On 4 July Princeton University scientists , including an Indian-origin researcher Naveen Varma,have created a 3D-
printed bionic ear that can hear radio frequencies far beyond the range of normal human capability.Using off-the-
shelf printing tools, the scientists at Princeton University explored 3D printing of cells and nanoparticles followed
by cell culture to combine a small coil antenna with cartilage, creating a bionic ear.This is the first time that
researchers have demonstrated that 3D printing is a convenient strategy to interweave tissue with electronics.
World`s First Human Liver Created From Stem Cells
Japanese scientists have grown a functional human liver tissue from stem cells for the first time.Takanori Takebe
and Hideki Taniguchi at Yokohama City University showed the generation of vascularised and functional human
liver from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) by transplantation of in vitro grown liver buds
(rudimentary liver).
UK Inaugurates Worlds Largest Offshore Wind Farm
On 4 July British Prime Minister David Cameron has inaugurated London Array, the worlds largest offshore wind
farm ,a 630-megawatt project capable of producing enough electricity to power 500,000 homes. The $2.3 billion
project is located 12 miles offshore in the North Sea, east of London .Powered by 175 Siemens wind turbines.
US Missile Defense Test Fails Over Pacific
On 6 July Americas missile defense system failed in a test over the Pacific, with an interceptor failing to hit an
incoming ballistic missile.The tests objective was to have an interceptor, launched from Vandenberg air base in
California, knock out a long-range ballistic missile fired from a US military test site at Kwajalein atoll in the
Marshall Islands.
ISRO Readies To Launch Orbiter To Mars
On 7 July ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan announced ,ISRO is readying up for the 450-crore Mars Orbiter
mission which is expected to be launched between October and November this year.The mission is aimed at
searching for possible signs of life as well as to find out why Mars lacks atmosphere.The Mars Orbiter will be
launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota. The
Mars orbiter will be carrying a total of five payloads weighing about 14.49 kg. It will carry a methane sensor to
determine the presence of methane, a sign which suggests that life once existed on the Martian soil.The Mars
Orbiter will enter into a 372 km by 80,000 km elliptical orbit around Mars.The spacecraft will orbit the red planet
once in every three days. It will study the surface and the minerals on Martian soil.
Scientists Discovered MRI Scan To Detect Cancer Using Sugar
Scientists from University College London (UCL) have discovered a technique they called glucose chemical
exchange saturation transfer (glucoCEST) a new way of detecting cancer by giving patients an injection of sugar
before doing an MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging).The researchers found that when sensitizing an MRI
scanner to recognize glucose, tumors appeared as bright images on the MRI scans of mice. The tumors can be
detected using the same amount of sugar found in half a standard chocolate bar.
Ecuador Starts Using New Aviation Radar System
On 10 July Ecuador Starts new Aviation Radar System.Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge announced the
Ecuadorian airspace will be covered in 95 percent by eight radars that will be located nationwide.The devices that
form the Integrated Surveillance System Civil Radar will be located in the provinces of Guayas, Manabi, Pichincha,
Cotopaxi, Pastaza, Azuay, Loja and the island of San Cristobal, in the Galapagos archipelago.Ecuadorian Vice
President started this system at the offices of the Civil Aviation General Management (DAC) in Guayaquil.The
investment to implement this high-technology equipment was $20 million USD.The eight radars would be part of a
single system, meaning that the air-traffic controller can see all the trace of a plane in a monitor.Guerrero
specified that it would be complicated to detect illegal flights of light aircraft, because for the crew to cheat these
controls turn off a device that transmit data to the radars, as altitude and speed of the flight.
China Russia Joint Sea-2013 Naval Drills
Chinese and Russian naval forces Joint Sea-2013 drills was held from 6th to11th July in the Sea of Japan.In the
Joint exercises China used seven warships, included a guided-missile destroyer with Aegis-type radars that track
and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets, and missile frigates with antisubmarine abilities.The Russian lineup
included the flagship of its Pacific fleet, the guided-missile cruiser Varyag, and a Kilo-class submarine.The six-
day maneuvers focused on joint maritime air defense and the defense of marine traffic arteries, with exercises
involving joint escorts, marine search and rescue operations, anti-submarine tactics and anti-hijacking
tactics.They were the ninth bilateral and multilateral joint military exercises carried out by the Chinese and
Russian militaries.
Iran Secret Nuclear Site Discovered By MEK
On 11 July the paris based militant group organisation of the Peoples Mujahedin of Iran (MEK) has discovered
credible evidence of a secret new nuclear site, gathered over a year by 50 sources in various parts of the
regime.The codename of the project is Maadan-e Sharq (literally the mine of the east) or Project Kossar.This
site is hidden in a series of tunnels under a mountain near the town of Damavand.The Paris-based militant group
MEK alleges that the site has existed since 2006, with the first series of subterranean tunnels and four external
depots recently completed.
US Autonomous X-47B Drone Successfully Lands On Aircraft Carrier
On 11 July the US Navys next-generation autonomous drone, the X-47B, has successfully landed on the deck of
the USS George H.W. Bush,during a milestone test run off the coast of Virginia.Developed by aerospace
contractor Northrop Grumman, the X-47B is the first UAV designed to refuel, take off, and land without any human
intervention.
U.S. Bill For A National Park On Moon
On 12 July Lawmakers of US proposed a Bill in the US Congress for establishing a national park on the Moon.The
new Bill seeks creation of the Apollo Lunar Landing Sites as National Historical Park on the Moon.The bill has
been named as the Apollo Lunar Landing Legacy Act, the Bill and was referred to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology in addition to the House Committee on Natural Resources.It calls for no later than one
year, after the date of enactment of the act, the establishment of a Apollo Lunar Landing Sites National Historical
Park, as a unit of the National Park System.
NASAs Hubble Discovered Blue Planet
Scientists from NASA have discovered a blue planet that possibly rains glass, orbiting a star 63 light-years
away.This is the first time an exoplanets true colour has been determined. Astronomers has used NASAs
Hubble Space Telescope and made visible light observation spotting the planet HD 189733b which is one of the
closest exoplanets that can be seen crossing the face of its star.
Neptunes 14th Moon Discovered
On 16 July the U.S. space agency NASA has announced the discovery of Neptunes 14th moon.The Hubble
Space Telescope captured the moon as a white dot in photos of the planet on the outskirts of our solar
system.The new moon, Neptunes tiniest at just 19.3 km across, is designated S/2004 N1.
China Successfully Launched Three Experimental Satellites In To Space
On 20 July China successfully launched three satellites to carry out scientific experiments into space.A Long
March-4C carrier rocket carrying three satellites ,blasts off from the launch pad in the Taiyuan Satellite Launch
Center in Taiyuan, capital of north Chinas Shanxi Province.The three satellites for scientific experiments, namely
the Chuangxin-3 , Shiyan-7 and Shijian-15 .The three satellites will be used mainly for conducting scientific
experiments on space maintenance technologies.
Worlds Largest Virus Discovered By French Researchers
On 20 July French National Centre for Scientific Research Scientists have discovered a huge viruses in the
world.The virus is one micrometre big ,up to ten times the size of other viruses, and only six per cent of its genes
resemble anything seen on Earth before.The size of each virus must be 2500 genes.93 percent of genes in this
virus is new for the world.The scientists named this virus as a Pandoraviruses.Ten years back these Scienists
found a new virus called mimiviruses .
Biological E vaccine Prequalified By WHO
On 22 July Biological E (BioE) and European biotech company announced the World Health Organization (WHO)
has pre-qualified its Japanese Encephalitis vaccine for global use in adults.BioE has developed the vaccine based
on the technology of Valneva SE, a French biotech company.
Advanced Weather Satellite INSAT-3D Launched Successfully
On 26 July The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its advanced weather
satellite Insat-3D from the spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana, using a European launch vehicle, Ariane-5
.The rocket also launched Alphasat a co-passenger of INSAT-3D and Europes largest telecommunication
satellite-ever manufactured.INSAT-3D was placed in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO),very close
to the intended one.With a lift-off mass of 2060 kg, INSAT-3D carried four payloads Imager, Sounder, Data
Relay Transponder (DRT) and Satellite Aided Search & Rescue payload.INSAT-3D will facilitate new dimension to
the weather monitoring because of its atmospheric sounding system. The atmospheric sounding system provides
the vertical profiles of integrated ozone, humidity as well as temperature, from top of the atmosphere.The new
satellite, INSAT-3D will be operational for next seven years.The satellite Insat-3D will give a push to the weather
forecasting as well as help in facilitating disaster warning services.
ISRO, Tata Motors Developed Indias First Fuel Cell Bus
On 28 July Tata Motors Limited (TML) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in collaboration,
developed the first Hydrogen-powered automobile bus of India.The hydrogen fuel-fitted bus was demonstrated at
Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, an ISRO facility in Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu.According to Honorary Adviser
of ISRO V Gnana Gandhi, who led the technical team in this project, ISRO and TML entered into an MoU in 2006
to design and develop an automobile bus using hydrogen as a fuel through fuel cell route.
HAL Delivers Lakshya-1 To Indian Army
On 26 July the first Lakshya-1, a fully indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed for the Indian Army
by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) was delivered to Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (Hyderabad).Lakshya-1 has been
designed and developed by the Aero Engine Research & Development Centre, a HAL facility in Bangalore.It is
powered with PTAE-7 Engine, an aero gas turbine engine that was also designed and developed by the Aero
Engine Research & Development Centre.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
New Governors and Lieutenant Governors Appointed
* On 1 July Vice Chancellor of Jamia Milia University Najeeb Jung was appointed as the 20th Lt Governor of
Delhi.Njaeeb Jung has replaced Tejendra Khanna, who was the 1961 batch Indian Administrative Service officer
and the last Lt Governor of Delhi.
* Former Delhi police commissioner K.K. Paul has been appointed the Meghalaya governor, replaced Ranjit
Shekhar Mooshahary.
* Lt. General A.K. Singh (retd) was appointed as the Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, replaced Lt.
General Bhopinder Singh (retd).
* Virendra Kataria has been appointed as the new Lt. Governor of Puducherry, replaced Iqbal Singh.
* Senior parliamentarian Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil has been appointed as the new governor of Sikkim.He is also
a former IAS officer, replaced incumbent B P Singh.
Sujatha Singh Is New Foreign Secretary Of India
On 2 July Sujata Singh has been appointed as Indias new foreign secretary.She succeeds Ranjan Mathai..Singh
is the third woman to head the services after Chokila Iyer and Nirupama Rao.Previously Singh worked in Europe
including Italy ,France and Germany.
Adli Mansour Sworn In As Egypts Interim President
On 4 July the Chief Justice of Egypts Constitutional Court ,Adli Mansour has been sworn in as Egypts interim
president.Mansour will serve as Egypts head of state until a new president is elected.Earlier, the first
democratically elected President of Egypt, Mohamed Morsi was deposed from his office in a military coup.
Abdoulaye Bathily Appointed As Deputy Head Of UN Mission In Mali
On 8 July UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the appointment of Abdoulaye Bathily of Senegal as his
new Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in
Mali (MINUSMA).Mr. Bathily has been serving as Senior Minister in the office of the President of Senegal since
2012. Mr. Bathily also served as a Member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
Parliament, member of the African Union Contact Group on the crisis in Madagascar.
Kaushik Appointed As The Coach Of Indian Mens Hockey Team
On 10 July Hockey India (HI) appointed Olympic gold medallist Maharaj Kishan Kaushik as the mens hockey
team coach.The decision comes in the wake of Michael Nobbs removal as the teams head coach.Kaushik was a
member of the team when it won the gold medal at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.Under the Coaching of
MK Kaushik , India mens hockey team had won their last major international tournament, the 1998 Asian
Games, Bangkok. In 1998, he received the Arjuna Award.
S. B. Mainak Appointed LIC MD
On 8 July S B Mainak has been appointed as MD of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).He will hold office
from the date of assuming charge till 29 February 2016.
Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka Appointed UN Women Chief
On 10 July Former South African deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has been appointed as the head of
UN Women agency.Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka replaces Michelle Bachelet, a former president of Chile who served as
the first Executive Director of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN
Women).Mlambo was the first woman to hold the position of Deputy President of South Africa from 2005 to 2008.
Hemant Soren Sworn in as 9th Jharkhand Chief Minister
On 13 July Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Hemant Soren was sworn in as the ninth Chief Minister of Jharkhand.
Syed Ahmed, the Governor of Jharkhand administered the oath of the office to Hemant Soren in the premises of
Raj Bhavan in a swearing-in ceremony.Hemant Soren, who heads the ninth ministry in less than 13 years,
became the fifth tribal Chief Minister after Babulal Marandi, Arjun Munda, Shibu Soren and Madhu Koda since the
state was created on November 15, 2000.Soren, who gave the Governor a list of 43 MLAs supporting him in the
82-member Assembly, is expected to expand his ministry after taking the floor test. The alternative coalition
comes nearly six months after the imposition of Presidents rule.The Presidents Rule was imposed on Jharkhand
on 18 January 2013 after the failure of the Constitutional Machinery in the state after JMM withdrew support to the
BJP-led government under Arjun Munda on 8 January 2013.
ElBaradei Sworn In As Egypts Vice President
On 14 July a former head of the UN nuclear watchdog and a Nobel peace laureate, Prominent liberal Egyptian
leader Mohamed ElBaradei was sworn in as Egypts interim vice president for foreign relations.
Moin Khan Appointed Pak Cricket Teams Chief Selector
On 15 July Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed former Pakistan team captain Moin Khan as chief selector
after the resignation of Iqbal Qasim.Moin, is the youngest person to be named to the chief selectors post by the
cricket board.Khan played 69 Tests and 219 one-day internationals for Pakistan in 1990s and was also a member
of World Cup winning team in 1992.
Santosh B Nayar is new CEO & MD of IFCI
On 15 July Santosh B Nayar has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the
Industrial Financial Corporation of India.The IFCI was the 1st specialised financial institution setup in India to
provide term finance to large industries in India.
Nisha Desai Biswal Nominated For The Post Of Assistant Secretary Of State Of USA
On 18 July Nisha Desai Biswal, an Indian-American woman was nominated for the Post of Assistant Secretary of
State for South and Central Asia by US President Barack Obama .Nisha Desai Biswal, held the post of the
Assistant Administrator for Asia at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) at the time her of
nomination to the post of Assistant Secretary of state.Nisha Desai Biswal will oversee the US Foreign Policy and
relations at the State Department for India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri
Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.This is the first time an Indian-American is heading the South
Asia Bureau, a new milestone for the community.Nisha Desai Biswal worked at the American Red Cross from
1993 to 1995 in the Washington headquarters, and as an overseas delegate in Armenia, Georgia and
Azerbaijan.Nisha Desai Biswal held the post of assistant administrator for Asia at the US Agency for International
Development (USAID), since September 2010.
Justice P Sathasivam Sworn In As The New Chief Justice Of India
On 19 July Justice P Sathasivam was sworn in as the 40th Chief Justice of India (CJI) by President Pranab
Mukherjee.Justice Sathasivam is first CJI from Tamil Nadu .The term of his office will be till 26 April 2014. Justice
Palanisamy Sathasivam succeeded CJI Altamas Kabir who left the office on 18 July 2013.
Rana Kapoor is new Assocham President
On 20 July Rana Kapoor, Founder, Managing Director & CEO of Yes Bank,took over as the new president of the
Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) at the end of the industry bodys 92nd
annual general meeting (AGM) in Delhi.He succeeds Rajkumar Dhoot, who is the managing director of Videocon
Group.
Philippe-1 Sworn In As Seventh King Of Belgium
On 21 July Prince Philippe -1 was sworn-in as the seventh king of Belgium,after his father Albert II abdicated as
the head of this fractured nation.The ceremony capped a day of transition which started when Philippes father,
the 79-year-old Albert, signed away his rights as the kingdoms largely ceremonial ruler at the royal palace in the
presence of Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, who holds the political power in this 183-year-old parliamentary
democracy.The position of the king in the country is nominal and total powers are having the Prime Minister.
Indian-Origin Peer Ajay Kakkar Appointed To Lords Post
On 23 July Indian-origin peer Ajay Kakkar has been made the chairman of the influential House of Lords
Appointments Commission, an advisory body which selects new independent members of UKs House of
Lords.Lord Kakkar is Professor of Surgery at university College London (UCL) and Consultant Surgeon University
College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust since 2011. His research interests focus on the prevention and
treatment of venous and arterial thromboembolic disease and cancer associated thrombosis.
Five Members From Tamil Nadu Sworn In To Rajya Sabha
On 25 July Senior leaders V. Maitreyan of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and D. Raja of
Communist Party of India (CPI) were among the five newly elected MPs from Tamil Nadu who took oath as
members of Rajya Sabha.While Maitreyan and Raja were re-elected, T. Rathinavel, K.R. Anjuman and K.
Lakshmanan (all AIADMK) have been elected for the first time to the Upper House in the recent biennial
elections.The oath-taking ceremony was held in the chamber of Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari in his
presence.DMK member Kanimozhi ,who has also been elected for a second term, did not take her oath
.Maithreyan, who is also the leader of his party in Rajya Sabha, has won a third term while CPI secretary Raja
secured his second stint in the house with the extended support from the ruling party AIADMK.
Barack Obama Nominates Indian-American Vince Girdhari Chhabria To Judiciary Post
On 26 July Indian-American legal luminary Vince Girdhari Chhabria has been nominated by US President Barack
Obama to a key judiciary post in California..Chhabria, nominated to be US district judge for the Northern District of
California, is currently deputy city attorney for government litigation and the co-chief of appellate litigation at the
San Francisco city attorneys office.Obama announced his nomination along with five other judicial posts, all of
which requires Senate confirmation.
K D Singh is new Indian Hockey Federation President
On 29 July Trinamool MP KD Singh was elevated to the post of president of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF)
after incumbent Dinesh Reddy opted to resign from the position.The decision to elevate Singh to the top post was
taken at a special executive council meeting of IHF .
Sharad Kumar is new NIA chief
On 30 July Senior IPS officer Sharad Kumar has been appointed as the new chief of the National Investigation
Agency (NIA).The 1979-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer will take over from additional DG N R Wasan, who
was given charge of NIA in April following appointment of Sinha as member of National Human Rights
Commission.
Cheryl Boone Isaacs Elected President Of Oscars Academy
On 30 July Cheryl Boone Isaacs has been elected as the president of Oscars Academy.The Springfield native is
the first woman to hold the post in three decades and the first African-American president in the academys 86-
year history. The academy oversees the annual Academy Awards and Oscars broadcast.Isaacs is currently head
of her own CBI Enterprises.
B)RESIGNS
Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Raghavji Resigned
On 5 July Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Raghavji resigned following allegations that he sodomised his
domestic help.Raghavji had set a record by presenting the state budget for 10 years in succession from 2004 to
2013.He is the Finance Minister of Madhya Pradesh since last 9 years.
Syria Interim Prime Minister Ghassan Hitto Resigned
On 8 July Syrias rebel interim prime minister Ghassan Hitto has announced his resignation , nearly four months
after his appointment and having failed to form a government.
Luxembourgs PM Jean-Claude Juncker Resigned
On 11 July Luxembourgs long-serving Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker has resigned from his post ,following a
spying scandal involving illegal phone-taps and other illicit activities.Jean-Claude Juncker is a Luxembourger
politician, 23rd and current Prime Minister of Luxembourg since 20 January 1995.
Kumar Mangalam Birla Resigned From RBI Board
On 23 July Aditya Birla Nuvo Chairman , Kumar Mangalam Birla resigned from the Reserve Bank of Indias Central
Board .The resignation is to avoid the conflicts because Aditya Birla Nuvo applied for the bank license to
RBI.Kumar Mangalam Birla was also nominated as the member of the Directors of the Central Board of the RBI in
2006.
C)DEATHS
Douglas Engelbart, Inventor Of Computer Mouse Died
Doug Engelbart, the U.S inventor of the computer mouse and developer of early incarnations of email, word
processing programs and the internet, has died on 2 July in Atherton, California. He was 88 years old.Douglas
Engelbart invented the mouse in 1963 when he was working at the Stanford Research Institute (now SRI
International) along with his lead engineer Bill English.Sadly Engelbart did not hold the patent for the mouse,
which was held by SRI and the patent ran out in 1987, before the mouse became popular.
Renowned Food Scientist Dr. H.A.B. Parpia Died
Dr. H.A.B. Parpia, renowed food scientist and the former Director of the Central Food Technological Research
Institute (CFTRI) died on 9 July .There exist more than 2500 papers and documents published by the name of Dr.
Parpia on food and technology and advanced education.Dr. Parpia served Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) of the United Nations at Rome and was Assistant Director in charge of Information, Statistics, Process
Development and Food Plant Design at the CFTRI.In 1987, he received Wattumull Foundation Award from
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
Veteran Bollywood Actor Pran Died
On 12 July Veteran Bollywood actor and the winner of Dadasaheb Phalke Award ,Pran Kishan Sikand died in
Mumbai.Pran acted in more than 350 Hindi movies in a long, prolific career dating back to the 1940s.He was one
of the highest-paid Bollywood actors in the 70s and 80s.He was conferred with Dada Saheb Phalke Award in April
2013.In 2001 he was awarded with Indias third highest civilian award Padma Bhushan.In his career span, he
received four film fare awards.
Bose Audio System Inventor G.Bose Died
On 12 July Amar Gopal Bose, Indian-American entrepreneur and founder and chairman of Bose Corporation, died
at the age of 83 in Wayland, Massachusetts.Bose founded the company, based in Framingham, just outside
Boston, in 1964.As company, Bose focused relentlessly on acoustic engineering innovation.Though his first
speakers fell short of expectations, Bose kept at it. In 1968, he introduced the Bose 901 Direct/Reflecting speaker
system, which became a best seller for more than 25 years and firmly entrenched Bose, based in Framingham,
Massachusetts, as a leader in a highly competitive audio components marketplace.
Bofors Scam Accused Ottavio Quattrocchi Died
On 13 July Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, who was a accused in the Bofors scam, has died in Milan,
Italy.The Bofors chargesheet filed in 1999 by CBI had named Quattrocchi,as one of the accused in the case
regarding the Rs 64 crore payoffs for supply of Swedish Howitzer guns to the Indian Army. The Rs 1,600 crore
contract was clinched in 1986.
Veteran CPI(M) Leader Samar Mukherjee Died
On 18 July Freedom fighter ,Veteran leader and the oldest member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist)
Samar Mukherjee, whose 100th birthday was celebrated by the party in November last year, died in
Kolkata.Mukherjee joined the Communist Party of India-Marxist in 1964.He had joined CPI in the year 1940.He
was the representative of Howrah in the Lok Sabha for three years in a row between 1971 and 1984.He was also
elected to Rajya Sabha in 1986.His biography titled 100 Years of Samar Mukherjee: A Tribute was released on
his 100th Birthday in English as well as Bengali languages.
Veteran Tamil Film Lyricist Vaali Died
On 18 July Famous Tamil lyricist T.S. Rangarajan, popularly known as Vaali, has died in Chennai.Vaali had
penned more than 10,000 songs and worked with three generations of music directors.He has also acted in some
movies like Sathya, Hey Ram and others.In 2007, he was awarded the Padmashri by the Indian government.
Former Union Minister Khurshed Alam Khan Died
On 20 July Khurshed Alam Khan, a former Union minister and father of external affairs minister Salman Khurshid
died in NewDelhi.He served as the member of Rajya Sabha from 1974-1984.Alam Khan served as the Minister if
State in the Governments led by former Prime Ministers of India, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. As an Union
Minister, he had held portfolios of education, textiles, tourism, transport besides external affairs.He served as
Governor of Goa and Karnataka in 1989 and 1991 respectively.
Pioneer American Women Journalist Helen Thomas Died
On 20 July Legendary American journalist Helen Thomas, a pioneer for women in journalism who reported on ten
US presidents from Dwight D Eisenhower to Barack Obama,died in Washington.In 1975-76, Thomas served as
the first woman president of the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA).She was a columnist for
Hearst Newspapers from 2000 to 2010, writing on national affairs and the White House.She retired on June 7,
2010, following controversial comments she made about Israel, Israeli Jews and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Former Union Minister Arun Nehru Died
On 25 July Arun Nehru, former Union minister and the cousin of Rajiv Gandhi as well as the Minister for Internal
Security during his government, died in Gurgaon.Arun Nehru was born in Lucknow.He was a three-time Lok Sabha
member.When Rajiv Gandhi became the prime minister in 1984, he was his close adviser and minister of state for
internal security.
Acclaimed Biologist Obaid Siddiqi Died
On 26 July Obaid Siddiqi, National Research Professor at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata
Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) died in a Bangalore.Siddiqi, born in 1932 in Uttar Pradesh, received his
early education at Aligarh Muslim University.He established the Molecular Biology Unit at the Tata Institute of
Fundamental Research in Bombay in 1962. Siddiqi was honoured with several awards, including Padma
Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, BC Roy Award for Biomedical Research and Firodia Award for Basic Sciences.
D)VISITORS
Indian Defence Minister AK Antonys Visited China
Indian Defence Minister, Mr AK Antony visited China from 4-7 July 2013.During the visit Antony met China
Defence Minister General Chang Wanquan and also called on Premier Li Keqiang .Both countries Ministers
discussed an extensive exchange of views on a wide range of defence and security issues.The two sides also
agreed to hold talks on China India Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA).The both countries Defence
Ministers discussed ongoing and proposed bilateral exchanges and welcomed the holding of the counter-terrorism
bilateral joint exercise between their armies in China in 2013.Antonys trip is the first by an Indian defence
minister since 2006 and comes after a spat between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in May over troop
movements in a disputed Himalayan border region.
Indias External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid Visited Nepal
Indias External Affairs Minister, Salman Khurshid, visited Nepal on 9th July.During the visit Salman Khurshid met
Nepals top leaders and discussed important bilateral issues, including the finalisation of an extradition treaty and
controlling of criminal activities along the porous border.In the visit Khurshid also called on President Dr Ram
Baran Yadav and Chairman of Council of Ministers Khil Raj Regmi , Nepalese counterpart Madhav Prasad Ghimire
and both the nations held official talks covering all feature of bilateral relations and issues of mutual interests.
US Vice President Joe Biden Visited India
US Vice President Joe Biden visited India from 22 25 July .He is the first U.S. vice-president visited India after
three decades.On 22 July Joe Biden visited Gandhi Smriti Museum in New Delhi.On 23 July Biden met President
Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and discussed on a broad
array of issues, includes ways to enhance economic growth, and cooperation in trade, energy and climate
change, security and strategic opportunities, besides investments in innovation and education.On 24 25 July
Biden visited in Mumbai.Biden met business leaders and delivered a policy speech at the Bombay Stock
Exchange.It is Bidens first trip to India as vice president. He visited New Delhi in 2008 as a senator.
France Defence Minister Yves Le Drianis Visited India
Defence Minister of France, Mr Yves Le Drianis visited India from 25-27 July.During the visit Yves Le Drianis met
Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony and discussed on regional and international security challenges of mutual
interest.The Ministers noted that defence cooperation is an important pillar of the strategic partnership between
both countries and that the ongoing dialogue and cooperation is mutually beneficial to both nations.The Ministers
agreed that exchanges between respective defence institutions and armed forces should continue to be
progressed, including in the areas of military education and training and through the conduct of military exercises.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Egypt President Mohamed Morsi Ousted By Military
On 3 July Mohamed Morsi, the Islamist president of Egypt whose rule sparked protests that had engulfed the
country , was removed from power by the Egyptian military.After Morsi had rejected the militarys ultimatum to
surrender to public pressure and resign within 48 hours.Morsis election as the first democratically elected
President was a turning point in the political history of Egypt after the downfall of 30 years reign of Hosni Mubaraq.
Pope Francis Clears John Paul II, John XXIII For Sainthood
On 5 July Pope Francis on Friday cleared two of the 20th centurys most influential popes to become saints,
approving a miracle needed to canonize Pope John Paul II and waiving Vatican rules to honour Pope John
XXIII.The announcement ceremony is expected before the end of the year.
Bangladesh Islamist Ghulam Azam Sentenced To 90 Years In Prison
On 15 July Bangladesh Islamist leader Ghulam Azam, 91 has been sentenced to 90 years in prison on charges of
war crimes.Azam, was accused of setting up militia groups that carried out mass killings and rape during
Bangladeshs 1971 war of independence with Pakistan.
Pakistans Women Paratroopers Create History
On 15 July Female officers of the Pakistan Army have jumped from military helicopters for the first time in the
countrys history.A total of 24 lady officers of the Pakistan Army successfully completed a three-week basic
airborne course at the Parachute Training School in the northwestern city of Peshawar.Pakistan Army, in another
landmark achievement, successfully completed the first ever Lady Officers Para Trooping Course at Para Training
School.Captain Sadia was the first women officer who jumped from an MI-17 helicopter, while Captain Kiran
Ashraf was declared the best paratrooper of the batch.
Che Manuscripts Added To UNESCO Heritage Program
On 20 July the writings of Cuban Revolution leader Ernesto Che Guevara have been added to UNESCOs
Memory of the World Register.The documents include original manuscripts from Ches youthful Motorcycle
Diaries days, to his diary from the mountains of Bolivia where he was executed by that nations military in
1967.They are now recognized as world heritage and will be protected and cared for with the help of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Indian Woman Scientist Sunetra Gupta Joins Famed UK League
On 22 July Sunetra Gupta, an India-born chemist and physicist has joined the big league of female scientists like
Marie Curie in a first-of-its-kind art exhibition at the prestigious Royal Society.Gupta, who was born in Kolkata and
is now a professor at Oxford University, is among an exclusive group as part of the Women in Science Portrait
Exhibition of the greatest female Fellows of the Royal Society together with newly-commissioned drawings
featuring Royal Society Research Fellows.Her main area of interest is the evolution of diversity in pathogens, with
particular reference to the infectious disease agents that are responsible for malaria, influenza and bacterial
meningitis.
Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange Launched Political Party In Australia
On 25 July Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has launched his political party to contest Australian elections this
year. As per Assange, his party which he named Wikileaks Party would be fielding seven candidates including
Assange for upper house Senate seats in the states of New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.Two
Indian-origin persons are among the seven candidates who will contest elections on a Wikileaks Party ticket in
Senate polls in Australia. Indian-origin academician Binoy Kampmark, who was born in Malaysia and has Bengali
heritage, will stand for the Upper House election from Victori whereas Suresh Rajan, who is based out of Kerala,
will stand for the party in Western Australia.
Britain Royal Baby Named George Alexander Louis
On 24 July Britains new prince has been named George Alexander Louis .The announcement from Royal baby
parents Prince William and Kate.It was declared that the third-in-line successor to the throne will be known as his
Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge.
Salustiano Sanchez-Blazquez Is Worlds Oldest Man
On 25 July A man from the Niagara falls area in New York has received the Guinness World Records title for
Worlds oldest man.Salustiano Sanchez-Blazquez, nicknamed Shorty is 112 years old, and he was awarded
the title after the demise of 116-year-old Jiroemon Kimura of Japan. As documented, the worlds oldest person is
115-year-old Misao Okawa, also a Japan resident.Sanchez-Blazquez was born in El Tejado de Bejar, Spain on 8
June 1901.
Stanford Ranked Top US university On Forbes List
On 25 July According to the Forbes magazines annual ranking of the top U.S. colleges list ,Stanford University in
Northern Californias Silicon Valley ranked No. 1 and much smaller Pomona College was in second
place.Princeton University in New Jersey slipped to third place, followed by Yale University in Connecticut in
fourth place and Columbia University in New York City at No. 5.For the sixth year, Forbes worked with the Center
for College Affordability and Productivity in Washington to produce the list.
PLACES IN NEWS
Incheon Named World Bank Capital For 2015
On 19 July UNESCO announced South Koreas western port city of Incheon has been chosen to be the World
Book Capital for the year 2015.Incheon became the 15th city to be designated as the World Book Capital
following the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt for 2014 and Bangkok for the year 2013.
Strong Earthquake Hits China
On 22 July a strong earthquake in northwestern China ,measuring 6.6 on Richter scale, that has killed more than
89 people and injured 412.The quake hit along the border of two counties Min and Zhang.The epicenter, with a
depth of 20 km, was 170 km away from the provincial capital Lanzhou.The earthquake was also felt in Tianshui
city and the provincial capital city of Lanzhou besides in the cities of Xian, Baoji and Xianyang in neighboring
Shaanxi Province.
ABBREVIATIONS
PSLV - Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
IRNSS - Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System
WIPO World Intellectual Property Organization
CMAI - Clothing Manufacturers Association of India
AEPC Apparel Export Promotion Council
CISF Central Industrial Security Force
CRPF Central Reserve Police Force
DGCA Directorate General of Civil Aviation
CAA Civil Aviation Authority
GSPA Gas Sale Purchase Agreement
MMRCA - Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft
ESMA Essential Services Maintenance Act
BOOKS IN NEWS
A Bouquet Of Vivekanandas Writings Book Released
Swami Vivekananda The book titled A Bouquet Of Vivekanandas Writings was released on 10 July.The book
contains a number of hand-written poetries, essays and even letters written by Vivekananda in Bengali and
English.19th century philosopher-monk Swami Vivekananda have been compiled in a book as a facsimile copy of
his original handwriting.
An Uncertain Glory: India and its Contradictions Book Released
An Uncertain Glory: India and its Contradictions authored by Jean Dreze, the development economist and
Amratya Sen, an economist, a philosopher and a Nobel Prize winner.The book was released in month of July
2013.The book has been published by Penguin Books India.In the book authors have presented a far reaching
analysis of the conditions of contemporary India with a compilation of the wealth of illuminating data.
The New Bihar Rekindling Governance and Development Book Released
On 21 July The New Bihar Rekindling Governance and Development was released by Noble laureate Amartya
Sen.President Pranab Mukherjee received a copy of book from Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen (centre) at
Rashtrapati Bhavan .The book has been edited by N.K. Singh.
An Agenda for Indias Growth: Essays in Honour of P. Chidambaram Book Released
On 31 July The book entitled An Agenda for Indias Growth: Essays in Honour of P. Chidambaram was
released in New Delhi by Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh.The book, which is edited by Sameer
Kochhar of the Skoch Foundation, encompasses various excellent essays by well known distinguished experts.
In the book, all the authors dated their association with P. Chidambaram from 1991, when he was the Minister of
Commerce as well as a key reformer initiating trade policy reform.
COMMITTEES
Harshvardhan Patil Committee On Agricultural Marketing Submits Report
On 3 July The Committee of State Ministers In-charge of Agriculture Marketing to Promote Marketing Reforms has
submitted final report to the Agriculture Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar.It has called for an effective implementation of
Model APMC Act in all the states. This committee was constituted in March, 2010 under the Chairmanship of
Shri Harshvardhan Patil, Minister for Cooperation and Parliamentary Affairs, Govt.of Maharashtra.The committee
has also recommended the setting up of multiple and competitive marketing channels; independent regulatory
authority to encourage private investors; need for viability gap funding to attract private sector investment; higher
investment in marketing infrastructure.
Nelson Mandela International Day Observed On 18 July
Nelson Mandela International Day was observed across the world on 18 July 2013 to earmark freedom, justice and
democracy. The overarching objective of Mandela Day is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the
world for the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good. Ultimately it seeks to empower
communities everywhere. Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day.In November 2009, the
UN General Assembly declared 18 July as the Nelson Mandela International Day to recognize the former South
African Presidents contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.
World Population Day Observed Across The World On 11 July
World Population Day was observed on 11 July 2013 across the world. The theme for the year 2013 is Focus is
on Adolescent Pregnancy. In 1989, in its decision 89/46, the Governing Council of the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) declared 11 July as the day that should be observed as World Population Day
by the International Community.The UNDP recommended 11 July as world Population Day, in order to focus
attention on the urgency and importance of population issues in the context of overall development plans and
programmes and the need to find solutions for these issues.The 2013 World Population Day is being observed
with an aim of raising awareness on the issue of adolescent pregnancy with the hope of delivering a world where
every pregnancy is wanted and every childbirth is safe, and every young persons potential is fulfilled. The 2013
aim has been proposed because as per reports about 16 million of girls under 18 years of age give birth to a child
every year. Apart from this about 3.2 million undergoes an unsafe abortion and about 90 percent of the pregnant
adolescents in the developing world are married.
Malala Day Observed Across The World On 12 July
12 July 2013 was observed as Malala Day across the World and by United Nations. The day is being observed by
the United Nations to highlight the fight of education of the Pakistani child activist Malala Yousafzai. Seminars,
conferences and other ceremonies were held across Pakistan wherein scholars, educationists and analysts
participated to pay tribute to Malala, who fought for girls education in Swat valley against the Taliban. 12 July, the
day of Malalas Birth was declared as Malala Day by UN General Secretary Ban-Ki-Moon on her 16th
Birthday.Malala is the girl from Pakistan, who was shot in head and neck by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
on 9 October 2012 for advocating girls for their right to education and speaking against Taliban.
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June 2013 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Egypts Top Court Rules Parliament Invalid
On 2 June Egypts Supreme Constitutional Court invalidated the nations upper house of parliament and a panel
that drew up the constitution.The upper house, or Shura Council, holds legislative powers. It will be dissolved after
a new lower house is elected.The court dissolved the lower house of parliament 2012 June.The constitution was
drafted by an Islamist-dominated assembly in 2012 November and approved by voters in December.
Nigerias Parliament Passed a Bill Criminalising Gay Marriage
On 2 June Nigerias parliament has passed a bill criminalising gay marriage, making it punishable with a 14-year
prison term.The countrys lower house, House of Representatives, followed the action of the Senate and endorsed
the bill.
UN Finds Evidence Of Toxic Chemicals and a Worsening War in Syria
On 3 June A United Nations (UN) human rights investigation report ,finds some kind of chemical has probably
been used on Syrias battlefield.Paulo Pinheiro, chairperson of the UN commission of inquiry submitted their
latest report at the UN in Geneva .
Obesity and Poor Nutrition Report Released by UN FAO
On 4 June According to the UNs Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) report ,obesity and poor nutrition
weigh heavily on the global economy and told governments that investing in food health would bring big economic
as well as social returns.Lost productivity and spiralling health care bills linked to malnutrition could account for
as much as five per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP), equivalent to US$3.5 trillion (S$4.4 trillion) a
year.In its yearly report, the Rome-based agency said 12.5 percent of the worlds population (some 868 million
people) are undernourished in terms of energy intake, while 26 percent of children worldwide are stunted by
malnutrition.Some two billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies and 1.4 billion people are overweight
of which 500 million are obese.
US Slapped Economic Sanction on Iran
On 4 June The US has slapped new sanctions on Iran ,targetting the countrys already-devalued currency and
automobile industry.This is the ninth set of sanctions that the Obama administration has imposed against
Iran.The executive order also empower the imposition of new sanctions against those who intentionally engage in
major financial or other transactions for the sale, supply, or transfer to Iran of significant goods or services used in
connection with Irans automotive sector. Similar sanctions were earlier imposed on Irans shipping, shipbuilding,
and energy sectors.It is for the first time that the US has directly targeted the Iranian currency.
U.S. and China Hold Bilateral Talks
On 7 June The U.S. President Barack Obama and China President Xi Jinping concluded their latest round of high-
level trade talks.In the meeting both countries agreed to inject new vitality to bilateral trade and economic
relations.The US and China will work together and with other countries to use the expertise and institutions of the
Montreal Protocol to phase down the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), among other
forms of multilateral cooperation.Both nations agreed to work together on the crucial cyber security issues that
have spiraled tensions between the two nations.
Bangladesh Amends Anti-Terror Law
On 12 June Bangladeshs parliament amended the tough anti-terrorism law re-defining terrorism and allowing
courts to accept internet.The (anti-terror) bill suggests provisions to effectively control terrorism through inter-state
cooperation.It offers the central bank the authority to freeze suspicious accounts without court orders.The law was
first enacted in 2009 after the December 2008 elections while it was amended last year incorporating some
provisions.The law was first enacted in 2009 when the incumbent Awami League assumed office after the
December 2008 elections while it was amended last year incorporating some provisions.
EU Launched New Nuclear Safety Rules
On 12 June The European Commission released a new set of nuclear power safety rules aimed at eliminating the
risk of a Fukushima-type disaster in the region.The directive will require countries to submit to an international
review of their nuclear power systems every six years, and fix any shortcomings discovered.There are 132 nuclear
reactors in operation in Europe.
Hasan Rowhani Elected As Irans New President
On 15 June moderate cleric Hasan Rowhani elected as Irans new President.Rowhani has won the countrys
presidential election.Rowhani won with 50.7 percent of the more than 36 million votes cast.Other contenders such
as Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf got 16.5 percent and Hard-line nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili came
in third with 11.3 percent of votes. Another conservative Mohsen Rezaei got 10.6 percent votes.
Kuwaits Constitutional Court Dissolved Parliament
On 16 June The Kuwait Constitutional Court has dissolved the Kuwaiti parliament and ordered new elections.The
Constitutional Court had decided not to make a ruling on the constitutionality of the Emir Sheik Al-Sabahs
change to the electoral laws after they had examined and rejected the challenge.
Afghanistan Rejects Talks With Taliban And U.S
On 19 June Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai rejected peace talks with the Taliban in a new office in Qatar
.Karzai also suspended talks on a new U.S.-Afghan security deal that would allow some American troops to
remain in the country after the international combat mission ends in 2014 to protest the fact that his government
was being left out of the initial process.
China Russia Cooperation 2013 Held in Beijing
Chinese Armed Police Force and the Russian internal security forces Cooperation -2013 Joint training was held
from 11th to 20th June in Beijing at Armed Special Police Academy.46 personnel from the Snow Leopard
Commandoes, an elite anti-terrorism force under the Chinese Peoples Armed Police Force (PAPF), and 29 from
a special task force unit of Russias domestic security force.Before this joint training held in Beijing, the two sides
previously conducted a joint anti-terrorism drill, Cooperation 2007, in Moscow .
Russia and China Signed $270bn Oil Deal
On 21 June Russias oil giant Rosneft and Chinese state firm CNPC signed a agreement to supply China with
$270bn worth of oil over the next 25 years.The agreement was signed by Rosneft chief executive Igor Sechin and
CNPC head Zhou Jiping in the presence of Putin and visiting Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli.
UK and China Signed Currency Swap Agreement
On 23 June UK and China have signed a three-year agreement worth 200bn to establish a renminbi currency swap
to promote trade between the two countries.The agreement was signed by The Bank of England and the Peoples
Bank of China.Currency-swap agreements basically allow central banks to swap currencies which can be used by
firms to settle trade in local currencies rather than in US dollars.
Kevin Rudd Re-elected As Australian PM
On 26 June Kevin Rudd re-elected as Australian Prime Minister.In these election Kevin Rudd defeated the
present Leader of the Labor Party and Prime Minister Julia Gillard.Kevin Rudd won 57 and Julia Gillard got 45
votes.Before three years Julia Gillard became a Prime Minister of Australia in place Kevin Rudd is the first
Woman Prime Minister of Australia.Now Kevin Michael Rudd is the Prime Minister of Australia, as well as Leader
of the Labor Party.He was previously Prime Minister from 2007 to 2010, and Labor Leader from 2006 to 2010.
Qatars Emir Transfers Power To Son
On 25 June Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani has handed power to his son, Crown Prince Sheikh
Tamim.On 26 June Qatars new Emir formed a government from which he excluded powerful former Prime Minister
Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani , replaced him with the former minister of state for internal affairs.Sheikh
Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani was named both the Prime Minister and Interior Minister.Sheikh Abdullah
bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani is a Qatari politician.In 2005,Nasser Al-Thani he became the minister of state for
internal affairs.
INDIA & WORLD
China, Pakistan, India Increased Nuclear Arsenals
On 3 June According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute annual report ,China, India, and
Pakistan have increased their nuclear arsenals over the past year.India and Pakistan have each added around 10
new warheads to bring their totals to between 90 and 110 and between 100 and 120 respectively. China now has
250 nuclear warheads, compared to 240 in 2012.Only the two old superpowers have cut their arsenals, with the
United States reducing its warheads from 8000 to 7700, and Russia from 10,000 to 8,500.
65 Countries Signed Arms Trade Treaty
On 3 June More than 65 countries of the world signed signed the Arms Trade Treaty and the United States
announced it will sign soon. key arms exporters including Russia and China and major importers including India,
Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Egypt abstained and have given no indication yet that they will sign it.The treaty will
require countries that ratify it to establish national regulations to control the transfer of conventional arms and
components and to regulate arms brokers, but it will not control the domestic use of weapons in any country. It
prohibits the transfer of conventional weapons if they violate arms embargoes or if they promote acts of genocide,
crimes against humanity or war crimes.
India Singapore Signed Agreement On Joint Army Training
On 4 June India and Singapore have signed a fresh agreement to extend the use of training and exercise facilities
in India by the Singapore Army for a further period of five years from August this year.The agreement was signed
between Defence Secretary Radha Krishna Mathur and his Singaporean counterpart Chiang Chie Foo.A bilateral
agreement for utilisation of facilities in India by the Singapore Air Force and Army was signed in October 2007 and
August 2008 respectively.
348 Million Internet Users Expected In India By 2017
On 5 June According to the Ciscos Visuals Networking Index (VNI) forecast (2012-17) report , India has the
fastest Internet traffic growth globally and is expected to have 348 million users by 2017.In India, there will be 348
million Internet users in 2017, up from 138 million in 2012.Internet traffic in India will reach 2.5 Exabytes per month
in 2017.Worldwide, by 2017, the number of Internet users will rise to 3.6 billion, which will be more than 48 per
cent of the worlds estimated population of 7.6 billion.
US exempted India & Eight Other Countries for Importing Oil from Iran
On 6 June United States exempted India and eight other countries from sanctions for importing oil from Iran,
noting that these countries have significantly reduced their dependence on Iranian oil in the last six months.US
Secretary of State John Kerry announced ,India, China, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Sri
Lanka, Turkey, and Taiwan have qualified for an exception to sanctions under Americas Iran Sanctions Act.
India & Germany Signed Development Cooperation Agreement
On 6 June India and Germany have signed an umbrella agreement on financial and technical cooperation in the
field of energy, environment and management of natural resources.The agreement was signed by German
Embassys Deputy Chief of Mission Cord Meier-Klodt and Indias Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic
Affairs Rajesh Khullar.
India Ranked 141 in Global Peace Index 2013
On 11 June According to the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2013 released by Institute for Economics and Peace
(IEP) , India ranks 141st out of 162 in this years Global Peace Index (GPI).Iceland (First Rank) ,Denamark (2nd
rank) , Austria (3rd rank) ,Switzerland (5th rank).Other important countries ranks in Global Peace Index (GPI) :-
Japan (6th rank) ,US (100th rank) ,China (101 rank) ,Bangladesh (105 rank) , Srilanka (110 rank) ,Iran (137th rank)
,Russia (155th rank) ,Pakistan (157th rank) , Iraq (159th rank) and Afganistan (162 rank) ranks at bottom.The
Global Peace Index (GPI) is an attempt to measure the relative position of nations and regions peacefulness.
World Population Projected To Reach 9.6 Billion By 2050
On 14 According to the United Nations (UN) World Population Prospects: the 2012 Revision report ,The current
world population of 7.2 billion is projected to increase by 1 billion over the next 12 years and reach 9.6 billion by
2050.India is expected to become the worlds largest country, passing China around 2028, when both countries
will have populations of 1.45 billion. After that, Indias population will continue to grow and Chinas is expected to
start decreasing.
India, UK Signed MoU On Cooperation In Healthcare Sector
On 14 June India and the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for strategic and
technical cooperation on health care policy and practice.The MoU was signed by Department of Health Research
(DHR) Secretary V M Katoch and UK-based National Institute for Health and Care (NICE) Excellence chief
executive Andrew Dillon in London.
33% Of Women Suffer Domestic Violence
On 20 June According to the World Health Organization (WHO) survey ,In the first major global review of violence
against women, a series of reports released found that about a third of women have been physically or sexually
assaulted by a former or current partner.The rate of domestic violence against women was highest in Africa, the
Middle East and Southeast Asia, where 37 percent of women experienced physical or sexual violence from a
partner at some point in their lifetimes. The rate was 30 percent in Latin America and 23 percent in North
America. In Europe and Asia, it was 25 percent.More than 38 percent of slain women are killed by a former or
current partner, six times higher than the rate of men killed by their partners.
US Senate Passed Landmark Immigration Bill
On 27 June The U.S. Senate has passe the landmark comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill ,which provides a
pathway to citizenship to more than 11 million undocumented people, including over 240,000 Indians.The
immigration reform received a bipartisan support in the US Senate; the bill received 88 votes in favour and 32 votes
in against.For further approval, the Bill has been sent to House of Representatives and after being approved in the
house it will be sent to US President, Barack Obama to be signed into a law.
China India Hold Border Talks
On 28 June China and India held their 16th round of border talks in Beijing.State Councilor and Special
Representative Yang Jiechi and Indian National Security Adviser and Special Representative Shiv Shankar Menon
attended the boundary talks, exchanging ideas for solving border problems and developing bilateral relations.The
China-India special representative mechanism was established in 2003 and serves as an important platform for
solving border disputes between both sides.
NATIONAL
Union Cabinet Approved Real Estate Regulatory Bill
On 04 June The Union Cabinet approved the (Regulation and Development) Bill 2013.The bill seeks to make it
mandatory for developers to launch projects only after acquiring all the statutory clearances from the relevant
authorities.The Bill has provisions under which all relevant clearances for real estate projects would have to be
submitted to the regulator and also displayed on a website before starting the construction.The proposed
legislation has tough provisions to deter builders from putting out misleading advertisements related to the
projects carrying photographs of the actual site.
Union Cabinet Approved Extension Of The RSBY Scheme
On 4 June Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), to rikshaw
pullers, rag pickers, mine workers, sanitation workers and auto rickshaw drivers and taxi drivers.The scheme
became operational from 1 April 2008.
Roshni Scheme Launched In Naxal Affected Districts
On 7 June Union Government of India launched a placement linked skill development scheme Roshni targeting
50,000 rural men and women, mostly tribals, in 24 worst affected districts.Under the scheme, national-level
agencies will be designated to act as monitoring and coordinating agencies in the Naxal-hit districts.The three-
year initiative aims at skilling and placement of 50,000 youth from 24 Naxalite-affected districts in nine states.The
funding for the Roshni scheme would be in the ratio of 75:25 to be shared between the Centre and the states.
National Skill Development Agency Constituted
On 7 June The Government has constituted the National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) by subsuming the
Prime Ministers National Council on Skill Development (PMNCSD), the National Skill Development Coordination
Board (NSDCB) and the Office of the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Skill Development.The NSDA will endeavour
to bridge the social, regional, gender and economic divide by ensuring that the skilling needs of the disadvantaged
and marginalised groups like SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities.The NSDA will be an autonomous body chaired by a
person of the rank and status of a Cabinet Minister supported by a Director General and other staff. The office of
the NSDA is located in the Ministry of Finance.
Indias First Dedicated Air Ambulance Launched
On 8 June Indias first state-of-the art Air Ambulance, Flying Doctors India, was launched in NewDelhi.The new
aircraft is tailor-made and equipped with a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit on a dedicated chartered aircraft.
The goal is to provide critical care even when a patient is in transit.
50 Lakh Child Labours In India
On 12 June According to the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) report , nearly 50 lakh children are
eking out their livelihood in the country, of whom 17.5 lakh are in Uttarakhand.The second-largest share of child
labourers comes from West Bengal (5.5 lakh), Rajasthan (4.05 lakh) and Gujarat (3.9 lakh).The NSSO estimated
this figures on the eve of the World Day against Child Labour.
Central Cabinet Reshuffled
On 17 June Eight new ministers were inducted into Union council of ministers headed by Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh.4 Cabinet ministers and 4 Ministers of State were administered the oath of office and secrecy
by President Pranab Mukherjee in the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan.Mallikarjun Kharge was given the charge
of Railways Ministry.With the new induction, the strength of the Union Council of Ministers has gone up to 77.
List of Four newly appointed Cabinet Ministers and their Departments:-
* Sis Ram Ola - Labour and Employment Ministry
* Oscar Fernandes - Road Transport and Highways Ministry
* Girija Vyas - Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation
* Kavuru Sambasiva Rao - Textiles Ministry
List of Four newly appointed State Ministers and their departments:-
* Manikrao Gavit - Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment
* Santosh Chowdhury - Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare
* Jesudasu Seelam - Minister of State for Finance and
* E.M.S. Natchiappan - Minister of State for Commerce and Industry
40 Percent Indian Women Use Internet
On 20 June According to the Google study report ,About 40 percent of the 150 million internet users in the
country are women and close to 24 million of them log in everyday to check emails, interact on social networking
sites and shop online.Around 60 million women in India are now online and use the Internet to manage their day-
to-day life.75 percent are in the 15-34 age group with over 24 million women accessing the Internet daily.
Union Government Launched New Scheme For Pregnant Women
On 22 June The Union Minister for Health Ghulam Nabi Azad launched a new scheme for the pregnant women
across the country that would cover all expenses of women from birth of a baby to treatment of the sick child.
Free medicines will be provided to new-born babies up to the age of one month while expecting mothers, who
deliver baby at government hospital, will receive assistance as provided under the scheme.
Union Govt Banned Anti-Diabetes Drug Pioglitazone and Painkiller Analgin
On 26 June The Union government has banned three major medicines the widely prescribed anti-diabetes drug
pioglitazone, painkiller analgin and anti-depressant deanxit.The decision to ban the drug was taken in wake of
health risks associated with them.
Union Cabinet Approved For Setting Up Of Coal Regulatory Authority
On 28 June the Union Cabinet has approved the setting up of a Coal Regulatory Authority meant to address
controversial issues like supply and quality.The coal authority would be empowered to specify methodology for
determining coal prices.Union Cabinet also approved Mumbai metro line 3.The estimated cost for the metro
project has been pegged at Rs 23,136 crore.
STATES
First All Women Police Station Opens In Arunachal Pradesh
On 4 June the first all-women police station in Arunachal Pradesh has started functioning in Itanagar to
specifically deal with crimes against women.To tackle crime against women, the state cabinet has also approved
the creation of separate cells in all the seventeen district headquarters and the Police headquarters of the state.
Haryana Govt. Launched Priyadarshni Awaas Yojna
On 8 June Haryana Chief Minister Bhupender Singh Hooda launched Priyadarshni Awaas Yojna in the state at
Karnal to provide affordable housing facility to the people living in rural areas.People eligible under Indira Awaas
Yojna and those who get 100 square yard plot under Mahatma Gandhi Gramin Basti Yojna would also be included
in the scheme.
West Bengal Tops Chart For Crime Against Women
On 14 June According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics ,West Bengal is the most unsafe
place for women in India.West Bengal tops the list with 30,942 such cases, followed by Andhra Pradesh with
28,171 cases, UP 23,569, Rajasthan 21,106, Madhya Pradesh 16,832 and Maharashtra 16,353.
PM announced Rs 1000 crore Relief Fund For Uttarakhand
On 19 June Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced Rs 1,000 crore for disaster relief in Uttarakhand .Prime
Minister also announced an ex-gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those killed in the
devastating floods and Rs 50,000 each to those injured from the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
He also announced ex-gratia assistance of Rs 100,000 each to those whose houses have been completely
destroyed and Rs 50,000 each to those whose houses have been damaged from the PMNRF.
Maharashtra Govt To Set Up Education Commissionerates For Tribals
In Month of June 2013 Maharashtra government has decided setting up separate education commisionerates in
order to provide education to students of the tribal community.The Commissionerates for tribals will be named by
Adivasi Shikshan Ayuktalay and will first come up in four divisons of the state and the head office will be in
Nashik.
President Inaugurated Gas-based Power Plant in Tripura
On 21 June The President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee has inaugurated first Gas based Power Plant at Palatana in
Tripura.The Palatana Gas Based Power Project is the first such Power Company in India to be awarded with the
Clean Development Mechanism by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change .The Rs 9000
crore project set up by ONGC.
Nitish Kumar Won Confidence Vote In Bihar Assembly
On 19 June Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar won the confidence vote in the state assembly, with the support of
126 MLAs ,after parting away with BJP. The trust motion was opposed by 24 MLAs.Four members of congress
and one of CPI voted in favour of the trust motion. Four independent MLAs also supported the motion. In the 243
member assembly, the ruling party JD(U) has 118 MLAs and it needed just four MLAs to prove its majority.
PM Lays Foundation Stone For GVKs Ratle Hydel Plant In J&K
On 25 June Prime Minister Manmohan Singh laid foundation stone for GVK Powers 850 mw Ratle hydro-electric
power plant on the River Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir.The 850 MW Ratle project, which is the nations first
hydroelectric project that was bid out through tariff based international competitive bidding, will cost Rs 5,500
crore.The project was awarded to GVK Power which offered the lowest tariff for generating power.
Prime Minister Inaugurated Banihal-Qazigund Rail Link In J&K
On 26 June Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the newly
constructed railway line between Banihal (Jammu region)-Qazigund (Kashmir valley) section.The Banihal-
Qazigund rail link is the 18 km long rail link, which also includes the 11km long tunnel across Pir Panchal range.
This is the longest tunnel of India and second longest tunnel of Asia.The tunnel was constructed by making use of
the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). It is for the first time that the method of this kind was used on a
large scale in India. The project was implemented by Hindustan Construction Company.
Rajasthan Launched A Scheme For Energy Conservation
On 27 June the Rajasthan government launched a unique scheme called Mukhyamantri Bijli Bachat Lamp Yojna
for energy conservation. The State government will provide 2 CFL bulb free of cost to all electricity consumers of
villages and BPL consumers in urban areas. This unique scheme will continue till August 2013.The state
Government will spent 100 crore rupees on this scheme.The purpose of this scheme is to save energy and
conservation of environment.
Karnataka Govt Launched Helpline Arogyavani
On 30 June The Karnataka government has launched a health information help line service Arogya Vani .The
Call Centre has to provide information on the nearest Government Hospital, before providing a private-sector
alternative.The main objective of this facility is to assist people living in rural or remote areas who face difficulty in
accessing the service of qualified doctors and to provide information on any health problem.
CONFERENCES
Chief Ministers Conference on Internal Security held in New Delhi
Chief ministers Conference on Internal Security held in NewDelhi on 5th June 2013.The conference chaired by the
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.In his address, the Prime Minister called for effective coordination between
the Centre and the States to face the challenges of Internal Security.The Prime minister stated that the
government has instituted several measures in 34 Naxal-hit areas to combat the Naxal menace.The key agenda of
the chief ministers conference organised by Home Minister P Chidambaram is the strengthening of anti-terror
capabilities and intelligence, Maoist violence, police reforms and capacity building.
39th G8 Summit Held in North Ireland
The 39th G8 summit was held on 17 and 18 June 2013 at Lough Erne county, Northern Ireland .The leaders of the
G8 countries Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the US, the UK ,attended the summit.In the G8
countries Summit discussed on syria crisis and advancement of trade, ensuring tax compliance and promoting
greater transparency in the use of natural resources among countries.At the end of the two day summit, the
leaders of G8 nations agreed on the seven point document and released a joint statement on Syria.The G8
leaders also agreed on providing new fund of nearly 1.5 billion US dollar to help the people affected by the raging
conflict. Future of the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was not made clear in the released statement.Russia to
hold next G8 Summit in Sochi on 4 5 June 2014.The Group of Eight (G8) is a group made up of Canada,
France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Commission is
also represented in the committee.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Sulabh Founder Pathak Received French Award
On 4 June Environmentalist Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of the famed Sulabh project that provides basic and
affordable toilet access to Indias poor, has been presented with the Legend of Planet award in Paris.The award
was presented to Pathak by the Vice-President of the French Senate, Chantal Jourdan, at Palais du Luxembourg.
Hugo Chavez Awarded Simon Bolivar National Award of Journalism 2013
On 5 June The late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been awarded the Simon Bolivar National Award of
Journalism 2013 even though he was accused of persecuting the press during his 14 years in power.Chavez
family will be given the award on June 27 at a ceremony in Miraflores Palace, in Caracas.
Kiran Bedi Received Nomura Award
On 11 June Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi was honoured with USD 10,000 Nomura Award at Singapore for her
outstanding humanitarian works.Bedi was given the award constituted by Nomura Group of Japan for improving the
world for future generations. The group is one of the leading financial services group.
Bill Clinton Awarded Father of the Year
On 11 June Former President of the United States Bill Clinton was honored as 2013 Father of the Year award
from the National Fathers Day Committee at a New York City , which benefitted international NGO Save the
Children.
Shabana Azmi Received Fourth Doctorate
On 12 June National award-winning actress Shabana Azmi received her fourth doctorate from Simon Fraser
University in Vancouver .Shabana has received doctorates from Leeds University in Britain, the Jamia Millia
Islamia in Delhi and the Jadavpur University in Kolkata, previously.
Delhis IGI Airport Gets Worlds Second Best Airport Award
On 14 June Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has been named the worlds second best airport in the 25-40
million passengers category by the Airport Council International. The airport also has been adjudged as the fourth
best in the world among 199 airports across all categories.IGI has managed to retain its position of second best
airport in the 25-40 million passengers per annum category for 2012 year.
Anish Kapoor Honoured With Knighthood
On 15 June Indian-origin sculptor Anish Kapoor has been honoured with knighthood, one of the highest honours in
Britain, by Queen Elizabeth II in her birthday honours list 2013 for services to Visual Arts.Kapoor is famous for his
monumental public sculptures and his enigmatic sculptural forms that have been exhibited all over the world.
Tan Twan Eng Wins The 2013 Walter Scott prize
On 14 June Malaysian writer author Tan Twan Eng has won the 2013 Walter Scott prize for Historical Fiction for
his second novel The Garden of Evening Mists.The Walter Scott Prize for the historical fiction was founded in the
year 2010.
Indian Artist Selected For Dubai Art Prize
On 16 June Bangalore-based artist Anup Mathew Thomas, whose works featured at the Kochi biennale, is among
five winners of Dubai Abraaj Group Art Prize.The Abraaj Group Art Prize was established in 2008.
Three Biotechnology Scientists Awarded 2013 World Food Prize
On 20 June Three biotechnology researchers were named the winners of the 2013 World Food Prize for their
independent, individual breakthrough achievements in founding, developing, and applying modern agricultural
biotechnology.The three scientist are Marc Van Montagu of Belgium, and Mary-Dell Chilton and Robert T. Fraley
.The Iowa based award is often referred to as the Nobel Prize for agriculture.The World Food Prize was created in
1987 by the late Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. Norman Borlaug, and is the foremost international award
recognizing individuals who have contributed landmark achievements in increasing the quality, quantity or
availability of food in the world.
Taj Mahal Ranked Third Among Top Land Marks In The World
On 30 June According to the Trip Advisors 2013 Travellers Choice Attractions Awards,Travellers from across the
globe have ranked Indias Taj Mahal among the top three landmarks in the world, a leading travel website has
announced. Taj Mahal was ranked third in the list of Top 25 landmarks.The top two places were taken by Machu
Picchu in Peru and Angkor Wat in Cambodia respectively.
SPORTS & GAMES
Indian Won Six Medals In Slovakia Junior Table Tennis
On 3 June Indian paddlers annexed four gold and two silver medals in the Slovak Junior ITTF Open table tennis
championship in Slovakia.In the girls singles Sutirtha Mukherjee won the title.
Dhoni receives ICC ODI Championship Shield
On 3 June India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni received the prestigious ICC ODI Championship Shield for finishing
as the No. 1 ODI team in the Championship table on the April 1, 2013 cut-off date.
French Open 2013 Tennis Title Winners
Womens Singles :- On 8 June Serena Williams from US won the Womens Singles title of French Open Tennis
tournament. In the final, she defeated Maria Sharapova .This is Serenas second French Open title and 16th grand
slam. It was the 31-year-old Americans 16th Grand Slam title win.At 31 years, 247 days she is the oldest women
in the Open Era to win the French Open title.
Mens Singles :- On 9 June Rafael Nadal won his 8th Mens Singles Tittle of the French Open Tennis
Tournament. In the final at Paris, Nadal defeated Spanish compatriot David Ferrer . With this, he became the first
player to win 8 Singles Titles at the same Grand Slam Tournament. It was his 12th Grand Slam title overall.
Womens Doubles :- Russian fourth seeds Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina won the French Open
womens doubles title by defeating top seeds Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy in the final.It was a first Grand
Slam title for the Russian pair.
Mens Doubles :- American twins Bob and Mike Bryan won the Mens doubles .American twins extended their
record by clinching their 14th Grand Slam trophy after defeated Michael Llodra and Nicolas Mahut of France in the
mens doubles final.
Sebastian Vettel Won Canadian Grand Prix Title
On 9 June Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel won the Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in
Montreal.Ferraris Fernando Alonso took the second position followed by Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, who
conquered the third position. This is the third win of the Garman F1 driver, before the Canadian Grand Prix, Vettel
won the Malaysia and Bahrain Grand Prix of the year.
Srikanth Won Thailand Open Badminton
On 9 June Indian shuttler Srikanth has won the Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold Badminton trophy.In the Mens
Singles final Srikanth defeated Boonsak Ponsana from Thailand.
Indonesia Badminton Tournament 2013 Winner
Mens Singles :- On 16 June Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia) won the Indonesia Badminton Tournament Mens
Singles title after defeated Germanys Marc Zwiebler in the final.
Womens Singles :- Li Xuerui of China won the title.In the womens singles final Li Xuerui defeated Juliane
Schenk from Germany.
Singapore Open Badminton 2013 Winners
Mens Singles :- On 23 June Indonesias Tommy Sugiarto has won the Singapore Open badminton
championship Mens singles title .Sugiarto defeated Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand in the final in Singapore.
Womens Singles :- Chinas Wang Yihan won the womens singles title , after defeated Li Xuerui in the final.
India Won ICC Champions Trophy 2013
On 23 June India has won the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 after defeated England at Edgbaston in Birmingham
with a five-run victory.Ravindra Jadeja was declared as the Man of the Match .He was also awarded with the
Golden Ball for grabbing maximum number of wickets in the series.Sikhar Dhawan was declared as the Man of
the Series. This was the second Champions Trophy title of India.
Koneru Humpy Won FIDE Womens Grand Prix
On 28 June Koneru Humpy won the FIDE Womens Grand Prix chess tournament at Dilijan, Armenia.Koneru
Humpy finished her campaign with a flourish, defeated Mongolias Tuvshintugs Batchimeg in the final .Slovenias
Anna Muzychuk finished second and Georgias Nana Dzagnidze finished third.
Nico Rosberg Won British Grand Prix
On 30 June Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has won the British Formula One Grand Prix.Red Bulls Mark Webber
got second position and Ferraris Fernando Alonso claim third position.
ECONOMY
India 4th In World Steel Production
On 5 June According to the World Steel Association (WSA) data , Indias rank in the world order of steel
production remained unchanged at fourth slot with an output of 77.06 MT (million tonnes) steel produced in
2012.China gets first ranked in world steel production .China produced 716.05 MT in 2012.Japan produced (2nd
rank) 107.02 MT and US (3rd rank) 88.07 Mt in 2012.
Dhoni Ranked 16th On Forbes List Of Highest Paid Athletes
According to the Forbes List Of Highest Paid Athletes Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni,with
earnings of $31.5 million, has been ranked at 16th place.Sachin Tendulukar got 51st place.This list is prepared
based on last year annual income.The annual income of MS Dhoni is $31.5 million.But he earned $3.5 million
from matches and remaining amount from advertisements and other business.Sachin Tendulkars annual income
is $22 million . The Golfer Tiger Wood(America) got a 1st place in this list with annual income of $78.1 million
followed by tennis star Roger Federer at $71.5 million. Kobe Bryant, American professional basketball player, is
third at $61.9 million.
Worlds Highest Density Of Millionaires In Qatar
On 10 June According to the Boston Consulting Groups (BCG) 13th Annual Global Wealth Management Report
,Qatar has the highest density of millionaires in the world, with 14.3 pc of the oil-rich Gulf nations population
holding private wealth of $1 mn.The figure shows 143 out of every 1,000 households in Qatar holding private wealth
of at least $1 million, much higher than the global average.Kuwait ranks third with 11.5%, while Bahrain (4.9%)
and the UAE (4.0%) rank seventh and ninth, respectively.
World Bank Expected India To Grow 5.7% In FY 13
On 13 June According to the World Bank Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report ,Growth in India is
projected to rise to 5.7 percent in the 2013 fiscal year and firm to 6.5 percent and 6.7 percent in FY2014 and
FY2015, respectively.Global GDP is expected to expand about 2.2 percent this year and strengthen to 3.0
percent and 3.3 percent in 2014 and 2015.
2011-12 Poverty and Household Consumer Expenditure Indicators Released
On 20 June The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in its 68th round survey has released the poverty and key
indicators of household consumer expenditure in India, generated from the data collected during July 2011June
2012 .The National Sample Survey Offices (NSSO) 68th round of survey is based on samples consisting of 7,496
villages in rural India and 5,263 urban blocks except some remote areas.
Highlights of the Poverty and Household Consumer Expenditure Indicators Data Report :-
* 5 per cent population on the bottom rung had an average monthly per capita expenditure (MCPE) of Rs 521.44
in rural areas and Rs 700.50 in urban areas.
* Poorest of poor in the country survive on barely Rs 17 per day in villages and Rs 23 a day in cities.
* On the other end of the spectrum, top five per cent of the population had an MPCE of Rs 4,481 in rural areas and
Rs 10,282 in urban areas.
* On an average on the all-India basis, MPCE was around Rs 1,430 for rural India and about Rs 2,630 for urban
India.
* For the average rural Indian, food accounted for 52.9 per cent of the value of consumption during 2011-12.Among
non-food item categories, fuel and light for household purposes (excluding transportation) accounted for 8 per
cent, clothing and footwear 7 per cent, medical expenses 6.7 per cent, education 3.5 per cent, conveyance 4.2
per cent, other consumer services (excluding conveyance) 4 per cent, and consumer durables 4.5 per cent.
* For the average urban Indian, 42.6 per cent of the value of household consumption was accounted for food,
including 9 per cent by beverages, refreshments and processed food, 7 per cent by milk and milk products, and
6.7 per cent by cereals and cereal substitutes.Education accounted for 6.9 per cent, fuel and light 6.7 per cent,
conveyance 6.5 per cent, and clothing and footwear 6.4 per cent.
Lightest Alien Planet Outside Solar System
On 3 June European scientists have discovered a new alien planet orbiting a young star about 300 light years from
Earth.The exoplanet, HD 95086 b , was observed directly by the European Southern Observatorys (ESO) Very
Large Telescope in Chile.Nearly 1,000 exoplanets have been detected indirectly through various means such as
radical velocity and transmit method.Of the 12 exoplanets ,the newly discovered HD 95086 b is the least massive
planet to have been directly observed outside the solar system .HD 95086 b orbiting its parent star, HD 95086, is
estimated to have a mass of four to five times that of Jupiter.
Japan Unveiled 500 kmph Bullet Train
On 5 June Japan has unveiled its new levitating bullet train, designed to travel at speeds of upto 500 kmph.The
track is being extended to 43 kilometres to enable full-fledged test runs.Commercial runs of the maglev train are
scheduled to start between Tokyo and Nagoya in 2027.The train magnetic levitation (maglev) as opposed to
conventional wheels.The train will travel at speeds of up to 500 kilometres per hour and will link the 2 cities in 40
minutes.
Researchers Leads To Discovery To Create Early Warning System For Tsunamis
On 7 June Researchers from Stanford University have identified key acoustic characteristics of the 2011 Japan
earthquake that indicated it would cause a large tsunami.In 2011, a magnitude 9.0 undersea earthquake occurred
43 miles off the shore of Japan. The earthquake generated an unexpectedly massive tsunami that washed over
eastern Japan roughly 30 minutes later.Now, computer simulations by Stanford scientists reveal that sound waves
in the ocean produced by the earthquake probably reached land tens of minutes before the tsunami. If correctly
interpreted, they could have offered a warning that a large tsunami was on the way.
China Successfully Launches Fifth Manned Space Mission
On 11 June China successfully launched its fifth and longest manned space mission with three astronauts,
including a woman, on board Shenzhou-10 as part of the Communist giants efforts to build a permanent space
lab of its own by 2020. Shenzhou-10 (Divine Craft) spaceship carried the three astronauts blasted off from the
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gansu province for a 15-day-long mission during which it would dock with
Tiangong-1 space lab orbiting round the Earth and conduct a host of experiments.Now Chinas fifth manned
mission and would last a fortnight compared to last years 13 days.Wang Yaping the second Chinese woman to
go into space after Liu Yang last year.
India and US Launched Space Solar Power Initiative
In the month of June India and a top US science body have forged an international organisation to develop space
solar power ,an initiative that has the potential of solving humanitys energy needs and greatly mitigating climate
change.In his Address to the 2013 National Space Societys International Space Development Conference (ISDC
2013) Mark Hopkins asserted to include specific mechanisms such as the Global Space Knowledge Platform, the
International Virtual Laboratory, and the International Advisory Committee that Abdul Kalam has elaborated
through discussion papers.
New Human Cornea Layer Discovered
On 12 June Indian researcher Harminder Dua, Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the Nottingham
University, has found a previously undetected layer in the cornea , the clear window at the front of the human eye
and named Duas layer.Scientists previously believed the cornea to be composed of five layers, from front to
back, the corneal epithelium, Bowmans layer, the corneal stroma, Descemets membrane and the corneal
endothelium.The new layer that has been discovered is located at the back of the cornea between the corneal
stroma and Descemets membrane.Although it is just 15 microns thick the entire cornea is around 550 microns
thick .
Andaman Tsunami Warning System Can Alert In 3 Minutes
On 12 June The Early Tsunami Warning System installed at Rangachang in Andaman and Nicobar Islands can
predict a tsunami immediately after an earthquake.The system can predict tsunami within 3 minutes after the
occurrence of the initial tremors and send alerts.Following the alerts sent from the Tsunami Warning System, the
tsunami alerts can be issued to the risk zones via Centre in consultation with Indian National Centre for Ocean
Information Services, INCOIS at Hyderabad.
IAF Gets C-17 Globemaster-III Airlifters
On 12 June The Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted the first of the 10 C-17 Globemaster-III heavy airlifters it has
purchased from the US, and then order six more.Now the Indian Air Force on this milestone as India joins the
worldwide community of C-17 operators.Boeing is on track to deliver four more C-17s to the IAF this year and five
in 2014.India signed an agreement with the U.S. in 2011, to acquire 10 C-17 airlifters, making India the largest C-
17 customer outside the U.S.
China Super Computer Tianhe-2 Named Worlds Fastest Computer
On 17 June Chinas National University of Defense Technology developed worlds fastest supercomputer Tianhe-
2. The Tianhe-2 has a peak performance speed of 54.9 quadrillion operations per second.Tianhe-2 means Milky
Way-2.This Chinese supercomputer Tianhe-2 and it replaced US machine called Titan, which was earlier said to
be the fastest computer of the world.
World Bank Released Global Warming In India Report
On 19 June According to the World Bank new report prepared by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact
Research and Climate Analytics, the report warns that global warming could lead to more extreme droughts
across large parts of India,over the next few decades.The impact of a possible global temperature rise of 2
degrees Celsius in the next few decades threatened to trap millions of people in poverty.Depicting life in a not-too-
distant future shaped by already present warming trends, the new report warns that by the 2040s, India will see a
significant reduction in crop yields because of extreme heat.The warming will impact significant reduction in crop
yields and some 63 million people may no longer be able to meet their caloric demand.
Scientists Discovered New Language In Australia
On 19 June Scientists have discovered a new language in northern Australia which contains rare grammatical
innovations and a unique combination of elements from other languages.The language, now known as Light
Warlpiri, is spoken by approximately 300 people in a remote desert community about 644 kilometres from
Katherine, a town located in Australias Northern Territory.
Japan To Send Kirobo The Talking Robot Into Space
Japan announced a humanoid robot named Kirobo will be used in the worlds first communication experiments
between a human and a robot in space.The pint-sized robot developed by Toyota Motor Corp ,the University of
Tokyo and venture firm Robo Garage.Just 13 inches tall and weighing 2.2 pounds, Kirobo will launch aboard an H-
IIB rocket in August from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture and head for the International
Space Station.
NASA Launched IRIS Spacecraft To Study Suns Atmosphere
On 27 June NASA has launched Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) spacecraft from Vandenberg Air
Force Base, California.The mission to study the solar atmosphere was placed in orbit by an Orbital Sciences
Corporation Pegasus XL rocket.The Pegasus XL carrying IRIS was deployed from an Orbital L-1011 carrier aircraft
over the Pacific Ocean at an altitude of 39,000 feet, off the central coast of California about 100 miles northwest of
Vandenberg. The rocket placed IRIS into a sun-synchronous polar orbit that will allow it to make almost
continuous solar observations during its two-year mission.
INS Trikand Commissioned Into Indian Navy
On 30 June INS Trikand, the last of the three Follow on Talwar Class frigates built in the Russian Federation, was
commissioned into the Indian Navy on 29th June at Kaliningrad, Russia by Vice Admiral R. K. Dhowan, the Vice
Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy.The commissioning of INS Trikand marks the culmination of a three ship
contract for Follow on Talwar Class ships built in Russia. Her sister ships INS Teg and INS Tarkash were
commissioned in 2012.INS Trikand carries a state-of-the-art combat suite which includes the supersonic
BRAHMOS missile system, advanced Surface to Air missiles Shtil, upgraded A190 medium range gun, Electro-
optical 30 mm Close-in Weapon System, Anti-Submarine weapons such as torpedoes and rockets and an
advanced Electronic Warfare system.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Justice Kaul Sworn in as Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief
On 1st June Haryana Governor Jagannath Pahadia administered the oath of office to Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul
as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Haryana Raj Bhavan.Justice Kaul, 54, earlier served
as the senior most judge of the Delhi High Court and was the acting Chief Justice there in September last
year.the strength of judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court has reached 41 as against the sanctioned strength
of 68 judges. Shortage of judges leads to pendency in the cases and the ideal strength should be between 50 to
55.
Jagmohan Dalmiya is new Interim President of BCC
On 1 June Cricket Association of Bengal president Jagmohan Dalmiya , a former president of the BCCI and ICC,
has been appointed as the new interim president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).BCCI chief N.
Srinivasan agreed to step aside, with Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Jagmohan Dalmiya took over
as the boards interim president.
Narayana Murthy Re-elected as Executive Chairman in Infosys
On 1 June NR Narayana Murthy has been re-elected as Executive Executive Chairman of the Board in Infosys.He
would serve as board chairman for 5 years.Narayan Murthy was appointed as the chairman for the second
time.Murthy, who founded Infosys in 1981, had stepped down from the Board and became Chairman Emeritus in
2011. He has served as companys CEO from 1981 to 2002.
Indian-Origin Diplomat is New Australian Envoy to Israel
On 2 June 2013 Indian origin diplomat appointed Devanand Sharma appointed as a Australian envoy to
Israel.Devanand Sharma has made history by becoming the countrys youngest Ambassador after he was
appointed Canberras envoy to Israel.He got Medicine degree from Sydney University.Mr Sharmas prior
international service includes postings as Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Washington.
Nawaz Sharif Sworn in as Pakistans PM
On 5 June Nawaz Sharif has been sworn-in for a record third term as Pakistan`s Prime Minister, after he was
elected with 244 votes in the 342-seat Parliament.He was sworn-in by the President Asif Ali Zardari at a function
in an ornate hall at the Presidency.Sharif has served as the Pakistani Premier during 1990-1993 and 1997-1999
but was ousted from office before he could complete his term, once on corruption charges and later because of a
military coup led by Pervez Musharraf.
Virginius Xaxa is new National Advisory Council Member
On 6 June Union government has reconstituted the National Advisory Council by including prominent sociologist
Virginius Xaxa into the 12-member panel chaired by Sonia Gandhi.Virginius Xaxa was inducted with the exit of
Aruna Roy from the panel.Virginius Xaxa is a Professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati and has
worked extensively on tribal communities of the country.The NAC comprises distinguished professionals drawn
from diverse fields of development activity who serve in their individual capacities.
TCA Raghavan is Indias new High Commissioner To Pakistan
On 6 June TCA Raghavan has been appointed as the new High Commissioner to Pakistan.A 1982-batch IFS
officer, Raghavan is currently serving as Indias high commissioner to Singapore.Raghavan will replace Sharat
Sabharwal, who was on an extension after he retired last year.
K R Kamath Re-elected as IBA chairman
On 6 June Punjab National Banks (PNB) Chairman and Managing Director K. R. Kamath was re-elected as
Chairman of Indian Banks Association (IBA) for 2013-14 tenure.Indian Banks Association (IBA) was formed on
26 September 1946.It is an association of Indian banks and financial institutions. It is based in Mumbai.
Justice Usha Mehra Becomes Full Time Member Of Law Commission
On 13 June Justice Usha Mehra, retired Judge of the High Court of Delhi, has been appointed as full-time Member
of the 20th Law Commission of India.Bijai Narain Mani, eminent law author, and Gurjeet Singh, Director General of
the National Law School and Judicial Academy Assam, were appointed part-time members of the panel.The
panel, which advices government on complex legal issues, is headed by Justice D K Jain, former judge of the
Supreme Court.
S K Roy Appointed New Chairman of LIC
S K Roy has been appointed as the Chairman of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).Roy succeed D.K.
Mehrotra, and get a five-year term as chairman.On May 31, 2013, he assumed charge as Managing Director of
LIC along with Thomas Mathew and Sarkar.Roy joined the largest insurance company in the country in 1981.
John Ashe Elected UN General Assembly President
On 15 June John Ashe, the ambassador to the United Nations for Antigua and Barbuda has been elected
President of the United Nations General Assembly.He selected as the President of UN General Assembly for its
68th session.
Ratan Tata is new Chief Advisor of AirAsia India Board
On 16 June Ratan Tata has been appointed as the chief Advisor to the board of AirAsia Indian, the joint venture
between the Tata Group and Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia.AirAsia has also named Mittu Chandilya as the
CEO of its Indian venture.
Manmohan Singh Takes Oath as Rajya Sabha Member
On 17 June Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took oath as member of Rajya Sabha.Manmohan Singh was re-
elected a member of Rajya Sabha from Assam for the fifth consecutive term on 30 May 2013.Another Congress
member from Assam Santius Kujur also took oath as member of Rajya Sabha.
Indian Named Editor Of The Independent
On 17 June Indian-origin journalist Amol Rajan was named the editor of The Independent,becoming the first non-
white editorial head of a UK national paper. Amol Rajan will replace Chris Blackhurst, becoming Fleet Streets first
non-white newspaper editor.
S Ramadorai is AirAsia India new Chairman
On 17 June Subramanian Ramadorai, former head of the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has been appointed
as the Chairman of AirAsia India.Subramanian Ramadorai, holds the rank of cabinet minister in the Government of
India.
Indian-American Sri Srinivasan Sworn In As Top US Court Judge
On 18 June Indian-American legal luminary Sri Srinivasan was sworn in as a judge in the US Court of Appeals for
the DC Circuit, the second most powerful court in the United States after the Supreme Court.Srinivasan from
Chandigarh has become the first Indian American judge in the second most powerful court of the country.
Krishna Chaudhary is new NDRF chief
On 25 June Senior IPS officer Krishna Chaudhary has been appointed as Director General, National Disaster
Response Force and Civil Defence.His appointment will take effect from the date he assumes charge of the post
and until his superannuation on June 30, 2017.
Kevin Rudd Sworns As Australian PM For Second Time
On 27 June Kevin Rudd was sworn in as Australias prime minister for second time ,replaced Julia Gillard who
was removed in a Labor Party caucus vote.He was sworn in at Government House in Canberra by Governor
General Quentin Bryce.Now Kevin Michael Rudd is the 28th Prime Minister of Australia, as well as Leader of the
Labor Party.
Justice P Sadasivam Appointed As New Chief Justice Of India
On 29 June P. Sathasivam was appointed as the 40th Chief Justice of India . He will take over the charge on
completion of the tenure of present incumbent Altamas Kabir which will end on July 18, 2013.As the 40th CJI,
Sathasivam will serve the nation till his 26 April 2014.Sathasivam joined as a permanent judge of the Madras high
court in January 1996 after which he was transferred to the Punjab and Haryana high court in April 2007.He was
appointed as a Supreme Court judge on August 21, 2007.
B)RESIGNS
Rajiv Shukla Resigned as IPL chairman
On 1st June 2013,Rajiv Shukla has resigned as the Chairman of the Indian Premiere League.He has decided to
quit in the wake of recent controversies in the IPL Spot Fixing Scandal.
Union MinistersAjay Maken and CP Joshi Resigned
On 15 June Union Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation minister Ajay Maken ,Surface Transport and Highways
Minister as well as Railway Minister CP Joshi, resigned from their offices.Their resignation was accepted by the
President Pranab Mukherjee.
Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Necas Resigned
On 17 June Czech Republic prime minister Petr Necas has resigned ,after a fraud and spying scandal involving
his closest aide, pitching the European Union member state into a period of uncertainty.Petr Necas is a former
Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and leader of the Civic Democratic Party. He was sworn into office in 2010.
Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah Resigned
On 23 June Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah announced his resignation ,following a dispute between
the prime minister and his two deputies, Mohammed Mustafa and Ziad Abu Amru, who also serve as senior
advisors to President Abbas.Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accepted the resignation of newly appointed
Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah takes charges on 2 June and he had served only
20 days.
C)DEATHS
British Comic Author Tom Sharpe Died
On 6 June British comic novelist Tom Sharpe has died in the coastal town of Llafranc in north-eastern Spain.His
first two books were satires about South Africas apartheid regime.Sharpe travelled to South Africa in 1951 after
leaving Cambridge, to work as a teacher and photographer. Sharpes other books include Riotous Assembly,
Indecent Exposure and Porterhouse Blue, all written in the 1970s.
Worlds Oldest Person Luo Meizhen Died
Worlds oldest person Luo Meizhen from China has died on 11 June.Meizhen was born in 1885 and was 127
years old.But the Guinness Book of World Records never recognized her claim.
Former Union Minister VC Shukla Died
VC Shukla, a former Union minister and Congress veteran from Chhattisgarh, died on 11 June in Gurgaon.Shukla
was injured in 2013 May Chhattisgarh Maoist attack.He was elected to the Lok Sabha nine times.He first became
a minister in 1966, when he was 37 years old, in Prime Minister Indira Gandhis cabinet.He held many important
portfolios in his long career span which includes Communications, Home, Defence, Finance, Planning, Information
& Broadcasting, Civil Supplies, External Affairs, Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources.
Worlds Oldest Person Jiroemon Kimura Died
On 12 June The worlds oldest person Jiroemon Kimura has died in Japan.116-year-old Jiroemon Kimura was born
on 19 April 1897.He became the worlds oldest person on December 17, 2012, following the death of 115-year-old
Dina Manfredini, who lived in the US state of Iowa.
Veteran Communist Leader Satyapal Dang Died
On 15 June Veteran Veteran communist party leader Satyapal Dang died in Amritsar.Satya Pal Dang was Born in
1920 in Gujranwala in Pakistan and had married to Vimla, another CPI leader, in 1952. Vimla died in 2009.Dang
had contested his first Vidhan Sabha election in 1966-67 from Amritsar west constituency.He was elected four
times to Punjab assembly from Amritsar.Satypal Dang was awarded Padma Shri in 1998 for his contribution to
the social sphere, as he, along with Vimla, had fought many relentless battles for the cause of the
downtrodden.However, Satyapal Dang had returned the Padma Bhushan and demanded abolition of all such
awards contending a persons contribution to society is judged by his deeds and not by honours.
Former Union Minister Bhavna Chikhalia Died
Former Union minister of state and the first woman to get elected to the Lower House (Lok Sabha) from Gujarat
for four consecutive terms, Bhavna Chikhalia died on 28 June.She was union minister of state for tourism, culture
and parliamentary affairs from 1998-2003 in the NDA government headed by Atal Behari Vajpayee. She was also
the chairperson of the Railway Convention Committee from 1999-02.Bhavnaben Chikhalia first got elected to the
Lok Sabha from 1991, before registering victories again in 1996, 1998 and 1999.
D)VISITORS
Union External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid Visited Iraq
Salman Khurshid, the Union External Affairs Minister visited Iraq from 19 to 20 June 2013.During the visit Khurshid
met with the Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri al-Maliki and the two nations discussed issues of bilateral and mutual
interests including import of oil for energy security along with the avenues of partnership.This is the first visit of
any Minister from Indian Union to Iraq after 23 years in the war-raved country.Former Prime Minister of India, Inder
Kumar Gujral visited Iraq in 1990 during his tenure as an External Affairs Minister of Indian Union.
U.S. Secretary Of State John Kerry Visited India
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry visited India from 23 25 June 2013.During the visit Kerry co-chaired the fourth
India-US Strategic Dialogue with External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and discussed on bilateral trade,
defence and security cooperation besides energy and higher education ,including Indias relations with
Pakistan.On 24 June Kerry also met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi.Both have discussed issues
of mutual interest.This is Kerrys first visit in India after his appointment as the US Secretary of State.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Raghav Joneja Becomes Youngest Indian To Climb Mt Everest
Raghav Joneja youngest Indian to climbed the Mount Everest .He is one of the member in Larens school
youngest team of mountaineers in the world.Climbing at the age of 15 years and seven months Raghav Joneja
broke the record set by Nameirakpam Chingkheinganba of Manipurs, who climed the everest at the age 16 years
seven months and 11 days.Lawrence School in Kasuali became the first school in the world to send a team to the
highest peak .
China Woman Astronaut Astronaut Delivers First Space Lecture
On 20 June Chinas second woman astronaut Wang Yaping, who is currently orbiting the earth in an experimental
space lab, has become the countrys first space teacher as she delivered a lecture to over 60 million Chinese
students about various aspects life in space.In a 45 minutes lecture, Wang, an air force pilot assisted by her two
male colleagues demonstrated weightlessness and how it affects the Newton laws of gravity.
Ancient Chinese Documents On Tibet Won UNESCO Recognition
On 21 June Historical Chinese documents describing Tibet during Chinas Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and
showing the ancient financial and messaging service of the period, have won a major UNESCO recognition.The
documents showing how finances and messages were exchanged between overseas Chinese and their domestic
relatives in that era, were stored and recommended for the UNESCO honour by the archives bureaus of
Guangdong and Fujian provinces, from which the first batch of overseas Chinese originated.
Italys Ex-Prime Minister Berlusconi Sentenced To 7 Years In Prison
On 24 June Italys Ex-Prime Minister Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was sentenced to seven
years in prison and banned from public office for corruption and underage prostitution case.
Two Year Old Boy Becomes Youngest Ever To Join Mensa
On 27 June A two-year-old boy Adam Kirby in UK has become the youngest ever member of the genius club
Mensa, after he scored an incredible 141 on an IQ test.Adam Kirby scored 141 in the IQ test that reportedly
ranked him smarter than US President Barack Obama and British Premier David Cameron.Adam Kirby was
invited to join the elite group after demonstrating his ability to read Shakespeare and understand Japanese,
Spanish and French.
PLACES IN NEWS
Bangkok Ranked Worlds Top Travel Spot
On 2 June According to a ranking by the MasterCard Index of Global Destination Cities study report ,Bangkok is
this years number one city for air travel.While London reached the top spot in 2012.Now Bangkok becoming the
first Asian city to earn the distinction.Visits to Bangkok were expected to grow by 9.8 percent this year.If all of the
top 10 cities maintained their current growth rates, the index predicted that by 2016 Bangkok and London would
be followed by Istanbul in the No. 3 spot, with Paris at No. 4 and Dubai at No.5, with Singapore and New York
behind them.The ranking was based on a citys expected international air travel arrivals and the amount of money
spent in the city by those arrivals.
Dubai Inaugurated Worlds Tallest Twisted Tower
On 13 June Dubai has inaugurated the worlds tallest twisted tower named Cayan" Tower built at a cost of 272
million US dollar, setting a yet another record for skyscrapers and other engineering marvels. Earlier it was named
the Infinity Tower.The tower was inaugurated in Dubai Marina.The 310-metre (1,017-foot), 75-storey residential
Cayan" Tower is twisted at 90 degrees from top to bottom.The developer of this tower is Cayan Real Estate
Investment and Development Company.
Worlds Longest and Widest Cable Bridge Inaugurated In China
On 18 June The worlds longest and widest multi-pylon cable-stayed bridge named Jiaxing-Shaoxing Sea Bridge
with a span of 10km has opened in China after seven years of construction work.The Jiaxing-Shaoxing Sea Bridge
stretches 6.2miles (10 kilometres) over the Hangzhou Bay, in Shaoxing, China.It is mainly supported by two
cable-towers, both of which reach 745ft in the air, and has a main body stretching 2,560ft wide.The high speed
bridge is designed for vehicles travelling exclusively above 60mph and pedestrians, motorbikes and cars with a
maximum speed below 45mph are not allowed to cross.
Earth Quake Hits Northern Italy
On 21 June 2013 a magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Italy,causing some minor damage in Casola in Liguana. The
tremors were felt across central and northern Italy. According to the national geophysics institute,the epicenter of
earthquake was between the towns of Massa and Lucca in Tuscany and La Spezia in the Liguria region.
UNESCO Declared Six Rajasthan Forts World Heritage Sites
On 22 June Six hill forts in Rajasthan have been selected to be included in the Unescos World Heritage List. The
hill forts are Amber, Chittorgarh, Gangron, Jaisalmer, Kumbhalgarh and Ranthambore.
Thousands Of People Are Died In Uttarakhand Floods
In the month of June 2013 the North Indian states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, some regions of
Western Nepal and their adjoining areas experienced heavy rainfall that triggered devastating floods and
landslides.More than thousands of people are died in Uttarakhand state floods and landslides.This years early
monsoon rains in the Uttarakhand region are believed to be the heaviest in 80 years.Damage to bridges and roads
left over 70,000 pilgrims and tourists trapped in various places of whom, many were rescued.
ABBREVIATIONS
BCCI Board of Control for Cricket in India
UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
RSBY - Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna
FIFA - Federation Internationale de Football Association
WSA - World Steel Association
FCI Food Corporation of India
APEC Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
FICCI Federation of India Chambers of Commerce and Industry
BOOKS IN NEWS
Dard-E-Dil Likhun Kab Tak Book Released by Vice President of India
On 6 June The Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari released a book entitled Dard-e-Dil Likhun Kab Tak (in
Urdu and Hindi) authored by Rukhsar Amrohvi. The book is a compilation of poems composed by poetess
Rukhsar Amrohvi and some rare pictures of the historic moments of Indian Cinema. This book is a valuable
addition to the Urdu Literature.
Ambedkar Speaks Book Released
On 20 June M Hamid Ansari, vice president of India released a book titled Ambedkar Speaks in New Delhi.The
book was authored by by Dr. Narendra Jadhav.The book has been published by Konark Publishers.Ambedkar
Speaks is the first ever attempt at a systematic study of Dr Ambedkars 537 speeches.The series is available in
four languages Marathi, English, Hindi and Gujarati. The first series was first launched in Marathi.
1857-1947: Forgotten Heroes and Martyrs of Indias Freedom Movement Book Released
On 24 June The book titled, 1857-1947: Forgotten Heroes and Martyrs of Indias Freedom Movement, is written
by journalist Shivnath Jha was launched on 24 June 2013 in Mumbai by former Bombay High Court chief justice C
S Dharmadhikari.The book will act as a campaign to highlight the miserable conditions of descendants and
families of freedom fighters as well as an attempt to bring about a change.
Distressing Encounters Real Life Stories Book Released
On 30 June Indian Ambassador to the UAE M. K. Lokesh released a book titled Distressing Encounters Real
Life Stories from a Reporters Diary by Dubai-based Indian journalist V. M. Sathish.The book narrates real-life
stories of distressed and marginalised expatriates from different countries and cultures and the role played by the
media, especially the English media, in extending a helping hand to such people.
COMMITTEES
Anil Swarup Committee Set Up To Re-start Stalled Projects
On 7 June Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram announced a committee has been appointed to identify and
help re-start as many as 215 large projects worth over Rs 7 lakh crore which have been stalled for years and
assured that each of these projects will be off the ground at the earliest.A committee headed by Anil Swarup.
Chandrashekhar Committee To Frame Rules For Foreign Investors
The Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) Committee under the chairmanship of
Cabinet secretary KM Chandrashekhar,submitted its report on 12 June.The committee has recommended doing
away with prior direct registration of foreign institutional investors (FIIs) and sub accounts with Sebi. It also
recommended merging FIIs, sub accounts and qualified foreign investors (QFIs) into a new investor class to be
called the foreign portfolio investor.
Arvind Mayaram Committee Recommends Rise In FDI Limit In Various Sectors
On 23 June The Union Government constituted a committee to clearly define the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
and Foreign Institutional Investment (FII). The report of this committee was submitted to the Ministry of Finance
(FinMin) . The committee that was headed by the Arvind Mayaram recommended raising the Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) limit to 49 percent from 26 percent at present in almost all sectors through automatic route.
International Olympic Day Celebrated Across the World on 23 June 2013
On 23 June International Olympic Day was celebrated across the world . The day is celebrated for promotion of
participation of people in the sports all across the world, irrespective of athletic, gender or age ability.
The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Observed
On 26 June The United Nations General Assembly declared 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse
and Illicit Trafficking in the year 1987. The objective of observing this day is to strengthen the action as well as
cooperation in order to achieve the aim of a society free of drug abuse.The General Assembly however found out
that inspite of increasing efforts by the international community to curb this menace, the world problem of drug
abuse increased. Drug abuse poses serious threat to safety as well as well being of humanity as well as to the
public health. Eventually, the Commission and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was
directed to continue its work towards international drug control.
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May 2013 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Every year 2,70,000 Pedestrains are died in the World
On May 2 , World Health Organization (WHO) announced that every year 2,70,000 pedestrains are died in road
accidents. In case of pedestrains protection is ignored by goverments.So,every week 5 thousands of pedestrains
are died.
Maryland became the First southern US state to Abolish Death Penalty
Maryland, the U.S. state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, on 2 May 2013 became the first
southern US state to abolish the death penalty.The measure on it was signed by Democratic Governor Martin
OMalley on 2 May 2013.The person who was attended was former Maryland death row inmate Kirk
Bloodsworth.He will be the first person in the country freed from death penalty because of DNA evidence after
being convicted in a death penalty case.On the global level, Maryland is the 18th state to abolish the death
penalty.
UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Released Somalia Famine Conditions Report
On 3 May According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) study report, nearly 260,000 people died
during the famine that hit Somalia from 2010 to 2012.Half of them were children under the age of five.The number
of deaths was higher than the estimated 220,000 people who died during the 1992 famine.An estimated 4.6% of
the total population and 10% of children under five died in southern and central Somalia.In Lower Shabelle, 18% of
children under five died and in Mogadishu 17%.Somalia was worst hit by the extreme drought in 2011 that affected
more than 13 million people across the Horn of Africa.Tens of thousands of people fled their homes in search of
food.
Japan UAE signed Nuclear Agreement
On 3 May Japan and the United Arab Emirates signed on the transfer of nuclear cooperation agreement .It was
the first bilateral nuclear agreement signed by Japan since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear crisis triggered by the
devastating earthquake and tsunami.The agreements was signed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and
UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Amazonian Countries Signed Strengthen Regional Cooperation Agreement
On 4 May The representatives of the member countries of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO)
agreed to widen and strengthen regional cooperation to promote the integral development of those
territories.Foreign ministers and representatives of Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, Surinam
and Ecuador signed the Coca Declaration, by which they agreed to support initiatives as that presented by
Ecuador and the establishment of the Regional Observatory for the Amazon.The countries that signed the
document also intend to facilitate the coordination between OTCA, the Community of Latin American and
Caribbean States (Celac), the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Andean Community (CAN), the
Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Malaysias Barisan Nasional wins parliamentary election
The National Front coalition or Barisan Nasional (BN) led by Prime Minister Najib Razak triumphed in Malaysias
general parliamentary election on 05 May 2013. The BN won 133 seats in the 222-seat parliament, taking 60% of
the votes, while the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) party secured 89 seats.80% of Malaysias 13.3 million voters
cast their ballots in what is being called the closest race ever in Malaysia.
Russia and U.S. Agreed on Syria Peace Process
On 7 May Russia and the United States agreed to work together to bring the warring sides in Syria to the
negotiating table raising hopes for an end to carnage in the war-torn country and a thaw in frosty relations between
Moscow and Washington.U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met Russian President Vladimir Putin and bid to
narrow the differences between Moscow and Washington on the conflict.
73 Million Youth Will Be Unemployed By 2013
On 8 May According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Global Unemployment Trends 2007-13 report
, more than 73 million young people are unemployed around the world .The situation is particularly grim in the
European Union, West Asia and North Africa.73.4 million people aged between 15 and 24 would be out of work at
the end of the year an increase of 3.5 million since 2007.The youth unemployment rate in South Asia decreased
in 2011 by 0.4 percentage points to reach 9.2 per cent, but increased to 9.3 per cent in 2012.The current jobless
rate for the young of 12.6% was expected to keep swelling to 12.8% by 2018, when more than two million more
youths would likely be out of work
Brazil, Argentina Signed Agreement To Build Nuclear Reactors
On 8 May Brazil and Argentina have agreed to extend their nuclear cooperation by jointly commission will jointly
build two research reactors.The agreement, signed by the Brazilian National Commission for Nuclear Energy
(CNEN) and the National Commission of Atomic Energy (CNEA), is centred on the construction of two reactors.
Argentine Passed Judicial Reform Bill
On 8 May Argentinas Senate passed a Judicial Reform Law, by 38 votes in favor to 30.According to Argentine
President Cristina Fernandez it aims at democratizing the judiciary.
Nawaz Sharif Re-elected for Third term as Pakistan PM
On 14 May Two time former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif re-elected as Pakistan Prime Minister for
the third time after won the general elections with a thumping majority.The Election Commission of Pakistan
announced results of 272 National Assembly seats, with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz heading the count with
126 seats, followed by the Pakistan Peoples Party with 31 seats.The Sharif, belongs to Pakistan Muslim League
Nawaz (N) party. Pakistan Muslim League-N attained an overpowering lead with 130 seats. The first runner up is
Imran Khan`s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) with 37 seats and the last is Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) with 31
seats.Nawaz Sharif previously having been Pakistans 12th and 14th Prime Minister for two non-consecutive terms
from November 1990 to July 1993 and from February 1997 to October 1999. Sharif is the President of Pakistan
Muslim League-N, one of Pakistans largest political parties.
France became the 14th Country in the World to legalise Gay Marriage
In France now onwards allow same-sex couples to marry. Frances President Francois Hollande on 17 May 2013
signed into law a controversial bill to legalise gay marriage. It makes France the ninth in Europe and 14th in the
world to do so.
Zimbabwes President Signed New Constitution Into Law
On 22 Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe signed Zimbabwes new constitution into law. The new constitution
was approved overwhelmingly in a referendum in March 2013.The constitution cut short the powers of the
president, limits presidential tenures to two five-year terms and does away with the post of prime minister.
Afghanistan Parliament Approved new Election Law
On 22 May The Lower House of the Afghan Parliament approved two new Election laws , that will take effect in
the elections next spring. The law contains 79 articles and 16 chapters.
EU Lifted Arms Embargo on Syrian Rebels
On 27 May European foreign ministers have lifted an arms embargo on Syria,, paving the way for individual EU
member states to provide weapons to the Syrian rebels.After long and continuous hour of talk EU governments
failed to agree on extending the arms embargo, which effectively ends the EUs ban on supplying arms to the
rebels.Some other restrictive measures against Syria , which include financing restrictions, travel bans and asset
freezes is also supposed to be extended for a year, as there is a fear that the entire sanctions regime could fall
over a failure to agree on the arms issue.
Australia the worlds happiest nation: OECD
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development released its Better Life Index, which ranks the
worlds most developed economies on jobs, income environment and health. Australia got first place for the third
consecutive year.Sweden, Canada, Norway , Switzerland,United States, Denmark, The Netherland Iceland and
United Kingdom were also in the top ten.In Australia 84 percent of the people accepted that their life is
happy.So,Australia got the first place in Better Life Index.
INDIA & WORLD
US, India and Japan hold trilateral cooperation talks
On May 2 ,India, the United States and Japan held their fourth trilateral dialogue at the State Department in
Washington, exchanging views on a wide range of regional and global issues of mutual interest.These discussions
focused on the prospect of greater Indo-Pacific commercial connectivity and regional and maritime security, and
cooperation in multilateral fora.The Indian delegation was headed by External Affairs Ministry joint secretaries
D.B. Venkatesh Varma and Vikram Doraiswami.The group agreed to meet again in autumn in Tokyo to continue
their deliberations.
17th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting
The 17th Session of the India-Iran Joint Commission was held in Tehran on May 4, 2013.The Session was co-
chaired by Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi, Foreign Minister of Islamic Republic of Iran and by Salman Khurshid, External
Affairs Minister of India.The two sides discussed bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.Both countries
agreed to study the prospects of joint investment in both countries.The two sides also signed on MOU between
the Government of India and the Government of Iran on cooperation in the field of water resources management.
India Tops Born to Die same Day List
On 7 May According to the humanitarian organization Save the Children charity in an annual report entitled State
of the Worlds Mothers ,India tops the list of babies that die on the day they are born.India has the dubious
distinction of recording the most first-day deaths of children.Every year, 3,09,000 children die on the day they are
born in India. It accounts for 29% of all the first-day deaths globally, the highest for any country.India is followed
on this grim list by Nigeria (89,700 deaths, or 9 percent); Pakistan (59,800, or 6 percent); China (50,600, or 5
percent); and Democratic Republic of Congo (48,400, or 5 percent).
Finland Top Ranked in World To Be a Mother
On 8 May According to the annual report called State of Worlds Mothers 2013 was issued by an international
NGO Save the Children , Finland has topped the list of countries where mothers enjoy the best conditions in the
world, while India ranks a low 142nd, below China and Pakistan.The US places 30th this year while Pakistan was
139th on the list. China ranked at the 68th place.The top ten countries attained very high scores for mothers and
childrens health, educational, economic and political status.The report was featured by a ranking list of Mothers
index, showing the conditions of mothers in 176 countries .Among the reviewed countries, Finland was ranked the
best country for being mothers followed by Sweden, Norway, Iceland while Democratic Republic of Congo was
considered to be the toughest place.
Karnataka, Israel Signed Bilateral Agreement
On 8 May Israel and the Indian state of Karnataka have signed an R&D cooperation agreement. This is the first-
ever such agreement between Israel and an Indian state. The agreement aims to further bilateral business,
technology, and economic relations and sees Israel benefiting from Karnatakas human resources and the Indian
state benefitting from Israels innovations.
India Tops Cervical Cancer Deaths
On 10 May According to the Cervical Cancer Global Crisis Card report released by the Cervical Cancer-Free
Coalition, with nearly 73,000 women dying every year, India now tops the world in cervical cancer deaths .India
represents 26.4 per cent of all women dying of cervical cancer globally, with China, Bangladesh, Pakistan,
Indonesia and Thailand also showing high death incidence.The cervical cancer kills an estimated 275,000 women
every year .Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) report in 2009 the number of cervical cancer cases were 101938
which has increased to 107690 in 2012.It is being estimated that the number of cervical cancer cases and deaths
are estimated to increase by 2025 to 203,757 and 115,171, respectively.
Britain launched Super Priority Visa Service for Travellers from India
On 12 May 2013, Britain launched super priority same-day visa service for urgent travellers from India. Britain
launched this kind of service first time for India only . The super priority visa service was announced by British
Prime Minister David Cameron during his visit to India in February 2013.
Google signs MoU to train engineering students in Andhra Pradesh
On May 14,Google India Private Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh
government to train engineering students of Jawahar Knowledge Centres (JKC) in latest technologies like mobile
and cloud computing.The MoU was signed between the IT minister and Nelson Mattos, vice president (Europe &
Emerging Markets), Google Hyderabad. Google will also train the trainers/mentors of AP Society for Knowledge
Networks (APSFKNW) and provide required software, services and training material free of cost.
India and Netherlands Signed MoU on Urban Planning
On 14 May India and Netherlands signed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Technical Cooperation in
the field of Spatial Planning, Water Management, and Mobility Management .The agreement was signed by
Kamal Nath, Minister for Urban Development & Parliamentary Affairs, and Ms Melanie Schultz van Haegen,
Minister for Infrastructure and Environment, Netherlands
UN General Assembly Approved Syria Resolution
On 15 May The U.N. General Assembly approved an Arab-backed resolution calling for a political transition in
Syria and condemning President Bashar al-Assad Government for its increasing use of heavy weapons. A
majority of 107 states voted to adopt the resolution. There were 12 votes against and 59 abstentions.Russia was
fiercely opposed to the resolution, termed it as unbalanced and inadequate to address adequately atrocities
allegedly committed by rebel groups.The resolution was drafted by Arab states who have supported the
rebels.India abstained from voting on the non-binding resolution on Syria.Pakistan voted in favour of the resolution.
India Granted Observer Status in Arctic Council
On 15 May India granted observer status in the Arctic Council was successful along with that of five other
countries, China, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Singapore at a meeting in Kiruna, Sweden.The council is made
up of the eight Arctic nations are Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United
States.This membership will give India chances of navigation and oil and gas exploration.The European Union also
applied as an observer, but its final status remained unresolved pending resolution of a dispute with Canada over
trade in seal products.
India, UK Signed Agreement on Health Sector
On 19 May India and Britain have signed an agreement for cooperation in the health sector with specific focus on
strengthening primary health care and technological development.The agreement was signed by Union Minister of
Health & Family Welfare India, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Secretary of State for Health, UK, Jeremy Richard Hunt.
Indians Largest Foreign Born Group in London
On 20 May According to the Oxford Universitys Migration Observatory latest study report , Indians have become
the largest foreign-born group in London, followed by residents born in Poland and Ireland.Migration Observatory,
262,247 persons born in India were living in London in 2011, which represents 8.8 per cent of all foreign-born
residents in London.This accounts for 37.8 per cent of all residents that had been born in India resident in England
and Wales in 2011.Other important foreign-born groups in London, with more than 100,000 residents, include
those born in Ireland (129,807), Nigeria (114,718), Pakistan (112,457) and Bangladesh (109,948).
India China Signed 8 Agreements
On 20 May India and Chine signed eight important agreements covering a wide range of issues like trade, culture
and water resources. The agreements were finalised after delegation-level talks between Indian Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh and Chinese counterpart Le Keqiang.
The list of eight agreements/memoranda of undrstanding (MoUs):-
(i) Protocol between Indias external affairs ministry and Chinas foreign affairs ministry on Indian Official
Pilgrimage (the Kailash Mansoarovar Yatra) to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
(ii) Work Programmes of the Three Working Groups under Joint Economic Group (JEG) between Indias
commerce and industry ministry and Chinas commerce ministry.
(iii) MoU on Buffalo meat, fishery products and Agreement on feed and feed ingredients between Indiss
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority and The Marine Products Export
Development Authority and Export Inspection Council and Chinas General Administration of Quality Supervision,
Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).
(iv) MoU between Indias urban development ministry and Chinas National Development and Reform Commission
(NDRC) on cooperation in sewage treatment.
(v) MoU between Indias water resources ministry and NDRC on cooperation in water-efficient irrigation.
(vi) MoU between the external affairs ministry and Chinas State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film
and Television (SAPPRFT) on cooperation in mutual translation and publication of works, both classic and
contemporary.
(vii) MoU between the water resources ministries of both countries for provision of hydrological information by
China to india on the Yaluzangbu/Brahmaputra River during the flood season.
(viii) MoU between the foreign ministries of both countries to promote cooperation and linkages between the cities
and states/provinces of the two countries.
Visa on Arrival facility to passengers travelling through RGIA
The central government has extended Visa-On-Arrival facility to international passengers travelling through Rajiv
Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad managed by the GMR Group.Visitors from 11 countries will be
eligible to get a VoA from May 31 at RGIA.The Centre had introduced an Indian tourist VoA scheme on January 1,
2010 at certain airports which was initiated for citizens of five countries. Subsequently, a year later, the facility
was extended to a total of 11 countries viz Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Singapore, Cambodia,
Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia.
US Senate Committee Approves Immigration Reform Bill
On 22 May The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has approved a massive immigration reform bill that grants 11
million undocumented immigrants currently living in the country an earned path to citizenship.The legislation was
passed by a vote of 13 to 5 with three Republicans joining 10 Democrats to approve it.The bill, which requires
major advances in border security and expansion of a comprehensive e-verify system for employers before any
undocumented worker is allowed to pursue citizenship, will need 60 votes to pass the 100-seat Senate.
US and India Pledge To Collaborate on Combating Terrorism
On 22 May The US has pledged to collaborate with India on developing global approach to combat increasing
terror threats and asked international community to take effective steps to eliminate sanctuaries and infrastructure
that support terrorism.After talks between Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and US Secretary of Homeland
Security Janet Napolitano, a joint communique said the two countries also agreed to enhance bilateral co-
operation to combat terror financing and currency counterfeiting.
India, Japan to speed up talks on civil nuclear deal
On 29 May 2013,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe decided to speed
up talks on a civil nuclear deal to allow Japan to export nuclear reactors to India and to bolster maritime security
cooperation at a time when Chinas postures in the seas of the regional have caused concerns.A joint statement
issued at the end of exhaustive talks between Singh and Abe said the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed the
importance of civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries, while recognising that nuclear safety is a
priority for both governments.In this context, they directed their officials to accelerate the negotiations of an
Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy towards an early conclusion
India and Thailand sign extradition treaty
On 30 May 2013,in a major boost to bilateral security cooperation, India and Thailand signed the much awaited
extradition treaty after 20 years of negotiations.The MoU was signed by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid
and Thai Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.The treaty was signed in the presence of
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Thai counterpart Yingluck Shinawatra.The treaty provides the legal
framework for seeking extradition of fugitive offenders, including those involved in terrorism, transnational crimes
and economic offences among others.The two countries totally signed on seven pacts. They are extradition,
education,financial intelligence mapping , geospatial technology applications , investigation of persons suspected
of money laundering and criminal activity related to money laundering and terrorism financing.
UNESCO Declares Nicobar Islands as World Biosphere Reserve
On 31 May The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has declared and
designated the Nicobar Islands in India as a world biosphere reserve .The International Coordinating Council of
UNESCOs Man and the Biosphere Programme added the Nicobar Islands to the list of eleven other sites which
are designated as world biosphere reserves.Great Nicobar now 9th Indian reserve in Unesco world
network.Member countries establish such reserves. UNESCO recognizes them under the programme to promote
sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science.
NATIONAL
National Urban Health Mission Approved By Cabinet
On 1 May The Union Cabinet approved the launch of the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) to reduce rates of
infant mortality, maternal mortality and for universal access to reproductive health care.The cost of the National
Urban Health Mission for 5 years is 22507 crore rupees and the Central government will share 16955 crore
rupees.The mission will be implemented in 779 cities and towns each with the population of more than 50,000 has
expected to cover about 7.75 crore people.The Cabinet also gave its nod to a bill which provides for confiscating
property illegally acquired by corrupt public servants.
19.57 lakh Hectares of Forest Land Encroached
On 1 May According to the latest figures compiled by the Ministry of Environment and Forests reveal that
unchecked encroachment on forest land is on the rise.According to the figures, over 19.57 lakh hectares of forest
land is under encroachment in various parts of the country.Madhya Pradesh tops the list with 4.87 lakh hectares
under encroachment. Followed by Assam (3.30 lakh ha), Andhra Pradesh (2.57 lakh ha) and Maharashtra (1.83
lakh ha).
Mobile subscribers largest in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
The countrys most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, accounts for the largest number of mobile subscribers in the
country followed by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, which together account for almost half
of the total wireless connections.India, which is the worlds second largest mobile phone market in terms of
subscribers, had a total of 861.66 million mobile connections as on February 2013, data from telecom regulator
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) showed.Uttar Pradesh has a total of 121.60 million mobile phone
connections, while, Tamil Nadu has 71.81 million subscribers, according to the TRAI data.Maharashtra is at the
third position, with a subscriber base of 67.73 million followed by Andhra Pradesh and Bihar at 64.12 million and
60.73 million, respectively.
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant got Approval for Operations by the Supreme Court of India
On 06 May, the Supreme Court of India directed that the Kudankulam nuclear plant situated in Tamil Nadu could
start its operations now. A bench of Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan and Dipak Misra issued the directions to the
government on safety as well as security of the plant, along with its operations.
Govt Sets Up 39 Special NIA Courts Across The Country
On 7 May Minister of State for Home R P N Singh announced in the Parliament that under the National
Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, the central government has set up the 39 special courts to take up terror-related
cases.
Cabinet Approved Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission
On 16 May The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission with the objective
of conserving and restoring the heritage sites associated with Father of the Nation.Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission
will be assigned with the identification, collation and assessment of the information on Gandhi Heritage material,
its management and deployment.
Indias First Yoga University in Gujarat
On 23 May Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the countrys first yoga university in
Ahmedabad.Lakulish Yoga University, established by Life Mission Trust of Gujarat, is claimed to be the first ever
such private sector self-financed institution in the country.
STATES
Congress Won in Karnataka Assembly Elections
On 8 May Congress has won 121 seats of the 223 seats on which polls were contested in Karnataka Assembly
Elections , the elections were held on 5 May 2013. The ruling BJP and the JD-S won 40 seats each.The
Karnataka Janata Party led by former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa bagged a mere six seats.The assembly
has 224 elected and one nominated members. The election took place for 223 seats.
Tamil Nadu Bans Gutka Products
On 8 May The Tamil Nadu government banned the production, possession, distribution and sale of tobacco
products such as pan masala and gutka in the state.Tamilnadu Government had constituted a separate
department Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Medical Administration, after the Centre announced the Food Safety
and Standards Act.
Cabinet Approved 2 Major Ports in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh
On 9 May the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the proposal of the Ministry of Shipping for
setting up of two major ports.The ports will come up in West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh each, through a Public-
Private-Partnership mode. As per the proposal, one port will be developed at Dugarajapatnam, Nellore district, in
Andhra Pradesh and second port will come up at Sagar Island in West Bengal.
CONFERENCES
ADBs 46th Annual Meeting Held in New Delhi
46th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors, held in Delhi, India, from 2 to 5
May 2013.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh , Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and ADB member board of
directors and related financial institutions were attended the meeting.Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced
that it is going to provide about 6 billion dollars loan to India over the next three years which was decided at the
concluding day of the 46th annual meeting of the funding agency.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Indian Wildlife Biologist Aparajita Datta Honoured with the Whitley Award 2013
On 2 May An Indian wildlife biologist Dr. Aparajita Datta was honoured with the Whitley award, also known as
Green Oscar, in London . Aparajita Datta, the Indian wildlife biologist was conferred with the award by Princess
Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth, at the Royal Geographical Society in London for her efforts in order to save
the endangered hornbills in Eastern Himalayas.Aparajita Datta is the head of the program for conservation of the
hornbills in dense tropical forests of Arunachal Pradesh, at Nature Conservation Foundation. The tropical forests of
Arunachal Pradesh are an abode to five hornbill species.
Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi Awarded with Judy Wilkenfeld
On 2 May An Indian doctor of Mumbais Tata Memorial Hospital has been awarded with the prestigious Judy
Wilkenfeld Award for International Tobacco Control Excellence for his innovative efforts in reducing tobacco
consumption in India.He received the award by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids on at a function in
Washington.
Indian Police Unit in Congo Gets UN medal
On 17 May An Indian police unit in the Democratic Republic of Congo has received the United Nations
Peacekeeping Medal.The 135 Indian Formed Police Unit-2 (FPU) was honoured with the medal as an appreciation
for their service in Goma/North Kivu.
Malala Yousufzai Selected For Prestigious Global Leadership Award
On 20 May Teenager Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, who was shot at last year by the Taliban for advocating
education of girls, has been selected for the prestigious Global Leadership Award this year.Malala will receive the
award for her role as a global activist in advocating for educating and empowering girls worldwide.She was
targeted for her outspoken views and advocacy on behalf of girls education.
Indian-American Girl Won Americas Top Young Scientist Award
On 20 May An Indian-American girl has invented a super-capacitor device that could potentially charge a
cellphone in less than 20 seconds. The California teen has attracted the attention of tech giants Google for her
potentially revolutionary invention which charges a phone in 20 seconds flat.The super-fast charging device has
been dubbed a supercapacitor by 18-year-old Esha Khare, of Saratoga as she took home $50,000 from the Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair.
American Writer Lydia Davis won 2013 Man Booker International Prize
On 22 May American writer Lydia Davis won 2013 Man Booker International Prize for her innovative and influential
writing.This was the fifth Man Booker International Prize.Lydia Davis is a professor of creative writing at the
University of Albany. She is also an accomplished translator. Her works include The End of the Story and
Varieties of Disturbance.The Man Booker International Prize recognises one writer for his or her achievement in
fiction.Worth 60000 ponds, the prize is awarded every two years to a living author who has published fiction either
originally in English or whose work is generally available in translation in the English language.
Carole King Became the First Woman to Receive Gershwin Prize
US singer-songwriter Carole King became the first woman to receive the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for
Popular Song.The President of America, Barack Obama conferred upon her, the Gershwin Prize that is given as a
lifetime achievement in popular music.
APJ Abdul Kalam Received Wernher Von Braun Memorial Award
On 24 May United States based National Space Societys (NSS) has conferred Wrenher von Braun Memorial
Award upon former president APJ Abdul Kalam in San Diego .The award was conferred upon Kalam at
International Space Development Conference. It was instituted by NSS, a non-profit organization and is dedicated
to the creation of spacefaring civilization.The honour is given to recognize excellence in management and
leadership in a space-related project, where the project holds significance.
Biological clock scientists share Shaw Prize
On 28 May ,three scientists whose groundbreaking studies using fruit flies helped to uncover the workings of the
human biological clock were named the winners of the $1 million Shaw Prize .US scientists Jeffrey Hall, Michael
Rosbash and Michael Young received the award for their discovery of molecular mechanisms underlying circadian
rhythms.Biological rhythms govern behaviour in plants, animals and humans, from flowers opening during the day
and closing at night, to sleep patterns and the effect of jet lag.
SPORTS & GAMES
PV Sindhu won Malaysian Badminton Grand Prix Title
On 4 May,Indias shuttler PV Sindhu won Malaysian Badminton Grand Prix title after winning Malaysia Open
womens final match.In the final, top seed Sindhu defeated lower seed, Gu Juan of Singapore.This is the first
Grand Prix title in her Career.
Aamir Won Asian Squash Championship Title
On 5 May Pakistan`s top seeded player, Aamir Atlas Khan won the Asian Squash individual championship for the
first time in 14 years after he defeated Kuwait`s Abdullah Al Mezayan in straight sets in Islamabad.Pakistan had
last won the Asian individual title in 1998, but since then has only been able to win the Asian team title in the last
Asiad.
Ronnie OSullivan Won World Snooker Championship
On 7 May Ronnie OSullivan claimed his fifth World Snooker Championship crown after defeated Barry Hawkins at
the Crucible in Sheffield.OSullivan is now a five-time Crucible champion after his wins in 2001, 2004, 2008 and
2012 to move within one of Steve Davis and Ray Reardon and two behind Stephen Hendry in the all-time list.
India Bagged 2 Silver and 7 Bronze Medals in Commonwealth Championship
India on 10 May 2013 finished their candidature in the tournament with a record haul of 2 Silver and 7 Bronze in
the 19th Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships that concluded in New Delhi.
Mens Singles :- Zhan Jian (Singapore) won the title after defeated Li Hu from Singapore in the final at New Delhi
Womens Singles :- Mo Zhang (Canada) won the Womens Singles title after defeated Yu Mengyu (Singapore) in
the final.
Alonso Won Spanish Grand Prix Title
On 12 May Fernando Alonso of Spain won the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona .Kimi Raikkonen second, Felipe
Massa secured third position.It was Alonsos second win in Barcelona ,the first coming in 2006 and his seventh
career podium on the Circuit de Catalunya.
Madrid Open Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners
Womens Singles :- On 12 May Serena Williams of the United States bagged her 50th career Singles title.In the
final She defeated Russian Maria Sharapova and got the title .
Mens Singles :-Rafael Nadal from Spain won the Mens Singles title after defeated Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka in
the final.
Womens Doubles:-Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova ,Lucie Safarova won the Womens Doubles title.
Mens Doubles : Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan won their fifth Mutua Madrid Open doubles title . It was their 87th
career trophy and fifth crown of the 2013 ATP World Tour season.
Barcelona Won Spanish League Title
On 12 May Barcelona won the Spanish league title (football) for the 22nd time after closest rivals Real Madrid
could only manage a 1-1 draw with Espanyol.The title is Barcas fourth in five seasons and the 22nd of their
history. The last team other than Barcelona or Madrid to win the title was Valencia in 2004.Barcelonas Lionel
Messi finished the Spanish League as the top-scorer.He has already 46 goals, 12 clear of Cristiano Ronaldo, who
finished second.
Rome Masters Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners
Womens Singles :- On 19 May Serena Williams (USA) won her fourth consecutive title of the year after defeated
Victoria Azarenka from Belarus in the Rome Masters final.This is the second Rome Open title won by Serena,
before this Serena won the Rome title 11 years ago in 2002.
Mens Singles :- Rafael Nadal from spain claimed his seventh Rome Masters title after defeated Roger Federar
(Switzerland ) in the final
Mumbai Indians Won 2013 IPL Title
On 26 May Mumbai Indians won the Indian Premier League title for the first time , after defeated Chennai Super
Kings by 23 runs in the final at Eden Gardens.
* Man-of-the-Match Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians)
* Most Valuable Player Shane Watson (Rajasthan Royals)
* Orange Cap ( (Highest Run Getters) Michael Hussey (Chennai) : 733 Runs
* Purple Cap (Highest Wicket Takers) Dwayne Bravo (Chennai) : 32 Wickets
* Best Youngest Player Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)
* Fair Play Award Chennai Super Kings
* Best catch of the season Gurkeerat Mann Singh (Kings Eleven Punjab)
Rosberg Won Monaco Grand Prix Title
On 26 May The Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg won the Monaco Grand Prix title.Rosbergs team-mate Lewis
Hamilton dropped from second to fourth after losing out through the safety car.Force Indias Adrian Sutil took fifth
from McLarens Jenson Button.
China Won Sudirman Cup In Badminton
On 26 May China won their fifth consecutive Sudirman Cup and ninth overall, after defeated South Korea.At the
Putra Stadium Chinas World No. 1 Xu Chen and Ma Jin defeated their South Korean opponents Ko Sung Hyun
and Kim Ha Na in straight games in the mixed doubles.In mens singles, Chinas Chen Long defeated South
Korean Lee Dong Keun .In mens doubles Chinese Liu Xiaolong and Qiu Zihan defeated South Korean players Ko
Sung Hyun and Lee Yong Dae.Huser Ayla, of Switzerland won the Womens Singles after defeated Rankin Anna,
from New Zealand Sudirman Cup is the world mixed team badminton championship which takes place every two
years.
ECONOMY
RBI Cuts Repo Rate By 25 Basis Points
On 3 May The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility
(LAF) by 25 basis points, from 7.5 percent to 7.25 per cent with immediate effect as part of its annual monetary
policy statement 2013-14.The reverse repo rate under the LAF also stands adjusted to 6.25 per cent. The RBI
took this step to boost flagging economic growth.The cash reserve ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks has however
been retained at 4 per cent of their net demand and time liabilities.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide about 6 billion dollars loan to India
Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 5 May 2013 announced that it is going to provide about 6 billion dollars loan to
India over the next three years which was decided at the concluding day of the 46th annual meeting of the funding
agency. The bank is working on partnership strategy and is planning to maintain the level of lending to India.It is
important here to note that India is the biggest borrower of ADB and ADB had extended a 2.4 billion dollars loan to
India in 2012 across sectors like transport, energy, commerce, industry, trade and finance.
Delhi Tops in the Creative Index Report 2013
On 6 May According to the Creative Index Report 2013 report ,Delhi has been ranked as the most creative state in
India with the greatest potential for success in todays creative economy. The ranking is based on the population
of creative class. This class is of individuals are often engaged in either complex problem solving or in the
generation of new ideas, new technology, and new creative content.Chandigarh, Punjab, Kerala, Goa, Mizoram,
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, and Maharashtra round out the top nine.
Mobile Phones To Out Number Human Population By 2014
On 12 May According to the International Telecoms Unions (ITU) report ,The number of mobile phone
subscriptions are set to outnumber the worlds population by the end of 2014.Mobile phone subscriptions will pass
a whopping seven billion early in 2014.Currently, there are 6.8 billion mobile phone subscriptions while the worlds
population is 7.1 billion. More than a third of the global population are online, the ITU World in 2013 report also
found. The Commonwealth of Independent States, the alliance of countries formerly in the Soviet Union, is
believed to have the highest mobile penetration with 1.7 subscriptions for every person.Africa has the least, with
63 subscriptions per 100 people.The report also found that 2.7 billion people, almost 40 per cent of the worlds
population, are online.
Government Raises OBC Creamy Layer Income Limit to Rs 6 Lakh
On 16 May The Union Cabinet gave its approval for increase in the present income criterion of Rs. 4.5 lakh per
annum for applying the Creamy Layer restriction throughout the country, to avail benefits of reservations in
government jobs and admissions to central educational institutions.The decision came up in a view to increase
the income limits in tune with the increase of the consumer price index. This would enable more people to take an
advantage of reservation benefits that are extended to OBCs. Creamy layer is the income limit beyond which
OBCs are not eligible for quotas
Gujarat Tops in Port Development Projects
On 24 May According to the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) Ports
Development in India report ,While 21 PPP projects in the port sector worth over Rs.43,000 crore are under
construction, eight projects worth about Rs.14,000 crore are under bidding.Gujarat gets first place , accounting for
more than 50 per cent of the port projects completed in India during the last Plan. It has wrapped up 12 projects
valued at Rs 12,453 crore, consolidating its presence in the Indian maritime map.Gujarat is followed by Odisha
(2nd place) and Maharashtra (3rd place ), which account for a share of 16.9 per cent and 15.3 per cent
respectively in the completed projects.Odisha saw two projects worth Rs 4,169 crore getting completed, while
Maharashtra finished five projects worth Rs 3,772 crore.Andhra Pradesh (4th place) and Tamil Nadu (5th place)
each with three projects under operation have garnered a share between 5-6 percent followed by Kerala (2.8
percent).
Biocon Chief Kiran Mazumdar Shaw in Forbes Philanthropy List
On 30 May According to the Forbes Asia magazines list of Asia-Pacifics most remarkable givers" , Biocon
chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, P N C Menon, Vineet Nayar and Ronnie Screwvala named in 2013 year list of Asia-
Pacifics most remarkable givers.The annual list of Heroes of Philanthropy is compiled by Forbes Asia magazine.
It features a total of 48 persons from the Asia-Pacific region which includes countries like China, Singapore, Hong
Kong and Indonesia.Keeping into view Kiran Mazumdars work on improving cancer care and her pledge to give
away 75 per cent of wealth she was listed as one of the major Philanthropist.
China Launched Zhongxing-11 Satellite
On 2 May China successfully launched a communications satellite called Zhongxing-11 from Xichang Satellite
Launch Center in southwest Sichuan province. The satellite was launched into its present orbit from Long March-
3B rocket.
Worlds First 3D Printed Gun Successfully Fired
On 4 May The worlds first gun made with 3D printer technology has been successfully fired in the US.The anti-
gun campaigners criticised this project, while the law enforcement of Europe is monitoring the developments of
this project.All 16 parts of the controversial gun, called the Liberator, are made from a tough, heat-resistant plastic
used in products such as musical instruments, kitchen appliances and vehicle bumper bars.
The new Navy patrol ship Rani Avantibayi
Indian Coast Guard Ship Rani Avantibai, the second Inshore Patrol Vessel (IPV) built by the Hindustan Shipyard
Ltd for the Coast Guard. This was commissioned into Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam on 9 May 2013 by Minister of
State for Defence Jitendra Singh in the presence of Director-General of Indian Coast Guard Vice-Admiral Anurag
G. Viranari Rani Avantibayi is the inshore patrol vessels (IPV) in Madhya Pradesh for Ramgadh Coast
Guard.This is used in Tracking thieves, coastal conservation, marine disaster relief efforts.This is the first in the
series of five inshore patrol vessels (IPV) built by the Hindustan Shipyard Limited for the Coast Guard.
MiG-29K fighter planes commissions into Navy
On May 11,Defence Minister AK Antony commissioned warfare aircraft MiG-29K Black Panther squadron into the
Indian Navy.The commissioning was held at INS Hansa which would be the base for Black Panther squadron
along with other fighter aircraft squadrons of Indian Navy. The squadron initially comprising 16 aircraft would be
known as IANS 303.
U.S. Launched First Unmanned Aircraft From Carrier Flight Deck
The United States Navy launched an unmanned aircraft from a modern carrier flight deck for the first time ever on
14 May.The unmanned aircraft was the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator, and its first-ever
launch from a modern aircraft carrier represents how manned and unmanned aircraft on carrier flight decks will be
merged in the future.A mission operator aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) controlled X-47B, showing
off how well it works within a carrier environment. It landed back at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland.
Rotavirus Vaccine Developed in India
India developed a Rotavac Vaccine to eradicate the Rotavirus diarrhoea in infants.The Government of Indias
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Bharat Biotech announced positive results from a Phase III clinical trial of
a rotavirus vaccine.
First Boeing P-8I Aircraft joins Indian Navy
Indian Naval Aviation received a major fillip with the arrival of the first of eight Boeing P-8I Long Range Maritime
Reconnaissance and Anti Submarine Warfare aircraft at Naval Air Station Rajali, Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu on 15
May 13. The P-8I aircraft, based on the Boeing 737-800(NG) airframe, is the Indian Naval variant of the P-8A
Poseidon of the US Navy. The aircraft is equipped with both foreign as well as indigenous sensors for Maritime
Reconnaissance, Anti Submarine operations and for Electronic Intelligence missions.
Scientists Converted Human Skin Cells Into Embryonic Stem Cells
On 15 May In a major medical breakthrough, researchers at the Oregon National Primate Research Center
(ONPRC) have for the first time ever successfully converted human skin cells into embryonic stem cells , via a
technique called nuclear transfer.Scientists for the first time converted human skin cells into embryonic stem
cells.These embryonic stem cells are capable of transforming into any other cell type in the human body.This
technique involves transplanting the nucleus of one cell, containing an individuals DNA, into an egg cell that has
had its genetic material removed.
BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile Successfully Test Fired
On 22 May India successfully test fired the 290-km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from Russian-built
INS Tarkash off the coast of Goa.The launch was carried out by the Navy as part of Acceptance Test Firing (ATF)
of the ship.INS Tarkash, which is an advanced Talwar Class frigate, was commissioned on 9th November, last
year.The BrahMos missile jointly developed by India and Russia.
Indian Air Force Inducted Trainer AirCraft Pilatus PC-7
On 31 May Pilatus, PC 7 Mk II aircraft was formally inducted into the IAF by Jitendra Singh MoS, Defence at
IAFs premier Academy located at Dundigal, Hyderabad.This marked the first formal flight of the Basic Trainer
Aircraft over the skies at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad.The induction of PC-7Mk II as Basic Trainer Aircraft
in Indian Air Force is a very important landmark in our nations quest to modernise its Armed Forces.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Sheikh Salman is New AFC President
On 2 May Bahrains Sheikh Salman Ebrahim Al-Khalifa was elected as the new president of Asian Football
Confederation (AFC). He replaced disgraced ex-leader Mohamed Hammam.
Najib sworn in Malaysias PM
Najib Razak was sworn in as Malaysias Prime Minister for a second term on 06 May 2013 after his Barisan
Nasional (BN, National Front) coalition won 133 of the 222 Parliament seats in 2013 election.Najib Razak became
the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia in year 2009.
Roberto Azevedo Appointed as WTO new Director General
On 8 May Brazils Roberto Azevedo has been named as the new Director General of the World Trade
Organisation, the first Latin American to hold the post.He will take charge of his office from Pascal Lamy of
France in the Geneva-based Body in September 2013.
Siddaramaiah Sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka
On 13 May Congress leader Siddaramaiah was sworn in as the 22nd chief minister of Karnataka by the Governor
H R Bharadwaj.In year 1992 Siddaramaiah was appointed as Secretary General of Janata Dal.In Year 1994
became the Minister for Finance in the Janata Dal government headed by Deve Gowda.He served as a Deputy
Chief Minister of Karnataka twice, first in 1996 when JH Patel became Chief Minister and again in 2004 when JDS
formed a coalition government with Dharam Singh.
Nirbhay Sharma Appointed Governor of Arunachal Pradesh
On 16 May Lieutenant General (retd) Nirbhay Sharma has been appointed as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh as
the term of present incumbent Gen (retd) J J Singh ended in January 2013. He was appointed as Member of
UPSC in May 2008 and after completion of his five year stint .He was also a part of the Airborne Assault Group,
the first Indian Army Unit to enter Dacca (Dhaka) during 1971 war.
Shashi Kant Sharma is the new CAG
On 21 May Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma was appointed as the new Comptroller & Auditor General
(CAG) ,replaced outgoing Vinod Rai.Sharma, an IAS officer from 1976 batch of Bihar cadre, has earlier assumed
various important offices during his tenure as Secretary in the Department of Financial Services and has spent
over 10 years in the Defence Ministry in various capacities.The CAG is appointed for a term of six years or till the
incumbent attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Indian Origin Srinivasan Appointed as Top US Court Judge
On 23 May The United States Senate voted 97-0 to appoint Srikanth Srinivasan as a Judge of the prestigious US
Court of Appeals.It is the highest judicial appointment to an Indian -American . Srinivasan has become the first
Indian-American to be appointed to the court.He is the Principle Deputy Solicitor General and defends the policies
of US President Barack Obama before the Supreme Court
Radha Krishna Mathur is new Defence Secretary
On 25 May Senior IAS officer Radha Krishna Mathur has been appointed as new Defence Secretary.He succeeds
Shashikant Sharma who has taken over as Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). A 1977-batch IAS officer of
Manipur-Tripura cadre, Mathur was serving as Secretary (Defence Production) in the Defence Ministry.
Justice Raveendran is new NBSA Chief
On 25 May Former Supreme Court judge Justice R V Raveendran has been appointed as the new Chairman of
the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) , the self regulatory initiative of the News Broadcasters
Association (NBA).He succeeds justice (Retd.) J.S. Verma, chairperson of the NBSA, who passed away on 2013
April.NBSA is an independent redressal body set up by the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) and has
leading TV news channels as its members.
Kushal Singh Appointed as the Chairperson of NCPCR
On 27 May Mrs. Kushal Singh has been appointed as the Chairperson of National Commission for Protection of
Child Rights (NCPCR), by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.Mrs. Kushal Singh has held several high
level posts in the Government of Rajasthan and the Central Government.She was the Chief Secretary, Government
of Rajasthan.
PM Manmohan Singh elected to Rajya Sabha
On 30 May 2013 ,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was elected to Rajya Sabha from Assam for fifth consecutive
term.Dr Singh got 49 first preference votes, while the second Congress candidate bagged 45 votes and All India
United Democratic Front (AIUDF)s Aminul Islam, who polled 18 votes, lost in the 126-member state Assembly.
B)RESIGNS
Union Railway Minister and Law Minister of India Resigned
On 10 May Union Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal and Union Law Minister of India Ashwani Kumar
resigned from their posts.Railway Minister PK Bansal resigned from his office since his nephew Vijay Singla was
arrested for his alleged involvement of bribery of 90 lakh rupees from the Railway Board Member, with a promise of
promotion. Ashwani Kumar the Union Law Minister submitted his resignation after being into attack by the
opposition and the CBI affidavit submitted to Supreme Court for vetting up the CBI report in the Coal Block
allocation scam.
C)DEATHS
ATP chairman Brad Drewett died
Brad Drewett(54), the former tour player who led the ATP as executive chairman and president since January
2012 died on 3 May 2013 . He helped in increasing the prize money at Grand Slam tournaments.
Giulio Andreotti, the former Italian Prime Minister died
On 6th May, the former Italian Prime Minister ,Giulio Andreott(94) was dies in Rome.He was one of the most
powerful figures in the politics of the country after World War II.
Islamic scholar Asghar Ali Engineer Died
On May 14,Leading Islamic scholar, author and activist Asghar Ali Engineer, 74, died at his Santacruz home in
Mumbai. He was born in 1940 and completed his BSc in civil engineering from Vikram University.From 1980, he
edited the journal named the Islamic Perspective and during 1980s he published a series of books on Islam and
communal violence in India. His books were based on his investigations in the post-independent India. The USA
International Student Assembly and the USA Indian Student Assembly honoured him with Distinguished Service
Award in 1987.
Bengali filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh dead
On 30 May 2013,Award-winning Indian film director Rituparno Ghosh was died from a heart attack in the city of
Calcutta.Ghosh directed 18 films in that 12 films got national awards.Ghosh began his remarkable journey by
directing a childrens film Hirer Angti (Diamond Ring) in 1994, which won him an immediate recognition. He
shot to fame after his next film Unishe April (19 April) won the national award in 1995.His other award-winning
films include Dahan, Asukh, Chokher Bali, Raincoat, Bariwali, Antarmahal, Noukadubi, Abohoman,
Chitrangada and Amitabh Bachchan starrer The Last Lear.
Academic Vina Mazumdar Dead
On 30 May 2013,Noted academic and a leading figure of Indias womens movement, Dr Vina Mazumdar, died in
New Delhi.Born in 1927 in a middle-class Bengali household in Kolkata, she did her schooling in the city and
studied in Banaras Hindu University and Calcutta University, before going to Oxford in 1947, soon after
independence. She went back to Oxford University later and received her D.Phil in 1962.
D)VISITORS
China Prime Minister Li Keqiang Visited India
Chinas new Prime Minister Li Keqiangs visited India on his first foreign trip to India from 19th to 21st May 2013
since taking his office in March 2013. During the visit he met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and discussed
India-China border issues , bilateral, regional and global issues of common interest.After the both countries signed
on 8 agreements.The Chinese have also agreed to provide greater facilitation to Indian pilgrims on the Kailash
Manasarovar Yatra.
Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai Visited India
Hamid Karzai , President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan visited India from 20-22 May, 2013.During the visit
Hamid Karzai was on 20 May conferred an honorary doctorate degree by President Pranab Mukherjee at a
professional university in Phagwara.He met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at New Delhi and discussed on
various key bilateral and regional issues , the situation in the region in the backdrop of Afghanistans keenness to
enhance defence cooperation with India and get supply of lethal and non-lethal weapons.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
First Woman Named To FBIs Most Wanted Terrorist List
On 3 May Joanne Chesimard (also known as Assata Shakur), a member of the Black Liberation Army who killed
a New Jersey state trooper 40 years ago and has since fled to Cuba,has been named as one of the FBIs most
wanted terrorists, making her the first woman ever to make the list.Chesimard was convicted for killing Foerster
and sentenced to life in prison. In 1979 she escaped with the help of the Black Army Liberation and has been on
the run ever since.The U.S. Justice Department announced a doubling of the reward for her capture to $2 million.
Ritankar Das is Centurys Youngest California University Topper
On 10 May An 18-year-old Indian-American has become the youngest graduate topper of the prestigious
University of California in more than a century.Kolkata-born Ritankar Das, has been named as the University
Medalist, the prize which is given to the years top graduating senior.Das has taken just three years to complete
his studies with a double major in bioengineering and chemical biology and a minor in creative writing from the
University of California, Berkeley.Further he is the first student from the College of Chemistry in 58 years, and the
first ever from the Department of Bioengineering.
Sreesanth,Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were arrested
S Sreesanth and two of his Rajasthan Royals teammates Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were arrested by the
Delhi police on charges of spot fixing in the ongoing Indian Premier League.
First Saudi Woman Ever Climbs Mount Everest
On 18 May Raha Moharrak has become the first Saudi Arabian woman to climb Mount Everest. Moharrak also
became the youngest Arab to reach the 8,850-meter peak (29,035 feet). She was part of a group that included the
first Qatari man and the first Palestinian man to reach the summit.
Indian Sisters First Twins To Climb Mount Everest
On 19 May Two Indian girls have scripted history by becoming the first twins ever to climb Mount Everest
together.Tashi and Nancy Malik from Dehra Dun achieved this feat by successfully reaching the worlds highest
mountain peak at 8,848 meters.The duo were among other record-makers including the first women from Saudi
Arabia and Pakistan who climbed the Everest on 18 May.
Arunima Becomes First Indian Amputee To Scale Mt Everest
On 21 May Arunima Sinha, a former national level volleyball player who had lost one of her legs after being thrown
off a moving train by, created history by becoming the first Indian amputee to conquer Mount Everest. Sinha
reached the 8,848 metre-high summit of the worlds highest peak as a member of the Eco Everest Expedition
from the Tata Group.Sinha, a resident of Ambedkar Nagar in Uttar Pradesh.Arunima successfully scaled the
6,622-metre-high Mount Chhamser Kangri of Ladakh last year, but her ultimate goal was to climb Mount Everest.
Yuichiro Miura, Became Oldest Man to Climb Mount Everest
Yuichiro Miura, the 80-year old mountaineer from Japan reached Mount Everests summit on 23 May 2013. With
this, he became the oldest man to climb the highest mountain peak of the world. Yuichiro Miura climbed the
Everest at the age of 70 and 75 as well.
Indian-origin Boy Won National Geographic Bee Contest
On 23 May Sathwik Karnik, a 12-year-old Indian-American boy, has won the prestigious National Geographic Bee
2013 after gruelling rounds testing his geographic knowledge about lions in Botswana, mountain ranges in Asia
and port cities in England.To clinch the title, Karnik, 12, correctly named Chimborazo as the mountain in Ecuador
that represents the farthest point from the Earths center.US.Karnik took home the spoils of the Bee prize that
include a USD 25,000 college scholarship, an all-expenses paid trip to the Galapagos Islands, and a lifetime
membership to the National Geographic Society.
Jiroemon Kimura Becomes Last Living Man Born in 19th Century
The oldest person in the world, Japanese Jiroemon Kimura,116 years Japanese man became the last male of the
19th century in the world. Jiroemon Kimura was given the title of last male alive to be born in the 19th century after
the death of Barbados in the month of May 2013 at the age of 113 years and 90 days.Gerontolgy Research Group
at University of California, Los Angeles found out that as far as female were concerned, there are in all 21 women
born before 1 January 1901 and they are still alive.But amongst the male, Jiroemon Kimura is the only alive
person of 19th century.Jiroemon Kimura was born on 19 April 1897.
Premlata becomes the first Indian woman to complete seven summits
Asian woman mountaineer Premlata Agrawal has become the first Indian woman mountaineer to scale the seven
continental peaks after climbing Alaskas McKinley Peak.With this, she became the first Indian woman
mountaineer to step on the highest peak of North America.
Arvind Mahankali Won National Spelling Bee 2013
On 31 May Arvind Mahankali, a 13-year old Indian-American won the Scripps National Spelling Bee contest, as
children from the community scripted history by dominating the prestigious competition for the sixth year in a row,
grabbing top three slots this year.Arvind, from New York, won the contest by correctly spelling the German word
knaidel which means a small mass of leavened dough, overcoming his fear of German-derived words during his
past four appearances at the contest.This is the sixth consecutive year that an Indian-American has won the
contest, which was watched live by millions of people in the United States.
PLACES IN NEWS
Cyclonic Storm Mahasen Hits Bangladesh
On 16 May The cyclonic storm Mahasen hit Bangladeshs southern Patuakhali coast with wind speed up to 90
kilometers per hour.More than 48 persons were killed as inflated waters coupled with gusts started ravaging parts
of Patuakhali alongside the other areas adjacent to the Bay of Bengal in the region.The system is now located in
the west-central bay and is likely to intensify further, move in northeast direction and cross the Bangladesh coast
close to Chittagong.
ABBREVIATIONS
NESAC - North Eastern Space Applications Centre
ACTO Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization
ILO International Labour Organization
CNEN National Commission for Nuclear Energy
CNEA - National Commission of Atomic Energy
IPV Inshore Patrol Vessel
BWF - Badminton World Federation
BOOKS IN NEWS
Understanding Bhagat Singh by Prof. Chamanlal released
Understanding Bhagat Singh a book by Prof. Chamanlal was released in the on 3 May 2013.Professor Randhir
Singh, Eminent Thinker released the book at School of Social Sciences (SSS- I) Auditorium, JNU in New
Delhi.The book Understanding Bhagat Singh has tried to explain the soul or spirit of Bhagat Singh like his
principle of achieving objectives with dignity, honesty and fearlessness.
Gandhis Outstanding Leadership Book Released
On 27 May Gandhis Outstanding Leadership , written by former Indian diplomat-turned-Gandhian Pascal Alan
Nazareth, was released at the Peking Universitys Centre.Prof Shang Quanyu, a history professor with the South
China Normal University, translated the book into Madarin.
COMMITTEES
G Padmanabhan Committee on Services for the Exporters
On 6 May A Reserve Bank of India (RBI) committee recommended setting up of the Indian Bill Payment System
(IBPS) in the country.The committee chaired by G. Padmanabhan, Executive Director, RBI, has recommended a
cap on interest margins charged by banks lending to exporters.The committee also recommended that export
credit be allowed to be a part of priority sector lending (PSL) for all commercial banks, including foreign banks, for
a period of three to five years.
National Technology Day was Observed on 11 May 2013
National Technology Day was celebrated on 11 May 2013 as a symbol of quest for scientific inquiry, technological
creativity and the translation of that quest in the integration of Science, Society and Industry. This day is also
celebrated to honour technological innovations and their successful commercialization which makes fruits of
research reach people at large.
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April 2013 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
China, Russia, Pakistan discuss Afghanistan situation
Officials from China, Russia and Pakistan on 3 April 2013 held talks on the issue of coordination between their
positions on Afghanistan.The officials from three nations backed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
that is grouping to play a great role in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of NATO Forces in 2014. These talks were
held to enhance coordination. The talks followed a similar meeting India, China and Russia held in Moscow
recently, reflecting the delicate balancing act and increasingly complicated regional dynamics as different
countries look to push their interests in the lead up to 2014.
Malaysia PM Dissolves Parliament
On 3 April Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has dissolved the Parliament ahead of a general election.This
dissolution will pave the way for the 13th general election.The elections have to be held before June 2.The Barisan
Nasional coalition that has ruled Malaysia since independence in 1957 is expected to face a stiff challenge in the
polls from the opposition three-party Pakatan Rakyat (Peoples Pact).
Tammam Salam named as Lebanon new Prime Minister
On 6 April well-known Sunni lawmaker Tammam Salam has been named Lebanons new prime minister , after
receiving overwhelming parliamentary support.His appointment comes after previous prime minister Najib Mikati
resigned and effectively brought down his Hezbollah-dominated government.
China, Australia Signed Direct Currency Exchange Agreement
On 10 China and Australia have signed a currency swap agreement in a bid to promote bilateral trade and
investment.The agreement makes the Australian dollar the third major currency to directly trade in Chinas
mainland foreign exchange market, after the US dollar and the Japanese yen.Australian Prime Minister Julia
Gillard discussed bilateral security issues with Chinas President Hu Jintao.
China Pledges $548 million Aid To Cambodia
On 10 April China has pledged $548 million in aid to Cambodia for infrastructure and irrigation
systems.Agreements covering $500 million in soft loans and $48 million in grants were signed during Cambodian
Prime Minister Hun Sen .
Nepal Peace Process Ends
On 13 April Nepals much delayed peace process with end of the decade long civil war has finally reached
conclusion.Though the peace process had started on 2006, the Special Committee was formed in 2008 to oversee
the army integration process.The last meeting of the cross-party Special Committee decided to accept application
of 47 Maoist combatants to quit the Nepal Army training.
Nicolas Maduro Wins Venezuelan Presidential Election
Nicolas Maduro,Socilist Party member who became Hugo Chavezs protege, was declared the winner of
Venezuelas presidential election on 14 April 2013.Maduro secured 50.8% of votes while opposition candidate
Henrique Capriles Radonski won 49.0%.Maduro got 3 lakhs votes of majority than Henrique.
New Zealand Approved Gay-Marriage Bill
On 17 April New Zealands parliament has approved the bill to legalise same-sex marriage.New Zealand has
become the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to do so. No other country in the Asia-Pacific region allows gay
marriage.Cheers and applause ring out in parliament building after 77 of 121 members vote to allow gay couples to
wed.New Zealand is now the 13th country to legalise gay marriage.
U.S Senate Rejects Gun Control Bill
On 18 April The US Senate has rejected a strong gun control bill.US Senators supported the measure with just
54-46 votes , falling short of the 60 votes required to pass the amendment.The legislation was considered the best
hope for gun control sought by President Obama in the wake of the mass shooting at Newtown Elementary
School last year.Among them, a vote to ban assault weapons was rejected by 40 votes to 60, while a measure to
limit the size of gun clips received just 46 votes in its favor.
US House of Representatives Passed CISPA
On 18 April The US House of Representatives has passed the controversial Cyber Intelligence Sharing and
Protect Act (CISPA).The aim of CISPA is to fight with the cyber threats, by enabling the law enforcers to get
access to the web data.This is the second time Cispa has been passed by the House.Senators threw out the first
draft, saying it did not do enough to protect privacy.Senators had earlier rejected the first draft of this bill on the
grounds that it wasnt providing enough for protecting the privacy.
Napolitano Re-elected as Italys President
On 21 April Italys Parliament re-elected Giorgio Napolitano as the Italys President for second 7-year term
.Giorgio Napolitano will be the first Italian president to be re-elected to serve a second term.He got 738 votes, far
more than the 504 needed for victory.More than 1,000 national and regional lawmakers had convened to elect the
next Italian president, with the overwhelming majority of them ultimately backing Napolitano.The People of
Freedom party of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi got second place in Italy elections.He is the first
President of Italy to have been a member of the Italian Communist Party and the first to be elected to a second
term as President.Giorgio Napolitano is the 11th President of the Italian Republic since 2006.
Horacio Cartes Elected as Paraguays new President
On 22 April Businessman Horacio Cartes of the Colorado Party has been declared Paraguays new president.The
electoral board announced that Cartes had 46.1 percent of the vote and his main rival Senator Efrain Alegre of the
ruling Liberal Party 36.9 percent.The conservative Colorados held Paraguays presidency for 60 years until leftist
former Catholic bishop Fernando Lugo was elected in 2008.
French Parliament Approved Gay Marriage Law
On 23 April France parliament approved a new law to allow gay marriage. Parliament passed the bill by 331 votes
for and 225 against.France has become the 14th country to allow gay marriage..
UK Approved Caste Discrimination Bill
On 25 April Britain has outlawed caste discrimination, after the House of Lords voted for legal protection to be
given to the most vulnerable, mainly in the Indian and Sikh communities.The UK now looks set to become the first
country in Europe to outlaw discrimination based on caste.
Cuba and Venezuela Signed 51 Cooperation Projects
On 28 April Cuba and Venezuela have signed at Havana accords for 51 joint projects worth two billion U.S.
dollars.At the close of 13th Cuba-Venezuela Intergovernmental Meeting , Cuban President Raul Castro and
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced the deals for projects in such areas as education, health,
sports, cultur, food production, construction, transport, communications, energy and support of social
missions.Havana and Caracas agreed to jointly invest two billion dollars to develop these projects and also signed
a memorandum to establish a bilateral medium- and long-term economic agenda.The investment also covers joint
ventures in vital and strategic economic areas in both countries.
Pakistan court bans Musharraf from contesting polls for life
A four-judge bench of the Peshawar high court headed by chief justice Dost Muhammad Khan imposed the life
ban while dismissing Musharrafs appeal challenging the rejection of his nomination papers for May 11 general
election.The lifetime ban was imposed because Musharraf had abrogated the Constitution twice and detained
judges during the 2007 emergency.
INDIA & WORLD
India and Singapore Signed MoU on Air Services
On 2 April India and Singapore signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral air services
arrangement in the presence of Civil Aviation Minister, Shri Ajit Singh and Minister of Transport of Singapore, Mr
Lui Tuck Yew in Singapore.
India, Azerbaijan ink 3 key pacts
Aimed at creating the necessary legal framework in areas of extradition, India and Azerbaijan on 04 April 2013
inked three key pacts which also included treaties for mutual legal assistance in criminal and civil matters.Visiting
Justice Minister of Azerbaijan Fikrat Mammadov held a meeting with Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde where
the extradition treaty was signed.
India and Tanzania Signed Agreement To Explore Mineral Wealth
On 6 April India and Tanzania have signed an agreement for forging an alliance to explore mineral wealth in the
African nation.The agreement was signed by the Union Minister of Steel, Beni Prasad Verma and Sospeter
Muhongo, the Minister of Energy and Minerals, United Republic of Tanzania at Der es Salaam.
India and Russia signed Regulation of Co-operation Agreement
On 10 April India and Russia signed a Regulation defining the structure, functions and procedure of the Joint
Commission at Moscow.The agreement was signed by Vladimir Puchkov, Minister of the Russian Federation for
Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters and Sushil kumar Shinde, the
Union Minister of Home Affairs.
Two Day India-China Counter-Terrorism Dialogue on Afghanistan ended
The two-day India-China counter-terrorism dialogue ended on 12 April 2013 in Beijing China. The two nations
discussed upon the ways to step up cooperation to counter terror in Afghanistan as a follow up plan after the
withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in 2014.
India Mauritius Signed MoU on Electoral Cooperation
On 12 April India and Mauritius signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi on cooperation in the
field of Election Management and Administration. The MoU was signed by Chief Election Commissioner of India,
V.S. Sampath and the Electoral Commissioner of Mauritius, Mohammad Irfan Abdool Rahman.
India Mauritius Signed MoU on Electoral Cooperation
On 12 April India and Mauritius signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi on cooperation in the
field of Election Management and Administration. The MoU was signed by Chief Election Commissioner of India,
V.S. Sampath and the Electoral Commissioner of Mauritius, Mohammad Irfan Abdool Rahman.
Bangladesh Inks $1.6 Billion Power Deal with India
On 20 April India and Bangladesh signed its biggest-ever joint venture agreement with India involving investment of
$1.6 billion for 1,320 MW coal-fired power plant which is expected to be operational in the next five years.The two
countrys signed three deals under a pact to run the plant at Rampal of Bagerhat while the two others were Power
Purchase Agreement and Implementation Agreement.A supplementary joint venture agreement floating the
company was signed by Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) chairman Abdual Wahab Khan and
NTPC Chairman and Managing Director Arup Roy Choudhury while the two others agreements were signed by
officials concerned of the two countries.
Indian origin boy won spelling championship
12 years old Indian origin boy won the very popular spelling competition beating another 30 competitors, held at
Singapore. The name of the competition was R.B.H- The Straight Times National Spelling Championship. The
name of the boy is Ashwin Shiv Kumar, who won the top place in this championship on 27 April 2013 . He is the
student of 6th grade at Anglo-Chinese school. He was awarded by 5000 Singapore Dollars, as a prize he got. He
passed through 10 stages and won the competition.
NATIONAL
Prez Pranab Mukherjee clears anti-rape bill
President Pranab Mukherjee had given his assent to the anti-rape bill which provides for life term and even death
sentence for rape convicts besides stringent punishment for offences like acid attacks, stalking and
voyeurism.Mukherjee accorded his assent to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill-2013 on 03 April 2013.This is
called as the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013.The law, passed by Lok Sabha on March 19 and by Rajya
Sabha on March 21.
Union Government Approved Project for NOFN Creation in Gram Panchayats
On 12 April The Government of India approved the project for creation of National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN)
connecting all the 250000 Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country through Optical Cable (OFC). The Union
Government decided to fund the project through Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
Government Approved For 13 Power Projects
On 22 April The Cabinet Committee on Investment cleared 13 power projects that involves investment of 33000
crore rupees. The projects on which the investments will be made include one hydro and two thermal project as
well as ten transmission projects. 25 oil and gas blocks with investment commitment of about seven billion US
dollars also got approval during the same meet. Of these 16 blocks were given conditional clearances, while nine
blocks were approved without any condition. Approval of these projects was pending due to the objections raised
by the Ministry of Defence over national security.
Mukherjee Gives Assent To Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Bill
On 25 April President Pranab Mukherjee has given his assent to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2013.Sexual harassment at workplace is a violation of womens right
to gender equality, life and liberty.It creates an insecure and hostile work environment, which discourages
womens participation in work, thereby adversely affecting their economic empowerment and the goal of inclusive
growth. (ANI)
STATES
Andhra Pradesh Government launched Online Services named Parishkaram for Entrepreneurs
Andhra Pradesh Government on 1 April 2013 launched the AP Industrial Infrastructure Corporations online
services for entrepreneurs and grievance redressal system. The platform is proposed to be a link between the
APIIC and entrepreneurs which would make the process of application and registration of land for setting up
industries a paperless one.
EC issues notification for Karnataka assembly polls
The Election Commission on April 10 issued the notification for the Karnataka Assembly polls.The nomination
papers will be scrutinised on April 18. The last day for withdrawing the nominations is April 20. The votes polled on
May 5 will be counted on May 8.
Himachal Govt To Connect All Gram Panchayats With Broadband
On 12 April Himachal Pradesh government signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Department of
Telecommunication, Govt of India (GOI) and Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) for providing broadband
connectivity to all Gram Panchayats of the state by establishing of an optical fiber network.
Himachal celebrates 66th anniversary
On 15 April 2013 Himachal Pradesh celebrated 66th Himachal Day.Himachal Pradesh came into existence on 15
April 1948 with the merger of 30 princely states.During the function, the Chief Minister announced many schemes
for the state which are under development phase like Mukhyamantri Adarsh Krishi Gaon Yojana, Skill
Development Allowance. In the skill development Allowance, the government would provide 1000 rupees per month
to educated unemployed youths and 1500 rupees to persons with disabilities of the state.
Indias first automatic toll collection system launched in Maharashtra
The countrys first interoperable RIFD(Radio Frequency Identification Device )-based electronic toll system was
rolled out on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai National Highway and the system would allow vehicles fitted with electronic
tags to sail through six toll plazas automatically.
Tamilnadu Planned Rs.7000 crore Underground Hydel Power Station
On 25 April Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa announced the government planned a Rs 7,000 crore
underground hydel power station in Nilgiris district besides the ongoing related schemes,which in all will cost over
Rs 20,000 crore.The first unit of North Chennai Thermal Power plant, third unit of Vallur project and 2x 500 MW
each of Tuticorin Power project would start generating power between March 2014.The first unit of North Chennai
Thermal Power plant, third unit of Vallur project and 2x 500 MW each of Tuticorin Power project would start
generating power between this year May and March 2014
CONFERENCES
PM inaugurated CII national conference
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated the two-day national conference and annual general meeting of the
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi on 03 March 2013.Around 1,500 industrialists from across the
country will attended the meeting. The theme for this years deliberations is India tomorrow: Imperatives of
growth, security and governance.
Conference of CMs of States & Chief Justices of High Courts held at New Delhi
Conference of Chief Ministers of States & Chief Justices of High Courts held at New Delhi on 7 April.The
conference presided over by Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir, aims to address pressing issues related to the
countrys justice delivery system thats often criticised for being tardy.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
inaugurated the joint conference.Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has called upon the judiciary and executive
to work together to make the Indian judicial system an arrear free.
Hyderabad will host ICSE conference in 2014
The 36th International Conference on Software Engineering, ICSE2014, will be held in Hyderabad, India from 1
June 2013 to 7 June 2013. India is home to some of the largest software companies in the world, and Hyderabad
is one of the main centers for software development in India.This conference is going to be a premier software
engineering conference that is going to provide a forum for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and
discuss the most recent innovations, trends, experiences and concerns in the field of software engineering.This is
the first time conducted in India.
UNWTO Conference Held in Hyderabad
United Nations World Tourism Organisation ( UNWTO) Commissions Conference on Sustainable Tourism
Development and 25th Joint Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for East Asia, Pacific and South Asia will be
held at Hyderabad from 12th to 14th of this month.The conference attended by dignitaries belonging to 29
countries spread across in East Asia & Pacific and South Asia, eight UNWTO affiliate members, two regional
organizations as well as industry organizations. The UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai along with his team of
senior delegates presented at the meeting .The delegates discussed the market trends of the region in the year
2012 and tourism prospects for the year 2013.The next Joint Meeting would be held in Philippines and the 21st
Session of General Assembly of UNWTO will be held in Cambodia.
AWARDS & HONOURS
National Awards for State Industries
On April 1st ,the state of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) got the National Awards .In the Research
& Development Efforts in MSMEs category includes three Awards (First, Second and Third) for Micro and Small
Enterprises and have gone to entrepreneurs from Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Haryana respectively.Three
National Awards (First, Second and Third) for Micro Enterprises in Outstanding Efforts in Entrepreneurship
category Haryana , West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh got first,second and third respectively.Three National Awards
(First, Second and Third) for Small Enterprises. First Award has gone to an entrepreneur from Himachal Pradesh.
Second Award has been given jointly to four entrepreneurs from Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, New Delhi and Uttar
Pradesh. Third Award has been given jointly to three entrepreneurs from Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and
Karnataka.This awards will be presented by the President Pranab Mukherjee.
Desmond Tutu Won Prestigious 2013 Templeton Prize
On 4 South Africas Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has won 2013 Templeton Prize for his life-long work
in promoting love and forgiveness.The prize was announced at the foundations headquarters in West
Conshohocken in Pennsylvania and is valued at $1.7-million (about Rs.15.6-million).Last years prize was awarded
to the exiled Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
ICSI National Awards for Excellence in Corporate Governance 2012
Chairman of the Awards Jury of the ICSI (Institute of Company Secretaries of India) and former Chief Justice of
India Shri Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah in New Delhi on 05 April 2013 presented the ICSI National Awards for
Excellence in Corporate Governance -2012 to two Best Governed Companies:
1. Indian Oil Corporation Limited; and
2. HCL Technologies Limited.
The Awards were presented during the ongoing 2nd CSIA International Corporate Governance Conference.
ICSI Life Time Achievement Award for the year 2012 was presented to Shri Deepak S. Parekh, Chairman, Housing
Development Finance Corporation Ltd. for translating excellence in Corporate Governance into reality.Certificates
of Recognition were presented to the Top Five Companies. These are :
1. CMC Limited
2. Engineers India Limited
3. ONGC Limited
4. Persistent Systems Ltd.
5. Powergrid Corporation of India Limited
Barfi! wins top honours at The Times of India Film Awards
Barfi movie was the top winner at the maiden edition of The Times of India Film Awards, bagging the Best Film,
Best Director (Anurag Basu), Best Actor (Ranbir Kapoor), Best Actress (Priyanka Chopra) and Best Debut
Female (Ileana DCruz) trophies. The award for the Best Debut Male went to Ayushmann Khurrana for Vicky
Donor, which also won the Best Supporting Actor award for Annu Kapoor and the Best Supporting Actress trophy
for Dolly Ahluwalia. Anurag Kashyaps Gangs of Wasseypur got the Critics Choice award for Best Film. Abhishek
Bachchan, who won the Best Actor in a Comic Role award for Bol Bachchan, dedicated the honour to his wife
Aishwarya.
Pran gets Phalke Award
On 12 April 2013,Hindi film actor Pran Krishan Sikand will be conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke
Award for 2012. The 93-year-old actor, popularly known as Pran, will be the 44th recipient of the top-most film
award in the country.Pran, who has acted in over 400 films in his six-decade-long career.The award, named after
the father of Indian cinema Dada Saheb Phalke, will be conferred on Pran on May 3, which will also mark the 100
years of cinema this year.
New York Times won four Pulitzer Prizes
The New York Times won four Pulitzer Prizes on 15 April 2013, including the award for investigative reporting for
stories that detailed how Wal-Mart used bribery to expand in Mexico.The Sun Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida,
was awarded the public service Pulitzer for its reporting on off-duty police officers reckless driving.The Pulitzer in
breaking news photography went to The Associated Press for its coverage of the civil war in Syria.The Pulitzers,
journalisms highest honour, are given out each year by Columbia University on the recommendation of a board of
journalists and others. Each award carries a $10,000 prize except for the public service award, which is a gold
medal.
Raj Chetty won John Bates Clark young economist award
Delhi-born Raj Chetty, the professor in the Department of Economy at the Harvard University won John Bates
Clark medal for 2013, also called Baby Nobel.John Bates Clark medal is conferred upon the American economist
whose age is below 40 years and the one who has made crucial contribution to economic knowledge and
thought.Baby Nobel is one of the most prestigious awards of economy. Infact, it is second only after Nobel Prize
in economic science.Raj Chetty, 33, is the first Indian-origin person to win this high honour. His areas of work
include social insurance, tax policy as well as education policy.
Telugu writer Ravuri Bharadwaja honoured with Jnanpith award
Telugu writer Dr Ravuri Bharadwaja got the countrys prestigious Jnanpith award for 2012 for his contributions to
Telugu literature over 60 years.He got this award for his novel Pakudurallu.He is the third recipient of the
countrys highest literary award from Andhra Pradesh, after Dr Viswanatha Satyanarayana in 1970 for his Srimad
Ramayana Kalpavriksham and Dr C. Narayana Reddy in 1988 for his book Viswambhara. Eighty six-year-old Dr
Bharadwaja was chosen for the award by a selection Board chaired by poet Sitakant Mahapatra, said a statement
of the Jnanpith award committee.
RGIA is Named the Best Airport in India
On 17 April The GMR Group operated and managed Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has been rated as
the No.1 airport in India, the fifth best regional airport in Asia and also as the eighth best airport in the 5 to 10
mppa capacity.The ratings were given at the recently concluded Skytrax-World Airport Awards held at the
Passenger Terminal Expo in Geneva.
Manmohan Singh, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi Named Among Top 5 Most Influential Asians
On 17 April Congress president Sonia Gandhi (2nd Rank), Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (4th Rank) and AICC
vice president Rahul Gandhi (5th Rank) have been named among top 5 in the worlds 100 most influential list of
Asians topped by Chinas new President Xi Jinping.Among the other key Indians to make the grade included
Reliance Industries chief Mukesh Ambani for owning Indias most valuable company in ninth place, followed by
President Pranab Mukherjee at 19th place and steel magnate Lakshmi N Mittal at 20th position.Indian entries
dominated the Top 100 with 39 names, followed by 15 from China and six from the Philippines.While Infosys co-
founder Narayan Murthy was named Philanthropist of the Year, industrialist Adi Godrej bagged Entrepreneur of the
Year award for his contribution to Indian industry and Ravi Ruia, vice-chairman of the Essar Group, won in the
Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability category, for his companys high sustainability ratings
NRI Kartar Lalvani Received Queens Award
On 20 April Vitabiotics, a company founded by NRI entrepreneur Kartar Lalvani, has received the coveted Queens
Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its research on vitamins.Vitabiotics, UKs largest supplier of minerals and
vitamin supplements to the retail trade, won the award for the development of its Pregnacare range and in
recognition of its successful Pregnacare clinic research.
Saina Nehwal Selected for Yudhvir Award
Yudhvir Foundation has selected ace badminton player Saina Nehwal for the 22nd Yudhvir Memorial Foundation
Award for the year 2013, which was being given every year to honor the individuals who excel in some field of
human endeavor. The award was established in the name of late Yudhvir, founder editor of the Hindi Milap daily in
1991 after his demise.Saina Nehwal was selected for the Award as she won a medal in Olympics in badminton
and also the first to win the Asian Satellite Badminton tournament (India Chapter) twice keeping the countrys
image high abroad.The previous Yudhvir awardees include Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Classical maestro
Pandit Jasraj, Space Scientist Prof. UR Rao, Amar Chitra Katha founder late Anant Pai and eminent film maker
Shyam Benegal and others.
Asha Bhosle, Mala Sinha to get Phalke Academy awards
The Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards will be bestowed on singer Asha Bhosle, actress Mala Sinha, late
filmmaker Yash Chopra, and late superstar Rajesh Khanna among several others at a ceremony in Mumbai on
April 30.Asha, who has regaled music lovers with her melodious voice in her over six decades old career, will
receive the Phalke Ratna Award from the academy, while Mala Sinha, who has acted in Pyaasa", Maryada"
and Hariyali Aur Rasta" will get the Golden Era Award.
Major Anup Joseph awarded Kirti Chakra, 12 others get Shaurya Chakra
Major Anup Joseph Manjali was on Saturday awarded the second-highest peacetime gallantry award Kirti Chakra
by President Pranab Mukherjee for killing three foreign militants in Jammu and Kashmir. 12 defence personnel
were awarded the Shaurya Charkra for their acts of bravery including Captain A Rahul Ramesh and Naik Krishna
Kumar who were given the honour posthumously.
Seven South African Indians get National Orders
The awards(National Orders)are presented on the Freedom Day of South Africa that is celebrated on April 27 to
mark the day on which Nelson Mandela took over as the countrys first democratically-elected President in 1994.
Among the recipients of the order was veteran Indian diplomat Enuga Sreenivasula Reddy who had led the fight
against apartheid at the UN since 1963 received the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo(Silver).The second
highest award called the Order of the Baobab was presented to Lenasia-based community worker Suraya Khan,
popularly known to all as Aunty Bibi, while the same order in Silver went to journalist and community activist
Yusuf Abramjee and pioneering skin cloning plastic surgeon Dr Ridwan Mia. Prof Quarraisha Abdool Karim
received the Order of Mapungubwe in Bronze for her internationally acclaimed research into HIV Aids.
SPORTS & GAMES
Rahi Sarnobat won a Gold medal in 25-M Pistol Event
Rahi Sarnobat clinched the first gold for India in International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in
Korea on 5 April 2013. She defeated Kyeongae Kim 8-6 in 25m pistol final. She is the first pistol shooter from
India who won the Gold in World Cup.
Indian Womens Cricket Team Won the Twenty20 International Series against Bangladesh
The Indian womens cricket team finished the Twenty20 International series against Bangladesh Women with 3-0
clean sweep in Vadodara in the final match on 5 April 2013. India won the final match by 10 runs against
Bangladesh. The T-20 International series against Bangladesh began on 2 April 2013.
Nanjappa wins bronze in mens 10m air pistol at World Cup
Indias Prakash Nanjappa won a bronze medal in the mens 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup at
Changwon, Korea on 06 April 2013.This is Nanjappas first ever medal in an ISSF competition. He had also
finished eighth at the mens 50 metre pistol final. He scored 180.2 points.The gold was won by Vietnams Xuan
Vinh Hoang, the 2012 Asian champion, with a total score of 200.8 points while the silver went to Chinas Wang
Zhiwei, the 2012 Olympic bronze medallist, who shot 200.1.
Narayanan Srinath Won Asian Junior Chess Title
On 6 April Indias International Master Narayanan Srinath won Asian Junior chess title that concluded at Sharjah
in the United Arab Emirates.Sahaj Grover of Delhi was second, as he also remained undefeated just like
Srinath.Top seed Grandmaster Salem Saleh of UAE finished third losing to Srinath and to a Vietnamese.Vo Thi
Kim Phung (Vietnam) won the Asian Junior girls blitz championship title.
Rupesh Shah Won ONGC 12th Asian Billiards championship
On April 7 the world champion Rupesh Shah won the 12th Asian Billiards championship at Indore Tennis
Club,Indore.He defeated Alok Kumar .It is is the 10th Asian Billiards title for Rupesh Shah.Rupesh Shah already
qualified for 2013 World Championship as the defending champion.
Serena Williams Won Family Circle Cup Tennis Title
On 7 April The top-ranked Serena Williams (USA) won the Family Circle Cup Tennis title after defeated Jelena
Jankovic (Serbia) in the final at Charleston (South Carolina).Williams successfully defended her title by claiming
her third overall Charleston crown.She earned her 49th career singles title.
India got Silver in World Youth Weightlifting Championships 2013
Jamjang Deru gave India the first medal in the World Youth Weightlifting Championships as he won a silver in the
50kg boys category at Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Deru won the silver in clean and jerk with an effort of 110 kg and
finished fourth in the total lift with 195kg. He lifted 85kg in snatch.In the same category, Deepak Lather finished
12th in total lift with an effort of 174kg (80+94).
India Women Complete Clean Sweep Over Bangladesh
India Women completed a 3-0 One-Day International series clean sweep over Bangladesh Women with a 58-run
victory in the final match in Ahmedabad.India batted first in the third match and posted 154.
Pakistan bans two umpires over spot-fixing
Pakistan cricket authorities on 13 April 2013 banned two umpires.The allegations against the umpires first came
up after a television sting operation last year. The PCB set up an inquiry committee led by PCB Chairman Zaka
Ashraf soon after and passed on its findings to the boards integrity committee to determine the
punishments.Nadeem Ghauri, the Pakistan umpire, has been handed a four-year ban by the PCB after its integrity
committee found him guilty of being willing to accept money for favourable umpiring decisions. His colleague Anis
Siddiqi was banned for three years.
Ferraris Fernando Alonso wins Chinese Grand Prix 2013
Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso won the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix on 14 April 2013.Lotus Kimi Raikkonen
and Mercedes Lewis Hamilton got second and third positions respectively.Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel got a 4th
position.But Force Indias Paul di Resta got 8th Position.
Adam Scott Won Augusta Masters Golf Tournament
Australias Adam Scott won the 77th Masters (2013 Masters Tournament), become the first Australian golfer to
capture the green jacket.It was Scotts first major championship and the first time an Australian has won the
Masters.
Chandigarh win Hockey India sub-junior mens national championship
Chandigarh defeated Punjab 2-1 to lift the 3rd Hockey India Sub-Junior Men National Championship (North Zone)
title at Sonepat on 15 April 2013.Meanwhile, Haryana won the 3rd Hockey India Sub-Junior Womens National
Championship (North Zone) after getting the better of Chandigarh, 3-1 in the final.
Amit won gold, three other Indians bag a bronze each
Amit Kumar clinched a gold medal in men`s 55kg category while three other grapplers bagged a bronze medal
each for India in the Senior Asian Wrestling Championship in New Delhi on 20 April 2013.In the women`s
category, Vinesh (51kg) and Babita Kumari (55kg) won their bronze medal bouts while Bajrang (men`s 60kg)
pocketed a bronze, to end the day three of the championships on a high after two medal-less days.
Sebastian Vettel Won Bahrain Grand Prix Title
On 21 April The Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel from Germany won the Bahrain Grand Prix 2013 by defeating Lotus
drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean. Kimi Raikkonen got second postion.Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes
took fifth position and Fernando Alonso of Ferrari was successful in grabbing the eighth position in the listings
Novak Djokovic Won Monte Carlo Masters Title
On 21 April World Number One Novak Djokovic won his first Monte Carlo Masters title.Djokovic defeated Spains
Rafael Nadal in the final.The Serbian inflicted Nadals first defeat in Monte Carlo in 47 matches and avenged last
years final defeat to lift his first Masters title.
Amit Kumar Dhankar won Gold
Amit Kumar Dhankar won Indias second gold medal of the championships in Mens 66kg Freestyle at KD Jadhav
Stadium in New Delhi on 22 April 2013. India topped the medals tally in Freestyle division with 2 gold and 2
bronze medals.India finished top of the Mens freestyle rankings with 2 golds and 2 bronze medals. India got 48
points to br crowned champion for the first time in the history of the Asian Wrestling Championships.India finished
with nine medals 2 gold, 1 silver and 6 bronze.
Chris Gayle Hits Crickets Fastest-ever Century in IPL Match
On 23 April Chris Gayle, the West Indies opener, hit the fastest ever century in the history of cricket by reaching
100 in merely 30 balls during Royal Challengers Bangalore-Pune Warriors IPL match.Gayle scored a total run of
175 runs in merely 66 balls, which included 17 sixes and 13 boundaries. It is important to note that this is the
most number of runs scored in any T20 innings. This was also his fourth century in the IPL career.
Lancashires Jordan Clark hits 6 sixes in 1 over
Lancashire all-rounder Jordan Clark had become only the fifth professional player to hit six sixes in one over,
achieving the feat in a second XI match against Yorkshire on 25 April 2013.
Clark joins an illustrious list that contains former West Indies all-rounder Garfield Sobers (1968), Indias Ravi
Shastri (1985), South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs and India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh (both 2007).
Federation Cup Senior Athletics Championship in Patiala
Federation Cup Senior Athletics Championship in Patiala on 25 April 2013.
Men: 4x100M relay: Andhra Pradesh (K Pavan Kumar, E Gopi, Md Baba, M Manikanand Raj) 41.06 seconds, 1;
Tamil Nadu A (Silambarasan, Al Ameen, Vijayakumar, Balamurugan) 41.10, 2; Kerala A (Anuroop John, Jeris
Jose, Rahul G Pillai, Renjith KG) 41.39, 3.
Women: 4x100M relay: Chhattisgarh (Niksy Joseph, Shilpa, Priya PK, Sini S) 47.40 seconds, 1; ONGC A
(Mounika Gaddam, Meghna Shetty, Purnima Hembram, Duteechand) 47.78, 2; Kerala A (Merlin K Joseph,
Neethu Mathew, Neethu Rajan, Rengitha C) 48.24, 3.
Dhoni fined for slow over rate
Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was fined $20,000 for his teams slow over rate in their 14-
run win over Kolkata Knight Riders in a Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter in Chennai on 28 April 2013.
India Open Super Series Badminton Tournament Winners
Mens Singles:-On 28 April World number one Lee Chong (Malaysia) won the mens singles title at India Open
Super Series badminton tournament at NewDelhi.In the final Lee Chong defeated Kenichi Tago of Japan and got
the title.
Womens Singles:-Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand won the women`s singles title after defeated Juliane Schenk of
Germany in the final .
Rafael Nadal Won Barcelona Open Tennis Title
On 28 April Rafael Nadal from Spain won the Barcelona Open Tennis title for the eighth time.In the final at
Barcelona ,Nadal defeated Nicolas Almagro from Spain.It was Nadals 54th career title and fourth this year
Maria Sharapova Won Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Title
On 28 April Maria Sharapova from Russia won Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Title.She defeated Chinas Li Na in the
final at Porsche Arena in Stuttgart, Germany.It was her 16th consecutive clay court title.
ECONOMY
India Joins The Madrid Protocol System
On 8 April India joined the International Registration of Marks at the World Intellectual Property Organisation
(WIPO) by depositing the instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol.India is the 90th member to join the
international trademark system.India is the 90th member to join the international trademark system and the treaty
will enter into force with respect to India on 8 July 2013.The Madrid Protocol system provides for the international
registration of trade marks by way of one application that can cover more than one country. The opportunity of
having a single registration to cover a wide range of countries gives advantages, both in terms of portfolio
management and cost savings, as opposed to a portfolio of independent national registrations.
Yamaha to Develop Cheapest Bike of the World in India
Yamaha, the Japanese two-wheeler company on 9 April 2013 announced that it will soon roll out the cheapest
motorcycle of the world in India. The price of this bike would be around 500 US dollar or 27000 Rupees
approximately.
WTO cuts 2013 global trade growth forecast to 3.3%
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) on 10 April 2013 cut its forecast for global trade growth in 2013 to 3.3
percent, from the previous prediction of 4.5 percent.
Gujarat Tops in Attracting Private Investment
According to the Composition of Outstanding Private Investments Across States report released by Assocham
,Gujarat has ranked on top for attracting investment across the country cornering about 14 per cent of total
outstanding private sector investment worth over Rs 75 lakh crore as of December 2012.Odisha ranks second with
private investment commitments worth over Rs 8 lakh crore.With a share of about 9.4 per cent and 9.3 per cent,
Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra both have attracted private investments worth over Rs 7 lakh crore
respectively.The private sector accounts for over 62 per cent of total outstanding investments worth about Rs 122
lakh crore attracted by India as of December 2012.Of the total investments from private sources worth over Rs 75
lakh crore, the domestic private sector accounts for a majority share of about 58 per cent.Himachal Pradesh,
Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Assam account for a share of less than even one per cent in the total
private investment commitments attracted by India.
IMF slashed Economic Growth Rate of India to 5.7 percent from 5.9 percent for 2013
IMF(International Monetary Fund) in its latest release on 16 April 2013 of the World Economic Outlook (WEO)
slashed the growth projection of India from its earlier prediction of 5.9 percent to 5.7 percent for the calendar year
2013.
Ambani Brothers 20th Richest in World
Mukesh and Anil Ambani, Indias leading industrialist brothers, have been together listed as 20th richest in the
world in the Sunday Times Rich List 2013.The Walton family of the US, who own Supermarkets (Walmart), are
the richest in the world with a 90 billion pounds fortune in 2013 as against 51 billion pounds last year.The Hinduja
brothers, Srichand and Gopichand Hinduja, Chairman and Co-Chairman respectively of the Hinduja Group, are
47th richest in the world with a fortune worth 11 billion pounds in 2013 as against 9 billion pounds last year.
Spain Unemployment Rate Hits New Record
On 24 April According to the National Statistics Institute data ,Spains unemployment rate soared to a new record
of 27.2% of the workforce in the first quarter of 2013.The total number of unemployed people in Spain has now
passed the six million figure, although the rate of the increase has slowed.The jobless rate, which stood at 7.9%
in mid-2007, has risen relentlessly since the collapse in 2008 of a Spains labour-intensive property boom.
India became the worlds eighth most powerful nation
According to Delhi-based Foundation for National Security Research (FSNR), the worlds 10 most powerful
countries, India had been ranked 8th. India is ranked eighth in 27 countries. Professor Satish Kumar says that we
study about the selection of powerful countries on several grounds. Some of these countries had to fulfill the
necessary criteria. For instance, were the countries, whose population was more than 5 million. The level of GDP
was over U.S. $ 500 billion. India is one of such countries.Study states that the United States is the worlds most
powerful country and China stood in 2nd position.
Indias GDP likely to improve to 5.7% in 2013: IMF
According to International Monetary Funds(IMF) Regional Economic Outlook: Asia and Pacific report ,the GDP
of India in 2013 is 5.7% and in 2014 it is 6.2%.
Cicadas Insect Wings Kills Bacteria
Human eye cells have been grown on cicadas wings after it was found that the wings surface kills bacteria and
boosts cell growth.Dr Greg Watson, a researcher at James Cook University in Cairns, began looking more closely
at cicadas after noticing, while out on a walk more than a decade ago, that their wings took much longer to
decompose than their bodies.It is the first time scientists have found that tiny features found on a natural surface,
rather than chemicals, kill bacteria.
Supreme Court of India Rejected Novartis Patent Plea for Cancer Drug Called Glivec
The Supreme Court of India on 1 April 2013 rejected the plea of Novartis, the Swiss drug maker, to patent the
updated version of cancer drug called Glivec. A bench of justices Aftab Alam and Ranjana Prakash Desai
dismissed the patent plea to Novartis on the basis that there was no inventiveness or novelty in the new version of
the drug. In its ruling, the Supreme Court of India declared that because the application for patent on beta-
crystalline salt did not meet any inventiveness or novelty standard, therefore the companys plea for patent was
dismissed.
Worlds first solar plane to fly across US
A first of its kind ultra-lightweight plane powered completely by the sun is set to fly coast-to-coast this spring.The
Solar Impulse plane will stop in Dallas city in Texas during its historic cross-country journey that begins on May
1.The plane, which requires zero fuel and relies solely on solar panels and battery power, would be the worlds
first plane powered purely by solar energy.
Obama Announced $100 Million Brain Initiative Project
On 2 April US President Barack Obama has announced the BRAIN Initiative a $100 million brain-mapping
project.The BRAIN initiative will attempt to find ways to treat Alzheimers disease and strokes while also aiding in
job growth.
Carbon aerogel worlds lightest material
Chinese scientists have developed the worlds lightest substance carbon aerogel with a density only one
sixth of that of the air.Scientists at Zhejiang University produced the solid material which has a density of only
0.16 mg/cubic centimetre, breaking the previous record of the worlds lightest material held by graphite
aerogel.The graphite aerogel was developed by German scientists last year with a density of 0.18 mg/cubic
centimetre.
Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer Detected Evidence of Dark Matter
On 3 April NASA scientists announced the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) placed on the International
Space Station (ISS) may have detected the elusive dark matter. The scientists made the announcement after they
observed an excess of positrons in the Cosmic Ray Flux, which can be the reason of the presence of elusive dark
matter.
100 billion Earth-like planets in our galaxy
Scientists have proposed a new method for finding Earth-like planets in our Milky Way galaxy and they anticipate
that their number may be up to a whopping 100 billion.The strategy devised by researchers at The University of
Auckland uses a technique called gravitational microlensing, currently used by a Japan-New Zealand collaboration
called MOA (Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics) at New Zealands Mt John Observatory.
German Shipyard Launches Worlds Largest Private Yacht
On 5 April A German shipyard has launched Azzam" , the worlds largest private yacht at 590-feet long, which
also happens to be among the fastest vessels, costing a whopping USD 609 million.The luxury private vessel
Azzam with a beam 68-feet high overshadows previous longest superyacht, The Eclipse, by 57-feet.
Designed by Nauta Yachts in Italy and constructed by German company Lurssen Yachts, Azzam is almost two
football fields long and rivals the size of some cruise ships.It took four years to complete the superyacht from
concept to construction.With 94,000 horsepower generated from two gas turbines and two diesel engines, the
Azzam can reach speeds of over 55.5kph, which makes it one of the fastest yachts in the world.
New Camera System That Can Captured Images From 1 km Away
In the month of April the team of researchers from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh , developed a New Laser
powered Camera System that can take image of any object from a distance of about one kilometer by creating
high-resolution 3D images.The technique on which the camera is based is called Time-of-Flight (ToF) navigation
systems for autonomous vehicles. In this principle of photography, to capture the image of the far away object, a
laser beam is bounced on the object and measure the time that is taken by the beam of light to be back to the
detector.
India test-fires nuclear capable Agni-II missile
The medium-range, nuclear capable Agni-II missile was successfully test-fired with a strike range of more than
2,000 kms from the Wheeler Island off Odisha coast on 07 April 2013.The trial of the surface-to-surface missile
was conducted from a mobile launcher from the Launch Complex-4 of Integrated Test Range (ITR).The 20-metre-
long Agni-II is a two-stage, solid-propelled ballistic missile. It has a launch weight of 17 tonnes and can carry a
payload of 1,000 kgs over a distance of 2,000 kms.The state-of-the-art Agni-II missile was developed by Advanced
Systems Laboratory (ASL) and integrated by the Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad.Agni-II is part of
the Agni series of missiles developed by DRDO which includes Agni-I with a 700 km range, Agni-III with a 3,000
km range, Agni-IV with 4,000 km range and Agni-V with a more than 5,000 km range.
NASA Approved TESS Project
NASA has approved a The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), a $200 million mission to search for
Earth-size planets orbiting the nearby stars.Led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with seed funding
from Google, TESS was one of 11 proposals selected for NASA funding in September 2011, down from the
original 22 submitted in February of that year.TESS, along with the Neutron star Interior Composition ExploreR
(NICER), had been selected for launch in 2017.
The project will come into full swing within the next four years.
Pakistan Tests Nuclear-Capable Hatf-IV Missile
Pakistan successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable Hatf-IV ballistic missile on 10 April 2013. The missile has a
range of 900 km and it can also hit targets in India. Hatf- IV ballistic missile is also called Shaheen-1.
Indian Astronomer Discovered Blue Super-Giant Star
An Indian scientist Dr. duo Ananda Hota and his Taiwanese colleague Dr. Youichi Ohyama have discovered a blue
super-giant star located in the constellation Virgo, far beyond our Milky Way Galaxy. Over 55 million years ago,
the star emerged in an extremely wild environment, surrounded by intensely hot plasma (a million degrees
centigrade) and amidst raging cyclone winds blowing at four million kilometres per hour.This star is in small IC
3418 Milky Way Galaxy and it is about 5.5 billion light-years away from Earth.
Astronomers find most Earth-like planets yet
NASA scientists announced on 19 April 2013 that they discovered two earths like plants which are 1200 light
years far from earth. NASA discovered the five plants which are rotating around Kepler 62 star using the Kepler
Space Telescope. Two of the five planets orbiting a sun-like star called Kepler-62 are squarely in what
astronomers call the habitable zone not too hot, not too cold and possibly bearing water. These two plants are
named as a Kepler-63e and Kepler 62f.
China Tested Self Developed Biofuel Flight
On 24 April China successfully conducted a first test flight powered by self-developed biofuel made mainly from
palm oil and recycled cooking oil.An Airbus A320 operated by China Eastern Airlines landed at Shanghai
Hongqiao International Airport ,after completing an 85-minute journey using aviation biofuel produced by Sinopec,
the countrys top oil refiner.The success made China the fourth country after the United States, France and
Finland to boast independent production of bio-jet-fuel.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Jonty Rhodes named South African tourism ambassador in India
Former cricketer Jonty Rhodes was named as the brand ambassador of South African Tourism in India.
Chitra Ramkrishna Took Over as NSE chief
On 1 April Chitra Ramkrishna took over as National Stock Exchange (NSE) new Managing Director and CEO .As
MD and CEO of the NSE, Ramkrishna succeeds Ravi Narain who would assume the role of non-executive Vice
Chairman .She is the first female head of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in its nearly 20-year history of
operations as a bourse.
Rakesh Bhatia is Catholic Syrian Banks new MD & CEO
Rakesh Bhatia had taken over as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Syrian
Bank.He was previously the Global Head of HSBCs Trade and Receivables Finance Division.
2 Indians selected for Yale fellowship programme
Abhik Sen, Managing Editor, The Economist Group, and Prodyut Bora, State General Secretary of BJP in
Assam, have been selected as the two Indian representatives for 2013 Yale World Fellows Program.About 16
people have been selected for the programme.Since 2002, the university has welcomed a group of exemplary mid-
career professionals from a wide range of fields and countries for an intensive four-month period of academic
enrichment and leadership training.With the selection of Sen and Bora, the total number of Indian fellows stands
at 13.
Infosys S Gopalakrishnan is the new CII President
S. Gopalakrishnan (Kris), co-founder and executive co-chairman, Infosys Technologies Limited, had been elected
as the President of CII for the year 2013-14. He succeeds Mr Adi Godrej as the new President.
S.C. Sinha Appointed as NHRC Member
On 5 April National Investigation Agency (NIA) chief S.C. Sinha has been appointed as a member of National
Human Rights Commission (NHRC) .S C Sinha, a 1975 batch Haryana cadre officer.He will now get a five year
term at NHRC.
Krishna Kumar Natrajan appointed as the New Chief of NASSCOM
Krishnakumar Natarajan, CEO and Director of Mindtree on 8 April 2013 was appointed as the Chairman of
Nasscom for the year 2013-14. He succeeded N Chandrasekaran, MD and CEO of TCS, who was the Chairman
for the year 2012-13.
First Woman director for IICT
On April 8,Dr. Mannepalli Lakshmi Kantam, had been appointed as Director of the Indian Institute of Chemical
Technology (IICT), the first woman scientist to head any of the 37 laboratories belonging to Council of Scientific
and Industrial Research (CSIR) in the country.
Kenyatta sworn in as Kenyas president
Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in as Kenyas fourth president on 09 April 2013, becoming the second sitting president
in the world to be indicted for crimes against humanity and creating a challenge for western governments keen to
sustain links with a strategic east African ally.
PJ Kurien elected Chairman of Asian forum of Parliamentarians
On April 11 Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, PJ Kurien was unanimously elected as the Chairman of the
prestigious Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) during the during the 73rd
Executive Committee Meeting of AFPPD at Bangkok. He replaced Yasuo Fukuda, former Prime Minister of Japan
as the Chairman of AFPPD. PJ Kurien at present is also the Chairman of the Indian Association of
Parliamentarians on Population and Development.
Five new judges sworn-in
Five new judges to the Andhra Pradesh High Court were sworn-in by acting Chief Justice N.V. Ramana in
Hyderabad on 12 April 2013.The new judges who were administered the oath of office and secrecy are: Challa
Kodanda Ram, A. Rajasekhar Reddy, P. Naveen Rao, A.V. Sesha Sai and S.V. Bhatt.
Two Judges Sworn in Supreme Court
On 12 April with two more judges sworn in the strength of the Supreme Court has risen to 30.Justice Arjan Kumar
Sikri and Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Chief Justice of India
Altamas Kabir.While Justice Sikri was the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Bobde was
the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court. The sanctioned strength of the apex court is 31 judges including
the CJI.
Sunil Kumar Takes over as Managing Director of CRIS
On 16 April 2013,Sunil Kumar took over as the Managing Director of Centre for Railway Information Systems
(CRIS).
Shri Asoke Kumar Mukerji appointed as the Permanent Representative of India to the UN
On April 17,Shri Asoke Kumar Mukerji, took charges as the Ambassador/Permanent Representative of India to
the United Nations at New York.
CRPF gets first woman Special DG
On April 18, Senior IPS officer Aruna Bahuguna appointed as the Special Director General of the countrys largest
paramilitary force CRPF. This is the first time a woman officer is occupying the second top post in the hierarchy of
the force. She is a 1979-batch IPS officer. She was till now serving as the Chairman of the AP police housing
corporation. Bahuguna is expected to take charge at the force headquarters in New Delhi within 15 days.
Abdul Hamid elected Bangladesh President uncontested
Abdul Hamid is to be Bangladeshs 20th president after no other candidate was nominated in the poll to replace
President Zilliur Rahman who died on 20 March 2013. Abdul Hamid was elected uncontested as the 20th
President of Bangladesh.
Sunil Bharti Mittal Appointed as Vice Chairman of ICC
On 22 April Sunil Bharti Mittal , the Chairman and Group CEO of Bharti Enterprises appointed as the Vice-
Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC),which is one of the worlds oldest global business
organisations.With the appointment as the Vice Chairman of ICC, Mittal became the third business person from
India in the history of ICC to be appointed on the ICC Executive Board.
Ajay Devgn, Runa Laila named SAARC ambassadors for HIV/AIDS
Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila and Oscar-winning Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen
Obaid-Chinoy have been named as SAARC Goodwill Ambassadors for HIV/AIDS.A meeting of the selection
committee was held recently at the SAARC Secretariat and of the 10 nominations received from the member
states, the three celebrities were nominated.
Takehiko Nakao is new ADB President
On 27 April Takehiko Nakao has been unanimously elected president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) by
the Board of Governors at New Delhi.He succeeds Haruhiko Kuroda, who resigned in March to take up his
assignment as Bank of Japan governor.Nakao assumed office as ADBs ninth president on 28 April.
Gulzars appointment as chancellor elates Assam University
Lyricist-writer and Padma Bhushan awardee, Gulzar has been appointed the new chancellor of Assam
University.Established in 1994, the Assam University campus is situated in Dargakona, about 20 km from Silchar.
B)RESIGNS
Kerala minister resigned following domestic violence complaint by wife
Kerala Forest minister K.B.Ganesh Kumar resigned his post on 02 April 2013 due to domestic violence complaint
by wife in the local police station.He is only one Congress person in the Congress- UPF Coalition Alliance
government in Kerala.
Cyprus Finance Minister Michalis Sarris Resigns
On 3 April Cyprus Finance Minister Michalis Sarris has resigned citing his role as chairman of Laiki Bank, whose
failure was a major contributor to the islands near financial meltdown, as one of the reasons behind his decision.
UP Goverment suspends cabinet minister Raja Ram Pandey
The Uttar Pradesh government on 13 April 2013 removed cabinet minister of Khadi and Gramudyog, Raja Ram
Pandey for making sexist comments.Pandey had promised to build roads as smooth as Hema Malinis and
Madhuri Dixits cheeks besides giving the states roads a facial while addressing a function in Pratapgarh on 12
April 2013.UP CM Akhilesh Yadav, who is now in charge of 63 ministries, has taken charge of Pandeys ministry.
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad Resigned
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad resigned on 13 April 2013 after falling out with president Mahmud
Abbas. Salam Fayyad was tasked with the role of caretaker for the current government until a new prime minister
is appointed.
Supreme Court bids farewell to Justice Aftab Alam
On April 19,the Supreme Court bid farewell to Justice Aftab Alam marking the end of his five and a half year tenure
at the Supreme Court. Justice Alam enrolled as an Advocate on March 27, 1973. He practised in the Patna High
Court and was designated as Senior Advocate by the Patna High Court on February 1, 1984. He was appointed
as Judge of the Patna High Court on July 27, 1990 and was later transferred to the Jammu & Kashmir High Court,
where he was appointed as the Acting Chief Justice on June 06, 2007. He assumed office as Supreme Court
judge on November 12, 2007.
C)DEATHS
Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, Oscar winner and novelist, died
Oscar, the Booker Prize winner novelist and screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, author of Heat and Dust and
many other books set in India, died on 03 April 2013.Jhabvala also worked on several movie adaptations with
filmmakers James Ivory and Ismail Merchant, winning two Academy Awards for her screenplays for 1985 movie A
Room With a View and Howards End in 1992.Jhabvala was born in Germany but emigrated with her family to
Britain during the Nazi regime. She later married an Indian architect and moved to India, where she began to write
about her life there.Jhabvala collaborated with Merchant and Ivory on more than 20 movies including The Remains
of the Day and Mr. And Mrs. Bridge.
Bratindra Nath Mukherjee passes away
A Padmashri winner, Professor Bratindra Nath Mukherjee, renowned historian and an expert in epigraphy who
deciphered several ancient scripts, died in Kolkata on 04 April 2013.
Britains First Female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher Died
Margaret Thatcher, Britains first and still only female prime minister has died on 8 April at London.Thatcher was
the Prime Minister of Britain from 1979 to 1990 from Conservative party of Britain and was the first lady to hold the
post of Prime Minister.She was the longest-serving British Prime Minister of the 20th century and is the only
woman to have held the office. A Soviet journalist called her the Iron Lady", a nickname that became associated
with her uncompromising politics and leadership style. This first volume of Margaret Thatchers memoirs
book(1993), which encompasses the entirety of her career as Prime Minister.
Test-tube baby pioneer dies
British scientist Robert Edwards, 87, who won the Nobel Prize for his pioneering work in in vitro fertilisation,
leading to the birth of the first test- tube baby, died in London on 10 April 2013.He born in Yarkfire in North
England on 27 September 1925.Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe both proceeded to achieve in-vitro
fertilisation (IVF), resulting in the birth of Louise Brown, the first test-tube baby, on 25 July 1978..
Polio Vaccine Developer Koprowski Died
On 11 April Dr Hilary Koprowski , a Polish researcher who developed the first successful oral vaccination for polio
died in Philadelphia. He was 96 years of age.He was a Polish virologist and immunologist and was known for
developing the first effective polio vaccine. In 2006, he was conferred with the record 50th grant from the National
Institutes of Health.
Justice Chinnappa Reddy dead
Justice O Chinnappa Reddy, one of the highly respected members of the Indian judiciary, died at his jubilee hills
residence in Hyderabad on 13 April 2013. He was born at Gooty in Anantapur district on September 25,
1922.Justice Reddy was appointed as judge of the Supreme Court from January 17, 1978 and continued in the
post for about 10 years.He retired on 24 September 1987.After his retirement he became chairman of the
Karnataka BC commission.
Playback singer PB Srinivas passes away
Veteran playback singer PB Srinivas who rendered more than 3,000 songs in eight languages died in Chennai on
14 April 2013.He debuted as a singer with Hindi film Mr. Sampath in 1952. His last song was from the 2010 Tamil
film Aayirathil Oruvan.
Ex-CEC, governor VS Rama Devi dead
Former Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh Governor V S Ramadevi, the only woman to head the Election
Commission, died in Bangalore on 17 April 2013.Born on March 15, 1934, Ramadevi was the Chief Election
Commissioner of India from November 26, 1990 to December 11, 1990. She was the only woman who became the
CEC. She was succeeded by T N Seshan.She had served as the Governor of Himachal Pradesh from July 26,
1997 to December 1, 1999 and as the Governor of Karnataka from December 2, 1999 to May 20, 2002.
Dina Thanthi MD Sivanthi Adithan dead
Veteran journalist and managing director of Tamil daily Dina Thanthi B Sivanthi Adithan died in Chennai on 19
April 2013.He was also head of the Indian Olympic Association before Suresh Kalmadi took over and is the former
vice president of Olympic Council of Asia. At the time of his death, Sivanthi Adithan was the life president of IOC
and president of the Volleyball Federation of India.Sivanthi Adithan was honoured with Padmashree in 2008.
Mathematical Genius Shakuntala Devi Died
On 21 April The human computer mental calculator, mathematics whizard Shakuntala Devi died at
Bangalore.Her name was recorded in Guinness Book of World Records for her ability of making calculations at
lightning-speed.In the year 1977, she calculated the 23rd root of digit number 201 in just 50 seconds.Some of her
books were Puzzles to Puzzle You, Mathablit, Astrology for You, Fun with Numbers and Awaken the Genius in
Your Child.
Former England Captain Mike Denness Died
On 19 April Michael Henry Denness, popularly known as Mike Denness, the former England captain died in
London.Mike Denness played county cricket for Essex and Kent. He scored over 25000 runs in the first-class
career.He was the captain of Kent to six domestic trophies between 1972 and 1976.He was among first few
inductees into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame.He was also named as the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1975.
Former Chief Justice of India J S Verma dead
Former Chief Justice of India J S Verma, who headed the government-appointed committee to frame a tough law
to tackle crime against women in the wake of the December Delhi gangrape incident, died in Gurgaon on 22April
2013.Justice Verma was the 27th Chief Justice of India and served from March 25, 1997 until his retirement on
January 18, 1998.He began his legal career in 1955 and became a Judge of Madhya Pradesh High Court in June-
1973. He became Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court in June,1986 and also served as Chief Justice of
Rajasthan High Court from September, 1986 to mid-1989.Justice Verma was also a former Chairman of National
Human Rights Commission.He was also the first Chairperson of News Broadcasting Standards Authority.
Veteran violinist Lalgudi Jayaraman died
Celebrated violinist and composer Lalgudi Jayaraman, who carved out a niche for himself in the Carnatic music
with his unique style, died in Chennai on 22 April 2013. Jayaraman, who began his music career at the age of 12
as an accompanying artist, later achieved fame as a solo violinist and also had success as a composer in four
languages Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Sanskrit.Considering his contribution to the field of music, he was
conferred with several awards including Padma Shri in 1972 and Padma Bhushan in 2001.He was also feted with
state Vidhwan of Tamil Nadu and also fellow of Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Legendary Singer Shamshad Begum Died
On 23 April Legendary singer Shamshad Begum died in Mumbai . She was 94 years of age. She was one of the
first few playback singers of the Hindi film industry. She was conferred with the O P Nayyar award for contribution
to Hindi film music, in the year 2009.In 2009 again, she was conferred with the third-highest civilian honour of
India, Padma Bhushan.
Sripathi Rajeswara Rao dead
Former Telugu Desam Minister Sripathi Rajeswara Rao who founded the All India NTR Fans Association several
decades ago, died of kidney ailment at NIMS in Hydearabad on 28 April 2013.
Sailendra Nath Roy died In Zip-Line Ponytail Stunt
Sailendra Nath Roy, a 49-year-old police officer, was attempting to cross the River Teesta in the state of West
Bengal on 28 April 2013 on a 180m (594ft) wire above the water.After attaching his shoulder-length hair to a pulley
on the wire, Mr Roy had completed around half the distance but then became entangled and found himself unable
to move.After sometime he dead. Mr Roy achieved the Guinness World Record after covering 82.5m (271ft) on a
zip-line while attached by his hair in 2011 at the Neemrana Fort, a heritage hotel in the desert state of Rajasthan.
Nuthakki Bhanu Prasad Passes away
On 29 April 2013 the Scientist, Padma Shri award recipient died in Hyderabad.He got Padma shri award in 1959
for his Contribution in field of Indias Atomic reactor.The Petrotech 2003 Lifetime Achievement award was
presented to Padmashri Dr. Nuthakki Bhanu Prasad for his contribution to Indias Upstream Petroleum
Industry.He is also worked as a Chairman of ONGC.
D)VISITORS
Indian PM schedules UAE visit in August
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will pay a stand Alone visit to the United Arab Emirates in early August, the
first by an Indian prime minister to the Gulf nation since Indira Gandhi visited nearly three decades ago.
PM Manmohan Singh leaves for Germany on a three-day visit
On April 10, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had left India on a three-day official visit to Germany, where he will
co-chair inter governmental consultations and witness the signing of a series of agreements on education,
science and technology and renewable energy.The PM is leading a high-level delegation to Berlin that includes
five cabinet ministers: Salman Khurshid (external affairs), Anand Sharma (commerce), Farooq Abdullah
(renewable energy), MM Pallam Raju (human resource development) and S Jaipal Reddy (science and
technology).
Prime Minister of India Visited Germany: Important Documents Signed
Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh visited Germany from 10 April 2013 to 12 April 2013 for participating in
second round of Inter Governmental Consultations with Germany.
During his visit, certain documents were signed. These documents are as follows:
1.Joint Declaration of Intent regarding promotion of German as a foreign language in India
2.Intergovernmental MoU between India & Germany on Cooperation in the field of Higher Education
3.Joint Declaration of Intent on Indo-German cooperation in the area of Civil Security Research
4.Joint Declaration for the bilateral Kooperations Program of the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture
and Consumer Protection and the National Seeds Association of India and the German Association of Plant
Breeders
5.Joint Declaration of Intent on the Establishment of an Indo-German Working Group on Quality Infrastructure for
Cooperation in Standardisation, Conformity Assessment and Product Safety
6.Joint Declaration of Intent on Indo-German Development Cooperation regarding the Establishment of Green
Energy Corridors
Vice President Hamid Ansari Visited Tajakistan
The Vice-President of India, Hamid Ansari visited Tajikistan from 14 April to 17 April 2013.During the visit he was
accompanied by a high-level delegation that included Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing
Industries and four Members of Parliament.On 15 April , the Vice President met the President Emomalii Rahmon
and Oqil Oqilov the Prime Minister of Tajikistan.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Downs syndrome boy sets Everest record
A 15-YEAR-OLD American had become the first teenager with Downs syndrome to reach Everest Base Camp,
according to his father, in an attempt to inspire different attitudes towards disabilities.Eli Reimer, from Oregon,
reached the 5364-metres high camp in Nepals Himalayan mountains in mid-March after 10 days of trekking.Tom
Whittaker, a British mountaineer, became the first person with a disability to summit the peak in 1998 after a car
crash almost two decades earlier had forced him to have his foot amputated.
Abhilash Tomy Becomes First Indian To Sail Round The World
Indian Navys Lt Cdr Abhilash Tomy became the first Indian to circumnavigate the globe, solo and non-stop, over a
150-day voyage.He was addressed a function after welcoming Lt Cdr Abhilash Tomy whose boat INSV Mhadei
reached the Gateway of India after commencing its historic journey from the same spot on November 1 last
year.He has sailed around 23,100 nautical miles, crossing the Indian, Southern, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.Lt
Cmdr Abhilash Tomy is the first Indian and the second Asian to do so. Lt Cdr Tomy, a maritime pilot, switched off
his boats engine soon after leaving Mumbai harbour and switched it on again on 6 April to get the boat alongside
the Gateway of India.
K Vishwanath Name in Limca Book Of Records
Legendary director K.Vishwanath is the only Telugu person in the Person of the year 2013 announced by the
famous Limca books of Records. This list which contained several other prominent names like Mani Ratnam,
Kamal Haasan, Santosh Sivan, Prabhu Deva, Sreekar Prasad and Naseeruddin Shah was released on the
occasion of Indian cinema completing 100 years. Tabu, Vidya Balan, Shabana Azmi, Kajol and Ranbir Kapoor are
also on this list.
Nepali TV Anchor Made Guinness(World) Record for Longest Talk Show
A TV anchor in Nepal set a world record of longest television talk show by staying on air for 62 hours and 12
minutes.The 36 years old Rabi Lamichhane lived in America and came back to Nepal after hosting the program
Lord Buddha Was Born in Nepal.Lamichhane broke the world record of Pavlo Kuzheyew and Tetiana Danylenko
of 22 hours. They made that record in 2011 at the Independence Day anniversary of Ukraine. According to the
rules of Guinness World Record Lamichhane got the break of five minutes after every hour.
Mahatma Gandhi figured among the Top Three Leaders of the World
As per the 16th Annual Global CEO survey, Mahatma Gandhi figured among the top three most admired leaders
of the world.In this list Winston Churchill , Steve Jobs(Co-founder of Apple) and Mahatma Gandhi got the
first,second and third places respectively .
Egypt PM sentenced to one-year jail
On April 17,Egypts Misdemeanor Dokki Court sentenced Prime Minister Hesham Qandil to one year in prison
and ordered his removal from job, accusing him of failing to implement a verdict to return a privatised company to
the state.
Chidambaram, Aamir in Times 100 most influential global list
Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and actor Aamir Khan have been named by Time magazine among the 100
most influential people in the world in its annual list of global achievers that also includes teenaged Pakistani
activist Malala Yousafzai and US President Barack Obama.
pakistan former president musharraf arrested
The Islamabad High Court on 18 April 2013 ordered Musharrafs arrest for detaining senior judges when he
imposed emergency rule in 2007.So, Pakistani police arrested Musharraf on 19 April 2013.
Gates foundation to put $1.8bn to eradicate polio
Bill Gates announced in Abu Dhabi on 25 April 2013 his foundation will contribute $1.8 billion to the Global Polio
Eradication Initiative, a third of the total funds needed. He announced this contribution in Global Vaccine summit
in Abu Dhabi.
8 killed as bomb targets Syrias prime minister
Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halki survived a bomb attack on his convoy in Damascus on 29 April 2013.8
members(including PMs car driver and Personal security) are killed in the blast.
PLACES IN NEWS
7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Indonesia
A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit the Papua province in Indonesia on 06 April 2013.But there was no
damage or injuries. It occurred in a north east to Capital of Papua province, about 75 kilometers (46 miles) in
depth.
A Powerful earthquake in Iran
On April 9, A powerful earthquake was strucked close to Irans only nuclear power station, killing at least 37
people and injuring 850 as it destroyed homes and devastated two small villages.Its epicentre was 89 km south-
east of the port of Bushehr.The magnitude of the earthquake on Richter scale is 6.3.
Strong earthquake hits Japan
A strong earthquake estimated at magnitude 6.3 strucked the western Japan, on 13 April 2013.In this event 23
people were injured in that 7 are serious.The earthquake was centered on Awaji Island, just south of Kobe, at a
depth of 15 kilometres.The quake was in the area where a magnitude-7.2 temblor killed more than 6,400 people in
1995.
Musharraf disqualified from parliamentary polls
Courts in Pakistan have disqualified former president Pervez Musharraf for contesting parliamentary elections for
suspending the constitution and imposing emergency in 2007 during his rule.
Earthquake of Magnitude 7.8 Jolted Iran and Pakistan
Earthquake that measured 7.8 on the Richter scale struck on 16 April 2013 in Iran killed more than 40 people
leaving behind several injured. Epicenter of the quake was near Pakistan-Iran Border in the southeastern city of
Khash. The tremors of the quake were felt across India, Middle East and Pakistan.
Fertiliser plant explosion in the US
On April 18, massive explosion at a fertilizer plant in the Town of West, in Central Texas. It is 120km far from
Dallas town in the Texas state. In this explosion 15 were died and 200 people were injured
Delhi gets Dildaar Delhi tagline
Delhi got its own tagline Dildaar Delhi. Penned by Amit Anand, a cashier in a small confectionery shop in
Keshavpuram, the tagline was selected out of 12,000 entries of a competition organized by Delhi government and
Delhi Tourism department.
German Bakery blast: Himayat Beg sentenced to death
On April 18, a Pune court sentenced Indian Mujahideen operative Mirza Himayat Inayat Baig to death in the
German Bakery bomb blast case.The terror attack on the popular pune joint had killed 17 people and injured 64 in
February 2010. On 15 April 2013, Pune sessions court special judge NP Dhote had held Baig guilty in the case.
China hit by strong earthquake
On 20 April ,China was hit by strong earthquake and killed at least 157 people and injured more than 5,700.The
magnitude 7.0 quake hit a remote mountainous area of southwestern Chinas Sichuan province at 8:02 a.m. (0002
GMT), close to where an earthquake killed almost 70,000 people in 2008.The quake struck in Lushan county,
near the city of Yaan, at a depth of 12 km (7.5 miles)
ABBREVIATIONS
CII - Confederation of Indian Industry
MSME - Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
SCO - Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
AMS - Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer
ICSI - Institute of Company Secretaries of India
TESS - Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite
WIPO - World Intellectual Property Organisation
BOOKS IN NEWS
Vice President Released Book titled Religion, Law & Society-Across the Globe
On 12 April 2013,The Vice President of India, Hamid Ansari released a book titled Religion, Law & Society
Across the Globe. The book is authored by Prof. Tahir Mahmood.
COMMITTEES
Uday Kumar Committee To Act as Single Window Clearance for Film Projects
On 15 April the Government of India announced creation of an inter-ministerial panel that will work as a single
window clearance system for international and domestic film projects.The committee will be headed by I&B
Secretary Uday Kumar Varma .The constitution of the committee is expected to mainstream a proactive
mechanism and coordination process of granting permissions through a single window provision. Apart from the
I&B secretary, the committee will have joint secretaries from the ministries of I&B, Home Affairs, Tourism,
External Affairs, Culture, Railways, Aviation and Defence on board.
World Health Day was Celebrated on 7th April
World Health Day is celebrated every year on 7 April, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization
(WHO).
National Safe Motherhood Day Observed across the Country
National Safe Motherhood day was observed across India on 11 April 2013 to create awareness on proper
healthcare and maternity facilities to pregnant and lactating women.
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March 2013 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
UN Imposed New Sanctions on North Korea
On 7 March The UN Security Council approved a new regimen of sanctions against North Korea for conducting an
underground nuclear test recently, imposing penalties on North Korean banking, travel and trade in a unanimous
vote that reflected the countrys increased international isolation. The resolution, which was drafted by the United
States and China, was passed in a speedy vote hours after North Korea threatened for the first time to launch a
pre-emptive nuclear strike against the United States and South Korea.
Obama Signed Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act 2013
On 8 March the US President, Barack Obama signed the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act
2013 on the eve of International Womens Day. The Violence Against Women Act was first passed in 1994.
Reauthorised since then, the new Act offers support to the organisations which serve to the victims of domestic
violence.
Uhuru Kenyatta Won Kenya Presidential Election
On 9 March In Kenya, Deputy Prime Minister Kenyatta has won presidential election with a slim margin of 50.03
percent of votes. He defeated his rival Raila Odinga.
Japan & Ten EU Countries Exempted from US Iran Sanctions Act
On 13 March The US has renewed the exemptions for Japan and ten European Union countries from tough
American sanctions imposed on nations buying oil from Iran.The third six-monthly exemption to Japan, under the
Iran Sanctions Act.The 10 European Union countries, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece,
Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the UK, have also qualified for a renewal of the exemption from sanctions
because they have not purchased Iranian oil since July , 2012.
Pakistan Parliament Completes Full 5 Year Term
On 16 March Pakistans Parliament has made history by becoming the first National Assembly in the countrys
history to complete a full term of five years, with the conclusion of the Houses 50th session, setting the stage for
the holding of elections.Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari announced that general elections would be held on 11
May 2013.
Cyprus Gets New Bailout Deal
Cyprus secured a 10 billion ($16.2 billion) bailout from its international creditors on 24 March 2013.Eurozone
finance ministers had also approved a new bailout plan for Cyprus, putting an end to uncertainties over the fate of
the Mediterranean island country in the euro area.The new bailout program includes deep restructuring of the
countrys two biggest banks, Bank of Cyprus and Popular Bank of Cyprus.Under the new agreement, all bank
deposits under 100,000 will be secured and guaranteed by the state.
South Africa, China Sign Deals To Boost Cooperation
On 26 March South African President Jacob Zuma and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping met in Pretoria ahead of
the fifth BRICS Summit.The two leaders signed a number of agreements, focusing on trade, tourism, education
and social cooperation.The two sides agreed on future collaboration on research and development initiatives,
manufacturing, marketing and the construction of cross-border infrastructure throughout the continent.
North Korea Declares State of War with South Korea
On 29 March North Korea declared that it had formally entered a state of war with South Korea.The
announcement was made in a joint statement attributed to all government bodies and institutions.The two Koreas
have thus technically remained at war for decades.
INDIA & WORLD
India, South Korea Hold Security Talks
On 1 March 2013 India and South Korea hold discussions over emerging dynamics of global and regional security,
cooperation in cyber security, defense and space sectors and reviewing bilateral ties. Arvind Gupta,Director
General of IDSA, led the Indian side while Lt.G (retd.) Bang, Hyo-Bok president of KIDA and former vice army
chief,represented the Korean side in the talks.
India,UK Signed MOU To Strenghen Cooperation In Earth Sciences
On March 1, India and UK signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their cooperation in Earth
Sciences and environmental research by sharing information on meteorology,hydrology and climate variability.The
MoU between the Earth System Science Organisation of the Ministry of Earth Sciences and UKs Natural
Environment Research Council was inked in New Delhi in the presence of Science and Technology Minister S
Jaipal Reddy .
India and Bhutan signed Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement
On 4 March India and Bhutan signed the double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA), a move that will facilitate
exchange of information on banking between the two nations and help check tax evasion.This is the first ever
DTAA for Bhutan with any country. The treaty was signed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram and his
Bhutanese counterpart Lyonpo Wangdi Norbum, on behalf of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
India and Republic of Portugal Signed a Social Security Agreement
On 4 March A Social Security Agreement (SSA) was signed between India and Republic of Portugal ,after the
both countries meeting end at NewDelhi.The agreement was signed by Vayalar Ravi, the Minister of Overseas
Indian Affairs and Paulo Sacadura Cabral Portas, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs of Portugal.
India Worlds Third Largest Spam Spewing Nation
On 6 March According to statistics from SophosLabs ,India has been placed third on the list of the countries
distributing spam across the world.US is still firmly on the top, distributing more spam than any other country in
the world.China took the second spot and India the third, with 8.2 percent and 4.2 percent of the worlds spam.
Indias Tourism Industry Competitiveness 65th in World
According to the fifth Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report by the WEF, India has moved up by three
notches to 65th out of 140 countries in terms of the competitiveness of the travel and tourism industry.India has
been ranked in the 11th place in the region and 65th overall, gaining three positions since the last edition.
India and Romania Signed Two Agreements
On 8 March India and Romania signed on Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with
respect to Taxes on Income.The agreement was signed after External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid held talks
with his Romanian Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean on the entire gamut of bilateral relations, regional and
international issues of mutual interest.
India and Bhutan Signed $100m Currency Swap Agreement
On 8 March India and Bhutan signed a currency swap agreement for up to $100 million to further economic co-
operation between the two countries.The currency swap arrangement was signed between the Reserve Bank of
India and the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMAB).
Iran and Pakistan Launched Gas Pipeline Project
On 11 March Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari was officially
inaugurated the final construction phase of the multi-billiondollar Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.The 1,244-mile
pipeline would each day transport more than 750 million cubic feet of natural gas to Pakistan from Irans South
Pars gas field in the Persian Gulf.This Project was started from Chabahar city in Iran to Karachi in Pakistan with
$7.5 Billion. Initially they have an idea to extend this project to New Delhi in India but India was dropped from this
project in 2009.
Britain & India Signed Agreement To Support R&D Projects
On 13 March Britain and India have signed an agreement to launch a joint programme to encourage industry and
business in the two countries to work together towards commercialisation of research leads in a range of key
areas, including energy and health care.As part of the deal, Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA)
sponsored by the Indian governments Department of Science and Technology and UKs Technology Strategy
Board (TSB) will support UK and Indian businesses and academics in joint R&D and innovation projects over a
three-year period.
India Ranks 136 in Human Development Index
On 14 March According to the Human Development Report 2013 released by the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) ,India has been ranked 136 among 187 countries evaluated for human development index
(HDI).Norway (1st rank), Australia (2nd rank) and the Netherlands (3rd rank) lead the Human Development Index
(HDI).The other countries ranks are:- Netherlands (4th rank) , Japan (10th rank), Denmark (15th rank) , South
Korea (12th rank).
China Unveils 5-Point Formula To Improve Ties With India
On 18 March Chinas new President Xi Jinping has unveiled a five-point formula to improve relations with India, and
that the resolution of the boundary dispute between the two nations wont be easy and pending its final settlement
peace and tranquility should be maintained on the border without affecting the overall ties. The Xi Jinping 5 Points
are :- 1. First,to maintain strategic communication and keep bilateral relations on the right track. 2. Second, we
should harness each others comparative strength and expand win winwin cooperation in infrastructure, mutual
investment and other areas. 3. Third, we should strengthen cultural ties and constantly increase mutual
understanding and friendship between our peoples. 4. Fourth, we should expand coordination and collaboration in
multilateral affairs to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and tackle global
challenges. 5. Fifth, we should accommodate each others core concerns and properly handle problems and
differences existing between the two countries.
India Egypt Signed Seven Agreements
On 19 March In a bid to deepen ties and strengthen economic bonds, India and Egypt signed 7 agreements after
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy held bilateral talks in New Delhi.The
seven agreements included a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the field of cyber security, cooperation in
the field of protection of intellectual property rights and prevention of illicit traffic of antiquities besides others.The
two leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation in Defence and in international forums like UN.
India Signed Social Security Agreements With 18 Countries
On 20 March India has signed Social Security Agreements (SSAs) with Belgium,France, Germany (social
insurance for posted workers only), Switzerland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Hungary, Denmark, the Czech
Republic, Republic of Korea, Norway, Germany, Finland, Canada, Japan, Sweden, Austria and Portugal.Bilateral
labour Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) have also been signed with United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan,
Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Malaysia and Bahrain for ensuring protection and welfare of overseas Indian workers.
India Votes Against Sri Lanka at UNHRC
On 21 March India has voted for the resolution against Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council session in
Geneva.The UN Human Rights Council adopted a US-sponsored resolution on human rights violation in Sri
Lanka.The 47-member Geneva forum adopted the resolution with 25 countries in favour, including
India.13countries opposed it, including Pakistan. 8 abstained and one delegation was absent.The US-backed
resolution that addresses alleged war crimes by Lankan forces during the countrys civil war with the Tamil
Tigers.The 26-year civil war that ensued, which ended with the LTTEs military defeat in 2009.
Japan Grants India $2.32 Billion Aid For Infrastructure Building
On 27 March India and Japan have agreed to promote their bilateral strategic and global partnership especially in
economic and security areas, with Tokyo granting a $2.32 billion aid for infrastructure building. Japanese Foreign
Minister Fumio Kishida ,External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid discussed about both countries bilateral
issues the meeting held at Tokyo .During the meeting Kishida unveiled a 220 billion yen (USD 2.32 billion) aid to
India for infrastructure building and a 71-billion-yen loan ($753.17 million) for the subway project in Indias financial
capital Mumbai.
NATIONAL
Cabinet Approves Bill for Time-Bound Services to Citizens
On 7 March the government gave its nod to a Bill aimed at providing time-bound delivery of services like
passports, pensions and birth and death certificates, among others, to the citizens.The Right of Citizens for Time-
Bound Delivery of Goods and Services and Redressal of their Grievances Bill, 2011, was approved by the Union
Cabinet at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh .
President Released the Commemorative Postage Stamp on Sahir Ludhianvi
On 8 March the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee released the Commemorative Postage Stamp on Sahir
Ludhianvi on occasion of his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.Sahir Ludhianvi died on 25
October 1980 and was a renowned Urdu poet.He fought for recognition of lyric writers through the Film Writers
Association.
Indias First All-Women Post Office
After announcing Indias all women public bank, the central government on 08 March 2013 started an all women
post office in New Delhi on the occasion of the International Womens Day. Communications & Information
Technology Minister Kapil Sibal inaugurated the post office at Shastri Bhawan the hub of central government
offices in central Delhi. All the employees in these post office are women only.
Cabinet Approved Electronic Delivery of Services Bill
On 18 March the Union Cabinet approved a bill that aims to provide access to all central and state government
services such as passport, ration card and driving licences electronically.The Bill requires public authorities to
deliver all public services electronically within a maximum period of 8 years.
Cabinet Approved Food Security Bill
On 19 March the union cabinet has approved the National Food Security Bill which aims to give the right to food to
around 67% of Indias 1.2 billion people.The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2011 and had been
sent to a parliamentary standing committee for further consideration.In the bill, the government had proposed 7 kg
of grain per month per person to priority households and at least 3 kg of foodgrain at half the price for general
households.
Rajya Sabha Passed Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2013
On 21 March the Rajya Sabha passed the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2013 that provides for capital
punishment in cases of brutal rape, and also deals with several other crimes against women.On 19 March Lok
Sabha passed the Bill with an aim of providing a strong deterrent against rapes and gang rapes, the Bill states
that an offender can be sentenced to rigourous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 20 years, but
which may extend to life, meaning imprisonment for the remainder of that persons natural life and with a fine.
Supreme Court upholds Death for Yakub Memon
On 21 March the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence of Yakub Abdul Razak Memon in the 1993 Mumbai
blasts case that had claimed 257 lives and left 713 injured.The Supreme Court also upheld the conviction of actor
Sanjay Dutt under the Arms Act in the terror attack and sent him to five years in prison.The capital punishment of
the other 10 death row convicts was commuted to life sentence by a bench of justices P Sathasivam and B S
Chauhan which also upheld the life term awarded to 16 out of 18 convicts.
68 million Indians Living in Slums
On 21 March According to the first such census report on slum households prepared by the Registrar General of
India, approximately 68 million Indians are living in slums. In all 1.73 crore census houses have been reported in
houselisting blocks, categorised as slums in India, comprising 1.37 crore slum households.The report also noted
that in 19 cities with million-plus population, 25 per cent of households live in slums.A majority-71 per cent- of
these are located in six states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, west Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and
Uttar Pradesh.90 per cent of slum households use electricity, 70 per cent slum households have television, 72.7
per cent have telephone facility while 10.4 per cent households have computer or laptop in their house.
STATES
HPCL signed MoU for Rajasthan Refinery
On 14 March Min of Petroleum & Natural Gas Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Rajasthan
Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Jaipur for setting up a Rs 37,320cr refinery-cum-
petrochemical complex in Barmer, Rajasthan. The project will be a joint venture between HPCL and Rajasthan
State Refinery Limited, apart from other equity partners.The MoU was signed by Subhash Pant, Secretary Mines
and Petroleum, Government of Rajasthan and K.Murli, Director (Refineries) of HPCL.
Madhya Pradesh Spice Park Inaugurated in Guna
On 16 March In Madhya Pradesh, Union power ministry inaugurated a Spice Park in Mawan area of Guna district.
This spice park has been built at a cost of fifty five crore rupees.
Delhi Launched a Comprehensive Five-In-One Vaccine
On 12 March the Chief Minister of Delhi,Sheila Dikshit launched a comprehensive five-in-one vaccine in order to
provide protection to children against certain diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria and pertusis.The CM
announced that instead of three injections, now there will be a requirement of only one injection for providing
protection against the diseases.
Karnataka State Assembly Elections Schedule Released
On March 20 The Election Commission of India has announced the dates for Karnataka Assembly Elections
2013.The elections will be a single-phase election and counting would take place on May 8.The Polls would be
held on May 5.
Three High Courts Opened in Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya
Tripura, Meghalaya and Manipur on 23 March 2013 got their own High Courts. Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre,
Judge of Chhattisgarh High Court took oath as the first Chief Justice of Manipur High Court on 23 March 2013.
Justice Deepak Gupta along with three other judges would be administered the oath to the High Court of Tripura
.Justice Meena Kumari took oath as the first Chief Justice of Meghalaya. With the opening of the three high
Courts in the North Eastern states of India, the total number of high Courts in India has gone up to 24 from
previous 21.
Arunachal Pradesh Became the First State to Introduce e-GPF
Arunachal Pradesh became the first state to introduce e-GPF or electronic GPF.The state Finance Department
facilitated the online access to 34000 GPF accounts through its redesigned Web site, which was launched by
Chief Minister of Arunachal Pardesh Nabam Tuki.
Housing stock, Amenities and Assets in Slums Report
On 29 March Union Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation released the report on Housing stock,
Amenities and Assets in slums based on Houselisting & House Census, 2011.Registrar General presented the
important features of the report and outlined its importance.In all 1.73 Crore Census houses have been reported in
the House listing Blocks categorized as Slums in India, comprising 1.37 Crore slum households.There are 19
cities with million plus population where more than 25% households live in slums.A majority (71%) of these are
located in six States namely, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and
Uttar Pradesh.Out of these 19 cities, five cities namely, Vishakhapatnam, Jabalpur, Mumbai, Vijayawada and
Meerut have more than 40% slum households.Out of total slum houses, 92.7% are occupied and 7.3% are
vacant.84.9% Census Houses are used for residence/residence-cum-other use.58.4% residential census houses
are in good condition, 37.5% are livable and rest 4.0% are in dilapidated condition.70.2% Slum households are
owned.
Punjab, Haryana, Delhi Top in Well Being Index
According to the Tata Strategic Management Group Survey report , Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and
Haryana have been ranked at the top of the Well Being Index,while southern states, Gujarat and most of the
north-eastern states emerged as the most secure ones for women in the Female Security Index.The states of
Punjab, Delhi, HP, Haryana and Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh were ranked at the top of the Well Being
Index. On the Female Security Index, Chennai and Bangalore were at the top.
CONFERENCES
24th Arab League Summit Held in Doha
The 24th summit was held in Doha (Qatar) from 21 to 26 March 2013.A total of 15 heads of state of Arab
countries attended the summit.The Arab League currently consist of 21 countries, after Syria was suspended form
the league due to excessive violence during the Arab Spring. However, the Syrian opposition umbrella
organization, the Syrian National Coalition, will attend this years summit and will be offered a seat formerly
occupied by Damascus.The Arab League summit called for an international conference in the framework of the
United Nations for Syrias reconstruction. The Qatari leader meanwhile proposed a mini- Arab summit, led by
Egypt and leaders of Fatah and Hamas, in Cairo as soon as possible to achieve Palestinian national
reconciliation. He also called for Arab countries to establish a fund of 1 billion U.S.dollars to support the
Palestinians, pledging that his country will offer a quarter of the amount. The Arab League was formed in 1945.
5th BRICS Summit Held in Durban
The 5th BRICS Summit was held in Durban, South Africa from 26 to 27 March 2013. The summit an international
relations conference attended by the head of states or heads of government of the five member states Brazil,
Russia, India, China and South Africa.Theme of the summit was , BRICS and Africa: Partnership for
Development, Integration and Industrialisation.BRICS Leaders President of Brazil Dilma Rousseff ,Russian
president Vladimir Putin,Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singhm,Chinese president Ji Xinping, South Africas
president Jacob Zuma also discussed swap arrangements among the national currencies as well as reserve
pooling. BRICS nations have decided to establish a new development bank to finance infrastructure projects and
to create a USD 100 bn contingency fund to tackle any financial crisis in emerging economies, in what is seen as
a major win for Indias campaign to reform global financial architecture. BRICS Summit took place in South Africa
for the first time. BRICS, originally BRIC before the inclusion of South Africa in 2010, is the title of an association
of emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS).
AWARDS & HONOURS
Indian-Origin Writer Anil Ananthaswamy Won British Physics Journalism Prize
On 1 March Anil Ananthaswamy, a London based Indian origin writer, has won the inaugural Physics Journalism
Prize sponsored by the Institute of Physics (IOP) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The
Edge of Physics, has won the prize for his article Hip Hip Array, which focuses on the Square Kilometre Array,
an international project to design and build the largest radio telescope ever conceived.
Pranab Mukherjee Honoured with the Bangladesh Liberation War Award
On 4 March The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee was conferred with the Liberation War Honour Award by the
President of Bangladesh, Zillur Rahman. The award was given away to Pranab Mukherjee for contributions to the
Liberation War.
Indian Women Selected For State Dept Award For Environment Awareness
On 5 March Dr Shubhalaxmi Vaylure has been selected for the US State Departments International Exchange
Alumni Member of the Month for March for her dedication to build greater environmental awareness in India.
Shubhalaxmi first came to the US in 2003 as part of the Fulbright Indo-American Environmental Leadership
Programme which took her to the University of Montana to study educational nature centers.Upon eturning from
this programme, she drew inspiration from her Fulbright programme as she implemented innovative educational
programs at the Mumbai Conservation Education Center.
Arun Jaitley, Karan Singh, Sharad Yadav Best Parliamentarians
On 6 March Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley, Congress veteran Karan Singh and JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav have
been selected for the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award.Jaitley, who is Leader of the Opposition in Rajya
Sabha, gets the award for the year 2010, Karan Singh for 2011 and Sharad Yadav for 2012. The Indian
Parliamentary Group had instituted the award in 1994 which is conferred each year.
Tagore Award For Ravi Shankar
President Pranab Mukherjee presented the first annual Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony to late Pandit Ravi
Shankar at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 07 Marchi 2013.Sukanya Shankar, wife of Ravi Shankar, received the award.
Stree Shakti Award For Nirbhaya
President Pranab Mukherjee presented the Stree Shakti award on International Womens Day( 08 March 2013)
for Nirbhaya. Stree Shakti award as a tribute to her courage and strength.The award was recevied by her family
members.As a measure of recognition of achievements in individual women in the field of social development, the
government had instituted of 6 national awards which are called Stree Shakti Puraskar. The awards are in the
name of the eminent women personalities namely Devi Ahalya Bai Holkar, Kannagi, Mata Jajabai, Rani Gaidinliu
Zeliang, Rani Lakshmi Bai and Rani Rudramma Devi (which is open to both men and women). Nirbhaya was
honoured with the Sree Shakti award of Rani Lakshmi Bai.The Rani Rudramma Devi Award for the year 2012 was
awarded to Smt. Pranita Talukdar from Assam. She was honoured for her commendable work for the overall
development of women.
US Bravery Award for Nirbhaya
The Delhi gang-rape victim, Nirbhaya was honoured by the US government with an International Women of
Courage Award for 2013.In this year this award was given to 10 women in Washington on March 8, which is also
International Womens Day.
National Tourism Award Winners 2011-12
National Annual Tourism Awards for 2011-12 was announced by Tourism Ministry on 12 March 2013. The Ministry
announced 86 awards in 36 Categories. The awards presented by President of India on 18th March. Winners of
National Tourism Awards for 2011-12 :-
Best State/ UT Comprehensive Development of Tourism (Rest of India): Andhra Pradesh (First Prize)
Rajasthan (Second Prize) Gujarat (Third Prize)
Best State/ UT Comprehensive Development of Tourism (North East, Jammu and Kashmir) Jammu & Kashmir
Best Civic Management of a Destination Category B City Municipal Council of Mandav (Mandu),District Dhar,
Madhya Pradesh
Best Heritage City Warangal City, Andhra Pradesh
Best Airport ( Class X Cities) Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
Best Airport (Rest of India) VishakhapatnamAirport, Vishakhapatnam The special National Tourism Awards for
Yann Martel, author of the book, Life of Pi, for promoting the county (Puducherry and Munnar) through the film as
well.
Tan Twan Eng Declared Winner of 2012 Man Asian Literary Prize
Tan Twan Eng on 14 March 2013 was announced as a winner of the 2012 Man Asian Literary Prize. With this, he
became the first Malaysian author to win the most prestigious literary prize of Asia.Tan Twan Eng won the 2012
Man Asian Literary Prize for his novel The Garden of Evening Mists.
Poetess Sugathakumari Selected For Saraswati Samman Award
On 17 March Sugathakumari, the Malayalam poetess was selected for the Saraswati Samman 2012 for the
poetry collection Manalezhuthu, which means The Writing on the Sand in English. The Saraswati Samman is
constituted by K. K. Birla Foundation.
60th National Film Awards
On 18 March The prestigious 60th National Film Awards for the year 2012 were announced in New Delhi.Irrfan has
won the Best Actor award for his powerful performance in Tigmanshu Dhulias Paan Singh Tomar and Marathi
actress Usha Jadhav has won the Best Actress award for Dhag.
The List of Award Winners :-
Best Feature Film: Paan Singh Tomar
Best Actor: Irrfan for Paan Singh Tomar and Vikram Gokhale for Anumati (Marathi)
Best Actress: Usha Jadhav for Marathi film Dhag
Best Child Artist: Virendra Pratap for Dekh Indian Circus (Hindi) and Minon for 101 Chodiyangal (Malayalam)
Best Popular Film for wholesome entertainment: Vicky Donor (Hindi), Ustad (Malayalam)
Best Animation Film: Delhi Safari
Best Childrens Film: Dekh Indian Circus
Best Film on Social Issues: Spirit (Malayalam)
Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film On National Integration: ThanichallaNjan (Malyalam)
Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director: Chittagong (Hindi) and 101 Chodiyangal (Malayalam)
Best Special Effects: Eega (Telugu)
Best Hindi Film: Filmistan Best Telugu Film: Eega
Reliance Industries Bags Refiner of the Year Award
On 23 March Reliance Industries has been awarded the prestigious International Refiner of the Year 2013 at
HART Energys 27th World Refining & Fuel Conference at San Antonio, Texas, USA.This is the second time that
RIL has received this Award for its Jamnagar Refinery, the first being in 2005.
Indian Manish Kumar Among 28 Naturalised at White House Ceremony
Manish Kapoor from India was one among the lucky 28 to be granted the American citizenship at the White
House in the presence of the US President, Barack Obama.List of 28 service members, who were naturalised at
the White House ceremony included three from South Asia Manish Kapoor, Nazo Raoufi from Afghanistan and
Mohammed Hossain from Bangladesh.
Paris Honours Nelson Mandela
On 26 March the city of Paris made antiapartheid hero Nelson Mandela an honorary citizen, but refused to grant
an honour to Venezuelas late leftist firebrand leader Hugo Chavez.
2013 Abel Prize To Belgian Pierre Deligne
Belgian mathematician Pierre Deligne who is regarded as one of the most celebrated mathematicians of the 20th
century, has been chosen for this years prestigious Abel Prize in Mathematics.Award is given to him for his
seminal contributions to algebraic geometry and for their transformative impact on number theory, representation
theory and related fields.
Veteran Lensman Pranlal Patel Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
On 28 March The 2nd National Photo Awards- 2011-12 were conferred by the Speaker, Lok Sabha, Ms. Meira
Kumar to eminent photojournalists at a function held in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.The Life-Time Achievement
Awards were given to eminent photographers Shri Pranlal Patel, Shri T.S. Nagarajan and Shri T.N.A. Perumal.In
the Professional Category, the Best Professional Photographer of the Year 2011-12 has been given to Shri Salil
Bera.
SPORTS & GAMES
Duty Free Dubai Tennis Championship-2013
Mens Singles: On 2 March Serbian Novak Djokovic won the ATP Dubai Open Tennis Mens singles title after
defeated the Czech Republican Tomas Berdych in the final at Dubai .
Womens Singles : This title was won by Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic). In final she defeated the Sara
Errani(Italy).
ATP Mexican Open 2013 Tennis Tournament Winners
Mens Singles: Rafael Nadal won ATP Mexican Open 2013 Tennis Title after he defeated the top seed and
defending champion David Ferrer on 2 March 2013 in the final. This is the 38th clay court title of Nadal.
Womens singles : In the womens singles Italys Sara Errani won the title after defeated Carla Suarez-Navarro
(Spain) in the final.
Services Won Santosh Trophy Title
On 3 March Services team won the final of the 67th Santosh Trophy in Kochi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium by
beating hosts Kerala .The Man of the Match title was clinched by Services striker Lalian Mawia. The Services
team bagged their third Santosh Trophy title
Delhi Won Vijay Hazare Trophy
On 3 March Delhi team won Vijay Hazare Trophy after defeated Assam in the final at the ACA-VDCA stadium.
All England Open Badminton Championship Winners
Womens Singles : On 10 March Tine Baun (Denmark) won the womens singles title after defeated Ratchanok
Intanon of Thailand in the All England Open Badminton Championship at Birmingham.
Mens Singles : Chen Long won the singles title after defeating Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia at Mens singles final.
Laureus World Sports Awards 2013
On 11 March Laureus World Sports Awards 2013 were organised in Rio de Janeiro.The Prestigious awards were
claimed by sports stars- Jessica Ennis, Usain Bolt , Andy Murray and Sebastian Coe.
The List of the Awardees :- Laureus World Sportsman of the Year -Usain Bolt Laureus World Sportswoman of
the Year Jessica Ennis Laureus World Team of the Year European Ryder Cup Team Laureus World
Breakthrough of the Year Andy Murray Laureus World Comeback of the Year Feliz Sanchez Laureus
World Action Sportsperson of the Year Felix Baumgartner Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a
Disability Daniel Dias
Ukrainian Women Won World Chess Championship
On 13 March Womens chess team of Ukraine won the World Chess Team Championship. The second place
went to team from China, and the third to the Russian , Fifth place to India.
India Won Eight Medals in Asian Grand Prix Archery Championship
On 14 March India won a total of eight medals in the inaugural Asian Grand Prix Archery Championship at
Bangkok . India won two gold, two Silver and four bronze.
Australia Won Azlan Shah Trophy
On 17 March Australia, the World Champions won the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament title for the seventh
time after defeated defeated Malaysia in the final.
Kimi Raikkonen Won Australian Grand Prix
On 17 March Finlands Kimi Raikkonen won the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne.It was the 20th
Grand Prix win for Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion.
Indian Wells Tennis Tournament Winners
Mens Singles : On 18 March Rafael Nadal of spain won the Mens singles title after defeated Juan Martin del Potro
of Argentina in the final at California .This is Nadals third Indian Wells ATP Masters title and first hard court title
since 2010.
Womens Singles :- Maria Sharapova defeated Caroline Wozniacki in the womens final in straight sets to win her
second Indian Wells ATP Masters title.
Swiss Open Badminton 2013 Winners
Mens Singles :- On 18 March Wang Zhengming from china won the Swiss Open Badminton Mens singles title
after defeated Du Pengyu in the final at basel.
Womens Singles:- In the Womens singles Wang Shixian from china got the title after defeating Ratchanok
Inthanon (Thailand) in the final.
West Zone Won Deodhar Trophy
On 13 March Defending champion West Zone won the Prof. D.B. Deodhar Trophy for the 12th time after defeated
North Zones challenge in the final at the Nehru Stadium.
Neha Tripathi Won Sixth Leg of Hero Womens Pro Golf Tour 2013
Kolkatas Neha Tripathi won sixth leg of Hero Womens Pro Golf Tour 2013 in Panchkula on 21 March 2013. This
is the third victory of Neha Tripathi in 2013 season. With this victory, Neha Tripathi overtook Smriti Mehra in the
Hero Order of Merit 2013.
Sebastian Vettel Won F1s Malaysian Grand Prix
On 24 March Three-time world champion Sebastian Vettel won the Malaysian Grand Prix 2013 at the Sepang
International Circuit.
ECONOMY
Nine Indian Women in Forbes Asia Power Business Women List
On 1 March ICICI Bank CEO and MD Chanda Kochchar, Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and film producer
Ekta Kapoor are among the nine Indian women named in Forbes magazines inaugural Asia Power
Businesswomen list.The list also includes Britannia Industries Managing Director Vinita Bali ; HT Media
Chairman and Editorial Director Shobhana Bhartia ; AZB & Partners Founder and Senior Partner Zia Mody ; Axis
Bank CEO and Managing Director Shikha Sharma ; and Tractors & Farm Equipment Chairman Mallika Srinivasa;
Kapoor, TV and movie producer.
Mukesh Ambani Is Richest Indian on Forbes list
As per an annual ranking published on 4 March 2013 by business magazine Forbes,Mukesh Ambani has retained
his title as Indias richest person for sixth year in a row,with networth of $ 21.5 billion.In the overall rich list of
worlds billionaires, Mukesh Ambani is ranked 22nd, while the second-richest Indian Lakshmi Mittal is at 41st
position with a networth of USD 16.5 billion.Mexican business tycoon Carlos Slim has topped the rankings with a
networth of USD 73 billion, followed by Bill Gates (USD 67 billion), Spains Amancio Ortega (USD 57 billion),
Warren Buffett (USD 53.5 billion) and Larry Ellison (USD 43 billion) in top five.
Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad Airports Among Top 5 in the World
Airports of Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad are among the top five airports in the world providing international
standard services.Airports Council International (ACI),a global body of airports, has adjudged Delhis Indira Gandhi
International (IGI) airport as second best after Seouls Incheon airport in the category of airports handling 25-40
million passengers per annum (MPPA) for their service quality for the year 2012.Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji
International airport was adjudged the third best in this category.Hyderabads Rajiv Gandhi International airport
(RGI) has bagged the second position for their service quality in the category of five to 15 MPPA. Japans Nagoya
airport was adjudged the best in this category. Seouls Incheon ranked first, Singapores Changi second and
Beijing was placed at the third spot.
RBI to Launch Plastic Currency Notes in 5 Cities
On 12 March The Union Government and RBI decided to introduce one billion pieces of 10 Rupees bank notes
made of plastic on a field trial basis in five cities.A 10 Rupees note in polymer/plastic on a field trial basis will be
introduced first; Minister of State for Finance .The field trail is supposed to be conducted in five cities of Kochi,
Mysore, Jaipur, Bhubhaneswar and Shimla with varied geographical locations and climatic conditions.As per the
RBI, the primary objective of introduction of polymer notes is to increase its life, it could also help in combating
counterfeiting.
Gujarat Tops in FMCG Consumption
On 12 March According to the Evolution of Indian Rural Markets During 2004-05 to 2009-10 report released by
the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) , Gujarat has garnered maximum
growth in per capita food and non-food consumption expenditure across the country between FY05 and FY10 with
growth rate of about 28% and 33% respectively. Besides registering a growth of about 24.69%, Gujarat has also
topped in terms of household consumption of fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) during the fiveyear
period.West Bengal has seen least growth of just about 1.6% and about 8% in per-capita food and non-food
consumption expenditure, respectively.The per capita food and non-food consumption expenditure across India
has increased at over 14% and 17%, respectively, between FY05 and FY10.
India Top Rice Exporter in FY 2011-12
On 13 March As the export price of Indian rice was more competitive than the Thai rice, India has displaced
Thailand from the position of top exporter of rice during 2011-12, Minister of State Commerce and Industry was
informed to Rajya Sabha.In 2010-11, the rice exports stood at 24.71 lakh tonnes from 21.56 lakh tonnes in the
previous fiscal.Rice exports were at 74.67 lakh tonnes during April-December 2012 against 71.75 lakh tonnes in
the full fiscal year of 2011-12.
India 5th in World Billionaire Rich List
According to the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2013, India stands 5th among the top 10 countries with the largest
number of billionaires with 122 and the number is expected double by 2022.Mumbai has secured the 7th spot in
the list of top global cities with a High Net Worth Individual HNWI population.Presently, the city has 2,105 HNWIs
and is expected to touch 4,988 with a 137 per cent rise by 2022. Delhi is not too far behind Mumbai; it ranks 11th
with a current HNWI population of 1,945 which is likely to grow by 120 per cent and reach 4,278 by 2022. In the
cities that that matter to HNWIs , New York and London are the first two places in the list.
India May Become 5th Largest Manufacturing Nation
According to the Boston Consultancy Group (BCG) report titled People productivity-Key to Indian manufacturing
competitiveness, India may become the 5th largest manufacturing nation from 9th position at present, if the
country is able to increase the share of manufacturing in GDP to 25 per cent.The National Manufacturing Policy
envisages that Indias manufacturing sector should increase its share of GDP from 15 percent at present to 25
percent by 2022, in line with global peers.It will help India become the fifth-largest manufacturing nation.
Hindujas are Britains Richest Asians
Leading NRI businessmen Srichand Hinduja and Gopi Hinduja, Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group,
have emerged as the richest Asians in Britain in 2013.After playing second fiddle for years to steel tycoon
Lakshmi Mittal, the Londonbased Hinduja brothers have come out top this year with net wealth assessed at 12.5
billion pounds up 3 billion pounds on the 2012 figure.
Mumbai Falls to 66th Rank Among Leading Global Financial Hubs
According to the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), Mumbai which is Indias financial capital has
slipped to 66th rank in the list of leading financial centres around the world, with New Delhi failing to even make a
mark.GFCI offers profiles,ratings and rankings for 79 financial centres around the world positioned Mumbai at the
66th place, which is down three places from last year when it was ranked 63rd on the much coveted list.Mumbai
is the only Indian city on the list. London topped the list, followed by New York ranking second in the list. Hong
Kong and Singapore in the third and fourth place respectively.
RBI Cuts Repo Rate by 25 Base Points
On 19 March The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.5 per cent from 7.75
percent in its midquarter review of the monetary policy. Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF stands
adjusted to 6.5 per cent from the earlier 6.75 per cent and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank
Rate to 8.5 per cent with immediate effect.The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) has been retained at 4 per cent.
Spinning Black Hole Observed for the First Time
The Spinning black holes are first identified by Paranal Observatory astronomers in Chile.The enormous black
hole at the center of the spiral galaxy NGC 1365 is spinning about 84 percent as fast as Einsteins general theory
of relativity allows it to, researchers determined. NGC 1365, located about 56 million light-years from Earth.
Pinaka Rockets Successfully Test-Fired
On 1 March Indigenously developed Pinaka rockets were successfully test-fired by Indian army from a multi-
barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) by an armament establishment from a base at Chandipur-on-sea, about 15 km from
Balasore.Pinaka is an area weapon system with a range of 40 km.Pinaka system can fire a salvo of 12 rockets
in 44 seconds ,adding that the battery of six launchers can neutralise at a time a target area of 3.9 sq km.
Large Meteorite Found in Antarctica
On 1 March the international group of researchers has discovered the18-kg meteorite in eastern Antarctica, the
largest found in that area in 25 years.
Astronomer Measured Exact Distance to Our Closest Neighbouring Galaxy
On 7 March Astronomers have for the first time accurately measured the distance to one of the Milky Ways
neighbouring galaxy and it is just 163,000 light-years away.
Japan Pioneers Gas Extraction From Seafloor Methane Hydrate
On 12 March Japan has become the first country in the world to extract natural gas from frozen methane hydrate
successfully off the central coast. According to the Japanese study, it was estimated that around 1.1tn cubic
metres of methane hydrate existed in the offshore deposits. This is equal to the gas consumption of Japan in
more than 10 years.
Worlds Largest Telescope Inaugurated in Chile
On 13 March The worlds largest radio telescope has been inaugurated in Chile on a mountain high above the
Atacama Desert, wielding unprecedented power to peer into the remotest regions of the universe.The ceremony
attended by President Sebastian Pinera and other dignitaries.The ALMA space observatory consists of 66
antennae creating a telescope array 16 kilometres in diameter.
UAE Inaugurated Worlds Largest CSP Solar Power Plant
On 17 March United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan inaugurated the 100-
megawatt solar plant Shams 1 in the desert of Abu Dhabi,the worlds largest concentrated solar power plant in
operation.Covering an area of 2.5 square km, the 600-million-U.S. dollars project incorporates the latest in
parabolic trough technology and features more than 258,000 mirrors mounted on 768 tracking parabolic trough
collectors, capable of delivering green electricity to 20,000 homes.
India Successfully Test Fired Worlds First Underwater Supersonic Cruise Missile
On 20 March India has successfully test fired its submarine-launched version of BrahMos supersonic cruise
missile of the over 290 km-range in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of the southern port city of Visakhapatnam
(Andhra Pradesh).The launch of Missile is counted as the first test-firing of an underwater supersonic cruise
missile anywhere in the world. The missile travelled its complete range of over 290 km.
Big Bang Radiation Map Unveiled
On 21 March The European Space Agency (ESA) has unveiled the most detailed map yet of relic radiation from
the Big Bang,revealing new data it hopes will shed light on the creation and expansion of our Universe.The map
results suggest the universe is expanding more slowly than scientists thought, and is 13.8 billion years old, 100
million years older than previous estimates.
India and US Agreed for Future Cooperation in Moon and Mars Missions
On 23 March India and the US agreed for cooperation on future missions to the Moon and Mars after successful
collaboration in Chandrayaan-1 lunar mission. The highly successful Chandrayaan-1 lunar mission which was
launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in October 2008 led to strong evidence of the
presence of lunar water.
Crew Reaches Space Station in Less than 6 Hours
On 29 March An astronaut from the U. S.with three Russian cosmonauts took a short cut to reach space station
and saved around 45 hours of journey. The crew took only 5 hours and 45 minutes to reach the space station from
the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan.This is for the first time that any crew has used this express route to
reach space station in the minimum possible time.Three members on this Russian Soyuz are Chris Cassidy from
NASA, Alexander Misurkin and Pavel Vinogradov from Russia.
NTPC Commissioned New Solar Power Project in Andaman & Nicobar
On March 30,NTPC Ltd has commissioned a 5-MW solar photo-voltaic power project at Port Blair in Andaman &
Nicobar Islands.It is the first grid-connected solar photo-voltaic project in these islands and also the first greenfield
renewable solar PV project of NTPC.
New Indian Ship ASWC Kiltan Launched in Kolkata
INS Kiltan is an anti-submarine warfare corvette of the Indian Navy built under Project-28. It is the third of four
Kamorta class corvettes under various stages of induction with the Indian Navy. The ship was built by the Garden
Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata and launched on 26 March.The ship takes its name from the Kiltan
island, a coral island that is part of Indias archipelagic Union Territory of Lakshadweep.The Kiltan is to be armed
with a range of indigenously developed cutting edge weapons and sensors including a medium range gun, torpedo
tube launchers, rocket launchers and a close-in weapon system.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Nagaland , Tripura , Meghalaya new CMs
On 5 March Neiphiu Rio of Naga Peoples Front (NPF) party was sworn in as Chief Minister of Nagaland for the
third straight term. On 5 March Mukul Manda Sangma of Congress party was sworn-in as the Chief Minister of
Meghalaya for the second term. On 6 March ManikSarkar of CPM party was sworn in as chief minister of
Tripura for the fourth consecutive time .
Panabaka Lakshmi Assumes Additional Charge of Textiles
On 5 March Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Panabaka Lakshmi assumed additional charge
as Union Minister of State for Textiles.Lakshmi was minister of state for textiles until she was shifted to petroleum
and natural gas ministry in the same rank after the reshuffle in end October 2012.
IAEA Chief Amano Wins Second Term
The UN atomic agencys board of governors on 06 March 2013 approved giving Japanese director general Yukiya
Amano a new four-year term without even resorting to a vote.
Nicolas Maduro sworn in as Venezuelas Interim President
On 8 March Venezuelan Vice- President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in as Venezuelas acting president, despite
the Opposition resistance as it is being considered to the violation of the countrys constitution.
New Governors For 5 States
On 9 March President Pranab Mukherjee appointed new Governors for 5 states Former CBI Director, Ashwani
Kumar appointed as Governor of Nagaland. Congress veteran SC Jamir appointed as Governor of Odhisa .
Governor of Tripura DY Patil transferred to Bihar Bihar Governor Devanand Konwar shifted to Tripura Nikhil
Kumar, who was serving as Governor of Nagaland, has been transferred and appointed as Governor of Kerala .
Aung Suu Kyi Re-elected As Opposition NLD Leader
On 10 March Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been re-elected head of the new executive board
of the National League for Democracy at a landmark maiden party congress.
Jorge Bergoglio Elected As 266th Pope
On 13 March Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina is selected as the new leader for 120 crore Catholics across the
world.George was the Buenos Aires Archbishop and he was chosen as the new Pope by 115 qcardinals.He
changed his name as Francis- 1.He is the 266th Pope (head of the Roman Catholic Church).Francis-1 is the first
Pope from the Jesuit community. He is also the first pope from Latin America. He is also the first pope to be
selected from a non European country in the modern history.There are five Indian also among the cardinal
electors.
Xi Jinping Took Over As Chinas New President
On 14 March Xi was elected as President by 3000-strong National Peoples Congress, which also endorsed his
appointment as the Chairman of the Military Commission. Chinas parliament formally elected Xi Jinping as
president, four months after he took charge of the Communist Party.
Khil Raj Regmi Sworn as Nepal PM
On 14 March Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi was sworn-in as the new Prime Minister of Nepal .Khil Raj Regmi will
be the head of interim government which will have its elections by 21 June 2013. This is the first time in Nepalese
political history that a sitting Chief Justice is being named as the Head of the Government.
Sundar Pichai To Take Over as Googles Android Chief
Google on 13 March 2013 , announced that Andy Rubin, who was heading the companys Android division, is
stepping down. He will be replaced by SundarPichai, an IITian, who also heads Googles Chrome division.
Li Keqiang Appointed as Chinas new Prime Minister
On 14 March Li Keqiang was appointed prime minister at the annual session of Chinas National Peoples
Congress.Mr. Li is the latest Communist Party leader. He succeeds Wen Jiabao in a position that entails steering
the economy and government operations through the State Council, or cabinet.
Bobby Ghosh is Time International Editor
Eminent Indian journalist Bobby Ghosh had been named the new editor of Time International. Ghosh was
appointed on 15 March 2013 as the first non-American world editor in TIMEs history.
Indian American Appointed Vice Chairman of Illinois Innovation Council
On 18 March Indian-American politician Raja Krishnamurthy has been appointed vice chair of the Illinois Innovation
Council by the Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. Krishnamurthyis currently the president of Sivanathan Laboratories.
Mir Hazar Khan Khoso Sworn in as aretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan
On 25 March Justice Retd. Mir Hazar Khan Khoso took oath as the sixth caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan on
25 March 2013 in Islamabad.
Renee Ramaswamy Nominated to the National Council of the Arts
On 22 March Renee Ramaswamy, founder of the Ragamala Music and Dance Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota,
has been nominated by President Barack Obama to the National Council of the Arts for a fiveyear term.
Obama Appoints First Woman Secret Service Director
On 26 March President Barack Obama chose veteran agent Julia Pierson as Secret Service director, the first
woman to lead the male-dominated agency.
Ralph Waters new World Cup 2015 Chairman
Ralph Waters has been named new chairman of the local organizing committee for the 2015 World Cup hosted by
Australia and New Zealand. Waters was previously the deputy chairman of the committee and succeeds James
Strong, the previous chairman.
B)RESIGNS
UP minister Raja Bhaiya Resigned
UPs food and civil supplies minister Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya, who is an accused in the murder of
a deputy superintendent of police, on 04 March 2013 met chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and tendered his
resignation.
Odisha Law Minister Raghunath Mohanty Resigned
A senior Odisha minister, Raghunath Mohanty, resigned on 16 Marchi 2013, after his daughter-in-law accused
him of torturing her for dowry.
Mukesh Ambani To Exit Board of Bank of America
Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani will step down as the board of director of
Bank of America He has served on the Bank of America board since March 2011 and became a director prior to
the establishment of the global advisory council.
Five Cabinet Ministers Resigned
On 20 March the 5 Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party Cabinet ministers resigned from the Union Council
of Ministers, which were accepted by the Pranab Mukherjee President of India. Pranab Mukherjee, also allocated
the charge of Chemicals and Fertilizers Ministry to Srikant Jena who is Minister of State in the same ministry.The
five cabinet ministers are :- (i) M K Alagiri ( Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers) (ii) S S Palanimanickam
(Minister of State (Finance) ) (iii) S. Gandhiselvan (Minister of state for Health and Family Welfare) (iv) S.
Jagathrakshakan (Minister of State for Commerce & Industry) (v) D. Napoleon (Minister of State for Social Justice
and Empowerment).
Italy Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi Resigned
Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi resigned on 26 March, over his governments decision to return two marines to
India to face trial for the murder of local fishermen while on anti-piracy duty.
C)DEATHS
Venezuelan President Chavez Died
On 5 March Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez died at Caracas .Hugo Chavez was the President of Venezuela
from 1999 till his death in 2013. He Served as the President of Venezuela for three times.A coup attempt was
made in Venezuela in April 2002 to overthrow Hugo Chavez from his office.
Former West Bengal Governor Viren J Shah passed away in Jordan
On March 9th,the former West Bengal Governor and industrialist Viren J Shah died in Jordan. He was also
member of the Rajya Sabha twice from 1975 to 1981 and from 1990 to 1996. He was the Governor of West Bengal
from 1999 to 2004.
Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman Died
On 20 March Bangladesh President Mohammad Zillur Rahman, died at Singapore .Rahman, was made the
ceremonial head of the state in 2009 after Awami League was elected in the landmark December, 2008, general
elections.
Pietro Mennea, the Italian Athlete Died
Pietro Mennea, the Italian athletics died in Rome on 21 March 2013. Pietro Mennea was the gold medal winner in
the 200m at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Nigerian Author Chinua Achebe Died
On 22 March Renowned Nigerian author Chinua Achebe has died at the age of 82 .One of Africas best known
authors, his 1958 debut novel Things Fall Apart, which dealt with the impact of colonialism in Africa, has sold
more than 10 million copies.
Two Time Pulitzer Winner Anthony Lewis Dies
On 25 March Anthony Lewis, who has died aged 85, was a New York Times columnist and author who twice won
a Pulitzer Prize, the highest award in American journalism.Anthony Lewis was a prominent public intellectual,
who wrote for The New York Times op-ed page and The New York Review of Books, among other publications.
Grammy Award Winning Producer and Engineer Phil Ramone Died
On 30 March Phil Ramone, the Grammy Award-winning engineer and producer who applied his platinum touch to
recordings with Ray Charles, Billy Joel and Paul Simon, has died at the age of 72.Ramone won 14 Grammy
awards and worked with Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney, Elton John and
Tony Bennett.
D)VISITORS
President of India Visited Bangladesh
President of India, Pranab Mukherjee visited Bangladesh from 3 5 March .During the visit he met with the Prime
Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina and discussed the Teesta and land border issues.
President Mukherjee Visited Mauritius
The President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, visited Mauritius from 11 to 13 March .During the visit he attended
the Mauritius 45th Independence anniversary celebrations as a Chief Guest. He met the President of the Republic
of Mauritius, Mr Rajkeswur Purryag , Prime Minister, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam and discussed the bilateral
double taxation avoidance convention.
World Bank President Jim Yong Kim Visited India
Jim Yong Kim the President of World Bank, visited India from 11th to 13th March.During the visit Jim Yong Kim
met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister P.Chidambaram and discussed Indias major
initiatives aimed at fostering equitable growth. This is the Kims first visit to India after taking over as President of
the World Bank Group 2012 July.
Egypts President Mohamed Morsi Visited India
Egypts President Mohamed Morsi visited India from 18 to 20 March .During the visit Morsi met Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh in NewDelhi and discussed the forge closer cooperation in economic and other fields.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Visited South Africa
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited South Africa from 25 to 28 March.During the visit he attended the BRICS
Summit and met Russian president Vladimir Putin and discussed about the substantive progress being made on
the other remaining phases of the joint nuclear energy programme between India and Russia at Kudankulam.
Manmohan Singh also met China new president Xi Jinping and discussed the issue of Beijings proposal to
construct three dams across the Brahmaputra river on its side.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Salman Rushdie Named in Al-Qaidas Most-Wanted List
Indian-origin British author Salman Rushdie had been named in the most-wanted list of Islam critics to kill
released by al-Qaida in the new issue of its English online magazine. A fatwa was issued against Rushdie by
Irans late leader Ayotollah Khomeini in 1989 over passages in his book The Satanic Verses.
Maldives Ex-President Nasheed Arrested
On March 5,Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed had been arrested, to face charges of abuse of power
during his tenure, after he failed to appear for a hearing and evaded two arrest warrants. He is charged with
illegally ordering the arrest of a senior judge, a move that led to his fall from power in 2012.
Czech Senate Accuses President Vaclav Klaus of High Treason
On 5 March Czech President Vaclav Klaus dismissed a decision by lawmakers to press high treason charges
against him as politically motivated.The Senates actions were prompted by an amnesty granted by President
Klaus , which will free over 6,000 prison inmates and halt the prosecution of prominent business executives and
officials charged with asset stripping, bribes and fraud.
12 Year Old Neha Ramu has IQ Higher than Albert Einstein
On 5 March Neha Ramu, 12-year-old Indianorigin girl in UK has stunned everyone after she scored an incredible
162 on her IQ test even higher than Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.The score puts the tween in the top
one per cent of brightest people in the UK and means she is more intelligent than physicist Hawking, Microsoft
founder Bill Gates and scientist Albert Einstein, who are all thought to have an IQ of 160.
Navneet Kaur Dhillon Crowned Femina Miss India 2013
On 24 March Navneet Kaur Dhillon was crowned Femina Miss India 2013 in a star studded grand finale of the 50th
edition of the beauty pageant.The first and second runners-up were Sobhita Dhulipala and Zoya Afroz respectively.
PLACES IN NEWS
Strong Earthquake in Taiwan
On 27 March a strong earthquake struck central Taiwan , killing at one person and injuring 19 as it damaged
buildings on the quake-prone island.The Central Weather Bureau said the magnitude-6.1 earthquake was felt
throughout the island.The U.S. Geological Survey placed the magnitude at 6.0.Nantou is a rural county about 250
kilometres south of Taipei.
ABBREVIATIONS
BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
NABARD - National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
AWACS - Airborne Warning And Control System
CMIE - Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy
OECD - Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
AICTE - All India Council for Technical Education
NDMA - National Disaster Management Authority
DTC - Direct Taxes Code
AAPSO - Afro-Asian PeoplesSolidarity Organization
TIEA - Tax Information and Exchange Agreement
DTAA - Double taxation Avoidance Agreement
AFSPA - Armed Forces Special Powers Act
NOIDA - New Okhla Industrial Development Authority
IAAI - International Airports Authority of India.
FBI - Federal Bureau of Investigation
BOOKS IN NEWS
Vice President of India Released Walking With Lions: Tales from a Diplomatic Past
The Vice President of India, M. Hamid Ansari released a book titled Walking with Lions: Tales from a Diplomatic
Past, written by K. Natwar Singh, the former Union Minister for External Affairs on 1 March 2013. This was
Published by Harper Collins India.
Yuvraj Singh The Test of My Life Book Released
On 19 March Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh launched his new memories Auto biography book The Test of My Life.
The Test of My Life is a book that talks about Yuvraj Singhs battle with cancer and his love for cricket. The book
was launched in Mumbai where all his fellow cricketers came to show their support.
Taliban Shooting Victim Is Publishing A Memoir : I Am Malala
Malala Yousafzai, the teenage girl shot by the Taliban for promoting girls education, is to tell her life story in a
book due out later this year.In a deal reportedly worth around $3 million. The book will be entitled I Am Malala.
COMMITTEES
Govt Appoints Mukul Mudgal Committee To Probe Wal-Mart Lobbying Activities
On 5 March The union government has appointed a one-man Inquiry Committee, headed by former Chief Justice of
Punjab & Haryana High Court Justice Mukul Mudgal, to inquire into reports on the US lobbying activities of Wal-
Mart for access to India market. The Committee has to submit its report within three months and it is being
provided administrative and functional support by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in its probe.
May 1 International Labour Day
May 3 World Press Freedom Day
May 3 International Energy Day
May 3 World Asthma Day
May 4 Anti Tobacco Day
May 4 World Athletics Day
May 8 World Red Cross Day
May 11 National Technology Day
May 13 National Solidarity Day
May 17 World Telecommunication Day
May 20 World Metrology Day
May 21 Anti Terrorism Day
May 24 Commonwealth Day
May 31 World No Tobacco Day
4/18/2014 Current Affairs february 2013 Study Material | FreeJobAlert.com
INTERNATIONAL
UK, Afghan, Pakistan Leaders Hold Talks in Britain
On 4 February The leaders of Britain, Afghanistan and Pakistan pushed for the Taliban to come to the table for
peace talks to end Afghanistans protracted conflict and gave themselves a six-month deadline to get a
deal.British Prime Minister David Cameron hosted Afghanistans President Hamid Karzai and Pakistans
President Asif Zardari for trilateral talks on Afghanistans floundering peace and reconciliation process.
UNICEF Syria Crisis Humanitarian Situation Report
On 8 February According to the UNICEF (United Nations Childrens Fund )Syria Crisis Humanitarian Situation
Report, The vaccination effort in collaboration with the Ministry of Health is well underway, with over 53,000
children receiving measles vaccinations, over 44,000 receiving vitamin A supplements, and over 10,000 polio
doses administered.
Pakistan to Renamed Sindh Province to Sind
On 12 February 2013, the Sindh Assembly approved a bill to rename the southern Pakistani province as Sind.The
assembly approved the Sindh Laws Amendment Bill of 2012, whereby the letter h will be removed from the name
of the province.
Russia Rejected U.S. Nuclear Warheads Proposals
On 14 February Russia rejected U.S. president Barack Obama proposals , which deployed nuclear warhead
delivery systems including bombers, missile launchers and nuclear submarines a cut of about 60%.In 2010
Russia and the United States signed on New START agreement.The New Start treaty limits each side to no
more than 800 deployed nuclear warhead delivery systems including bombers, missile launchers and nuclear
submarines a cut of about 50%.
Rafael Correa Re-elected for 3rd term as Ecuadors President
On 17 February Ecuadoreans president Rafael Correa has been re-elected for a third term with more than 50
percent of votes in his favour.As per the results, Rafael Correa got 56.7 percent while his closest competitor
Guillermo could secure only 23.3 percent.Correa is a socialist leader who was first elected in 2006 December and
he was sworn in on 15 January 2007 as the 56th president of Ecuador.Correa was re-elected to a second term in
2009.
Pakistan Hands Over Strategic Gwadar Port To China
On 18 February Pakistan and China signed an agreement to hand over control of the strategic Gwadar port on the
Arabian Sea to a Chinese company.Under the agreement for transfer of concession rights, the deep sea port will
remain the property of Pakistan while the Chinese company will share profits from its operation. China Overseas
Port Holdings Limited will fully assume responsibility for Gwadar port in Balochistan province.
Israels Netanyahu Announced Coalition Deal with Tzipi Livni
On 19 Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has announced a coalition deal with former Foreign Minister and the rival
centrist Hatnua Party Chairwomen Tzipi Livni, at Jerusalem. Under the deal agreement, Livni will serve as the new
Justice Minister and will oversee the peace efforts with the Palestinians.Tzipi Livni is an Israeli Politician and the
first women to be the leader of opposition in Israel. She is the leader of the new centrist party, Hatnuah. She
served Israel as its Foreign Minister from 2006 to 2009.
Russia and Brazil Signed on Defence Cooperation Agreements
On 20 February Russia and Brazil signed a Defence, Energy and Agricultural agreements .Brazil agreed to
negotiate the purchase of Russian anti-aircraft missile batteries on the condition that Russia transfer the
technology to Brazilian defense companies without restrictions.The agreements are signed by Russian Prime
Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff .
Nicos Anastasiades Elected as Cyprus New President
On 24 February the centre-right DISY (the Democratic Rally) party leader Nicos Anastasiades, has won the
presidential elections of Cyprus with 57.5 percent votes.Nicos Anastasiades had a very easy going victory over
Communist-backed Stavros Malas who secured 42.5 percent votes in the election.
Raul Castro re-elected for Second Term as Cubas President
On 25 February Raul Castro has been re-elected as Cubas president officially to his last five-year term.The
National Assembly of Peoples Power approved, in the capital Havana, Army General Raul Castro Ruz as
president of the Council of State, and elected Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, as its first vice president.Raul Castro
became interim president when his brother, revolution icon Fidel, took ill in 2006. He then formally became
president in 2008.
INDIA & WORLD
India-Malaysia Double Taxation Agreement in Force
On 2 February India and Malaysia signed on double-taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA). Dividends paid by
Indian companies to Malaysian investors or entities will attract a lower withholding tax of 5 percent against 10 per
cent earlier. The new agreement has also, in line with international practice, introduced a new article for taxing
capital gains from alienation of property.
India Failed To Curb Sexual Violence Against Women
According to the Human Rights Watch (HRW) World Report 2013 India has been accused of failure to curb
incidents of sexual violence against women and for restrictions on right to free speech, India has a thriving civil
society, free media, and an independent judiciary, the city-based rights group said in its assessment of rights
abuses in India.
Six Indian Institutes in Global 150 Top Think-Tanks
On 3 February Six Indian research institutes, including Centre for Civil Society (CCS), are among top 150 global
think tanks in the annual list released by the University of Pennsylvania for the year 2012.The list was topped by
Brookings Institution (United States) followed by Chatham House (United Kingdom) and Carnegie Endowment for
International Peace (United States).Other Indian think-tanks featured in the list are:- Institute for Defence Studies
and Analysis , Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations , The Energy and Resources
Institute , Observer Research Foundation and Development Alternatives.
India and Austria Signed a Social Security Agreement
On 5 February India and Austria signed a social security agreement at Vienna, under which the Indian
professionals working in Austria would be exempted from paying the social security contribution of the country, if
such payments are already made in India. Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and Austrian Minister for
Labour and Social Security, Rudoulf Hundstorfer signed on the agreement.
India Pledges $100m For Mali Reconstruction
On 5 February India pledges $100m for Mali reconstruction .India has committed to giving $1 million for the
upgrade of the Malian army with a pledge to ramp up contributions for reconstruction to $100 million after the
situation stabilizes.
India and China Tourists Triple Australian Visits
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics report , Chinese and Indian visitors, with tourist numbers from
those countries tripled in the past decade.630,000 visits from Chinese tourists in 2012 compared with 190,000 in
2002. Indian visits went from 45,000 to 160,000 in the same period.Despite a high Australian dollar, Australias
short-term visitor numbers were up by nearly five percent since 2011 with 6.1 million short trips made to Australia
270,000 more than in 2011.
Special Purpose Vehicle Formed for TAPI Pipeline Project
On 7 February The Union Cabinet gave its approval for formation of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the
Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Pipeline Project and to permit GAIL India Ltd. to join the SPV.
The four countries involved in the TAPI Gas pipeline project, signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement along with a
Gas Pipeline Framework Agreement (GPFA).Turkmenistan and Pakistan agreed to the formation of TAPl Ltd. The
1,680 km pipeline will carry 90 million metric standard cubic metres a day (mmscmd) of gas, and is scheduled to
become operational in 2018.
India and Japan to Strengthen Cooperation in Tourism Sector
India and Japan have resolved to strengthen cooperation in tourism sector. This was decided at a meeting
between the visiting Japanese Senior Vice-Minister of Tourism, Mr. Hiroshi Kajiyama and Union Tourism Minister
Shri K Chiranjeevi in New Delhi on 12 February 2013.
India and France Signed 22 Agreements
On 14 February France and India have signed on 22 agreements after French President Francois Hollandes
meetings with the Indian president and the prime minister in New Delhi.Both nations exchanged views on a
number of bi-lateral, regional and multilateral issues and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order
to facilitate technical cooperation in Railways to each other.Chairman, Railway Board, India and Chairman and
CEO SNCF from the French side signed this MoU.Both the nations also concluded negotiations on the short
range surface to Air missile to be co-produced in India. They also agreed on the need to reinvigorate economic
engagement between the two countries.
India and Bangladesh Signed Land Boundary Agreement
On 16 February India and Bangladesh held the second Joint Consultative Commission meeting in Dhaka .After the
meeting , both countries exchanged one strip map as part of the process of the implementation of the agreement
signed to resolve land boundary issues between them.In addition, two MOUs were also signed for the construction
of a rail link to connect Akhaura in Bangladesh to Agartala in India and for setting up a thinktank to be called
Bangladesh-India Foundation.The India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission is an interministerial body of
the two countries headed by the Minister of External Affairs of India and Foreign Minister of Bangladesh.
CBI probe Ordered into Rs 3700 crore Italian Chopper Deal Scam
In February 2010, India had inked the deal with Italain Finmeccanica to acquire the 12 three-engine AW-101
helicopters from AgustaWestland for IAFs elite Communication Squadron ,which ferries around the President, PM
and other VVIPs.The deal came under the scanner of Italian agencies after allegations of kickback given in India
surfaced.The agencies arrested Giuseppe Orsi, the head of Italian defence and aerospace giant Finmeccanica as
part of their probe related to international corruption.Around 50 million euros , about 10 per cent of the deal, were
alleged to have been given as bribes to ensure that the company won the contract.On February The Defence
Ministry has ordered CBI probe into alleged scam in a Rs 3600 crore defence helicopter deal after arrest of head
of Italian firm Finmeccanica on charges of bribery.
India and Britain Discussed on Nuclear Cooperation
On 19 February Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Britain Prime Minister David Cameron discussed on
regional and global issues ,which included key issues of nuclear energy cooperation, security, terrorism and trade
.The two sides have also decided to commence negotiations on a bilateral Civil Nuclear Agreement.Britain has
assured that it will extend all cooperation to any Indian probe into the multi-million-dollar helicopter scam which
involves Italian defense giant Finmeccanicas UK-based subsidiary AgustaWestland.David Cameron announced
that his country is going to introduce sameday visa service for Indian businessmen in a bid to accelerate the
bilateral trade between the two sides.
India won Kishanganga Case Against Pakistan
On 18 February the Court of Arbitration at the Hague allowed India to go ahead with the Construction of the
Kishanganga hydroelectric project in Gurez valley near Bandipura in North Kashmir, the court rejected the plea of
Pakistan that the construction was a violation of 1960 Indus Water Treaty.The Court of Arbitration, chaired by
Stephen M. Schwebel in its orders stated that India can move ahead with the diversion of water plans of
Kishanganga that is a tributary of Jhelum, for generation of hydro-electric power. But it restrained India from
adoption of the drawdown technique of flushing for clearing the sedimentation of the run-of-the river project that had
been designed and asked it to adopt a different technique for generation of 330 MW power facilities.
NATIONAL
President Gave Assent to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013
On 3 February President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013
which provides for, amongst other things, stricter punishment for crimes against women. The Ordinance was to be
largely based on the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee.However, the Ordinance will have to be
passed by Parliament within six months otherwise the same shall lapse.
All Juvenile Crimes 64% by 16-18 yr Old Age Group
On 4 February According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that most juvenile crimes are
committed by those in the age group of 16-18 years.In 2011 the growth in rape by juveniles (34%) over 2010 was
again among the highest.In 2011, 64% of all juvenile criminals fall in the age group of 16-18. In 2011, 33,887
juveniles were arrested for 25,178 instances of crime.All together make for over 50% of all rape cases by juveniles.
Aero India 2013 Held in Bangalore
The Asias biggest airshow Aero India 2013, a biennial air show and aviation exhibition held from 6 10th
February at the Yelehanka Air Force Station in Bangalore .In the event displays magnificent aerobatic skills and
belongings that created a chance of winning potential business tieups and networking. Defence Minister of India,
A K Antony inaugurated the Air Show on 6 February .In the event 53 civil and military aircraft and 27 countries
participated and 78 delegations attended from US, Israel and Russia.The first Edition of the show was organised
for the first time in 1996.The next Aero India show is scheduled to be held from 18 February to 22 February 2015
at Bangalore.
Cabinet Approved Rs.38500 cr Rural Road Development Plan
On 7 February The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 38,500 crore rupees for road connectivity under the Prime
Ministers Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).The schemes approved were mainly for connectivity to villages in tribal
areas, desert and hilly areas, with a population of at least 250 each.In 82 areas hit by Naxalite violence, villages
with less than 250 people are also to be connected under the scheme.
Parliament Attack Case Convict Afzal Guru Hanged
On 9 February in a top secret operation , the 2001 Parliament attack case convict Mohammed Afzal Guru was
hanged in Delhis Tihar jail.Afzal Guru was given the death sentence by the Supreme Court in 2004.The President
rejected the Afzal Gurus mercy petition on 23 January 2013.The code name of the secret operation was
Operation Three Star .
Centre Notified Cauvery Dispute Tribunal Award
After six years,on the directions of the Supreme Court, the Central Government of India has notified the final award
of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) on sharing the waters of the Cauvery system among the basin
States of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala and Union territory of Puducherry on 20 February.The Tribunal,
comprising chairman Justice N.P. Singh and members N.S. Rao and Sudhir Narain, in a unanimous award in
February, 2007 had determined the total availability of water in the Cauvery basin at 740 thousand million cubic
(TMC) feet at the Lower Coleroon Anicut site.In, what was then described as a balancing act, the Tribunal gave
Tamil Nadu 419 TMC of water (as against the demand of 562 TMC); Karnataka 270 TMC (as against its demand of
465 TMC); Kerala 30 TMC and Puducherry 7 TMC.After the issuance of the notification, institutions like the
Cauvery River Authority (CRA) chaired by the Prime Minister and the CMC will cease to exist.
STATES
Sonia Gandhi Launched Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram Scheme
On 6 February Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi launched Rashtriya Bal Swasthya
Karyakram (RBSK), a new children health care project initiative in Palghar, a tribal block in Thane district of
Maharashtra.The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, is a part of the National Rural Health Mission of the Union
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The scheme is aimed at improving overall quality of life of children through
early detection of birth defects, diseases and deficiencies, which are among key factors for child mortality.
Maharashtra Promulgates Ordinance To Amend Cooperative Societies Act
On 15 February the Maharashtra Government promulgated an ordinance to amend the Maharashtra Co-operative
Societies Act, which aims to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control and
professional management of co-operative societies.The ordinance is to amend the Act to make it in consonance
with the 97th constitutional amendment by Parliament last year.
Indias First Geothermal Plant in Chhattisgarh
On 17 February Chhattisgarh has signed an agreement with the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to
set up the countrys first geothermal power plant in its newlyformed Balrampur district.A memorandum of
understanding (MoU) for the project was signed between the NTPC and the Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy
Development Agency (CREDA). The plant will come up at Tata Pani in Balrampur, a district located in extreme
northern region of the state.
Rajasthan Constituted a Task Force to Check the Spread of Swine Flu in State
On 19 February the State Government of Rajasthan decided to constitute a task force to control Swine Flu
effectively. Chief Secretary of the State, CK Matthew was appointed as the head of the task force constituted.The
state had witnessed 148 cases of death and 834 positive cases since April 2012. A central team that constitutes
of five doctors and microbiologist is on the state visit and would pay a visit to Jodhpur, Ajmer and Bikaner, areas
worst affected from the disease.
Cabinet Approved NTPC Power Project in Jharkhand
On 20 February the Cabinet Committee on Investment (CCI) approved the setting up of the 1,980 MW North
Karanpura Super Thermal Power Plant in Jharkhand by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).The
Cabinet committee of investment also agreed for restoring the original coal linkage for the project and declared
that the project will be based on environment friendly super-critical technology. This supply will be made available
in the 13th Five Year Plan.
Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland Assembly Elections Results
Northeastern states of Tripura ,Meghalaya and Nagaland Assembly election was released on 28 February .The
Assembly elections in the three states, having 60 seats each, were held February 14 and February 23.In Tripura
the CPI-M on its own won 49 seats out of the total 60 seats and stormed back to power in Tripura for the fifth
straight term.Chief Minister Manik Sarkar won from Dhanpur by a margin of around 5,000 votes. It was Sarkars
sixth win.Meghalaya The Indian National Congress here has won 29 seats in the election to the 60-member
Meghalaya Assembly with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, winning with huge margins.Nagaland Ruling Naga
Peoples Front combine returned to power with an absolute majority in Nagaland winning 39 seats in the 60-
member Assembly.The ruling NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) alliance will form government for a
third consecutive term.Congress managed to win eight seats. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio won from
Northern Angami II seat by defeating his nearest Congress rival Kevise Sogotsu of Congress by 12,671 votes.
Desalination Plant in Tamil Nadu Commissioned
On 22 February J. Jayalalithaa, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu inaugurated a desalination plant at Nemmeli in
Kanchipuram district of the state.The plant which will benefit over 15 lakh residents in Velachery, Pallipattu and
Tiruvanmiyur areas of south Chennai has been set up with an investment of Rs 871 crore. About 265 million ltrs of
water will be drawn from the sea to realise 100 million ltrs per day of drinking water through the plant spread over
40 acre.
CONFERENCES
13th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS)
The 13th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) concluded on 2 February at NewDelhi.The theme of the
summit is The Global Challenge of Resource Efficient Growth and Development.Among from 30 countries Heads
of Governments , research institutions, policy-makers, NGOs and corporates attended the summit.The Summit
organized annually since 2001 by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), is an international platform for
exchange of knowledge on all nuances of sustainable development.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Malala Yousafzai nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
Malala Yousafzai, who was shoot by the Talibans against the girl education was nominated for this years Nobel
Peace Prize, as the deadline expired on 01 February 2013. French, Canadian and Norwegian MPs have all
separately nominated Malala.This years award will be announced in early October, but speculation was already
underway as the deadline for nominations ran out on 1 February .
L. N. Tallur won Skoda Art Prize 2012
On 1 February Karnataka artist L. N. Tallur, whose works depict majorly the underbelly of India, has won the Rs 1
million Skoda Prize 2012 for contemporary art, from among a shortlist of four artists including an artist collective.
13th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) Awards
Sustainable Development Leadership Award :- The Seychelles President, Mr James Michel has been awarded the
Sustainable Development Leadership Award at the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit . Georgescu roegen
Award : The award is Kozo Mayumi (Professor at Faculty of Integrated Arts and Sciences, The University of
Tokushima). The co-winners of the Georgescu-Roegen Award (bioeconomic practice) are Accion Ecologica and
Oilwatch.
South Sudan Bishop Taban won UN Peace Award
On 9 February A South Sudans Bishop Emeritus Paride Taban has won a coveted 2013 UN peace prize ( Sergio
Viera de Mello Prize ) in recognition of his efforts to build trust among warring communities in the conflict-torn
region.Vieira de Mello, the UNs former human rights chief, was killed in a bombing in Iraq in 2003. The annual
prize in his honour is awarded to a person, community or institution that has made an exceptional contribution to
reconciliation of communities or groups in conflict, and whose example can be duplicated elsewhere.
Pandit Ravi Shankar honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Grammy award
Sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Grammy award, which was jointly
accepted by his daughters Anoushka Shankar and Norah Jones on 9 February 2013.He was posthumously
awarded the best world music album trophy at the 55th Grammys, a day after being honoured with a Lifetime
Achievement award by The Recording Academy.He got 55 Grammy award for his album The Living Room
Sessions Part 1 .
National e-Governance award for Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh had been conferred upon the prestigious National e-Governance Gold Award for 2012-13, for its
Sparsh Abhiyan aimed towards the disabled and the aged.
Amartya Sen honoured with Frances highest civilian award
The French president Mr Francois Hollande honoured the Amartya Sen with the Frances highest civilian award,
Commandeur de la Legion dHonneur (Legion of Honour) after delivering the Madhavrao Scindia Memorial Lecture
in New Delhi on 15 February 2013.The prestigious honour is the reason for his enormous contribution to the field
of economics and for his exchanges with French academic institutions would also be recognised.
Paul Hansen Won 2012 World Press Photo Award
On 15 February Swedish photographer Paul Hansen has won the 2012 World Press Photo award with a picture
of two Palestinian children killed in an Israeli missile strike being carried to their funeral.The picture shows a group
of men marching the dead bodies through a narrow street in Gaza City.World Press Photo, one of
photojournalisms most prestigious contests, issued awards in nine categories to 54 photographers of 32
nationalities.
63rd Berlin Film Festival Awards
The awarding ceremony of the 63rd Berlinale ended on 16 February in Berlin.Romanian film Childs Pose won the
Golden Bear, the top jury prize awarded to the best film in the Berlin International Film Festival.
Best Film :- Childs Pose ( Romania )
Best Actor :- Nazif Mujic in Life of an Iron Picker (Bosnia/France/Slovenia)
Best Actress :- Paulina Garcia in Gloria (Chile/Spain)
Best Director :- David Gordon Green for Prince Avalanche (US)
Best ScreenPlay :- Jafar Panahi for Parde (Closed Curtain) Iran.
Ela Bhatt honoured with Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
Ela Bhatt, founder of the Self Employed Womens Association (SEWA), was presented with the Indira Gandhi
Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for the year 2011 by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee at
Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on 18 February 2013.Ela Bhatt was honoured for her life time achievements in
empowering women, promoting grassroot level entrepreneurship and for her contribution towards promoting
equitable development and peace.
Ratan Tata receives E&Y lifetime award
Former Tata Group head Ratan Tata is this years recipient of the life time achievement award instituted by Ernst
& Young, for asserting a greater role for Indian entrepreneurs on the global business landscape.The entrepreneur
of the year (2012) award went to Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej.The entrepreneur of the year is the only
business award to be based on self-nomination.
Oscars Awards-2013
85th Oscar awards presentation ceremony held in Los Angels on 25 February 2013.In this ceremoney Life of Pi
cinema got a 4 Oscar awards.
Best Picture: Argo
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln)
Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook)
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained)
Best Supporting Actress:Anne Hathaway (Les Misrables)
Best Directing: Ang Lee(Life of Pi)
Best Adapted Screenplay:Chris Terrio( Argo)
Best Original Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino (Django Unchained)
Best Documentary Feature: Searching for Sugar Man
Best Original Song:Skyfall from Skyfall, music and lyrics by Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth
Best Original Score: Life of Pi
Best Animated Feature: Brave
Best Cinematography:Life of Pi
Best Costume Design: Anna Karenina
Best Documentary Short Subject:Inocente
Best Film Editing:Argo
Best Foreign Language Film:Amour (Austria)
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Les Misrables
Best Production Design:Lincoln
Best Short Film (Animated): Paperman
Best Short Film (Live Action): Curfew
Best Sound Editing: Skyfall (TIE), Zero Dark Thirty (TIE),
Best Sound Mixing: Les Misrables
Best Visual Effects: Life of Pi
SPORTS & GAMES
Leander Paes, Jaideep Mukherjee Received Davis Cup Commitment Award
On 2 February Indian tennis legends Leander Paes and Jaideep Mukherjee were felicitated by the All India Tennis
Association (AITA) at the RK Khanna Tennis Stadium , when they were presented with the Davis Cup
Commitment Trophy.Mukherjee made his Davis Cup debut in 1960 against Thailand and had a 62-35 win-loss
record while Paes is currently playing his 49th Davis Cup tie here against South Korea.
Graeme Smith Captains his 100th Test
On 4 February South African test cricket team captain Graeme Smith has created a unique record by leading the
side in 100th test.As the South African captain Graeme Smith stepped on the field against Pakistan, he became
the only captain in the world to have led the team in 100 test matches.Earlier, the record for captaining in most
number of test matches was held by former Australian skipper Allan Border. Allan Border led the Australian test
cricket team in 93 test matches. Sourav Ganguly holds the record of captaining Indian test team in most number
of test matches. Sourav played as skipper in 49 test matches. Now, Graeme Smith is the only cricketer to play
as captain in 100 test matches.
India Won Record 46 Medals in Special Olympics
On 6 February Indias differently-abled athletes returned with the largest haul of medals in the 2013 Special
Olympics World Winter Games at Pyeong Chang, South Korea.The Indians won 46 medals 13 gold, 17 silver
and 16 bronze from among mentally-challenged 2200 athletes from over 120 nations in the Games .India
doubled its medal tally from the World Winter Games 2009.The Games are being competed in eight sports .
Sachin Equaled Sunil Gavaskars First Class Cricket Record
On 8 February Sachin Tendulkar equaled the record of Sunil Gavaskar of 81 first class hundreds in first class
cricket at Mumbai. He managed to equal Gavaskars record after scoring an unbeaten 140 runs in Irani Trophy
against Rest of India in the first innings of the tournament of Mumbai team.When he reached 106, Tendulkar also
completed 25,000 runs in first class cricket.
Wrestling Dropped From 2020 Olympic Games List
On 12 February the International Olympic Committee (IOC) leaders dropped wrestling from the 2020 Olympic
Games.Wrestling will be included at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.The IOC board acted after reviewing the
26 sports on the current Olympic program. Eliminating one sport allows the IOC to add a new sport to the
program later this year.Wrestling will now join seven other sports in applying for inclusion in 2020. The others are
a combined bid from baseball and softball, karate, squash, roller sports, sport climbing, wakeboarding and wushu.
They will be vying for a single opening in 2020.The last sports removed from the Olympics were baseball and
softball, voted out by the IOC in 2005 and off the program since the 2008 Beijing Games. Golf and Rugby will be
joining the program at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Victoria Azarenka won Qatar Open Tennis Title
On 18 February Defending champion Victoria Azarenka from Belarus defeated Serena Williams (America) to won
the Qatar Open tennis title in the final at Doha.
Sania Mirza won Dubai Tennis Championship Title
On 23 February Indias Sania Mirza and her American partner Bethanie-Mattek Sands won the Dubai Tennis
Championship title. The Indo-American duo defeated the second seeded Russian-Slovenian combination of Nadia
Petrova and Katarina Srebotnik. Sania bagged her second Doubles title of the season.
ECONOMY
BHEL and GAIL Granted Maharatna Status
On 1 February The Union Government of India granted Maharatna status to BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd )
and GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited), a development which will provide them greater financial and functional
autonomy and also ensure better valuation for shares of the two public sector undertakings.Ideally any Maharatna
firm has a capacity to take investment decision of around 5000 crore Rupees without taking assistance from the
government. On the other hand, forms with Navratna status have the capability of 1000 crore Rupees.For any
company to qualify for Maharatna status, the annual turnover should be over 25000 crore Rupees in past three
years, as per the guidelines issued by Department of Public Enterprises.
Per capita Monthly Income Growth Eases to 14% in 2011-12
On 1 February According to the the revised data of national accounts the per capita monthly income, a measure
to assess standard of living, grew at a slower rate of 13.7 per cent to Rs 5,130 in 2011-12 at current prices
compared to Rs 4,513 in 2010-11.On the Gross Domestic Saving (GDS) front, the data revealed that the growth at
current prices in 2011-12 slowed to 30.8 per cent of GDP at market prices against 34 per cent in the previous
year.The gross domestic capital formation has increased from Rs 28,71,649 crore in 2010-11 to Rs 31,41,465
crore in 2011- 12 at current prices.It further revealed that the per capita private final consumption expenditure
(PFCE) at current prices in 2011-12 is estimated at Rs 42,065 as against Rs 36,677 in the year 2010-11, showing
an increase of 14.7 per cent against an increase of 15.7 per cent in the previous year.
Argentina Censured by the IMF for Economic Data
On 3 February The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has censured Argentina for the quality of its official inflation
and GDP data.Inflation in Argentina is estimated by private economists to be at 25% a year and rising but the
government reported it at 11% or less for last year.Argentina became the first country to be censured by the
International Monetary Fund for not providing accurate data on inflation and economic growth under a procedure
that can end in expulsion.
Mumbai Is Worlds Cheapest City
Mumbai shares the title of the worlds cheapest city with Karachi, in Pakistan, according to the Worldwide Cost
of Living 2013 survey by the Economist Groups Economic Intelligence Unit.After Mumbai and Pakistan comes
Delhi ,Algiers, Bucharest, Colombo and Panama City.According to the report, the five most expensive cities in the
world are Tokyo and Osaka in Japan, Sydney, Oslo and Melbourne.
Railway Budget 2013-14
On 26 February Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal presented the 2013-14 Railway Budget in the Loksabha .
Railway Budget 2013-14 Highlights :-
2013-14 Railway Budget Estimates Rs.42,210 crores
Highest ever plan outlay of Rs.63,363 crores in 2013-14
Good Earnings Rs.93,554 crores
Good Traffic Receipts Rs.1,43,742 crores
Total Revenue Receipts Rs.1,46,626 crores
Ordinary Working Expenses Rs.96,500 crores
Operating Ratio to be 87.8%. -
A new Forged Wheel Factory at Rae Bareli, Coach Manufacturing Unit in Sonepat District (Haryana) ,Midlife
Rehabilitation Workshop at Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), new wagon maintenance workshop in Kalahandi (Odisha).
Highest ever plan outlay of Rs.63,363 crores
5.2 per cent growth in passenger traffic expected in 2013-14
Freight loading of 1047 MT, 40 MT more than 2012-13.
67 new Express trains to be introduced.26 new passenger services, 8 DEMU services and 5 MEMU services to
be introduced. Run of 57 trains to be extended. Frequency of 24 trains to be increased.22 new rail lines to be
taken up in 2013-14
Proposal for setting up of Railway Tariff Regulatory Authority formulated and at inter-ministerial consultation stage.
Fuel Adjustment Component (FAC) linked revision for freight tariff to be implemented from 1st April 2013.
72 additional suburban services in Mumbai and 18 in Kolkata
An independent Rail Tariff Authority has been formalised
ndian Railways Institute of Financial Management to be set up at Secunderabad
Recruitment to RPF with 10% vacancies reserved for women.Seek to fill 1.52 lakh vacancies in railways this year.
47000 vacancies for weaker sections and physically challenged to be filled up soon
By end of 2013-14, 1,500 km of contracts to be awarded for two dedicated rail corridors Economic Survey of
contracts to be awarded for two dedicated rail corridors.
Union Budget 2013-14
On 28 February Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram Presented the Rs.16,65 279 Crore(Planed Expenditure
Rs. 5,55,322 crore , Non Planed Expenditure Rs 11,09,975 crore) Union budget in the Lok Sabha for the financial
year 2013-14.This is the 82nd Budget for India and 8th Budget for the Finance Minister P Chidambaram.In the
past, former Prime Minister Morarji Desai presented the Union Budget 8 times as Finance Minister. The Highlights
of Union Budget 2013-14: Total budget expenditure seen at 16.65 trillion rupees in 2013-14.
on-plan expenditure estimated at about 11.1 trillion rupees in 2013-14.
Indias 2013-14 plan expenditure seen at 5.55 trillion rupees
Revised estimate for total expenditure is 14.3 trillion rupees in 2012-13, which is 96 point of budget estimate
Expect 133 billion rupees through direct tax proposals in 2013-14
Expect 47 billion rupees through indirect tax proposals in 2013-14
Target 558.14 billion rupees from stake sales in state-run firms in 2013-14
Expect revenue of 408.5 bln rupees from airwave surcharges, auction of telecom spectrum, licence fees in 2013-
14
But will give some tax relief of Rs. 2000 for every person who has an annual income of up to Rs. 5 lakh
RBI expected GDP growth of 5.5% for Financial Year 2013-14
Rs.1000-crore Nirbhaya Fund announced for the empowerment of women
Rs.6,000 crore to be allocated for rural housing fund
Defence allocation increased to Rs. 2.03 lakh crore
Rs. 6,275 crore to ministry of science and technology, Rs. 5,880 crore to Department of Atomic Energy
Rs.27,049 crore allocation to the Agriculture Ministry
Rs. 37,330 crore allocated for Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Rs.110 crore to be allocated to the department of disability affairs
Rs.37,330 crore allocated for Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Rs.14000 crore will be provided for PSB recapitalization. He will constitute a panel on transaction costs, and
financial policies.
Rs.6,5867 crore for Education , an increase of 17 percent over RE for 2012- 13.
Rs 6275 crore to Ministry of Technology
Rs.2 trillion for defence sector
Rs.15,260 crore to be allocated to Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
Rs.14,873 crore for JNNURM for urban transportation
Rs.80,194 crore allocation for Ministry of Rural Development
Rs.33,000 crore for MGNREGA
Rs.37,330 crore allocated for Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Rs.13215 crore for mid-day meal programme
Rs.41,561 crore for SC plan and Rs 24,598 crore for tribal plan.
3511 crore allocation to minorities which is 12 per cent hike over budget estimates, 110 crore rupees allotted for
welfare of disabled.
65867 crore rupees have been allocated to the Ministry of Human resources development which is 17 per cent
hike over the revised estimates.
A surcharge of 10 percent on persons (other than companies) whose taxable income exceeds Rs.1 crore have
been levied.
Relief of Rs. 2000 for the tax payers in the first bracket of 2 to 5 lakhs.
Iran launches new fighter jet
Iran had unveiled a new home-made combat aircraft on 02 February 2013.Iran announced that this is the most
Sophisticated aircraft in the world.The name of this aircraft was Qaher F313 (Dominant F313).Qaher F313 was
designed using the Advanced Electro-Aviation System.
Worlds Largest Prime Number Discovered with 17,425,170 digits
Researchers from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg discovered the largest prime number of the
world, Contains 17 Million Digits. This is the 48th Mersenne prime found so far. However there are certain rare
kinds of prime numbers called Mersenne primes which have the form 2 multiplied by itself p times minus 1, where
p denotes a prime number. The new largest prime is 2 multiplied by itself 57885161 times minus 1.
First Complete Bionic Man Unveiled in U.K
On 7 February The worlds first complete Bionic Man named Rex was unveiled at Londons Science Museum.
The bionic man was created using 1 million US dollar limbs as well as organs.Rex has a human face with brown
eyes and a height of 6.5 feet. It was designed jointly with assistance from 18 universities and companies.
Rudra Inducted into the Army
On 8 February The first indigenously built Weapon System Integrated Advanced Light Helicopter, Rudra was
handed over to the Indian Army by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) .Rudra is the Mk-IV variant of the
Advanced Light Helicopter designed and manufactured by HAL. The helicopter is fitted with weapons, targeting
systems, warning and counter-measure systems and survivability features.This is the first of the 60 armed
helicopters provided to the army by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) after the Defence Ministry handed
over the control of all attack helicopters to the land force.
Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajratan Commissioned
On 11 February Indian Coast Guard ship Rajratan , the fifth in a series of eight Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs),
was commissioned by Indian Coast Guard.The vessel has been indigenously built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders
and Engineers, Kolkata.The 50m long IPV can achieve a maximum speed of 34 knots, with an endurance of 1,500
nautical miles at an economical speed of 16 knots.
North Korea conducted third nuclear test
On 12 February 2013,North Korea successfully conducted a third underground nuclear test with the violation of
United Nations sanctions.In the past North Korea two times conducted nuclear tests but this is most powerful
than those tests.North Korea announced that,a miniaturised nuclear device had been detonated successfully at
the test site.The test was reported to have taken place at a test site in the North Hamgyeong province, where the
Punggye-ri nuclear complex that conducted tests in 2006 and 2009 is located.
Asteroid 2012 DA14 Passed Very Near To Earth
The small Asteroid named 2012 DA14 with an estimated diameter of 50 meters (160 ft) and an estimated mass
of 190,000 metric tons passed within about 3.5 Earth radii of the Earths surface on February 15.During its 2013
close passage, the asteroid passed 27,700 km (17,200 mi) from the surface of Earth. Scientists at NASA
estimated that an asteroid the size of 2012 DA14 flies this close to Earth about once every 40 years. A 2012
DA14-size asteroid impacts Earth once every 1,200 years, on average.
PSLV-C20 Successfully Launched SARAL and 6 Other Satellites
On 25 February ISROs Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dawan Space centre at SPSR
Nellore in Sriharikota , launched the Indo-French satellite SARAL along with six commercial payloads from
Austria, Britain, Canada and Denmark into a 785-km polar sunsynchronous orbit.It was the 23rd mission of PSLV,
which has an impeccable record of 21 consecutive successful flights.
About SARAL:- The Saral mission results from the common interest of both ISRO and CNES in studying the
ocean from space. For instance, it can provide information on seasonal forecasting, study on animal migration,
locating buoys and fishing vessels, collecting environmental data such as ocean temperature profiles and
currents.
Besides Saral, the PSLV-C20 has put into orbit two micro-satellites UniBRITE and BRITE (both from Austria),
AAUSAT3 from Denmark and STRaND from UK. It also carried one micro-satellite (NEOSSat) and one mini-
satellite (SAPPHIRE) from Canada.With a lift-off mass of 407 kg, Saral is the 56th satellite to be launched by
PSLV.The six commercial payloads from abroad together have a lift-off mass of 259.5 km.PSLV-C20 is the ninth
PSLV in core alone configuration (without solid strap-on motors).
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Mo Yan and Jackie Chan Selected As Members of Chinese Parliament
On 3 February Mo Yan, the winner of Nobel Prize for literature, 2012 and Jackie Chan, the movie star were given a
political role in China by being selected as members of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference,
one of the houses of Chinese parliament.
Prachanda elected as Maoist president of ruling UCPN-Maoist party
Prachanda, the powerful Maoist leader who became prime minister after toppling the 239-year-old monarchy in
Nepal, was elected as the president of the ruling UCPNMaoist party on 08 February 2013.58-yearold Prachanda,
whose real name is Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
Indian American Subra Suresh Appointed as President of Carnegie Mellon
On 9 February US President Obamas top science official and Indian American Padma Shri awardee Dr Subra
Suresh has been appointed as the new president of Carnegie Mellon University. He will succeed Dr. Jared L.
Cohon, who led the university to unprecedented growth during his 16-year tenure. Dr Suresh will assume office on
July 1 after Dr Cohon would step down on June 30, this year.
Ratan Tata Elected To National Academy of Engineering
On 9 February Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of the Tata Group, has been elected as a member of the
prestigious National Academy of Engineering of the US along with 10 new foreign members.This is the highest
professional distinction accorded to an engineer in the US.Ratan Tata has been selected for his outstanding
contributions to industrial development in India and the world.
B)RESIGNS
D.C.Chief Financial Officer Natwar Gandhi To Resign
Indian American, Natwar M. Gandhi, Chief Financial officer (CFO) of Washington DC ,announced his resignation
on 1 February.He will resign on 1 June 2013.Gandhi has held the office since 2000 and was appointed to a new,
five-year term last year.
Solicitor-General Rohinton Nariman resigns
Solicitor-General of India Rohinton Nariman resigned 04 February 2013.Mr. Nariman was appointed as the second
most senior law official of the country on July 23, 2011 following the resignation of Gopal Subramanium on July
14, 2011.
Obamas Top Science Official Suresh Resigned
On 6 February US President Barack Obamas top science official and Padma Shri awardee Subra Suresh has
resigned from his current position to join the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University as its chief.As director of
National Science Foundation (NSF) since 2010, Suresh was responsible for driving scientific research of the
country.Suresh has co-authored more than 240 journal articles, registered 21 patents and written three widely
used materials science books.
Nagaland Home Minister resigns
Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L. Imchen was resigned from the ruling Naga Peoples Front (NPF) government
on 19 February 2013.Mr. Imchen put in his papers after the Election Commission authorities seized cash
amounting to more than Rs.1 crore and weapons from his vehicle on 18 February by troopers of Assam Rifles at
Sathupang area in Wokha district.
Pope Benedict XVI Resigned
On 28 February Pope Benedict XVI a position in which he serves dual roles as Sovereign of the Vatican City State
and leader of the Catholic Church resigned his post.Pope Benedict XVIs birth name is Joseph Aloisius
Ratzinger.Benedict XVI was elected on 19 April 2005 in a papal conclave, celebrated his Papal Inauguration Mass
on 24 April 2005, and took possession of his cathedral, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, on 7 May 2005. A
native of Bavaria, he has both German and Vatican citizenship.
C)DEATHS
Former Puducherry CM Shanmugam passes away
Former Chief Minister of Puducherry P. Shanmugam passed away at the Karaikal Government Hospital on 02
February 2013.A bachelor, Shanmugam was the chief minister of Puducherry from March 22, 2000 to Oct 27,
2001 and represented the union territory in the Lok Sabha between 1980-1991.
Chinas Table Tennis Legend Zhuang Zedong Died
On 10 February the chinas table tennis legend , Zhuang Zedong died in Beijing .Zhuang Zedong is a three-time
world table tennis champion.Zhuang Zedong remained a crucial figure in ping-pong diplomacy of 1971 and is
popularly also called the Architect of Ping-Pong Diplomacy. Pingpong diplomacy means exchange of the table
tennis (ping-pong) players between China and US
American Philosopher and Legal Scholar Dworkin Died
Ronald Dworkin a renowned American philosopher and a Constitutional Law expert died on 14 February at London
.He wrote books named A Matter of Principle, Laws Empire and Justice for Hedgehogs.
Radhakishan Malviya former Union Minister died
Former Union Minister and senior Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Radhakishan Malviya died on 19 February
2013 in Indore.Malviya was elected MLA from Sanver in Indore district in 1972. A three-time Rajya Sabha MP, he
was Labour Minister in the Rajiv Gandhi government in mid-1980s. Malviya was Madhya Pradesh Congress
Committee president during 1998-2003 when Digvijay Singh was the chief minister.
D)VISITORS
Bhutan Prime Minister Jigmi Y. Thinley Visited India
Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigmi Y Thinley visited India from 7 9 February.During his three-days visit he met
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at NewDelhi and discussed on developmental issues of his country with the
Indian leadership, and sought financial assistance for the 11th five year plan of his country.
Frances President Francois Hollande Visited India
Frances President Francois Hollande Visited India from 14th and 15th February.During the 2 day visit he met
manmohan singh at NewDelhi and discussed the sale of Rafale fighter jets , bilateral issues , after signed the both
nations on several agreements .
Britains PM David Cameron Visited India
David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland , visited India from 18
20 February.During the visit on 18 February he attended India Britain delegations meeting in Mumbai .On 19
February Cameron met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi and discussed bilateral and global
issues.The British Prime Minister last visited India in July 2010.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Three Year Old Girl Joins Mensa After Taking IQ Test in Russian
A brainy 3 year old girl Clever Alice Amos has been unveiled as the youngest new member of Mensa with a higher
IQ than Stephen Hawking.Amos has been granted full membership of the brain box society after scoring an
incredible 162 on an IQ test she took in Russian.Her IQ of 162 ranks her higher than a list of the worlds
greatest luminaries dead and living.Former US presidents Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin and Bill Clinton
could only muster 128, 160 and 137 respectively.
Mohamed Nasheed Took Refuge In Indian High Commission
On 13 February the former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed took refuge in the Indian High Commission in
Capital Male to evade arrest, a year after he was toppled.He turned up at the single-storey Indian mission around
noon to evade arrest warrant issued by a court in a case concerning the detention of Chief Judge of the Criminal
Court during his Presidency in January last year.The Indian government has permitted him to stay in Mission.
Queen Elizabeth II named Britains Most Powerful
According to the BBC power list of Britains most influential women, Queen Elizabeth II has been named the most
powerful woman in Britain, while two Indian-origin women also found a place in the list of UKs 100 most powerful
women. Two Indian-origin women who featured among the 100 most powerful British women were Kolkata-born
Pinki Lilani, founder of the Asian Women of Achievement Awards in the UK, and human rights champion and
director of Liberty Shami Chakrabarti.
Worlds oldest woman is Misao Ookawa
Misao Ookawa,the oldest woman in the world receives a Guinness World Records certificate in Osaka, Japan,on
27 February 2013.She will ready to celebrate its 115th birth anniversary on 5 March 2013. The oldest man in the
world,Jiroemon Kimura(115) also belongs to Japan.
PLACES IN NEWS
Strong 6.6 Magnitude Quake Hits Solomon Islands
On 6 February a strong 6.6-magnitude tremor struck the Solomon Islands , the latest in a series of aftershocks
from a powerful earthquake that triggered a tsunami The quake hit 36 kilometres south-southwest of Lata, the
main town on the remote island of Ndende.At least six people were confirmed dead and some 3,000 left homeless
but the national disaster management office has been struggling to get a clear picture of the scale of destruction
on the island, more than 600 kilometres from the capital Honiara.The Solomons are part of the Ring of Fire, a
zone of tectonic activity around the Pacific that is subject to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Snow Storm Nemo Hits US and Canada
On 8 February Seven people have been killed in the United States and Canada as the massive blizzard Winter
Storm Nemo dumped nearly two feet of snow in New England and knocked out power to more than a half a million
homes.Throughout the Northeast, more than 600,000 homes and businesses lost electricity. Airlines cancelled
more than 5,300 flights today, and New York Citys three major airports and Bostons Logan Airport closed.
Huge Meteorite Hits The Russia
On 15 February A huge meteor hits the Russia, injuring more than 1000 people, many hurt by broken glass, and
causing explosions.Fragments of the meteor fell in a thinly populated area of the Chelyabinsk region.The
meteorite, which weighed about 10 metric tons and may have been made of iron, entered Earths atmosphere and
broke apart 30-50 km (19-31 miles) above ground.The meteorite explosion, a very rare spectacle, also unleashed
a sonic boom.The energy released when it entered the Earths atmosphere was equivalent to a few kilotonnes, the
power of a small atomic weapon exploding.
ABBREVIATIONS
DSDS Delhi Sustainable Development Summit
BHEL Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd
GAIL Gas Authority of India Limited
TERI The Energy and Resources Institute
EIU Economist Intelligence Unit
NSF National Science Foundation
TAPI TurkmenistanAfghanistanPakistanIndia
POTA Prevention of Terrorism Act
IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency
CAIR Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
CITU Centre of Indian Trade Unions
FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation
HDI Human Development Index
UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
WIPO World Intellectual Property Organisation
BOOKS IN NEWS
Khushwantnama: The Lessons of My Life Book Released
On 2 February The indomitable Khushwant Singh has released a new book named Khushwantnama: The
Lessons of My Life on his 98th birthday in which he writes about his life, lessons it has taught him, politics,
future of India and what religion means to him.The book, published by Penguin Books India, is dedicated to Kaur
who is a close friend of the author.Khushwant Singh was a Member of Parliament from 1980 to 1986. He was
awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1974 but returned the decoration in 1984 in protest against the storming of the
Golden Temple in Amritsar by the Indian Army. In 2007, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Germany Book Released
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose new book named Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Germany released on 6
February.The First copy of the book by Professor Anita B. Pfaff was given to the President of India Pranab
Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan at NewDelhi. The book was brought out by the Federation of Indo-German
Societies in India.The book is a collection of the records shared by Professor Anita Pfaff as well as other known
biographers and writers.The book portrayed some interesting facets of the life of Netaji and his extraordinary
contribution to Indias freedom struggle.
COMMITTEES
Padmanabhan Committee To Help Boost Bank Finance For Exports
On 3 February The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) constituted a technical advisory committee to iron out existing
issues and boost bank finance for exports.The committee will be headed by RBI Executive Director G
Padmanabhan.The committee look into the issues related to exporters, we have decided to constitute a technical
working group which will also look non-cost issues like transaction costs, accounting norms, documentation
required, procedural difficulties.
INTERNATIONAL
Palestinian Authority to be Named State of Palestine
On 7 January Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has signed a decree changing the name of the
Palestinian Authority to the State of Palestine," according to the organizations official news agency.
Pakistani Supreme Court Orders Arrest of Prime Minister
On 15 January 2013 Pakistans Supreme Court ordered the arrest of the prime minister in connection with a
corruption case linked to power projects. The Supreme Court gave authorities 24 hours to arrest Prime Minister
Raja Pervez Ashraf and 16 others.This is the first in the history of Pakistan to arrest a Prime Minister. The orders
of the Court came following the allegations in connection with a corruption case linked to power projects, done
during his office of the Water and Power Minister.
Obama Signed 23 Executive Orders on Gun Safety
On 16 January President Barack Obama announced 23 executive actions on gun control laws, making them
stricter,which would come into effect immediately after his signatures. One of these measures include requiring
the target shooters to keep their guns locked and also to ban military-style assault weapons, high capacity
magazine as well as to make the background check mandatory.Obama announced that this was his attempt to
keep children safe, keeping in view the massacre of Newtown where 20 first grade children along with six adults
were killed.
140 Nations Agreed On Global Mercury Limits
On 19 January , More than 140 nations have agreed on the first legally binding treaty to curb mercury
pollution.Delegates at UN discussed in Geneva approved measures to control the use of the highly toxic metal,
which is widely used in chemical production and small-scale mining, in order to limit mercury emissions.The
governments agreed to ban the production, export and import of a range of products containing mercury by
2020.The treaty has been discussed for four years, but it is only now that the negotiators agreed over the final
version of the document. The treaty, known as the Minamata Convention on Mercury, provides controls and
reductions across a range of products and processes where mercury is used, released and emitted.
Milos Zeman Elected as Czech Republic new President
On 25 January A leftist candidate Milos Zeman won the Czech Republics first presidential election decided by
direct vote.Milos Zeman, a former prime minister and head of the Citizens Rights Party, won with 54.8% of the
vote.He defeated Karel Schwarzenberg, an aristocratic foreign minister with the TOP09 party, who garnered
45.2%.Zeman replaces Vaclav Klaus, who must step down after serving the maximum of two terms.
INDIA & WORLD
India Pakistan Exchanged Nuclear Units Lists
On 1 January India and Pakistan exchanged their nuclear units lists , as it is customary since 20 years. The list
which contains the names of nuclear units of two countries, are exchanged between India and Pakistan as a
custom and part of an agreement which prevents them from aiming the nuclear installations of each others
nations.
Thousands of illegal Indian Migrants in UK
According to a 2012 UK Home Office report, India has been named along with Pakistan, China, Nigeria,
Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Brazil and Iran as the main sources of illegal immigration to
Britain.What the report does not mention is how many of the 863,000 illegal migrants that it says are living in the
UK are students. This is a contentious area because critics of the coalition government claim it is counting
students among overall immigrants.
World Economic Forums Global Risks Report
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF) report , India ranks lowest among the worlds major economies
for its preparedness to tackle global environmental risks and second-lowest for economic risks.Switzerland is best
placed among the worlds 10 major economies for adapting to or recovering from global economic and
environmental risks.While India is ranked 9th in terms of its ability to tackle global economic risks, it comes last
at 10th position for environmental risks.However, India fared relatively better at 6th position in terms of the
governments risk management effectiveness.The US and China were ranked fourth and fifth respectively.
Indians Top the List of Working in Dream Jobs
According to survey conducted by networking website LinkedIn,Indians have emerged at the top of the list of
people working in their dream job.The dream job league table:1. India 44 percent 2. Indonesia 42 percent 3.
United Arab Emirates 35.7 percent 4. Germany 33 percent 5. Brazil 32 percent 6. Austria 31 percent 7.
Switzerland 30 percent 8. USA 29 percent 9. France, Canada, Sweden, South Africa 28 percent 13.
Singapore, Hong Kong 27 percent 15. Australia 26 percent 16. New Zealand 25 percent 17. UK 21 percent
India Vietnam Signed on Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
On 15 January India and Vietnam signed an MoU aimed at building capacity for developing institutional framework
and identifying thrust areas and opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises in this country.The MoU
was signed here between the Ministry of Planning and Investments of Vietnam and Ministry of Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of India .
India and Sri Lanka signed Anti-terror, Tax evasion Agreements
On 22nd January India and Sri Lanka signed two separate agreements on combating international terrorism and
avoidance of double taxation, eyeing elevation of robust bilateral ties to building of a special economic
partnership.The two key accords were signed after the 8th India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission meeting held at New
Delhi , both countries discussed enhanced cooperation in a range of areas including civil nuclear energy.At the
meeting, the Indian side was led by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid while the Lankans were led by his
counterpart G.L. Peiris.During the meet, both the parties also decided setting up of the Special Economic Zone at
Trincomali and a textile and pharmaceutical cluster in Sri Lanka.
International Tea Producers Forum formed
On 22 January India, along with five other tea producing countries, has formed the International Tea Producers
Forum (ITPF) at Colombo.Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry D Purandesari signed the joint
communique on behalf of India along with representatives of Kenya, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Rwanda and Malawi in
Colombo.The ITPF will initially be an independent body but in future may get affiliated to Food & Agriculture
Organisation of United Nations.
India , Bangladesh Signed Extradition and Visa Agreements
On 28 January Bangladesh and India signed an extradition treaty and struck a deal to relax business visa
restrictions between the neighbouring countries. However, refusal provisions were incorporated into the extradition
treaty.Home minister Sushilkumar Shinde signed the agreement with his Bangladeshi counterpart Mohiuddin
Khan Alamgir at the end of their bilateral talks.
India Dropped to 140th Rank in Press Freedom
According to the report Reporters Without Borders India has dropped nine places to the 140th rank in the list of
179 countries in the latest World Press Freedom Index.China (173rd, +1) shows no sign of improving. Its prisons
still hold many journalists and netizens, while increasingly unpopular Internet censorship continues to be a major
obstacle to access information.As last year, the list is topped by three European countries Finland, Netherlands
and Norway.Turkmenistan, North Korea and Eritrea continue to be at the bottom of the list as has been in the last
three years.
NATIONAL
Govt Launched Direct Cash Transfer Scheme in 20 Districts
On 1 January 2013 The government launched its scaled down Cash Transfer Benefit (CBT) in 20 districts,but
food, fertiliser and fuel subsidies will not be covered in the initial phase. All 26 schemes are ready for rollout. On 1
January 2013 the seven schemes in which payout is due in the (20 selected) districts, the money will be
transferred through the direct benefit transfer system using the UIDAI platform.The scheme is going to be rolled
out in 43 districts by 1 March 2013, 20 districts from January 1, 11 districts from February 1 and 12 districts from
March 1. By end of 2013, the direct cash benefit transfer will be rolled out in all the districts of the country.
PA Sangma launched National Peoples Party
PA Sangma, who broke away with the NCP in 2012 to contest the presidential elections, though unsuccessfully,
on 05 January 2013 launched National Peoples Party (NPP), and chosen a book as its symbol. Sangma has
chosen to align his party with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
President Released Stamps on Swami Vivekananda
On 12 January The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee released the Commemorative Postage Stamps, at the
Commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, in New Delhi .
Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2012
On 17 January According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2012 report has found that learning
levels have dipped to an all-time low. So, almost half the 6-7 year-olds (Class I) in India cannot read even one
letter in any language, over 57% cannot read any English while almost 40% cannot recognize numbers between 1
and 9.The 12.8% children between Class I and V could not read a single letter while 10.7% could not recognize
numbers 1 to 9. The number of children in Class V who could read Class II text fell from 53.7% in 2010 to 46.8%
in 2012. In 2010, seven out of 10 children could solve a two-digit subtraction problem with borrowing. This has
come down to five out of 10 in 2012.
STATES
Odisha Launched Public Service Delivery System
On 2 January The Odisha government launched the much-sought after Public Service Delivery System for
citizens under the Odisha Right to Public Service Act, 2012.Under the new act, people will get services like issue
of driving license, birth and death certificates, passport and trade license within a stipulated time.Odisha is among
the 12th state to implement the law.
Haryana Government announced Kanyadan Scheme for Bride participants of Mass Marriages
The Government of Haryana on 3 January 2012 announced its plan of launching a Kanyadan Scheme in the state
for brides participating in the mass marriage ceremony, which would be organised by any of the registered NGO
or the Red Cross Society. The scheme would carry an incentive amount of 11000 rupees and would come into
effect from 1 April 2012. The incentive amount of 11000 rupees would be given to brides from all castes, creeds,
race, religion and the income category to which the girl belongs.
Arunachal Pradesh Collaborated with NSDL for Adoption of National Pension Scheme
On 9 January The state of Arunachal Pradesh entered into an agreement with signing of MoU with National
Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL), permitting it to work as a Central Record Keeping Agency (CRA) for adoption of
the National Pension System (NPS).National Pension Scheme NPS is an initiative of the Union Government of
India and Arunachal Pradesh is the 26th State to adopt it.
Gujarat Tops List of Indian States on Economic Freedom Policy
According to the Economic Freedom of States in India report which was released by former Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) Governor and present Rajya Sabha Member Bimal Jalan.The top state in India in (terms of) economic
freedom in 2011 was western Indian state Gujarat. It displaced southern Indian state Tamil Nadu which had been
at the top in 2009.Gujarat freedom index has been rising fast and estimated at 0.64 points. The biggest
improvement has been registered by Madhya Pradesh with freedom index score rose from 0.42 in 2009 to 0.56 in
2011 enabling it to move up from sixth to third position.
Assembly polls in Tripura,Meghalaya and Nagaland on Febrauary
Assembly elections in Tripura will be held on February 14 and in Meghalaya and Nagaland on February 23 and
their results will be out on February 28, the Election Commission announced on 10 January 2013.The EC also
announced byelections to nine assembly constituencies in Mizoram, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Punjab on
February 23 and in Assam, Bihar and Maharashtra on February 24, but their results will be out together on
February 28.
Presidents Rule Imposed on Jharkhand
On 18 January Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India imposed Presidents Rule in Jharkhand under Article
356(1) of the Constitution.The Presidents Rule for the third time since its formation 12 years ago.The decision
came as a follow up of the recommendation made by the Union Cabinet of India and fall of the state machinery in
form of Government on 8 January after the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha the supporting party to BJP led Coalition
Government withdrew its support from it. The state was placed under Presidents Rule in 2009 and 2010.
Three New High Courts for North East
The Centre has constituted three new High Courts in the northeast Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura taking the
total number of High Courts in the country from 21 to 24.According to Law Ministry sources, the strength of
judges in each High Court will be as follows: Tripura 4 (including the Chief Justice), and Meghalaya and Manipur:
three each (including the Chief Justice).
CONFERENCES
100th Indian Science Congress held in Kolkata
The 100th Indian Science Congress was held from 3 to 7 January in Kolkata (West Bengal) .The theme of the
session is Science for Shaping the Future of India .The session was inaugurated by Pranab Mukherjee
the President of India .In the session Prime Minister Manmohan Singh released The Science, Technology
and Innovation Policy(STI) 2013 .On 4 January Former President Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam inaugurated a Children
Science Congress as part of the 100th Indian Science Congress .The 100th Indian Science Congress (ISC 2013)
is also organized a special programme Women empowerment for the development of the country to showcase
the contribution of women in science and technology.This is the 13th time the Indian Science Congress is being
hosted by Kolkata
11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held in Kochi
11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was held from 7- 9 January at Kochi (Kerala).Mauritius President Rajkeswur
Purryag was the chief guest of this official inaugural session.2000 delegates from 40 countries attended the
convention.The theme for this years Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is Engaging Diaspora the Indian Growth Story.On
7th January in the event they discussed on problems that people from Kerala face in the region.Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh will inaugurated the annual flagship event and released the postage stamp on Ghadar Movement
on 8 January and President Pranab Mukherjee will delivered the valedictory address on January 9 and also
presented the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards.Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on January 9 every
year to mark the contribution of overseas Indian community in the development of India.The Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas, the first of its kind involving the Indian Diaspora, was held in 2003 at New Delhi.
Fourth Meeting of ASEAN and India Tourism Ministers held in Vientiane
The Fourth meeting of ASEAN and India Tourism Minister (4th M-ATM+ India) was held in Vientiane, Lao PDR
from 21 to January in conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2013 (ATF2013).The Meeting was jointly co-
chaired by H.E. Prof. Dr. Bosengkham Vongdara, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR, and
H.E. Dr. K. Chiranjeevi, Minister for Tourism, Government of India.In the meeting Both the Ministers have signed
the Protocol to amend the Memorandum of Understanding between ASEAN and India on Strengthening Tourism
Cooperation.
World Economic Forum Summit Held in Davos
The 43rd World Economic Forum Annual Meeting held from 23 27 January at Davos-Klosters in Switzerland.The
annual forum, which has been running for over 40 years, provides a platform for decision-makers in politics, non-
governmental organisations and businesses to gather and to exchange views on the worlds most pressing
problems.The World Economic Forum (WEF) unites international political leaders, business leaders and
journalists from across the globe to discussed and shape global, regional and industrial agendas with regards to
economics, health and the environment.The WEF was founded in 1971 as a non-profit organization by the German
Klaus Schwab, a business professor at the University of Geneva.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Malala won 2012 Tipperary International Peace Award
On 3 January Malala Yousafzai, the teenaged Pakistani school girl shot by a Taliban gunman last year , has been
awarded the 2012 Tipperary International Peace Award from Ireland for her courage and determination to speak
out in support of equal access to education for children.Malala is the second Pakistani to get the award. In 2007,
it was given to late Benazir Bhutto.
Malala honored with the French Simone de Beauvoir Prize
On 9 January Malala Yousafzai (15), the schoolgirl from Pakistan shot by Taliban for campaigning girls education,
received Frances Simone de Beauvoir Prize for Womens Freedom in Paris. Malalas father Ziaudin Yousafzai
received the honour on her behalf. he award is accompanied with 2.5 million RupeTes honorarium.
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2013
On 9 January Pranab Mukherjee President of India presented the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (Awards) 2013 to
14 people, included Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi and Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag, He was
also the Chief Guest of 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2013. In accordance to Tradition, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman
(Awards) 2013 have been given to notable Indians living abroad.
The other awardees are Prof Dr Gurusharan Singh Chhatwal of Germany for science, Dr Rasik Vihari Joshi
(Mexico) for Literature, Gilbert Canabady Moutien (Reunion Island) and Mohammed Rabeeh Karuvanthodi (Saudi
Arabia) for business, Patricia Maria Rozario(UK) for Music, Dr Narendra Ramakrishna Kumar (USA) for
Healthcare, Subash Razdan (USA) and Islmail Ebrahim (South Afrcia) for Public service.
Dr Satendra Kumar Singh (New Zealand), Australia India Society of Victoria (Australia) and Bava Pandalingal
(UAE), Ashok Shambhomal Vaswani (Guinea), Indian Doctors Forum, Kuwait for community service, Tan Sri
Ravindran Menon from Malaysia for Community service, are among others on the list of awardees.
Mamata Banerjee gets gift from PCB
Overwhelmed by the hospitality at the Eden Gardens during India-Pakistan second ODI in Kolkata, the PCB sent
the gift as a silver-coated Quran to the Cricket Association of Bengal who handed it over to the CM during a
function at the Netaji Indoor in Kolkata on 10 January 2013.
Mahaveer Golechha Bags Award for Alzheimers Drug
On 17 January The London-based Indian researcher Mahaveer Golechha, was selected to be felicitated for an
award that includes his work on a drug that can be a potential cure of Alzheimers disease.In the study conducted
by Golechha, he found discovered that naringin has essential anti-Alzheimer activity.
70th Golden Globe Awards 2013
On January 13 The 70th Golden Globe Awards honored the best in film and television of 2012, was presented in
California .
Best Film : Argo
Best Actor : Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln)
Best Actress : Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty)
Best Director - Ben Affleck (Argo)
Best Musical or Comedy -: Les Miserables
Best Foreign Language Film : Amour
Best Animated Feature Film -: Brave
Krishi Karman Awards 2011- 2012
On 15 January President Pranab Mukherjee presented the Krishi Karman awards for the year 2011-12 at an
award ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The awards were presented to the State Governments for their
excellent performance in increasing the production of food grains in their respective states.
Awards in Different Segments :-
- The Awards for Special Contribution to Total Food Grains Production - Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Manipur
and Nagaland
- Award for Contribution to Production and Productivity of Rice Bihar
- Award for Contribution to Production and Productivity of Wheat - Haryana
- Award for Contribution to Production and Productivity of Pulses - Jharkhand
- Award for Contribution to Production and Productivity of Coarse Cereals Uttar Pradesh
58th Filmfare Awards
The 58th Filmfare Awards were held honoring the best films of 2012 from the Hindi-language film industry
(commonly known as Bollywood). The ceremony was held on January 20, 2013 at Mumbai.
Best Movie :- Barfi!
Best Actor :- Ranbir Kapoor (Film -Barfi!)
Best Actress :- Vidya Balan (Film Kahaani )
Best Director :- Sujoy Ghosh (Film Kahaani )
Lifetime Achievement Award :- Yash Chopra (After Death)
Prof C N R Rao awarded by Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Chinese Academy of Sciences was awarded Prof C N R Rao, National Research Professor and Honorary
President of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCAR), the prestigious International
Scientific Cooperation Award 2012. The award is designed to acknowledge outstanding scientists for their
contribution to science and for promoting global networking of international science cooperation.
Padma Awards 2013
President of India Approved the Conferment of 108 Padma Awards
On 25 January Pranab Mukherjee, the President of Union of India approved conferment of 108 Padma Awards.
Four people have been conferred with Padma Vibhusan, twenty four are conferred with Padma Bhushan and 80
people would be receiving Padma Shree Awards. Out of all the awardees twenty-four are ladies and 11 people
belong to categories like NRIs, PIOs, Foreigners and Posthumous awardees.
Padma Vibhushan
Raghunath Mohapatra, Art, Orissa
S Haider Raza, Art, Delhi
Prof Yash Pal, Science and Engineering, Uttar Pradesh
Prof Roddam Narasimha, Science and Engineering, Karnataka
Padma Bhushan
Sharmila Tagore, Art, Delhi
Dr (Smt) Saroja Vaidyanathan, Art, Delhi
Late Rajesh Khanna, Art, Maharashtra
Late Jaspal Singh Bhatti, Art, Punjab
Adi Burjor Godrej, Trade and Industry, Maharashtra
Prof Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Literature & Education USA
Rahul Dravid, Sports, Karnataka
H Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom, Sports, Manipur
Padma Shri
Hosanagara Nagarajegowda Girisha, Sports, Karnataka ,
Subedar Major Vijay Kumar, Sports, Himachal Pradesh
Yogeshwar Dutt, Sports, Haryana
B Jayashree, Art, Karnataka
Sridevi Kapoor, Art, Maharashtra
Ramesh Gopaldas Sippy, Art, Maharashtra
359 Gallantry and Other Defence Decorations Announced
On 26 January President Pranab Mukherjee has approved awards of 359 Gallantry and other Defence decorations
to Armed Forces personnel and others on the eve of the 64th Republic Day Celebrations .This includes 01 Kirti
Chakra, 11 Shaurya Chakra, 56 Sena Medal (Gallantry), 01 Bar to Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry), 03 Nao Sena
Medal (Gallantry), 03 Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), 28 Param Vishisht Seva Medal, 03 Uttam Yudh Seva Medal,
06 Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, 44 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, 12 Yudh Seva Medal, 02 Bar to Sena Medal
(Devotion to Duty), 37 Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), 01 Bar to Nao Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), 07 Nao
Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), 14 Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), 04 Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal and 116
Vishisht Seva Medal..Major Abup J Manjali of the Rashtriya Rifles was selected for the award of Kirti Chakra for
his extraordinary bravery efforts in counter- terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Taiwan Business Magnate Launched Tang Prize (Asian Noble Prize)
On 28 January Samuel Yin , A business magnate tycoon from Taiwan has launched the Tang Prize(Asian Noble
prize) for outstanding achievements in natural and social sciences.He announced that he would establish Tang
Prize Foundation which would have an initial donation of 103 million dollar.Tang Prize Foundation was decided
that the prizes under the Tang Prize Foundation will be awarded every alternate year to the international leaders in
sustainable development, biopharmaceutical science, the rule of law as well as the study of China.
SPORTS & GAMES
Kohli is CEAT International Cricketer of the Year
On 4 January Vice-captain of Indian Cricket team Virat Kohli was named the International Cricketer of the Year
while Pakistan cricket team was named as the Best International Cricket Team in the 2011-2012 season at the
CEAT cricket awards in New Delhi. Unmukt Chand, who led India to the U-19 World Cup win last year, got the
inaugural Indian Youngster of the Year award.The Former Pakistan cricket captain Zaheer Abbas received the
Lifetime Achievement Award.
Uttarakhand won 63rd National Basketball Championship
On 4 January Uttarakhand won 63rd National basketball championship mens title after defeated Punjab in the
final at Ludhiana (Punjab).In the womens section, Railways won the title against by first-time finalist Tamil Nadu
in the final.
Tipsarevic won Chennai Open Tennis Title
On 6 January Second-seeded Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia has won the ATP Chennai Open Title after defeated
Roberto Bautista-Agut of Spain in the final at Chennai.Tipsarevic won the chennai open title for the first time in his
career.
Nicol David won World Series Squash Title
On 6 January Nicol David won the World Series Squash Finals womens title after defeated Englands Laura
Massaro in the final at London.In the mens final, Egypts Amr Shabana came from behind to beat Englands Nick
Matthew .
Australia Won Test Against Sri Lanka
Australia secured a five-wicket won in the third and final Test match against Sri Lanka on 6 January at the Sydney
Cricket Ground (SCG) .
Brisbane International Tennis Winners 2013
Womens Singles :Serena Williams (USA) won the WTA Brisbane International womens singles title on 5
January with a straight sets demolition of Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Mens Singles : In the Mens singles Category Andy Murray from scotland won the title after defeated Bulgarian
Grigor Dimitrov .
Womens Doubles : Sania Mirza and her partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands won the womens doubles trophy by
winning against Kveta Peschke and Anna-Lena Groenefeld
Mens Doubles : Marcelo Melo Tommy Robredo won the doubles title after defeated Eric Butorac Paul
Hanley .
Pakistan won the Three Match Series
On 6 January Pakistan won the three-match series by 2-1 against India.With this win over Pakistan, India lost the
three matches one day series .Nasir Jamshed of Paksitan was declared as the Player of the tournament.MS
Dhoni was once again chosen as the Player of the match.
Lionel Messi, the man of the four Golden Balls
Lionel Messi became the first four-time winner of the FIFA Player of the Year award after shattering the world
record with 91 goals last year(2012) for Barcelona and Argentina.His 91 goals topped Gerd Muellers mark of 85
for Bayern Munich and Germany in 1972.
Bangar quits first-class cricket
Former India player and Railways captain Sanjay Bangar announced his retirement from first-class cricket after
guiding his team to a 122-run victory over Bengal in the final league game of the Ranji Trophy on 01 January 2013
in Kolkata.He played 165 first class matches amassing 8342 runs at an average of 33.35 and has 300 wickets to
his credit.
National Table Tennis Championship Winners
On 11 January Soumyajit Ghosh became the youngest national champion after he defeated six-time winner
Achanta Sharath Kamal in the summit clash of the 74th National Table Tennis Championship mens singles final
at Raipur.Shamini Kumaresan won the womens singles title.Sourav Chakraborty and Ganeshan Sathiyan won the
doubles title.In the Women doubles category K. Spoorthy and Nikhat Banu (AP) defeated Madhurika Patkar and
Pooja Sahasrabudhe in the final and got the title.
Haryana girls retain U-20 hockey title
Haryana defeated Uttar Pradesh 1-0 to retain their under-20 women hockey national championship at the
Gachibowli Stadium on 16 January 2013.
Kerala won 61st National Volleyball Championship Title
On 16 January Kerala defeated Tamilnadu to retain the mens title in the 61st Senior National Volleyball
Championship at the Sawai Man Singh Indoor Stadium in Jaipur.In the womens section, Railways defeated
Kerala and won the title in the final.
Malaysian Open Badminton Championship Winners
Mens Singles: Lee Chong Wei (Indonesia) won the Mens singles title after defeated Sony Dwi Kuncoro in the
final at Kuala Lumpur on 20 January.
Mens Doubles: Mohd Ahsan (Indonesia) -Hendra Setiawan (China) defeated Ko Sung-hyun-Lee Yong-dae
(Malaysia) in the final.
Womens Singles: Tai Tzu-ying (Thailand) won the womens singles title after defeated Yao Xue (Korea)
Womens Doubles: In the event Bao Yixin-Tian Qing (China) won the title after defeated Misaki Matsutomo-
Ayaka Takahashi (Japan)
Lalith Babu takes top honours
Lalith Babu defeated Swapnil Dhopade in the final round to clinch the Chennai Super Kings International
Grandmaster chess tournament that concluded at the Nehru Stadium in Chennai on 23 January 2013.Lalith Babu
won Rs.200,000 and the trophy after becoming the first Indian player to claim the Chennai Open
Australian Open Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners
Womens Singles :- Victoria Azarenka of Belarus won the Womens Singles title of the Australian Open Tennis
tournament after defeated Li Na of China in the final at Melbourne on 26 January .
Mens Singles:- Novak Djokovic (Serbia) has won the mens singles title after defeating Andy Murray (Britain) in
four sets. This is Djokovics fourth Australian Open and over all six Grand Slam single title.
Womens Doubles:- Top seeds Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci won the title, defeating wild cards Ashleigh Barty
and Casey Dellacqua in the final.
Mens Doubles : Top seeded American brothers Bob and Mike Bryan won the mens doubles title. Americans
Mike and Bob Bryan won their record 13th Grand Slam doubles title, defeating the Dutch team of Robin Haase
and Igor Sijsling .
Magnus Carlsen Won Tata Steel Chess Championship
Magnus Carlsen won Tata Steel 2013 Chess tournament title in the final at Netherlands on 27 January .In the
final round tournament, he scored 10 points , winning clear first ahead of second-place finisher Aronian
(Armenia).World champion Viswanathan Anand at third position.
Mumbai won 40th Ranji Trophy Title
On 29 January Mumbai won its 40th Ranji Trophy title against Saurashtra by an inning and 125 runs in the final at
Wankhede at Mumbai .Wasim Jaffar was declared Man of the Match. Ajit Agarkar was the captain of the winning
team.
ECONOMY
Philippines introduced sin tax
A sin tax on cigarettes and alcohol was introduced in the Philippines on 01 January 2013, as part of a
government bid to boost finances.Many stores started selling tobacco and drink at inflated prices before midnight ,
ahead of the official implementation of the tax hikes on January 01, hitting partygoers in the pocket.Tax on
cigarettes will gradually be raised to 30 pesos ($0.72) per pack by 2017, roughly doubling the current price to
around 52 pesos.Duty on alcohol will also increase gradually until 2017, increasing the price of a bottle of beer by
23.50 pesos, with varying levels for other drinks including wine and spirits.
LIC Launched New Jeewan Nidhi & Flexi Plus Policies
The Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India launched two new Insurence policies New Jeevan Nidhi, a pension
scheme, and Flexi Plus on 3 January .New Jeewan Nidhi provides the facility of insurance coverage of full amount
while the insured person keeps depositing premiums.The Flexi policy is a unit linked insurance product. The plan
not only provides a lump sum benefit on death but also maturity benefit irrespective of survival of the policy holder
Mukesh Ambani 18th richest man in world
Indian business magnate Mukesh Ambani is the 18th richest person in the world with a personal wealth of $24.7
billion in 2012, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a daily ranking of the worlds 100 wealthiest
individuals. Mexican telecommunications magnate Carlos Slim remained the worlds richest person last year
holding a personal fortune of more than $70 billion.Microsoft founder Bill Gates and the founder of fashion retailer
Zara, Amancio Ortega, got a second and third places respectively.
Indian Companies Top Globally in R&D Investment
According to the European Commission report Indian companies have come on the top globally when it comes to
growth in their research and development (R&D) investments, leaving their counterparts in the US and Europe far
behind.Indian firms rank far below when it comes to absolute R&D investments made by them and the top-ranked
company from the country.These are the only 14 Indian companies present in a list of top-1500 entities worldwide
in terms of their annual R&D investments.The top-ranked Indian company is Infosys at 329th place and Japanese
company Toyota Motor appears at the top of the ranking in the 2012 Scoreboard.
IMF forecasted Indian Economic Growth Rate to be 5.9 percent in 2013
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 23 January 2013 pegged Indias economic growth rate in 2013 at 5.9 per
cent and projected a higher growth of 6.4 per cent next year in line with the gradual strengthening of global
expansion.
World Banks Global Economic Prospects 2013 Report
According to the World Bank Global Economic Prospects 2013 report , Indias growth is expected to inch closer
to that of China in near future, in which the economies of developing countries like India, China and Brazil are
projected to be recovering and higher growth rate.The World Bank expects that by 2015, the growth rate of China
would be 7.9% and that of India 7%.While the growth of the world economy growth is projected to inch up from
2.3% in 2012 to 2.4% in 2013, with the high-income countries remaining at the same level of growth of 1.3% in
both 2012 and 2013, it is the emerging markets like India, China and Brazil that would show significant signs of
recovery.They are expecting a recovery in India from 5.1% growth in 2012 to 6.1% growth in 2013.
India 119th on Economic Freedom Index
According to the Heritage Foundation 2013 Index of Economic Freedom survey report , India has been ranked as
the 119th freest country in the world and Indias economic freedom score stood at 55.2, as its institutional
shortcomings continue to undermine the foundations for long-term economic development.The top ten countries in
the list include Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Switzarland, canada, Chili, Mauritius, Denmark
and US.
India second in steel production globally
India is second only to China in terms of steel production. In the last 5 years Indias production grew by 33
percent, thus making it behind China among the top 5 steel producing nation. World Steel Association (WSA)
data has revealed that Chinas production grew by 39 per cent during 2008-2012, Indias by 33 percent and Indias
production grew constantly in the last five years from 57.8 MT in 2008 to 63.5 MT in 2009, 69 MT in 2010, 73.6 MT
in 2011 and 76.7 MT in 2012
RBI cuts CRR, Repo Rates
On 29 January The Reserve Bank of India slashed its key interest rates by 0.25 per cent and released 18000
crore rupees additional liquidity into the system to perk up growth through reduced cost of borrowing. RBI in its
third quarter monetary policy review surprised the market by cutting short-term lending rate called repo, by 0.25
per cent to 7.75 per cent and Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by similar margin to 4 per cent.
US approved First new Tuberculosis Drug
On 1 January The US Food and Drug administration approved a Johnson & Johnson tuberculosis drug in 40
years .This is the first new medicine to fight the deadly infection in more than four decades.The disease is rare in
the US, but kills about 1.4 million people a year worldwide.
Spiral galaxy IC 2233
Astronomers had captured one of the flattest galaxies known in the universe, sitting like a silver needle in the
haystack of space. The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope produced a beautiful image of the spiral galaxy IC
2233, one of the flattest galaxies. The IC 2233 is located about 40 million light-years away from Earth. This galaxy
was earlier discovered by British astronomer Isaac Roberts in 1894.
Immune system booster may hit cancer
Japanese research where stem cells were used to clone and produce large numbers of a specialized type of white
blood cell. These cells, known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), are produced by the immune system and are
able to recognize specific markers on the surface of various tumour cells, causing them to launch an attack to kill
the tumour cells.The researchers are succeeded in using stem cells to mass-produce CTLs in laboratory
conditions.
Chinese Biologists Discovered Antibiotic In Panda Blood
Chinese biologists have discovered that the blood of the endangered giant panda includes a compound called
Cathelicidin-AM which acts as a natural antibiotic. The nature of the blood compound makes it an attractive
treatment for so-called superbugs, those strains of disease that have become immune or resistant to traditional
antibiotics.
India to make worlds largest solar telescope
India is likely to begin construction of the worlds largest solar telescope on the foothills of the Himalayas in
Ladakh to understand the fundamental processes taking place on the Sun by year-end.A 2-metre class, state-of-
the-art National Large Solar Telescope (NLST), built by Bangalore-based Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), will
permit Indian scientists to carry out cutting edge research aimed to study Suns atmosphere.
Internet emits 830 mt of carbon dioxide annually
According to Researchers from the Centre for Energy-Efficient Telecommunications (CEET) and Bell Labs,
Internet and other components of information communication and technology (ICT) industry annually produces
more than 830 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main greenhouse gas, and is expected to double by
2020
Lakshya Missile Successfully Tested
Indias indigenously developed, Lakshya was sucessfully tested on 7 January .It was launched from the
Integrated Test Range ITR, at Odisha .25 meters in length, 100 km away from the target to the missile .
17 billion Earth-sized planets in Milky Way
The Milky Way contains at least 17 billion planets the size of Earth.Astronomers using NASAs Kepler spacecraft
found that about 17 percent of stars in our galaxy have a planet about the size of Earth in a close orbit.The Milky
Way is known to host about 100 billion stars, meaning that about one of every six has an Earth-sized planet
around it.
Brahmos cruise missile test fired in successfully
Supersonic cruise missile BrahMos scored once again in its 34th launch on 09 January 2013 off Visakhapatnam
in the Bay of Bengal, hitting a decommissioned vessel with accuracy.As it took off vertically from a naval warship,
reached an altitude of 14 km, levelled out and started cruising at three times the speed of sound, it performed a
double manoeuvre in S-form and hit the decommissioned ship, about 290 km away.
Astronomers Found NGC 6872 Largest known Spiral Galaxy
A team of astronomers from the United States, Chile and Brazil has crowned it the largest-known spiral galaxy, a
spectacular behemoth five times bigger than our own Milky Way, based on archival data from NASAs Galaxy
Evolution Explorer (GALEX) mission.The title-holder is now NGC 6872, a barred spiral found 212 million light-years
away in the southern constellation Pavo. The distance between NGC 6872s two huge spiral arms is 522,000 light-
years, compared to about 100,000 light-years for the Milky Way.
Indian Scientists Discovered Molecule for Cancer Treatment
A team of Indian researchers, led by Dr Sathees C Raghavan of the Indian Institute of Science at Bangalore, have
identified a molecule which they claim will revolutionise the cure for cancer.The molecule has been named after
Sathees as SCR7 and a detailed account of it has been carried in the international scientific journal
Cell".Scientists world over believe that the double strand break (DSB) of DNA is one of the most lethal form of
DNA damage, resulting in drastic consequences such as genome instability, and cancer.
Largest Space structure in the Universe:Large Quasar Group
An international team lead by astronomer Roger Clowes of the University of Central Lancashire in England
discovered the largest known structure in the universe, a clump of active galactic cores that stretches 4 billion
light-years from end to end.This is the largest Space structure in the Universe.This structure is known as a Large
Quasar Group(LQG).
Indian Scientists Discovered Molecule for Cancer Treatment
A team of Indian researchers, led by Dr Sathees C Raghavan of the Indian Institute of Science at Bangalore, have
identified a molecule which they claim will revolutionise the cure for cancer.The molecule has been named after
Sathees as SCR7 and a detailed account of it has been carried in the international scientific journal
Cell".Scientists world over believe that the double strand break (DSB) of DNA is one of the most lethal form of
DNA damage, resulting in drastic consequences such as genome instability, and cancer.
Worlds First Global Renewable Energy Atlas Launched
On 13 January Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) launched the worlds first clean
energy atlas at IRENAS General Assembly , currently offers open-access information on solar and wind power
throughout the world and the creators plan to expand to other renewable energy resources over the next two
years.The atlas includes information on clean energy resources in 37 countries, including those which have no
diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates.The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is
working in partnership with the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) to build a
qualitative and quantitative data framework for renewable energy in developing countries.
Ancient River Found on Mars
On 17 January The European Space Agency scientists have revealed a 1500 km long and 7 kilometre wide river
that once ran across Mars.The images which were captured by the ESAs Mars Express showed Reull Vallis, the
river-like structure, which is believed to have formed when water ran from the surface of Mars in distant past. The
structure which surprised the astronomers stretches for around 900 miles or 1500 km across the Martian surface
and also shows various tributaries. These structures, it is believed, were formed somewhere around 3.5 billion
years ago.
India Increased Rafale Fighter Jets Order
India could buy up to 189 of the Rafale fighter jets currently being used by France to bomb Islamist militants in
Mali, sources close to negotiations on the multi-billion dollar deal .The possibility of an additional 63 jets being
added to an expected order for 126 was raised by India .The Indian press has estimated the value of the deal for
126 Rafales at $12 billion (nine billion euros).A 50 per cent increase in the number of planes ordered would take it
to around $18 billion, in a huge boost for the French defence industry.
Japan to replace Fukushima plant with worlds largest wind farm
In the wake of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan had decided to build the worlds largest offshore wind
farm to replace the crippled nuke plant.The country plans to build a total of 143 wind turbines on platforms 16
kilometres off the coast of Fukushima by 2020, which is home to the stricken Daiichi nuclear reactor that hit the
headlines in March 2011 when it was damaged by a severe earthquake and tsunami.The wind farm will generate 1
gigawatt of power once completed, and is part of a national plan to increase renewable energy resources following
the post-tsunami shutdown of the countrys 54 nuclear reactors.The wind farm will surpass the 504 megawatts
generated by the 140 turbines at the Greater Gabbard farm off the coast of Suffolk, UK currently the worlds
largest farm.
India, US finalise Rs 3,000 crore deal for jet engines
India and the US have finalised a Rs 3000-crore deal for supplying 99 jet engines to be used in the indigenous
Light Combat Aircraft Tejas being developed by the DRDO.Around two years ago, India had selected the
American company General Electric over its rival European Eurojet 2000 for the LCA Mark II programme expected
to be ready around 2014-15.The deal worth Rs 3,000 crore has been finalised with the US for procuring 99 engines
for the LCA Tejas MkII.As per the contract, the order could be for 99 engines initially but India will have the option
of ordering another 100 engines in the future.
INS Saryu Inducted into Indian Navy
On 21 January Air Marshal PK Roy, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command, commissioned INS
Saryu into the Indian Navy at Goa .INS Saryu is the lead ship of the indigenous Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel
(NOPV) Project designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited, the ship aptly demonstrates the immense potential
of the countrys indigenous designing and ship building capabilities.Capable of carrying a helicopter (ALH)
onboard, the ships weapon and sensor outfit includes a SRGM 76.2 mm gun with an electro-optic fire control
system, two 30mm guns as close in weapon systems, latest navigational and early warning radars, chaff
launchers for self protection and an integrated ESM system to undertake all assigned missions.
MIT researchers Created Moisture Powered Polymer
MIT ( Massachusetts Institute of Technology ) researchers have created a new polymer film that can generate
electricity by drawing on a ubiquitous source: water vapor.The new material changes its shape after absorbing tiny
amounts of evaporated water, allowing it to repeatedly curl up and down. Harnessing this continuous motion could
drive robotic limbs or generate enough electricity to power micro- and nanoelectronic devices, such as
environmental sensors.
India Sucessfully Test Fired K-5 Ballistic Missile
On 27 January India successfully test fired medium range K-5 ballistic missile ,with a strike range of around 1500
kilometres, from an underwater platform in Bay of Bengal.K-5 is part of the family of underwater missiles being
developed by Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for the Indian strategic forces underwater
platforms.
Iran successfully sent monkey into space
Iran on 28 January 2013 announced that it had successfully send a monkey to the space.It also declared that the
monkey come back to the Earth successfully.The rocket called Pishgam (meaning Pioneer) reached at a height
of 120 km (75 miles) for a sub-orbital flight before returning its shipment intact. The first country to launch the
primate into space was US.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Asif Ibrahim appointed as chief Intelligence Bureau
Indian Police Service officer SA Ibrahim appointed as chief of the Intelligence Bureau on 01 January 2013 and he
becoming the first from the countrys main minority community(Muslim Community) to hold the post. Ibrahim, an
IPS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has taken over as from Nehchal Sandhu who retired December 31. He
will hold the post for two years.
Urjit Patel appointed as RBI deputy governor
On 02 January 2013 Urjit Patel, a consultant at Boston Consulting Group, had been appointed a deputy governor
at the Reserve Bank of India, succeeding Subir Gokarn who was aiding the governor in shaping the monetary
policy.
YV Reddy to head 14th Finance Commission
On 02 January 2013 former RBI governor YV Reddy was appointed chairman of the 14th finance commission to
suggest principles of sharing of revenues between the Centre and the states and insulate pricing of public utilities
like electricity, water and public transport from policy fluctuations.
Ami Bera and Tulsi Gabbard Sworn In As US Lawmakers
On 4 January Indian American physician from California, Ami Bera, and the young Iraq war veteran from Hawaii,
Tulsi Gabbard, created history after being sworn in as new members of the US House of Representatives.Bera is
only the third Indian American have ever been elected to the House of Representatives.Tulsi Gabbard is the first
Hindu ever to won the Congressional election.
Malalas Father Appointed as Education Attache in Birmingham
On 3 January Malalas father Ziauddin Yousafzai has been appointed as the education attache at the Pakistan
consulate in Birmingham, England.The job is believed to be for up to three years.
Indian American Srinivasan re-nominated as Federal Judge
On 4 January Srikanth Srinivasan a brilliant Indian American legal mind has been re-nominated by US President
Barack Obama to serve as Federal Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit.In June 2012 he was nominated by
Obama to serve on the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Justice D K Jain appointed new Law Commission chief
The Union Cabinet of India on 7 January 2013 appointed Justice D K Jain as Chairman of 20th Law Commission
of India. He gives advice to the government on complex legal issues. Justice Jain, 64, will take over as the chief of
the law panel on January 24 after retiring from the Supreme Court on the same day.
John Brennan as a CIA director
U.S. President Barack Obama announced on )7 January 2013 John Brennan wasnominated as director of the
American Intelligence Agency(CIA) and Chuck Hagel as a Defense secretary. John Brennan played a key role in
encounter the Osama Bin Laden.
Indian-origin politician to be Singapores first woman speaker
Indian-origin politician Halimah Yacob elected as the first woman Speaker of Singapores Parliament on 08
Janauary 2013.She take charges from 14 January 2013.Halimah, a former labour lawyer, is a member of
Parliament from the ruling Peoples Action Party (PAP).
Kulwant Singh Gill Took charge as new Commandant of NDA
On 8 January Air Marshal Kulwant Singh Gill took charge as the new commandant of the National Defence
Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla, Pune.The NDA provides three-year training in defence and academics to its
cadets before they move on to their respective officers training academies for another one-year course and get
commissioned into the armed forces.
R.K. Dubey Took Charge as Canara Banks new CMD
On 11 January R.K. Dubey has assumed charge as the Chairman and Managing Director of Canara Bank .Mr.
Dubey was previously worked as a Punjab National Bank General Manager in 2008 and was appointed as
Executive Director of Central Bank of India in 2010.
Rajkumar Goyal Took Charge as Central Bank of India new ED
On 11 January Rajkumar Goyal has took charge as Executive Director (ED) of Central Bank of India (CBI).He was
previously with the bank of India as the General Manager of Human Resources Department
Obama nominated Jack Lew as new Treasury Chief
On 11 January President Barack Obama nominated his chief of staff, Jack Lew, to become the next Treasury
secretary and succeed Timothy Geithner.Last year, Lew was named Obamas chief of staff, and before that he
had served as the White House budget director.
First Gujarati in UK cabinet
Lord Dolar Popat has appointed a minister in the UK cabinet .He become the first Gujarati taking his place in the
UK cabinet .Popat was appointed minister for business, innovation & skills and transport.
Mohan Pieris assumes duties as 44th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka
On 15 January 2013 ,Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed his cabinets legal advisor as the
countrys new Chief Justice to succeed Shirani Bandaranayake. Rajapaksa sworn in new Chief Justice Mohan
Peiris to replace Sri Lankas first woman chief justice who was impeached by the parliament in a controversial
move.Peiris, a British qualified solicitor who retired in 2011 as the Attorney General was serving as the legal
advisor to the Cabinet.
Ved Prakash is UGC chairman
Ved Prakash, serving as acting chairman of the University Grants Commission, had been appointed as its
chairman on 18 January 2013.The chairmans post remained vacant ever since S. Thorat retired in February 2011.
Since then Mr. Prakash had been the acting chairman.
Obama Sworn in as the US President for Second Term
On 20 January US President Barack Obama Barack Obama was sworn in as the President of the country for a
second four-year term.Obama as the 44th president of the United States and also he is the third consecutive
president to win two terms, after Bush and Clinton. Joe Biden sworn-in for second term as US vice-president.
Suchitra Ella, Founding Chairwoman of CIIs women wing
Suchitra K. Ella, Joint Managing Director, Bharat Biotech International, had been nominated as the Founding
Chairwoman of the Indian Women Network of CII. The network aims to provide a platform for working women to
come together and discuss issues and opportunities and share best practices. She is currently the Chairperson of
CII Andhra Pradesh State Council for 2012-13. She had earlier been elected to the CII Andhra Pradesh State
Council. She has been awarded the International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge award 2007 by the Chamber
of Commerce of Barcelona, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and the FLO GR8 Women Achievers Award
2008 for entrepreneurial excellence.
B)RESIGNS
Jharkhand CM Arjun Munda resigned
Political uncertainty deepened in Jharkhand on 08 January 2013, with Chief Minister Arjun Munda submitted his
resignation to Governor Syed Ahmed. On 07 January 2013, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) announced the
withdrawal of its support to the BJP-led government.
Rajapaksa Dismissed First Woman Chief Justice of the Country
On 13 January Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka dismissed the first woman chief justice of the
country, Shirani Bandarnayake after endorsing her impeachment by the Parliament that caught her guilty on the
corruption charges.She appointed as a chief Justice on May 2011.
C)DEATHS
Violin maestro MSG passes away
M.S. Gopalakrishnan legendary violinist known for his mastery of both the Carnatic and Hindustani systems of
classical music passed away on 03 January 2013 in Chennai.In his career spanning 75 years, he not only
broke new ground as an accompanist, but also rose to become one of the best solo violinists in the country, along
with Lalgudi G. Jayaraman and T.N. Krishnan. The three are considered the violin trinity of south Indian classical
music.Despite enviable success and accolades that came in the form of national honours such as the Padma
Bhushan and Padma Shri, and innumerable titles, including the Sangita Kalanidhi title awarded by The Music
Academy, Chennai.
Pakistani singer Mehnaz Begum is no more
Renowned Pakistani singer Mehnaz Begum died on 19 January 2013.Mehnaz specialized in ghazal, thumri,
dadra, khayal, drupad and reciting salam, noha and marsiya.Mehnaz was the daughter of popular sub-continental
singer Kajjan Begum.She sang over 2,500 songs for radio television and films in a variety of genres like ghazal,
thumri, dadra, khayal and drupad.
D)VISITORS
Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag Visited India
Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag visited India from 3 10 January .During the visit Purryag met Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh and Pranab Mukherjee on 4 January in New Delhi. In Bihar , he visited his ancestral
village , Bojeetpore near Patna.President Purryag also the chief guest of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas .He attended
the 3 days event 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held in Kochi (Kerala).
Vice President Hamid Ansari Visited Vietnam
Vice President Hamid Ansari visited Vietnam from 14 to 17 January.During the visit Ansari met Vietnams Deputy
Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh and discussed the both countries bilateral issues , signed several agreements
.Ansari attended the closing ceremony of the celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of the India-Vietnam
diplomatic ties.
Bhutan King Wangchuck Visited India
The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited India from 23-30 January.During the visit he
attended the Indias Republic Day celebrations as a Chief Guest.Wangchuck met President Pranab Mukherjee,
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and the United Progressive Alliances Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi.This is the
fourth time since 1954 that a Bhutanese King will be a Chief Guest at Indias Republic Day celebrations.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Ex-Haryana CM Chautala, son get 10 years jail
Former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala and his son Ajay had been sentenced to 10 years in jail in
connection with a teachers recruitment scam.Special CBI Judge Vinod Kumar sentenced the Chautalas and
seven others to 10 years in jail while one convict was given five years in jail and 45 others four years in jail.
Swaminarayan sect opens $100-million quake-proof temple near Hollywood
One of the biggest Hindu temples in the US, built at a whopping cost of $100 million near the Hollywood city in
Los Angeles .The 68th Swaminarayan temple of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha
(BAPS) had been built using 35,000 pieces of meticulously hand carved Italian Carrara marble and Indian Pink
Sandstone.
Premlata Conquers Summit of Mt Vinson in Antarctica
On 17 January Premlata Agrawal, the oldest woman in India to have climbed Mt. Everest, has conquered Mt.
Vinson in Antarctica in pursuit of the Mountaineering Challenge of climbing the Seven Summits.She completed
her Mt. Vinson expedition on January .The person successful in conquering all the seven summits is considered a
member of the Hall of Fame for mountaineers.Premlata will become the first Indian woman and one of the oldest
in the world to conquer all seven summits.
Ex-ISRO chairman Inducted in to Satellite Hall of Fame
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced its former chairman and Department of Space
secretary Prof U R Rao by inducting him as the member of the prestigious Satellite Hall of Fame ,
Washington.Since 1987, the SSPI Hall of Fame has been recognising the invaluable contribution of the
visionaries who have transformed life on planet earth for the better through satellite technology. Members of the
Hall of Fame are recognised pioneers in communications, satellite related aerospace scientific research or
development and delivery of applications for business, institutions and government via satellite.
David Headley sentenced for 35 years for 26/11 role(Mumbai attacks)
Pakistani-American Lashkar-e-Tayiba terrorist David Headley was on 24 January 2013 sentenced to 35 years in
jail by a Chicago court for his unquestionable role in the massacre of 166 people in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Forbes India Celebrity 100 List
According to the Forbes India Celebrity 100 List The Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, topped the
inaugural Forbes India Celebrity 100 list.Forbes India estimates, the total earning of Shah Rukh from October
2011 and September 2012 was 202.8 crore Rupees.The ranking was given based on the popularity as well as
income of the biggest entertainers of India. Second on the list was Salman Khan and MS Dhoni followed in the
third position.The special edition of Forbes India judged in eight different categories directors, film actors, TV
personailities, models, comedians, sports stars, authors and singers/musicians.The youngest celebrity in the list
of Forbes India was Saina Nehwal, aged 23 years.
Switzerland best place to be born, India 66th
Switzerland has been called the best place in the world to be born in 2013 according to the The Economist
Intelligence Unit (EIU), a sister company of The Economist. The worst place for a baby to start life was violence-
hit African country Nigeria. The survey included 80 nations and Australia ranked second followed by Norway,
Sweden and Denmark. Singapore, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Canada and New Zealand were also ranked among
top 10. India was ranked 66th place.The survey included significant parameters to judge the best country to be
born and these factors included demography, geography, cultural and social characteristics, state of economy,
future income per head as well as public policy.
PLACES IN NEWS
Strong Quake in Indonesia
On 22nd January A strong, shallow earthquake rocked parts of western Indonesia early killed 30 persons and
panicking residents and ruining homes. Several other people were injured.Indonesias meteorology and
geophysics agency put the preliminary magnitude at 6.0 and said the inland quake caused no tsunami. It was
centered southwest of the city of Banda Aceh and 10 miles (6 kilometers) beneath the earths crust, according to
the U.S. Geological Survey..
233 People Killed in Brazil Night Club Fire Accident
On 27 January The blaze in the university town of Santa Maria nightclub fire killed at least 233 people in southern
Brazil .Most of those who died were suffocated by toxic fumes that rapidly filled the crowded club after sparks
from pyrotechnics used by the band for visual effects set fire to soundproofing on the ceiling.
ABBREVIATIONS
CBT-Cash Transfer Benefit
EIUEconomist Intelligence Unit
CBSCentral Bureau of Statistics
NLST-National Large Solar Telescope
CEET-Centre for Energy-Efficient Telecommunications
CIAAmerican Intelligence Agency
WEF-World Economic Forum
PBSPravasi Bhartiya Divas
MSMEMinistry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
BWFBadminton World Federation
BOOKS IN NEWS
Swami Vivekananda The Monk as Man Book Released
The renowned Bengali writer Shankar wrote a The Monk as Man book on Swami Vivekananda ,who spread the
message of Indias spiritual heritage across the world.In the book Shankar described Vivekananda used to
emphasise greatly on physical strength and is known for the shocking statement Better to play football than read
the Gita.
McChrystal My Share of the Task: A Memoir Book Released
General Stanley McChrystal, the former American commander in Afghanistan, wrote a My Share of the Task: A
Memoir, book which was released on 7 January .In the book Chrystal explained that tensions between the White
House and the Pentagon were evident in the Obama administration from its opening months in office.This book is
not just for aficionados of military history or for students of American foreign policy .
COMMITTEES
Vijay Kelkar Committee for Fiscal Consolidation
The Vijay Kelkar Committee, which was appointed by Finance Ministry to suggest a roadmap for fiscal
consolidation, has suggested immediate hike in fuel prices and complete deregulation of diesel prices by start of
2014-15 fiscal.It also suggested raising kerosene and LPG rates.Now the Kelkar committee recommendation is
still at proposal stage.
Justice Verma Committee Submitted Report
On 23 January The three-member committee included former Chief Justice of India, J S Verma, who headed the
committee, Justice (Retd.) Leila Seth, former Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court and Gopal
Subramanian, former Solicitor General of India , set up to suggest ways to make rape laws stronger in the
country, has submitted its report with recommendations to enhance and amend existing laws dealing with cases
of sexual crime.The Justice Verma panel recognised failure of governance as primary cause of sexual crimes.The
Panel suggested Trafficking should be made punishable with imprisonment ranging from not less than 7 years to
10 years .There was a need for the separate Bill of Rights for women that will make sure that women would have
their own rights for having sexual autonomy.
December 2012 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Mahama Re-elected as Ghanas President
On 10 December Ghanas incumbent President John Dramani Mahama of the ruling National Democratic
Congress (NDC) has won the countrys presidential election.Mahama took 50.70 percent of the total valid votes
cast, while his closest challenger, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) obtained
47.74 percent.With his re-election, Mahama becomes the fourth president to be elected under the Forth
Republic.He had served as Ghanas vice president since 2009.
UN, Pakistan Launched Malala Fund
Pakistan joined forces with the United Nations on 10 December 2012 to launch a fund aimed at boosting girls
education throughout the world.The fund is named for Malala Yousafzai, the 15-year-old Pakistani girl. Pakistans
President Asif Ali Zardari also announced a $10-million donation for a global war chest to educate all girls by
2015 set up in the name of Malala Yousafzai for campaigning for girls education.
Shinzo Abe Elected As Japans New PM
The former Prime Minister and the Leader of LDP Shinzo Abe elected as a Prime Minister with a clear victory
over the Prime Minister and leader of the Democratic Party of Japan(DPJ) Yoshihiko Noda in the Parliamentary
Elections on 26 December 2012.The lawmakers in Japan voted in favour of Abe by 328 votes. Opponent Banri
Kaieda, the newly chosen leader of DPJ received merely 57 votes.
Jacob Zuma re-elected as South Africas President
South Africas ruling African National Congress on 18 December 2012 re-elected President Jacob Zuma as the
party chief with a thumping majority. Mr.Zuma received the support of over 75 per cent of the total voting delegates
at the ANC National Conference held in Bloemfontein. Juma was Deputy President of South Africa from 1999 to
2005
Park elected South Korean President
Park Guen-hye, the daughter of former military dictator Park Chung-hee, beat her opponent on 19 December
2012 in the South Korean presidential elections. Park is the countrys first woman President. She is the former
head of the ruling Conservative Saenuri Party, had secured the necessary votes and defeated Moon Jae-in, of the
Democratic United Party.
Pak Cleared Anti-terror Bill
On 20 December Pakistans National Assembly passed a bill that will give intelligence and security agencies
sweeping powers to conduct surveillance and collect data from SMSs and emails.The National Assembly or
lower house of parliament approved the Fair Trial Bill 2012 after incorporating amendments proposed by the
main opposition PML-N and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, which is part of the ruling coalition led by the
Pakistan Peoples Party.
U.S. House Passed Defense Bill
On 20 December US (United States) House of Representatives passed the Defence Authorization Act of 2013.
The bill authorizing 633.3 billion dollar in defense spending for 2013, easing limits on satellite exports and
providing more Marines for embassy security.
Napolitano Dissolved Italian Parliament
On 22 December Italian President Giorgio Napolitano dissolved Parliament following the resignation of Prime
Minister Mario Monti. Italian Government under the leadership of Mario Monti brought forward a series of austerity
reforms backed by EU and business leaders.
Morsi signed on Egypts New Constitution
On 25 December Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi signed into law a new Islamist-drafted constitution. He
signed a declaration enforcing the charter late after the official announcement of the result of a referendum
approving the basic law. Two-thirds of the members of the 270-seat council were elected earlier this year in a vote
in which only 12 per cent of registered voters participated. The remaining 90 were appointed by Mohamed Morsi,
the Islamist president.
Pakistan Recognised the Republic of Kosovo
On 26 December Pakistan Government officially recognised Kosovo as an independent state, almost five years
after it declared independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008. Pakistan is the 98th country among the 193 U.N-
member states to recognise Kosovo .Kosovo is a small south east European state lies between Albania,
Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro.
INDIA & WORLD
Nitish Kumar, Hazare, Malala Among The Top 100 Global Thinkers List
On 2 December According to the United States-based Foreign Policy magazine has released its list of the
100 Top Global Thinkers from 2012. The magazine has placed the Indians in the list include Bihar Chief Minister
Nitish Kumar, who features way below at the 77th place, Anna Hazare who has been placed at the 37th position
for his anti-corruption crusade in the country. 15-year-old Pakistani child rights activist Malala Yousafzai at 6th
position, Aung San Suu Kyi is ranked first in list.
Bangladesh Agreed on Zero Line Fencing along Tripura Border
On 2 December Bangladesh had agreed to set up barbed wire fencing along zero line in nine stretches on the
Indo-Bangladesh border in Tripura. According to the MHA communique, fencing along zero line was to be allowed
in 9 areas.
India & Japan Signed Currency Swap Agreement
India signed a bilateral swap arrangement (BSA) with the Bank of Japan to swap their local currencies for an
amount of $15 billion for a three year period on 4 December 2012.The BSA will effect from 5 December 2012.
India is Among Top Five Terror-Hit Nations
The Australian think tank released The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) on 4 December 2012, according to this GTI,
India, Pakistan and Afghanistan were among the nations most impacted by terrorism in 2011. In 2011, the Middle
East, India, Pakistan and Russia were the areas most impacted by terrorism. Indias GTI rank was 4 out of the
159 countries surveyed. While Iraq stood at number1, Pakistan at number 2, Afghanistan at number 3 and Yemen
was number 5.
Bangalore Best Indian City To Live
Bangalore ranks better than New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata amongst Indian cities in overall global
quality of living index, according to a Mercer 2012 Quality of Living Survey.Bangalores overall quality of living rank
went up from 141 in 2011 to 139 in 2012 and is highest amongst other Indian cities.
India Ranked 94th Position in Corruption
Denmark, Finland and New Zealand tied for the first place in watchdog Transparency Internationals 2012 index
of the least corrupt countries. India is on 94th position in the Corruption Perceptions Index. Most corrupted
nations are Afghanistan, North Korea and Somalia in 174th positions.
US Extends Exemptions For India to Iran Oil Sanctions
On 8 December the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has extended exemptions to India, China ,South Korea,
Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Taiwan from Iranian Sanctions Act mainly because of
their significant reduction in oil import from Iran.The 9 countries have again qualified for an exception to sanctions
outlined in Section 1245 of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012, based on
additional reductions in the volume of their crude oil purchases from Iran.This is for the second time that countries
including India has received waiver from US under the Iranian sanctions act.
3 Indian Projects among Strategic- Global Infrastructure Projects List
Three Indian projects have placed in the new yorks Global Infrastructure Leadership Forum Top 100 Strategic
Global Infrastructure Projects list. GIFT city (Gujarat International Financial Tech city), Mumbai-Ahmedabad High
Speed Rail project (Maharashtra) and the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) project (Andhra Pradesh).
India, Ukraine Signed on Five Agreements
India and Ukraine on 10 December 2012 signed on five agreements in New Delhi to enhance cooperation including
in areas of defence, Nuclear, Science and Technology and also to remove barriers in trade and commerce.
Indians Largest Ethnic Minority Group in UK
On 11 December According to the 2011 Britain population census record Indians are the largest ethnic minority
group in the UK.With 1.5 percent of the Hindu religion became a third-largest religion in the nations. The Christian
population in the country is also a drop in the statistics.. The Muslim community population in the countrys
fastest growing increased by 3 percent to 4.8.
India& Pak Signed on New Visa Agreement
The new Visa Agreement between India and Pakistan on 14th December, 2012 at New Delhi. However, the Visa-
on-Arrival will come into effect from 15th January, 2013. Shri Sushilkumar Shinde, Home Minister of India and Mr.
A. Rehman Malik, Pakistan Interior Minister singed on the agreement.
Cell Phone Connections to exceed the World Population by 2014
The International Telecommunications Communication Union (ITU) to be designed and released Information
Society 2012 Observe report on 11 December. According to the report number of cell phone connections
exceeding the worlds population by 2014. Now 6 billion (hundreds of millions) cell phone connections they will
reach 730 Millions by 2014 .Then the worlds population is 700 crore.Already in Russia 1.8 times cell phone
accounts more than 25 million people.
Indians now Live Longer but in Poor Health in Old Age
According to the the prestigious British medical journal, The Lancet report the life expectancy (LE) at birth of an
average Indian male has gone up by 15 years between 1970 and 2010. An average Chinese male is living 10
years longer than an Indian male, while a Chinese woman is living 11.5 years longer than her Indian counterpart.
An average American lives nearly 13 years longer than an Indian.
World Malaria Report 2012
According to the WHO World Malaria Report 2012 India, the country most affected by malaria in the South East
Asian Region, is projected to see a decrease of 50-75 per cent in malaria case incidence by 2015.In South East
Asia Region, Bhutan, Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand have registered decreases of 75 per cent or more in
the incidence of microscopically confirmed malaria incidence rates between 2000 and 2011.
Hinduism Third Largest Religion of World
According to the Pew research survey report Hinduism is the third largest religion of the world after Christianity
, Islam and 97 per cent of all Hindus live in the worlds three Hindu-majority countries (India, Mauritius and
Nepal), and nearly nine-in-ten Christians (87 per cent) are found in the worlds 157 Christian majority countries.In
the total world population 2.2 billion Christians (32 per cent of the worlds population), 1.6 billion Muslims (23 per
cent) around the world as of 2010.
India & Russia signed Rs 22,000 crore Defence Deals
India and Russia signed defence deals worth around Rs. 22,000 crore ($4 billion) on 24 December. According to
this pact Russia will sell India 71 military helicopters for $1.3 billion and technological kits to assemble 42 Sukhoi
jet fighters for $1.6 billion.
NATIONAL
Sexual Assault a Gender-Neutral Offence Bill Passed by Lok Sabha
The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, replacing the word rape by the phrase sexual assault and seeking to widen
the scope of the offence passed by Lok Sabha on 4 December. Both men and women could soon be able to
invoke the provisions of a criminal law in case of sexual assault .The amendment bill expands the definition so
that cases of sexual assault where victims were male would fall under the same law along with cases where
victims were women.
Cabinet Approved Naval Base Phase II of Project Seabird
On 7 December The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared a Rs 13,500 crore major expansion plan of the
strategic Karwar naval base Phase II Alpha of the project Seabird in Karnataka is set to become the countrys
biggest Naval base by 2025. The Karwar naval base is Indias third major naval base after Mumbai and
Visakhapatnam on the east coast.
Over 7 Crore Unemployed Youth in India
According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) report an approximate 7 crore youth people in India are
either unemployed or under-employed. The figures were revealed by Labour and Employment Minister Mallikarjun
Kharge in Rajya Sabha.As per results of the latest survey conducted by NSSO during 2009-10, the number of
unemployed or under-employed persons on usual status basis in the country was 95 lakhs and about six crore
respectively.
Rajya Sabha Passed SC/ST Quota Bill
A Constitution 117th amendment bill providing for quota for SCs and STs in government job promotions was on
December 17 passed by Rajya Sabha.
Unlawful Activities Amendment Bill Passed by Rajya Sabha
On 20 December Parliament passed a bill that makes economic offences, including circulation of high quality
counterfeit currency, a terrorist act.The Rajya Sabha passed Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill,
2012 by voice vote while several parties. The bill was already passed by Lok Sabha.
LokSabha Approved Company Bill 2011
On 18 December Lok Sabha passed the Companies Bill 2011 paving the way for a new modern company law.The
Bill is aimed at improving corporate governance. It contains provisions to strengthen regulations for corporate as
well as auditing firms.
Banking Bill passed by Lok Sabha
The Banking Laws Amendment Bill, 2011, have been passed in the Lok Sabha on 20 December .The
amendments pave the way for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue new bank licences, and also opens door
for more foreign investment into the sector.
Usha Mehra commission for Delhi incident victim Nirbhayas Case
A female physiotherapy intern student Nirbhaya beaten and gang raped in Delhi on 16 December and died on 29
December while undergoing emergency treatment in Singapore for brain and gastrointestinal damage from the
assault.The government has formed a committee of enquiry under justice Usha Mehra to reconstruct the events
leading to the incident identify lapses by police and other agencies and fix responsibility for the crime.
Microsoft Launches 14 Innovation Centres in India
Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd had launched 14 Microsoft Innovation Centres (MICs) in India. It has signed
agreements with leading academic institutions across four States.As part of the global programme, which
currently has 75 MICs, Microsoft aims to launch a 100 such centres in India in the next two years.
STATES
Delhi Government Launched Delhi Annshri Yojna
UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was launched a major food security programme of Delhi Government Delhi
Annshri Yojna on 15 December 2012.under which a monthly cash subsidy of Rs. 600 will be transferred directly
into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of the senior-most female members of two lakh poor families.
BJP Won in Gujarat Assembly Elections
The BJP registered its fifth consecutive victory in Gujarat on 20 December 2012.This is the third victory under
Modi leadership. BJP won the 115 seats. Congress won the 61 seats. Modi won by a landslide from Maninagar
constituency in Gujarat, beating his nearest Congress party rival Shweta Bhatt by a margin of 86,373 votes.
Congress has won Himachal Pradesh Elections
The Congress returned to power in Himachal Pradesh after five years, defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party in the
Himachal Pradesh State Assembly elections conduced on 4 November 2012.The Congress secured 36 seats and
the BJP 26 seats. The Congress Leader Virbhadra Singh won from Shimla (Rural) constituency and defeated the
rival from BJP Ishwar Rohal by 19033 Votes.
Meghalaya Passed Lokayukta Bill 2012
On 14 December the Meghalaya Lokayukta Bill, 2012 was passed in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and
replaced the existing Lokayukta Act, 2002 amidst opposition from legislators. The new act under the lokayukta
bill covered the chief minister, governor and all public servants, but allowed the state government through a clause
to exclude the complaints by citing public interest.
Madhya Pradesh Government Set Up a Senior Citizen Commission
On 21 December the Madhya Pradesh Government has set up a Senior Citizen Commission to look into
problems of the elderly in the State.
Assam Government Announced Special Health Scheme
On 12 December Assam government announced that 50 riverine public health centres would be set up in the state
soon under the National Rural Health Mission.The public health centres would be located primarily in the districts
of Barpeta, Dhubri, Goalpara and Darrang.
30% Reservation for Rural Candidates in Assam Govt. Jobs
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 26 December 2012 announced that 30 per cent state government jobs will
be reserved for candidates belonging to rural areas from 2013.
CONFERENCES
UN Climate Change Conference (COP 18)
The United Nations Climate Change Conference , which is the 18th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP
18) and 8th session of the Conference of the Parties (serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol
) ends on 8 December in Qatar, Doha. United Nations climate talks in Doha had agreed to extend the Kyoto
Protocol through 2020. Poland will host the next round of 19th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP)
UN climate talks in 2013.
World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT-12)
The First ever World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) from 3 -14 December held in Dubai,
United Arab Emirates.The conference reviewed the current International Telecommunication Regulations
(ITRs).The 193 member states of the ambassadors are attended this conference.While 89 states have signed the
UN International Telecommunications agreement and another 55 countries have refused the deal.The new
agreement will come into effect in January 2015.
ASEAN India Commemorative Summit held in New Delhi
India is hosted the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit held from December 20-21 in New Delhi to mark the
20th anniversary of the ASEAN India dialogue partnership and the 10th anniversary of ASEAN-India Summit-
level partnership.The theme of the summit is ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace and Shared Prosperity.
ASEAN and India have signed the awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on comprehensive economic cooperation
as foundations for the establishment of an ASEAN-India Trade and Investment Area.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Katy Perry Honored With Billboards Woman of the Year
Pop Singer Katy Perry was honored with Billboards Woman of the Year 2012 (The Star of the Women) award in
New York.
Shah Rukh Khan Conferred With Moroccos Medal of Honour
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan had given the prestigious Medal of Honour by the Prince of Morocco
(Moulay Rachid) on 3 December 2012 in 12th Marrakech International Film Festival.
DRDO Scientist Gets Top Award
Brajnish Sitara scientist from Research Centre Imarat(RCI), a premier laboratory of DRDOs missile complex was
conferred with INAE(Indian National Academy of Engineering)Young Engineer Award for 2012 at the academys
annual conventionheld at Roorkee on 6 December 2012.
Rajan and Sajan Mishra Conferred National Tansen Samman
On 14 December 2012 noted vocalist duo of Rajan and Sajan Mishra will be awarded prestigious National Tansen
Samman for year 2011-12 for their contribution to Hindustani classical music
Stephen Hawking Won Yuri Milner Award
A Russian billionaires foundation was awarded two special prizes of $3 million each to British cosmologist
Stephen Hawking for his work on black holes and to seven scientists at the worlds biggest atom-smasher for their
roles in the discovery of a new subatomic particle believed to be the long-sought Higgs boson. Yuri Milners
Fundamental Physics Prize Foundation announced the awards on 11 December 2012.Hawking is honored for his
discovery of Hawking radiation from black holes and his deep contributions to quantum gravity and quantum
aspects of the early universe.
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for Ravi Shankar
Sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar will be honoured with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
posthumously.He becomes the first Indian to get the prestigious award. The decision to honour Ravi Shankar, a
three-time Grammy winner, was made before his death.
Indian Journalists Association Honoured Sir Charles Wheeler
On 16 December Indian Journalists Association has conferred its Lifetime Achievement Award for 2012
posthumously to former BBC correspondent Sir Charles Wheeler.
Scientist Venkatesh Mannar honoured with Order of Canada Award
A Chennai born scientist of Indian origin, M.G Venkatesh Mannar and President, Micronutrient Initiative, Canada
was awarded with Canadas Highest Civilian Award the Order of Canada on December .US, was honoured
with the award for his forty years long contribution working towards reduction of debilitating micronutrient
deficiencies among the worlds most vulnerable.
Arunachal CM Selected for IAEWP Award
On 18 December Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has been selected by the International
Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP) for a Lifetime Achievement Award. IAEWP is a non-
governmental organization affiliated to the United Nations and engaged in the promotion of world peace. Besides
the individual award he would also receive the Green State of the Year Award on behalf of the Arunachal
Pradesh Government for maintaining greenery in the state.
Top Honour For 7-year-old South African Indian Rhino Campaigner
A seven-year-old Indian-origin girl Afeefah Patel won a prestigious a wildlife conservation award in South Africa for
writing a letter to President Jacob Zuma asking for his assistance in saving endangered rhinos. Afeefah Patel, who
has just finished Grade One, became the youngest winner ever of SANParkss Corporate Contribution to
Conservation Award in individual category at the 8th annual Kudu Awards.
P.Chidambaram received Best Administrator Award
On 20 December Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram received Best Administrator in India award instituted
by K. Karunakaran Foundation.The award was presented to him by Vice President of India, M. Hamid Ansari.The
award is being offered in the memory of renowned Congress leader as well as the former Kerala Chief minister
K.Karunakaran. First Karunakaran Foundation Award was given to Pranab Mukherjee.
Archaeologist C.Govindarajanar Received Presidential Award
President Pranab Mukherjee on 21 December 2012 conferred the Presidential Awards for Classical Tamil at a
function in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prof. C. Govindarajanar was conferred Tolkappiyar Award for outstanding
contribution in the field of Tamil studies.
Top U.S. Innovation Award For Indian-American
A renowned Indian-American inventor at IBM, Rangaswamy Srinivasan, was nominated by U.S. President Barack
Obama for the prestigious National Medal of Technology and Innovation. He named the phenomenon Ablative
Photo Decomposition (APD). He got this award for the discovery of APD.
Shihab Ghanem the First Arab to receive Indias Tagore Peace Prize
On 26 December The Asiatic society will award the Tagore Peace Prize to Emirati poet and translator Shihab
Ghanem .Shihab Ghanem the first Arab to receive Indias Tagore Peace Prize.The peace prize is named after
Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali creative talent and Indias first Nobel laureate.
Pratibha Ray Won 2011 Jnanpith Award
Leading Oriya novelist and academician Pratibha Ray, who has over 40 novels, travelogues and short stories to
her credit, was named for the prestigious Jnanpith Award for the year 2011 on 27 December 2012.
Astronautical Societys Aryabhatta award for Muthunayagam & Saraswat
The former secretary of the Department of Ocean Development, A.E. Muthunayagam, will received the prestigious
Aryabhatta award, instituted by the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), for 2010 and V.K. Saraswat, Scientific
Adviser to the Defence Minister, will receive the award for 2011.They have been selected for their achievements in
rocketry.
SPORTS & GAMES
Lalith Babu Top in Commonwealth Chess Championship
Grandmasters M R Lalith Babu and Sergei Tiviakov scored final round victories to reached the top of the table with
9.5 points in the Commonwealth Chess Championship in Chennai on 01 December 2012. Lalith was crowned the
Commonwealth Champion 2012 title.
Rory McIlroy named PGA Tour Player of the Year
On 2 December The PGA( Professional Golfers Association of America) Tour has announced Rory McIlroy as
Tour Player of the Year after McIlroy won four times on Tour in 2012. McIlroy, becomes the youngest player to
earn Player of the Year honors since Tiger Woods in 1998.
Anna Ushenina is World Womens Chess Champion
Anna Ushenina of Ukraine 02 December 2012 won the womens World Championship crown, defeating Antoaneta
Stefanova of Bulgaria in the first set of tie-break games.
Air India Won Lal Bahadur Shastri Tournament
Air India defeated Bharat Petroleum 3-1 to emerge champion in the 23rd Lal Bahadur Shastri hockey tournament
at the Shivaji Stadium New Delhi on 4 December 2012.
Jadeja Created History Hitting 3rd Tripleton in FC Cricket
Ravindra Jadeja became first Indian and only eighth batsman in the First-Class (FC) cricket history of world to
score three triple-centuries in the unbeaten 320 runs against Railways in the Ranji Trophy Group A match on 2
December 2012 in Rajkot.
International Olympic Committee Suspended India
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended Indias national Olympic committee on 4 December 2012
because of government interference in its election process.
Australia Won 5th Consecutive Champions Trophy Hockey
On 8 December Australia won fifth Consective Champions Trophy Hockey after defeated Netherlands in
Melbourne.The bronze medal was claimed by Pakistan after they beated India on 9 december.
Indian Wrestlers Won Nine Gold Medals in Copa Brasil Tournament
The Indian wrestling contingent finished with a haul of nine gold and four bronze medals in the recent Copa Brasil-
2012 tournament held at Rio in December 2012.
Magnus Carlsen won the 4th London Chess Classic Tournament
On 10 December Norways chess ace Magnus Carlsen won the 4th London Chess Classic Tournament in London
.Carlsen defeated the World Champion Viswanathan Anand in the final round and claim the winners
trophy.Kramnik is second place , Adams and Hikaru Nakamura share the third place and Viswanathan Anand fifth
place.
India Won Blind Cricket T20 World Cup
India won the first T20 world cup for the Blind .In the final on 13 December 2012 India defeated the Pakistan by
29-runs.India did well to clinch the first ever blind cricket T20 World Cup on the home soil.
India Won the World Cup Kabaddi Tournament 2012
India won the 3rd World Cup Kabaddi Tournament for the third consecutive time in the Mens category and second
consecutive time in the Womens category on15 December 2012. Indian men defeated the Pakistan and India
Women defeated the Malaysia in the finals held at the Guru Nanak Dev Stadium in Ludhiana.
Jeev Honoured with Asia Pacific Lifetime Achievement Award
Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh (in pic) won the Asia Pacific Lifetime Achievement award along with Jack Nicklaus
and Colin Montgomerie on 15 December 2012.
China Claimed All Titles at Junior World TT Championship
On 16 December China claimed the all titles at Volkswagen 2012 World Junior Table Tennis Championship after it
won girls as well as boys trophies. Girls Singles : Zhu Yuling, Girls Doubles: Gu Yuting and Zhu Yuling, Boys
Singles : Fan Zhendong, Boys Doubles : Gu Ruochen and Lin Gaoyuan, Mixed Doubles : Zhendong and Liu
Gaoyang.
Federer & Nicola named Swiss Athletes of the Year 2012
Tennis star Roger Federer was named Swiss male athlete of the year at the 2012 Credit Suisse Sports Awards on
16 December in Zurich.Federer received the honour for the fifth time. The female Athlete of the year was Nicola
Spirig, the Olympic triathlon champion of Switzerland.
England Won Test Series
On 17 December The last test match between India and England of the Tournament England Tour to India ended
up as a draw and with this India lost the four-test match cricket series against England .With this win England
succeeded in ending a 28 year long wait of winning a test series on Indian Soil.
Syed Rahim Nabi Named AIFF Player of the Year 2012
Syed Rahim Nabi has been named the AIFF (All India Football Federation) Player of the Year, 2012 on 20
December.
Sachin Retired From One Day Cricket
On 23 December Sachin Tendulkar announced retirement from one day cricket. Sachin scored 18426 runs in 463
one-day matches and also made 49 hundreds in the one-day format, including a double hundred which is the first
in this form of cricket and 96 half centuries. He became the first cricketer to score a double century in the history
of One Day international Cricket against South Africa in February 2010.Tendulkar scored his 100th international
century on 16 March 2012 against Bangladesh, where he scored 114 runs.
Kashyap Won First Grand Prix Title
Kashyap Parupalli defeated Thailands Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk in a tight three game match to take his first
Grand Prix title at the Shaheed Dr. KL Garg, Syed Modi India Grand Prix Gold 2012.
Apurvi Chandela Won Air Rifle Gold
On 24 December Apurvi Chandela of Rajasthan won Womens Air Rifle Gold in the Sahara 56th National Shooting
Championship.Former champion and National record holder, Pournima clinched the bronze.
Djokovic won World Tennis Championship
On 29 December Spanish tennis player Novak Djokovic won World Tennis Championship final after defeated
Nicolas Almagro in Abu Dhabi.
Vijay Won Gold in National Shooting Championship
London Olympics silver medallist Vijay Kumar 30 december 2012 clinched the gold medal in the mens rapid fire
pistol event at the 56th National Shooting Championship in New Delhi.
McGrath inducted into Hall of Fame
The ICC announced on 30 December 2012 that McGrath, who took more Test wickets (563) than any other fast
bowler and holds the record for most wickets in World Cups (71), will be inducted as the 68th male player in the
International Cricket Councils Hall of Fame.
ECONOMY
The ADB cut Indias Growth Forecast to 5.4 percent
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) cut Indias growth forecast to 5.4 per cent in 2012-13 fiscal, barely two
months after it had made a projection of 5.6 per cent growth for the Asias third largest economy. Indias growth
forecast is revised from 5.6 per cent to 5.4 per cent in fiscal year 2012 and from 6.7 per cent to 6.5 per cent in FY
2013.
Rich Gulf Families Own Wealth Worth USD 1.2 Trillion
According to the KFH-Research report said one million wealthy families in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
countries own investment assets worth about USD 1.2 trillion.The report about wealth and funds management said
that the worlds population of high net worth individuals (HNWIs) grew by a marginal 0.8 per cent year on year to
11 million in 2011.
India Economy Would Dominate the Economy of the World by 2030
US intelligence counsel was released report on 10 December 2012 declared that India would straddle international
commerce and will also dominate the economy of the whole world by 2030.
IOC Retains Top in Fortune 500 India List
Government owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is ranked as the largest company in terms of revenue, the Fortune
500 list of Indian companies for 2012 . In this list Indian Oil Corporation got the first place with a full-year revenue
of Rs 4,202 billion, Reliance Industries Limited got the second place with a full-year revenue of Rs 3,675 billion
and Bharat Petroleum Corporation got the third place with a full -year revenue of Rs 2,148 billion
Indias Lost $123 bn in Black Money
According to the report of Illicit Financial Flows from Developing Countries: 20012010, released by Global
Financial Integrity (GFI) India lost $123 billion in black money during 2001-2010. However Indias loss is far less
than that of China, which according to the report suffered a loss of $ 2.74 trillion during the same period (2001 to
2010). India is the eighth largest victim of black money loses.
India Lags Several Nations in Per Capita Income
India is lagging behind several countries in per capita income due to different levels of development and various
other factors, the central government was informed on 19 December. Indias per capita GDP on Purchasing
Power Parity (PPP) basis was $3,403 in 2010 and is estimated at $3,662.69 in 2011 and $3,851.31 in 2012.
Canadian Scientists Created Artificial Brain
Software engineers as well as neuroscientists at University of Waterloo, Canada claimed that they have developed
a closest model of the functioning human brain, known as Spaun which is advanced enough for passing the basic
IQ tests. This is the virtual brain which functions on the supercomputer and comprises of a digital eye, which can
be used for visual input. It also has the robotic arm which can be used for drawing the response.
Voyager 1 Drifts Into Unknown Region of Space
NASAs Voyager 1 spacecraft has discovered a new layer of the solar system that scientists hadnt known was
there, researchers announced on 4 December 2012. Voyager 1, in particular, has entered a new region of the
heliosphere that scientists are calling a magnetic highway, which allows charged particles from inside the
heliosphere to flow outward, and particles from the galaxy outside to come in.
New Anti-HIV Gel for HIV Transmission
Researchers led by Dereuddre-Bosquet from the European Combined Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Microbicides
(CHAARM) Consortium describe the gels key ingredient, which are small peptides engineered to present a decoy
to bind up the virus and prevent it from entering and infecting the body cells. Because this is a gel it can be
topically applied and could represent a powerful preventative agent against sexual transmission of HIV. Bosquet
and colleagues engineered peptides named miniCD4s because they mimic the CD4 receptor used by HIV to gain
entry into immune cells of the body.
NASA to Send New Rover to Mars in 2020
NASA was announced plans to send a new robotic explorer to the the Red Planet, Mars in 2020.
7 Planets Discovered In The Milky Way
New York Scientists have been discovered Seven planets in the Milky Way outside our solar system that could
potentially harbour life and researchers from an ambitious project to catalogue all habitable worlds claim.
Russia Delivered MiG-29 Fighter Jets to India
Russia on 10 December 2012 delivered the first three upgraded MiG-29UPG fighter jets to India under a USD 900
million contract to modernise the ageing fleet of MiG-29 aircraft with the IAF.
Tata Group Developed new Artillery Gun
On 11 December In a step towards developing the indigenous private sector defence industry, the Tata group has
created a new Artillery Gun. The 155mm 52 calibre gun developed by the Tata group is likely to have a strike
range of 52 kms, which would probably be the longest in the Indian inventory.
India Successfully Test Fired Agni-I Ballistic Missile
India on 12 December 2012 successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Agni-I ballistic
missile with a strike range of 700 km from a test range off Odisha coast. Weighing 12 tonnes, the 15-metre-long
Agni-I, which is capable of carrying payloads up to 1000 kg and destroy the targets at a distance of 700 km.
North Korea Launched Unha-3 Rocket
On 12 December North Korea launched a long-range rocket Unha-3 despite international opposition and growing
tensions in the region successfully delivering a scientific satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 into orbit.Unha-3 is the
second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 which is successfully lifted off from the Sohae Space Center by
carrier rocket.The US and its allies view the launch as a disguised test of ballistic missile technology.
NASAs Twin Probes Crashed Successfully onto Lunar Mountain
Ebb and Flow, the gravity mapping satellites of NASA ended the successful mission to Moon by crashing on the
rim of crater. Lunar surface on which Ebb and Flow crashed will be given a name after Sally Ride, the first woman
of America in the space who died earlier in 2012.
Rocket with 3 Astronauts Takes off for ISS
A Soyuz spacecraft carrying three astronauts took off atop a towering Russian rocket on 19 December 2012,
headed for the International Space Station.It launched from Russias manned-space facility in the frigid steppes of
Kazakhstan. American Tom Marshburn, Russian Roman Romanenko and Canadian Chris Hadfield are travelled in
capsule.
Prithvi-II Flight- Tested Successfully
The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) successfully flight-tested nuclear weapons-capable Prithvi-II missile from
Chandipur, off the Odisha coast on 20 December 2012. The surface-to-surface ballistic missile, was fired from a
road mobile launcher and tested for its full range of 350 km.The single-stage, liquid propelled missile can carry a
payload of 500 kg.
Astra Missile Successfully Test-fired
India on December 2012 test launched its indigenously developed beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air interceptor
missile Astra at the interim test range(ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha.Astra which has the capability to intercept and
destroy enemy aircraft at a supersonic speed can be fitted into any fighter aircraft. Considered as one of the best
of its kind in the world, the 3.8 metre long missile which weighs about 160 kg can carry explosive loaded
conventional warheads up to 15 kg.
Scientists Discovered Mini Nile River on Saturns Moon Titan
Nasa scientists had spotted the longest extraterrestrial river system ever on Saturns moon Titan and it
appears to be a miniature version of Earths Nile river.
Higgs Boson Tops Journal Sciences 2012 List
The discovery of the Higgs Boson, an invisible particle that explains the mystery of mass, leads a list of the top
10 scientific advances of 2012 released by the US journal Science on 22 December .
America Launched Reusable Rockets
US California based SpaceXs industry successfully launched Grasshopper reusable rockets.The rocket took a
giant leap for commercial space flight and when it rose 131 feet and landed safely back on Earth. Grasshopper
rocket rose to a height of 131 feet around ten storeys and hovered before landing safely on its launch pad using
closed loop thrust vector and throttle control.
Hot Spots For Worlds more Powerful Earthquakes Revealed
The locations of where the worlds largest earthquakes are most likely to take place had pinpointed with greater
accuracy than ever before, by researchers from the University of Sydney.The coasts of Southern Chile and Peru,
Indonesias Sumatra Island, and several regions along the eastern Eurasian coastline, are some of the regions
prone to great earthquakes.
PERSONS IN NEWS
a) APPOINTMENTS
Visually-challenged Indian-American in key US post
On 1 December Obama administration was appointed a visually-challenged Indian-American Sachin Dev
Pavithran as a Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board member.
Ajit Pawar sworn-in as Maharashtra Deputy CM
Ajith Pawar sworn-in as Maharashtra deputy chief minister on 7 December. After getting the clean chit from the
government on corruption in irrigation projects.
Chautala Elected as IOA President
Abhay Singh Chautala was on December 2012 unanimously elected president of the Indian Olympic Association
(IOA) while Lalit Bhanot became the new secretary general.
Parthasarathy Shome Appointed Adviser to Finance Minister
The government of India appointed tax expert Parthasarthi Shome as adviser to Finance Minister P Chidambaram
with minister of state rank, sending a strong signal that tax reforms may top its economic agenda in the
remainder of the UPA governments second term.
Malalas Father Ziauddin Yousufzai Appointed UN Education Adviser
Ziauddin Yousufzai, the father of 15-year-old Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousufzai, who was shot by the Taliban
for advocating girls right to education, has been appointed as Special UN Adviser on Global Education on 10
December.
Vijay Kumar appointed Senior Security Adviser in Home Ministry
The Union government had appointed the former Director-General of the Central Reserve Police Force, K. Vijay
Kumar, as Senior Security Adviser in the Home Ministry where he will advise on security and development in the
Naxal-affected States.
Vinod Rai Re-elected as Chair of UN Auditors Panel
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India Vinod Rai was re-elected Chair of the (UN) auditors Panel for the
year 2013, while the CAG of the United Kingdom, Amyas Morse, was re-elected the vice-chair of the Panel.
Naina Lal Kidwai Becomes First Woman President of FICCI
Country Head of HSBC India, Naina Lal Kidwai, took over as President of FICCI on 15 December 2012. She
become the first woman to head the leading industry body.
Rita Singh Elected Federation of Indian Associations President
Rita Singh, an Indian American businesswoman from Bihar was elected the first woman president of Chicago-
based Federation of Indian Associations (FIA).
Subhash Joshi Appointed As New BSF Chief
Subhash Joshi was appointed as the new chief of Border Security Force (BSF) on 18 December 2012. Chadha,
Special Secretary was appointed as Director General of ITBP(Indo-Tibetan Border Police).
Obama Nominates John Kerry to be Secretary of State
The senior senator John Kerry was nominated as Americas Foreign Minister by President Barack Obama on 21
December 2012.The John Kerry, who is the senior Senator from Massachusetts, now he became the chairman of
the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Smita Singh Appointed as member of Global Development Council
On 22 December The Obama administration has appointed Indian-American Smita Singh as member of the
presidents Global Development Council.
Virbhadra Singh Sworn in as Himachal Pradeshs Chief Minister
On 25 December Former Union Minister Virbhadra Singh was sworn-in as Himachal Pradeshs chief minister for a
record sixth term in Shimla. He was Chief Minister five times between 1983 and 1985; 1985 and 1990; 1993 and
1998 and 2003 and 2007.
Narendra Modi Sworn in Gujarat CM for 4th time
Narendra Modi sworn in as Gujarat chief minister for the fourth consecutive time on 26 December 2012. He was
sworn in along with seven ministers of Cabinet rank and nine ministers of state.
Cyrus Mistry took charge as Tata Group Chairman
Cyrus Mistry, the new chairman of the Tata Group, took charge of his office on 31 December.Mistry is the sixth
chairman of the Tata empire.
b) RESIGNS
Mali Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra Resigned
On 11 December Malian Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra resigned and dissolved his government after he was
arrested by the army in the West African nation.He was acting Prime Minister of Mali from April 2012
Singapore Parliament Speaker Resigned
Singapores parliament speaker Michael Palmer announced his resignation on 12 December 2012 over an
extramarital affair with a staff member of the Peoples Association, a statutory body leading efforts to reach out to
members of the public.
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Resigned
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman formally submitted his resignation on 16 December 2012 due to a
pending indictment against him for fraud and breach of trust.
Japan Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda Resigned
On 16 December Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda resigned from his post to take responsibility for his
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) defeat in Lower House Election .He was formally appointed by the Emperor on 2
September 2011.
c) DEATHS
Geophysicist Devendra Lal Died
Devendra Lal, geophysicist and visiting professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) of the university
of california, has died on 1 December in San Diego.He was conferred with Padma Shri in 1971. Devendra Lal
also won NASA Group Achievement Award.
Worlds Oldest Woman and Tallest Woman Both Died
Besse Cooper, the woman listed as the worlds oldest person was died on 4 December 2012 in Georgia at the
age of 116. Meanwhile, a Chinese woman, Yao Defen, was certified as the tallest in the world was also died. Mrs
Cooper was declared the worlds oldest person in January 2011.Chinese woman Yao Defen was listed as the
worlds tallest woman by Guinness World Records in 2010.
Jazz Pianist & Composer Dave Brubeck Died
On 5 December Legendary Jazz composer and pianist Dave Brubeck died in Norwalk. He had also won various
awards during his career which spanned over six decades.The Library of Congress designated him as the Living
Legend.
British Astronomer Sir Patrick Moore Died
British astronomer and broadcaster Sir Patrick Moore on 9 December 2012 in Selsey, West Sussex.Sir Patrick
presented the BBC programme The Sky At Night for over 50 years, making him the longest-running host of the
same television show ever.
Ex-Bangladesh President Ahmed Died
Former Bangladeshi President and Bangladesh Nationalist Party(BNP) leader Iajuddin Ahmed passed away on
10 December 2012. Iajuddin Ahmed was the 13th president of Bangladeshserving from Sept. 6, 2002 until Feb.
12, 2009.
Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar Died
Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, whose mastery over the sitar helped rejuvenate the classical instrumental
tradition in India and popularise Indian music in the West through concerts and collaborations with well known
artists, died in San Diego, U.S. on 11 December 2012.
Former Ranji Cricketer Nimbalkar Died
Former Ranji cricketer B B Nimbalkar was passes away on 11 December 2012. BB Nimbalkar, who made an
unbeaten 443 runs for Maharashtra against Kathiawar in a Ranji Trophy match in 1948-49. Yet this is the Indias
highest scorer in first-class cricket.
First CM of Uttarakhand Nityanand Swami Passed Away
The first Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Nityanand Swami died at Dehra Dun on 12 December 2012.He worked as a
first Chief Minister of Uttarakhand after dividing it from Uttar Pradesh in 2000.
Barcode Co-inventor Woodland Died
Norman Joseph Woodland, who co-created the barcode, was died on 9 December 2012 in New Jersey at the age
of 91. Woodland was the co-inventor of bar code. He as well as his partner Bernard Silver (who died in 1963)
patented this idea of bar code back in 1952.
Guinness Worlds Oldest Person Dina Manfredini Died
Dina Manfredini (115 Years) the worlds oldest person and a resident of Iowa, has died on 17 December in
Johnston .Guinness World Records identified Manfredini as the worlds oldest person on December 5, a day after
the death of 116-year-old Besse Cooper of Georgia.
Former India Volleyball Captain Tilakam Gopal Died
Tilakam Gopal, former India captain died on 18 December 2012. Mr.Gopals achievements was being member of
the silver medal winning Indian squad in the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games and even led India in the five-Test series
against the visiting Russians in 1966 which later on helped him to continue be captain in the Bangkok ASIAD in
1966 where India stood fourth.
Hockey Legend Leslie Claudius Died
Legendary hockey player and one of Indias greatest Olympians Leslie Claudius, passed away in Kolkata on 20
December 2012. India won the silver medal in the Asian Games in 1978 in Bangkok, when he was the team
manager.He got the Padma Shree award in 1971.
Former England Cricket Team Captain Tony Greig Died
Tony Greig, the South Africa-born cricketer who became England cricket team captain and later continued to
make his mark on the game as a revered commentator in Australia, died on 29 December 2012.He played 58
tests for England and scored 3,599 runs at an average of 40.43 and took 141 wickets at 32.20.
d) VISITORS
Palestinian Hamas leader Meshaal Visited Gaza
The political leader of Hamas, Khaled Meshaal has visited Gaza on 6 December .He attended a commemoration
of the 25th anniversary of the founding of Hamas and a victory celebration .He visited southern Gaza strip through
Egypts Rafah border crossing over for the first time in 45 years.
Ukrainian President Yanukovych Visited India
Viktor Yanukovych the President of Ukrainian visited India from 9th to 12th December. During this visit he
signed 5 agreements .He met Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan and the both nations discussed ways to improve
bilateral relations.
Pak Minister Rehman Malik Visited India
Pakistans Interior Minister Rehman Malik visited India from 14th to 16th December .During the visit he met Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh and both nations signed on new visa agreement.
Russian President Putin Visited India
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India on 24 December .During the visit he met Manmohan Singh in New
Delhi and signed a series of pacts on defense cooperation and reached consensus to develop economic and trade
relations.Putin last visited India as prime minister in 2010.
e) MISCELLANEOUS
China Launched First High Speed Train in Extremely Cold Areas
The worlds first high-speed train in areas with extremely low temperature started operation in China 01 December
2012.This train move with a speed of 350 Kmph in the areas of minus 40 degrees temperature. This is the fastest
train world in this areas.
Forbes 2012 Most Powerful Persons List
On 6 December 2012 Forbes Magazine released the most powerful persons list in the world. In that list AICC
President Sonia Gandhi got the 12th place and Prime Minister of India Man Mohan Singh got the 20th place. As
usually this year also American President Barack Obama got 1st place. German chancellor Angela Merkel got
the 2nd place. The list also includes Russian President Vladimir Putin at number three, Microsoft co-founder Bill
Gates (4), Richest Person in India Mukesh Ambani (37).
Mumbai Among Worlds Dirtiest Cities
Indias commercial capital, Mumbai, was named among the worlds dirtiest cities, ranking last in the cleanest
streets category, a global survey of 40 key tourist cities has found. According to TripAdvisors Cities Survey,
Tokyo grabbed the first place while Mumbai ranked last in the list of cleanest streets.
Jiroemon Kimura named Worlds Oldest Person
On 18 December Jiroemon Kimura (115 years) has been named the worlds oldest person after the death of his
predecessor, an American woman named Dina Manfredini who died on 17 December after receiving the title of
oldest person of the world.Jiroemon Kimura was born on 19 April 1897 and is just 15 days younger than the
deceased Dina Manfredini.
Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo (USA)
Miss USA Olivia Culpo is crowned Miss Universe 2012 on 19 December 2012, on the Las Vegas. Miss
Philippines, Janine Tugonon, came in second, while Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, placed third.
Obama is Times Person of the Year
President Barack Obama had been named Time magazines Person of the Year for 2012 on 19 December 2012.
Obama also received the honour in 2008.
8 Indians Among Worlds Best Performed CEOs
Eight Indian CEOs have made it to the list of 100 best performing global chief executives, compiled by Harvard
Business Review (HBR). Deveshwar was first among the Indian CEOs featured in this list, and cornered the
seventh place overall.Former chairman and MD, ONGC Subir Raha (Rank 13).Chairman and CEO, Reliance
Industries, Mukesh Ambani (Rank 28).Chairman and Managing Director, Larsen & Toubro, AM Naik (Rank 32).
Former CMD, Bharat Heavy Electricals, AK Puri (Rank 38). Chairman, Bharti Airtel, Sunil Bharti Mittal (Rank 65).
CEO, Jindal Steel & Power, Naveen Jindal (Rank 87). Former Chairman, SAIL,VS Jain (Rank 89). Former Apple
CEO, Steve Jobs (Rank 1). CEO, Amazon.com CEO, Jeff Bezos (Rank 2).
China Launched Worlds Longest High-Speed Rail
China launched service on the worlds longest high-speed railway on 26 December 2012 with trains scheduled to
run 2,298 kilometres between Beijing and Guangzhou in about eight hours.Travelling at an average speed of about
300 km per hour, the service would cut the journey time from more than 20 hours by conventional trains.
PLACES IN NEWS
Typhoon Bopha Killed Hundreds in Philippines
Bopha, the strongest typhoon hit the Philippines on 5 December 2012, was left at least 325 died. The typhoon
with central winds of 115 kph and gusts of up to 145 kph was moved to west-northwest of the central Philippines
on 6 December 2012.
Powerful Earthquake in Japan
The powerful earthquake had occurred in Japan on 7 December 2012.The magnitude of this earthquake was
recorded as 7.3. This earthquake had occurred in 240 km beyond the Miyagi coast in the Pacific Oceanin a depth
of 10m.
ABBREVIATIONS
UNFCCC - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
WCCB Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
TRAI Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
SCI Shipping Corporation of India
NSC National Security Council
OIL Oil India Limited
GAAR General Anti Avoidance Rules
NCHRH National Council for Human Resources in Health
IOA Indian Olympic Association
GCC Gulf Cooperation Council
NDAA National Defence Authorisation Act
INAE Indian National Academy of Engineering
ITSMA Information Technology Services Marketing Association
GTI Global Terrorism Index
BOOKS IN NEWS
The Peak Book Released on Sachin Tendulkar
On 2 December Indian Cricketer Yuvraj Singh was launched Sachin Tendulkars new book named The Peak
which is a unique photographed story on Tendulkar by photo-journalist Suman Chattopadhyay. The book
captures some rare and memorable moments of Tendulkars life through Chattopadhyays lens and the stories
behind them in the masters own words
Pankaj, Bengals Forgotten Hero Book Released
On 3 December Senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar and former India captain Sourav Ganguly released a book on
former India opener Late Pankaj Roy named Pankaj, Bengals Forgotten Hero has been written by Bengali sports
journalist Gautam Bhattacharya. Pankaj Roy had played 43 Tests for India in a span of 10 years scoring 2442
runs with five centuries.
My Tryst with Justice Book Released
On 12 December President Pranab Mukherjee released a book My Tryst with Justice which was written by
Former Chief Justice P.N.Bhagwati .The book would be a prized possession for every Indian who wants to make a
difference to the world and who aspires for a world more just, he added.
M.S. Subbulakshmi Queen of Carnatic Music Book Launched
The life story of carnatic music legend M.S. Subbulakshmi, the first musician to be conferred the Bharat Ratna, is
now detailed in a graphic illustrated book launched on December. The story of the nightingale of carnatic music,
fondly known as MS. It is being told through Amar Chitra Kathas new title M S Subbulakshmi Queen of
Carnatic Music
COMMITTEES
Usha Thorat Committee for NBFCs
Indias majority of Non-Banking Finance companies (NBFCs) may be freed from the regulatory clutches provided
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) implements one of the recommendations made by Usha Thorat Committee. The
committee had submitted its recommendations to RBI. Currently, those recommendations are under RBIs
consideration.
Chandrashekhar Committee to Frame Rules for Foreign Investors
On 13 December The market regulator Sebi has appointed a committee under ex-Cabinet secretary K M
Chandrashekhar to frame a single set of guidelines for all types of foreign investors.The committee will suggest
ways to simplify the investment process for all overseas entities like foreign institutional investors, foreign venture
capital investors (FVCIs), qualified financial, institutional investors (QFIs)
IMPORTANT DAYS & DATES
Feb 4 World Cancer Day
Feb 20 World Day of Social Justice
Feb 21 International Mother Tongue Day
Feb 22 World Scout Day
Feb 22 World Thinking Day
Feb 23 World Peaces and Understanding Day
Feb 24 Central Excise Tax Day
Feb 28 National Science Day
November 2012 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Barack Obama re-elected as President of US
Barack Obama re-elected as President of US with a clear victory over Republican challenger Mitt Romney on 7th
November 2012.
Hindu-American elected to US Congress for the first time
Tulsi Gabbard is the first Hindu-American elected as the US House of Representative from Hawaii in November
2012 elections.
Nepal elected to UN ECOSOC board
Nepal elected a board member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for a three-year
term starting in January 2013. Nepal along with 17 other countries were elected board members of ECOSOC 8th
November 2012 by the UN General Assembly.
Israel fires into Syria
Israel was drawn into the fighting in neighboring Syria for the first time on 11th November 2012, firing warning
shots across the border after an errant mortar shell landed near an Israeli military installation in the Golan
Heights.
Chinas Communist Party selects new leadership
China elects the new President as Xi Jinping and Prime Minister as Li Keqiang on 14 November 2012.
Japan to go to polls on 16 December 2012
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda dissolved the Lower House of Parliament on 16 November 2012 ,paving the way for
elections in which his ruling party will likely give way to a weak coalition government divided over how to solve
Japans myriad problems. Elections were set for 16 December 2012.
U.N. approves Palestinian observer state bid
The United Nations General Assembly on 30 November 2012 endorsed an upgraded U.N. status for the
Palestinian Authority, despite intense opposition from the United States and Israel.The vote was 138 delegates in
favor of the measure including India, nine against including America, Brazil and Canada and 41 abstentions
including Britain.
INDIA & WORLD
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) lift export ban on some milk products
Amid surplus availability of milk powder in the country, the government is likely to decide on 1st November 2012
on lifting ban on export of milk products, especially whole milk powder, dairy whitener and infant milk foods.
US included as dialogue partner of Indian Ocean countries
The US was inducted as a sixth dialogue partner in the 20-nation Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional
Cooperation (IOR-ARC) grouping on 3rd November 2012.The ministers of countries which are members of IOR-
ARC decided unanimously to give the US the same status that they had earlier accorded to the United Kingdom,
France, Egypt and Japan.
Agreement with World Bank for Assam road project
India has signed a 320-million dollar loan agreement with the World Bank for road projects in Assam on 5th
November 2012.
Canada to allow civil nuclear trade with India
India and Canada signed an agreement on 6th November 2012 in New Delhi for bilateral Cooperation in civil
nuclear trade. So, India imports Uranium from canada for civil nuclear reactors.
DRDO ties up with York University, Canada
Defence Research and Development Organisation and York University, Canada signed a memorandum of
understanding for doing collaborative defence research in the areas of advanced materials, nanotechnology, life
sciences, bio-informatics, chemical and biological defence, sensors, and others.
Indian-origin CEO of Datawind and MIT professor among Forbes top 15 education innovators list
Indian-origin CEO of Datawind, the maker of Indias low-cost tablet Aakash, Suneet Singh Tuli and
Massachusettes Institute of Technology professor Anant Agarwal named by Forbes magazine among the 15
classroom revolutionaries who are using innovative technologies to reinvent education for students and teachers
globally.
Mahatma Gandhi Grandson elected to Kansas State Assembly
Mahatma Gandhi grandson Shanti Gandhi elected to a State Assembly in the United States from Kansass 52nd
Assembly District as a Republican Party candidate during the general elections held on 6 November 2012.
India and Afghanistan signed four agreements
India and Afghanistan signed four agreements to cooperate in areas of social welfare, fertilizer, coal mining and
youth affairs on 12th November 2012.
Dr Ami Bera is the third Indian-American elected to the US House of Representatives
An Indian-American physician from California became only the third person of Indian-origin to be elected to the US
House of Representatives by defeating Republican Dan Lungren with just 184 votes lead.
Japan signs pact to import rare earths from India
India and Japan on 16 November 2012 inked a strategic agreement on Tokyo to import rare earth minerals from
India.
Maldivian Airlines inks pact with Apollo Hospitals
Maldivian Airlines on 19 November 2012 had signed a pact with the Chennai-headquartered Apollo Hospitals to
give discounts to each others clients. For example, Apollo Hospitals will give a discount on its service charges for
those who fly the airline, and the airline will give similar discounts to the hospitals patients on the airfare.
India adds 22 items in the list of border trade with Myanmar
India had notified 22 additional items including agricultural tools, bicycles, coal and garments in the list of items
for border trade with Myanmar.According to a study conducted by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), bilateral
trade between India and Myanmar is expected to double by 2015 from $1.3 billion, on the back of free trade
agreement between New Delhi and ASEAN region.
India votes against UN resolution on death penalty ban
India was among the 39 countries that voted against a UN General Assembly draft resolution which called for
abolishing the death penalty, saying every nation had the sovereign right to determine its own legal system.
India, China joint economic strategy held at New Delhi
The Second India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 26 November 2012. In this
meeting China and India discussed several topics including greater cooperation at the global level, strengthening
communication on macroeconomic policies, deepening and expanding trade and investment and promoting
bilateral cooperation in the financial and infrastructure sectors. The bilateral trade between these two countries
enhanced from $74 billion to $100 billion.
India- Maldives joint military training exercises held at Belgaum
The fourth joint military training exercises between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force
(MNDF) EKUVERIN 2012 was held in Belgaum from 12 to 25 November 2012.
NATIONAL
President Pranab Mukherjee released a commemorative postage stamp on late Ramgopal Maheshwari
President Pranab Mukherjee released a commemorative postage stamp on late Ramgopal Maheshwari on 20
November 2012.
Arvind Kejriwal launches Aam Admi Party
Arvind Kejriwal announced the name for his newly launched party as Aam Admi Party on 24 November 2012 in
New Delhi.
Bangalore among top polluted megacities in the world
Indias silicone valley Bangalore was rated among top polluted megacities in the world, claims a new study, using
data collected by NASAs high-tech satellites.Scientists at Tel Aviv University tracked pollution trends for 189
megacities, including Mumbai, New York City and Tokyo, by analysing eight years worth of data from three of
NASAs high-tech aerosol monitoring satellites.
STATES
50% reservation for women in Assam Panchayat Elections
The Assam State Election Commission has announced 50 per cent reservation of seats for women in the
forthcoming panchayat polls as stated by State Election Commissioner Biren Dutta on 9th November 2012
Chain of static sensors positioned along the coast of Andhra Pradesh
Union Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Kumar inaugurated a chain of static sensors positioned along the
coast of Andhra Pradesh at a programme organised at the Coast Guard district headquarters Visakhapatnam on
23 November 2012.This will improve surveillance along coast.
Ban on plastic bags comes into force in New Delhi
The ban on manufacture, sale and use of most types of plastic bags in the Capital came into force on on 23
November 2012.
CONFERENCES
SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians Conference held at Islamabad
The sixth conference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians held in Islamabad on 4th
November 2012.From India, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha Professor P. J.
Kurien are participated the conference.In this conference they discussed the role of women parliamentarians for
social justice and the strengthening of democracy in South Asia.
Countries G20 finance ministers and central bankers summit held in Mexico
The G20 countries finance ministers and central bankers summit held in Mexico on 4th November 2012.In this
summit the Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said the Indias economy should grow by 5.5 percent to 6.0
percent in the year 2012 and return to 7 percent growth in 2013.
E-9 countries review meeting held in New Delhi
E-9 countries review meeting held in New Delhi on 9th and 10th November 2012.The E-9 countries are India,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria and Mexico .
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh went to Cambodia for South Asian summits
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh went to Cambodian capital Phnom Penh on 18 November 2012 to attend the
ASEAN and East Asia Summits.
Bangladesh Opted out of D-8 Summit Scheduled to be Held in Pakistan
Bangladesh opted out of the key summit known as D-8 Summit in Pakistan which is scheduled to be held later in
November, 2012. Bangladesh opted out because Pakistan refused to apologise for the deeds committed during
1971 war which eventually led to Bangladeshs independence.
The 8th meeting of the India-UK Joint Working Group (JWG) on counter terrorism
The 8th meeting of the India-UK Joint Working Group (JWG) on counter terrorism was held on 20 November 2012
in New Delhi.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Aishwarya Rai was honoured with French Civilian Award
Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachan was honoured with the second highest French civilian award Knight of
the Order of Arts and Letters by French government for her contribution in promoting Indo-French cooperation in
Cinema on 1st November 2012.
Tata Literature Live! First Book Award
Banker and New York based author Ruchir Sharma was awarded the Tata Literature Live! First Book Award for
his Breakout Nations:In Pursuit of the Next Economic Miracles at the Mumbai Lit-fest on 4 November 2012.
Durgabai Deshmukh Awards for Womens Development Presented by President of India
President of India Pranab Mukherjee on 5 November 2012 presented the Durgabai Deshmukh awards for womens
development for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.The eighth Award for 2005
was jointly given to two winners, Mizoram Hmeithai (Widows) Association and Peoples Forum, Bhubaneswar.
The ninth Award for the year 2006 was awarded to Sumangali Seva Ashram of Bangalore.The tenth Award for the
year 2007 was awarded to the Snehalaya of Ahmednagar.
Germany honoured the Baba Kalyani
The chairman and managing director of Bharat Forge, Babasaheb N. Kalyani honoured with Cross of Order of
Merit by Germany. This is the highest honour awarded to individuals for their services to the country in Germany.
Madhav Chavan wins education Nobel prize
Dr Madhav Chavan has won the WISE Prize, which has been likened to a Nobel prize for education.The award,
announced on 13 November,2012 at the WISE summit in Qatar, recognises his education work in the slums of
Mumbai.
Bitter Seeds won 18 international awards
Bitter Seeds, a documentary film produced by US-based filmmaker Micha Peled on the agrarian crisis of cotton
growers and their plight was being shown in Vidarbha region. Every 30 minutes, a farmer in the country kills
himself in despair because he no longer provide anything for his family. The film has won 18 international awards.
Urdu Scholar Gopi Chand Narang Awarded Moortidevi Award for 2010
The Vice President of India Hamid Ansari presented the Moortidevi Award for 2010 to eminent Urdu scholar Gopi
Chand Narang for his outstanding work on Urdu Ghazal aur Hindustani Zehan wa Tehzeeb at a function organized
by Bhartiya Jnanpith.
Chinese movie `11 Flowers` wins award at Kolkata Film Fest
Chinese movie 11 Flowers, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Wang Xiaoshuai has won the prestigious NETPAC
(Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) award at the 18th Kolkata International Film festival (KIFF), which
ended on 17 November 2012.
Liberian President got the Indira Gandhi peace prize for 2012
President of the Republic of Liberia Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf got the Indira Gandhi peace prize for 2012 for her
Excellency, Peace,Disarmament and Development.
Malala chosen for bravery award
Malala Yousafzai,who became the face of Pakistans struggle against the Taliban was honoured with bravery
award by the Peace and Prosperity Foundation Chairman Prince Ali Khan, at the Cholmondeley Room of the
House of Lords on 19 November 2012.
Gavaskar conferred with CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was on 21 November 2012 conferred with BCCIs prestigious Col CK
Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award.
Indian Origin Autar Kaw is U.S. Professor of the Year
Autar Kaw, an Indian born professor of mechanical engineering at the University of South Florida was received the
award of 2012 US Professor of the Year .
Indira Gandhi Peace Prize presented to former Brazilian President Lula
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the former President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, was conferred the Indira
Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 22 November
2012.
Punjabi film Andhey Ghorey Da Daan bags Golden Peacock Award 2012 in 43rd IFFI Goa
Andhey Ghorey Da Daan a Punjabi film directed by Gurvinder Singh and produced by National Film
Development Cooperation was bagged the Golden Peacock award of the International Film Festival of India, IFFI.
The award carries a Golden Peacock with a cash prize of 20 lakhs prize of20 lakh rupeex.
SPORTS & GAMES
Kimi Raikkonen won Abu Dhabi GP
Kimi Raikkonen won an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 4th November 2012.
Mahesh Bhupathi-Rohan Bopanna win Paris Masters
Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna clinched the Paris Masters, their second title of the year, after scoring a
hard-fought win over Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi and Jean-Julien Rojer in Paries on 4th November 2012.
Czech Republic lifted Fed Cup
The Czech Republic got the Fed Cup title after beating Serbia in the final on 4 November 2012.
National Anti-Doping Disciplinary panel suspendes 11 athletes for two years
The National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (NADDP) suspended all the 11 athletes for two years, who were
tested positive with methyl hexane amine (MHA) in the run-up of the last Commonwealth Games.The suspended
11 athletes are :Two athletes, Saurabh Vij and Akash Antil; Six wrestlers, all of them internationals, Arjuna
awardee Rajeev Tomar, Joginder Singh, Sumit Sehrawat, Rahul Maan, Gursharanpreet Kaur and Khatri; and three
swimmers, Amar Muralidharan, Jyotsana Pansare and Richa
Pakistan won Second Asian Kabaddi Championship 2012
Pakistan won the Second Asian Kabaddi Championship 2012 against India on 6th November 2012.
Gaganjeet Bhullar, Youngest Indian on Elite Golfers League
Gaganjeet Bhullar, 24, became the youngest Indian to make it to the elite group of the worlds top-100 players in
the latest rankings.
Hanoi to host 2019 Asian Games
Vietnams capital Hanoi will host the 2019 Asian Games.
India bags four medals in 14th Asian Youth (boys & girls) weightlifting championships
India won four medals on the opening day of the 14th Asian Youth (boys & girls) weightlifting championships at
Yangon, Myanmar, on 8th November 2012.Santa won a bronze in snatch with a lift of 95 kg before securing a gold
each in clean and jerk and total lift with efforts of 126 kg and 221 kg respectively. The other medal of the day for
the Indians was won by Chandrika Tarafdar in youth girls 44 kg category. She won a silver with a total lift of 132
kg.
Rahul bags 3 more golds for India in Asian Youth Weightlifting
Ragala Venkat Rahul won three gold medals to help India increase their medals tally to seven on the second day
of the 14th Asian Youth (Boys & Girls) Weightlifting Championships at Yangon, Myanmar on 9th November
2012.Competing in the 77kg weight category, Rahul secured the yellow metals in snatch, clean and jerk and
overall with a total lift of 280 kgs.
International news agencies boycott India-England Test series
International news agencies on 15 November 2012 decided to boycott the high-profile Test series between India
and England which began in Ahmedabad to protest against the restrictions imposed by the BCCI on some photo
agencies covering the tour.
Saina Nehwal retains 3rd place in Badminton World Federation womens rankings
London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal retained her third place in the Badminton World Federation
(BWF) womens rankings released on 16 November,2012.
Priyanka is Asian under-10 champion
Asian under-10 girls chess champion Nuthaki Priyanka bagged the world youth chess championship at Maribor,
Slovenia on 18 November 2012. She completed with 9.5 points of 11 rounds.
McLarens Lewis Hamilton won United States Grand Prix 2012
McLaren-Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton won the 2012 United States Grand Prix race at Circuit of the Americas,
Austin, Texas. It was the first F1 race in United States since 2007.
Usain Bolt, Allyson Felix named IAAF world athletes of the year
Usain Bolt won the IAAF(International Amateur Athletic Federation) World male Athlete of the Year award for the
fourth time and United States sprinter Allyson Felix won the womens World Athlete of the Year award on 24
November 2012.
Sebastian Vettel won third Formula One world title
Sebastian Vettel became the youngest triple champion in Formula One history on 25 November 2012.He stood
sixth position in Brazilian Grand Prix with 8 points.But overall he got F1 world title for this season with 281
points. This is the third time consecutively he got the F1 title.
India to hold 3rd World cup Kabaddi in December
Punjab would host 3rd World Kabaddi Cup from 1 to 15 December 2012. 23 countries are participating in this
world cup.The prize money for this world cup is Rs.4.54crores.
ECONOMY
Rs 6,000-cr fine on Tata Steel for illegal mining
The Odisha government imposed a fine Rs 6,000 crore on Tata Steel for its alleged involvement in illegal and
excess mining at its captive mines.
India signs loan agreement with World Bank for USD 70 million
India signed a 70-million US Dollar loan agreement with World Bank for financing the Karnataka Health Systems
Development as well as Reform Project on 22 November 2012.
Indian diamond fetches 16.9 million euros at auction
A 76-carat flawless diamond from Indias famous Golconda mines broke world record by fetching a whooping 16.9
million euros (Rs 1,18,16,98,700) at an auction in Geneva on 14 November 2012.
Scientists Created a Paper-thin material that can stop bullets
A team of mechanical engineering and materials scientists from Rice University and MIT has created special
nanomaterials that were able to stop bullets in the lab. The type of material, called a structured polymer
composite, can actually self-assemble into alternating glassy and rubbery layers.
Solar Systems largest planet discovered
A team of astrophysicists had discovered an enormous gaseous planet that is 13 times more massive than
Jupiter, earning the name Super-Jupiter and is the largest planet in our own solar system.
India successfully test fires supersonic interceptor missile
India successfully test-fired an indigenously developed supersonic interceptor missile, capable of destroying a
hostile ballistic missile, from a test range off the Odisha coast on 23 November 2012.
Drug that can halt cancer spread
Scientists was developed a new drug called Aflibercept, for stop the cancer cells from multiplying.
Pakistan tests nuclear-capable ballistic missile
Pakistan successfully test-fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile called Hatf-V(Ghauri) on 28 November 2012
that can hit targets up to 1,300 km (807 miles) away.
Astronomers Discovered Giant black hole in tiny galaxy
Astronomers claim to have discovered the most massive black hole ever known in a small galaxy about 250
million light-years from Earth, holding a mass equivalent to 17 billion Suns.The super-massive black hole is
located inside the galaxy NGC 1277 in the constellation Perseus.It makes up about 14 per cent of its host
galaxys mass, compared with the 0.1 per cent a normal black hole would represent, scientists said, adding that
it has a mass equivalent to 17 billion Suns.
PERSONS IN NEWS
a) Appointments
Rakesh Mohan appointed as executive director on IMF board
Former RBI Deputy Governor Rakesh Mohan appointed as executive director on the board of the International
Monetary Fund (IMF).
VK Malhotra re-elected Archery Association President
Vijay Kumar Malhotra was on 9th November 2012 re-elected as President of the Archery Association of India after
beating Assam unit vice-president BVP Rao in Archery Association presidents elections.
Obama appoints Indian-American Rajiv Shah to head USAID
Indian-Americans won one of their highest-ever appointments in the US government when President Obama on 13
November 2012 nominated Dr Rajiv Shah as administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID).
Anil Dev Singh appointed new chief of IOA election panel
Anil Dev Singh, retired Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, appointed as the new Chairman of The Indian
Olympic Association (IOA) on 19 November 2012.
Scott Flemming named Indias basketball coach
The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) had appointed Scott Flemming, who brings along with him over 30 years
of collegiate and professional experience in the United States, as the head coach of the mens national team on
19 November 2012.
BBC appointed Tony Hall as new director general
Royal Opera House chief executive Tony Hall had appointed as director general of the BBC on 22 November
2012,replacing George Entwistle who resigned earlier this month in a burgeoning scandal over the corporations
reporting of sexual abuse.
Ranjit Sinha appointed new CBI Director
Senior IPS officer Ranjit Sinha was appointed the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation for two-year term
on 22 November 2012.
Barbosa sworn in as first non-white President of Brazils Supreme Court
Joaquim Barbosa was sworn-in as Brazils Supreme Courts first non-White President on 23 November 2012 at a
packed ceremony in the capital Brazilia . Barbosa, became famous in Brazil after overseeing one of the countrys
biggest corruption trials involving key members of the former President Lula Da Silvas government.
Alok Joshi new RAW chief
The Haryana cadre IPS officer Alok Joshi was appointed head of Indias external intelligence gathering agency
Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) on 27 November 2012. Alok Joshi will take charge from S.K. Tripathi on
December 30, 2012.
Luiz Felipe Scolari appointed new Brazil Football team coach
Brazilian Football Confederation have appointed Luiz Felipe Scolari as the new coach for Brazil Football team on
29 November 2012.
Mohan re-elected as vice president of IBSF
Capt Mohan, the president of the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India, was re-elected as the vice president
of the IBSF (International Billiard & Snooker Federation). The election took place at the Annual General Body
meeting of International Billiards and Snooker Federation, at Sofia, Bulgaria on 29 November 2012.
b) Resigns
American CIA Director David Petraeus resigned
American Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) Director David Petraeus resigned on 10th November 2012 due illegal
affair with Broadwell that was proved by the FBI in investigation.
BJP suspended Ram Jethmalani from party for indiscipline
The BJP on 25 Novemebr 2012 suspended a Rajya Sabha member Ram Jethmalani from the party for gross
indiscipline. He recently attacked the for for criticizing the appointment of the new CBI chief.
Ricky Ponting retired from international cricket
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has announced he will retire from international cricket at the end of the
third Test against South Africa.He is the second highest run scorer in Test history behind Sachin
Tendulkar.Ponting has scored 13,366 runs at an average of 52.21 in his career.
Yeddyyurappa quits BJP, Assembly
The former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S.Yeddyurappa quits the BJP and resigned to the Legislative Assembly on
30 November 2012. He started his political career when he was elected as President of the Shikaripura Taluk
erstwhile Jana Sangha in 1972. He won his first Assembly election in 1983 as BJP candidate. He became the first
BJP chief minister in South India.
c) Deaths
Yerram Naidu senior TDP leader dies in road accident
K. Yerran Naidu, Telugu Desam Partys senior leader and former union minister for rural development died in a car
accident in Andhra Pradeshs Srikakulam district on 2nd November 2012.
Cartoonist,T.Samuel passes away
Veteran cartoonist, T Samuel, a pioneer of pocket cartoons in India, passed away on 2 November 2012. He
worked for the famous newspapers like Times of India ,Indian Express and Nav Bharat Times etc.. He became
famous as the creator of pocket cartoon Babuji.
BJP leader Kailashpati Mishra passes away
Veteran BJP leader and former governor of Gujarat and Rajasthan Kailashpati Mishra died in Patna on 3rd
November 2012.
Veteran freedom fighter V P Murthy Raju passes away
Freedom fighter and former Andhra Pradesh minister Ch V P Murthy Raju passed away in West Godavari district
on 12th November 2012.Raju had been MLA for six terms and served as a minister when late P V Narasimha Rao
was Chief Minister.
Ex-Minister KC Pant passes away
Indias former defence minister and Planning Commission deputy chairman Krishna Chandra Pant died on 15
November 2012.Pant was Indias defence minister between 1987 and 1989, when the Congress party was in
power under then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Shiv Sena Chief Balasaheb Thackeray died
Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray died in Mumbai on 17 November 2012.
Ajmal Kasab hanged, buried at Punes Yerwada Jail
Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the only terrorist caught alive during the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai, was hanged
at Punes Yerwada Jail on 21 November 2012.Two secret codes are used the government with respect to Kasab
to maintain secrecy 1. Operation X:-Hanging code named Operation X. X stood for execution 2. C-7096 :-C-7096,
the number by which Kasab was identified officially.
Nobel winner and organ transplant pioneer Joseph Murray passes away
Dr. Joseph Murray, the surgeon who carried out the first successful kidney transplant and later won a Nobel Prize
for his work in medicine and physiology, died on 26 November 2012 in Boston.
Indias diplomatic politician and former PM IK Gujral passes away
Former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral passed away on 30 November 2012 in Gujral. Born on 4 December,
1919 in Jhelum.IK Gujral started as the Vice President in NDMC in the 1950s and later became a Union
Minister. Later He became the Indias Ambassador to the USSR. Gujral, an intellectual who propounded the
Gujral Doctrine of five principles for maintaining good neighbourly relations, left the Congress to join the Janata
Dal in the late-1980s. In the 1989 elections, Gujral was elected from Jalandhar parliamentary constituency in
Punjab and he became Minister for External Affairs, first under V P Singh (in December 1989) and then under
Deve Gowda (in June 1996). Later he became the 12th Prime Minister of India in April 1997 for one year.
d) Visitors
William Hague on four day official visit to India
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of United Kingdom, Mr. William Hague will be on a
four day official visit to India from 7th November 2012.During his visit Mr. Hague will discuss bilateral, regional and
international issues of mutual interest with External Affairs Minister, Mr Salman Khurshid in New Delhi.
Canadian Prime Minister visited India
Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, visited the India from November 3rd to 9th, during his visit India and
Canada signed several agreements including Civil Nuclear Deal, Social Security Agreement, a Memorandum of
Understanding for Cooperation in Information Technology and electronics and an agreement to boost bilateral
cooperation in Defense Science and Technology.
Hamid Karzai arrived to India on four day visit
Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai arrived to India on 9th November 2012 on a four-day visit.
Aung San Suu Kyi met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
Myanmars pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh In New Delhi on 14
November,2012 during her 6 day visit to India.She then visited Shantivan to pay tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru.Later
in the day, she will deliver the Nehru Memorial Lecture on the occasion of the former PMs birth anniversary.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh went to Cambodia for South Asian summits
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh went to Cambodian capital Phnom Penh on 18 November 2012 to attend the
ASEAN and East Asia Summits.
Barack Obama makes first US presidential visit to Burma
Barack Obama became the first American president visited the Myanmar. He visited the Myanmar on 18
November 2012 and then went to Cambodia to attend the ASEAN and East Asia Summits.
e) Miscellaneous
Sunita Williams embarks on record 7th space walk
Indian-American Sunita Williams along with Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide on 1st November 2012 ventured out of
the International Space Station, adding to her record-setting space walking sojourns, to find an ammonia leak in
the vital radiator system.
China invites Abdul Kalam to teach at Peking University
China invited APJ Abdul Kalam to teach at Peking University
Irom Sharmila, the Iron Lady of Manipur completed 12 Years of Fast
Iron Lady from Manipur, Irom Sharmila on 5 November 2012 completed 12 years of her fast demanding for
cancellation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA). She blames AFPSA as the main cause
for violence in the state of Manipur and other parts of Northeastern India.
Life Ban on Mohammad Azharuddin Lifted by Andhra Pradesh High Court
The Andhra Pradesh High Court on 8 November 2012 lifted the life ban from playing Cricket on Mohammad
Azharuddin which was imposed by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Year 2000.
Ramanujans genius Proved by US Mathematician
Ramanujans genius Proved to the world by Ken Ono of Emory University in Atlanta on the occasion 125th Birth
Anniversary of Ramanujan.Ken Ono of Emory University proved the Ramanujans formula of outputs for the roots
of 1 like the square root 1.
Cancer charity drops Armstrong name
Lance Armstrongs cancer charity removed the former cycling champion Lance Armstrongs name from its title.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation now officially known as the Livestrong Foundation.
Burmas Suu Kyi Named New UN Ambassador
The United Nations announced Myanmars opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi as an ambassador to its program
on HIV/AIDS. Suu Kyi accepted the invitation to head the program during a meeting with UNAIDS executive
director Michel Sidib.
PLACES IN NEWS
Earthquake in Guatemala
Guatemalans hit by A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 on 8th November 2012.
Mumbais Sufi shrine Haji Ali Dargah bans entry of women
The management of Mumbais iconic Sufi shrine Haji Ali Dargah, which is visited by thousands of devotees every
year, has restricted the entry of women.
Strong Earthquake strikes Myanmar
A strong earthquake with magnitude of 6.8 hit the Myanmar on 11th November 2012 .
North Island New Zealand volcano Mt Tongariro erupts
New Zealands Mount Tongariro volcano in the central North Island erupted on 21 November 2012.
ABBREVIATIONS IN NEWS
AITA-All India Tennis Association.
IOR-ARC Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation
SAARC-South Asian Association For Regional Cooperation
USAID-United States Agency for International Development
IAAFInternational Amateur Athletic Federation.
BOOKS IN NEWS
Vice President Releases Series of Books Granthavali
The Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari released a collection of writing and works -Granthavali of late Dr
Dineshnandini Dalmia in New Delhi on 2nd November 2012.
Saina Nehwal autobiography book released by Gagan Narang
Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal , Ace shooter Gagan Narang and badminton player Parupalli Kashyap released book
autobiography of Saina Nehwal Playing to win-My life on and off the court in Hyderabad on 7 November 2012.
Yuvi book on Yuvraj released
The book on Indian Cricketer Yuvraj Singh named Yuvi was released in third week of November 2012. Yuvi, the
book on Yuvraj Singh is published by Harper Sport and written by Makarand Waingankar. The book illustrates the
brilliance of cricket shown by Yuvraj Singh in his career as a cricketer and the way he recovered from Cancer.
Chief of the Air Staff and Chairman COSC Air Chief Marshal Nak Browne Releases Book
Chief of the Air Staff and Chairman COSC Air Chief Marshal Nak Browne Releases Book titled VICTORY INDIA
A Key to Quality Military Leadership on 20 November 2012.The book is a collection of well written contributory
articles by military experts.The book focuses on the process of identification, selection and training of our
dynamic youth to mould them into inspiring effective quality military leaders.
Amitav Ghosh, Jeet Thayil shortlisted for literature prize
Six books including River of Smoke by Amitav Ghosh, Narcopolis by Jeet Thayil and The Wandering by
Pakistan-based author Jamil Ahmad, have been shortlisted for the DSC South Asian Literature Prize 2013.The
finalist will be announced at the DSC Jaipur Literature Festival January 2013.
COMMITTEESS IN NEWS
Pope Benedict XVI appoints six non-European cardinals for Pope selection committee
Pope Benedict XVI has appointed six priests from non-European countries to be cardinals, at a service in the
Vaticans St Peters Basilica.From India Baselios Cleemis Thottumkal, head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic
Church was selected as a one of the Cardinal for the pope selection committee.
DAYS & DATES
UN declared November 10th as Malala Day
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared November 10 as Malala Day
Celebration of Water Conservation Day on 19th November 2012
National Integration Day is celebrated on 19th November to mark the birth anniversary of late Mrs Indira Gandhi,
the 1st woman Prime Minister of India. On this occasion Union Ministry of Water Resources has decided to
celebrate Water Conservation Day on 19th November 2012 to create awareness regarding concern about
depleting water resources & its vision for the water underlining the Ministrys commitment to be an active
contributor to the sustainability of this very important natural resource.
October 2012 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Imran Khan on anti-drone peace march to tribal belt
Imran Khan on 6th October 2012 set off on a motorcade peace march to the terrorists-riddled South Waziristan
to protest US drone strikes in the tribal belt.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Re-Elected for fourth term
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been re-elected for the third term. Mr Chavez defeated opposition leader
Henrique Capriles. Mr Chavez garnered 54.42 per cent of the vote while his rival bagged 44 per cent votes.
Pakistani youth support Malala Yousufzai
Pakistani teenaged rights campaigner, Malala Yousafzai, who was on 14th October 2012 shot by the Taliban for
publicly opposing them against the girl education.She got the support from all over the world.
Ali Zidan elected Libya PM
Libyas 200-member General National Congress has elected a former congressman and human rights lawyer Ali
Zidan as the countrys new Prime Minister on 14th October 2012.
Austrian skydiver breaks sound barrier
Austrian national Felix Baumgartner, who jumped from a height of 39 km, became the first skydiver to record the
highest ever freefall and also the first human to go faster than the speed of sound.
Five New Non-Permanent Member Countries Elected to UN Security Council
UN General Assembly elected five new non-permanent members to the Security Council. The New Members are
South Korea, Luxembourg, Argentina, Australia and Rwanda.
Iran bans export of 50 basic foods to preserve supplies
Iran has banned the export of around 50 basic goods in order to preserve supplies of essential items in the wake
of tightening Western sanctions.
INDIA & WORLD
India, Australia signs MoU to strengthen bilateral cooperation
India and Austrlia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 1st October 2012 for strengthening
long-term relationship and bilateral Cooperation on Road and Rail Infrastructure.The agreement was signed
between the Minister of Railways and Road Transport and Highways, Dr. C.P.Joshi and visiting Federal Minister
of Transport, Innovation and Technology of Austrlia, Mrs. Doris Burse in New Delhi.
India, Austrlia tie up to develop smart cities
India tie up with Austrlia to develop two smart cities in all states with a host of modern features like intelligent
transport and carbon neutral status in each of the states in the second phase of the Jawaharlal Nehru National
Urban Renewal mission.Initially half a million to one million population cities will be developed as smart cities with
the help of Austrian Institute of Technology who is expertise in this field.
India gets $500 mn World Bank fund for secondary education
World Bank, the multilateral lending agency, and the government of India 5th October signed a loan agreement
worth $ 500 million for Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) in the country.
India lags behind China, Pak in reducing hunger level
India lags behind neighbouring China, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in reducing hunger level, says the 2012 Global
Hunger Index (GHI) released by US-based International Food Policy and Research Institute.India is ranked 65th
out of 79 countries in GHI, behind China at 2nd place, Pakistan at 57 and Sri Lanka at 37.
IOC signs MoU with Korea Gas
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), on 17th October 2012, entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with
Korea Gas Corporation (Kogas) for jointly exploring opportunities in exploration of oil and gas and LNG business.
Cabinet clears Rs 8,000cr missile purchase for armed forces
Proposals worth over Rs 8,000 crore for procuring around 10,000 Invar missiles from Russia for the Armys T-90
tanks and over 200 air-launched versions of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for the IAF were cleared on
18th October 2012 by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
India and Australia Sign Four Agreements of Cooperation
India and Australia agreed to expand cooperation in security and Defence including fight against terrorism.They
also agreed to begin negotiations for an agreement on Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation which will precede actual
cooperation. Both the countries also signed four agreements in the field of space science technology and
education, cooperation in student mobility and welfare, skill development and textiles.
Iran to complete gas pipeline work by year-end
Iran has said it was for India and Pakistan to sort out issues related to the proposed Indo-Iran gas pipeline, even
as it committed itself to complete its part of 800 km of gas pipeline to India till Irani boundaries by the end of this
year.
India, New Zealand sign five pacts to cooperate in field of education
India and New Zealand signed five Memoranda of Understanding in the different fields of education on 19th October
2012.
India, Switzerland to cooperate in Transport sector
India and Switzerland on 19th October 2012 discussed ways and means for enhancing cooperation in the field of
Transport sector including roads and Railways.
India & Pakistan may introduce a common currency called Papee
After taking into consideration the decade long success of Euro, and due to increasing demands of businessmen
of India (and terrorists of Pakistan), both countries ruling leaders (i.e. Indias UPA, and Pakistans Military) are
thinking about introducing a common currency for India and Pakistan.The name with the highest votes , is a word
derived by adding pa from Pakistan and pee from Indian Rupee i.e. Papee
Hyderabad is worlds 3rd best city to visit in 2013
Hyderabad has been named as one of the best cities in the world to visit in 2013 by travel guide book Lonely
Planet published on 22nd October 2012.The top 10 cities according to Lonely Planet to visit in 2013 are San
Francisco, Amsterdam, Hyderabad, Derry/Londonderry, Beijing, Christchurch, Hobart, Montreal, Addis Ababa and
Puerto Iguazu.
India, Japan focus on expanding defence cooperation
India and Japan on 22nd October 2012 discussed ways to expand their security and defence cooperation at a
meeting of their foreign and defence secretaries in Tokyo.
Super 30 ties up with Tokyo University
The Super 30 programme for training students of the backward sections for the IIT-JEE tied up on 24th October
2012 with the University of Tokyo, which will sponsor study of its students in Japan.This agreement is a follow-up
of the Japanese Government Program named Global 30, of engagement with Super 30 for increasing the flow of
Indian Students to Japan.
7th SAFF begins in Goa
The Seventh South Asia Film Festival (SAFF)-2012 held at Panaji in Goa from.
India-US-Japan trilateral meet
The US pivot-to-Asia policy, Iran, China-Japan maritime dispute and South China Sea will be among the issues
to be discussed during the 3rd round of India-US-Japan Trilateral dialogue in New Delhi on 29th October 2012. The
meet will also focus on finding areas of cooperation between the three countries.
India to give financial assistance to Nepals Palpa District
India is to provide an assistance of four crore and thirty-three lakh Nepali rupees for Palpa District in Western
Nepal on 31st October 2012.
NATIONAL
FICCI urges Centre to ban bauxite exports
Trade body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has urged the Union ministry of
commerce and industry to ban bauxite exports fearing closure of alumina refineries for shortage of the key raw
material required to produce alumina.
Supreme Court directs Centre and states to provide basic facilities to students
The Supreme Court on 3rd October 2012 directed all schools across the country to provide basic infrastructure
facilities like drinking water and toilets to school children within six months and failure to implement will be viewed
seriously. The order was passed on a petition filed by an NGO Environmental and Consumer Protection
Foundation.
Kejriwal forms political party, promises to change the system
Social activist Arvind Kejriwal added a new dimension to his movement against corruption as he formally launched
his political party and said it belonged to the people of the nation.
Ministry of Rural Development Launched Nirmal Bharat Yatra
Ministry of rural development on 3 October 2012 started a campaign named Nirmal Bharat Yatra which focuses on
making the country free from open defecation.The yatra will begin from Wardha District of Maharashtra from 3
october 2012 and will go through Indore, Kota, Gwalior, and Gorakhpur and end up in Bettiah district of Bihar on
November 17, covering about 2000 km of distance.
SC orders new survey to identify bonded labour
The Supreme Court on 15th October 2012 directed all states and Union Territories to conduct fresh surveys to
identify bonded labour problems in the country and regretted that a large number of children continue to work as
domestic help even after the enactment of the Right to Education Act.
Centre to launch Aadhaar based delivery system
The much awaited Aadhaar enabled system for direct cash transfer to beneficiaries under social schemes such
as MNREGA and pension will be launched on 19th October 2012 by PM Manmohan Singh at Dudu, Rajasthan.
Indias infant mortality rate drops
Indias infant mortality rate (IMR) has come down by three points from 47 to 44 deaths per 1,000 live births during
2011.
Centre, states sign MoU for broadband linking of villages
The Central government has signed a tripartite agreement with 16 states and union territories and a special
purpose vehicle Bharat Broadband Network Ltd (BBNL) has been launched to expedite the mission of connecting
every gram panchayat with broadband network.
Reshuffling of Central Cabinet
Cabinet Ministers Portfolio
M. Veeerappa Moily Petroleum & Natural Gas
S. Jaipal Reddy Science & Technology and Earth
Science
Kamal Nath Urban Development & Parliamentary
Affairs
Vayalar Ravi Overseas Indian Affairs
Kapil Sibal Communications & Information
Technology
C.P. Joshi Road Transport & Highways
Kumar Selja Social Justice & Empowerment
Pawan Kumar Bansal Railways
Salman Khursheed External Affairs
Jairam Ramesh Rural Development
K. Rahman Khan Minority Affairs
Dinsha J. Patel Mines
Ajay Maken Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation
M.M. Pallam Raju Human Resource Development
Ashwani Kumar Law & Justice
Harish Rawat Water Resources
Chandresh Kumar Katoch Culture
Ministers of State with
Independent Charge
Portfolio
Jyoti radi tya Madharao Sci ndi a
Power
K.H. Muniappa Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
Sachin Pilot Corporate Affairs
Jitendra Singh Youth Affairs & Sports
Manish Tewari Information & Broadcasting
K. Chiranjeevi Tourism
Ministers of State Portfolio
E. Ahamed External Affairs
D. Purandeswari Commerce & Industry
Jitin Prasada Defence & Human Resource
Development
S. Jagathrakshakan New & Renewable Energy
R.P.N. Singh Home
K.C. Venugopal Civil Aviation
Rajeev Shukla Parliamentary Affairs & Planning
Shashi Tharoor Human Resource Development
Kodikunni Suresh Labour & Employment
Tariq Anwar Agriculture & Food Processing
Industries
K.J. Surya Prakash Reddy Railways
Ranee Narah Tribal Affairs
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Railways
A.H. Khan Choudhury Health & Family Welfare
Sarvey Sathyanarayana Road Transport & Highways
Ninong Ering Minority Affairs
Deepa Dasmunsi Urban Development
Porika Balram Naik Social Justice & Empowerment
Kruparani Killi Communication & Inforamtion
Technology
Lalchand Kataria Defence

Resigned Cabinet Ministers Portfolio
S.M. Krishna External Affairs
Ambika Soni Information and Broadcasting
Mukul Wasnik Tourism
Mahadev Khandela Minister of State Justice and
Empowerment

STATES
Door-to-door cancer campaign in Punjab
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal sanctioned the biggest ever door-to-door campaign for a symptoms-
based early detection and awareness about cancer.At least 50,000 personnel and volunteers would visit 54 lakh
households in 12,603 villages and 217 census towns, for the exercise that begins in Faridkot district on October
2.
In Goa Housewives with family income less than Rs 3 lakh to get Rs 1000 to fight inflation
Housewives in Goa just got a breather from rising inflation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition
government on 2nd October 2012 launched a scheme to provide an allowance of Rs 1,000 a month to housewives
in households whose annual incomes are less than Rs 3 lakh.
EC announces dates for assembly polls in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh
The Election Commission on 3rd October 2012 announced dates for Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly
elections. While Gujarat will have elections in two phases December 13 and 17, Himachal Pradesh will vote on
November 4. The counting for both the assembly elections will take place on December 20.
UP government announces ban on gutka industry from April 2013
On 3rd October 2012 Uttar Pradesh government decided to impose a ban on gutka industry in the state with
effect from April 2013.
Supreme Court bans mining activities in Goa
In Goa, the Supreme Court imposed a complete ban on the mining activities as well as transportation of iron and
manganese ore on 5th October 2012.
Arvind Kejriwal launches bijli-paani satyagraha in Delhi
Activist Arvind Kejriwal on 6th Octomber 2012 launched a bijli-paani satyagraha in Delhi to protest against
inflated power and water bills and hike in tariffs by restoring electricity connection to the household of a labourer
which was disconnected for non-payment of bills.
EC fiat to Himachal Pradesh
On 7th October 2012 The Election Commission (EC) stopped the BJP government in Himachal Pradesh from
distributing free PDS bags carrying photographs of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Maharashtra tribals demand ban on alcohol
Tribal women from Maharashtras Chandrapur have sent 80,000 postcards to Chief Miniter Prithviraj Chavan asking
to make the district liquor-free.
UPRVUNL, NLC to set up thermal plant at Ghatampur
The UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (UPRVUNL) and the central government PSU Neyveli Lignite Corporation
Ltd (NLCL) signed a joint venture agreement (JVA) to set up a 2,000 MW thermal power plant at Ghatampur
(Kanpur) on 7th October 2012 .
Union Government ruled out the decision of Cauvery River Authority
Decision of the Cauvery River Authority was ruled out by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 8 October 2012.
The Prime Minister ordered Karnataka to release 9000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu every day, till 20 October
2012.
Railways put 400 CCTVs at 10 stations to improve security system
The Delhi division of Northern Railway authorities have completed the installation of 400 CCTVs at 10 stations
with Rs. 20 crore to ensure better security and mobility at its stations.Only in the New Delhi Railway station they
installed more than 100 CCTV cameras as part of an integrated security system (ISS).
Presidents son Abhijit Mukherjee wins Jangipur Lok Sabha by-poll
Abhijit Mukherjee, son of President Pranab Mukherjee and Congress candidate, on 13th October 2012 won the
Jangipur Lok Sabha by-election by 2,536 votes defeating the CPI-M rival Muzaffar Hussain.
Union Power Ministry gave its Nod to Implement Islanding Scheme in Delhi
The Union Power Minister Veerapa Moily on 17 October 2012 announced the implementation of Islanding Scheme
for Delhi by January 2013 to protect it from massive disruptions caused due to grid failures in power supply. The
scheme of Delhi is different to that of the existing ones in cities like Mumbai and Kolkata because the
transmission lines of different states is routed through Delhi.
Haryana to give Rs.11,000 to couples at mass weddings
The Haryana Government has announced on 20th October 2012 that it will give Rs.11,000 to each newly wedding
couple at a mass marriage.
Uttarakhand Named best Performing States in terms of Environmental standards
The state of Uttarakhand on 29 October 2012 tops the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) list of being best-
performing States and Union territories in terms of environmental well-being released by Planning Commission.
CONFERENCES
The international biodiversity meet in Hyderabad
The XI Conference of Parties (CoP-11) on the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) being hosted by India at
Hyderabad starts on 1st October 2012.
Asia Co-operation Dialogue Summit held in Kuwait
Asia Co-operation Dialogue Summit has given a call for stronger co-operation among member nations and to work
for the improvement of living conditions.Leaders from 32 countries pledged to focus on key areas to fulfill the
aspirations of the people. These include sustainable energy and development, economic growth, food security,
trade and commerce, health care, climate change and co-operation in financial and education sectors.
South Korea to host next UN biodiversity meet in 2014
South Korea will host the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Convention on Biological
Diversity in 2014, it was announced in Hyderabad on 19th October 2012.
Third Worldwide Cybersecurity Summit
The 3rd Worldwide Cybersecurity Summit organized by EastWest Institute, a New York based think-and-do tank,
kick-started in the New Delhi on 30th October 2012.
AWARDS & HONOURS
President Confers Shastri awards to ISRO scientist Tessy Thomas
On 1st October 2012 President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award
2012 to ISRO scientist Tessy Thomas at an award function in Rashtrapati Bhawan. Lal Bahadur Shastri National
Award is conferred every year for doing excellent work in the field of Public Administration, Academics and
Management.
Banaras Hindu University VC wins MV Pylee award for best academician
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) vice chancellor and renowned molecular biology scientist Dr Lalji Singh has won
the 7th MV Pylee award for the best academician. The MV Pylee award was constituted in year 1996 in honour of
Cochin Universitys former vice chancellor MV Pylee. The award includes Rs 2 lakh, a memento and citation for
excellence in teaching and research and contribution to academic community. It is awarded once every three
years.

S.No Department Name of the Person/
Organization
Country Field of Research
1. PHYSICS Serge Haroche and France For ground-breaking
experimental methods that
enable measuring and
manipulation of individual
quantum systems
David J. Wineland America
2. CHEMISTRY Robert J. Lefkowitz and America For studies of G-Protein-
coupled receptors
Brain K. Kobilka America
3. PHYSIOLOGY
OR MEDICINE
Sir John B. Gurdon and Britan For the discovery that
mature cells can be
reprogrammed to become
pluripotent
Shinya Yamanaka Japan
4. ECONOMIC Alvin E. Roth and America For the theory of stable
SCIENCES allocations and the practice
of market design
Lioyd S. Shapley America
5. LITERATURE Mo Yan China Who with hallucinatory
realism merges folk tales,
history and the
contemporary
6. PEACE PRIZE European Union (EU) Europe For over six decades
contributed to the
advancement of peace and
reconciliation. Democracy
and human rights in
Europe.
Sachin Tendulkar to be made member of Order of Australia
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard made the announcement on 16th October 2012 that the first Indian
sportsperson Tendulkar to be conferred with the Membership of the Order of Australia, an honour rarely
bestowed on non-Australians.
First-ever India Biodiversity Awards presented
The women who led the ecological restoration of Gundlaba village in Odishas Puri district after the 1999 super
cyclone are among the four winners of the first India Biodiversity Awards. The awards, instituted by the Ministry of
Environment and Forests and the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP).
Vijay Kumar honoured with Services Best Sportsman
London Olympics silver medallist shooter Vijay Kumar was named as the Services Best Sportsman award for
2012 at the Army Headquarters in New Delhi.The award is given to best sportsman from out of all the three
services-Army, Air Force Navy.
Bangladesh honours fifty-two Indians
Bangladesh has honoured foreign friends who contributed to achieve the nations independence from Pakistan in
1971.Of the 61 recipients of the award in the third phase, 52 are from India and the rest are from Nepal, the United
States, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Australia, Sweden, and Italy.The former Indian Prime Minister, I.K. Gujral,
and the former Nepalese Prime Minister, the late Girija Prasad Koirala, received the Bangladesh Muktijuddho
Sammanana.
Singham Bravery Award Posthumously given to IAS and Security Personnel
Narendra Kumar the IPS officer who was brutally killed by illegal mining mafia in Madhya Pradesh and many other
Security Personnel who had laid down their life for fighting against Maoists and anti Social element on 21 October
2012 were awarded with Singham Bravery Awards.
Bangladesh honours Babu Jagjivan Ram
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of India, late Babu Jagjivan Ram has been awarded with the
Friends of Liberation War Honour by the Government of Bangladesh for his contribution in the 1971 War.
Narayan Murthy honoured with Hoover Medal
IT giant Infosys founder, N.R. Narayan Murthy honoured with Hoover Medal for promoting science at Global
Humanitarian Technology Conference in Washington.
Gavaskar to receive BCCIs lifetime achievement award
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar will be conferred the Col C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award at the
annual BCCI awards function on 25th October 2012.
Amitabh Bachchan gets best TV host award for Kaun Banega Crorepati
Amitabh Bachchan has won the best television host award for the popular game show Kaun Banega Crorepati.
Lord Indarjit Singh conferred Punjab Ratan Award
Lord Indarjit Singh, the first member of the House of Lords to wear a turban, has been presented with the Punjab
Ratan (Jewel of Punjab) award by the World Punjabi Organisation, in recognition of his contribution to promoting
Punjabi culture, heritage and inter-faith services.
Delhi Metro bags JICA President Award
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was awarded the prestigious Japan International Cooperation Agency
(JICA) Presidents Award 2012 on 29th October 2012.
Noted film lyricist and poet Gulzar presented with Indira Gandhi award for National Integration
The Indira Gandhi award for National Integration for 2011 has been given to noted film lyricist and poet Gulzar in
recognition of his contribution to national integration.
SPORTS & GAMES
Indian judokas win 2 silver, 3 bronze in Asian Championship
Indian judokas bagged two silver and three bronze in the Asian Youth and Junior Championships held in Chinese
Taipei.In the Youth Championships, Vijay Kumar Yadav and Besto Rani Devi won a silver each in boys 60kg and
girls 48kg categories respectively.Preety and Mongjam Kabita Devi won a bronze each in gilrs 40kg and 44kg
respectively in the September 28-30 event.Khaidem Rashi Devi bagged a bronze in 70kg category in the junior
section.Indian judokas had won one gold, four silver and two bronze in the Asian Youth and Junior Championships
in Lebanon last year.
India move up to 2nd spot in T20 rankings
India might have failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC World Twenty20, but four wins out of five
matches have pushed the India by one place to the second spot in the latest T20 International team rankings
released on 3rd October 2012.India now trail Sri Lanka (129) by nine points and are followed by Pakistan (118)
and England (118).
India 168th in FIFA rankings
Indian football team moved a place up to be 168th in the latest FIFA rankings, India, who last month won a hat-
trick of Nehru Cup titles, have 114 points.
Red Bull driver Vettel wins Japanese Grand Prix
Sebastian Vettel ,the driver Red Bull won the Japanese Grand Prix 2012 on 7th Ocober 2012.
Australia retain womens World Twenty20 title
The Australian Women Cricket team on 7 October 2012 defeated England by four runs to retain the Women T-20
world cup title.
West Indies won the ICC World Twenty20 Tournament
West Indies 7th October 2012 clinched the ICC World Twenty20 crown with a comfortable 36-run victory over Sri
Lanka.
Kaltenborn becomes first female F1 team principal
India born Monisha Kalterborn is set to become Formula 1s first woman team principal after she takes charges
from founder of Sauber chief Peter Sauber on 12th October 2012.
Jeevan Neduncheziyan and Prerna Bhambri emerge champions
Jeevan Neduncheziyan and Prerna Bhambri emerge champions in the Fenesta Open national tennis
championship at the RK Khanna Stadium in New Delhi on 13th October 2012.
Hat-trick for Vettel
Sebastian Vettel has claimed his third successive victory at the Korean GP on 14h October 2012.He is already
won the Singapore and Japan GP titles.
Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray to win Shanghai Masters
Novak Djokovic beated British Tennis Player Andy Murray, on 14 October 2012 saving five match points to seal a
stunning 5- 7, 7- 6 ( 13/ 11), 6- 3 victory in the Shanghai Rolex Masters final.
Bhullar wins Macau Open golf
Indias Gaganjeet Bhullar completed a commanding start-to-finish victory at the Venetian Macau Open golf on
14th October 2012.
Indias Saina Nehwal win Denmark Open Badminton Title
Indian badminton player and Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal has won the Denmark Open Super Series
Premier trophy on 21st October 2012.
Martin Guptill wins NZ top cricket award
Opening batsman of New Zealand Cricket team Martin Guptill on 18 October 2012 claimed the top honour at the
New Zealand Cricket Awards in Auckland, winning the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for 2011-12. Martin Guptill was
also named ODI and Twenty20 player of the year, based on performances between 1 September 2011 and 31
August 2012.
Anaka Alankamony clinches her second WISPA title
Asian junior gold medallist Anaka Alankamony today claimed her second title and first one abroad in the womens
professional squash tour when she beaten the top seed Kylie Lindsay of New Zealand in the final of the Ipswich
Open in Queensland.
Lance Armstrong stripped of his 7 Tour de France titles, banned for life
Cyclings governing body agreed on 22nd October 2012 to strip Lance Armstrong of his seven Tour de France
titles and ban him for life, following a report from the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) that accused him of
leading a massive doping program on his teams.
Womens Indian Golf Open from November 30
The creme-de-la-creme of Indian womens golf will be up against a strong international field, including the likes of
Laura Davies and defending champion Caroline Hedwall, when the tri-sanctioned Hero Womens Golf Open tees
off from November 30.
Sun TV Network Acquired Hyderabad IPL Franchise
Chennai based SUN TV Network acquired the Indian Premier League (IPL) Hyderabad franchise on 25 October
2012 for an enormous amount of 85.05 crore Rupees per year.
Sebastian Vettel won F1 Second Indian Grand Prix
Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel won the Indian Grand Prix 2012 on 28 October 2012 at the Buddh International
Circuit (BIC) for the second time in a row extending his Formula One championship lead.This is his fourth
consecutive success in this year.
Pankaj Advani defeats Russell, clinches seventh World Billiards Championship title
India`s Pankaj Advani won his seventh World billiards title when he outclassed defending champion Mike Russell
1,895-1,216 in the final on 28th October 2012.
Joshna Chinappa wins Penang Open squash title
Indias top squash player Joshna Chinappa claimed the IJM Land Penang Open, defeating top seed and local
favourite Siti Munirah Jusoh in straight games on 28th October 2012.
India retains third spot in ICC ODI ranking
India retains the third spot in the ICC ODI ranking after England and South Africa. England has retained the top
spot in the latest ODI rankings with 121 points followed by South Africa. The latest ICC rankings were released in
Dubai on 30th October 2012.
India lifts the Asian Cricket Council Womens Twenty-20 trophy at Guangzhou in China
Indian women lifted the title of Asian Cricket Council Womens Twenty-20 Asia Cup cricket tournament by
defeatingthe Pakistan by 18 runs in the final match at Guangzhou in China.
ECONOMY
Govt approves 49% FDI in insurance & pension sectors
On 4th October 2012 The Cabinet has cleared proposals to allow more Foreign Direct Investment or FDI in the
insurance and pension sectors.In both the sectors government approves 49% of FDIs.
Govt approves 12th Five-Year Plan
On 4th October 2012 Government approved the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17) document that aims to achieve
annual average economic growth rate of 8.2 per cent, down from 9 per cent envisaged earlier, in view of fragile
global recovery.
HDFC Bank partners Indian Oil Corporation to offer rural banking services
HDFC Bank has partnered Indian Oil Corporation to provide banking services in the rural areas where IOCs petrol
pump outlets Kisan Seva Kendras will act as the business correspondents for the banks.
IMF cuts Indias Growth Forecast for 2012 to 4.9 Percent
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slashed Indias growth forecast to 4.9 per cent for 2012 due to low
business confidence and sluggish structural reforms.
India-US trade to touch $100 bn
Bilateral trade between India and the US is expected to touch USD 100 billion in the coming years on increasing
economic engagement between the countries.
Rangarajan lowers FY13 GDP growth forecast to 6%
Prime Ministers key advisor C Rangarajan 25th October 2012 lowered the growth projection for the current fiscal
to 6 per cent from 6.7 per cent estimated earlier.
Scientists discover bacteria that can produce 24-carat gold
Scientists have discovered a bacteria that has the ability to withstand incredible amounts of toxicity and can be
the key to creating 24-carat gold.Researchers from the Michigan State University have found that the metal-
tolerant bacteria Cupriavidus metallidurans can grow on massive concentrations of gold chloride or liquid gold, a
toxic chemical compound found in nature.
India sucessfully test-fires Prithvi-II ballistic missile
On 4th October 2012 India sucessfully test-fired surface-to-surface Prithvi-II ballistic missile from the Integrated
Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur of Balasore district off Odisha coast.
India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Dhanush missile
A day after the launch of Prithvi-II, India successfully test-fired nuclear-capable Dhanush ballistic missile for its full
range of 350 km from a naval ship off Odisha on 5th October 2012.
Australia launches worlds fastest radio telescope
In the remote Australian outback, scientists have launched the worlds fastest radio telescope which will
exponentially increase astronomers ability to survey the universe, mapping black holes and shedding new light on
the origins of galaxies.The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), located near the region of
Murchison about 650 kilometres north of Perth, was officially opened 5th October 2012 by Science Minister Chris
Evans.
Indian navy successfully test-fires BrahMos supersonic cruise missile
The Indian Navy on 7th October 2012 successfully test-fired the 290-km range BrahMos supersonic cruise
missile, capable of carrying a conventional warhead of 300 kg, from a warship off the Goa coast.
The Barcode Turns 60 Years Old
October 7, 2012 marks the 60th anniversary of the registration of the first bar code patent. The original patent for
what we know today as the modern barcode was granted on October 7, 1952 to Norman Joseph Woodland and
Bernard Silver, its inventors.
New planet discovered in Earths backyard
Astronomers have found a new planet called exoplanet in Alpha Centauri , the closest yet outside our solar
system and just an astronomical stones throw away at four light years.Alpha Centauri is a three-star system
consisting of two stars similar to our sun and a faint red star called Proxima Centauriand another one is the Alpha
Centauri B.The Exoplanet orbits Alpha Centauri B.
PERSONS IN NEWS
a) Appointments
Congress selects Raja, Suresh Kalmadi and Kanimozhi as members of standing committee
The congress on 3 October 2012 nominated the former Union Minister, A. Raja, Kanimozhi and Suresh Kalmadi
as the members of the Parliamentary Standing Committees on Energy, Home Affairs and External Affairs
respectively.Raja was arrested in the 2G scam case on February 2 last year and is on bail since 15 May 2012.
Suresh Kalmadi, who was accused in the Commonwealth Games scam case, spent about nine months in jail and
was released on bail on 19 January 2012. DMK MP Kanimozhi, also an accused in some cases related to the 2G
spectrum allocation, was nominated to the Standing Committee on Home Affairs.
Ajit Saran Appointed as Secretary in National Commission for Women
Senior IAS officer Ajit M Sharan was appointed as Member Secretary in National Commission for Women (NCW).
Ajit Sharan is a 1979 batch officer of Haryana cadre.
Vivek Rae appointed new MSME secretary
On 5th October 2012 the government appointed Vivek Rae as secretary, ministry of micro, small and medium
enterprises. Rae, a 1978 batch IAS officer of the UT cadre, is currently director general, acquisition, defence
ministry. He will take over from RK Mathur.
Anil Kumble appointed chairman of ICC Cricket Committee
Former India captain Anil Kumble was unanimously appointed chairman of ICC`s Cricket Committee by the
game`s governing body, replacing West Indies great Clive Lloyd on 11th October 2012.
Jaspal Rana appointed junior pistol chief coach
Multiple Asian Games gold medallist, Jaspal Rana, has been appointed chief coach for junior pistol shooters by
the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on 16th October 2012.
Ashok Kumar appointed Indias ambassador to Brazil
Mr. Ashok Tomar has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Brazil on 31st October 2012.
b). Resigns
Michael Schumacher announces retirement from Formula One
Michael Schumacher has announced that he will retire from Formula One at the end of the season.Schumachers
announcement follows news last week that he will be replaced at Mercedes by Lewis Hamilton in 2013.
UP revenue minister resigns due involved in CMO abduction
UP revenue minister Vinod Singh was forced to resign on 12th October 2012 for his alleged involvement in the
abduction of Gonda chief medical officer (CMO) SP Singh.
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna resigned
External Affairs Minister SM Krishna has resigned from his post ahead of on 28th October 2012 cabinet reshuffle.
Badminton Player Peter Gade Retired From International Career
Danish legend Baminton Player, Peter Gade on 30 October 2012 retired from international badminton.
c). Deaths
Historian Eric Hobsbawm dies, aged 95
Eric Hobsbawm, one of Britains most eminent historians, has died at the age of 95, on 1st October 2012 at the
Royal Free Hospital in London .Mr Hobsbawm, a historian in the Marxist tradition, wrote more than 30 books.He
published his final book, How to Change the World, in 2011.
Freedom fighter, ex-Governor Satyanarayana is dead
Freedom fighter and former governor of Uttar Pradesh B Satyanarayana Reddy died at a hospital in Hyderabad on
6th October 2012.
Zimbabwe cricket coach Kevin Curran passes away
Kevin Curran, the former Zimbabwean all rounder and coach, has died in Mutare on 10th Ocober 2012.
Cambodia ex-king Sihanouk dies
Cambodias former king Norodom Sihanouk died on 15th October 2012 in China at Beijing.
Bandya Kakade dead
Bandya Kakade, former India football goalkeeper, passed away here on 18th October 2012 evening. Kakade and
Kuppuswami Sampath (MEG, Bangalore) were the two goalkeepers of the Indian team that won the bronze medal
at the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games. Kakade was also part of the Indian team
Yash Chopra, the King of Romance passes away
Yash Chopra, one of Bollywoods most well-known filmmakers, died of dengue fever on 21st October 2012.
Eminent litterateur Sunil Gangopadhyay passes away
Eminent litterateur and Sahitya Akademi President Sunil Gangopadhyay died at his South Kolkata residence on
23rd October 2012 following a massive heart attack.
d). Visitors
U.S. Treasury Secretary Geithner to visit India on Oct. 9
U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner visit India on 9th October 2012 to participate in the third annual meeting of
the U.S.-India Economic and Financial Partnership with Finance Minister P. Chidambaram.
Australia PM Julia Gillard begins India visit
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has begun a three-day visit to India.The two countries are expected to
announce negotiations on civil nuclear co-operation during Ms Gillards visit.
Suu Kyi to visit India next month
After 40 years, Myanmars Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will travel to India on November 13. She will
deliver the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Lecture in New Delhi on November 14.
Steven Joyce, Minister for Tertiary Education, New Zealand visited India
Hon. Steven Joyce, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, New Zealand visited the Indian
Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi on 18th October 2012.
Ex-Bangladeshi PM Khaleda Zia to meet PM Manmohan Singh
Bangladeshs former prime minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Begum Khaleda Zia, who is
on a week-long trip to India, will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singhin New Delhi on 28th October 2012.
e). Miscellaneous
Pakistan spinner Rehman hit with ban after failed drug test
Pakistans Abdur Rehman has been banned from cricket for 12 weeks after testing positive for cannabis during his
recent stint with Somerset.
Mukesh Ambani richest Indian
The China-based research firm Hurun releases a report on 10th October 2012 declared Reliance Industries
Chairman Mukesh Ambani is the richest person in India.
Hyderabads last Nizam named all-time richest Indian
Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam (or ruler) of Hyderabad is Indias all-time richest person.According to a new
inflation-adjusted list of the worlds richest people of all time, the Nizam, who ruled Hyderabad between 1886-
1967, was ranked sixth with $ 236 billion.
Mukesh Ambani tops Forbes India rich list
Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani is the richest Indian for the fifth year in a row with a net worth of
$21 billion, according to the Forbes India rich list.
Manju Seth appointed as next Ambassador of India to Madagascar
Ms Manju Seth has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Madagascar.She is presently Consul
General of India in Reunion Island, which is a French-administered territory in the Indian Ocean between Mauritius
and Madagaskar.
PLACES IN NEWS
Shadman Chowk renamed as Bhagat Singh Chowk in Lahore
Pakistan government has finally renamed Shadman Chowk as Bhagat Singh Chowk in Lahore as a mark of
respect to the martyr and an acknowledgement of his role in the struggle against British rule.
Mercedes-Benz rolls out M-Class luxury SUV from Pune facility
Mercedes-Benz India has rolled out its first locally manufactured M-Class luxury SUV from its facility in Chakan,
Pune. The company has also declared the start of operations of its paint shop at the same location.India is the
only country outside of the USA where the German luxury car maker has begun production out of the new ML-
Class.
44 killed in Syrian air strikes
At least 44 people were killed in air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held town of Maaret al-Numan on 18th October
2012.
5.5 magnitude earthquake hits off Taiwan
A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck off southern Taiwan on 25th October 2012, the islands Seismology Center
said, but there were no reports of any damage or casualties.
Earthquake in Canada triggers tsunami in Hawaii
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake rattled the west coast of Canada, triggering tsunami warnings for Hawaii on
28th October 2012.
Abbreviation of FICCI
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
Abbreviate JNNURM
Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal mission
Abbreviate NCM
National Commission for Women
Abbreviate IOC
Indian Oil Corporation
Abbreviate ASKAP
The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder
Abbreviate ISS
Integrated Security System
Abbreviate LPN
Liquefied Natural Petroleum
Abbreviate WISPA
Womens International Squash Players Association
BOOKS IN NEWS
Hilary Mantel wins Booker Prize for Tudor saga
British writer Hilary Mantel won the prestigious Booker literary prize for a second time on 16th October 2012 with
her blood-soaked Tudor saga. Ms Mantel, who took the 50,000 pound ($82,000) award in 2009 for Wolf Hall, is
the first British author, and the first woman, to achieve a Booker double.
The Folded Earth and A Free Man won the 11th Economist Crossword Book Award
The Folded Earth written by Anuradha Roy and A Free Man by Aman Sethi won the 11th Economist Crossword
Book Award that was declared at Mumbai.
Governor releases Ek Thhi Kusum by former Speaker
Uttarakhand Governor Aziz Qureshi on 22nd October 2012 released Ek Thhi Kusum, a short stories collection
authored by former State Assembly Speaker Prakash Pant.
COMMITTEES IN NEWS
Rangarajan panel for total decontrol of sugar industry
Rangarajan Committee has recommended deregulation of the sugar sector, by giving freedom to mills to sell
sugar in the open market.The Millers should sell the 10%of sugar to government below the market price,for
running the ration shops ,remaining should sell in the open market.
DAYS & DATES
UP cancels holiday on Kanshi Rams death anniversary
The Samajwadi Party (SP) government on 6th October 2012 cancelled the October 9 public holiday on the death
anniversary of BSP founder Kanshi Ram, which had been announced by the Mayawati government in May 2007.
World Food Day Celebrated worldwide on 16 October 2012
World Food Day is celebrated every year across the globe on 16 October in honour of the date of the founding of
the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945.The aim of this World Food Day is to raise
awareness on global food problems and to create a sense of solidarity in the fight against poverty, hunger and
malnutrition.
4/18/2014 Current Affairs september 2012 Study Material | FreeJobAlert.com
September 2012 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
China to shut hundreds of coal mines this year
The State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) said the country(China) aims to close another 625 small coal
mines this year in an attempt to reduce the number of deadly accidents, as the death toll in latest coal mine
explosion mounted to 43, raising concerns over safety
Smita Shah first Indian-American to serve as DNC parliamentarian
Smita Shah a close supporter of US President Barack Obama, is vice-chair of the Chicago Plan Commission,
become the first Indian-American to serve as a Democratic National Convention parliamentarian on 5th September
2012.As per the publically available documents, Smita has been an applauded donor to the campaign of the
Democratic Party and Obama.
US strikes Nepal Maoists from terror blacklist
On 06th September 2012 US has lifted sanctions and removed the Communist party of Nepal(Maoists)
Organization of Nepal from the list of designated terrorist organisation,years after the rebels abandoned their
named struggle and entered open politics and signed a peace treaty.
U.S. designates Haqqani network a terrorist group
The United States said on 7th September 2012 it is designating the Pakistan-based Haqqani network a terrorist
organization, triggering sanctions against a group American officials blame for high-profile attacks in Afghanistan,
and which they say has ties to the Pakistani state.
Army in Egypt reports 32 deaths in Sinai crackdown
Egyptian armed forces have killed 32 criminal elements since launching an operation against Islamist militants in
Sinai on 8th September 2012.
Canada cuts diplomatic ties with Iran
John Baird,Foreign minister Canada said: [Iran] is among the worlds worst violators of human rights; and it
shelters and materially supports terrorist groups, requiring the government of Canada to formally list Iran as a
state sponsor of terrorism under the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act.Canada cuts diplomatic ties with Iran.So,
Canada has closed its embassy in Tehran and ordered the expulsion of Iranian diplomats from Ottawa, partly
because of the countrys backing of the Syrian regime.
Somalia gets a new president
Somalias parliament elected Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the new leader for the African nation on 10th
September 2012.
Japan to buy disputed East China Sea islands
The uninhabited islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, have long been a source of friction.
Japan and China have competing territorial claims to the islets and surrounding fishing areas and potentially rich
gas deposits.The Japanese government will buy the islets for 2.05 billion yen ($26.15 million) and the owners will
sign a contract soon.
Biggest Fire Accident in Karachi 290 Members Die
At least 290 people have been confirmed dead in a fire that broke out in a garment factory in Karachi on 11th
September 2012 night.
Worldwide protests against the film Innocence of Muslims
The attacks will be continued on 14th September 2012 also in several countries, including Egypt, Iran, Kuwait and
Saudi Arabia due the release of the film Innocence of Muslims.UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has
denounced as hateful an anti-Islam movie produced in the United States.
Russia to mine super hard diamonds
Russia has declassified a huge deposit of unique super hard diamonds that dwarf the global reserves of the
precious stone and can meet the worldwide demand for another 3,000 years.The deposit, located in an asteroid
crater 120 km in diameter, has been kept under wraps for nearly 40 decades as the Soviet Union mined enough
diamonds elsewhere and also produced synthetic diamonds.
Bill Gates remains the richest in U.S.: Forbes
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has retained his position as the richest person in America for the 19th year in a
row this year, according to Forbes annual ranking of the nations 400 super rich people who have a combined net
worth of $1.7 trillion.Five Indian-Americans, including Silicon Valley venture capitalist Vinod Khosla and founder of
IT major Syntel, Bharat Desai (ranked 239),Founder and Chairman of the Symphony Technology Group Romesh
Wadhwani(ranked 250), Google board member and shareholder Kavitark Ram Shriram (ranked 298),Founder and
CEO of the popular energy drink 5-hour energy Manoj Bhargava(ranked 311).
Zardari, Hillary discuss India-Pak trade ties
Improving trade ties between Pakistan and India, terrorism and violent anti-U.S. protests were among a host of
issues that Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari discussed with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton when they
met NewYork on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly session on 25th September 2012.
Buddhist temples attacked in Bangladesh
Thousands of Bangladeshi Muslims set fire to at least 10 Buddhist temples and 40 homes in Ramu town and its
adjoining villages some 350 km from Dhaka in anger over a Facebook photo of a burned Quran on 30th
September 2012.
32 killed in blasts across Iraq
A wave of bombings and shootings in Iraq on 30th September 2012 killed at least 32 people and wounded 104
.The violence was centred in Baghdad and the surrounding areas of Taji, Madain and Tarmiyah.
INDIA & WORLD
America Court Summons to Parkash Singh Badal
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, who was served summons by a US court last month in a case of
alleged custodial torture and extra judicial killings of Sikhs, has sought dismissal of the motion against him or
additional time of 90 days to defend the charges.The US District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin had
issued Summons against Badal on August 8 when he was in Wisconsin on a private visit to attend a marriage
ceremony.
No mobile connection for more than 3 months to any foreign tourist: Government
To check misuse of SIM cards, the government has asked Telecom Service Providers not to provide mobile
connection for more than three months to any foreign tourist visiting India.According to the fresh guidelines, which
have come into effect recently, the Department of Telecom (DoT) has told the service providers that the proof for
issuance of a mobile connection to any foreigner would be the passport having a valid visa.
India, Pakistan to ink 3 pacts to boost economic activity
Hoping that the forthcoming visit of External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna would lead to a liberal visa regime
agreement, Commerce and Industry Minister, Anand Sharma, on 04th September 2012, said India and Pakistan
would soon ink three agreements in the areas of customs co-operation, mutual recognition of standards and
redressal of trade issues to give a fillip to economic activity.
India, China to resume joint military exercises
India and China announced on 04th September 2012 they would resume joint military exercises after a four-year
gap, a move designed to build trust in the often prickly relationship between the worlds two most populous
nations.
Five Indian firms in Forbes list of worlds most innovative companies
Five Indian companies including Larsen & Toubro, Hindustan Unilever and Infosys are ranked on Forbes
magazines list of The Worlds Most Innovative Companies topped by four US companies.Larsen & Toubro got
the ninth rank,Hindustan Unilever got the 12th rank, Infosys got 19th rank,Tata Consultancy Services got 29th
rank and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries got 38th rank.Four US companies- Cloud computing king
Salesforce.com, drug major Alexion Pharmaceuticals, internet retail giant Amazon.com and open source software
leader Red Hat took the top four places.
India, Pakistan ink visa agreement
Pakistan and India have announced on 8th September 2012 that they will ease tough visa restrictions, an
important step forward in improving relations between the nuclear armed neighbours.
ECIL to supply converters to international science centre
Public sector electronic manufacturing firm, Electronic Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), has been selected to
supply power converters to the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR), an international science centre at
Darmstadt near Frankfurt in Germany.ECIL signed a bilateral contract for supply of convertors with Bose Institute,
designated nodal agency to coordinate between various departments involved in the project.Accordingly, ECIL
would be involved in design, development, manufacturing and supply of around 500 ultra stable power converters
that cost around 7.5 million Euros (about Rs. 50 crore) of the total Indian contribution of around 36 million Euros.
Onno Ruhl appointed World Bank country director for India
The World Bank has appointed Onno Ruhl as the country director for India. He will replace Roberto Zagha, who
retires in October. Ruhl, a Dutch national, was previously the director for operation services and quality in the
South Asia region of the World Bank, the multi-lateral funding agency.
Saudi Arabia, India hold talks on defence ties
The first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia joint committee on defence cooperation was held on 10th September
2012 at New Delhi and both sides discussed proposals for exchange of high-level visits, training and functional
exchanges in various areas.
India pledges $10-million for Palestine
The Prime Minister Manmohan 11th September 2012 announced to an assistance of $10 million to Palestines
budget for this year to help address its financial requirements.Prime Minister made this announcement after
signing three bilateral pacts the areas of information and communication technology, vocational training and
education with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is at present in New Delhi for his three-day long state
visit.
India, Pakistan trade bodies sign Memorandum of Understanding(MoU)
The Islamabad Womens Chamber of Commerce and Industry(IWCCI)and the Punjab, Haryana and Delhi Chamber
of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) on 12th September 2012 signed an MoU to promote trade and investment
and improve linkages between business communities of the two countries.
Highest under-5 deaths in India
In the Child Mortality Estimates Report 2012 published by United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), India was
placed at the top position in the chart of 10 countries that topped on the chart. The other countries with their
names on the chart are Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, China, Pakistan, Indonesia, Ethiopia,
Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
Delhi, Mumbai among least expensive cities around world
A report released Friday by the Swiss bank UBS, covering 72 cities in 58 countries Capital Delhi and financial hub
Mumbai are the least expensive cities and Tokyo is the most expensive city for food in the world.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation won work in Jakarta Metro Rail Project
Delhi Metro has bagged the work of Management Consulting Services for building the Phase- I of Jakarta Mass
Rapid System in Indonesia.This is the first time that Delhi Metro has got a project outside the country since its
inception in 1997.
Afghanistan, US, India hold first trilateral meeting
India, Afghanistan and the US held their first trilateral meeting in New York on 25th September 2012.The major
point of discussion was on the situation in Afghanistan along with the issue of terrorism.
India ranks lower than China in global food security index
India has been ranked 66, much lower than neighbouring China, in the 2012 Global Food Security Index released
by the American chemical company DuPont on 26th September 2012.India is ranked 66 , China (ranked 39) , Sri
Lanka (ranked 62),Pakistan (ranked 75) and Bangladesh ( ranked 81) in the list of 105 countries.
NATIONAL
Sebi plans investor website in 13 Indian languages
Market regulator Sebi is planning to soon offer its investor website in as many as 13 Indian languages, besides
the existing one in English, to spread awareness among investors and to help resolve their grievances.
Supreme Court lifts ban on iron ore mining in Karnataka
Supreme Court partially lifts ban on iron ore mining in Karnataka on 3rd September 2012, on the basis of the
recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC). CEC divides the leases of iron ore mines in three
categories A,B,C.marginal irregularities and no irregularities of leases come under A category, most irregularities
in leases come under C category,moderate irregularities come under B category.The Supreme Court has lifted the
banwould only be effective in 18 category A mines, subject to their compliance with statutory clearances.The ban
will continued on the remaining leases.
Lok Sabha passed two Bills on 3rd September 2012
Lok Sabha passed two bills on 3rd September 2012 They are 1.Sexual harassment may mean loss of business
licence:Non-compliance with the provisions of the law will be punishable with a fine of up to Rs 50,000. Repeated
violations may lead to higher penalties and cancellation of licence or registration to do business.2.National
Highways Authority of India (NHAI) expansion bill passed
4.6 magnitude quake rocks Ladakh, no impact in Kashmir
A 4.6 magnitude quake rock Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir on 4th September 2012 afternoon. However, it
was not felt in the Kashmir valley.Its epicentre was in Southern Xinjiang China, located at a distance of 327 km
from Leh.
MGNREGA work days raised to 150, crop loans cut to 7%
Empowered Group of Ministers(EGoM) on drought headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar decided to
increase the number of guaranteed work days under Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
(MGNREGA) to 150 days and cut interest rates on crop loans to 7 percent for one year for the farmers in drought-
affected states.
Women and Child Development Ministry launched a Web Portal named Track Child
The Union Women and Child Development Ministry on 18 September 2012 decided to launch a web portal named
Track Child, which will serve as a central database of all those children who have gone missing in different parts of
the country. The portal will act as a coordination mechanism between child homes, police departments and state
governments.
Govt launches Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme
The Finance Minister P Chidambaram on 21st September 2012 cut withholding tax on overseas borrowings to 5
percent from 20 percent and approved the Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme (RGESS).While the RGESS is
aimed at encouraging first time retail investors to invest in stock markets through tax concessions, the cut in
withholding tax to 5 percent seeks to lower the cost of foreign borrowings by the Indian companies.The RGESS
will give tax benefits to new investors who invest up to Rs 50,000 and whose annual income is below Rs 10 lakh.
C P Joshi given additional charge of Railways
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways C P Joshi has been assigned the additional charge of the Ministry
of Railways in place of Mr Mukul Roy, who was among the six Ministers who resigned from the United
Progressive Alliance (UPA) government 22nd September 2012.
Election Commission Ban the usage of animal and birds in poll campaign
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on 26th September 2012 issued an order banning the use of animals and
birds by political parties during campaigns. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India said that
following repeated requests by animal activist, the Election Commission asked political parties and candidates to
refrain from using animals for their campaigns.
STATES
HC(High Court) fixes quota in local bodies at 50 percent
The AP High Court on 04 September 2012 ruled that the combined reservations for Backward Classes, Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Panchayat Raj local bodies should not exceed the upper ceiling of 50 per
cent.The court directed the state to cut the quota for BCs and bring the cumulative figure down to 50 per cent.
Bill for special status for six districts in Hyderabad-Karnataka region introduced
In the Lok Sabha on 7th September 2012 ,Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde introduced a Bill to amend the
Constitution and thus provide a special status to the Hyderabad-Karnataka region , under a new Article
371(J).Once it is approved by Parliament the Hyderabad-Karnataka region covering six backwards districts
Bidar, Gulbarga, Koppal, Yadgir, Raichur and Bellary will get more central funds for development and will be on
par with the Telananga region of Andhra Pradesh. Besides, there will be reservation in jobs and education for the
locals.
Supreme Court issues notice to Tamil Nadu government on 69 per cent reservation
The Supreme Court 10th September 2012 issued a notice to Tamil Nadu government on a petition challenging the
constitutional validity of the 69 per cent reservation by the state government in employment and educational
institutions. The petition, filed by students, challenged the governments decision to exceed the 50 per cent limit
in reservation mandated by the Mandal Commission judgement.The ten student petitioners from Tamil Nadu had
approached the Court after failing to secure admission to the Medical College despite having secured 198/200.
Punjab government amends Canal and Drainage Act
The offence of theft of canal water can now attract both fine and 6 months imprisonment after an amendment in
the law relating to canals and drainage.Punjab Irrigation Minister, Janmeja Singh Sekhon informed that the Punjab
government has amended section 70 of the Act for this.
NHRC issues notice to Maharashtra over farm suicides
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a reply from the Maharashtra government over seven
farm suicides that took place last week within a span of 72 hours in the states Vidarbha region.A total of 528
farmers have committed suicide in the Vidarbha region between Jan 1 and Sep 2 this year.
Ban on gutka in Delhi comes into effect
A blanket ban on manufacturing, sale, storage and display of all gutka products in the national capital came into
effect from 13th September 2012. States like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Kerala, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and
Bihar have already announced ban on gutka products. A similar comprehensive ban came into effect in Gujarat
from 12th September 2012.
Haryana government institute awards for women
Haryana government has instituted four state-level awards to felicitate women who have done outstanding work in
different fields. These are 1.Indira Gandhi Mahila Shakti Award(given to those engaged in promoting self help
groups or women empowerment initiatives, established their own business or industry and have contributed to
development of women besides entrepreneurship and done exemplary work in public service.) 2.Kalpna Chawla
Shaurya Award(who perform acts of bravery and meritorious services) 3.Bahin Shano Devi Panchayti Raj
Award(exemplary work in promoting female literacy, health and nutrition, universalisation of education, sanitation,
water, hygiene and other health determinants) and 4.Life time Achievers Award( given to woman of 60 years of age
or above, who has excelled in administrative skills, career or profession, leadership quality, courage and creative
work) and Women Outstanding Achievers Award(women who have done commendable work in their respective
fields)
CONFERENCES
APEC Russia 2012 Summit
The APEC Russia 2012 Summit is the 24th annual gathering of APEC leaders of 21 countries.Leaders from the
member economics are currently meeting on Russky Island off the Coast of Vladivostok, Russia from September
2-9 ,2012 . Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC) is a forum for Rim Countries(formally member Economics)
that seeks to promote free trade and Economics throughout the Asia-Pecific region established in 1989.
Indian National Science Academy Summit
In the last day of the summit conducted from 7th to 9th September 2012 in New Delhi,Scientists across South
Asia decided to work closely in research initiatives and advise decision makers in offering solutions to problems
ranging from healthcare to energy security.The three-day meeting saw participation from the Science Academies
of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.
Emerging Kerala investment meet to see 51 nations taking part
51 countries with 2,500 registered delegates and around 300 VIPs comprising ambassadors, high commissioners
and ministers have confirmed their participation in the Emerging Kerala 2012 investment meet to be held in
Kochi from Sep 12-14.KSIDC is the nodal agency for the event which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh.The main aim of this event is highlight investment opportunities available in Kerala and advertise
to the the world its state of readiness to receive the investors.
9th World Hindi Conference To held in Johannesburg
The 9th World Hindi Conference to be held in Johannesburg ,South Africa from 22-24 September 2012.The first
world Hindi Conference was held in Nagapur from 10-12 January 1975 under aegis of
RashtrabhashaPracharaSamiti ,Wardha.The main theme of the conference is Bhasha Ki Asmita Aur Hindi Ka
Vaishvik Sandarbh.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Dr. M.V. Reddy get the Bharat Jyoti Award
The Director, Department of Animal Husbandry,Dr. M.V.Reddy got the Bharat Jyoti Award .This award was
presented by the India International Friendship Society.
Three National awards for State Literacy Mission
the Andhra Pradesh State Literacy Mission Authority (SLMA) has received awards for its work in Vizianagaram
district and one gram panchayat P Yeleru of Anantapur district. Andhra Pradesh is the only State which received
the Saakshar Bharat Award in the entire Country. The Awards comprising a trophy and a certificate which will be
given by the Vice-President of India Hamid Ansari on the occasion of International Literacy Day to be celebrated
on September 8 at Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.
Apollo Hospitals bags 4 awards
The Apollo Hospitals Group has bagged the Asian Hospital Management Awards ( AHMA) 2012 in four
categories.It received awards for customer service, corporate social responsibility, cost reduction and patient
safety. AHMA 2012 garnered 363 entries representing 89 hospitals from 12 countries.
Aung San Suu Kyi Receives US Congressional Gold Medal
Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has received the Congressional Gold Medal the highest honor
Congress can bestow, at a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on 19th September 2012. Members of the U.S.
Congress from both chambers and both major political parties gathered to pay tribute to Burmese opposition
leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was first awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2008, while she was under 15
years of house arrest in Burma.
Barfi! makes it to the Oscars
Ranbir Kapoor starrer Barfi! has been nominated as Indias entry to the Oscars next year in the foreign film
category.
Iran to boycott 2013 Oscars in wake of anti-Islam film
The Iran government will boycott the 2013 Oscars in the wake of the anti-Islam video made in the United States
that denigrates the Prophet Muhammad.
T.S. Subramanian among winners of nuclear societys awards
T.S. Subramanian, Associate Editor, Frontline, Chennai, and R.K. Singh, Head, Media Relations and Public
Awareness Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, have been selected for the Indian Nuclear
Societys INS Outstanding Service Award for 2011 for Science Communication.The awards will be presented on
November 7 during the inaugural function of the 23 annual conference of the INS to be held in Mumbai.
Waheeda Rehman to get lifetime achievement award
Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the forthcoming 14th Mumbai
Film Festival, which starts on October 18. Mumbai Academy of Moving Image(MAMI) is organising the film
festival.
Ebrahim Alkazi awarded top French honour
Ebrahim Alkazi, the grand old man of Indian theatre has been conferred Frances highest cultural award for his
contribution in nurturing and presenting modern theatre in India and preserving the treasures of photography and
other art forms for posterity.Alkazi, was awarded Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier dans lOrdre
des Arts et des Lettres) on 29th September 2012.
DRDO scientist G. Satheesh Reddy received IETE Award
G. Satheesh Reddy, outstanding scientist and associate director, Research Centre Imarat, a premier laboratory of
the Defence Research and Development Organisations (DRDO) Missile complex, was given IETE B.V. Baliga
Memorial Award on 30th September 2012 at Bangalore.
SPORTS & GAMES
India beat Cameroon to lift Nehru Cup for the third consecutive time
India beat Cameroon in a thrilling penalty shoot-out to lift the Nehru Cup 2012 football tournament. This is Indias
third consecutive Nehru Cup title, infact they have just won the three.
Indias Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda wins silver in London Paralympics
The Girisha Hosanagaara Nagarajegowda won Indias first medal at the London 2012 paralympic Games.The
Karnataka athlete bagged the silver with a 1.74m effort in the mens high jump F42 event on 03 September 2012.
India slips to 169th in world rankings
The world football governing body FIFA released the latest FIFA World Rankings on 5th September 2012 in which
India has lost one spot to be now ranked 169th amongst the 209 ranked nations and territories, while within Asia
India remains 32nd amongst 46 nations in the rankings.
USA wins third FIFA U-20 womens World Cup
United States of America beat former champion Germany 1-0 in Tokyo to claim its third FIFA U-20 womens
World Cup crown on 8th September 2012.
Oscar Pistorius Wins Paralympics Gold In 400 Meters
The Blade Runner of South Africa ,Oscar Pistorius successfully completed 400m-T44 event in 46.68 sec in
Paralympics and won the gold medal.
Serena clinches fourth US Open title
Serena Williams captured her 15th Grand Slam title and fourth career US Open crown with a 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 victory
over World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka on 9th September 2012.
Andy Murray first Britisher to win Grand Slam men`s singles title in 76 years
Andy Murray has overpowered Serbias Novak Djokovic in five gruelling sets in a classic US Open final to become
the first Britisher to win a Grand Slam mens singles title in 76 years.
Armadillo to be 2014 FIFA World Cup mascot
A rare species of armadillo is set to be the official mascot for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil on 12 September
2012.In the previous FIFA World Cup the mascots were:
FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa- Zakumi the green-haired leopard
FIFA 2006 World Cup in Germany- Goleo named lion
Dhoni named captain of ICC ODI team, Kohli, Gambhir in XI
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been named captain of ICCs ODI Team of the Year which also
includes Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir.This is for the fifth consecutive year in a row that Dhoni has been
selected in ICCs ODI Team of the Year.ICC awards are announced in Colombo on 15th September 2012.
Virat Kohli named ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year
Indias Virat Kohli was on15 September 2012 rewarded with ODI Cricketer of the Year.at the ICC annual awards
function in Colombo.
Indian Womens football defeated Nepal And Clinch 2012 SAFF Womens Championship
Defending champions India have won the SAFF(South Asian Football Federation) Womens Championship 2012
defeating Nepal in the finals played on 16th September 2012.
Saina signs up 40-crore deal with Rhiti Sports
The London Olympics bronze-medallist in badminton Saina Nehwal has signed up a 40-crore deal with Rhiti
Sports Management company, making her the countrys highest paid sportsperson outside cricket.
Lifter Chandrika first Indian to win medal in Youth Worlds
Chandrika Tarafdar on 19th September 2012 became the first Indian to win a medal in Youth World Weightlifting
Championships after she bagged two bronze in the girls 44kg category on the opening day at Kosice,
Slovakia.Tarafdar won a bronze each in clean and jerk and total lift. She lifted 55kg in snatch, 74kg in clean and
jerk for a total effort of 129kg.
Deepika Kumari won Silver at Recurve World Cup
Deepika Kumari won Silver at Recurve World Cup on 23 September 2012 in Tokyo. In the finals of the tournament,
she lost against the Korean double Olympic gold medalist, Ki Bo-Bae.
India got 3rd position in ICC T20 rankings
India got the third position in Reliance ICC T20 Championship table released by ICC on 26th September 2012
.South Africa and England got the 1st and 2nd positions respectively.
Indian wrestler Babita wins world championship bronze
Babita Kumari (51kg) became the second Indian female wrestler to win a World Championships medal after she
clinched a bronze in Edmonton, Canada.
Humpy wins Ankara Grand Prix-2012
Grandmaster Koneru Humpy won gold medal in FIDE Grand Prix in Turkey at Ankara on 28th September 2012
ECONOMY
Indias GDP to remain below 6% for 2012-13
CII(Confederation of Indian Industry) survey indicated that the GDP growth during 2012-13 is expected to remain
below 6 percent
Planning Commission for cut in 12th Plan annual GDP growth target to 8.2%
Planning Commission is proposing to lower annual average growth target for the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) to
8.2 per cent from its earlier projection of 9 per cent in view of uncertain global environment and sluggish
performance of the manufacturing sector at home.
CRR cut to inject Rs.17,000 crore
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on 17th September 2012, retained the indicative policy rates at the current level
while cutting the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 25 basis points to 4.50 per cent, injecting a liquidity of around
Rs.17,000 crore into the banking system.
Naveen Jindal tops executive pay chart with Rs 73.4 crore package
The Chairperson and Managing Director of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL),Naveen Jindal has topped the
executive pay charts for listed companies in the country with a package of Rs 73.42 crore for the last fiscal 2011-
12, which grew by over Rs six crore from previous year.
China developing new class of guided missile destroyer
The Chinese Navy is developing a brand new class of guided-missile destroyer, a new type of naval warship with
upgraded air-defence missiles, anti-ship and anti-submarine missiles.The new destroyers are equipped with two
32-unit vertical launch systems capable of launching HQ-9B air-defence missiles, anti-ship and anti-submarine
missiles.The new destroyer is comparable to the Aegis equipped destroyers of the US Navy which use powerful
computers and radars to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets
Gliese 163C: New Earth-Like Planet Might Sustain Life
Dubbed Gliese 163C, the planet is about seven times the mass of Earth and orbits a red dwarf, or a small,
relatively cool star. Gliese 163C is 49 light years away. Its thought to be composed of mostly rock and water and
gets 40 percent more light from its parent star than Earth gets from the sun, making it hotter with a surface
temperature of 60 degrees Celsius.
Air Indias first Dreamliner landing at IGI Airport
After a four-year delay and subsequent acrimony, the first of Air Indias advanced Boeing B-787 Dreamliner landing
at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on 08th September 2012.It is capable of flying over 15,000 km non-stop.
For AI, the plane has been configured to have 256 seats 18 full-flat business class seats and 238 in
economy.Air India, which ordered 27 Dreamliners six years ago, will get two more in the next few weeks. A total
of eight will arrive by March 2013.
PSLV-C21 delivers two satellites into their intended Orbits
The Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) successfully put into orbit two foreign satellites( French SPOT
6(712kgs) and Japanese micro Satellite(15kgs)) marking Indian space agencys 100th mission since the launch of
the first satellite,Aryabhata,in 1975 by Russian rocket.
ISRO to launch SARAL satellite on 12 Dec 2012
Indo-French satellite SARAL would be launched onboard PSLV-C20 from the spaceport of Sriharikota on 12
December 2012 Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman K Radhakrishnan said at the Bangalore Space
Expo 2012 on 12th September 2012.
U.S.-Russian space crew lands safely in Kazakhstan
A Russian Soyuz capsule landed on the Kazakh steppe on 17th September 2012, delivering a trio of astronauts
from a four-month stint on the International Space Station.
India tests Agni-IV n-missile
India successfully tested its nuclear-capable surface-to-surface Agni-IV missile from a military base in Odisha on
19th September 2012.The new generation missile, which has the capability to hit targets at about 4,000 km.
India test-fires N-capable Agni-III missile successfully
India on 21st September 2012 successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable Agni-III surface-to-air missile with a strike
range of over 3000 km and capable of carrying a warhead of 1.5 tonnes from the Wheeler Island off the Odisha
coast.
China launches its first aircraft carrier
China launched its first aircraft carrier on 25th September 2012. The 60,000 tonne carrier, a former Soviet ship
brought from Ukraine and later refurbished locally is named Liaoning, after a Chinese province liberated from
Japanese occupation in 1945, in what can be seen as another symbolic warning to Tokyo. The 300m long
Liaoning carrier has the capacity to bring 33 airoplanes.
NASA says Curiosity rover finds evidence of water on Mars
NASA scientist say the Curiosity rover has found evidence of a vigorous thousand-year water flow on the surface
of Mars.
Indias heaviest satellite, GSAT-10 launched from Kourou launch pad in French Guiana
Indias advanced communication satellite GSAT-10 was successfully launched on board Ariane-5 rocket from
Europes spaceport in French Guiana on 29th September 2012.This is the Indias heaviest satellite of 3,400kg
weight.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A)Appointments
Obama appoints IIT graduate to admin post
U.S. President Barack Obama has announced to appoint eminent Indian-American, Romesh Wadhwani, to a key
administration post by making him board of trustees of the prestigious John F Kennedy Center for the Performing
Arts.
Browne is new chairman of chiefs of staff
IAF chief Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne, who has become the senior most among the three Service chiefs after
Admiral Nirmal Verma retired on 31st August 2012, has taken over as the new chairman of the chiefs of staff
committee (CoSC) on 1st September 2012.
Chief Justice of India names Justice Kabir as his successor
Chief Justice of India S H Kapadia, who retires 28th September 2012, has recommended the name of seniormost
Supreme Court judge Justice Altamas Kabir as his successor, setting in motion the process of change of guard in
the apex court.
Deveshwar appointed on RBI board
The government has appointed ITC chairman Y.C. Deveshwar as a director on the central board of directors of the
Reserve Bank of India.
Kaushik Basu World Bank chief economist
Kaushik Basu appointed as chief economist and Senior Vice President of World Bank by World Bank Group
President Jim Yong Kim on 05th September 2012.He take charges from 1st October 2012.
Sachin Pilot commissioned as Territorial Army officer
Sachin Pilot 06th September 2012 became the first Union minister to be commissioned as a regular officer in the
Territorial Army, fulfilling his desire to follow his fathers footsteps to be in the armed forces.
Indian-American elected to Royal Society of Canada
Ponisseril Somasundaran, an Indian American member of the faculty of Columbia University School of
Engineering and Applied Science, has been chosen as the sole foreign fellow of the prestigious Royal Society of
Canada.
K N Tilak Kumar elected president of INS
K N Tilak Kumar of Deccan Herald and Prajavani was on 13th September 2012 elected president of The Indian
Newspaper Society (INS) for 2012-13 at its 73rd annual general meeting held at Bangalore. He succeeds Ashish
Bagga of India Today.
BCCI joint secretary Anurag Thakur becomes member of Asian Cricket Council
BCCI joint secretary and Hamirpur BJP MP, Anurag Thakur has been inducted as member of executive board of
the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).BCCI chief N Srinivasan is also the president of ACC.
Mary Kom brand ambassador of Raj Kundras SFL
Actress Shilpa Shetty Monday named Olympic bronze medal-winning boxer Mary Kom as the brand ambassador
of Super Fight League (SFL).Shilpas husband, Britain-based businessman Raj Kundra, has collaborated with
actor Sanjay Dutt for SFL, Indias first professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan appointed as International Goodwill Ambassador.
The United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has appointed Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai
Bachchan as its International Goodwill Ambassador.She will raise global awareness on protecting children from
HIV infection and increasing access to antiretroviral treatment.
Ramesh Abhishek is FMC chairman
Ramesh Abhishek, an IAS officer of 1982 Bihar cadre, appointed as chairman of Forward Markets Commission
(FMC) on 24th September 2012
Woman of Pakistani origin becomes minister in Norway
Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg has appointed a Pakistani Muslim woman, Hadia Tajik as Norways
culture minister.
Sandeep Patil appointed as the Chief for BCCI Senior Selection Committee
Former Cricketer and all-rounder, Sandeep Patil was appointed as the Chairman of the five member senior
selection committee of BCCI on 27 September 2012. The other four members of the committee include Saba
Karim, Roger Binny, Vikram Rathour and Rajinder Singh Hans.
Altamas Kabir sworn in as new Chief Justice of India
Justice Altamas Kabir, seniormost Judge of the Supreme Court, was sworn in as the 39th Chief Justice of India on
29th September 2012.
B)Resigns
Australian Cricketer, Matthew Hayden retired from all formats of the game
Former Australia Test opener Matthew Hayden has decided to retire from all forms of cricket, adding the Twenty20
version of the game to the Test and international one-day formats he stopped playing in 2010.Hayden played 103
Tests for Australia, hitting 30 centuries with a top score of 380 and an average of 50.73.
Ajit Pawar resigns as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar resigns as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister on 25th
September 2012 due the allegations of an irrigation scam when he was the states water resource minister.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, S.H. Kapadia, retired.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, S.H. Kapadia, retired on 28th September 2012.
C) Deaths
Dr. Verghese Kurien, father of Indias White Revolution passes away
Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution, passed away on 9th September 2012 after a brief illness.
Dr. Kurien was the architect of Indias White Revolution, which helped India emerge as the largest milk producer in
the world.
Iraq vice president sentenced to death
A Baghdad court sentenced in absentia Iraqs vice president, Tariq al-Hashemi, to death on hanging for the murder
of a woman lawyer and terrorism charges .
U.S. ambassador to Libya killed in mob attack
The ambassador of the United States to Libya, Christopher Stevens, has been killed during an armed mob attack
in Benghazi on the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.Mr. Stevens is the second U.S. ambassador to be killed
during an outstation posting since the death of Adolph Dubs in 1979 during his tenure in Afghanistan.
Ex-CJI Ranganath Misra passes away
Former Chief Justice of India Ranganath Mishra died at a private hospital in Bhubaneshwar on 13th September
2012.Misra, served as the Chief Justice from September 25, 1990, till November 24, 1991. He was also the first
chairman of the NHRC.
Veteran actor-director Dinesh Thakur passes away
Veteran theatre actor-director Dinesh Thakur, known for his character roles in Hindi films of the 70s, passed
awayin Mumbai on 20th September 2012 after prolonged illness.
Freedom fighter, Telangana leader Bapuji dies
Eminent freedom fighter and a well-known figure in the Telangana movement, Konda Lakshman Bapuji died in
Hyderabad on 21st September 2012. He earned the nickname Bapuji for his participation in the Quit India
Movement.
Popular Malayalam film actor Thilakan passes away
Thilakan, who had acted in around 200 films and had won the national award for the best actor in a supporting
role, died in Thiruvananthapuram on 24th September 2012.
Former National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra dead
Brajesh Mishra, the countrys first National Security Adviser who played a key role in foreign policy matters and
pushed for deeper engagement with the US, died in New Delhi on 28th September 2012 following a heart ailment.
D) Visitors
India, Tajikistan upgrade ties, sign four pacts
India and Tajikistan, the energy-rich Central Asian nation, 03rd September 2012 decided to upgrade their ties to
the level of strategic partnership and signed four pacts in areas of education, health, sports and culture.Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh held talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on a wide range of bilateral, regional
and global issues and decided to upgrade their growing ties to the level of a strategic partnership.
Antony opens army hospital in Male
Defence Minister A.K. Antony, on a three-day visit to the Maldives, on 16th September 2012 opened SENAHIYA,
a Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) hospital, established in Male with Indian assistance.Maldives Defence
Minister Mohamed Nazim thanked India for its assistance to his country in all areas of development and said the
enduring friendship between the two countries would improve and expand, irrespective of political changes.
E)Miscellaneous
Washington Post calls PM a tragic figure
Soon after Time magazine labelled Prime Minister Manmohan Singh an Underachiever, the noted American news
daily, Washington Post, has referred to him as a tragic figure.The Washington Post said Singhs image is of a
dithering ineffectual bureaucrat presiding over a deeply corrupt government.
Sunita Williams takes over command at International Space Station
Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams has taken over command of the International Space Station (ISS), yet
another feather in her cap as she already holds three records for female space travellers including a new record for
total cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut.
Space Triathlon Completed By Sunita Williams
Williams became the first person in history to complete a triathlon in space.Williams, who is currently aboard the
International Space Station finished her half mile swim, 18 mile bike ride, and four mile run in one hour, 48
minutes, and 33 seconds.
Pakistani Government Relents in Judicial Standoff Over Zardari Corruption Case
Pakistans government relented on 18th September 2012 to judicial demands that it agree to write a letter to the
authorities in Switzerland regarding corruption charges against President Asif Ali Zardari.
Nivedita Bhasin becomes first woman B-787 Dreamliner pilot
Senior Air India pilot Capt Nivedita Bhasin has become the first woman to command the new Boeing 787
Dreamliner.She is presently the only women pilot for the B-787s commercial flight in the world.
$1,00,000 cash reward for the death of an anti-Islam film producer
A Pakistani government Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmad Bilour has offered a $100,000 (61,616) reward for the
death of the maker of an anti-Islam film produced in the US.
PLACES IN NEWS
37 killed in Sivakasi cracker unit blast
37 people have been killed and at least 60 have been injured in a huge fire at a Om Siva Sakthi Crackers in
Mudalipetti, near Sivakasi, in Tamil Nadu.
Two Same magnitude earthquake in China at Yunnan and Guizhou
80 people were died , more than 730 people were injured,twenty thousand homes were destroyed and nearly one
hundred thousand persons have been evacuated after the two earthquakes at a magnitude of 5.6 hit Yunnan and
Guizhou provinces in China on 07th September 2012.
Abbreviate GITEX
Gulf Information Technology Exhibition
Abbreviate CTS(hint Cheque)
Cheque Truncation System
Abbreviate DCGI(hint Drug)
Drug Controller General of India
Abbreviation of FIFA
International Federation of Football Association.
Abbreviation of WEF
World Economic Forums
Abbreviation of APEC
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
Abbrivate MGNREG
Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
IWCCI Abbreviation
Islamabad Womens Chamber of Commerce and Industry
PHDCCI Abbreviation
Punjab, Haryana and Delhi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Abbreviation of UNICEF
United Nations Childrens Fund
BOOKS IN NEWS
Vice President Releases the Book Muslims in Indian Cities
Vice President after releasing the book entitled Muslims in Indian Cities edited by Laurent Gayer and Christoph
Jafferlot on 10th September 2012 at New Delhi, Shri Ansari has said that Muslims have lived in Indias religiously
plural society for over a thousand years, at times as rulers, at others as subjects and now as citizens. They are
not homogenous in racial or linguistic terms and bear the impact of local cultural surroundings, in manners and
customs, in varying degrees.
800-year-old Chinese encyclopaedia on display in Taiwan
Taiwan (AP) An 800-year-old Chinese encyclopaedia is on display at a book fair in Taipei. The rare publication
was recently purchased by a Chinese publishing house for US$33 million (S$40.5 million) at an auction in Beijing.
Salman Rushdie released his Book Joseph Anton
Joseph Anton the 633 page book depicts a memoir of Salman Rushdie during his 10 years long run to protect
himself from the Fatwa issued by his name was released on 18 September 2012.
COMMITTEES IN NEWS
Rangarajan panel for total decontrol of sugar industry
The Rangarajan panel will submit the report on decontrol of sugar industry within two weeks.
DAYS & DATES
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan recites Om Shanti to convey message of peace at United Nations
On the eve of International Day of Peace Aishwarya Rai Bachchan recited the Sanskrit mantra Om Shanti to
convey her message of peace at the United Nations, where she addressed students and urged them to set aside
their egos and individual desires to find peace within themselves.
August 2012 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Pakistan Supreme Court annulled New Law Protecting the Prime Minister
Supreme Court of Pakistan on 3 August 2012 annulled the new law called Contempt of Court Act 2012(COCA
2012). Pakistans Supreme Court 3 August 2012 struck down a law designed to protect the new prime minister
from being charged with contempt and thrown out of office like his predecessor. The court ousted the previous
prime minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani, from office in June by charging him with contempt of court for failing to reopen
corruption proceedings against President Asif Zardari.
OIC suspended Syria
The Organisation Islamic Cooperation(OIC) suspended Syria on 16th August 2012 saying the muslim world can
no longer accept a government that massacres its people,further isolating the embattled regime.
Senkaku Islands became the Bone of Contention between China and Japan
Ten Japanese on 23 August 2012, made an unauthorized landing on Uotsuri, which is known in Japan as the
Senkaku Islands and in China as the Diaoyu Islands. The uninhabited islands surrounded by rich fishing grounds
are controlled by Japan but also claimed by China and Taiwan.The Senkaku Islands dispute engulfs in itself a
territorial dispute on a group of uninhabited islands. Of the ten Japanese people who visited the island, five were
apparently conservative local assembly members.The Senkaku Islands are located in the East China Sea
between Japan, and the Republic of China. The archipelago contains five uninhabited islands.
Somalia Assembly Passes the Endorses Draft Constitution
Somalia Constitution on 1 august 2012 endorsed a draft constitution billed a key step to ending the decades of
the civil war. The Horn of Africa countrys outgoing government hailed the end of an eight-year interim period.
Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali expressed happy and announced that Somalia has from now, left the
transitional period. The special assembly chosen by traditional elders in a U.N.-backed process took eight days
to debate and vote on the new Constitution, as the graft-riddled government approaches the end of its mandate on
August 20.

Myanmar abolished Direct Media Censorship
Myanmar on 20 august 2012 he latest dramatic reform by its quasi-civilian regime, but journalists face other
formidable restrictions including a ban on private daily newspapers and a pervasive culture of self-censorship.
Under the new acts journalists no longer have to submit reports to state censors before publication, ending a
practice strictly enforced during nearly half a century of military rule that ended in March last year. Previously,
every song, book, cartoon, news report and planned piece of art required approval by teams of censors rooting out
political messages and criticisms of one of Asias most repressive governments.
INDIA & WORLD
EC signs MoU with South Korean counterpart
The Election Commission of India on 01 August 2012 signed an MoU with its South Korean counterpart to help
each other in strengthening the electoral processes and political culture. The Memorandum of Understanding was
signed by Chief
Election Commissioner of India V S Sampath on behalf of the poll panel and by Justice Nung Hwan Kim of the
Republic of Korea at a brief ceremony. This is the 13th MoU signed by ECI with other countries and international
election panels.
India-Israel Sign MoU on research programme
India and Israel on 02 August 2012 entered into a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for launching a
programme that would promote collaborative research across a wide range of disciplines from medical and
information technology to social sciences, humanities and arts. The programme, which will run for five years will
provide support up to $1,00,000 a research project for three years .The MoU was signed by Chairman of the Israel
science Foundation professor Benjamin Geiger and Chairman of University Grants Commission ved Prakash.
India, Monaco ink tax information exchange agreement
Tata Communications payment solutions providing arm has bagged an exclusive order to install and manage
nearly 14,000 ATMs for all public sector banks in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal,Puducherry and
Andaman and Nicobar Islands by 201314.Government of India and Government of Principality of Monaco have
signed a Tax
Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) on 02.August 2012.
India, Iran & Afghanistan to expand trade,transit through Chabahar port
India, Iran and Afghanistan have moved one step closer to expand their trade and economic ties. At a trilateral
meeting in Teheran, they agreed to work for expanding trade, investment and transit cooperation through
Chabahar port in Iran. A joint working group consisting of the representatives of the three countries will meet within
the next three months in Chabahar to expedite the process.
India to help Sri Lanka set up SEZs
India will help Sri Lanka establish a special economic zone to manufacture auto components in Trincomaee,
commerce minister Anand Sharma said in colombo on 03 August 2012. The SEZ would promote exports to the
production chains in India.
Indian Scientist , Amitabh Ghosh in NASA team helped choose Curiositys landing site
An Indian scientist, Amitabh Ghosh part of the NASA team which had identified the landing site of the Curiosity
rover on Mars on 6August 2012 described the Spot as very exciting and holding great promise.
Pakistan asked India to register Oil Marketing
Companies (OMCs) with Pakistan State Oil In the wake of New Delhis decision to allow pakistani investments,
Islamabad has asked India to register its oil marketing companies(OMCs) with Pakistani State Oil to take part in
spot tenders for
supply of petroleum products such as petrol,diesel, furnace oil and petcoke.
India Ranked Second in Search Queries for Education on Google
Indian Ranked second in education queries on Google.After the US, Indian people from IIT Delhi and IIM
Ahmadabad were the most searched in their respective categories. India was Ranked 8th in 2008, at present it is
behind only to the US.
TB screening for Indians seeking UK visa
From August 16, Indians planning to travel to UK for more than six months will be screened for tuberculosis before
they are given a visa under a pre-entry TB screening programme extended to India. However, the screening will not
be required for those travelling for six months or less.The Home Office announced that all such applicants would
be required to submit a certificate from a local clinic approved by the British Government to show that they are
TB-free. There will be a fee of Rs 1500 for screening, to be borne by the applicant.
India gets first Embraer jet with Indian airborne radar tech
India, with taking the delivery of the first Embraer 145 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) in Brazil on
17 August 2012, moved one more step ahead in aerial security.India and Brazil signed a deal reportedly worth $
210 million for the supply of three aircraft by 2014. This includes a comprehensive logistic package that entails
training, technical support, supply of spare parts and ground support equipment.
Government extends ban on import of milk, milk products from China
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recommended the extension of the ban till June
2013 or until further orders.The banned milk products include chocolate, chocolate products, candies,
confectionery, food preparations with milk or milk solids as ingredient.
Sonia is Sixth in Forbes list of 100 most powerful Women
The Forbes magazine on 22nd August 2012 ranked united progressive Alliance(UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi
the sixth most powerful woman in the world in the list of 100women.Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel got the
first place. United States Secretary Hillary Clinton got the second place and Michelle Obama got the 7th Place.
Ranking by World Bank
As per the World Bank Report, India has been ranked at 132 amongst the sample 183 Countries.Recognising the
need for Reforming the Regulatory Environment for doing business in India, a Committee under the Chairmanship
of Shri. M.Damodaran has been constituted on 23 August 2012 by this ministry to extensively examine different
areas
of root functioning such as financial reforms, governance reforms, liberalized policy framework,process reforms
etc, and to suggest a roadmap for improving business climate in India.
Pak hails Indias move to allow FDI
Pakistan 01 August 2012 welcomed Indias decision to allow Pakistani Foreign Direct Investment, saying the
move will create goodwill and give a boost to efforts to normalise bilateral relations. Foreign Office spokesman
Moazzam Khan welcomed the Indian governments decision to allow Pakistani investments in all areas except
defence, space and atomic energy. Pakistan can explore sectors like cement, textiles and sports for investments
in India. Besides, the FDI proposals from Pakistan need to be cleared from the Foreign Investment Promotion
Board (FIPB).
NATIONAL
Ban on SIMI upheld by Tribunal
A special tribunal has upheld the ban imposed by the Centre on Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), which
has links with Pakistan-based terrorist outfits including Lashkar-e-Taiba and its front, Indian Mujahideen. The
Home Ministry on February 3 extended the ban on SIMI by two more years.
India is the second-largest mobile phone user in world
India is the second-largest mobile phone user with over 900 million users in the world said Union Health Minister
Ghulam Nabi Azad in London on 03 August 2012. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) announced that
the mobile users in India are increased to 93.4 crore.
Hamid Ansari re-elected as Indias 14th Vice President
Hamid Ansari has been re-elected as the 14th Vice President of India.He received 490 votes in his favour.His rival,
BJP nominee Jaswant Singh polled 238 voted.He became the only person after Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan to get
a second term.
PSCC recommends declaration of tea as national drink
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce (PSCC) headed by BJP Rajya Sabha member Shanta
Kumar has recommended declaration of tea as a national drink.Stating this at Palampur on Friday, Kumar said
the 102nd report
of the Committee on the Tea Industry had placed in both houses of the Parliament that 96 percent to 99 percent
people in both Urban and Rural areas of the country consume tea and as such it has already acquired the status
of a national drink.
NRHM to be expanded to towns also
The government will expand the scope of the NRHM(National Rural Health Mission) to all towns and cities, by
converting it into a National Health Mission(NHM).
Mobile base Station radiation limit will be cut from September 1
The Union government has told parliament that exposure limit of radio frequency fields(base station emissions) will
be brought down to one-tenth of the existing level from 1st September 2012,because they receive petitions in High
Courts and Supreme Court on fears of health hazards like cancer from mobile tower radiations.RF signals
produced by
base stations are caused for short and long term health effects.
Complete ban on child labour below 14 approved by Cabinet
The Union Cabinet on 28th August 2012 approved a proposal for amending the Child Labour (Prohibition and
Regulation) Act, 1986, to ban employment of children aged up to 14 in any form of industry. It will be an offence to
employ such children not only in factories or industries but also in homes or on farms, if their labour is meant to
serve any commercial interest.
Supreme court upholds death sentence for Kasab
The Supreme court has upheld the death sentence for pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab in the 26/11/2008 Mumbai
terror attack.
2% Reservation to Sports Persons
Youth Services and Sports Sports Policy -Incentives to Sports Persons Extension of Sports Reservation to
Two (2%) to meritorious sports persons in direct recruitment in Government Departments / Undertaking / Grant
in Aid Institutions at all levels Instructions and Guidelines Notification Orders Issued.
STATES
Orissa is the first state to provide e-payment
facility for government employees Orissa became the First Indian state to provide epayment facility for government
employees from 1 August 2012.Now, the government employees in the state will receive their salaries and
pensions
through the online Portal of Reserve Bank of India.Employees received their salaries and pensions directly to their
bank account.
Keshubhai Patel launched Gujarat Parivartan (GPP) Party
Former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Keshubhai Patel launched Gujarat Parivartan (GPP) Party on 6 August 2012.
Keshubhai Patel and the former union textile minister Kanshiram Rana resigned from Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP)
on 4 August 2012. This Party would contest all the 182 seats in Gujarat assembly elections which will be held by
the end of 2012.
Himachal Bagged top slot in Environment Index
Environment Performance Index(EPI)-2012 compiled on July Month.According to the Survey Report conducted
across all 28 states and 7 Union territories, the EPI is an Indication of the Environmental well-being of a state.
Himachal
bagged first and Andhra Pradesh bagged Second. The rankings, the report added, have been decided based on
five broad parameters: air pollution, forests, water quality, waste management and climate change.
MJP merges with Keshubhai party
The anti-Narendra Modi factions in the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)in Gujarat under one umbrella, the
Mahagujarat Janata Party(MJP), formed five years ago, was on 8 August 2012 merged with the Gujarat Parivartan
Party(GPP) formed by the former Chief Minister and Mr. Modis arch rival Keshubhai Patel.
Maharashtra bans Bt cotton seeds
The Maharashtra government has banned the sale and distribution of the genetically modified Bt cotton seeds of
Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company (Mahyco), a partner of US multinational Monsanto, in the state with
immediate effect for supplying inferior quality seeds. The government has banned the Mahyco company with
immediate effect,
agriculture commissioner Umakant Dangat told IANS(Indo-Asia News Service) 9 August 2012,
when asked about the canceling of the companys license.
Haryana to ban food articles containing Nicotine and Tobacco
Haryana government will impose a complete banon food articles containing nicotine and tobacco from 2012
August 15.
House Sparrow declared State Bird of Delhi
The good old house sparrow, which is becoming rarer by the day, has been declared State Bird of Delhi by Chief
Minister Sheila Dikshit as part of a new campaign to save the species and enhance awareness about their life and
habitat.High court imposed a fine of Rs.5000 rupees to State Government for the appointment of DGP
The State Government challenged the Central
Administrative Tribunal(CAT) order in the High Court. Ironically for the State, the High Court imposed a fine of Rs
5,000 on the government, while declaring the appointment of Dinesh Reddy in the post of DGP as invalid.
Drug Trial Related Deaths Highest in Maharastra
According to data released by the Drug Controller General of India Maharastra has recorded the maximum deaths
number of deaths due to serious adverse events (SAEs) during drug trials, while Madhya Pradesh saw the least
number of such deaths.During the 49 months period (January 2008 to January 2012) , the country had recorded
the 2,061 drug trial related deaths. while maharastra recorded maximum number of deaths 268 deaths to stand
first among top five states.It is followed by Andhra Pradesh (153), Delhi/National Capital Region (97), Gujarat (87)
and Karnataka (78). The number of deaths in Maharashtra was over 10 times that of Madhya Pradesh, which is
the lowest among the top 10 States.
Delhi launched the Kerosene-free Delhi scheme
Delhi Government set to launch an ambitious scheme(Kerosene-free Delhi scheme ) on 21st August 2012 under
which 3.56 lakh households will get LPG cylinder and a gas stove free of cost.
Punjab Approves Rs.93crore Milk Production Scheme
The Punjab Government has started a special programme to increase the milk production in the state by spending
Rs.93crore during 2012-13. This was announced by Dairy Development Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike. Punjab
government has bought 3 lakh doses of foreign semen from America and Canada for improvement of cow breeds
in the state.
Uttarakhand Cabinet increases age limit for jobs
Uttarakhand Cabinet the maximum age limit for government jobs had been increased from 35 to 40 years for
general category candidates from 21 August 2012 onwords.Candidates belonging to other categories would also
get the benefit of the decision accordingly.
Odisha tops in FDI proposals; Andhra, Gujarat next
Odisha attracted the largest value of investments from foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals filed in 2011-12,
followed by Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.Odisha garnered 27 per cent of the total investments (worth about Rs
49,527 crore), though barely 17 FDI proposals were filed for the State. Andhra Pradesh ranked second with a
share of about
19 per cent through about 70 proposals, attracting investment worth about Rs 33,936 crore.Gujarat, which
received 131 FDI proposals, ranked third with a share of over 11 per cent attracting proposed
investment worth Rs 20,258 crore.
Jaane Apna Rajasthan scheme for NRIs
The Rajasthan Government on 27 Aug launched a scheme aimed at making the young non-resident Indians(NRIs)
familiar, with the culture and traditions of the state under the Jaane Apna Rajasthan(Know your
Rjasthan)scheme announced by the chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. According to this scheme the NRIs who visit
Rajasthan will be taken around historical places, tourist attractions,sanctuaries,famous educational institutions,
ancestral villages and major Industrial projects will be shown to them .
CONFERENCES
Cairns in Australia to host G20 financeministers meet in 2014
The Prime Minister Gillard announced on 05 August 2012, the tropical northen Australian city of Cairns will host a
meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in 2014.
The eleventh Energy Efficient Summit
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Summit held in HICC, Novotel Hyderabad. The summit was held between
22 August 2012 to 25 August 2012.The objective of the summit was to facilitate the Indian industry to improve
energy efficiency on a continuous basis and help them in achieving the target set as part of Perform Achieve and
Trade under the National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency. It was ended on 31st August 2012.
16th Non Alignment Movement in Iran
The Two-day meet of the 120 grouping of nations takes place at Tehran in Iran. The key issues like the worsening
situation of Syria, Irans nuclear programme and other matters of global are main agenda of this NAM summit
which opened on 30
Aug 2012. Prime Minister Manmohan singh is leading the Indian delegation to the summit, which is being
attended by over 30 Heads of state and government. This summit ended on 31 August, 2012.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Ashok sen received Yuri Milner award
Ashok Sen who is working in Harish chandra research institute as scientist in physics got Yuri Milner
Fundamental Physics prize of worth Rs 16.7Crore(USD $3 million) on 1st August 2012.This Fundamental Physics
prize has been established by Russian Business man Yuri Milner , which is three times more than Noble prize.
He has been recognised for his work on String Theory.
NASI- Reliance Industries Platinum Jubilee Award 2012 for Bhadra
Dr. Manik Pal Bandra, Principal scientist of chemical biology division,CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical
Technology Hyderabad, has been selected for the NASI- Reliance Industries Platinum Jubilee award 2012.
Dr.Bhadra was nominated for the award by the National Academy of science for significant contribution in the area
of applications of orientedinnovations in biological sciences for 2012. He was given this for his involvement in the
synthesizing or
orally administered next generation nano particles to deliver material like DNA an RNA for effective gene therapy.
This award will be presented on November 29,2012 at New Delhi.
Sastra Ramanujan Prize to Zhiwei Yun
The 2012 sastra Ramanujan prize will be given to the Professor Zhiwei on December 22, The birth anniversary of
mathematical genius Ramanujan, in New Delhi. The award will be given away during the closing ceremony of the
International conference in the legacy of Ramanujan, organized by the National Board of Higher Mathematics of
India &
co-sponsored by sastra University and Delhi University. prof.Zhiwei Yun has made fundamental contributions to
sevaral areas that lie at the interface of representation theory. This Prize will be given to under 32 age, at the
same age as Ramanujan died.
Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana award for D.R.Mehta
Renowned social worker DR Mehta, founder and chief patron of the organization that popularized the Jaipur Foot,
has been selected for the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award for the year 2012. D.R. Mehta will present the
20th Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavna Award at a function New Delhi on 20 Aug 2012.The award, which carries a
citation and
cash of Rs 5 lakh, is being given to Mehta, a former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, for
his outstanding contribution towards promotion of communal harmony, peace and goodwill.Former recipients of
the award include Mother Teresa, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Lata Mangeshkar, Sunil Dutt, S.N. Subbarao and Dilip
Kumar.
NRI heart surgeon Dr Mukesh Hariawala
chosen for Indias Most Admired Surgeonaward India born internationally acclaimed NRI HeartSurgeon and
Research Scientist from the famed Harvard University, Dr Mukesh Hariawala, has been unanimously selected by
the National Healthcare jury to be honored with the prestigious Indias Most Admired Surgeon 2012 Award.
NASI awarded for IICT Scientist
Dr.SuryaPrakash Singh ,Scientist of Inorganic and Physical Division, CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical
Technology in Hyderabad has been selected for NASI(National Academy of Science,India)-Young Scientist
PlatinumAward 2012.
Jaipur Bags JRD TATa Award for Health schemes
Odishas Jaipur district has bagged the coveted fifthJRD Tata Memorial Award 2011 for Population reproductive
health and Family planning programme. The award was presented by the Nobel Laureate Amartyasen at JRD Tata
memorial Award and Oration Function held in New Delhi.
Indian Urdu Literature to get Rare Pakistanis Honour
An Urdu literature Professor Gopi Chand Marangs name figures in the list of Civilian honours announced by
Pakistan on its Independence day. He has been conferedSitara-i-Imtiaz(Star of excellence) the third highest
civilian honour bestowed by the nation.He received the Padma Bhushan. It was great that an Indian selected for
Pakistans highest honour
for his selfless work for urdu. eminent poet Josh Mahihabadi also selected for Hilal-i-Imtiaz.
P.K.B Pattnaik Honoured with Damien -Dutton Award
State Leprosy Officer P.K.B. Pattnaik, has been selected for the coveted Damien-dutton award for the year2012
for his work in the field of leprosy eradication. Mother Teresa, Babu Amte and Dr.Dharmendra has given this
award. He is an
Odisha doctor. He said thatWe have been able to treat 12 lakh leprosy patients, rehabited 40,000 patients with
leprosy and performed surgical defromitry correction on 3,500 patients.
Gruber cosmology Prize 2012 to Charles L Bennett
Johns Hopkins University professor Charles L. Bennett and members of the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy
Probe (WMAP) space mission that he led will receive the Gruber Foundations 2012 Cosmology Prize in Beijing,
China.Bennett and the 26-member WMAP team will share the $500,000 prize and are being recognized by the
foundation for their transformative study of an ancient light dating back to the infant universe.
The Best Story Award for Indo-American
Indian American Rajan Gangahar has won the Best Story award for the movie Kushiyaan at the Punjabi
International film Academy Award (PIFAA) held in Toronto. New york based Rajan was presented with the award
at a function held in
Toronto. His first film as a story writer, Rajan wrote dialogue and scree play for Khushiyaan, made by another
Indo-American Trilok Malik.
Pakistans Highest Civilian Award to Saadat Hasan Manto
The Writer Saadat Hasan Manto Posthumously received the Pakistans Highest awardNisan-i- Imtiaz. He died at
42 in 1955, Manto is best known for his short stories, especially he explored the impact of the partition of the
subcontinent into India & Pakistan in 1947. along with Manto, renowned singer Mehdi Hassan was also
Posthumously honoured with Nishan-i-Imtiaz Hassan Popularly known as the Shahenshah-e-Ghazil who died in
June 2012 at the age of 84.
Delhi Scientist Aditi Mukherji won Morman Baorlaug award
A Delhi based scientist, Aditi Mukherji has won the worlds most prestigious award for young researchers in food
and water management, named after the father of Indias Green revolution Norman Borlaug on 29 Aug 2012. The
World food prize Foundation started by Borlaug has picked Mukherji for the first ever Norman Borlaug award for
his application of work in transforming access to water for thousands of farmers in west Bengla. The award comes
with $10,000 prize. It will present to Mukherji on October 17 in Dea Moines , lawa US.
Indian American selected as Presidential Innovation Fellow
Indian American entrepreneur Karl Mehta has been selected among the 18 Presidential Innovation Fellows who
will work on five high-impact projects in the US capital.Selected from an applicant pool of nearly 700 innovators
from across the
country, the Fellows would spend six months in Washington DC to work on five high-impact projects aimed at
upporting entrepreneurs, small businesses and the economy, while significantly improving how the Federal
Government serves the American people.
Utsa Patnaik gets V.V. Giri award
The V.V. Giri Memorial Award 2011 for outstanding contribution to labour studies was conferred on Utsa Patnaik,
Professor in Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi on 29 August 2012. The award, instituted by the V.V Giri
National Labour Institute, was conferred by Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge, who stressed on the importance
of
systematic and sound research to understand the nature and characteristics of the emerging labour landscape.
University of Calicut to honour Montek, M.S. Swaminathan, Fathima Beevi
University of Calicut will confer honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degrees on noted agriculture scientist M.S.
Swaminathan, economist and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and jurist and
former Supreme Court judge Fathima Beevi.
Young woman In Science Award for Indian Origin Sorojini Nadar
Indian Origin has been selected for a prestigious science award in south Africa for her contribution to the
avancement of science and building the knowledge base.Sarojini Nadar has been named the winner of the
Distinguished Young Women in Science Award, which was announced by Naledi Pandor, South African Minister
of Science and Technology.
Eight Sporting Coaches received Dronacharya Award for 2012
Dronacharya Award is an award presented by the government of India for excellence in sports coaching. Eight
Sporting Coaches selected for the Dronacharya Award for 2012 are Wrestling coach Yashvir Singh, Boxing Coach
BI Fernandez, Athletics Coaches Virender Poonia, J.N.Bhatia, Kabaddi Coach Sunil Davas, Parathletics Coach
Dr. Satyapaul , Hockey Coach Harinder Singh, Table Tennis Coach Bhavani Mukherjee,.Fernandez will become
the first foreign coach to be awarded the the Dronacharya Award
Arjuna Awards:
Deepika Kumari , Laishram Bombayla Devi (archery),
Sudha Singh , Kavita Ramdas Raut (athletics),
Ashwani Ponnappa , Parupalli Kashyap (badminton),
Aditya S Mehta (billiards and Snooker),
Vikas Krishan (boxing),
Yuvraj Singh (cricket),
Sardar Singh (hockey),
Yashpal Solanki (judo),
Anup Kumar (kabaddi),
Samir Suhag (polo),
Annu Raj Singh, Omkar Singh, Joydeep Karmakar (shooting),
Deepika Pallikal (squash),
Sandeep Sejwal (swimming),
Ng. Sonia Chanu (weightlifting),
Narsingh Yadav , Rajinder Kumar , Geeta Phogat (wrestling),
M. Bimoljit Singh (wushu),
Deepa Mallick, Ramkaran Singh (athletics, Paralympics).
Four Sports persons receive Dhyan Chand Award-2012
Dhyan Chand Award is Indias highest award for lifetime achievement in sports and games, given by the
Government of India. Four persons selected for the Dhyan Chand Award-2012 are Jagrajsinghman (Athletics),
Gundeep Kumar(Hockey), Vinod Kumar (wrestling), Sukhbeer Singh Tokan (para sports).
9 Indian- Americans Awarded for Enhancing Indo-US Ties
9 Indian- Americans were awarded by Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) for
their contribution towards enhancing relationships between India & US. The 2012 Excellence Award, was
presented to Suresh
Khator. RK Chopra was awarded International Business Advocate of the Year. Woman entrepreneur of the year
award was presented to Vijay Dhingra and Pushpa Shenoy.
SPORTS & GAMES
Olympics 2012
The 30th Olympics 2012 held at London on 27 July and ended on 12 August. This is a 17 days Festival of Five
Rings. There are 204 countries and more than 10,000 athletes participated in 300 events. US secured top place in
medals of acquiring 104 medals in total, 46 gold, 29 silver and 29 bronze. the next place occupied by China of 99
medals. Britain stood at 3rd place of acquiring 65 medals in total. India stood at 55th place by acquiring 6 medals
in total, 2 silver and 4 bronze. India got 6 medals among 81 athletes who participated in London Olympics. The
next Olympics will be host by Rio De Janeiro on
2016. The Winter Olympics 2014 will be host by Russia, Sochi.
The name of the Indian Medalists are
1. Gagan Narang won the bronze Medal in the event of Mens 10m. Air Rifle shooting.
2. Vijay Kumar won the Silver Medal in the event of individual 25 metre rapid fire pistol. He was awarded Khel
Ratna by the Government of India of his performance inLondon Olympics 2012.
3. Saina Nehwal won the Bronze medal in the Event of Badminton Womens Singles.
4. Mary Kom won the bronze medal in the event of Womens Fly 51kg. Boxing.
5. Yogeswar Dutt won the bronze medal in the event of Mens 60kg. Free style wrestling. He was awarded Khel
Ratna by the Government of India of his performance in London Olympics 2012.
6. Sushil kumar who is an Indian Flag Bearer and also won Silver Medal in the event of Mens 66kg. Free style
wrestling.
London Olympics world Records:
Name Event World Record
Dong Hyun Im Archery 699 Points
Rebecca Soni Swimming Breast
Stroke
2:19.59 hr:mm:ss
Xiaojun Weight Lifting 379 kgs
Xiaojun Lu Weight Lifting 175 kg
Lulu Zhou Weight Lifting 333 kg
Ilya Ilyin Weight Lifting 418kg
Ilya Ilyin Weight Lifting 233kg
Zulfiya Chinshanlo Weight Lifting 131kg
Un Guk Kim Weight Lifting 327kg
Usian Bolt Runner 100m race 9.63 seconds
Rudisha Runner 800m race 1:40.91
Jason Kenny Cycling (Track)Individual 9.713 seconds
Sergei Martynov Shooting 50 m Rifle
Prone
705.5points
Leuris Pupo Shooting 25m rapid fire
pistol
34 points
Jessica Rossi Trap 99 points
Alexei Klimov Shooting rapid fire pistol 592 points
Shiwen Ye Swimming (400m
Individual Medley)
4:28:43 hr:mm:ss
Missy Franklin Swimming Back stroke 2:04:06 hr:mm:ss
Dana Vollmer Swimming (100m
Butterfly)
55.98 secs
List of Countries ranking by gold Medal:
Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze Totla
Medals
1 United
states of
America
46 29 29 104
2 Peoples
Republic
of China
38 27 23 88
3 Great
Britain
29 17 19 65
4 Russian
federation
24 26 32 82
5 Republic
of Korea
13 8 7 28
55 India 0 2 4 6
Highest Medals in Olympics won by Individuals:
Country Athlete
name
Gold Silver Bronze Total
USA PHELPS
MICHAEL
4 2 0 6
USA FRANJKLIN
MISSY
4 0 1 5
USA SCHMITT
ALLISON
3 1 1 5
Jamaica BOLT USAIN 3 0 0 3
USA FELIX 3 0 0 3
ALLYSON
Gold Medalists:
Andrian Clinhes Gold by a Finger Tip
Nathan Andrian clinched the Olympic 100 m free style gold by a fingertip on 1 August 2012 to become the first
American to hold the title since 1988.
Serena Williams Wins Olympic Gold
Serena Williams secured her first ever gold medal victory in the womens singles with 6-0, 6-1 win over the
Russian beauty, Maria Sharapova at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon on 4 August 2012.Serena
becomes the second women to win the Olympic gold medal in addition to all four different Grand Slam titles. she
also set the record of being the only female professional to attain the number one spot in both singles and
doubles category.
Ben Ainslie Claims a Record
Britains Ben Ainslie became the most successful Olympic sailor on 5 August 2012 won a gold medal in the
single handed finn class to claim a record breaking fifth consecutive medal.
Murray Won Olympic Gold
Britains Andy Murray demolished Roger Federer 6-2,6-1,6-4 in the mens final on 5 Aug 2012 to wins first gold
medal ad avenge his Wimbledon final defeat against the world no1. Roger Federer bagged Olympic Silver , Juan
Martin del potro bagged copper.
Serena and Venus Williams won Olympics Gold in Womens Doubles
Serena and Venus Williams teamed to win womens doubles title at the Olympics on 5 August 2012. The third
time the dynamic duo taken Home the gold medal.
Lin Defends Olympic Badminton Gold
Chinas Lin Dan over hauled Lee Chong Wei in the final to win Olympic mens badminton singles on 5 August
2012.
Salimikordasiabi Won Olympic Gold
Inrans Beh Salmi Kordasiabi won gold in the event of weightlifting competition at London to claim the title of
Strongest man at the Olympics. He lifted 455 kg in total.silver for sajjad Anoushiravani. He is from Iran. Bronze
for Russias Rulsan ALbegor with 448kg.
Sally Pearson Won 100m Hurdled Olympic Gold
Sally Pearson an Australian Won 100m hurdles Olympic Gold. She made an Olympic record time of
12.35seconds at Olympic Stadium, London. The Victory margin record time of 12.37 seconds made by Joanna
Hayes of US in Athens.
Decathlon Gold for Ashton eaton
Decathlon is the toughest event in the Olympics. which consists of 10 events as one event.On 10 Aug America
based Ashton eaton who is an Olympic Gold winner of Decathlon of total of 8,869 points made at London.
Previously he made a World Record by acquiring 9,026 points at U.S. Olympic trials.
Yodisha Won Womens Wrestling Title
Japans saori Yodish won a third Olympic 55 kg womens free style Wrestling title on 9 August 2012.
Womens Soccer Won By America
The U. S Womens Football team won its third straight Olympic medal on 9 August 2012 by beating Japan of 2-
1.The midfielder Carli Lloyd, who made critical 2 goals to Americas victory.
Oscar Pistorius
South African athlete Oscar Pistorius made a history when he became the first double amputee to participate in
an athletics event of 400meters at the Olympics on 04 August 2012.
Olympic Swimming: Power Ranking Michael Phelps 18 Gold Medal Performances
Michael Phelps is an American swimmer who has won 22 Olympic medals (18 Gold, 2 Silver, & 2 Bronze). He is
an Olympic legend who broke the record for most medals while participating at the London 2012 games. Michael
Phelps swam in four Olympic Games. He broke 39 world records. He beat the record of Larisa Latynina Soviet
Union gymnast.
Nicola Adams wins first ever women boxing gold
Britains Nicola Adams became the first ever Olympic womens boxing champion with a 16-7 flyweight final win
over Chinas world champion Ren Cancan on 9 August 2012.
Lysenko bags Gold
World champion Tatyana Lysenko of Russia added the Olympic gold to her collections with an Olympic record
78.18m in womens hammer throw at the Olympic stadium on 10 August 2012.
Roger Federer and Lina were Crowned the
Cincinnati Masters Tennis Championship World No.1 Tennis player Roger Federer won a record fifth Western and
Southern open title (Cincinnati Masters) at Cincinnati on 19 August 2012. Federer beat second seeded Novak
Djokovic 6-0, 7-6. This was the first time when top seeded mens players clashed in the final.
India beat Australia to win Under-19 World Cup
India won their third Under-19 World Cup title as captain Unmukt Chand saved his best for last, coming up with a
crucial, unbeaten ton in the final against Australia on 26 August 2012.
New Heaven Open title to Czench star
Petra kvitova beat Maria Kirilenko on 25 Aug to win the New Haven Open, the Czech stars second WTA
tournament title.
South Africas Hashim Amla becomes fasters
players to 3,000 ODI runs South Africas Hashim Amla became the fastest player to 3,000 one-day international
runs during the course of his 150 that set up the Proteas 80- run win over England at the Ageas Bowl in
Southampton.
Lydia Ko won CN Canadian Womens Open LPGA Golf
Lydia Ko Won CN Canadian Womens Open LPGA Golf on 26 Aug to become the youngest winner in LPGA Tour
History and only the fifth amateur championship. she is 15-year-old .
US PGA Golf champion is Rory Mccllroy
Rory Mallory won US PGA Golf Championship at kaiwah Island on 12 August 2012.This is his second major title
with a record setting eight shot victory. The Northern Irishman,23, hit a six-under 66 to finish 13 under and return
to world number one.
Dhoni named Castrol Indian cricketer of the year
The Castrol Awards for Cricketing Excellence are the premier cricketing awards recognizing outstanding
performances by Indian cricketers past, present and future. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was declared the Castrol
Indian Cricketer of the Year
2011 whilst Ajit Wadekar received the Castrol Lifetime Achievement Award and Indias Under 19 World Cup
winning Captain Unmukt Chand was awarded the Castrol Junior Cricketer of the Year Award.
V.V.S. Laxman retired from international cricket
V.V.S. Laxman retired from international cricket on 18 August 2012. He played 134 tests, amazing 8781 runs and
an coverage of 45.97 and hitting 17 hundreds. He played 86 ODI for an aggregate of 2338 runs at an average of
30.76.
Life Long Ban on Lance Armstrong
The U.S. anti doping agency 14 years of Lance Armstrong strong career on 24 Aug , including his record of seven
tour de France Titles and banned him for life from the sport. He was cyclist who retired an year ago. He would no
longer challenge USDA and declined to exercise his last option by entering arbitration. He denied again that he
ever took banned substances in his career, called USADAs Investigation a witch hunt without any physical
evidence.
ECONOMY
Chinas millionaire number crosses million mark
The number of millionaires in China crossed a million mark for the first in the Communist nation, putting it in the
elite club of the wealthy nations like US and Japan. The elite millionaires group includes 63,500 billionaires,
according to Hurun Report, a Chinese event and publishing group which compiled the Chinas list of the rich.The
number of Chinese
worth more than 10 million yuan (USD 1.6 million) broke the million mark in 2011 for the first time, with 1.02
million people now in this elite group. Of these million-plus wealthy individuals, 84 per cent are concentrated in the
eastern, northern and southern regions of China, with Beijing home to the greatest number, at 1.79 lakh
millionaires.
Crisil Research cuts 2012-13 GDP growth forecast to 5.5%
Crisil Research has cut Indias real GDP growth forecast for 2012-13 from 6.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent. This
downward revision in GDP is due to deficient monsoon and worsening of the Euro Zone economic outlook.
CIBIL working on Risk Index to help banks
Credit Information Bureau (India) Ltd (CIBIL) is planning to introduce a risk index that will help the countrys banks
take quicker decisions on extending loans to corporates and business houses. The index follows the credit
information firms TransUnion score for individual borrowers being used by financial institutions and banks to take
decisions in respect
of credit cards and home loans. Any individual with over 750 score can be considered as good.
P.M.s Economic Panel Lowers the Indian
Growth Estimate to 6.7% for 2012-13 Prime Ministers economic advisory panel on 17 August 2012 pegged GDP
growth for the current financial year to 6.7 percent. This is mainly due to poor Monsoon which will pull down the
agriculture
growth rate to 0.5 percent from 2.8 percent last year. Economy will grow at 6.7 percent in 2012- 13, Prime
Ministers economic Advisory council (PMEAC) chairman C.Rangarajan said that while releasing Economic
outlook for 2012-13. He asked the government to open multi brand retail to foreign investment and raise diesel
prices in one (or) more steps to contain the subsidy bill. India has registered 6.5% growth in the fiscal year 2011-
12. Which was the lowest in the past nine years.
Government Detected Rs.49,325 crore Black Money in India
Government said that Rs.49,325 crore has been detected in the country in the last three years while tax evasion
of Rs.600 crore found on input from abroad under multi-prolonged efforts to heck black money menance. this
information has been contained in a 13 page fact-sheet released by the Finance Ministry.The fact-sheet say the
Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT) has detected undisclosed income of over Rs.32,000 crore besides seizing
assets valued at over Rs 2,600 crores. 17,325 crore income detected in survey. Government also disclosed that
under Double Avoidance agreement(DTAA), investigation of information from German and France has led to
detection of tax evasion of Rs.600 crore and realization of Rs.200 crore in taxes.
Union Finance Minister Approved the Proposal FDI raise up to 49%
The Union Finance Minister P.Chidambaram approved the raise of FDI in Insurance and Pension sector up to
49%. Earlier the limit of FDI was up to 26%. This Proposal of 49% raise of FDI was made during the tenure of
Pranab mukherjee. It was delayed because of resistance from the cronies.
ISC directs Sahara Group to refund Rs 17,400 crore to investors
In a major setback to the Sahara Group, the Supreme Court on 31st August 2012 directed two of its companies to
refund around Rs 17,400 crore to their investors within three months with 15 percent interest.A bench of justices K
S Radhakrishnan and J S Khehar directed SEBI to take action against the companies, Sahara India Real Estate
Corporation
and Sahara Housing Investment Corporation, if they fail to refund the money.
India, China joint panel to address trade concerns
India and China have agreed to establish a joint working group to address all trade-related issues, including the
widening trade balance between the countries. The decision was taken at a meeting between trade minister
Anand Sharma and his
Chinese counterpart Chen Deming in New Delhi on 27th August 2012.Trade between the countries was $75.4
billion in 2011-12, against $59 billion in 2010- 11. In 2011-12, exports to China stood at $17.9 billion while imports
from there stood at $57.5 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $39.6 billion.
SPOT6 reached to SHAR
The Satish Dawan Space Centre in Nellore district at Sriharikota will launching PSLV C-21 rocket(100th rocket)
with French satellite SPOT6(800kg) and a small Japanese satellite weighing around 15kg in the month of
September.This is the hundredth rocket in the 49 years of ISRO history.
Cabinet Clears Mars mission
The Union Cabinet on 03 August 2012 cleared the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) mission to Mars
next year November The project envisages putting a spacecraft in the red planets orbit to study its atmosphere
with the help of the polar Satellite launch vehicle. India joins the United states , Russia, Europe, Japan and China
in undertaking such an
effort. The spacecraft will have a scientific payload of 25 kg and its proposed to be placed in an orbit of 500 x
80,000 km around the planet.The mission is estimated to cost about Rs $450 crore.
Curiosity Landed on Red Planet
The Robotic Explorer Curiosity blazed through the pink skies of mars, steering itself to gentle landing inside again
crater for the most ambitious dig yet into the red planet. It was NASAs seventh landing on earths Neighbor.In
November 2011 American Space Research Centre NASA Launched the curiosity into the space. On 6 Aug 2012
the Curiosity landed safely on the Mars.The Voyage to Mars took more than eight months and spanned 352m
million miles(566 million kilometers). It sliced through Martian atmosphere ay 13,000mph(21,000kph). The first of
what scientists predict will be enormous
amounts of Information, Including a possible answer to whether Mars ever supported conditions for Organic life, to
find evidence of life itself,alive or fossilized-its raft of 10 scientific instruments will hunt for carbon based
compounds considered essential to microbial life. It stays 2 years in Mars to collect all these Information.
This is the next space mission of NASA after 1970. Ashwini, Indo-American scientist involved in this mission.
NASA picks 3 firms to develop space taxis
NASA picks 3 firms to develop space taxis,the companies are the Boeing Co,Space Exploration Technologies
called SpaceX, and Sierra Nvada Corp.
A new oxidant in the atmosphere identified
Scientists have found for the first time unequivocal evidence of another oxidant playing a vital role in the formation
of gaseous sulphuric acid in the atmosphere. Until now, it was thought that the combination of OH (hydroxyl
radical) oxidant with sulphur dioxide (SO) was the dominant way by which gaseous sulphuric acid is formed in
the atmosphere. They found the new oxidant has significant capacity to oxidise sulphur dioxide.
Largest 3D Map of Galaxies
Astronomers have unveiled the largest ever 3D map of the sky, encompassing massive galaxies and distance
black holes, based on sloan digital sky survey III(SDSS- III). These galaxies are captures by a 2.5 meter wide -
angle telescope located at the Apache Point observatory in New Mexico.The release Includes of 200 million
galaxies and spectra of 1.35 million galaxies, according to a Harvardsmith soniam statement with SDSS-III.
Agni-II Test Fired Successfully
Surface to Surface missile Agni-II soared to a successfully test fired on 9 august 2012 at Wheeler Island of the
Odisha. It have a height of 20km and weighted as 17 tonnes and have the capacity to carry a nuclear war head of
weighing one ton. The missile Ranging Agni-I 700km , Agni-II 2,000 km , Agni- III-3,300km. The future projects
are Agni 4 andAgni 5 to launch.
Print High Resolution Images Without Ink aNew Technology Developed
The team of scientists with Indian origin has developed a new technology of printing high resolution images
without ink. The Institute of materials research and Engineering in Singapore has demonstrated that 1,00,000 dots
per inch(dpi) can
produce sharp and full spectrum color images.Which can be applicable in reflect colour displays , anti-
counterfeiting, and high density optical recording.Karthik Kumar says that size and spacing of the nanodots is
critical to the final image quality. The closer the dots are together and because of their small size, the higher the
resolution of the image.
Nanotechnology for Solar panel efficiency
A University of Houston researchers has developed a nano particle coating for solar panel that makes it easier to
keep them clean. This helps in keeping them efficient and cuts maintains cost. NASA spies cosmic supermom
Scientists have found a cosmic supermom, a galaxy that gives birth to more stars in a day than Earths does in a
year. Astronomers used NASAs Chandra X-ray telescope to spot this distant gigantic galaxy creating about 740
new stars a year. By comparison,
our Milky Way Galaxy spawns just about one new star each year.
Prithvi-II missile test, a Success
The strategic Forces Command, which is in charge of nuclear weapons, successfully fired the surface to surface
Prithvi-II missile from Chandipur in Odishas Balasore district on 25th August 2012, confirming yet again that the
armed forces are
capable of launching nuclear missiles independently.
China Military test fires 14,000km range missile
The china central television(CCTV) reported that the chinas military had successfully tested the new 14,000 rang
Dong feng-41 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). It have the capacity to carry 10 nuclear war heads.
Blue moon on 31st August 2012
When a full moon appears in the night sky for the second time in a calendar month ,it is called a blue oon.The
next blue moon will occur on July 31,2015.
In US, Indias First C-17 transport aircraft takes shape
Now the Indian Air Force is planned to introduce a C-17 Globemaster III heavy lift military planes in place of old
Cargo planes for the next year June. So India made deal with Boeing for $410 crores in the last year.C-17 has the
capacity to fill oil in the air.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) Appointments
Sushil Kumar Shinde as the new Leader in house of Lok Sabha
Sushile Kumar Shinde has been appointed as the new Leader in the House of Lok Sabha taking the place of
Pranab Mukherjee who has now become the President on 3 August 2012.
Hyderabadi Advocate becomes a Vice-Chairman of ABA
Hyderabad based lawyer Mr.JLN Murthy has been appointed to the Vice-Chairman of the AmericanBar
Association Section of International Law, Europe Committee, for the year 2012-13.The main aim of this
association is to focus on several international legal issues.
Nasim Ahmad Zaidi is new election commissioner
Former civil aviation secretary Syed Nasim Ahmad Zaidi was 7 August 2012, appointed an election commissioner
by President Pranab Mukherjee.The former EC V.S. Sampath took charge as CEC(Chief Election Commissioner.
Dimple Yadav and M. Raja Mohan Reddy takes oath as Lok Sabha member
Dimple Yadav, the wife of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, 8 August 2012 took oath as a Lok Sabha
member from Kannauj. She had won the by-election, caused by her husbands resignation, unopposed in
June.Along with Yadav,
M. Raja Mohan Reddy, the newly-elected MP from Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, also took oath. Reddy is from the
YSR Congress.
Raghuram Rajan is chief economic advisor
The government has issued formal orders to appoint Raghuram Rajan, former International Monetary Fund chief
economist, as the chief economic advisor in the finance ministry. The economist, who is currently a professor at
Chicago Universitys Booth School of Business, is not expected to take charge for the next few weeks due to
academic commitments. Rajan will take over at a time when the government is trying to combat a hostile
economic climate.
Cabinet nod for Customs first-ever woman chief
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has given its nod for Praveen Mahajan to be a full-fledged
Chairperson of the Central Board of Excise and Customs(CBEC). She is the first lady ever to head the highest
policy-making body on indirect
taxes.Prior to this elevation, she was Member (Personnel and Vigilance) in the CBEC from August 2011.
Ansari takes oath for second term
Hamid Ansari became the second Vice-President of India to take oath of office for second consecutive terms in
New Delhi on 11 August 2012 Ansari, a former diplomat, followed Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan who served two
successive terms as Vice-President.
Indian origin Sanjay Reddy, appointed as the director of new York Universitys Centre
New Yorks leading University, the new school, has named an Indian-origin academician as director of its center of
trans-regional study, which is focused on research on the relations between India, china and U.S. He associate
Professor of Economics,has been named academic director of the new schools India, China Institute(ICI) along
with Mark Frazier, Professor of Politics on 16 August 2012.
New Envoy to Syria is Lakhdar Brahimi
The United Nations on 17 August, 2012 confirmed that Veteran Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi will replace the
former UN Secretary general Kofi Annan as the International mediator on Syria as the 17 month old conflict slides
deeper into civil war. Brahimi, who served as Algerias foreign minister from 1991 to 1993 and joined UN in 1994
and
served various high profile positions until he retired in 2005.
P.J. Kurien is Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman
P.J. Kurien is unanimously elected as Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha on 21 August 2012.
Poonam Kishore Saxena appointed as Chairman of CBDT
The government appointed Dr.Poonam Kishore Saxena,a 1975 batch IRS officer as the Chairman of Central Board
of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on 22nd August 2012.
P. M. Nair Appointed as Director General,NDRF & CD
Shri P. M. Nair, IPS has been appointed as Director General, National Disaster Response Force & Civil Defence
(NDRF & CD), Ministry of Home Affairs.Shri Nair is presently working as Special Director General, Central
Reserve Police Force.
Admiral D K Joshi takes charge as new Navy chief
Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi took over as the new Indian Navy chief on 31st August 2012.Admiral Joshi is the
21st Chief of Naval Staff of independent India and the 19th Indian to command the Indian Navy.
New President Of Libya is Mohammad Magarief
National Assembly of Libya elected their former Opposition leader Mohammed Magarief as its New President.
Mr.Magarief seen as a Moderate Islamist, will head the 200-member congress. The 72-year-old Magarief who is
the head of National
front party. An economist and former Libyan ambassador to India who had lived in exile since the 1980s, Magarief
was a leading figure in Libyas oldest movement opposition movement. Magarief won 113 votes versus
independent Alli zindan who secured 85 votes.
New Jammu Varsity Chancellor is Vohra
Jammu & Kashmir governor N.N.Vohra has been appointed the first chancellor of the Central University of Jammu.
Pranab Mukharjee on his visit to that University appointed Mr. Vohra the chancellor if the University for a period of
five years.
B) Resigns
Gopal Goyal Kand Home Minster of Haryana Quits
Haryana Minster of state for home, Goyal Kanda resigned on 5 August 2012 night after a 23-year old farmer air
hosters named him in a suicide note before hanging herself.
Kofi A.Annan Resigns as Syria Peace Envoy
FreeJobAlert.com Current Affairs 20 Kofi A.Annan resigned as the UN Peace envoy to Syria on 2 August 2012 by
complaining the international community had not done enough to support his bid to persuade Bashar al-Assad to
accept a peace plan. His term as UN peace interlocutor was set to expire on 31 August 2012. Annan was
appointed the UN-Arab League Peace envoy to Syria in February 2012.
Indo American Fareed Zakaria resigned from Yale Government Board
After a long association with Yale University the noted Indo American Writer and and journalist Fareed Zakaria
has resigned from its governing body to focus on journalistic career.Zakaria, who received his bachelors degree
from the university, was associated with the Yale Corporation for past six years. The decision of Zakaria to shed
some of his
non-journalistic responsibilities has come close on the heels of accusations of plagiarism against him.
Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi Quit as Iraq communication Minister
Iraqi Communications minister Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi quit his post in 27 Aug accusing Prime Minister Nuri
Maliki of Political Interference in his ministry. Allawis resignation is the first by a cabinet member since Iraqs
national unity government was formed in December 2010.
C)Deaths
Contrarian Author Gore Vidal Dies
Writer Gore Vidal, who filler his novels and essays with acerbic observation on politics,sex and American culture.
While carrying on feuds with bigname literary rivals,died on 1 August 2012 at home in Los angels of complications
from pneumonia,age 86. His historical novels was Burr, 18762 .Lincoln,The Golden Age.
Vilasrao Deshmukh passes away
The Union Minister for science and Technology and Ex. chief Minister of Maharashtra Vilasrao Deshmukh ,who
was suffering from sclerosis of the liver, passed away at a chennai hospital on 2012 August 14th.
Hindi cinematographer Ashok Mehta Passed away
The ace cinematograoher Ashok Mehta, who lost the battle with lung cancer at a mumbai hospital on 15 August
2012.The man who worked with best in the business, raging from the highly accomplished shyam benegal,
Girish Karnad and shekhar Kapur, hugely populared Sunhash Ghai. He did films like Utsav, Mandi,36
chowsinghee Lane.
Science Friction Writer Harry Harrison Passed Away
American Author Harry Harrison has died in Britain on 16 august 2012 at 87. He was best known for hisThe
Stainless Steel rat series. His 1966, Make room! Make Room!- a Science Friction take on the horrors of over
population. The Other works included anthologies, collections and childrens stories-including one particularity
goofs tale about an Intergalactic force of Mutant pigs.
Philippine Minister Jesse Robredo died in Plane Crash
The most powerful minister of Philippine died in plane crash on 19 August 2012. The Interior secretary Jesse
Robredo. This crash was held at the central island of Masbate.
Prime Minister of Ethipio Meles Zenavi passed away
Meles Zenavi, the Ethiopian Prime Minister, passed away on 20 August 2012 following prolonged illness. He was
57 Ethiopios foreign minister will assume the change as the acting P.M. of the country.
US Astronaut Neil Alden Armstrong passed away
US Astronaut , Armstrong, as the commander of the Apollo 11 mission, became the first human to land on the
moon on 20 July 1969,passed away on 25th August 2012.
Veteran actor Hangal Passed away
Actor A.K.Hangal, who had the rare ability to imbue the smallest and the most ordinary of roles with quality and
dignity, passed away on 26 Aug at Mumbai followed Health complications caused by a recent hip fracture.
D) Visitors
Fijian President calls on Pranab
Fijian President Ratu Epeli Nailatikaw called on his Indian counter part Pranab Mukherjiee at Rashtrapati Bhavan
in New Delhi on 7 August 2012 and discussed the scope for expanding trade and bilateral ties.Mr. Mukherjiee
also granted Fiji for
joining the Non-Alignment movement.
Chinese defence minister to visit India
India and China are expected to discuss ways of strengthening defence ties during the three-day visit of Chinese
defence minister General Liang Guanglie starting September 2 in Mumbai.
E)Miscellaneous
Miss China Crowned Miss World
Chainas Wen Xia Yu was on 18 August 2012 crowned Miss world-2012 the competitions are conducted in China
at Innar Mangolia Erina. Wales Sophie Moulds was first runner up and the second runner up position to Jessica.
Kahawaty of Australia. Indian beauty Vanya Mishra on the 6th position by winning two awards in miss world
competition. The
multimedia award and social networking skin & beauty.
Student Prafull Sharma Discovers SOHO
A Delhi boy has discovered a new comet using data from NASA and European Space Agency;s Space Craft-
based observatory SOHO that studies the sun. Prafull sharma, is a XII class student of Ahlcon public school, the
new comet SOHO-2333 is a fragment believed to have separated from a relatively larger comet Machholz when it
last came close to the sun in 2007. sharma, who has been associated with Delhi-based NGO science.
Popularization Association of Communicators and educators (SPACE), ia apart of a world wide team os comet
hunters. Who scour through images of the sun transmitted back to earth by Solar and Heliosphere
Observatory(SOHO).
Zakaria suspended by CNN/TIME Magazine
Indo American Journalist and author Fareed Zakaria has been suspended by his employers and Time Magazine
because he copied some Portions of an article he wrote on Gun Control for Time, from the New Yorker
Magazine. He suspended for one month.
Ex-Prez Pratibha Patil spent 140Cr on air Travel
According to RIT report Indias ex-President visited 18 Countries in 10 trips from November 2008 to October
2011.Indias former president Pratibha Patil sets a new record by spending 140 Cr travel expenses alone. Patil
was the most frequent flyer using IAF planes 255 times as compared to PM ManMohan(108) abd Vice President
Ansari(106).
As A.P.J.Abdul Kalam visited 17 Countries in 7 trips and K.R.Narayana covered 10 Countries in 6 trips.
S.D.Shrama covered 16 Nations in 4 trips.
Himachal Hotel Gets Heritage Status
The Castel Magar, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporations prime hotel in the picturesque, Kullu
Valley was notified under the heritage status by the Union tourism ministry on 23 August 2012. Maggar was the
capital of the erst
while kullu state for about 1460 years. The Castle was built by Raja Sidhi Singh in the 16th century.
Amir Khan on the Cover Page of Time Magazine
The most successful Tv show Satyamev Jayate made Amir Khan features in the cover page of the Time
Magazine.Aamir Khan is featured on the cover of Time with the caption Khans Quest. Bollywood actors who
have featured before on Time cover are Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Parveen Babi. Parveen
Babi became the cover girl of Times July 1976 issue, after acting in super hit flick Deewar. The cover story was
titled Asias Frenetic Film Scene.On one of 2003 issues, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was called New Face Of
Film. The magazine mentioned: Aishwarya Rai leads the invasion as Bollywood goes global and becomes hip.
9 IAF personnel killed in mid-air copter collision
Nine IAF personnel, including five officers, were killed when two Mi-17 medium-lift utility helicopters collided in
mid-air while on a live firing exercise at the Sarmat field range near the Jamnagar airbase in Gujarat on 30
August 20112.
PLACES IN NEWS
Death toll in Irans twin earthquakes is over 250
Two strong earthquakes that struck north-west Iran on 11th August 2012 killed more than 250 people and left
grieving survivors buffeted by repeated aftershocks in a state of trauma.The first quake, of magnitude 6.2,
jolted the Ahar area around 1600 hours local time, Fars News Agency (FNA) reported. Almost an hour later, a
quake of 6 magnitude rocked the city of Varzaqan and its surroundings in the same province.Thousands of
people, rattled by at least 35 aftershocks, fled from their homes. Many families spent the night in parks, braving
chilly conditions that prevail in the mountainous province.
Typhoon Haikui Hit East Coast China
Typhoon Haikui hit to the east coast china on 8 August 2012. By hitting hard the area around the business
metropolis of shanghai with heavy wind and rain. The storms winds were at Severe typhoon. It made land fall in
the Province of Zhejiang, about 225 kilometers(140 miles) south of Shanghai. The wind speed in between 150 and
184 kilometers per
hour. Chinese officials had relocated 374.000 people from shanghai and 250,000 from zhejiang.
BOOKS IN NEWS
Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden: A New Book released
No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission that Killed Osama Bin Laden was written by a Navy SEAL
under the pseudonym Mark Owen with co-author Kevin Maurer and is to be released next month on the
anniversary of the September 11 attacks. This book has claimed that Abbottabad house where al-Qaeda chief
lived was carved outfrom Pakistan Military Academy compound and its powerful army chief may have been
briefed beforehand on the Kill Osama Mission.
COMMITTEES
Pak Prez Formed a Panel to Talk with Pak Hindus
Pakistan President Asif Ali zardari has set up a three member committee of Parliamentarians to meet and
reassure Hindus in sindh of their security after their families decided to flee their homes. Zardari has taken serious
notes of reports of the Sense of Insecurity among hindus families in sindh and directed authorities to address
their unfair treatment and report to him. This panel consists of senator Hari Ram, National Assembly member Lal
Chand and Federal Minister Moula Bakhsh Chandio.
Panel to Examine Western Ghats Report
Environment Ministry has constituted a high level working panel to headed by eminent space scientist and
panning commission member K Kasturirangan to examine the Western Ghats ecology expert panel report in a
holistic and multidisciplinary fashion. The nine member group will examine the the Madhav Gadgil committee
report released recently in a holistic and multidisciplinary fashion keeping in view the comments received from
the concerned state
governments, central ministries, stakeholders.It will also study the effects and challenges of climate change in
the ecologically significant Western Ghats region, the implications of the UNESCO heritage site recognition of
some parts of the Western Ghats and the constitutional implications of Centre-State relations regarding the
conservation and sustainable development of the region. It is also expected to recommend further course of
action regarding the
report within two months.
Two Member Panel to Study on Universal Health coverage
The National Advisory council has set up a two member working group to study the report on Universal Health
Coverage (UHC) prepared by the high level expert scope of the National rural health Mission(NRHM) and convert it
into a National
Health Mission. The Two-member group, comprising Mirai chatterjee and A.K.Shiva kumar,will work closely with
the Ministry of Health and Family welfare and the planning commission to resolve any possible issues arising on
health.
SL Committee pulled up for diluting civilnuclear Liability Rules
The subordinate legislation committee of the lok sabha has pulled up the department of atomic energy for diluting
the civil. liability for clear Damage(CLND)Act. The committee monitors whether the rules tabled in parliament are
in tune
with the act passed by parliament. This is 15 member panel has represented from all parties.
ABBREVIATIONS
EPT Environment Performance Index
NASI National Academy of Science, India
SPSS Sloan Digital Sky Survey
SFC Strategic Forces Command
DRDO Defense Research and development Organization
DTAA Double Taxation of direct Agreement
SPACE Science Popularization Association of Communicators and educators
SOHO Solar and HelioSpheric Observatory
DAYS & DATES
August 1 World Breast-feeding Week
August 3 Friendship Day
August 6 Anti Nuclear Day
August 6 Hiroshima Day
August 9 Nagasaki Day
August 9 International Day of the Worlds Indigenous People
August 12 International Youth Day
August 13 World Left Handers Day
August 15 International Mourning Day
August 19 World Humanitarian Day
August 19 World Photography Day
August 20 World Mosquito Day
August 23 International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition
August 20 -Namibia Day
July 2012 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Leung Chun-ying Sworn In As Hong Kongs New Leader
Leung Chun-ying, a millionaire property consultant seen as close to Chinas communist rulers, was sworn in as
Hong Kongs new chief executive on 1July 2012 .
Cyprus takes Over EU Presidency
Cyprus takes over the European Unions rotating presidency for the first time on 1 July 2012, amid concerns
about the countrys ability to cope with its own economic problems and help steer Europe out of its financial
crisis. Cyprus, which joined the European Union in 2004, is taking over the six-month rotating presidency from
Denmark.
GSK to pay $3b For Health Fraud
Glaxo smith kline(GSK) would pay $3 billion and plead guilty to promoting two popular drugs for unapproved uses
and to failing to report important safety data about a diabetes drug to the Food and Drug Administration, the
justice department said on 2 July 2012. Government officials say its the largest health care fraud settlement in
U.S history.
Mexico Declares National H7N3 (bird flu)Animal Health Emergency
The Mexican government declared a national animal health emergency on 2 July 2012 in the face of an aggressive
bird flu epidemic that has infected nearly 1.7 million poultry. More than half the infected birds have died or been
culled, the agriculture ministry said of an epidemic that was confirmed on 28 June 2012 by the UNs Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO). They activated a national animal health emergency with the goal of diagnosing,
preventing, controlling and eradicating the Type A, sub-type H7N3 bird flu virus.
PRI Leader Enrique Pena Nieto Elected as the New President of Mexico
The institutional Revolutionary Party leader Enrique Pena Nieto was elected as the new president of Mexico on 2
July 2012. In the presidential election held on 1 July 2012, Enrique Pena Nieto beat party of the Democratic
Revolution candidate Andres Manual Lopez obrador of the total 98% votes counted , Pena Nieto bagged 38%
votes, while former Mexico city Mayor Andres Manual Lopez obrador got 31% votes. Nieto succeeded felipe
calderon on the top most position of the country.
Fukushima Was Man-Made Diasater ;Japanese Probe
Last years Fukushima nuclear accident was a man made disaster just the tsunami that hit the plant, adamning
parliamentary report said on 5 July 2012.Ingrained collusion between plant operator Tokyo Electric Power, the
government and regulatory, combined with a lack of any effective oversight led directly to the worst nuclear
accident in a generation, the report said.
Pak parliament passes bill to protect leaders from contempt
Pakistan President on Thursday signed into law a bill aimed at giving blanket immunity to top government leaders
from contempt of court proceedings and countering the Supreme Courts efforts to pressure the premier to revive
graft cases against Asif Ali Zardari. Zardari gave his assent to the Contempt of Court Bill of 2012 after it was
passed by the Senate and the National Assembly, the two houses of Parliament.
China, US Avoid Rocking The Boat On South China Sea
The United states and China on 12 July pledged to ease strains in their relationship emerging amid renewed
disputes over the south china sea and Chinese concerns over Washingtons pivoy to Asia . U.S.Secretary of
state hillary clinton, who met chinese foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on the side lines of the ASEAN. Regional forum
meeting in Phnom Penh on 12 July 2012.
United Nations Millennium Development Goal Report 2012
United Nations Secretary General Ban ki-moon released, United Nations Millennium Development Goal 2012.
Report on 2 July 2012. The report noted that three important targets on poverty, slums and water have already
been met three years ahead of 2015, the target year. The target of providing clean drinking water to a substantial
population of the world. In developing world the share of urban population living in slums came down to 33 per cent
in 2000 from 39 per cent in 2000. The millennium development goal asserted that the developing countries. AIDS
control, the developing countries have achieved tremendous fate as at the end of 2012 nearly 6.5 million people in
the developing countries were receiving the antiretroviral therapy for HIV AIDS.
Thomas Lubanga Imprisoned for 14 years
International Criminal Court (ICC), located at The Hague has awarded Thomas Lubanga, a Congolese warlord, 14-
year imprisonment on 10 July 2012. Lubanga had led the Union of Congolese Patriots, an ethnic militia in the
violent struggle in the Ituri region and its main town of Bunia. The conflict, which began in 1999, claimed the life of
about 60000 people in the country. Lubanga, who had used children as the soldiers during the violent struggle in
Congos eastern Ituri region in 2002-2003 was convicted for war crime.
First Ever Resolution To Protect the Online Human Rights of Global Citizens.
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the Geneva based human rights wing of UN, on 5th July 2012,
adopted a first ever resolution to protect the online human rights of global citizens. The resolution adopted by
consensus, stated that citizens of the world are as much entitled to the human rights online as they are offline.
The resolution noted that there can be no double standard with regard to peoples right of fundamental freedom
and since internet makes a major part of present worlds communication process, all governments must
endeavour to protect the online rights of its citizens. The landmark resolution was sponsored by Sweden and co-
sponsored by over 80 countries, that includes United States, Brazil, Turkey, Nigeria, and Tunisia.
Global CO2 Emission Increased by 3% in 2011
According to the report Trends in global CO2 emission, global CO2 emission increased by 3% in 2011. The 3%
increase in CO2 took the total amount if CO2 in air at an all time high of 34 billion tonnes. The report was released
by the Europe commissions joint research centre (JSC) and the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency.
The United states with 17.3 tonnes per capita remains one of the top CO2 emitters, while china , the worlds most
popular country, has 7.2 tones per capita.
$650 m cut in U.S. military aid to Pakistan
Latest jab at Pakistan by the U.S., the House of Representatives has unanimously voted to cut American military
aid to Islamabad by $650 million as Republicans sought to tamp down demands for deeper reductions. The
amendment to cut the aid, which was proposed by Republican Congressman Ted Poe, passed on the floor in a
voice vote. Mr. Poe had demanded a $1.3 billion cut, but settled for the $650 million cut. It will now go to Senate
for approval. Pakistan is the Benedict Arnold to America in the war on terror.
Putin signs Russia Into WTO
President Vladimir Putin on 21 July 2012 singed the bill ratifying Russias entry to the world trade Organization
after 18 years of often acrimonious negotiations , economists have long argued that Russia needed to join the
WTO as it was the only major economy outside the body. The measure making Russia the 156th WTO member
will become law within 30 days .
Pakistan and US sign MoU for transporting supplies to Afghan
Pakistan and the US on 31 July 2012 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on transporting supplies
for NATO forces in Afghanistan through Pakistani territory after weeks of intense negotiations. The MoU states
arms and ammunition for foreign troops in Afghanistan cannot be transported through Pakistan and that all cargo
will be scanned in the port city of Karachi and at the border crossing points of Chaman and Torkham. The MOU
will replace existing arrangements for transporting NATO supplies through Pakistani territory, which were
reportedly based on a verbal understanding.
Rajkeshwur Purryag is Mauritius Fifth President
Rajkeshwur Purryag became the fifth president of Mauritius on 21 July. His predecessor Anerood Jugnauth
resigned in March following open conflict with Prime Minister Navin Chandra Ramgoolam.
Mahama sworn as Ghanas new president
John Dramani Mahama was sworn as Ghanas new president on 24 July 2012.After John Atta Mills, the countrys
leader, unexpectedly died at hospital in the capital, Accra. Mahama was forever changed by his boyhood
experiences during 1966 military coup.The 53-year-old who had been vice president was born in Bole Bamboi in
northern Ghana and holds degrees in history and communications, according to Ghanian media.
INDIA & WORLD
U.N.: India likely to miss MDG on maternal health
With one maternal death reported every 10 minutes, India is likely to miss the Millennium Development Goal
(MDG) related to maternal health, a latest United Nations report says. While there is an improvement from
maternal death in every six minutes in 2010 to 10 minutes now, the MDG target in this respect is unlikely to be
met, the report said. At present, the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) of India is 212 per one lakh live births,
whereas the countrys target is 109 per one lakh live births by 2015.The MDG Report 2012 points out that an
estimated 2,87,000 maternal deaths occurred in 2010 worldwide. This represents a decline of 47 per cent from
1990 when the MDGs were set.
Indo-Pak foreign secretary-level talks
Pakistan remains defiant on state actors behind the Mumbai terror attacks, but sought more information on the
revelations made by 26/11 handler Abu Jundal. Speaking at a joint press conference after 4,5 July 2012 a two-
day talks that concluded at Hyderabad House in New Delhi , Indias Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai stressed
that relations between two countries have to be normalized despite serious differences over the terror issue.
India 3rd Most Attractive , says UN Report
India emerged as the third most attractive investment destination after china & US for global companies , a UN
report said on 5 July 2012 . Foreign direst Investment flows into India increased by 30% to $32 billion in 2011.
While china attracted $124 billion last year. Brazil & Russia attracted $67 billion and $53 billion,
Mauritius Offers India 2 Islands In Its Bid To Preserve Tax Treaty
Mauritius foreign affairs and trade minister Arvin Boolell said that it was up to India to use the Islands to its
advantage. Blue Economy had great potential . India could use north & South Agalega Islands(which are located
1.100 km north of Mauritius and have an official total area of 70 sq km, for setting up hotels and tourist resorts ,
for trade, marine studies , or for building strategic presence in the Indian ocean.
Sri Lanka, Indian navies hold maritime boundary talks
India and Sri Lanka discussed maritime matters, including the issue of fishermen straying in each others
territorial waters, as they held a crucial annual meeting aimed at strengthening naval relationship. The 21st
International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) meeting between SriLanka and India was held onboard the Sri Lanka
Naval Ship Sagara at the Indo-Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary Line off Kankasanthurai on 7 July 2012,
EU Carbon Tax: Us Invites India For Initiative To Create Global Consensus
India is among the 16 countries that have been invited to attend a US-led initiative to decide on what action should
be taken at the global against the imposition of European Union-emission trading system. Under the system ,
which came into effect from January 1 , 27 member. European Union asked all International airlines flying in and
out of the region to meet specific carbon emission requirement , failing which they would have to pay tax.
India Aims To Double Trade with West Africa
Indian has set up a target of $40 billion trade turnover with the West African Nations from the present $20 billion.
Mr.Sharma. along with Ghanas trade & Industry Minister Hanna Tettch, inaugurated the India show ACCRA
(GHANA) on 9 July 2012. Mr.shrama said that India had also set a target of $90 billion trade with Africa by
2015.The total trade between India & Africa was around 450 billion till last year.
Singapore Prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong visited India
Singapore Prime Minister, Lee Loong visited India on a three day trip. India and Singapore signed three key
bilateral agreements and a Memorandum of understanding(MOU) on 11 July. The two countries are working on
deepening economic relations even outside south-east Asia, building linkages with companies where India and
Singapore were associated. Singapore is not only an important trading partner in ASEAN but also a major source
of FDI in flows in India. India is Singapores eight largest investor . India Singapore bilateral trade accelerated to
USD 17.44 billion from USD 14.04 in2009-10 . The holistic agreement turned out to be fruitful and both the
countries expect to achieve better milestones together.
UK bans Indian Mujahideen
The UK has banned Indian Mujahideen, citing the indiscriminate mass casualty attacks" carried out by the
Lashkar-e-Tayiba-linked terror group in India and the threat it posed to British nationals there.British MPs voted
unanimously last night to ban IM, placing it on the list of 47 organisations that have been banned from functioning
in the UK.
India Draws U.S Ire Over Nexavar Row
The U.S administration has accused India of violating WTO norms by allowing Hyderabad based Natco Pharma to
make a generic version of cancer drug Nexavar, In march this year, for the first time India had invoked a law
permitting natco Pharma to manufacture and sell cancer treatment drug Nexavar at a price, over 30 times lower
than charged y its patent holder bayer corporation under compulsory licensing , the government had allowed .
Natco to sell the drug at a price not exceeding Rs.8.880 for a pack of 120 tablets compared to the whopping
Rs.2.80 lakh per month charged by Bayer for its patented Nexavar Drug.
8 Indian companies in Fortune 500 List
Eight Indian companies have made the cut in the list of the worlds 500 largest companies compiled by fortune
Magazine, with Indian oil & Reliance Industries finding a place in the top 100.American companies have covered
132 places in the list, followed by china 73 seats and Japan 68 seats.
Australia to restart uranium supply to India
Months after reversing its policy of not selling uranium to India, Australia on 11th July, said it was in the process
of working out internal arrangements to ensure supply of the yellowcake (Uranium) to New Delhi. In December last
year, Australias ruling Labor led by Prime Minister Julia Gillard cleared the way for the Australian uranium to be
exported to India after a strong debate on the floor of the partys 46th national conference. Australia has the
worlds largest reserves of uranium and its ores are considered to be of superior quality among those found
elsewhere across the globe. Currently, Australia exports uranium to China, Japan, Taiwan and the United States.
However, it had earlier declined sale to India citing a policy that barred nuclear trade with countries that were not
signatories to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Russia, china Votes resolution on Syria , India Votes in favour
Russia and China today vetoed a new UN Security Council resolution that would have slapped new sanctions
against President Bashar Al Assads regime, while India was among the 11 countries that voted in favour.
Pakistan and south Africa abstained.
India Fares Poorly In Child welfare
India fares poorly among middle-income countries when it comes to overall well-being of children even as the world
witnessed significant progress in child health, education and nutrition during the last decade. India has slipped by
12 ranks since 1995 and is placed 112th in the global Child Development Index released by Save the Children,
the worlds leading independent NGO that works for child rights. According to the report, Japan is at present the
best place in the world for a child, followed by Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Canada, Switzerland, UK and
Norway. The US is ranked 24 in the Index, while Australia is at 16th place and China is at 29th. Somalia is at the
bottom.
India bans US-sanctioned Iranian ships to enter its water
India has prohibited US-sanctioned Iranian ships from entering its water as it is hampering crude oil imports from
Iran. In early July, the government had allowed crude oil import from Iran in ships arranged by Tehran after
European sanctions evaporated insurance cover to domestic shippers. However, Mangalore Refinery and
Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) and other state refiners are allowed to import oil from Iran on cost, insurance and
freight (CIF ) basis wherein Tehran was to arrange for ships and insurance. We were to import four tankers or
cargoes of about 90,000 tonne each from Iran in July. But we could only get one as the CIF approval was
withdrawn, MRPL Managing Director PP Upadhya. US has sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Co and its 58
vessels some of which have been reflagged in other nations to put off international sanctions.
NATIONAL
Western Ghats Now In World Heritage List
The Western Ghats has made it to the coveted list of world Heritage sites. The world Heritage committee, meeting
in st.Petersburg, Russia, late on Sunday 1 July 2012 , decided to inscribe 39 serial sites of the western Ghats of
India on the world Heritage list. The Western Ghats was inscribed under criteria 9 and 10 of the operational
Guidelines of the world Heritage convention. Vinod B. Mathur, Dean of the Wild Life institute of India told from
Russia . To explain it clearly, Western Ghats are those properties which contain the most important and
significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened
species of outstanding Universal value from the point of science conservations.
Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India 2011
Every four minutes, one person takes his own life in this country and one in every five suicides is that of a
housewife. This and other startling figures are part of a government report Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India
2011 released here recently. According to the report, the number of suicides have increased in 2011 by 0.7 per
cent to touch 1,35,585 compared to 1,34,599 in the previous year. West Bengal has reported the highest number
of suicides (16,492) accounting for 12.2 per cent followed by Tamil Nadu (15,963), Maharashtra (15,947), Andhra
Pradesh (15,077) and Karnataka (12,622). These 5 States together accounted for 56.2 per cent of the total
suicides reported in the country.
Cabinet clears Rs.25 Crore Plan To Airlift Bhopal Waste
Almost three decades after deadly gasses spread out of the Union carbide plant in Bhopal, the union cabinet has
finally approved the proposal to airlift 350 tonnes of toxic waste from the defunct pesticide factory site to Germany
for sale disposal. The central government will pay rs.25Lakh to German firm G12 to remove the waste.
Crime Report 2011 from NCRB
National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) releases its data of crime happen in India for the year 2011. The report
made public shows alarming situation of crime in India. Highlights of this reports given below. The report shows
crimes under IPC has registered a 2.5%rise in 2011 over previous year; while crimes under special and local laws
-such as Arms Act and Gambling Act have declined by 7.4%.Total number of crimes reported in India in 2011
are 62.5 lakh. Delhi, Kanpur, Mumbai and Bengaluru accounted for 9.9% , 7.3%, 6.7% and 6.3% of criminal
activities, respectively. Andhra Pradesh accounting for nearly 7% of the population of the country recorded 12.4%
of the total crimes against women in India.
Free Medicines For All Scheme
Centers $5.4 b plan to benefit makers of generics. India has put in a place a 4 5.4 billion policy to provide. Free
medicine to its people, a decision that could change the lives of hundreds of millions, but a ban on branded drugs
stands to cut Big pharma out of the wind fall. This policy to be implemented by the end of 2012 and rolled out
nation wide in 2 years, is expected to provide 52 percent of the population with free drugs by April 2017.
Union Government Of India Unveiled New Free Drug Policy
The Union Government of India unveiled the 5.4 billion dollar free drug to benefit countrys 120 crore population.
Under the new policy, every citizen of the country will be provided free medicines in all public health centers
spreaded across the country. As the Ministry of Health and Family welfare kept branded drugs out of this policy,
the patients will be given only generic drugs. The policy which will remain effective over the next five years will
provide a much needed support to nearly 40% people of the country, which spends 1.25 dollar or less a day on
health.
States Advised To Give Preferences To Drinking Water & Irrigation Supply
An Alarming depletion in the water levels (at 57 percent of last years stage ) of important reservoirs, owing to the
delayed and weak south west monsoon, has prompted the central government to issue an advisory to the states
on 9 July 2012 to make Judicious and regulated releases. The states have been told to enhance ground water
use, Deficient storage in all major dams, expect those in central India.
Least UN-Employed States
Indias jobless rate stood at 3.8 percent last fiscal, with Daman & Diu and Gujarat topping the list of least un-
employment among states and Union territories. Indias un-employment is better than other countries like US,
Spain and South Africa. The latest report for the year 2011-12 released by the labour bureau . Daman & Diu and
Gujarath had un-employment rates of 0.6% and 1% respectively. Chhhattisgardh stood at 3rd , Rajasthan stood at
4th and Punjab stood in 5th place.
Delhi is Indias most competitive city, Mumbai next
Delhi has emerged the most competitive city in the country for the third straight time with the commercial hub of
Mumbai retaining the second spot, according to a report by an international think tank released on 11 July
2012.Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, in that order, make up the top five in rankings of the India City
Competitiveness Report-2012, compiled by the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC) that conducts studies in this
area for use by businesses and governments.
Centre Ask States To Video Graph Gram sabha Proceedings
Aiming to strengthen the functioning if panchayat Raj institutions, center has advised state governments to video
graph Gramsabha proceedings, besides introducing a slew of schemes for improving their set up. For
strengthening Gramsabhas with the help of IT- enabled measures, four software including a web portal have been
launches by the Ministry and states are being encourages to adopt it,
Union HRD Ministry Granted Two Central Universities In Bihar
Conceding to the demand of Bihar chief minster Nitish kumar, the Union human Resource Development Ministry
agreed to set up two central Universities in the state. The Union Governments nod for two central universities also
put an end to the 3-year long impasse over the location of the University . There are 41 central Universities
functioning in India at present , with Delhi and up have a maximum of 4 Universities each.
Chandrayaan-II Awaits Government Nod
Indian Space Research Organization chairman k.Radha Krishna said chandrayaan-II , the countrys second
mission to Moon, was in the last phase of security approval from the Government and a decision was likely to be
announced soon. presenting an overview of the forthcoming missions, Dr,Radha Krishnan said chandrayaan-II was
slated for 2012 launch.
LTTEs Strong Anti-India Posture Continues; Govt Extends Ban
Government has extended the ban on LTTE declaring that it continues to adopt a strong anti- India posture and
pose a grave threat to the security of its citizens. LTTE was banned in India in the aftermath of the assassination
of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.In a notification, the Home Ministry said the activities of LTTE are
detrimental to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India and there is a continuing strong need to control all
such separatist activities by all possible means. LTTE continues to adopt a strong anti-India posture as also
continues to pose a grave threat to the security of Indian nationals, it is necessary to declare LTTE as an unlawful
association with immediate effect, Home minister said.
Tribal Reserve in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Supreme Court of India on 3 July 2012 declared the area within a five-kilometre radius around the Jarawa
Tribal Reserve in Andaman and Nicobar Islands as no go zone. The Apex Court banned all commercial and
tourism activities near the Jarawa habitat. The courts verdict came following a news report which showed some
tourists throwing money, food and bananas at the tribal people. The news report had forced the government to
order an inquiry. Jarawas are one of the oldest living indigenous people in the world. The tribe has their home in
the forests of the Andaman Islands in India. The present number of Jarawa tribe is estimated to be about 250-400.
Jarawas have been living in the forests of the Andaman Islands for past thousands of years.
INS Sahyadri Adds Teeth To Blue water Navy
In the salty sea breeze of an overcast Mumbai monsoon day, the countrys latest warship, the INS Sahyadri,
joined the Indian Navy on 21 July 2012. The tricolour and the naval ensign were hoisted, the national anthem
played, and AK Antony, the defence minister, formally commissioned the bristling 5,600-tonne warship, urging the
crew to promote peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. the Sahyadri is the Indian Navys 134th ship.
Another 46 vessels are under construction, 43 of these in India including three 6,800 tonne destroyers under
Project 15A; four similar warships under Project 15B; four 2,500 tonne corvettes under Project 28; and six
Scorpene submarine sunder Project 75.
Pranab Mukherjee 13th President of India
Pranab Kumar Mukherjee, 76, was declared elected the 13th president on 22 July 2012. The UPA nominee
defeated the former Lok sabha speaker, P.A.Sangama, by 3,97,776 value voter. While Mr. Mukherjee polled 3,095
votes(value 7,13,763) Mr.Sangama got 1483 votes (3.15.987). Mr.Mukherjee who will be sworn in by chief justice
of India S.H.Kapadia New Delhi on 23 July 2012. Secured 68.12% of the total 10,47,971 valued votes cast by
4.659 members of the state/Territorial Assemblies and parliament. Only the former president,
K.R.Narayanan,secured the maximum value votes of 9,56,290(94.97%) When he won in the 1997 election against
the former chief election commissioner, T.N.Seshan.
Uttar Pradesh Government renames Eight Districts in the State
Uttar Pradesh government on 23 July 2012 rechristened eight districts in the state, which had been given a new
name by erstwhile BSP government. The UP governments decision to restore the early name of the districts,
which were named after the dalit and OBC icons by the previous Mayawati led government, was taken in a cabinet
meeting presided over by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Nagar was rechristened as
Amethi, while Rambai Nagar was named Kanpur Dehat. The districts namely Bheem Nagar, Prabuddha Nagar
and Panchseel Nagar will now be known as Sambhal, Shamli and Hapur respectively. Similarly, Kanshiram
Nagar, Mahamaya Nagar and JP Nagar will be known as Kasganj, Hathras and Amroha respectively.
Supreme Court allowed Tamil Nadu to carry out Small Maintenance Works on the Mullaperiyar Dam
The Supreme Court of India on 23 July 2012 allowed Tamil Nadu government to carry out repair and maintenance
works on the Mullaperiyar dam. However, the court instructed that the repairing and maintenance work is to be
carried out in the presence of the Superintending Engineer of Kerala and an independent member nominated by
the Chairman of the Central Water Commission.
Changes in Union Cabinet
Congress on 31 July 2012 saw as natural the changes in the Union Cabinet that has witnessed P Chidambaram
moving to Finance and Sushilkumar Shinde to Home.
This is Prime Ministers prerogative after Pranab Mukherjees election as President. Naturally there was a vacancy
in the Finance Ministry. Chidambaram was today made the Finance Minister as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
effected a minor reshuffle in portfolios in the Union Cabinet, Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde is the new Home
Minister in place of Chidambaram, Corporate Affairs Minister M Veerappa Moily was given the additional charge of
Power Ministry.
STATES
Jandhyala In Now Chief I-T Commissioner
Suresh jandhyala took charge as chief income -tax commissioner Hyderabad. An IPS officer of 1979 batch, he
will also hold the additional charge of chief commissioner of I-T III , Hyderabad . Bibadh Dutta , an IRS officer of
1978 batch, assumed charge as director general (Investigation),Hyderabad. J.K.Hota , an IPS officer of 1970 batch
charge as chief commissioner I-T II, Hyderabad.
Madhya Pradesh Stood Firsts at Implementing Employment Guarantee Scheme
Madhya pradesh has been performing excellent in the implementation of centers flagship Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme, MNREGA. According to Union governments latest delivery monitoring unit (DMU) report, M.P
has performed better than several other states and stood first in implementing MNREGA scheme among other
states.
Goa Scheme To Empower Women
With an aim to curb female foelicide in Goa, chief minister, Mr . Manohar parrikar launched the Ladli LaxmI
scheme on 6 July 2012, under which women can avail Rs.1 lakh to meet wedding expenses. The Government
has set aside Rs.150crore for the scheme, which was first announced in the state Budget.
Highest crime against women in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh
West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh have earned the dubious distinction of leading a list of states where crime
against women in 2011 was highest.With 7.5 percent share of the countrys population, West Bengal accounted
for nearly 12.7 percent of total crime against women by reporting 29,133 cases.The National Crime Records
Bureau figures show that Andhra Pradesh, accounting for nearly 7 percent of the countrys population, recorded
12.4 percent of total crime against women with 28,246 cases.
Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project among most innovative projects in world
The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project to develop the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad, is named among
the most innovative projects in the world. According to KPMG, worlds top advisory firm, the project is an urban
regeneration and environmental improvement initiative.
Jagadish Shettar , Sworn As CM of karnataka
Jagadish shettar , a Lingayat leader backed by BJP leader B.S.Yedyurappa , was on 11 July 2012 sworn in as
CM of Karnataka , along with a full- fledged 33 member ministerial team that included 11 new faces and two
Deputy chief minister,state unit BJP President K.S.Eshwarappa and R.Ashoka, who were members of the
D.V.sadananda Gowda cabinet,were sworn in as deputy CM by governor H.R.Bharadwaj who administered the
oath of office to the new ministers at a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan.
50% Quota For Women In Orissa Local Bodies
Orissa chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on 13 July 2012 announced increase in the representation of women in
Urban Local Bodies (ULBS) from 33 percent to 50 percent, this claiming credit one of the first states in the
country to give 50 percent seats to female folk.
U.P , Bihar , Rajastan has a high Total Fertility rate(TER)
Even as the Total Fertility rate (TER) the average number of children born to a woman during her reproductive
years has gone down substantially in the country, the recent survey revealed that Uttar pradesh, Bihar , Rajasthan
and Jharkhand have high TFR on an average a woman gives birth to move than 3 children. The highest of 5.9
children has been reported in shrawasti district of U.P. The TFR is 3.6 for U.P and 3.7 for Bihar.
Delhi Government Decided To Increase the Number of Districts in Delhi from 9 to11
To Facilitate the speedy justice and efficient administration, the Delhi government decide in- principle to divide into
11 sessions and revenue districts. The existing number of districts in 9 that includes, Central, North, South ,
East, Northeast, South west, New Delhi, Northwest and west Delhi. Five new districts namely seelampur,
Gandhinagar, saraswati vihar, Najafgarh and kalkaji will come into existence.
CONFERENCES
7th ASEAN Education Minister Meeting(ASED) in Indonesia
7th ASEAN education Ministers meeting on July 4 with the 1st Asean plus three education Minister Meeting and
the 1st East Asia Summit Education Minister meeting from July4-5 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The 1st East Asia
Meeting was attended by delegates from Asean member countries Australia, china ,India ,Japan, republic of
South Korea , New zealand and the United states of America.Indias Representative is Educational Minister
puradareswari .
Tokyo Conference Pledges $16 billion to Afghanistan
International donors on 8 July 2012 pledged $16 billion in badly needed development aid for Afghanistan over the
next 4 years. The major donors conference, attended by about 70 countries and organizations, is aimed at
setting aid levels for the crucial period through and beyond 2014,when most NATO led foreign troops will leave and
the wartorn country will assume responsibility for most of its own security. Afghanistan president Humid Karzai
urged the international community not to abandon his country.
South Africa to host first World Hindi Conference
The first World Hindi Conference (WHC) will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from September 22-24. The
first World Hindi Conference in September will see experts hold a range of serious scholarly discussions. Jointly
organized by the Indian Government, the Hindi Shiksha Sangh of South Africa (HSS) and the Indian Cultural
Centre here, the event will be held from September 22 to 24. A large delegation from India comprising around 500
to 600 participants, in addition to about 300 from South Africa will join various other international delegates.
NASA Includes Two Indian Innovators On Waste Management
NASA, the US space agency has included two Indian innovates for its conference on waste management. Nitin
Gupta from Attero Recycling and Anshu Gonj from Goonj are among nine innovators from across the globe that
made it to the NASA conference on waste management, which started on 20 July 2012. Gupta from Attero
Recycling is Indias leading provider of end to end electronic and electrical goods e-waste management services,
while Goonj is a grass roots NGO focused on transforming and revaluing clothing and textiles waste by working on
these issues directly at the community level.
US hosts 19th International AIDS Conference
The worlds largest meeting on HIV/AIDS opened on 22nd July in Washington with calls to speed up the global
response to the three-decade-long epidemic that killed 1.5 million people last year.The 19th International AIDS
Conference drew around 25,000 people, including politicians, scientists and activists, as well as some of the
estimated 34 million people living with HIV who will tell their stories.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Nayudamma Award for TCS Rajanna
V.Rajanna , President of the IT and ITES Industry Association of AP(ITsAP) and global head of TCSs Telecom
Technology Business unit , Hyderabad , has been chosen for the Nayudamma Award for the year 2012 .The
Nellore based Nayudamma centre for development Alternatives (NCDA) Chosen MR.Rajanna in recognition of his
outstanding contribution in ITA communications.
Award for Golden Rock Railway workshop
The Golden Rock Railway workshop at Trichi over hauls diesel locomotives and coaches , manufactures steam
locomotives and wagons and also exports locomotives. During 2011-12, the workshop released 138 diesel
locomotives from periodical over hauling against the target of 79 set by the Railway Board. In recognition of this
achievement, the chief Mechanical engineer, southern Railway, Mr s.J.sood , awarded a shield to the workshop,
as Railway week celebrations.
Samsung Announces cash Award for Olympic medal
Samsung India announced cash award of rs.20 lakh to any of the countys sports persons winning a gold medal in
the forth coming Olympic games to be held in London.
Osmania University Awards Doctorate To APCC Secretary
Srungarapati Ananda Babu, APCC Secretary and Babu Jagjivan ram All Indias samta movement president , has
been awarded doctorate by Osmania University.
Manipal University Was The Golden Peacock Environment Management Award 2012
Manipal University won the Golden Peacock Environment management Award 2012 . The main theme of this
meet was driving sustainable business through economy. The Award was given by karan singh on the 14th
world congress meet an Environment Management . The ceremony was held in the Le Meridian Hotel, New Delhi.
Major Award for TMI Chairman
The Hyderabad Management Association has awarded T.Muralidaran, the fonder and chairman the TMI Group the
Entrepreneur of the year Award 2012. small scale for his exemplary contribution in the field of human resources
and skill management on 11 July 2012.
Dr. Kutikuppala Surya Rao Selected for Award of FRCP (London)
Dr. Kutikuppala Surya Rao has been selected for the award of Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians
(FRCP) (London). FRCP is given in recognition of particular professional merit. The President of India awarded
Padma Sri, the prestigious civilian award in India to Dr. Kutikuppala Surya Rao in 2008 for his contribution in the
field of medicine and medical service to the people at large.
Lanco Infratech Bags Award
Lanco Infratech Ltd (LITL) has won the In house communication excellence award 2012, where their journal was
adjudges the best in cover design category. Lanco won the award where in 685 entries from various public and
private sector organizations were assessed.
NMDC Director Gets Mining Engineer Award
Narendra kumar nanda, director of the countrys largest iron ore producer NMDC , was conferred with Abheraj
Baldota Memorial Award Mining Engineer of the year for 2012-11 by the Mining engineers Association of India.
The Award is given every year in recognition of meritorious contribution to the mining industry by a mining
engineer.
Golden Peacock Award
Lanco Kondapalli Power Ltd, a subsidiary of the power and infrastructure company Lanco Infra tech Ltd, has won
Golden Peacock Award for its environment, health and safety management . The Golden peacock awards is
instituted by the World Environment foundation. It also won the Green tech safety award: in the golden
category for the plants priority to work place health and safety philosophy.
Sundarsham Patnaik Won Gold medal in World Sand Sculpture Championship 2012
Indian Sand Artist Saundaram sham patnaik won Peoples Choice Medal Award in Moscow . It was the second
world sand sculpture championship. Artists from 11 countries took part in the championship. Sundarsham
Sculpted the copy of the face of The showman of the millennium Raj Kapoor. His interpretation of the Raj kapoor
was highly praised by the visitors. His Sculpture symbolizes Indo- Russian Friendship. Sundarsham Patnaik has
also won Berlin World championship 2008. His sand sculpture was based on the awareness about global
warming.
4India-American Scientists Receive US Presidential Award
US President barrack Obama has named four Indian American scientists among 96 researchers as recipients of
the prestigious presidential early career Awards for scientists and Engineers. The four researchers are sridevi
Vedula sarma, pawan sinha, Parag A Pathak, and Biju Parekkadan. This is the highest honour given by the Us
Government to science & Engineering professional in the early stages of their independent research career.
Fukuoka Prize for Vadana shiva
Well Known Environment activist vadana Shiva has been named the winner of the prestigious Fukuoka prize
awarded by the Fukuoka city government in Japan to people who contributes to academia , arts , and culture in
Asia. And Shiva was presented with official notification of the award at a ceremony held in Delhi on 23 July 2012.
ONGC was awarded Gold Trophy in Safety Management Award 2012
Greentech Foundation awarded Gold Trophy in Safety Management Award 2012 on 24 July 2012 to Oil and
Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). The conference was held in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The Application of
the Company was short listed by the award committee. ONGC was selected in Corporate Category for the gold
trophy of safety management award. A.K.Hazarika and Anoop Kumar are the Director and ED-Chief HSE of
ONGC.
Kulandei francis Got Magsaysay Award
Kulandei francis has been chosen for the Ramon Magsaysay Award for the year2012, for economic empowerment
of thousands of women and their families in rural India. Mr.Francis is a director of the krishnagiri based BGO
integrated village development Program(IVD). He was invited by Foundation to receive the award at Manila on
august 31.
Jeet Thayil, Long Listed for Booker Prize
Jeet Thayil, noted kerala- born post and novelist, has been long -listed for the 2012. Man Booker Prize for his
debut novel Narcopolis Mr.Thayil is among 12 writers long-listed for the 50,000 Prize. A Short list of six will be
announced in September, and the winner at Londons Guildhall on October 16. If Mr.Thayil goes on to win, he will
join a select band of India or India-born writer such as salman Rushdie, kiran desai and Aravind Adiga who have
won a Booker.
NMDC Director(finance ) bags Award
Mrs. Thiagarajan, National Mineral Development cooperations Director(finance),received the Icon of the
Accounting Profession award for the Institute of public enterprises of Hyderabad. The award is in recognition of
his contributes to NMDCs recent acquisition of Legancy Iron ore Mine & on-going setting up of a steel plant.
Innovation Awards For Gigachi, Yegna Manohanvam
Innovation award for MSMEs, Promoted by the foundation for MSME clusters in association with the
commissionerate of Industries, were bagged by sigachi & Yegna manojavaram Drugs & Chemicals Ltd, for 2011.
SPORTS & GAMES
Asia Cup Final ends In A Thrilling Tie
Indian colts lost wickets in a heap towards the end of the innings as the under -19. Asia cup final against
Pakistan ended in a thrilling tie, with both countries sharing honours at the Kinrara Academy oval, Kulalumpur on
1 July 2012.
Sandeep wins 1500m Gold
sandeep Karan singh won the 1500metres in the Asian all stars meet that concluded in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 1
July 2012.
Clinical West Indies Win T20 series
Chris Gayle smashed his second successive fifty and spinner sunil Narine claimed 4-12 as west Inides to a 61-
run victory over new zealand to win2-0 in the twenty series in Florida.
Woods Triumphs AT&T Golf Tournament
Tiger Woods won the storm hit AT & t National on 1 July 2012 for his 74th career title to pass Jack Nicklaus for
second place all -time on the PGA Tour list.
Spain Won UEFA Euro Cup FootBall Championship 2012
Spain beat Italy 4-0 in the final to win UEFA (Union of European football Associations) Euro cup Football
championship 2012 at the Olympic stadium in kiev, Ukraine , on 1July 2012. Spain has set up a record by
becoming the first team to claim two consecutive titles in tournaments 52-year long history Iker casillas was the
captain of Spain team.The four goals hit by David Silva, Jordi Alba, fermando Torres and Jvan Mata hed the Spain
team to a remarkable victory. Spain midfielder andres Inierta of Spain was declared as the mass of the match
given the golden boot as he scored three goals in the Spains title winning campaign.Torres also became to score
in two separate European championship finals.
Kolkata To Host Richest Domestic Golf
Kolkata will host the richest domestic event in the country with the inaugural Rs.1.25 Crore Russel Tour
championship Race to RCGC , in December.
Abhijeet wins US Event , GM title for Venkatesh
National Champion Abhijeet Gupta beat IM dean Ippolito of United states to won the Philadelphia International
chess Tournament, while MR Venkatesh became Indias 28th grand Master at the event,Philadelphia(USA).
Ayaz Wins Title
Asias highest ranked match racing skipper Ayaz shaik, who is also the reigning national champion and top seed
at the on going Monsoon Regatta, won the title in the omega class match racing championship at the , Hussain
sagar lake in Hyderabad.
Ex-England Batsman Mark Ramprakash Announced Retirement From Cricket
Previous England Batsman Mark Ramparakash on 5 July 2012 announced his retirement from cricket after being
told by survey that he was not figured in the selection plans. He was the most prolific and stylish batsman in the
England Cricket team.He scored 13000 runs in limited over cricket and 35689 runs in 461 first class matches.
He is one in 25 players in the history of the sport who have scored 100 first class centuries.
Sindhu Bags Asian Youth Title
PV sindhu created history by becoming the first Indian to win girls singles Badminton title in the Asian Youth
under-10 championship at Gimcheon, korea .In the final on 7 July 2012, sindhu rallied to beat okuhura nozomi of
Japan.
Wimbledon 2012
Wimbledon 2012 was a 14 day sporting even commenced on 25 June 2012 & concluded on 8 July 2012.
Womens single won by Serena
Srena Williams of US beat Agnieszka Radwanka of poland to claim Ladies Singles Title.it was her fifth
Wimbledon and 14th Grand Slam Singles Title.
Roger Federer Won Wimbledon Title 2012
Roger Federer regained the Wimbledon crown when he beat Andy Murray in four sets in the final on 1 July 2012.
The victory was his 17th major title. He had won 7 Wimbledon titles yet and equaled the pete sampras record.
The master also equaled the Americanss record of 286 weeks at the top, starting on 9 July 2012.
Womens doubles won by serena and venus williams
In Ladies doubles, Serena Williams and Venus Williams emerged victorious as they defeated Andrea Hlavackova
and Lucie Hradecka.
Mixed doubles won by Brayan and Lisa
The mixed doubles Title was grabbed by Mike Brayan and Lisa Raymond by defeating Leander Paes and Eleba
vesnina.
Mens Doubles won by Marry and Nielson
The Mens Doubles title was grabbed by Jonatham Marray and Frederick Nielson.
Webber pips Alonso In British Grand Prix
Mark webber claimed the ninth win of his career on 8 July 2012. when he swept to dramatic and perfectly -judged
victory in an incident filled British Grand Prix
Sarvanan Takes The Honours
National champion Vishu sravanan of CESC won the title in the optimist category with eight wins from ten races
as the Monsoon Regatta sailing championship which concluded at the Hussain sagar lake Hyderabad 8 July 2012
.
Title High For Choi At US Open
South Koreas Na Yeon Choi won the US Womens open on 8 July 2012, showing a champions resolve in the
face of adversity to claim her first major title. Choi 24, fired a one over 73 at Black Wolf run for a seven- under.
Total of 281 and a four shot victory over another south Korean, amy yang.
Indian Wrestlers Win 19 Medals
Indian Wrestlers Won 19 medals , Including five golds in the Asian cadet championships at Bishkek(Kygyzkan),
Besides five gold , the Indian also won four silver & 10 Bronze medals.
Mark Boucher Announces Retirement
South Africa wicket keeper Mark Boucher had retires from international cricket after suffering server eye injury
during his countrys tour match against somerset.Boucher had to undergo 3 hrs surgery. Boucher has been a
mainstay of the south Africa side for 15 years, appearing in 147 tests and becoming the first wicket keeper to
take 500 catches in Test Cricket, where he has also scored five hundred.
London Olympic Games would Be The Most Dope Tested In History : WADA
The London Olympics is all set to go down in history as the most dope tested games with more than 6,000
Agency(WADA) said.
Brett Lee Retired From International Cricket
Cricket Australia paid rich tribute to pace man Brett Lee, who announced his International retirement. The 35 year
old Lee retired after a 13-year international career that included 76 tests, 221 ODIs and 25 twenty twenty
internationals .He is the second Highest ODI wicket- taker (380) for Australia behind Glenn Mc Grat ch ( seventh
all-time ) and one of only four Australians to take more than 300 test wickets.
Two women athletes represent Saudi Arabia in London Olympics
The London Olympics will be the first ever to include women athletes from every competing nation after Saudi
Arabia agreed to send female athletes. According to The Guardian, Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani in
judo and 800-metre runner Sarah Attar will take part in the Olympics.
Jayaveena sets Yet Another National Record
A.V,Jayaveena set her second National record in as many days as she won the 50m break stroke event in 35.42
seconds in 39th Junior aquatics championships, Chennai on 12 July 2012
Sushil Kumar Named Indias Flag -Bearer
World Champion and Olympic Bronze medalist . wrestler Sushil kumar , was chosen as the flag bearer of the
Indian contingent at the opening ceremony of the Olympics in London on July 27.
David Ferrer wins Swedish Open
David Ferrer won his second Swedish Open title after defeating fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 6-2, 6-2. The No.
5-ranked Ferrer was never challenged during the clay-court match, which was his 11th career victory over
Almagro. It was his second Swedish Open tennis title.
Windies Clinch ODI series Against New zealand
West Indies to a 24 run win over N\ew Zealand in the fourth one-day international which clinched the five match
series.
China won the junior women hockey championship
China won the junior women hockey championship by defeating India, The tournaments final was held in Bangkok
on 7 July.
Second Straight Win Humpy
Koneru Humpy posted her second straight win in the FIDE womens Grand prix chess tournament at Jermuk
(Armenia) on 18 July 2012.
Amla Scores Triple
Hashim Amla became the first South Africa batsman to score 300 in a test match when he reached the landmark
against on the fourth day of the first test at The oval on 22 July 2012. Amla was on 311 not out. The triple century
scored by Amla in tests is a record in South Africa cricket.
Alson Wins Controversial german Grand Prix
Fernando Alonsa led from pole position to chequered flag to win the German Grand Prix Ferrari on 22 July 2012
while Gemans world champion Sebastian vettal was stripped of second place for an overtaking infringement.
Dramatic Win For Els After Late Scott Collapse
South African Erine Els won the British golf open by one stroke from Adanscott on 21 July 2012, after the
Australian suffered an extraordinary late collapse in an incident packed final day .
Bradley Wiggins won the 99th Edition of Tour de France Bicycle Race
Bradley Wiggins of Britain became the first cyclist of the country, to win the coveted Tour de France Cycling race
on 22 July 2012. Team Sky rider Wiggins is the first cyclist to have won both the Tour and an Olympic track
cycling gold. His Sky teammate and fellow Briton, Froom Christopher came second. Their teammate and fellow
country man Mark Cavendish was declared the days winner as he won the final stage of the race.
Dinda named Bengals Player of the year
The Cricket association of Bengal on 23 July 2012 honoured ex- India foot ball captain chuni Goswami with the
kartrick Bose lifetime achievement award, while Laxmi Ratna Shukla and Ashok Dinda were jointly given the best
players of the season 2011-12 honours.
Cibulkova Triumphs
Dominika cibulkova beat to seeded Marion Bartoli on 22 July 2012 to win the WTA Carksbad Crown. This is
second tennis title in her career.
London Olympics 2012
The London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony took place at 9pm on 27 July 2012. Titled Isles of
Wonder, the Ceremony welcomed the finest athletes from more than 200 nations for the start of the London 2012
Olympic Games, marking an historic third time the capital has hosted the worlds biggest and most important
sporting event.The Opening Ceremony reflected the key themes and priorities of the London 2012 Games, based
on sport, inspiration, youth and urban transformation. It was a Ceremony for everyone and celebrated
contributions the UK has made to the world through innovation and revolution, as well as the creativity and
exuberance of British people. The spectacular finale of the event saw the Olympic Cauldron, formed of 205 copper
petals representing the competing nations coming together in London for the Games, ignited by seven young
Torchbearers nominated by Britains past and present Olympic and sporting greats.
Siling Shots Down First Gold
Chinas world number one YI Siling won the first gold of the London Olympics in the womens 10 air rifle
competition at Londons Royal Artilley Barracks on 28 July 2012.
Hungarian Grand Prix Won by Hamilton
Mc.larens lewis Hamilton delivered a flawless performance from the pole position to the chequered flag to win the
Hungarian Grand Prix on 29 July 2012. Hamiltons win was his second of the year and the 19th of his career.
Chinshanlo Won Gold in Olympics
kazakhstans zulfiya chinshanlo set a world record in clean & jerk as she powered to Olympic gold in the
womens 53 kg on 29 July 2012 and claimed a cash bonus from her countrys president.
Gagan Narang Fetches First Medal For India
Shooter Gagan Narang provided the spark to Indias Olympic campaign by clinching the bronze medal in the
mens 10 m air rifle event on the fourth day of Olympics at he Royal Artilery London on 30 July 2012.Narang, 29,
participating in his third Games, had a total score of 701.1 (598 qualifying, 103.1 final) to finish third at the Royal
Artillery Barracks range, triggering celebrations among the Indian diaspora here and the countrymen back home.
It was third time when Gagan Narang was participating in Olympics.
ECONOMY
Tata AIG becomes Tata AIA life
Tata AIG life insurance has been rechistened as Tata AIA life Insurance company following the exit of amrican
International group(AIG) from the Hong-kong based AIA Group.
RBI Lunches Online Facilities For G-Secs Trading
The Reserve Bank of India has taken one more step to widen investor participation in secondary market,Trading in
government securities. The RBI has introduced a web based system for online trading by gilt account holders.
This facility is operational from June 29.
ICIC Bank Sells Its Debt In Kingfisher to Srei Arm
ICIC Bank sold its entire debt of Rs. 430crore in the crisis -ridden Kinfisher to Srei venture capital Ltd,a group
company of srei infrastructure Finance Ltd. Kingfisher airlines owned by liquor baron vijay Mallaya was launched
in 2005 and has not reported profits since.The airlines has a total debt of a round Rs.7500crore.Banks which had
given loans to kingfisher Airlines include SBI(Rs.1400 crore),PNB(around 700 crore), Bank of Baroda (around
Rs.500Crore) and ICICI bank(around Rs.450 crore).
Government To Setup Rs.2000 Crore venture Fund For R&d in Pharma
The central Government has decided to setup with a venture capital of Rs.2000 Crore which will promote research
and development(R&D) in the pharmaceutical sector. India is the third largest producer of pharma products by
volume, and the industry in growing at 15-20 percent annually.
India Emerged as the 3rd Most Preferred FDI Destination: UNCTAD report 2012
According to the world investment report 2012 released by united nations conference on trade &
development(UNCTAD) on 5 July 2012, India emerged as the third most preferred Foreign Direct
Investment(FDI)destination in the world. The first position was occupied by china followed by US. The report noted
that FDI inflows to had increased by 33%in 2011 to 31.66 billion.
china Cuts Interest Rates Again
chinas Central Bank cut interest rates for the second time in 2 months on 5 July 2012 in the latest attempt to
bolster slowing growth in the worlds second largest economy.
Rs.4,575 Plan To Revive Five PSUs
Plans to nurse bock five public sector units (PSUs) at a total investment of Rs.4575 crore are under active
consideration of the government which will also revive Lucknow based scooters India without inducting any
strategic partner. Old time blue chip PSUs-HMT, HMT bearings,HMT watches, news print maker NEPA and
Nagaland pulp and paper will be revived through the induction of funds by the government.
SEBI Permitted MCX Stock Exchange(MCX-SX) to Operate As A Full-Fledged Stock Exchange
Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 10 July 2012 permitted MCX stock exchange
(MCX-SX) to operate as a full -fledged stock exchange there by ending nearly four-year-long wait of the bourse.
with the grant of the permission MCX-SX will from here on be able to offer additional asset classes such as equity
and equity FAO, internet rate futures and whole sale debt segments.
ADB Gives $800m To Build 9,000 km Of Rural Roads
This is first tranche of $1.2 billion programme covering 5 stets. A Loan of $800 million from the Asia Development
Bank(ADB) will held build 9,00 km of rural road in five states. The investment is part of a larger $1.2 billion
programme to connect villages in Assam, chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa & West Bengal with all -weather
by the end of 2017.
Coal India To Invest Rs 7,500 cr On Rail Infrastructure In 3 states
Public sector miner coal India Ltd has lined up on Investment of Rs 7,500 crore to development railway tracks and
related infrastructure to evacuate coal from chattisgarh, Jarkhand and Odisha . This would help the company to
evacuate around 100 million tonnes(mt) of additional coal from each of states.
IMF Lowers Indias Growth Forecast
The International Monetary Fund on 16 July 2012 lowered Indias growth forecast for 2012 calendar year, citing
weakening domestic demand and difficult external environment, and said the country faced financial stability
concerns because of the depreciating rupee and large fiscal deficit. The fund expects Indias economy to expand
only 6.1% in 2012 against its April estimate of 6.8%. Moreover, it does not see any meaningful recovery in 2013,
pegging GDP growth at only 6.5%, down from 7.2% estimated earlier.
Planning Commission Sanctioned 57800 crore Rupees As Annual Plan For UP
Making an increase of whopping 23% annual financial allocation for UP, the planning commission of India
allocated 57800 crore rupees to the state for fiscal year 2012-13. Besides, it also approved a 20,crore rupees
additional funding for centre sponsored schemes in the state. The planning commission had sanctioned 47000
crore rupees to up during financial year 2011-12 . The decision over the financial allocation for the state came
following the meeting held between up chief minister Akhilesh yadav and planning commission chairman Montek
Singh Ahluwalia in New Delhi on 18 July 2012.
Government Clears Dis Investment of 10.82 pc stake In SAIL
The government on 19 July 2012 approved the sale of 10.82 percent of its stake in steel authority of India
(SAIL),Which may fetch the exchequer over Rs 4,000 crore. The cabinet committee on Economic affairs (CCEA),
headed by PM Manmohan singh has cleared SAIL public offer. The government currently holds 85.82% stake in
SAIL.
No need to file income tax returns if salary not exceeding Rs 5 lakh
Salaried employees earning up to Rs 5 lakh a year need nod file income tax returns from this year, the Finance
Ministry said on 20 July 2012.The exemption from filing I-T returns is applicable only if the total income of the
employee does not exceed Rs 5 lakh (and) the annual interest earned from savings bank account is less than
Rs 10,000 for assessment year 2012-13.At present, income of Rs 2-5 lakh attracts 10 percent tax, Rs 5-10 lakh
20 percent and above Rs 10 lakh, 30 percent.
13 trillion stashed in offshore tax havens
A new report by tax researchers estimates the amount of black money deposited by a global super-rich elite in
offshore accounts at 13 trillion equivalent of the combined GDP of the US and Japan. The report by Tax Justice
Network released to The Observer is said to be the most detailed estimates yet of the size of the offshore
economy. In the report, Mr James Henry, former chief economist at consultancy McKinsey and an expert on tax
havens, shows that at least 13 trillion perhaps up to 20 trillion has leaked out of scores of countries into
secretive jurisdictions such as Switzerland and the Cayman Islands with the help of private banks.
No Service Tax on remittances from abroad
Setting at rest concerns expressed in various quarters, the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), on
10th July,, clarified that remittances from abroad would not attract service tax.
In Japan, First Reactor Is Restarted Since Quake
A two-month shutdown of Japans nuclear power plants ended on Sunday when officials at a western plant
reactivated a reactor for the first time since the disaster last year in Fukushima.The restarting of reactor No. 3 at
the Ohi nuclear plant was ordered by Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, in a decision that has spurred growing
public protests.
Zebra Fish Research Facility Opened at CCMB
A state of the art research facility on Zebrafish, an important animal model to study modern biology and human
diseases, was inaugurated at the center for cellular and Molecular Biology(CCMB).The genome of Zebrafish was
similar to the genome of humans and this has prompted CCMB to deal exclusively with their ti investigate
development biology invertebrates.
UK To Test Worlds first Pilotless Fighter By 2013
Pilotless fighter planes have come a step closer to reality as British Aerospace revealed that it would test such a
new fighter jet next year.The company is set to unveil a new super-fighter which can fly on its own for 24 hours
with no cockpit and no human on board, according to a media reported.If all goes as planned the artificial
intelligence could mean the end of fighter pilots in the UK and bring down the curtain on conventional aircraft like
the F-35.
Iran tests fires Missile, says Israel Target
Iran on 3 July 2012 said it had successfully tested medium rang missiles capable of hitting Israel in response to
threats of military action against country.
Worlds Smallest fly Discovered
Scientists have discovered what they say is the worlds smallest known fly which feeds on tiny ants, probably
decapitating them and using their head casings as its home. with a length of Just 0.4mm. the fly called
Euryplatea nanaknihali, is five times smaller than a fruit fly and tinier than a grain salt, the researcher said.
Amniotic fluid An Alternative stem Cell Source
Stem cells taken from amniotic fluid can be transformed into a move versatile state similar to embryonic stem
cells and may offer an alternative to the medically valuable but controversial cells , scientists said on 3 July
2012.British researchers said . They had succeeded in reprogramming amniotic fluid cells without having to
introduce extra genes. This suggests the possibility that stem cells derived from amniotic fluid could be stored in
banks and used for medical therapies and i research.
God of all particles found !
British researches from the large Hadron collider at CERN(european organization for Nuclear research) said here
on 4 July 2012 they have found a new subatomic particle consistent with the elusive Higgs boson, which is
thought to give mass to elementary particles. These results mark a significant break through in our understanding
of the fundamental laws that govern the Universe, said prof.john Womersley , CEO of the science & Technology
facilities Council. The particle was proposed in 1964 by three groups of physicists, including Britains peter
Higgs, after whom it was named. The results were labelled as preliminary, based on data collected in 2011 and
2012 data still under analysis. But scientists are 99.99% sure the new particle is Higgs Boson, or the God
Particleas it better Known.
Home HIV Test Wins FDA Nod
After decades of controversy, the food and Drug administration, or FDA on 3July 2012 approved a new HIV test
that for the first time maker it possible to learn in the privacy of their homes easy to use as a home pregnancy kit.
The OraQuick Test,by Orasure Technologies, uses a mouth swab and gives results in 20-40 minutes.
Yahoo! India RAD Sets Up Lab at IIT Madras
Yahoo ! India RAD has entered into an agreement with IIT, Madras, to support its faculty and students in closed
computing research. Yahoo has setup a grid computing lab Madras on IIT Campus, consisting of a cluster of high-
end server running its open source Hadoop software, which will provide the infrastructure necessary to conduct
research on bid data and cloud computing systems. The lab, which costs over Rs.50 lakh to build. will be
accessible to students who have cloud computing courses and doctoral candidates.
Dark Matter Found Between Galaxies
For the first time. astronomers have discovered a giant string of invisible dark matter across the universe between
a pair of galaxy clusters. The Universe is thought to be filled with such strings of dark matter, a mysterious
substance that cannot be seen, only sensed through its gravitational pull.
DNS Changer Virus
Tens of Thousand of people around the world whose computers were infected with malware known as DNS
Changer away lose their internet access on 9 July 2012 after the expiry of a US government fix. The virus was
created by a gang of cyber criminals to redirect Internet traffic by hijacking the domain name systems of web
browsers. The ring behind the DNS changer virus, discovered in 2007, was shut down last year by the US Federal
Bureau of Investigations (FBI): Estonian police and other law enforcement agencies. Because the virus controlled
spo much internet traffic, authorities obtained a court order to allow the FBI to operate replacement servers which
allow traffic to flow normally , even from infected computers.
Hubble Discovers Fifth And Tiniest Pluto Moon
US astronomers using the Hubble space Telescope have discovered a fifth and tiniest moon yet orbiting the icy
dwarf planet Pluto. The mini-moon is estimated to be irregular in shape and between 10km and 25 km across. It
is visible as a speck of light in Hubble images, NASA said. The newly discovered moon, provisionally named
s/2012[134340]1 until it gets a proper name, could help reveal more on how the Pluto system came into existence
and evolved ever since. Plutos largest moon, charon,which is about 1000 Km across, was discovered in 1978.
Hubble observations in 2006 uncovered two additional small moons, Nix and Hydra.
India Successfully Test Fires nuclear Capable Agni-I Missile
India successfully test fired domestically Agni-I ballistic missile.The missile was launched from a test range at
wheeler island off Odisha coast. Agni-I was developed under the join of work of advanced systems Laboratory, the
missile development laboratory of the DRDO, DRDL and Research centre Imarat, while it was integrated by Bharat
Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad.
Russian Soyuz Space Craft blasted -off From The Baikonour Cosmodrome In Kazakhstan
A Russian Soyuz TMA -o5 M Space craft carrying three astronauts including sunita Williams, the Indian
American astronaut, took off for the International space station on 15 July 2012 from Baikonur cosmodrome in
Kazakhstan. The Soyuz launch marked that opened the door to US- Russian cooperation in space science.
Asian Space Powers gear For More Moon Missions
The three major Asian space powers China , Japan & india are entering the next phase of their lunar exploration.
Now, all three want to send an orbiter that will circle. The Moon as well as lander that will gently settle on its
surface and release, a rover that will roam about. Chinese space officials says that the Change-3 could leave for
the moon in 2012. Indias chandrayaan-2 mission could be on its way in 2014. Japan plans to send selene-2
landing mission to Mon by Tatasuaki okda. south korea plans an orbiter lander mission to Moon around 2023.
Iran on 3 July 2012, test-fired a medium range ballistic missile Shahab-3
The Shahab-3 has a range of up to 2000 kilometres. The Shahab-1 and Shahab-2, the two short-range missiles,
with ranges of 300 to 500 kilometres, were also launched. The missile launch was the part of Irans Great Prophet
7 exercise. Great Prophet 7 exercise was announced by Iran on 1 July 2012 in the wake of latest European Union
sanctions on Iran. The exercise, which involved test of dozens of missiles and domestically-built drones came
following European Unions decision to ban the purchase of Iranian crude oil. The EUs decision is the clear
repercussion of failed dialogue held between Iran and world powers on Irans ambitious nuclear programme.
Scientists identified First Radio Waves from Middleweight Black Hole HLX-1
A team of scientists at the University of Sydney on 10 July 2012 discovered the first radio emissions from the
middle weight black hole HLX-1, that lies in a galaxy about 300 million light-years away. The research team had
used Compact Array radio telescope from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
(CSIRO). HLX-1 (hyper-luminous X-ray source 1), lies in a galaxy called ESO 243-49 about 300 million light-years
away. As per the new study, the size of HLX-1 is around 20000 times the mass of our sun which makes it an
intermediate mass black hole.
U.S Approves Anti HIV Drug
The U. S Food and Drug administration(FDA) gave its first ever nod for an anti- HIV drug, Truvada , to
pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences, Truvada is known chemically as fixed dose, daily intake combination of
emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fume rate.
India Set TO launch Astrosat Next Year
Astrosat along Journey for a national space observatory. Next year, India is to launch Astrosat, the countrys
first satellite dedicated to astronomy, which will gaze out at the Universe in x-ray, U.V and visible light bands .
The data its instruments supply help scientists to have better under standing of the ways of the cosmos. TIFR,
Mumbai will be responsible for developing three of Astrosats five instruments .
India pitches for BrahMos induction in Russian naval fleet
India 17July 2012 asked Russia to induct the 290-km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in its Navy to
strengthen the joint venture between two countries. This was conveyed to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry
Rogozin here by head of the BrahMos joint venture A Sivathanu Pillai. BrahMos missile has been inducted in all
the three wings of the Indian armed forces but the Russian side has not yet done so.
Stephen Hawking Launches Supercomputer
Renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking has launched the most powerful shared-memory supercomputer
in Europe. Hawking anticipates that the COSMOS supercomputer, manufactured by SGI and the first system of
its kind, will open up new windows on the universe, a university. During the launch, which is part of the Numerical
Cosmology 2012 workshop at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences at the University of Cambridge, Cosmology
is now a precision science, so we need machines like COSMOS to reach out and touch the real universe, to
investigate whether our mathematical models are correct.
Worlds smallest semiconductor laser created
Scientists have developed the worlds smallest semiconductor laser, a breakthrough that they say will lead to the
development of faster, smaller and lower energy photon-based technologies for treating and studying diseases.
Physicists at The University of Texas in collaboration with colleagues in Taiwan and China, have developed the
worlds smallest semiconductor laser, a technology for emerging photonic technology with applications from
computing to medicine, according to a report published in the journal Science. The device is constructed of a
gallium nitride nano rod that is partially filled with indium gallium nitride. Both alloys are semiconductors used
commonly in LEDs. The nano laser is too small to be visible to the naked eye and when fired, it emits a green
light.
Army Conducts Successful User Trail of Brahmos
Balasor ( Odisha) On July 29,2012. India on 29 July 2012 successfully test fired Brahmos supersonic cruise
missile from the integrated test range at chandipur of odisha coast. The missile with a flight range of up to 29 km
is capable of carrying conventional war head if 300 kg. This is a surface to surface army version was test fixed as
a part of user trial by the Army. This was test fired from ground mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of ITR.
China Tests Career Rocket Engine
China on 29 July 2012. It has successfully tested a new 120 tones thrust liquid oxygen(LOX) and kerosene engine
for its new generation carrier rocket, the Lon March-5 for future space launches. The LOX/Kerosene engine under
went a test of a high rotational speed of nearly 20,000 revolutions per minute.
NASAs Newest Mars Rover Faces a Tricky Landing
The US space agencys most ambitious and expensive Mars mission yet, and it begins with the red planet arrival
on 29 July 2012 of the smartest interplanetary rover ever built. NASA designed for the Curiosity rover is so risky
its been described as seven minutes of terror the time it takes to go from 13,000 mph (20,920 kph) to a
complete stop. The future direction of Mars exploration is hanging on the outcome of this USD 2.5 billion science
project to determine whether the environment was once suitable for microbes to live. Previous missions have found
ice and signs that water once flowed. Curiosity will drill into rocks and soil in search of carbon and other
elements.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) Appointments
Jawahar Thakur assumed the Charge as the controller General of Accounts
Jawahar Thakur, a 1979 batch Indian civil accounts service officer took over as the new controller General of
Accounts (CGA) of India, the past earlier held by c.R.Sundaramurti, Prior to his appointment as the CGA,Thakur
was the principal chief controller of Accounts in the central board of Direct Taxes(CBDT) under the department of
Revenue in the Finance Ministry.
Chidambaram Appointed Head of EGOM
Home minister P.Chidambaram was on 6 July 2012 appointed the head of the Empowered Group of
Minister(EGOM)on spectrum auction that was reconstituted after Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar declined the
job fearing controversies.Chidambaram,will head the 7 member group that also includes Defense Minister
A.K.Antony, Telecom Minister Kapil sibal, IAB minister Anbika soni, Law minister Salman Khurshid, Minister of
state in PMs office V.Narayana swamy and Planning commission deputy chairman Montek singh Ahluwalia.
Jayarama Bhat Gets Second Term as Karnataka Bank Chief
The RBI has approved the reappointment of Mr. P. Jayarama Bhat as MD and CEO of Karnataka Bank for the
second term. Mr. Bhat first term in office will be completed by July 13.The RBI has conveyed its approval for the
reappointment of R. Bhat for further period three years with effect from July 14.
SEBI Appoints Muralidhar Rao as ED
Mr. S.V. Muralidhar Rao has been appointed as executive Director with SEBI .The appointment of Mr Rao as ED
comes after the vacancy created by the exit of Ms. Usha Narayanan.
Bhusan Now In Steel Ministry
Civil Aviation additional secretary and former DGCA E.K.Bharat Bhushan was shunted out of the civil aviation
Ministry on 13 July 2012 and posted as additional secretary and financial adviser in the ministry of steel.
Seema Modi Named Heinzs First Woman MD In India
US Food Company Heinz had appointed seema Modi as its India Managing director , helping has become the
third woman to become the India head of a global consumer products firm in the last 2 years.
Yahoo! Names Googles Mayer as New CEO
yahoo! named 37 year-old Marissa Mayer , a key Google ream member ,a s its chief executive making her among
the most prominent women in Technology and corporate America. At Google. Mayer was responsible for local and
geographical products including Google Maps, Google Earth, Zagat, Street view, and local search for desktop and
mobile. she joined Google in 1999 as its 20 th employee and led efforts for many of Googles most recognizable
products, including the development of its flagship search product and iconic home page for over 10 years.
Styam Retains Manoharan As Director
Stayam Services retained Mr. T. N Manoharan, the former President of Institute of charted Accountants of India ,
as a director of the company. Mr. T.N.Manoharan, the Government appointed director on the scam-hit firm.
ceased to be the director two days ago long with Mr.Ashok Kacker, conforming to the company Law Boards
2009 order.
Sachin Tendulkar, Rekha Included In Parliamentary Panels
Rajya Sabha MP Sachin Tendulkar was made a member of a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information
and Technology on 19 July 2012 The 31-member panel is currently examining the Cable Television
Networks(Regulation) Second Amendment Bill, 2011. Bollywood actor and another Rajya Sabha member Rekha
has been included in the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution.
The panel, with 31 members, is examining the Bureau of Indian Standards (Amendment) Bill, 2012, the Consumer
Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2011,the National Food Security Bill, 2011 and the Warehousing Corporation
(Amendment) Bill, 2011.
Amartya Sen Appointed As First Chancellor of Nalanda University
Nobel laureate Amartya Sen was on 19 July 2012 appointed as the first chancellor of the upcoming Nalanda
International University in Bihar.
Pawar Heads GoM on Coal Minning
Agriculture Minister sharad Pawar has been named as head of the Group of Ministers on coal mining, position
earlier held by pranab Mukherjee. The 12 member GoM on coal-mining was constituted by the prime minister in
February 2011 to iron out issues impeding the sector, Which is vita; for meeting energy requirement if the
economy.
Hesham Kandil Named Egypt Prime Minister By President Mohammed Morsi
Egypts newly-elected President Mohamed Mursi has appointed Hisham Kandil, irrigation minister, head of the
new government, assigned to turn the nations economy and internal security around after 17 months of instability
and protests.Kandil was born in 1962 which makes him Egypts youngest prime minister to date. He is also the
countrys first bearded premier.
Ali Mamluk appointed as New Security Chief of Syria
General Ali Mamluk, who was appointed on 22 July 2012 as the new head of Syrias National Security office, is a
career intelligence officer. General Ali Mamluk, who was head of state security, is becoming the head of the
Bureau of National Security, with the rank of minister, overseeing the entire security apparatus. Mamluk is a
Sunni Muslim from Damascus, who has been a central figure of Syrian security for decades although most of the
top echelons belong to the minority Alawite sect from which the Assads hail.
Pranab Mukherjee sworn as 13th President of India
Pranab Mukherjee was on 22 July 2012 sworn in as the countrys 13th President at an impressive ceremony in
the packed and historic Central Hall of Parliament. a familiar place for the 76-year-old Congress veteran who has
spent over four decades in politics, Mukherjee took the oath of office as President, in the name of God, to
preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and law.
Omita Paul is appointed as the secretary of the president
Appointment committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed Omita Paul as the secretary of the president. She was
replaced christy L Fernadez. Omita is a retrieved officer from Indian Information service(IIS) from 1973 batch.She
is the wife of K.K.Paul, the former Delhi police Commissioner.
Anil K. Agarawal is New ESIC Chief
Mr. Anil agarwal has taken over as the Director General of Employees state Insurance corporation (ESIC) under
Ministry of Labour and employment. Mr. Agarwal is an IAS officer of the 1981 batch. before this he was serving as
additional chief secretary , Animal Resources Development department, Government of west Bengal.
Nasir Ali as the new Joint Managing Director of Air India
Civil aviation Ministry on 11 July, appointed Nasir Ali as the new joint managing director. He was dealing with
human resource issue related to the merger of Air India and Indian Airlines. He is the second managerial
executive posted in airline by civil aviation ministry after Rohit Nandan who was appointed as the chairperson and
managing director of the airline in 2011.
First Female Head of the AU Union Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
African Union (AU) on 15 July 2012 elected South Africas home affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as its
new head, making her the first female head of the union.Dlamini-Zuma beat incumbent Jean Ping of Gabon 37-17.
Dlamini-Zuma, wife of the former South African President Jacob Zuma, African Union, the successor to
Organization of African Unity, came into existence in 2002 at Durban summit in South Africa. The Union is
headquartered at Addis Ababa Ethiopia. A pan-African organization, AU aims at promoting unity and cooperation
among African nations. The association also strives to spread democracy and good governance in the continent.
At present the African Union has a total of 54 members. Morocco is the only African country which is not the part
of the Union.
The new President of Mexico is Enrique Pena Nieto
The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) leader, was elected as the new President of Mexico on 2 July 2012.
The Institutional Revolutionary Party had ruled Mexico for nearly 71 years, before being voted out of power in 2000
presidential elections. Under the Mexican Constitution, the president is the head of both the state and the
government. He is also the Supreme Commander of the Mexican armed forces.
B. Surender Mohan was appointed as the new Chairman of Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC)
B. Surender Mohan was appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director of Neyveli Lignite Corporation
(NLC) on 1 July 2012.A R Ansari was the former Managing Director of Neyveli Lignite Corporation. Neyveli Lignite
Corporation is the government organization and the leading company in mining, thermal power plants and
innovative researches. Mohan is 56 years old. He served as the Mines Director in his earlier stage of life. He
started his career from Rourkela Steel Plant and he was the Deputy General Manager at Rashtriya Ispat Nigam in
the year 1998.
B) Resigns
Pawar Quits as Tele GOM
Within days of his appointments,Agriculture Mnister sharad pawar on 2 July 2012 rescued himself from heading
the Empowered group of Minister(EGOM) on telecom. The Agriculture minister was named the head of the EGOM
that was to decide on the pricing and auction of telecom spectrum after pranab mukharjee quit as Finance
Minister to contest Presidential elections. Attempts have been made in the past to unnecessarily drag me in the
controversy on 2G spectrum. These allegations are false and ill -motivated which one have firmly refuted,
MR.Powar said in his letter to PM, As such one thoughts it will be appropriate for me to rescue myself from the
position of chairman of EGOM Mr Powar added.
CEO Diamond Quits Barclays
Barclays chief executive diamond resigned on 3 June , followed a few hours later by the banks chief operating
officer, in a deepening scandal over the rigging of a key global interest rate. The latest resignations took to three
the number of senior Barclays executives have to quit in the last two days. Mr.diamond and COO Jerry del
Missier stepped down the day after Barclays chairman Marcu Ahius resigned on 2 June 2012 and amid an intense
London financial sector.
Sadananda Gowda resigns as Karnataka CM
Ending his 11-month tenure, DV Sadananda Gowda on Wednesday resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister, paving
the way for Jagadish Shettar to take over
Rehman Malik resigns from Pakistan Senate after SC order
In the wake of Pakistan Supreme Courts order suspending his membership of Senate, Pakistan Peoples Party
(PPP) leader and the countrys Interior Affairs in charge, Rehman Malik, on 10July 2012 tendered his resignation
from Senate.
C)Deaths
Assamese Poet Hiren Bhattacharyya Died
Popular Assamese poet and Winner of the Sahitya Academy Award and several honours for Hiren Bhattacharyya
who passed away at a private hospital on 4 July 2012.He had been undergoing treatment for long and urinary
infection since June 14. He was 80 . popularly known as Hiruda, Bhattacharyya was widely known for using single
words in his poems.
Floral Tributes Paid To Jagjivan Ram on Death Anniversary
Floral Tributes were, on 6 July 2012 Paid to freedom fighter and former deputy PM Babu Jagjivan Ram at his
memorial santa sthal in New Delhi on the occasion of his 26th death anniversary
Darasingh Passed Away
Wrestler -turned -actor Dara Singh , who was battling for life since the last five days , passed away early on 12
July 2012. A childhood hero to may for his wrestling prowess, 83-year old singh , who played Hanuman in epic
Teleserial Ramayan and also dabbled in politics, passed away at 7.30 Am on 12 July 2012 at his residence.
Tamil Languages Computing Championship Anto Peter Passed away
Tamil Language computing champion Anto peter passed away on 12 July 2012.He was 45 year old. He was
awarded with the Best Author Award in the year 2007 by the union government of India. He won Best book
government Awardin the year 2004. Anto peter was the member of Tamil software development fund,semmozeh
conference,12th five year plan committee which was represented by the government of Tamilnadu.
Czech Drug Developer Dead
Czech scientist Antonin Holy, who played an important role in creating drugs to treat HIV and AIDS , died at the
age of 75, the CZECH Academy of sciences said. Mr. Holy died on 16 July 2012 the day U.S Health regulators
for the first time approved using truvada, a drug that he helped develop, to prevent infection in people who face a
high risk of contracting the virus that causes AIDS. Mr. Holy also helped develop the drug vestide, used for the
treatment of retinitis in AIDS patients, and Heprera to treat hepatitis B.
Veteran socialist Mrinal Gore, the Paniwali Bai passes away
Veteran socialist leader Mrinal Gore, who earned the sobriquet Paniwali Bai for her efforts in bringing drinking
water supply to Goregaon, a Mumbai suburb. passed away on 17 July 2012. She died at 84 .Gore led a rally of
hundreds of women brandishing rolling pins from Church gate to Azad Maidan in South Mumbai. The first time she
held a similar protest on the issue was in 1972.
Rajesh Khanna Passed Away
Rajesh Khanna , Indias first superstar, died of liver failure at his home on 18 July 2012 . Rajesh Khanna , 69, was
battling liver and kidney problems for a long time . He is survived by wife Dimple kapadia and daughters twinkle
and Rinke. Announcing the death, his son-in-law,actor Akshay kumar expressed his condolences. His debut film
was Aakhri khat (1966).His first superhit film was Aaradhana opposite Sharmila Tagore. The actor appeared in
163 films, including 15 consecutive super hits between 1962 and 1972, an unbroken record.
Syrian Defence Minister Died
A suicide bomber struck the National Security building in the Syrian capital on Wednesday, killing the defence
minister and President Bashar Assads brother-in-law the harshest blow to the Syrian regime since the uprising
began.Defence minister Dawoud Rajha, 65, a former army general, was the most senior government official to be
killed in the Syrian civil war as rebels battle to oust Assad.
Indira Gandhis Advisor P.N.Dhar Dead
Prithvi Nath Dhar, an eminent economist who served as principal secretary to the late M Indira Gandhi in the
1970s,died in new Delhi on 19 July 2012. He was 94 and died of age related problems. A Professor of economics
in Delhi University for many years, Dhar was one of the founder of the Delhi school of Economics.
Freedom Fighter, Doctor, comunist Lakshmik sehgal Passed Away
Lakshmi sehgal, who is a close aid of Subhash Chandra bose was passed away on 23 July 2012. She was part of
subhash chandra boses Indian national Army. she took role as head of the womens regiment of INA, which was
called the Rani of Tansi regiment. She contested the Presidential election as a left parties candidate in 2002 and
defeated by A.P.J Abdul Kalam. She was the principle member of ALL India Democratic Womens
Association(AIDWA)
Sally Ride, First US Woman to travel into Space, passed away
Sally Ride, the first US woman to travel into space died in La Jolla, California on 23 July 2012. She was 61. She
was suffering from pancreatic cancer.Ride set off for space in the US space shuttle Challenger in June 1983. Sally
Ride was, however, not the first woman to travel into space, as Valentina Tereshkova of erstwhile USSR had
visited space in June 1963.
President Of Ghana , John Atta Mills Passed Away
President of Ghana, John Atta Mills, who won international praise for a stable model democracy in Africa, he was
passed away. He was a lawyers and taxation expert. John Dramani Mahama succeeded John Atta Mills, John
Dramani Mahama sworn in as president of Ghana.
Kuchipudi Guru Vempati Passed Away
Renowned kuchipudi expert vempati chinna satyam , a dance guru of the stars, died at his home in Chennai on 29
July 2012. He was 83 and had been ailing for more than six months due to age related aliments.
D) Visitors
S.M.Krishna Visit to Tajikistan
Giving a push to Indias connect central Asia policy external affairs minister S.M. Krishna visited the Tajik
capital to hold talks with the resource rich countrys top leadership on bilateral issues on trade.
Indian envoy in Tibet after 10 years
The Indian envoy to china, s.Jaishankar , is on a rare visit to Tibet where he is touring mount kailash and
Manasarovar.
Hillary Clintons surprise visit to Afghanistan before conference
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Kabul on 7 July 2012 on a previously unannounced visit. Clinton
made the surprise visit a day before a key conference on the insurgency hit country to be held in Tokyo.
Pak PM Visit To Saudi Arabia
Pakistan Prime minister Raja parvez Ashraf on 15 July 2012 for a two day official visit to Saudi Arabia his first
foreign trip since he assumed office in June.
Hillary Clintons 13 day Visit To Asia
Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state , visited Israel on 16 July as the last halt of her 13 -day long visit of eight
Asian countries including Afghanistan, Japan ,Mongolia , Vietnam , Laos , Combodia, Egypt and Israel.
Singaporean prime minister,Lee Hsien Loong visited India
Singaporean Prime Minister,Lee Hsien Loong visited India on a three day trip in July 2012. Where India and
Singapore signed three key bilateral agreements and a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) on 11 July 2012,
New Delhi.
E)Miscellaneous
Ice Land Prez Wins Record 5th Term
Ice Lands President Olafur Rognar Frinsson is set for a record Fifth term in office with 100 percent of votes
counted from 30 June poll , the socialist Grimmson won 52.78%. While his main rival Thora Arnors dottir came in
second with 33.16 percent.
Oldest Meteror Impact Crater Found
Scientist has discovered a giant crater in green land , which they believe might be the result of a massive asteroid
or comet impact 3 billion years ago, i.e the oldest known impact crater on earth.
Philippine crocodile Is Largest In captivity
Guinness world Records has declared , that a huge crocodile blamed for deadly attacks in the southern
Philippines is the largest in captivity in the world. the giant reptile has ought pride, fear, tourism revenues and
attention to the previously little -known town where it was captured last year. Guinness spokesman Anne-lise
Rouse says the salt water crocodile nicknamed Lolong measured 20.24 feet and weighed more than a ton.
Russia unveils worlds longest cable-stayed bridge
Russia on 2 July 2012 unveiled the worlds longest cable-stayed bridge as it put the finishing touches on a
troubled multi-billion investment aimed at revitalising the countrys distant Far East.Prime Minister Dmitry
Medvedev opened the 1,104-metre (3,622-foot) link from Vladivostok to Russky Island.
Europes Tallest Building To Open With Laser Slow
Europes Tallest Building the Shard, officially unveiled on 5 July evening with a spectacular laser display performed
to music by the Lon Philharmonic Orchestra.The Shard designed by Italian Architect Renzo Piano, is the tallest
building in Britain at 310 meters (1.016 feet). It consists of 72 fully occupy-able floors and 15 extra levels of which
six can be used and nine are just part of the design.
Kazakhstan unveils Central Asias largest mosque
The largest mosque in Central Asia has opened in Kazakhstan, just six months after the building was damaged in
a fire during which a construction worker died.President Nursultan Nazarbayev attended the opening of the
mosque in the capital, Astana, today timed to coincide with the 14th anniversary of the citys foundation. The
mosque spans an area of 17,500 square metres, and is topped by a 51-metre central dome and eight smaller
domes.
Hillary Clinton sets record with 102 countries, 843,839 miles
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has broken all travel records by visiting more countries than any other U.S.
Secretary of State did in the past. The former first lady completed an epic 13-day journey of 27,000 miles about
2,000 miles more than the circumference of the Earth through land over Europe to Asia and then doubling back
to the Middle East. Since becoming secretary of state in 2009, Clinton has logged 351 days on the road, traveled
to 102 countries and flown a whopping 843,839 miles, according to the State Department.
Derek OBrain Became the First Anglo- Indian To Vote in Presidential Election
Derek OBrain , the Rajya sabha MP from West Bengal became the first Anglo Indian to vote in Presidential
elections in India. Brian, a trinamool congress MP, cast his vote in Kolkatta on 19 July 2012.
Americas Oldest Store Shuts Down After 224 years
Americas oldest general store, opened one year before George Washington was sworn in as the first president of
the United States, has shut down after serving the community for 224 years. Grays Store in the small village of
Adamsville in Rhode Island opened in 1788, selling penny candy, cigars and a small selection of groceries, as
well as antiques and collectible knick-knacks.
PLACES IN NEWS
Strong 6.3Quake Strikes Off Vanuatu: USGS
A strong 6.3 magnitude quake struck off the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu on 6 July 2012, the US Geological
survey said.The tremor hit about 358km northwest of the capital port vila at a depth of about 180km,USGS said.
Flood in Southern Russia
Flash floods in Russias southern Krasnodar region have killed at least 78 people and affected nearly 13,000 in the
areas worst natural disaster in decades, officials said on 7 July 2012. Gelendzhik alone received five months
worth of rain in 24 hours, a major blow to the resort at the height of the tourist season, the regional administration
said.
5.8 earthquake In Afghanistan, Tremors Felt In Punjab, Kashmir
A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck northern India on Thursday evening. Tremors were felt in parts of Punjab and
Jammu and Kashmir reportedly. The epicentre of the quake was in Hindukush region.Press Trust of India (PTI)
reported that the powerful earthquake also jolted parts of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces of Pakistan
though there were no reports of casualties or damage to property.
BOOKS IN NEWS
A Book on sachin
Sachin : Born to Bat by veterian Journalist Khalid A-H Ansari and edited by clayton Murzello ia a unique ade to
contemporary crickets finest batsman. This book is about sachin how he entered in to the cricket e.t.c..
Rahul Dravid: The Timeless Steel
Legendary cricketer Rahul Dravid, together with Sanjay Manjrekar and Harsha Bhogle today launched a collection
of stories about Dravids amazing playing and Test career in Mumbai. Titled Timeless Steel, the 256-page book
portrays a cricketer who embodies the finest tradition and values of the game. Disney Publishing has a long
tradition of telling great stories and it is a pleasure to be launching this book on Rahul Dravid, together with ESPN
cricinfo. Timeless Steel, is a celebration of a truly gifted cricketer and an Indian legend of sport, said Roshini
Bakshi,
A Book on P.V.Narsimha Rao
Contrary to the claims of veteran journalist Kuldeep Nayar in his soon-to-be published book Beyond The Lines,
Kunal,who was the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Union Home Ministry on the Ayodhya issue, said, the
factual position is that Rao was neither worshiping nor sleeping at the time of demolition of the Babri Mosque on
the fateful day.
A Book On Saina Nehwals Inspirational Story
Saina Nehwals phenomenal success as an international badminton player is one of the most inspiring stories of
Indian sports. Author TS Sudhirs book, Saina Nehwal: An Inspirational Biography, is an account of her rise as a
champion with the selfless support of her. parents Dr Harvir Singh, an agricultural scientist, and Usha Rani and
the dedication of her coaches.
Book Written By Shashi Tharoor Released
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy released Pax Indica: India and the World of the 21st Century, the new book by
Shashi Tharoor. Tharoor, a former UN diplomat, was speaking after the release of his 13th book Pax Indica: India
and the World of the 21st Century which deals with Indias foreign policies and the countrys role in the multi-
aligned 21st century world.This book was released on 16 July 2012.
COMMITTEES
No Alternatives To dredging ram Sethu : Panchuripanel
The PM appointed R.K.Panchauri Expert committee on 2 July 2012 said the alternative route for sethu samudram
shipping channel, suggest by the supreme court to avoid damage to Ram sethu. Which still has mythological
significance to a large section of Indians, was both economically and ecologically unviable.
Cartoonists outraged By Throat Panels Suggestion to Remove cartoons from NCERT text Books
A six Member committee called throat committee has been appointed by kapil sibal to analyse the cartoons in
NCERT text books. The throat committees report has come critical for recommending the removal of many
Government related cartoons. Cartoonists have been left outraged at they recommended removal of their works
from NCERT text books. The S.K. Throat committees suggestions on the removal of the cartoons is nothing but a
reflection of the growing intolerance among the countrys political class, the cartoonists says . These works have
been deemed Educationally in appropriate for school students.
Kris Gopalakrishna To Head Govts Cloud Computing Panel
The Government has set up a committee to recommended the framework for cloud computing services under the
chairmanship of Infosys executive co-chairman, Mr Kris Gopalakrishna. The committee has been set up following
instructions from the IT and telecom Minister Kapil Sibal . Indian Computer emergency Response Teams
Director, Mr Gulshan Rai, also member of the committee.
PM Panel To Take The Bite Out Of GAAR
In a bid to bring great clarity on GAAR (General Anti- Avoiding Rules) and prepare its implementation, prime
minister. constituted an expert committee to prepare and finalize guidelines for the hitherto controversial tax
provision. The PM has approved the constitution of an expert committee on GAAR to undertake stake holder
guidelines for GAAR. This committee would manage the consultation process and finalize the draft GAAR
Guidelines.
Panel set up to look into pay- related issues defence personnel
Nearly a forth night after the new army chief , General Bikram singh, listed welfare of Ex. servicemen and war
widows as his to priority, the government on 13 July 2012 announced the setting up a 5-member committee, to
be headed by cabinet secretary Ajit seth, to look into pay and pension related issues of defense services
personnel and ex-servicemen.
ABBREVIATIONS
TFR Total Fertility Rate
GAAR General Anti Avoidance Rules
NABARD National Bank for Agricultural And Rural Development
FAO Food and Agricultural Organization
MNREGS Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
DMU Delivery Monitoring Unit
ISS International Space Station
PCPNDT Preconception Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques
ECBs External Commercial Borrowings
NCERT National council of Educational Research and Training
ICRISAT International Crop Research Institute for semi- arid Tropics
NAC National Advisory Council
TDSAT Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal
NBFC Non Banking finance Company
IFC International Finance Corporation
DICCI Dalit Indian Chamber Of Commerce and Industry
CCIL Clearing Corporation of India
FCCB Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds
CBFC Central Board of Excise and Customs
FICCI Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
ECOWAS Economic Community and West Africa States
IIP Index of Industrial Production
WADA World Anti Doping Agency
FBI FEderal Bureau of Investigation
EGoM Empowered Group ofMinister
FDI Foreign Direct Investment
UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
CCMB Cellular and Molecular Biology
UEFA Union of European Foot Ball Association
SSTCG Strategic Security Technology Coordination Group
DAYS & DATES
July 1 International Jokes Day
July 1 Doctors Day
July 1 State Bank of India Foundation Day
July 2 World Sports Journalists Day
July 3 International Day of Cooperatives
July 4 Independence Day of America
July 8- Writers Day
July 11 World Population Day
July 20 Special Olympics Day
July 25- Parents Day
July 26- Kargil Day
July 28 World Nature conservation Day
July 28- World hepatitis Day
July 29 International Tiger day
June 2012 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
India Joins 41 Nations In Condemning Syria Killings
India on 1 June joined 41 other countries at united nations human rights council (UNHRC) in Geneva to vote for a
resolution strongly condemning the recent El-houleh incident, which resulted in the death over a hundred civilians
including women and children.
Egypts Ex-President Hosni Mubarak Sentenced To Life In Prison
Hosni Mubarak was sentenced to life in prison on 2nd June for failing to stop the killing of protesters during the
uprising that forced him from power last year .And also given life term for the killings was Mubaraks former Interior
Minister Habibal-Adly, while six former police commanders were acquitted.
Malik Suspended From Senate Over Dual Nationality
The supreme court on 4 June suspended interior minister Rehman Malik from the senate (the upper house of
parliament) for failing to produce the necessary documents to establish that he had given up his British
nationality.
Google Buying Meebo To Help Social Networking Push
Google is buying silicon valley start-up Meebo to help expand its social networking service.The acquisition
announced on 4 June will bring more tools to google plus,an alternative to facebook.Google has spent more than
$16billion buying 140 companies since the end of 2009.The biggest deal in Googles history of 14 years is buying
$12.5 billion cellphone maker motorola.
1st Intercontinental Solar Flight Takes Off
A Swiss adventure soared above sun -splashed spanish valleys toward Maorocco on 5 June 2012 on the worlds
first Intercontinental flight in a solar powered plane .This aircraft has 12,000 solar cells in the wings turning four
electrical motors. piccard gradually piloted the place to an altitude of about 3,800 metres as he headed toward
spains southern coast some 50 kilometres per hour.
Nobel Slashes Cash Prize
The prize money given to Nobel laureates is to be cut by a fifth, the foundation behind the prestigious awards said
on 11 June.currently prize money is 10 million crowns and it would fall to 8 million Swedish crowns ($1.12 million).
The Nobel Foundation said the money for the awards, given for excellence in the fields of science, literature and
peace. The capital that forms the base for the awards was donated in the will of dynamite inventor Alfred Nobel
and is managed by the foundation, which was set up in 1900.
Gandhi Kallenbach Letters Go Under Sothe by Hammer
In one of the most significant auctions of Gandhi memorabilia,sothebys London in going to put honourable of
letters,papers,and photograph which shed light on the life of mahatma, under the hammer on July 10.The archieve
comprises five decades of correspondence.much of it previously unpublished,between gandhiand hermon
kallenbach, a german-Jewish body builder and architect who became Gandhis closest friend after they met in
Johomnesburg in 1904.one batch of letters between Gandhi and kallenbach had come up for sale in 1986 and the
Indian government paid $140,000(rs.1.2 crore) for it.The papers are now with the national Archieves, and were
published in Gandhis collected works in 1994.
Pak Taliban Not To Allow Anti-Polio Campaign In N. Waziristan
Over 16,000 children below the age of five will miss their polio vaccines in North Waziristan tribal region of
Pakistan due to a ban on vaccination campaigns by a powerful Taliban commander.Hafiz Gul Bahadur, the alleged
host of the Haqqani network in North Waziristan Agency,militants had decided to ban the vaccination drive as long
as US drone strikes continued in the region. This ban is because the vaccination campaign was a cover for
American spies. The ban will seriously impact polio eradication efforts in Pakistan, which is among three
countries where polio is still prevalent.
Suu Kyi Accepts Nobel Peace Prize 21 years late
Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi finally accepted her 1991 Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on 16 June
after spending a total of 15 years under house arrest and said full political freedom in her country was still a long
way off.
Prince Salman In The Saudi Arabian Prince
Saudi Arabian ruling family named defense minister prince Salman bin abdul Aziz in the new crown prince on 18
June 2012 .Prince Nayef who died last week in Geneva and was the crown prince only since November.The death
of prince Nyef lead to appointment of new prince salman as the new saudi Arabian prince.
Supreme Court Of Pakistan Debarred Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raja Gilani From Office
The Supreme Court of Pakistan on 19 June 2012, debarred Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raja Gilani from his
office. The courts ruling also disqualified Gilani as the member of the National Assembly, the lower house of the
Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament). Gilani was convicted for violating the article 63(1) of the constitution of Pakistan on
26 April 2012 by the Supreme Court. The courts verdict came following Gilanis refusal to probe cases of
corruption against Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari.
Pak Ranks 13th In Failed States Index
Pakistan, a country which is run by military obsessed with Indian and by a civilian elite that steals all it can and
pay almost no taxes. so it has been raked 13th in the latest ranking of failed states.The unique ranking compiled
by the prestigious foreign policy magazine is topped by Africa countries Somalia(114.9points) ,Congo(111.2),
Sudan(109.4),chad(107.6), Zimbabwe(106.3) .
Antonis Samara Sworn In As The Prime Minister Of Greece
The New Democracy Party leader Antonis Samara sworn in as the Prime Minister of Greece on 20 June 2012.
Samarass centre-right New Democracy party bagged 129 seats of 300 in the parliamentary elections held on 17
June 2012.
Oxford Honours Suu Kyi By Presenting Honorary Doctorate To Her
Paying fulsome tributes, the University of Oxford on Wednesday honoured Myanmars democracy icon Aung San
Suu Kyi by presenting her with an honorary doctorate in Civil Law in a traditional ceremony telecast live.
Oracle CEO Buys Hawaiis Sixth Largest Island
Billionaire Oracle CEO Larry Ellison bought 98 percent of Hawaiis sixth-largest island, Lanai, the states governor
announced on 20 June. Ellison, ranked in 2012 as Americas third-richest man, is purchasing the property from
fellow billionaire David Murdock.
PPP Loyalist Ashraf Elected Pakistan Prime Minister
Pakistan on 21June evening got its new prime minister in Pakistan peoples party(PPP) loyalist Raja Parez
Ashraf,who enters he office with a corruption case, already in the supreme court,that earned him the nickname
Raja Rental.
$163 Billion EU Growth Plan
The leaders of France, Germany, Italy & Spain agreed to push for a growth package worth up to $163 billion at a
key EU summit next week aimed to kick starting the economy and safe guarding the currency bloc.
Islamist Morsi Wins Egyptian Presidency
Islamist Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood was elected president of Egypt with 51.7 percent of last
weekends run-off vote, defeating former general Ahmed Shafik, the state election committee said on 24 June
2012.
UNEP Released Its Global Food Security Report Avoiding Future Faminer
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) released its food security report Avoiding future Faminer :
strengthening the Ecological basis of food security through sustainable development in Riode Janeirio ,Brazil on
20 Juen2012.The report noted that food security must be at the top of the priority list of countrys policy if the
world has to provide food to its 7billion population.
Muses Survival In The London 2012 Olympics Song
The British rock trio Muse has the official song for the 2012 London games.The song,survivalis a Humdering rock
anthem that was broad casted for the first time on 28 June 2012 on BBC radio.The song will be played during the
July 27- August 12 games as athletes enter the venue and before medal ceremonies.
Afghanistan And Norway Finalized The Draft Of The Strategic Partnership Agreement
Afghanistan and Norway on 27 June 2012 finalized the draft of the strategic partnership agreement between the
two countries.The two countries will the draft in September 2012. Norwegian Afghanistan.The strategic partnership
agreement provides the long term framework after the with drawl of forces .Afghanistan and Norway after the
withdrawal of forces.Afghanistan has already signed strategic partnership agreement with the US,Britain,India
Germany,France and Italy.
Russia, France To Jointly Build Armoured Vehicle
Russia and France will jointly build a new armoured infantry vehicle, Russian arms export monopoly Rosoboron
export said. The vehicle should appear in the near future, around 18 months. We have a draft design and a model
has been made, he said. France was also interested in co-production with Russia of an armoured personnel
carrier to be sold to third countries.
India-South Korea For Second Foreign policy And Security Dialogue In New Delhi
India and south korea decided t cooperate in the areas of civil nuclear energy and space, including the lauch of
Korean satellites by India.Both of them met in New delhi on 28 June 2012 during their second foreign policy and
security dialogue. The Indian delegation was led by sanjay singh,secretory(east)external affairs ministry, while the
korean side was led by hu Ho-Young, first vice minister of foreign affairs a trade.
US Supreme Court Held US Health Care Law Constitutional
The US supreme court on 28 June 2012 , upheld the US president BARACK obamas most ambitious social
legislations the Health care Law(The patient protection and Affordable care act). The Court verdict came in the
favor of legislation,made it mandatory for all American citizen to have health insurance or pay a penalty. The
health care legislation mainly aims at covering more than 30 millions who have not been insured. The 9-judge US
Apex court headed by chief justice John Robert held the ruling as constitutional in 5-4 ruling.
White House Encouraged By Eurozone Summit
The White House on 30 June 2012 welcomed the decisions taken by European leaders to boost flagging
economies,saying these are encouraging signs, even as it acknowledged that the challenges will not be resolved
overnight.
Syria Gets New Prime Minister
Syria President , Bashra-al-Assad, appointed Riyad Hijab as the prime Minister of Syria on June 6,2012 to form a
new government. He replaced Adel safar,who was appointed in April,2011.
Russia And China Sign 10 Agreements
Russias president Vladimir Putin and President if china Hu Jintao on June 5,2012 signed agreements to establish
nuclear reactor in china and for the development of aircrafts and helicopters.Russia will establish two nuclear
reactors in china and both the nations will cooperate with each other in the fields of energy, tourism and
electricity.
Global peace Index
The Global peace Index (GPI) for 158 countries released on June 12,2012. The study was conducted by Australia
and Usbased Institute for Economic and Peace (IEP).Most peaceful countries in the world are Ice Land,
Denmark and New Zealand.Rajasthan Electronics and Instruments Limited(REIL), Known for its electronic milk
testing instruments and solar lighting technology has been chosen for the best PSU Award 2012, in the Mini
category.
George Bush voted Most Unpopular former US President
George W.Bush has been voted the most unpopular living former president of the US. Bush was the
43
rd
President of the Us from 2001 to 2009.According to a CN poll, just 43 percent of people questioned said they
have a good opinion of Bush, while 54 percent said the opposite.
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali imprisoned for life time
Tunisian court sentenced former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to life imprisonment on June 13 ,2012 for
presiding over the bloody protest crackdown that ignited Arab spring. He faced countless charges including drug
trafficking and embezzlement. He had exiled to Saudi Arabia in January2011.
INDIA & WORLD
Ties With China Is Indias Top Priority
India on 6 June told china that is sees improving bilateral ties as a priority of its foreign policy and expresses
desire to expand strategic cooperation.
India Allowed Foreign Direct Investment From Pakistan
India on 8 June 2012 announced to allow foreign direct investment from Pakistan. The move is aimed at
strengthening the bilateral economic relations between the two countries. The decision will also facilitate the
economic integration in the South Asian region.
Indian-American Picked For 2nd Highest US Court
US president Barrack Obama on 11 June nominated Indian-born legal nominated luminary Srikanth Srinivasan to
the Federal Court of Appeals, the highest ever judicial appointment of an Indian-American in the US. There are 13
Court of Appeals across the US with 179 judges, and the Washington DC Appeals Court to which Srinivasan has
been nominated is considered particularly influential, with Obama himself calling it the nations second highest
court".
Dhoni Ranked 31st In The Forbes List Of Worlds 100 Richest Sports Persons
In the latest list of worlds 100 richest sports persons list released by Forbes magazine, Indian Cricket Captain
M.S.Dhoni achieve 31st position.He moved ahead in the list, while Tendulkar ranked 78th. Boxing champion Floyd
May weather topped the list with a total earnings of $85million while pugilist manny pacquiao and golf legend tiger
woods on the 2nd and 3rd .
BRICS Pledger $75billion to IMFs Bailout Fund
India and four other countries of the five nation BRICS bloc has given a big boost to IMFs 430 billion US dollars
bailout fund for the debt rocked 17 Nation Eurozone pledging to contribute 75billion us dollars with New Delhis
contribution being 10 billion US dollars.the pledge was made at an informal meeting of Brics leaders presided by
PM Manmoham singh ahead of the opening of the 7th G-20 summit.
Indian Population Booms In Australia: Census Data
Latest official census data in Australia has found a boom in Indian population especially with number of Punjabi
speaking people rising by over 200 percent.This is the 16th census taken in Australia over the past 100 years with
about 9.8 million households surveyed on August 9 last year.The data revealed Australias population rose to
21,507,719, up almost two million or more than 8 percent -in the past five years, and the median age of the
growing population rose from 37 in 2006 to 38 when the census was counted last year. The United Kingdom stood
as the leading country of birth for the overseas-born population at 20.8 percent and was followed by New
Zealand(9.1 percent), China (6.0 percent) and India (5.6 percent)people of Indian origin have seen the largest
growth increase at more than 14 percent since 2006, or up almost 150,000.
IKEA To Invest Rs.10k-cr In India
Amidst a slew of rating downgrade by the international agencies Swedish home furnishing major IKEA on June 22
approached the government with a proposal to invest 1.5billion euros(Rs.10,500 crores) to set up 25 stores in the
country under single brand retail FDI.
Coca-Cola Bets On India , Plans To Invest $3b More
In a Major Thumbs up to India , beverage major coca-cola said on 26June . That it will increase its investment in
the country and now put in $5billion by 2020.
NATIONAL
Indi Stood At No.3 In Reality Rate Hike
Even as first time buyers are exhaustion their saving to by a home, reality rates in India are going to roof .Property
prices increased by 12% ,propelling India to their position among 53 countries. The Global Index Survey by Knight
Frank, property consultants , shows that Brazil recorded the strongest annual growth (23.5%) in the past years
,followed by estonia with a growth rate of (13.9%).
India May Become 1st Fallen Angel In BRIC
S&P warns India may lose Investment grade Rating . Global rating agency standard &poors on 11 June cautioned
that India seriously risks losing its investment grade rating.
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd Decided To Merge With Suzuki Power train India Ltd
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd decided to get into a merger with Suzuki Power train India Ltd .This initiative will help them
prepare and meet the increasing demand for diesel vehicles.
Zakir Hussain Calls Off Israel Visit
Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain has called off a series of performances scheduled to be held in Israel later this
month, in the wake of an appeal made by 85 artistes, writers and activists. The Indian Campaign for the Academic
and Cultural Boycott of Israel (INCACBI) had appealed to Mr. Hussain as an artiste of conscience to cancel the
scheduled performance since it would lend a stamp of approval to Israeli policies of colonialism, apartheid and
occupation.
Aptech Creates Countrys First 3D Ad Film
Aptechs education brand Arena multimedia has created the first 3D commercial to became future ready, the
leader in animation training is targeting the forth coming 3D movie releases in multiplexes with its latest ad.
Censorship cases In India Up To 49% says Google
As part of its Transparency report Google on 18 June said that it had received 101 content removal requests from
Indian authorities to between July & December last year, asking it to delete 255 items from its websites of these
Just 5 requests were made by courts.
Calcutta High Court Scrapped The Singur Land Rehabilitation And Development Act, 2011
The Calcutta High Court on 22 June 2012, held the Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Act, 2011 as
unconstitutional and void. The legislation enabled the government to recover the disputed Singur land from Tata
Motors, who was leased 997 acre of land at Singur in Hooghly district by previous left front government in the
state.
Free Madicines For All Scheme To Be Rolled Out From October
Schemes outlay pegged at Rs.28.500 Cr. center to bear 75% of the cost.facility to be available at all govt
hospitals. Indias Ambitious polices to provide free medicines to all patients attending a government health facility
across the country will be rolled out from October.
Sunita Williams To Embark On Space Mission Again
Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams is all set to return to the International Space Station, where she spent
a record six months in 2006.
Delhi Most Competitive City In India EIU Report
Delhi has been named the most competitive city in India for its demonstrated ability to attract capital, business,
talent and tourists by a new Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) research report.Delhi has been named the most
competitive city in India for its demonstrated ability to attract capital, business, talent and tourists by a new
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) research report.The national Capital has edged out financial hub of Mumbai,
which ranked70th in the index, followed by Bangalore, Indias Silicon Valley, at 79th rank, Pune at 97, Chennai at
105 and Kolkata at 106.
Sam Mittal To Continue As NASSCOM President
Sam Mittal will remain as the president of National Association of Software and services
companies(NASSCOM).Until early 2014.Mittal took over as NASSCOM president in Jan 2008 and was set to step
down by the end if this year. NASSCOM is the 1200 member trae association that represented Indian $100 billion
IT industry.
Government Secures Kallenbach- Gandhi letters Just Days Before Auction
The Indian Government and the family of Herman Kallenbench have struck a deal for papers relating to the
Germans correspondence with Mahatma Gandhi some 13 days before the historical material was due to go under
the hammer in London .Archive comprises Thousands of letters written over 3 decades.Gandhi and German -
Jewish body builder A Architect Hermann kallenbach were friends since 1904.
US Federal Court Absolved Carbide Corporation In Bhopal Gas Tragedy Case
In What came as a major disappointment for the Bhopal gas tragedy victims, a US federal court on 27 June 2012
absolved Union Carbide corporation and its former chairman Warren Anderson of the Bhopal gas tragedy case.I
his ruling US district court Judge John F.Keenam concluded that UCC is neither directly nor as an agent of union
carbide India Limited (UCIL) liable for mishap.
India & Brazil Set Trade target of $ 15 Billion
India on June 14 ,2012 sought investments from Brazil mainly in infrastructure sector for which it needs US$1
trillion over the next five years. The two countries name set a bilateral trade target of US $ 115 billion by the year
2012.
India Signed Agreement with Bharain for exchange of Information with Respect to taxes
India signed an Agreement with the Government of the kingdom of Bharain for the exchange of Information with
respect to taxes(TIEA) . The agreement was signed by Namo Narain meena, Minister of state for
Finance(Expenditure and Financial Affairs)on behalf of Government of India and H.E. Kamal ahmad, Minister for
transportation and Acting CEO of The economic Development of Bhrain on behalf of Government of the Kingdom of
Bahrain.The agreement is based on international standards of transparency and exchange of Information. It
incorporates provision for effective exchange of information including banking information between tax authorities of
the two countries, It has been provided that the Exchange of Information shall be on request and without regard to
the domestic interest. The agreement will enhance mutual cooperation between the two countries by having
effective exchange of information in tax matters.
MoU signed between India & Canada on Infrastructure development, Operation & Maintanance of
Roads
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between India and Canada during the visit of Dr.C.P.
Joshi, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways to Canada on the invitation from dnis Label, Minister of
transport, Infrastructure & communication, Government of Canada from 10-13 June,2012.The MoU will facilitate
sharing and exchange of knowledge and technical expertise in the areas of infrastructure development, operation
and maintenance of roads, Intelligent Transport system etc.
US Exempt India form Iran Oil sanctions
The US has exempted India and six other nations from its tough Iran oil sanctions. Besides India, Malaysia,
South Korea, South Africa, SriLanka. Turkey and Taiwan too have been added to the exemption list, leaving china
and Singapore, the top two buyers of Iranian crude.India and South Korea, exempted, were the third and fourth-
largest buyers of Iranian oil in the first half of lat year, according to the US Department of energy.
India Worst Place for Women Among top 19 Countries
Indias Women are discriminated against, abused and even killed on a scale unparalleled in the top 19
economies of the world, according to a new poll by the Thomson Reuters Foundation.The Survey, Polling 370
gender specialists, found
Canada to be the best place to be an woman among G-20 nations, excluding the European Union economic
grouping. Saudi Arabia was the second worst, after India.The poll results-based on parameters such as quality of
health services, threat of Physical and sexual violence, level of political voice, and access to property and land
rights jars with the modern-day image of India.
Social security agreement between India and Finland signed
India and the republic of Finland signed an agreement on Social security. This agreement will enhance
cooperation on social security between the two countries. For short term contract up to 5 years, no social
security contribution would need to be paid under the finish law by the detached workers provided they continue
to make social security payment in India, The self employed Indians in Republic of Finland would also be entitled
to export of social security benefit on their relocation to India There are about 5.000 Indians in the republic of
Finland most of whom are working as professionals and self-employed.
STATES
Andhra Pradesh Population Census
The official census 2011 of Andhra Pradesh has been conducted by Directorate of Census Operations in Andhra
Pradesh.As per details from Census 2011, Andhra Pradesh has population of 8.46 Crore, an increase from figure
of 7.62 Crore in 2001 census. Total population of Andhra Pradesh as per 2011 census is 84,665,533 of which
male and female are 42,509,881 and 42,155,652 respectively. In 2001, total population was 76,210,007 in which
males were 38,527,413 while females were 37,682,594.The total population growth in this decade was 11.10
percent while in previous decade it was 13.86 percent. The population of Andhra Pradesh forms 7.00 percent of
India in 2011. In 2001, the figure was 7.41 percent.
State AP Registers Drop in Sex Ratio
The future demographic profile of the state looks bleak as the child sex ratio has fallen to 943 from 961 in 2001,
released on 7 June 2012.The figures for rural (942) and urban(946).
Dimple Yadav Declared Elected
Chief Minister Akilesh yadavs wife ,Dimple yadav on 9 June became the first women elected unopposed in a Lok
Sabha by election from uttar pradesh and second candidate in the entire state after Purshottam Das Tundons
election from Allahabad west in 1952.
Assam Government Released Vision Document For Women And Children
Assam government on 12 June 2012 released the vision document for the states women and children. The
government in the vision document announced to come out with various measures to address the issues like high
Maternal Mortality Rate and Infant Mortality Rate in the state.The document talks of reducing Infant mortality rate
from 58 to 38 per 1000 live births, reduction in maternal mortality rate (MMR) to 210 per 100000 live birth,
reduction of total fertility rate to2.1 per cent, improving child sex ratio, reduction in percentage of anemia in
children and women and reducing the percentage of underweight children (0-5 years) by 30 per cent.
Arunachal Gets Countrys Fourth Buddhist Centre
Arunachal Pradesh, where around 13 percent of the population follows Buddhism, has got its first full-fledged
Buddhist centre after Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The Central Institute of Himalayan Culture
Studies at Dahung in West Kameng district, where a majority of the people follow Tibetan Buddhism, is now a full-
fledged central institute, according to its founder Tsona Gontse Rinpoche.
Five Northeastern States and Himachal Pradesh Appraised As Most Environmentally Sustainable States
The Environmental Sustainable Index (ESI) 2011 released on 14 June 2012, appraised five northeastern states
(Tripura, Sikkim, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh) and Himachal Pradesh as the most environmentally
sustainable states in the country. The index was released by Centre for Development Finance (CDF), affiliated to
Institute for Financial Management and Research.Among larger states, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal
performed poorly on maximum of environmental indicators while Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and
Karnataka received high ratings. States with rich natural resources like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya
Pradesh and Bihar were rated moderate in the chart.
YSR Congress Party Won In By-Election
In the by-election in A.P for 18 Assembly seats and ! Lok sabha seat, YSR congress party won 15 assembly seat
and 1 Lok sabha seat.The ruling party congress won 2 seats .TRS won 1 seat .Drawing a blank , the Telugu
Desam suffered the dubious distinction of not having won a single seat in 41 successive by-elections since 2009.
Indias First River-lake link project launched In Bundelkhand
The Madhya Pradesh government claims to have launched the countrys first ever river-lake linking project in the
water-scarce Bundelkhand region. The Harpura irrigation and river-lake link project, launched in the Tikamgarh
district, will be implemented under the Centers Rs.7266 crore Bundelkhand package. It will link the perennial
Jamni river to the nearby lakes and water bodies built during the Chandel era. Under the project, an additional
1,980 hectares of land are expected to come under irrigation.
Rajasthan Un Employment Dole for Graduates
The Rajasthan government on 20 June announced an unemployment allowances scheme, with effect from July 1 ,
for educated youth registered with employment exchanges for more than a year.It provides for an allowance of
Rs.500 a month to the eligible candidate
CONFERNCES
Indian Science Congress Associatio Meeting At kolkata
Dr.Man Maoham singh on 2 June inaugurated the Indian science congress annual session.Man moham
addressed that this year is year of science.
India To Host Alternative International AIDS conference
World meet in U.S from 22 to 27 . When stake holders from across the world. coverage at Washington next
month to participate in the International AIDS conference (IAC) to shre their experience
evaluations. This type of event will be organized in Kolkata by Durban
Mahila Samanway samiti (DMSS) an umbrella organization of over 65,00 sex workers of west Bengal i
collaboration with the Global Network of sex work project (NSWP)
India To Host Alternative International AIDS conference
The Union Finance Minister,Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, on 11 June inaugurated the 28th Annual conference of chief
commissioners and Directors General of Income Tax in the Capital Delhi.
G20 Los Cabos Summit 2012
The 2012 Mexico Summit was the seventh meeting of G-20 heads.It was held in Los cabos,Baja California sur,
from June 18-19 2012.The moto is to Committing to fight economic slowdown and combat corruption, the G-20
leaders have expressed confidence that USD 450 billion firepower of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would
help in safeguarding financial stability and preventing global crisis.
Rio+20 Earth Summit
The Rio+20 Conference, world leaders, along with thousands of participants from governments.took place in Brazil
on 20-22 June 2012 to mark the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED), in Rio de Janeiro, and the 10th anniversary of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable
Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg.The Conference focused on two themes: (a) a green economy in the
context of sustainable development poverty eradication and (b) the institutional framework for sustainable
development.
Interntional Labour Conference
101 st session of International Labour Conference organized by International Labour Organization(ILO), concluded
on June 14 ,2012 in Geneva. A New International labour standard was adopted at the conference which requested
countries ti establish national social protection floors.The Recommendation called for providing people with
essential health care benefits as well as basic income security. The countries which cannot affords social
protection measures could seek International cooperation and support to complement their own efforts.
International Conference In Kabul
A One day International conference in Kabul took place on June 14,2012 to discuss ways to stabilize the situation
in Afghanistan and boost regional cooperation.Delegates from 30 countries gathered in Kabul including Iran,
Russia ,China ,Turkey as well as International Organizations such as NATO, the European Union, the shanghai
cooperation Organization and United Nations. The Conference focused on the security transfer after US-led troops
withdrawal in 2014,regional strategies to tackle natural disasters and strengthening of trade and economic
relations.
SCO Summit 2012
The Shanghai cooperation organization(SCO) summit was held in Beijing from June 6-7 ,2012. It was the
12
th
SCO summit.The Important decisions and discussion held in meeting are as follows :The SCO decided to
grant Afghanistan as observer status and accept Turkey as dialogue partner.Member states agreed to facilitate
trade and investment in order to tap economic potential within the bloc.Member states had agreed to enhance
cooperation in Finance, Transportation, Telecommunications, Energy & Agricultural sectors.
SPORTS & GAMES
Karnataka Holds Off TN ToTriumph
Karanataka secured a nail-biting draw against Tamilnadu to win the south zone senior mens hockey
championship at the KSHA stadium on 1st june.
Sri ram Balaji Arun prakash Triumph
N.Sriram Balaji and Arun Prakash Rajagopalan , the top seeds playing together for thr first time, clinched the
mens doubles title in the prem sugar sponsored IIF Mandya open $10000 futures four at the PET stadium on 1
June.
Saket Myneni Bags ITF Mens Future Tennis Title
Myneni, the 24-year-old from Hyderabad , won the title in the $10000 prem sugars ITF mens future tennis
tournament in Karnataka, Mandya on 1 June 2012 by defeating top seed vijayant mallik in the final.
New Zealand Beat Argentina 1-0 To Win Sultan Azaln Shah Cup Hockey
Tournament at Ioh, Malaysia on 3 June 2012 Andy Hayward scored the only goal for New Zealand in the summit
clash, Which prevented Argentina, the 2008 winner, to reclaim the trophy.
Awards
Fairplay trophy was given to Great Britain.
sardar singh of India was awarded with the trophy of the Best player of Tournament.
Kyle Pontifex of new Zealand was chosen the Best goal keeper for the tournament.
Kyle Pontifex of new Zealandwas awarded with the Man of the final Trophy.
Ashkey Jackson of great Britain emerged the top scorer of the Tournament.
Krishna Poonia Wins Silver Medal At Portland Event
Indian discus thrower Krishna poonia bagged the silver medal at the post pree elite womens event in the united
states Portland on June 4 2012. Poonia finished second with a throw of 62.34 metre, while the gold went to
Russian Darya Pischalnikova recording 66.38 metres in her fifth attempt.
Tiger woods Claimed Memorial Tournament, Won His 73rd PGA Tour Title
Former world no.1 golfer Tiger woods defeated Spencer Levin and Rory sabbatini to win his 73rd PGA tour tittle by
two shorts at the memorial tournament on 4 June 2012.The memorial tournament victory is woods second PGA
tour victory in the current season .
sanjita Chanu Claims Gold
K.Sanjita Chanu claimed the womens 48 kg gold medal in the common wealth weight lifting championships at
Apia, Somoa sanjita liftes a total of 154 kg to lift the title .
Bhupati -Sania Won French Open Tittle
Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupati of India won their second Grand slam tittle and First french open trophy together
after crushing K laudia Jons lahnacik and santiago Gonzakez 7-6(3),6-1 in the mixed doubles final .
Double Delight For India
Srinath ,Ivana wins Asian Junior Titles .Narayana Srikanth and Ivana Maria Furtado completed a grand double for
India in Tashkent on 7 June 2012 in the Asian Junior Chess Championship by winning the open boys and girls
titles respectively.
Sharapova Won The French Open Womens Single Title
Russias Maria Sharapova became the 10th woman in tennis history to win all four Grand Slam titles on 9 June
when she defeated Italys Sara Errani 6-3, 6-2 in the French Open final. Sharapova won the French Open
Womens single title on 9 June at Roland Garros stadium in Paris.
Vishu Vardham Emerges The Champion
Second seed P.Vishu Vardhan defeated seventh seeded sriram balaji in the final to take the title Zuari Garden city
ITF $10,000 tennis tournament ,Mysore on 9 June 2012.
Saina Nehwal clinched Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold Title
Ace Indian Badminton player Saina Nehwal clinched her 16th career title as she defeated Thailands Ratchanok
Inathon in the Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold title in Bangkok on 10 June 2012. The Thailand Open Grand Prix is
Sainas second title in the year 2012. Earlier, in April 2012 she had won the Swiss Open Title.
Ross Rides Handsome Falcon To Victory
Mr.N.Anantarams Handsome ridden by Ross won the Ambur plate, the feature event of the races held out
udhagamandalam on 10 June 2012.
Tejaswni Settles For Bronze
Tejaswini Muley clinchin towards gold slipped midway throufh the final and ended up with junior womens 50m rifle
3- position bronze as the 22nd meeting of shooting hopes championship concluded at plzen in the czench
Republic on 10 June 2012.
West Wood Claims Tittle
World no.3 Lee west wood completed his buid up to nexr US open with a convincing five shut win at the
scandinavian open in stockholm on 9 June .
Rudisha Runs Blistering 800 Race
Yohan Blake and fellow Jamacian olympic champion shelly Ann franser pryce won the 100 meter sprints, while
Kenyas David Rudisha scored a sensational victory in the 800 meters at 9 June 2012. Diamond league meet .He
ran alone from half way point to win with a time of one minute 41.74 seconds for the fastest time ever registered in
the united states and best time in the world in this season.
Rafael Nadal Won His Seventh French Open Singles Title
Spaniard Rafael Nadal on 11 June 2012 defeated Serbian Novak Djokovic to clinch his seventh French Open
Singles Title 2012.He is the first man to win a record of 7th french open title.Legend Bjorn Borgs 6 title feat
surpassed by Rafael Nadal. Nadal received La Coupedes Mousquetairer(Musketeers cup).
Indu Chaudhary and Sakshi Malik Won Gold Medals In Asian Junior Wrestling Championship 2012
Indu Chaudhary and Sakshi Malik won gold Medals in Asian Junior Wrestling Championship 2012 at Almaty,
Kazakhstan on 13 June 2012. Indu Chaudhay and Sakshi Malik are from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana respectively.
The former won the gold medal in 44 Kg and latter in 63 kg.
Double For Anusha
K.Anusha bagges a double winning both the girls under-14 and 16 singles respectively in the NCK Tennis
Academy Talent series Tournment on 15 June 2012.
Saina Wins Third Indonesian Open Title
Saina Nehwals romance with the Indonesian Open continued as the champion shuttler from India quelled a
spirited challenge from Chinese Li Xuerui to record a 13-21, 22-20,21-19 in the 64-minute final to clinch her third
title in four final appearances in Jakarta on 17 June
Mahendra Singh Dhoni Appointed As A Brand Ambassador Of Nepal Cricket Association
Mahendra Singh Dhoni was appointed as a brand ambassador of Nepal Cricket Association, Nepal on 17 June
2012.The announcement was made by Posta Bahadur Bogati, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal.
Tejaswini Mule Won Silver medal at International Junior Shooting Championship
Tejaswini Mule won Silver medal at International Junior Shooting Championship in Suhl, Germany on 17 June
2012. She won the silver medal in the 50 meter rifle prone womens event.
Harmeet Desai won Under- 21 Mens Final Brazil Open Table Tennis
Harmeet Desai won Under- 21 Mens Final Brazil Open Table Tennis on 17 June 2012. He had defeated Belgian
Cedric Nuytin by 4-2 and won gold medal. He became first Indian to achieve such an accomplishment.
Seema Antil Triumps
Dusus Thrower seema Antil won the Title in the last chance.trail meet at the mac wilkins academy at portland,
oregon,USA, on 16 June with athrow of 61.10 metres.
Series Win For Srilanka
Srilanka helped itself to a series win over pakistan in the final match ODI cricket series at the R.premadasa
stadium, colombo on 18 June.
Oudin Wins Maiden WTA Title
American Nelanie Oudin defeated serbian Jelana Jankonic in straight sets to win her first Tennis WTA tour
tittle,Bismingham on 18 June.
Simpson Wins U.S. Open
Webb Simpson of the united states came from four shots back to win the U.S.Open Golf on 17 June overtaking a
bunch a big names to win his first major title.
Thingalaya Rewrites His National Record
Sidhanth Tingalaya clocked a national record of 13.65 in finishing second in the Belgium national championships
in Brussels on 17 June but found himself 0.5 short of meeting the olympic qualification standard.
Indian Hockey Goalkeeper DSouza Suspended For 1 Year
Indian Hockey Goalkeeper Adrin DSouza was suspended on 18 June 2012 for his anti- doping rule violation during
World Series Hockey (WSH) tournament 2012.The sample was collected on 21 March 2012 after WSH match in
between Mumbai Marines and Sher-E-Punjab at Jalandhar. He was the captain of Mumbai Marines. In the test,
DSouza was tested positive for tetra hydrocannabinol (THC)
Humpy Emerges Joint Winner
Indias koneru Hamoy and Anna Muzychuk of sloveria shared the title in the FIDE womens grand Pix chess at
Kazan, Russia on 22june .
Jwala -Diju Duo Crashes out
Olympic -bound shuttlers G.Jwala & V. Diju on 22 June , crashed out of the singapore open super series their last
torunment before London olympics.
India Wins Kabaddi Gold
Indian women won the gold in kabaddi by defeating Thailand in the final of the Third Asian Beach Games being
held in Haiyang(china).
Miami Heat Crowed Champion
The King is celebrating his first coronation and the Miami Het is NBA champion again.Le BrongKing James
collected a triple- double by scorinf 26 points and Miami heat sominated the visiting oklahoma city .Thunder on 21
June to win the championchip series 4-1.
Double Title For Krishna Priya
M.Krishna Priya of Lal Bahaddur stadium bagged a double,winning both in singles and doubles titles in the girls
under-15 category of the Hyderabad district badminton championship at the Madhuranagar Indoor
stadium,Hyderabad on 23 June 2012.
Anaka, Kush Claim Titles
Anaka Alankamony of India clinched the girls under-19 title in Asian Junior squash Championship in Kish Island
on 23 June.
Ankita Down Prerna For Maiden Title
Ankita Raina played with Intensity and confidence to beat prerna Bhambri in the final of the ONGC $10,000 ITF
womens tennis tournment at the DLTA complex,New Delhi on 23 June.
Ferrer Is Champion
Top-seeded david ferrer beeat unseeded philipp petzschner on 23 June to win the unicef open grass tournment for
the second time .
Alonso Wins Thrilled
Ferraris Fernando Alonso won thrilling European grand pix valencia on 24 June to become the first repeat winner
of the season that had seen seven different winners from the seven previous races.
Saudi Women To Participate In 2012 Olympics
Saudi Arabia will enter women athletes in the Olympics for the first time in London this summer , the kingdoms
London embassy said.The ultra conservative Muslim nation in one of three countries which never included women
in their Olympic teams along with Qatar & Brunei.
Oscar Pistorius Attempts To Became The First Amputee runner to compete at Olympics
Oscar Pistorius, born without fibulos and had his lower kegs amputated. He is a south African Athlete who
attempts to became the first amputee runner to compete at the Olympic gaver.Pistorius, who has a personal best
of 45.07,won the 100 metres,200 metres ,300 metres and 400 metres gold first amputee to compete at the
athletics world championships where he ran in Daegu, south Korea last year.
ECONOMY
Bihar Topped In Gross State Domestic Product With 13.1 Percent Growth In 2012
Acoording to data released by Ministry of statistics of India on 1 June 2012, Bihar emerged as the state with
highest economic growth rate in the country.
No-Penality On Pre-Closure of Home Loan
The reserve bank of India (RBI) on 5 June said that banks would not be permitted to charge force closure of
charges/pre-payment penalities on home loans on floating interest rate basis,with immediate effect.
CII Spells Out 10-Point Agenda For Economic Revival
The confederation of Indian industry on 5 June announced a 10-poit agenda foe economic revival and out linked
key areas of concern.
points are
-Cut repo rate by 100 basis points
-Cut CRR by 100 bps
-Alow accelerated depreciation for investmebts in plant & machinery.
-25% weightted tax deduction on expenditure on companies going green.
-Increase FDI limits in civil aviatioin and defence: allow FDI in multi brand retail.
-provide interest subvention of 2% to export credit for six months .
- Clear 50 large projects in next 30 days .
-Announce clean plan for fiscal consolidation.
Allow direct access to inporters to stockly items for their forex requirement.
World Bank projected Indian Economy to grow by 6.9 Per Cent in the Financial Year 2012-13
The World Bank in its report named Global Economic Prospects released on 12 June 2012, projected Indian
economy to grow by 6.9% in the financial year 2012-13. The World Bank report predicted Indias growth
increasing to 6.9 per cent, 7.2 per cent and 7.4 per cent in fiscal years 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15,
respectively.
SBH Cuts Interest On Retail Loans By Upto 175 bps
SBH has reduced interest rates on retail loans by upto 175 bps with effect from 17 June 2012 for housing loans,
the interest rate was reduced by 25 points to 11-11.50 percent .which on car loans it would be 11.50 percent
against exisiting 12.25 percent.
SBI Cuts Lending Rates by 50-350 bps For Small Units, Farm Sector
Countrys largest public sector lender SBI has cut lending rates any 50 to 350 bps for SMEs (Small & medium
enterprises) and agricultural segments.
Multi Level TDS on Software To Go From July 1
The Finance Ministry has done away the Tax deduction at source obligation at each of the software distribution
chain a TDs level of 10 percent was applicable at each level of the software distribution chain.The TDs exemption
would be available only when the software is acquired in subsequent transfer, without any modification.This could
mean that the benefit of TDS exemption will not be available for un branded software (or) customized software.
India Ranks 55th On Foreign Money In Swiss Banks
Indians money in Swiss banks may have risen for the first time in five years, but they account for a meagre 0.14
per cent of total foreign wealth deposited there putting India at 55th place globally for such funds.The total
overseas funds in Switzerlands banking system stood at 1.53 trillion Swiss francs (about Rs. 90 trillion) at the
end of 2011, which included 2.18 billion Swiss francs (Rs. 12,700 crore) belonging to Indian individuals and
entities.While India accounted for only 0.14 per cent of total foreign money in Swiss banks, the U.K. accounted
for the largest share of little over 20 per cent, followed closely by the U.S. with about 18 per cent.
SBI TO Risk Up To $2 b via Overseas Bond Sale
The country;s largest lender state bank of indi will raise up to $2 billion through an overseason bond sale ion the
nect three months.
Credit Rating Agency Fitch Downgraded Indias Credit Outlook Rating
International credit rating agency Fitch revised the credit outlook of India to negative on 18 June 2012.The rating
agency, however, maintained the Indias sovereign rating at BBB-.Fitch also downgraded the credit outlook of
seven PSUs namely NTPC, SAIL, IOC, PFC, GAIL, REC and NHPC. The agency downgraded the credit outlook
after considering a broad range of factors, such as, macro economic policy, economy, public finances. Negative
credit rating means
that over the next 12-24 months there is a possibility that Indias rating could be downgraded.
14 More services Come Under Tax- Exempt Negative List
The Government on 20 June,Included 14 more services in the Negative list to exempt that from the payment of
service tax under the new dispensation that will come into effect on July 1.Among the new services that would
now be exempted from the negative list-bared system of tax on services are advocate providing services to entities
with a turnover of up to Rs.10 lakh,companies engaged in construction of metro projects, law firms & entities
provideing public conveniences.
Moodys Cut Rating Of 15 Top Global Banks
Rating agency Moodys downgrades 15 of the worlds biggest banks on 21 June lowering credit rating by one to
three notches ti reflect the risk they faced from volatile capital market activists. Margan staley, Bank of America
corp & citi group, Goldman sochs group, swizerlands central bank e.t.c are in this list.
RBI Hiked Foreign Investment Limit In Government Bonds By 5Million Dollars
In a moved aimed at arresting the unrelenting fall of Indian rupee,Indias central bank the Reserve Bank of India
on 25 June 2012 hiked the limit of foreign investment in government bonds by 5 million dollar to 20 billion
dollar.The bank also raised the limit of external commercial borrowing (ECB)to 10 billion dollar.
E-Voting Made Mandatory By SEBI For Top 500 Listed Companies Of BSE ANSE
The capital market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)on 26June 2012 made it mandatory for
top 500 listed companies to hold e-voting with an objective ti widen share holder participation in key decisions.
Indias Fiscal Deficit For April -May Period Stood At 1.41 Lakh Core Rupees.
As Per the latest data released ny the controller General of Accounts (CGA), indias fiscal deficit during the April-
May, the first of the fiscal year 2012-13 stood at 1.41 lakh croer rupees,27%of the budget estimates.
IRDA Fined 1.47 Crore Rupees On HDFC Life Insurance
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority(IRDA) on 28 June 2012 fined 1.47crore rupees on HDFC Life
insurance against disobedience of number of regulatory provisions.It was the highest five on any insurer.IRDA
tested HDFC Life Insurance from 26 July 2010 to 30 July 2010. Before HDFC Life, IRDA had dined on ICICI
prudential Life Insurance of Rs.1.18 crore for violations that include paying agents and brokers commissions
exceeding the permissible limits on May 2012.ICICI prudential penalty is the second highest impared penalty by
the regulator after HDFC Life.
Scientists Successfully Sequenced The Genome of Tomoto
Sciencetists at the tomoto genome consortium(TGM) successfully sequenced the genome of tomato.It took
7years for the scientists to creck the genome.It will increase the vegetables production world wide and decrease
its price .Indian scientists were also the part of research.
Pakistan Tests % 5th N-Capable Missle
Pakistan on 5 June tested its fifth nuclear -capable Cruise missile with a 700 km range that can deliver a one -ton
nuclear war head.
Pakistan Test Fired Hatf-vII(Babur)
Pakistan Test fired successfully the indigenously developed Hatf-vII(Babur) cruire missile on 15 June 2012.Earlier
on 29May 2012 pakistan had successfully carried out the test of indegenously developed slort range surface to
surface multi tube Missile Hatf IX(NASR)followed by the test of nuclear capable cruire missile Hatf-
VIII(Raad)whose test was conducted on 31 May 2012.
World IPv6 Launch Day Organized By Internet Society
World IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) Launch Day held globally on 6 June 2012. All the major Internet Service
Providers, networking equipment manufacturers and web companies around the world came together on the
occasion, to permanently enable IPv6 for their products and services. The day, organized by Internet Society,
represents a major milestone in the global deployment of IPv6.World IPv6 Day 2012 was an event sponsored and
organized by the Internet.
The Solar Transit Of Venus Presented A Spectacular Show In The Space
In a rare space event, Venus, the second closest planet from the sun, passed in front of the sun on 6 June
2012.The view at the time the Venus was crossing though the Sun was incredible, as a tiny black dot appeared
on the solar surface.Venus is 100th of the diameter of the sun so while moving across from one side to the other,
just a black spot placed over on the disc of the sun. The celestial phenomenon which repeats itself in more than
100 year, will now be rewitnessed only in 2117.
Largest Database Of Martian Impact Craters
A University of Colorado Boulder team recently finished counting, outlining and cataloguing 635,000 impact
craters on Mars the single largest database ever compiled of impacts on a planet in our solar system.
March 7 Solar Flare Is Strongest Eruption Yet
The powerful March 7 flare, which earned a classification of X5.4 based on the peak intensity of its X-rays, is the
strongest eruption so far observed by Fermis Large Area Telescope (LAT).
China launched Its Fourth Human Spaceflight Shenzhou-9 Into Space
China on 16 June 2012 launched its fourth human spaceflight Shenzhou-9 from the Jiuquan satellite launch centre
in north-western Gansu state. The 30.3 feet long and 9.1 feet diameter, Shenzhou -9 spacecraft will conduct the
first manned docking mission and set the foundation for Chinese plans to build a space station by 2020.
China Sent Its First Woman Astronaut Liu Yang Into Space
Shenzhou-9 space mission also holds significance as its crew members comprise three astronauts including
Chinas first woman astronaut Liu Yang.Liu Yang, a cargo pilot in the Peoples Liberation Army air force, is the
first Chinese female astronaut, who has been sent on the space mission.
Aerial Microwave Radar Gauge Installed At Channel Mouth At Machilipatnnam
To predict cyclones and Tsunamis Aerial Microwave Radar Gauge was installed at channel mouth at
Machilipatanm.Though a collabarative project jointly implemented by DMS-SVH college os engineering, is
association with Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) abd National Institute of Ocean
Graphy(NIO),Goa,Downward looking Aerial Microwave Radar Gauge was installed to measure accurate sea
level.The sea level gets influenced by atmospheric pressure,wind etc. Following the depression there us a rise in
the sea level.Under the Indo-Franch collaborative project of the ISRO, the NIO ,Goa has established a network of
sea leve;; gauge across the Indian coast and islands.
Scientists Create Bone From Fat Cell
For the first time , scientists have developed new bone from fresh an purified fat stem cell. The new procedure
carried out on an animal model, is also hoped to be applied to produce other tissuess, including heart,skin and
castilage, a break through which they may say one day eliminate the need for painful bone grabts that use
material taken from the patient.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
The red list of threatened species, prepares by the International union for conservation of nature (IUNC) has listed
132 species of plants and animals as critically Endangered, he most threatened category, from India.
Indian Scientist gets U.S Patent For Cancer Treatment
A Scientist hailing from Hyderabad and his colleagues have invented a system in which nano particles carrier the
payload of anti cancer drug releases it only in the cancerous cells around.The cutting edge research done in the
united states has been patented recently.The nano technologist Rao papineni their to correspondent on phone
from U.S.
German Research House For Research And Innovation To Be Launched in New Delhi
The German research foundation (DFG) newdelhi will, on October 26 and 27, launch the German research house
for research and innovation(DWIH) that will serve as a one stop for the Indian science community to know about
research and science organizations in Germany and funding opportunities available to carry out research
there.with their, India will become the 5th country to have the science house,U.S, Russia, Japan and BRazil
already have such facilities.THe first German house was started in2009 in the U.S.
Japan to Restart Of 2 N Reactors
Japan on June 16,2012 approved the resumption of nuclear power operations at two reactors despite mass public
opposition, he first to come back on line after they were all shut down following the fukushima crisis .Prime
minister Yoshihiko Noda announced the governments decision at a meeting with keep ministers, giving the go-
ahead to two reactors operated by kansai Electrical Power co in western Japan.
Scientists Grow New Vein from Girls Stem Cell
For the first rime, Scientist led by an Indian origin researcher have successfully replaced a major blood vessel in
a 10 year old girl with a vein grown in a lab using her own stem cells. The pioneering transplant, published in The
lancet, marks a further advance in growing body parts in laboratory and offers hopes for patients who lack suitable
veins for dialysis or bypass surgery.In the landmark research, a team from the University of Gothenburg in
Sweden took a vein from a dead man, stripped of its own cells and then bathed in stem cells from girl, who was
suffering from portal vein obstruction.There was a striking improvement in her transplantation. This is the future
for tissue engineering where we can make tailor-made organs in the lab.
India Installed Nuclear Submarine
India has successfully installed nuclear reactor in the indigenous nuclear submarine INS Arihant on 17 June
2012 followed by trails. With the launched of INS arihant, India has already joined the league of those six nations
who operate nuclear submarines US, Russia ,china ,France and Britain. India has , for the firsts time, built a
miniature nuclear reactor.
AWARDS & HONOURS
19 NRIs honourned With Light Of India Awards
Columbia University professor and economist Jagdish Bhagwati and noted author anitav ghosh are among 19
persons winning the Light of India awards recognizing excellence and exemplary achievement of Indians living
abroad.
PetroFed Awards for 2011
The annual PetroFed Oil & Gas Industry Awards for 2011 for excellence in performance in various categories were
presented by the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, S Jaipal Reddy here on 8June 2012. The awards for
performance during fiscal 2010-11 were in 11 categories. The leading PetroFed award winners were Indian Oil
and ONGC. Indian Oil bagged the Leading Oil & Gas Corporate of the Year award,the Oil & Gas Marketing
Company of the Year award and the one forProject Management . ONGC won the awards for Human
Resources Management, Environmental Sustainability and the Innovator of the Year award by their team.
IIFA Awards 2012
13th IIFA Awards 2012 schedule from 7th Jun to 9th Jun, 2012 as held in the beautiful city of Singapore . The list
of winners has just been announced and as expected, Ranbir Kapoor and Vidya Balan have once again won the
Best Actor and Best Actress award respectively. The Best movie and director too have been predictable this year,
as Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, which swept the IIFA 2012 technical awards, has won in both categories.
Winners of IIFA Awards 2012
Best Actor Ranbir Kapoor (Rockstar)
Best Actress Vidya Balan (The Dirty Picture)
Best Movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Best Director Zoya Akhtar (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara)
Best Story Zoya Akhtar and Reema Katgi (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara)
Best Music A R Rahman ( Rockstar)
Sachin Tendulkar Honoured By Wisden India
Sachin Tendulkar won Wisden India maiden Outstanding Achievement award for completing a century of 100
international hundreds, in Dubai on 11 June 2012. he is the first recipent of the Wisden India Outstanding
Achievement award.The legendary batsman was presented a trophy at an event organised by FidelisWorld. The
trophy was made from crystal, it resembles a cricket ball resting on the open pages of a book.
Israeli Micro-Irrigation Innovation Wins World Food Prize
This years winner of world Food Prize(WFP)in israeli scientist Daniel Hillel has pioneered a method of bringing
water to crops in arid and dry-land regions.Dr.Hillel was gven the prestigeous award, established in 1987 by NObel
Peace Prize winner Noruran Borlaug.
Ogilvy Mumbai Wins Effie Award
Ogilvy Mumbai has been declares the most effective Agency office Globally, in the 2012 Effie effectiveness Index
at the Cannes advertising festival currently being held in France.At the same time Vodafone & Ogilvy has also
won bronze in the Direct Lions category for I FOLD Vodafone India saving paper. The Index was launched in June
last year and is led by Effie world wide.This gives Ranks the marketing communication Industrys most effective
agencies. advertisers, and brands by analysis finalist and winner data from Effie world wide competitions.
R.K.Pachauri Gets Mexican Honour
The Director General of the energy and Resources Institute(TERI) Dr.R.K.Pachauri, has been conferred the
Mexican order of the Aztec Eagle by the Mexican president, during the G-20 summit in Los Cabos.He was
honoured along with MS.Margaret chan, Director General of the world health organization.
Yarlagadda Presented Award For Promoting Hindi
Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Hindi Academy Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad was honoures with Ganga sharan
Singh Award by President Pratibha singh patil in New Delhi on 20 June 2012.The President also gave away the
award,instituted by centers kendriya Hindi Santhan,at a gli-hering ceremony at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan to Girish
karnad,Shyam Benagal and Madhur Bahndarkar,among others their contribution to the promotion of the national
language
ITC Bags Award For BIZ Development
Diversified Business firm ITC ltd on 21 June said it has received the 2012 World Business & Development Award
at the on going Rio+20 united nations summit in Brazil.The award has been given for the transformational rural
initiatives in social & farm forestry programmes in India , undertaken by the company.
Kolkata Solar Physicist Wins Prestigious US Prize
Dibyendu Nandi of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata has been awarded the
prestigious Karen Harvey Prize for 2012 by the American Astronomical Society (AAS).The first scientist from the
Asia Pacific to get the prize, Nandy was awarded for his advances in the use of kinematic dynamo models to
elucidate the typical and atypical solar cycle, and for his outstanding leadership within the solar physics and
space climate communities.
G20 Challenge Award for Medicare Initiative
The Apollo Hospitals Group initiative to provide quality tertiary health care in semi urban and rural areas has won
the G20 challenge on Inclusive Business Innovation
Ratan Tata Gets LifeTime Achievement Award b the Prestigious Rockefeller Foundation
Tata sons chairman,Ratan Tata, has been awarded a lifetime Achievement Award by the Rockfeller Foundationa
in New York for his innovation in philonthropy.The foundation, celebrating 100 years of global innovation, honoured
individuals and institutiona with in second annual innovation wasrds on 26 June 2012 .Last years receipient of the
Roche feller foundations Life time Achievement Award was former US president Bill Clinton.
Tata Power Jojobera Unit Wins Award
Tata powers Jojobera thermal power station at Jamshedpur in Jharkhand won the golden peacock environment
Management award for 2012 . The award will be presented in New Delhi during the 14th world congress on
environment Management on 7-8 July.
City Firm Bags Global Packaging Awards
Ecoblis, a Hyderabad based firm engaged in making innovative packaging products, bagged three awards at the
international packaging excellence awards competition held in Croatia. The jury consisted of 33 country
representatives and a representative from the international packaging press organization
Entrepreneur Of The Year Award 2012
K.Ravi, Managing director,NCL industries , has won the Hyderabad Management AssociationsEntrepreneur of the
year award 2012. Civil supplier minister D.sridhar babu presented the award to him at a function organized by the
HMA here.A Hyderabad based company,NCL induction in engaged in the manufacture of cement, ready concrete,
cement particle board etc.
Life Time Achievement Award
Eminent Write Ruskin Bond, renowned Sarod exponent Ustad Amjad Ali khan and noted classical singer Girija
Devi were conferred Life Time Achievement Awards for the year 2011 -2012 by Delhi government at a function in
New Delhi on June 22,2012.
Eklavya Award
The Government of Gujarat of June 5,2012 presented Eklavya Award of the year 2010-11 to Indian Cricketer Yusuf
Pathan in Vododara. Munaf patel also received the award. Eklavya Award is highest award resented by Gujarat
Government in the area id sports. Both recipients received cheque of Rs.1 lakh and a trophy.
Benjamin Franklin Award
US based India chief Vikas Khannas cookbook is among the winners of Americas prestigious Benjamin
Franklin Awards on June 7,2012 , Pakistani civil servant Irfan Hussain also received the award for his book Fatal
Faultlines in Politics and current affairs category while vikas khannas book was Flavours First: An Indian Chefs
Culinary Journey.
International Peace Award
Two India human rights activists Binayak sen and Bulu Imam will be honoured with the International peace Award
given by Gandhi Foundation at the House of Lords. The award was instituted in 1998 by Suruv Hoda and Diana
Schumacher with support of the foundations President Lord Attenborough.
Common Wealth Literary Prize
Writers from Srilanka and New Aealand on June 8,2012 won the common wealth Foundations literary Prizes for
2012.shehan karunatilaka from srilanka picked up the common wealth short story prize was won by Newzealnda
Emma Martin for Two Girls in a Boat.
USIBC Leader ship Award
The chairman and Managing Director of Mahindra & Mahindra , Anand Mahindra received the UDIBC leadership
award along with Fors Motor President and CEO, Alan Mulally on June 12, 2012 at the 37
th
Annual gala of the
US India Business council. USIBs is the largest bilateral trade organization based in Washington and Premier
business advocacy organization advancing the US- India commercial and trade ties.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) Appointments
Arup Raha Takes Over As IAFs Western Command Chief
Air Marchal Arup Raha, an ace combat pilot, on 1st june took over as the chief of Delhi based western Air
command.
Dinesh Kumar Mehrotra Appointed as LIC chairman
Dinesh kumar mehrotra has taken over as the chairman of the countrys logest insurer.Life Insurance corporation
of India on 1 june 2012.
Sachin Tendulkar Takes Oath As Rajyasabha MP
Master blaster sachin Tendulkar started his new innings on 4 June taking oath as Rjya sabha member in the
chambers of RS chairperson and vice-president Hamid Ansari. Sachin is the first active sports person and
cricketer to have been nominated to the Rajya sabha under the prominent Quota.
D.K.Joshi-Next Navy Chief
Vice admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi,flag officer commanding-in-chief(Foc-in-C)of the Western naval command will
be the next cheif of the navy.Vice admiral Nirmal retire on 31 August.D.K Joshi will hold the post for 3years.
R.N.choubey Is The New Head Of DGH
The centre has appointed Rajiv Naraya Choubey, a senior bureaucrat,Mr.Chobey ,a 1981 batch DAS officer of
Tamilnadu cadre will be the first bureaucrat to head the highly Technical arm of the oil Ministry .Which has been
marred by control versies in the past few years.
Sampath Appointed As New CEC(cheif election commissions)
Senior most Election commissioner veeravalli sundaram sampath was appointed as the chief election
commissioner.He replaces S.Y.Qureshi,who retire on June 10,2012.He will carryout his term till June 16,2015-
either for six years in the commission or till age of 65 which ever comer earlier.
Dr K.C. Chakrabarty Has Re-Appointed As Governor Of RBI
The central government, on 13 June appointed Dr K.C. Chakrabarty as deputy governor of RBI, for a further period
of 3 months beyond June 14,2012,or until further orders,which ever is earlier .the RBI said in a
release. Mr.Chakrabarty was appointed as Deputy governor in 2009 for 3 years and
took charge as deputy governor of RBI on June 15,2009,it added.
Fatou Bensouda Appointed As The Chief Prosecutor Of The International Criminal Court
Gambian lawyer Fatou Bensouda was sworn in on 15 June 2012 as the International Criminal Courts new chief
prosecutor. Bensouda was elected at the latest session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute
(ASP) in December 2011 for a nine-year term.
Indian-American Appointed To Top Yale Position
The prestigious Yale University on Sunday announced the appointment of Indian-American academician Anjani
Jain to a top university position.Beginning July 1, 2012 Mr. Jain will join the Yale School of Management (SOM)
as senior associate dean for the full-time MBA programme.Mr. Jain has served in multiple leadership roles at the
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, including 10 years as vice dean of its full-time MBA
programme.His appointment comes at a time of important expansion and opportunity for Yale SOM.
Alok Misra Is IBA Chairman
The Indian Bank Association(IBA), on 18 June said Bank of India chairman and Managing director Alok Misra has
been elected of the bankers body for the current fiscal.
Sekhar Basu Taken Charge On BARC Director
Sekhar Basu,who played a key role in the development of atomic reactor for indias indigenous nuclear submarine
INS Arihant, on 19 June took charge as director of Bhabha Atomic Reasearch Centre(BARC).Mr.Basu succeeds
R.K.Simha, who has been elevated as chairman of the Atomic energy commission and secretorydepartment of
Atomic energy in May.
New MD For Sony India
Japanese electronics major Sony , on 20 June, announced the appointment of Kenishiro Hibi as Managing
Director with effect from July 1 for India operations.
Harish Bhat Is New CEO Of Tata Global
Harish Bhat has been appointed as chief executive officer and managing Director of the company. He will take
over from percy poria, who returns on June 30,2012
FAI Souths New Chairman
K.Rahul Rahu, managing director of Nagarjuna fertilizers and chemicals Ltd, has been unanimously elected
chairman of fertilizer Association of India(FAI) southern Regional committee for the year 2012-13.
Pakistan gets Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi as its Deputy Prime Minister
haudhry Pervaiz Elahi, a top leader of the ruling PPPs key ally PML-Q, has been appointed as Pakistans Deputy
Prime Minister.
Isaac Takes Over as ICC Chief
Sharad Powers reign as the president of the International cricket council(ICC) ended on 28 June as Newzealander
Alan Isaac took charge from him for a two-year-term at the ICC annual conference . The 60 Year old Isaac, a
former New zealand cricket chief, became the eight president of the ICC, while former South Africa wicketkeeper
David Richardson was confirmed as the new chief executive of the world body,taking over from country man
Haroon Lorgat.
Neeraj Kumar Was Appointed As The New Commission Of Delhi Police
Neeraj Kumar, the 1976 batch Indian police service(IPS) officer, was appointed as the new commissioner of Delhi
police on 28 June 2012 . Neeraj Kumar will succeed B.K.Gupta who is getting his tenure as the Delhi police
commissioner completed on 30 June 2012. Neeraj Kumar, who is servicing as the Director General of Tihar jail,
will assume the new charge on 1July 2012.
US Appoints Envoy To Myanmar
For the first time in 22 years, the US has appointed its ambassador to Myanmar as part of efforts to upgrade ties
with the country which has launched a slew of democratic reforms after five decades of authoritarian rule. The
appointment of veteran diplomat Derek Mitchell, who was till now the Special US Representative and Policy
Coordinator for Myanmar, was confirmed by the Senate on 29 June 2012 and he is expected to leave for that
country soon.
V. K . Duggal appointed as member of NDMA
Former Union home secretary V.K Duggal has been appointed as one of the members of the National Disaster
Management Authority (NDMA) on June 21 2012 .
Shreyans Kumar Jain headed the WANO
Shreyans Kumar Jain, Former chief of (NPCIL) has been elected as head of Tokyo centre of world Associations
Nuclear operators (WANO).
Jean Marc Ayrault PM of France
Frances President Francois Hollande reappointed ,Prime Minister Jean Marc Ayrault on June 18,2012 . Who
resigned earlier. Hollandes socialist party won the absolute majority in French , Parliamentary elections.
R.K .Singh appointed as the chairman of NHAI
R.K. Singh has been appointed as regular chairman of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) on June 11,
2012 . The position for the full time chairman at NHAI fell vacant in August 2012 after the retirement of Brijeshwar
singh.
Rupak Kumar Dutta appointed as aditional director of CBI
Rupak Kumar Dutta has been appointed as the additional Director in the central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) on
June 11,2012, He had previously held several posts in CBI from 1988 to 96 and 2000 to 2006.
Gokul Chandra Pati
Gokul Chandra pati has been appointed as officer of Animal Husbandary,Darirying and Fisheries. He will replace
Rudhra Gangadharan as new secretary, who reties , on June 30 2012.
Shiv RamKrishna Rajan
Indian Scientist, Shiv Ram kirshna Rajan, has been appointed as member of the United Nations Commission on
limits of the Continental Shelf(CLCS). He was the representative of India for CLCS elections. His tenure ends in
2017.
Madan Bhimrao Lokur
Justice Madan Bhimrao Lokur sworn in as a Judge of the Supreme Court on June 4,2012, Prior to this, Lokur was
chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
Indian American appointed to Key Texas board
A prominent Indian American community leader has been appointed to a key body of engineering professionals
in Texas. Texas Governor Rick Perry appointed sockalingam sam Kannappan and Edward to the Texas board of
Professional engineers for terms to expire in September 26,2017.
B) Resigns
Commerce Secretary Resigns
John E. Bryson announced his resignation as President Obamas commerce secretary on 21 June 2012, citing
medical reasons after an episode in which he had a seizure and was involved in a sequence of car crashes.
Virbhadra Singh Resigns
Union Minister for micro,small and medium enterprises resigned in 26 June 2012 after a Himachal Pradesh court
framed corruption charges against him.The president, as advised by the PM, has accepted the resignation of
Virbhadra singh from the union council of Ministers,with immediate effect.
Pranab Quits As Finance Minister
Finance Minister Pranab Mukharjee resigned on 26 June as he has been elected as the presidential candidate by
congress government. Manmohan singh took charge of the finance ministry until a cabinet reshuffle is effected
after the presidential election.
C)Deaths
A.V.S Reddy Passes Away
A.V.s reddy retired IAS officer and former state election commissioner, who earned kudos for his rescue and relief
work during the 1977 diviseema cyclone, passed away after a brief illness Hyderabad on June 4 2012.
Ex-Director Of Institute Of Astrophysics Passes Away
The former Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics(IIA) J.C.Bhattacharya, passed away in the New Delhi on
4 June after prolonged illness.
First Women To Win Nobel In Economics Died
Indiana University professor Elinor Ostrom, the first and only woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic
Sciences,died on 13 June due to cancer.she was 78 years old .
Legendary Cuban Boxer Teofilo Stevensan Died At The Age Of 60
Legendary Cuban Boxer Teofilo Stevensan Died of heart attack on 13 June 2012 at the age of 60. stebenson,won
his first gold at the 1972 Munich games,and went on to win two more golds at the 1976 Montreal and 1980
Moscow games,ruled the game for nearly 14 years.He was the first fighter to win the olympic gold medal in the
same division three times.
Ghazal King Mehdi Hassam Passes Away
Indian born Ghazal legend Mehdi hassan, the melodian voice behind evergreen hits like ,patta patta,boota boota
and kabke bichare,died on 13 June following multiple organ failure at the age of 84.
Saudi Crown Prince Nayef Dies
Crown Prince Nayef, the hardline interior minister who spearheaded Saudi Arabias fierce crackdown crushing Al
Qaedas branch in the country after the 9/11 attacks in the United States and then rose to become next in line to
the throne, has died. He was in his late 70s.
Former RS Member Dipankar Mukherjee Passes Away
Dipankar Mukherjee, an engineer- turned-trade unionist and former Rajya Sabha member, died at a hospital on 18
June morning after battling pancreatic cancer. Mukherjee, 69, a former CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member from West
Bengal and a senior leader of the CITU.
NIA Chief Radha Vinod Raju Passes Away
Radha Vinod Raju, founding Director-General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and key member of the
special investigation team which probed Rajiv Gandhi assassination, died in Kochi on 21 June 2012.
Abid Hussain Dead
Abid Hussain who was among those who helped break mental barrier after the end of the cold war,passed away in
London on 21 June morning after a massive heart attack, He was 85 years old.The normal career progression of
an Indian Administrative service(IAS) cadre office.which wound up in the commerce Ministry, Dr.Hussain was one
of the key persons who set ball rolling for Indias economic liberalization.
Roy Burman Passes Away
Renowned anthropologist and social scientist B.K.Raoy Burman 90 passed away.New delhi on 26 June morining
.A former visiting professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University and professor of visva Bharathi University and Ex-officio
Director of the council of social Developement, prof.Burman also served as a visiting senior fellow at the centre for
the study developing societies.
Radha Vinod Raju
Radha Vinod Rahu, founder director general of the national Investigation Agency(NIA) and a police official
renowned as one of the best in India, passed away on June 21,2012. He had undertaken several challenging
assignments including the investigation into the 1999 hijack of an Indian Airlines plane to kandahar.
Balu Sankaran
Renowned orthopedic surgeon , Balu sankaran , who was formerly Director General of Health Services and
Director of the WHO (191-87) in Geneva passed away on June 20,2012. He was also honoured with Padam sri in
1972 and Padma Vibhushan in 2007.
Author Ray Bradury
Science fiction author Ray Bradhury, famous for books such as Fahrenheit 451, passed away at the age of 91 on
June 5, 2012. Bradhury broke through in 1950 with The Martian Chronicles destroying an idyllic martian
civilization prophesied the banning of books, especially works of fantasy, a theme Bradbury would take on fully in
the 1953 release, fahrenheit451.
G K Kumaravel
G K Kuamaravel, a senior scientist involved in the development of arjun main battle tank,died in an accident in
Rajastahan on June 11, 2012. Kumaravel was head of the Arjun Main battle Tank(MBT) Mark 1 and 2
programmes at the cambat vehicles Research Development Establishment (CVRDE), avadi. He was on his way to
Pokhran to participate in user trials of Arjun MBT Mark-2 when the accident occurred .
D) Visitors
U.S Defence Secretary Leon Pnetta Visited India
U.S defense secretary Leon Pnetta arrived india on a two-day visit on 5 june 2012.The visit was aimed at
strengthening bilateral strategic and defence cooperation between the two nations,discuss chinas growing
assertiveness,especially in the contentions south china sea,and the volatile Af-Pak region.
PM Manmohan Singh departed For G-20, Rio+20 summits
Singh attended the seventh summit of the Group of 20 developed and developing countries (G-20) started in the
Mexican resort town of Los Cabos on June 18 and the Rio+20 Summit in Rio De Janeiro.
Australian high commissioner Visits Uttar Pradesh
Australian High Commissioner Peter Varghese on 22 June paid a courtesy visit to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister
Akhilesh Yadav and expressed interest in cooperation and technology transfer between his country and the state
for river cleaning, energy sector and agriculture.
PM Manmohan Singh Visits Pretoria
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived on 22 June midnight a visit to Mexico and Brazil for attending two
international summits.He was on overnight stay in this South African city before leaving for New Delhi on 24 June.
E)Miscellaneous
Britain Marks Diamond Jubliee Of Queen Elizabeth-II
Britain on 2 June kicks off four days of celebrations to mark Queen ElizabethIIs Diamond Jubilee, including a
1000-bad river pageant and a star-studded concert.These celebrations were held at Thames in London.The most
spectacular nautical parade in 350 years, the pagenant wasthe centre piece of 4 day diamond jubilee.
Worlds Oldest Pearl Discovered In UAE
The Oldest Pearl in history which dates back to the Neolithic age. some 7,500 years old -has been found in the
UAE.The French National Center for Scientific Reasearch has announced that gems believed that the oldest pearl
known goes back to 3000 BC. and was found at an antiquity site in Japan.
Climbs Worlds 14 Tallest Peaks
A Japanese Mountaineer who was nearly killed by an avalanche in 2007 finished a climb in Nepal last month that
made him countreys first person to scale the worlds 14 tallest mountains. Hisotoka Takeuchi said on 11 June
in kathmandu tops 14 peaks including everest,k2 and kanchanjanga are in the Himalaya or kara koram ranges
od Asia . He is the 30th person to climb all 14 and first climber from Japan.
Class IX Bengaluru Girl Wins Indian Spell Bee
Belligerent was one of the words that samvida venkatesh spelt right at the Indian Spell Bees grand finale.THe
class IX student from Bengaluru won the HDFC life Spell Bee- India spells 2012, poweres by the Times of India, in
association with Horlicks.
Across The Niagara Falls On A Tightrope
Daredevil Nik Wallenda completes historic high-wire walk, braving blustering winds, heavy spray A daredevil
American, Nik Wallenda, became first person in the world to walk on a tightrope across the roaring Niagara Falls,
separating U.S. and Canada.
Chenab Rail Bridge Promises To Be An Engineering Wonder
The worlds highest rail bridge being constructed over chenab river in Jammu & Kashmirs Reasi district will be
ready by December 2015 coming up at kauri, it will be 359metres above the river bed 5 times the height of
QutubMinar and 35 metres taller than Eiffel Tower.
Erotic Books Beats Potter Record
An erotic book dubbed as mummy porn has beaten the J.K Rowling authores Harry potters record in the U.K
book sales chart, becoming fastest selling paper back of al time in just one week.The nook Fifty Shades of Grey
has became the fatest selling paper back since records began. Erika Mitchell, who writes with the pen name EL
James beat Rowling and Davinci code author Dan Brown.
Global Second Warmest May On Record
The Globally averaged temperature for May 2012 marked the second warmest May since 1880.The temperatures
were measured over global land and ocean surfaces.
PLACES IN NEWS
A 5.6 Magnitude Earthquake Stuck Off Indonesias Sumatra Island On June 4
5.6 Magnitude earth quake strikes Indonesias most populated western Java at a depth of 67 kilometers.
Costa Rica Is The Happiest Place On Earth
In the Economics Foundations Happy planet Index , cost Rica, The central American country was listed as
worlds number one happiest place on earth. Costa Rica.means Rich coast,is a popular ecotourism destination
known for its beautiful beaches ,rain forests and diverse plants and wildlife.The next happiest places are vietnam
and colombia.
CMs Office Gutted In Mantralaya fire
A devastating fire in the Maharashtra government secretariat, including offices of the Chief Minister and the Deputy
Chief Minister, on 21 June . left two persons dead and 16 injured and destroyed large number of files, raising
questions on whether any sabotage was the cause.
COMMITTEES
Committee Recommends Just Five Mouzas GJM Threatens To Re-launch Agitation
Darjeeling is likely to be violent again as the high-power committee set up by Mamata Banerjee has
recommended inclusion of just five mouzas under the proposed Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) sabha
against Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM)s demand for inclusion of 398 mouzas.high-power committee headed by
retired justice Shyamal Sen and said that the committee has recommended inclusion of three mouzas from
Darjeeling district and two from Jalpaiguri district into the proposed GTA Sabha.
BOOKS IN NEWS
A Book Released on L.K.Advani
BJP National president Nitin Gadkari and Leader of opposition in Lok sabha Sushma swaraj released the book
Those were the Day and then-The Life & Times of Lal Krishna Advani written by Mira Govind Advani(R) in New
Delhi on June 12, 2012.
APJ Abdul Kalams New Book Turning Points
kalams sequel to his bestseller Wings of fire gives a picture of his uneasy relationship with UPA government
from May 2004, till his term as president expired in July 2007. The book,published by Hapercollins is yet to be
released .Turning points takes up the incredible kalam story from where wings of fire left off. It brings together
details from his career and presidency that are generally kn own as he speaks for the first time on certain points
of controversy. turning point:A Journey through challenges.
Abbrevations
IAC International AIDS conference
DMSS Durban mahila Samnway Samiti
CII Confederation of Indian Industry
PNGRB The petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board
IIA Indian Institute of Astrophysics
UNEP United nations for conservation of Nature
CITU Centre of Indian Trade Union
INCACBI Indian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel
ESI Environmental sustainability Index
WEP World Food Prize
UEFA Union of European Foot ball Association
May 2012 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Aung San Suu Kyi Take Oath As Opposition Leader
Aung San SuuKyi took oath of office to become an official member of Myanmars parliament on 2 May 2012. Suu
Kyi, a Nobel Laureate, pro democracy leader of Myanmar for the first time held public office since launching her
struggle against autherisation rule nearly a quarter century ago.
Poll Panels Of SAARC Countries Established Forum
SAARC Countries on 4 May 2012 adopted a charter for mutual cooperation and set up a forum that will enhance
capabilities to conduct free and fair elections . In its charter the chief election commissioners of Afghanistan ,
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives Nepal Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India confirmed their abiding faith in the objectives
and principles of SAARC contained in the SAARC charter.
French Socialist Partys Francois Hollande As First Socialist President
Francois Hollande was elected Frances first socialist president nearly after two decades with 53.3% votes on 6
May 2012, While defeating Nicolas Sarkozy.The result will have major implications for Europe as it struggle to
emerge from a financial crisis and for France the Eurozone second largest economy and a nuclear armed
permanent member of the UN Security Council.
All Nuclear Power Plants Stopped In Japan
All Nuclear Power Plants were Stopped In Japan on 6 May 2012 . Tomari was the last shutdown , which leaves
Japan without nuclear power. Thousands of Japanese marched to celebrate the switching off the last of their
nations 50 nuclear reactor. Japan was without eclectricity from nuclear power for the first time in four decades.
Vladimir Putin Sworn In As The President Of Russia
Vladimir Putin the former Russian Prime Minister and the president of the United Russia Party took the oath as
the President of Russia on 7 May 2012. Putin had won the Russian Presidential elections with 63.6% of the vote
on 4 March.
Top 10 Female CEOs & Influential Business Women of American Companies
There are roughly 22 female presidents and prime ministers in the world and about a dozen womens executivesat
the helm of Fortune 500 companies. Especially for these top 10 women CEOs
CEO of the worlds second largest food company Karft Foods ,Irene Rosenfeld in first place
The CEO of TJX, Carol.M.Meyrowitz in second. Chairman & CEO of Pepsico Indra Nooyi in third . Chairman&
CEO of EI du Pont de Nemoursand company, Ellen Kullman in fourth. Chairman, President & CEO of Well point,
Angela Braly in fifth. Chairman & CEO of Xerox ,Ursula M.Borns in sixth.Chairman, president & CEO of
Sunoco,Lynn L.Elsenhans in seventh . CEO of Archer Daniels Midland, Patrica Woertz in eigth. President and
CEO of BJs Wholesale club , Laura J.sen in ninth and Chairman & CEO of Key corp, Beth E.Mooney in tenth
place.
Forbes Mothers Top 20 List
The list released by Forbes ahead of World Mothers Day on 13 May 2012 the worlds 20 most powerful moms list
which ranked most efficient persons list According to the magazine power moms must develop unique strategic
to succeed in both boardrooms and playrooms. Fobes women analysed the annual list of the worlds 100 most
powerful womens based on money controlled, decision making power and multiple measures of influence and
teased out the moms who are at the top of their game are
No-1_ Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of states
No-2 _ Dilma Rousseff, Brazilian President
No-3_ Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo Chairman
No-4 _Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer Of Face book
No-5_ Melinda Gates, Co- founder, Bill and Melindan Gates Foundation
No-6_ Sonia Gandhi, UPA Chairperson
No-7_ Michelle Obama, First lady U.S
No-8 Christine Lagarde, Managing Director IMF
No-9_ Irene Rosenfeld, CEO Karft foods
No-10_ Jill Abramson, Executive Editor New York Times
No-11_ Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health& Human services U.S
In the last 20th place is the General secretary of NLD Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi
Philippines President Names Two Special Envoys to China
Philippines President Benigno Aquino named two special envoys to China on 16 May 2012, amid a tence
territorial dispute between the two countries over a shoal in the South China sea. During their six month
assignment both were also tasked to actively persuade greater number of Chinese tourists to make the
Philippines their main destination for leisure and relaxation trips.
China counters Japans Claims over Okinotoris Status
China and Japan have exchanged a fresh round of claims and counter claims over a tiny but crucial out cropping
in the Pacific Ocean, with Tokyo assuring that a UN Commission had endorsed its stand on the atoll being an
Island while Beijing rejected it as baseless. The two countries, that have their own set of disputes in the South
China sea, have also been sparring over the status of Okinotoris Atollion
Tomislav Nikolic Won Serbias Presidential Election
The Serbian Progresive party leader Tomislav Nikolic Won Serbias Presidential Election on 20 May 2012. Nikolic
beat his centrist, the incumbent Boris Tadic in closely contested election. Nikolic accounted for 50.21% of the
total vote, against 46.77% for Tadic, with 40% of votes counted. Nikolic during his previous stints in power worked
as a deputy prime minister under the former president Slobodon Miloscric.
China Developing Internet For Offensive Operations
China is improving its capacity for operations in cyberspace and developing capabilities to use internet for
offensive operations. The Pentagon has said China is investing in not only capabilities to better defend their
networks but also they are looking at ways to use cyber for offensive operations, China is engaging in cyber
activity focused on computer network exploitation.
IAEA Chief Meets Top Iran Nuclear Officials
IAEA Chief Yukiya Amano Met Top Irans Nuclear chief and top negotiator on 21 May 2012 in a visit to Tehran
closely watched for signs as to how wider talks between Iran and World power might unfurl. Irans national
security supremo tasked with negotiating nuclear issues and atomic energy head Abbasi Davani in an effort to
press for greater co-operations between Iran and the UN Nuclear surveillance agency.
Bangladesh Announces Discovery Of Petroleum
Energy starned Bangladesh has struck oil reserves in the countrys Northeastern region with an extractable
reserve of at least 55 million barrels worth USD 5.5 million. Petrobangla is announcing with pleasure that
Bangladesh had entered a new era through the discovery of a profitable oil reserves in Haripur and Kailashtila,
state run Petrobanglas chairman Hossain Monsur said.
China is Worlds Biggest Magnesium Producer
China has remained the Worlds Biggest Producer of Magnesium since 1999,with last years out put accounting
for over 85% of the worlds total.The country produced 660,000 tones of magnesium last year.The agencyreported
on 26 May. It is estimated that the yearly magnesium output will reach 1.5million tonnes during the 2011-2015
period odf which 700,000 tones will be exported annually
Liberias Taylor Gets 50 years in Jail for War Crimes
A U.N Backed war crimes court sentensed the former president of liberia ,charles Taylor ,to 50 years in jail on 30
May 2012 for arming rebels in sierra leone in return for Blood Diamonds .
INDIA & WORLD
Kabul- Washington Strategic Pact Signed
The new Kabul- Washington long term strategic partnership agreement (SPA) was signed by Obama and Afghan
President Hamid Karzai on 2 May 2012.The achievements and success paved the way to sign the strategic
cooperation agreement between the two nations.
U.S to Invest In West Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Benerjee on 7 May2012 said the former assured her of American investment
in the state for its business and economic development considering Bengal as a partner state.And the US desire
to invest in West Bengal as the state has witnessed a change in its political scenario after decades. American
investments in the states software , IT and manufacturing , health and education sectors.
India to Acquire Coking Coal Mine In Mongolia
In a move to reduce dependence on highly priced Australian coking coal, India acquired a mine in Mongolia ans
also set up the first steel plant in the quality coal rich country. The Indian delegation comprising of chairman of
Steel Authority of India (SAIL)C.S.Verma and U.P.Singh, joint secretary in the ministry will sign a pact in this
regard. The plan is to acquire mine, utilise the coal for the steel plant India proposes to set up in Mongolia and
export the rest to India through Chinese port as Mongolia is a land locked country.
Dalia Lama gives Templeton Prize Money to Indian Charity
Tibetan Spiritual leader the Dalia Lama on 14 May 2012 received the prestigious 1.1 million pound Templeton
prize in London by St Pauls Cathedral and announced that most of the prize money will go to save the children
fund in India, with smaller bequest to a science and religion group which is studying the effects of Buddhist
practice and to a project to train Buddhist monks as scientists.
India surpassed china as the largest Arms Importer in the World
India Topped as the largest Importer of arms during 2007-2011. India has taken numerous measures to modernise
its armed forces in the past ten years.The country has signed several deals to produce military hardware such as
10c17 strategic lift aircraft,sixc-130 super hercules special operations airsraft, addditional sukhri-30MKI fighter jets
along with several warships.
Hyderabad Girls Short Film goes to Cannes
A part from capturing memorable and best moments, more can do more with a cam recorder.If you have a talent
make a short film and send to international film festivals and win prizes. This what G.Anahita done.Ajury
comprising Hollywood stars such as Edward Norton and others at the Cannes film festival picked her video that
lasts lessthan a minute as the Best Area Video Coalition(BAVC) segiment open for only teenagers after
screening will be presented with 5000 US Dollars.
Sahara Signed Agreement to Build Notun Dhaka in Bangladesh
Sahara India Pariwar signed an agreement with Bangladesh government to desfign and develop a new city Notun
Dhaka(New Dhaka) on 28 May 2012. Sahara Matribhumi Unnayan Corporation signed the MOU with the ministry
of housing and public works (MOPW) of Bangladesh Governement.Their main aim to build affordable housing
facilities for the group of low earming people, along with it, they will also work on the hosing finance support and
design.This plans for integrated statellite townships constituted by the ministry of housing and public
works(MOHPW) of the Bangladesh Government.
India pushes to rebuild old links with new Myanmar
India & Myanmar expect to double their trade in 3years and despite a delay in introducing a buslink,hope to be
connected not just over land and by air but also by rail. India signed a slew agrrements and memoranda of
understand(MOUs) on day-2 and Dr.singhs visit to take forward economic ties,cooperation in development and
capacity building in a range of sectors.They include an MoU to operationalise a $500 million line of credit during
president.
India, Bahrain sign pact to boost ties
India and Bahrain on 31May, announced the signing of a tax information exchange agreement to promote
economic cooperation and joint investment between 2 countries aimed was signed by the Bahrain delogation led
by prince Salman Bin Hamadal Khalifa.
NATIONAL
E-Challan & Receipt (ECR) Facility Launched
Union Minister of Labour & Employment Mallikarjun Kharge inaugurated the E-Challan and receipt (ECR) facility
on 1 May 2012 to bring transparency and accessibility for employers in depositing monthly employees Provident
Fund or EPF contributions of their workers. Employees under the ECR service would have to register their
organisations online and generate challans for making monthly deposits. They can use these challan for either
electronically or physically depositing the provident fund or PF contribution to the bank.
Union Government Decided To Include Chit Funds Under The Chit Fund Act
Union Government decided to include chit funds, an informal pooling of funds from individuals for lending under the
chit fund Act of 1982 in six states including Gujarat and Kerala. The decision was meant to help people access
the dispute settlement mechanism. Nagaland, Haryana Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh are the other states to
come under the Act, providing a cushion for small savers who are at the mercy of local operations of the six
states brought under the central ruling, only Kerala operated under the Kerala chit Act of 1975. The other five
states had no laws to regulate chit fund operations.
Indian Americans in Forbes List of Best Tech Investors
Forbes Magazine recently came up with the list of Technologies best investors among which nine are Indian
Americans . These influential apersonalities have been successful in creating wealth and funding innovative ideas
that help to keep our economy vibrant.Anil Bhasuri, Rob Chandra, Sameer Gandhi, Vinod Khosh, Neeraj Agrawak,
Navin Chaddha, Ajay Agarwal, Asheen Chandra and Subrata Mitra are the best Tech investors on the forbes list .
Fianace Minister Pranab Mukherjee was Elected As Chair Of ADBs Board Of Governor
Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 4 May 2012 was elected as Chair of the Asian Development Banks
(ADB) Board of Governors. India will host the 46th annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank in New Delhi in
2013. Though India was the founding member of the ADB in 1966, the lending operations in India began two
decades late.
Tata Group Among 10 Best Companies for Leadership in Asia
The Tata Group is at the fifth position among the ten best companies for leadership in Asia list , according to
study by management consultancy Gaint Hay Group. The topped company in the list is Samsung group followed
by Tayota Motors and Unilever at the second and third positions . The study said that innovation was the prime
factor hat made Tata Groups to find place among the top names in Asia . Others in the top 10 in Asia are Nestle,
IBM Corp, Sony Corp, Procter & Gamble , Coca- Cola and Petronas. Among the global best leadership
companies are General Electric as at the top followed by Procter 7 Gamble, IBM, Microsoft and Coca- Cola.
Report Placed India On Fifth In Cyber Crime
India, according to a report published by the Security and Defence Agenda (SDA) and McAfee on 6 May 2012,
ranked fifth in the list of countries affected of Cyber Crime. The report cyber security, The Vexed Question of
Global Rules, rated the internet privacy in the country as low. Brussels based SDA spoke to leading global
security exports to ensure that findings would offer useful recomendations and actions.
Bihar C.M Nitish Kumar Took Oath As Member of BLC
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, former chief minister and RJD leader
Rabri Devi sworn in as members of the Bihar Legislative Council on 7 May 2012. The leaders were administered
oath by state Legislative Council chairman Salim Parvej.
Qualcomm Recieved The Broadband Wireless Access Spectrum
Qualcomm, the US chipmaker received the Broadband Wireless Access(BWA) spectrum on 8 May 2012 by the
Department of Telecommunications ( DoT). The DoT however, reduced the companys period of licence use to
18.5 years from 20 years as mentioned in the licence agreement. The time period to meet the rollout obligations
was also reduced from 5 to 3.5 years.
The Union Cabinet Approved the 7.6 Billion Dollar TAPI Gas Pipeline Project (TGPP)
The Union Cabinet Approved the 7.6 Billion Dollar TAPI Gas Pipeline Project (TGPP) on 17 May 2012. The TAPI
gas pipeline project which organisation from the central Asian Nation Turkmenistan and reaches to India via
Afghanistan and Pakistan is also referred to as the Peace Pipeline as some of the countries that it passes
through dont enjoy good relationship with each other. The TAPI gas project will have a total length of 1680 km of
the total length 144 km will be in Turkmenistan, 735 km in Afghanistan and 800 km in Pakistan, bringing it to the
Indian borders. The pipeline, will be entirely functional in 2018 and supply gas over the next thirty years.
6th Best University in Country
Osmania University has been ranked Sixth among Indias best Universities as per as survey conducted by the
India Today-Nielsen dor 2012 . The varsity was Ranked seventh last year.
Report on Status of Implementation of SCs and STs Act 1989 Released
The report on the status of implementation of SCs an d STs ( prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 and Rules 1995
was released by the first Dalit chief Justice of India, Justice K.G.Balakrishna on 18 May 2012. The report was
prepared by the National Coalition after collecting evidence by visiting the places of incidents and talking to
victims across India for strengthening SCs and STs( Prevention of Atrocities ) Act. The report revealed substantial
increace in cases of violence against SCs and Sts. It also highlighted loopholes in the implementation of the SCs
and ST s Act and agreed that it has not been able to check atrocities against Dalits and Adivasis in an affective
manner.
Andhra Pradesh High Court set aside 4.5 Per Cent Sub-Quota for Minorities
The Andhra Pradesh High Court on 28 May 2012 invalidated the 4.5 per cent sub-quota for minorities carved out of
the 27 per cent reservation for OBCs by the Union government.A high court division bench of Chief Justice Madan
Lokur and Justice P VSanjay Kumar quashed the sub-quota as it observed that the Union governments move was
based on religious lines and not any other consideration.The court was hearing to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
filed by backward classes leader R Krishnaiah against the sub-quota.
STATES
IICT Hopes to Establish Deflouridation Plants in A.P & Rajasthan
The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) is looking forward to establish model deflouridation units in
Rajasthan after designing and commissioning various low-cost groundwater defluoridation plants in flurosis
affected villages of Andhra Pradesh. Flurosis is a dreaded disease which is caused due to the presence of excess
fluoride in grounwater, which has impacted many people in India, mainly children who are suffering from dental and
skeletal deformities primarlly in both the states of Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Petronet LNG Terminal In Andhra Pradesh
Petronet Lng Ltd on 2 May 2012 signed a deal with Andhra Pradeshs Gangavaram port to set up a 5 million
tonnes a year liquified natural gas import terminal.The statement from Petronet said the proposed R.s 4,500crore
terminal at the Gangavaram port will have facilities for receiving , strong and regasification of LNG.
Agreement Signed for Pranahitha Chevella Irrigation Project
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.Kiran Kumar Reddy and his Maharashtra counterpart Prithviraj Chavan, on 5
May 2012 signed an agreement in New Delhi to set up an inter state board for speedy execution of the Rs. 40,300
crore Pranahitha -Chevella irrigation project, that will serve both states .The agreement was signed in the
presence of Union water Resources minister Pawan Kumar Bansal Dr. B.R.Ambedkar pranahitha chevella sujatha
sravanthi project, which Andhra Pradesh wants to be declared as a national project.
Government Cleared Rs.8500 crore Project to Naxalite Affected Districts
The Union Government on 17 May 2012 cleared a Rs 8500 crore project under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak
Yojana (PMGSY) with an objective to connect 6000 habitation in the 78 naxalite affected districts of nine states.
Under the project money will be utilised for new connectivity and upgradation of habitations.norms of PMGSY
were released for the first time to provide road connectivity to these habitations, in view of the biggest beneficiary
of this package. There are some 1000 unconnected habitations in nine naxal hit districts of Bihar and another
2500 in 17 districts in Jharkhand. The remaining habitations are spread over 18 districts in Orissa 16 in
Chhatisgarh, 8 in M.P and A.P, 3each in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh and 2 in Maharashtra.
P.Chidambaram to Head Reconstituted Panel of Inter-State Council
The standing committee of the Inter-State council has been reconstituted with Home minister P.Chidambaram as
Chairman and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and nine chief ministers, including Tamil Nadu C.M Jayalalitha
and Gujarat C.M Narendra Modi as members. A number of union ministers belonging to congress allies in the
UPA have also been given representation in the committee which was reconstituted by Prime minister Manmohan
Singh.
CONFERENCES
2-Day G8 Summit In US
The 2-day summit of the group of eight (G8) industrialized nations held on 18 May 2012 in Maryland, US. The 2-
day summit group together leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the US. The
event will discuss issues, including the Eurozone crisis, Iran nuclear standoff, Syria, global energy and food
security among others. Despited its wide ranging agenda many analysts expected no major out comes from the
gathering.
ASEAN, US Meet Over Security Cooperation
The US & Southeast Asian Nations on 19 May 2012 embraked on three days of talks that would include security
cooperation, shortly after a Pentagon report raised concerns about Chinas military build up . The Philipines, host
of the discussions and an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members is engaged in a month long
maritime stand off with China over a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. Deepening security corporation
climate change and trade and investment will all be on the three days of meeting
NATO Summit In Chicago
A key NATO Summit, gathering more than 50 world leaders, opened in Chicago on 21 May 2012 with a minutes
silence for all those who have fallen in combat around the world. Led by NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen and
US president Barack Obama, the leaders stood and bowed their heads as a uniformed US bugler played taps.
Addressing the themes of the summit Rasmussen vowed to complete the transition to Afghan security by 2014.
He also stressed the need to embrace a renewed culture of cooperation vowing that together we will make our
partnership deeper, broader and stronger.
SPORTS & GAMES
Spanish Football Club Real Madrid Clinched Spanish League Title
Spanish football club Real Madrid clinched its 32nd spanish League title and first in four years on 2 May 2012,
over shadowing Lionel Messi breaking a 39 years European club scoring record with a hatrik to take his season
total to 68 goals.
Indian Women Team Won Asian Sqash Championship
Indian women squash team won its maiden gold at the 16th Asian Squash Championship in Kuwait on 5 May
2012. The women created a history by defeating the top seeded Joshna Chinnappa and 14th seeded Dipika
Pillikkal defeated world number 16th Joey Chan and world no-7 Annie Au respectively.
Sriram Balaji Won ITF Futures Mens Tennis Title
Fifth ranked Sriram Balaji defeated Swiss Joss Espasandin in the Summit clash of the MCC -SR Subramanian
Memorial ITF Futures mens tennis tournament in Chennai on 5 May 2012.
Sports Illustrated, Sportsman of the Year Yuvraj
On 5 May 2012 Inidan cricketer Yuvraj singh , Who is rehabilitating after a layoff due to cancer has been adjudged
as sports illustrated sportsman of the year for his stupendous performance in 2011 World cup.
Sara Errani Wons Budapest WTA Tournament
Top seeded Sara Errani of Italy won her third WTA title for the year 2012by defeating Elina Vesnina of Russia in
the $220,000 Budapest Grand Prix final held on 6 May 2012 in Budapest, Hungary.
Juan Del Potro Won Estoril ATP Open Title
Argentinas top seeded Juan Martin Del Potro retained his title at the Estoril Open on 6 May 2012 after defeating
second seeded Richard Gasquet held at Estoril, Portugal.
Deepika Kumari Won First World Cup Title
Indias Olympic prospect Deepika Kumari won her first World Cup individual recurve gold medal at Antalya, Turkey
on 6 May 2012.
Estoril Mens Double Title 2012 Winners
Pakistan tennis ace Aisamul Haq Qureshi and his partner Dutch Rojer Jean Julien clinched the Mens double title
of the Estoril Open on 6 May 2012 held in Estoril, Portugal.
Kanepi Won The Single Womens Estoril Title 2012
Kaia Kanepi claimed her third WTA trophy of single Womens Estoril Title by defeating Spains Carla Suarez
Novarro in the final of the Estoril open on 6 May 2012 held at Estoril, Portugal.
Krishna Poonia Sets New National Record
Discus Thrower Krishna Poonia set a new national record with a throw of 64.76m. Which breaked Seema Antils
existing record of 64.64m. Krishna won the silver medal in the Aitius Track crew Throw down mmet in Maui Island
Hawaii on 7 May 2012.
Rickie Fowler Golfer Won Well Fargo Trophy
Rickie Fowler won his first RGA Wells Fargo Championship over US Open Campion Rory Mcllroy and D.A Points
on 6 May 2012 at Quali Hallow club in Charlotte, NC.
OSullivan Won World Snooker Title
Englands Ronnie OSullivan won the fourth World Snooker Championship by defeating Ali Carter 18-11 in the final
at the Crucible Theatre on 8 May 2012 at Sheffield,England.
Parimarjan Negi Won Asian Continental Chess Champion
Granmaster Parimarjin Negi won the Asian Continental Chess Championship despite loosing to A.R.Saleh Salem
of UAE in the final round by winning gold that concluded on 13 May 2012.
Pastor Team Claims Formula One Race
Pastor Maldonado gave williams a first formula One Race win in almost eight years on 13 May 2012, when he
fought off local hero Fernando Alonsa in a thrilling Spanish Grand Prix.
Serena Williams Won The Madrid Open Final
USAs Serena Williams won the Madrid Open Final Womens tennis by defeating world no-1 Victoria Azarenka on
13 May 2012 held at Madrid.
Roger Federar Won Madrid Mens Open Title
Swiss tennis star Roger Federar defeated Czech Tomas Berdych to win Madrid Mens Single Open Title on 13
May 2012.The Madrid open title is set to reinstate Federar as the no-2 spot in the world tennis ranking , the
position he had earlier lost to his rival Rafael Nadal.
Manjeet Singh won the Junior National Boxing Title
Manjeet Singh Panghal defeated Gurleen singh to claim the 69 kg title in the 45th National Junior Boxing
championship at Patiala on 16 May 2012.
Nadal on The Sixth Rome Masters Title
Rafael Nadal won his sixth Rome Mens singles Masters title in a rain postponed final against Novack Djokovic on
21 May 2012 held at Rome.
Sharapova Won Womens Singles Rome Masters Title
Maria Sharapova of Russia won the womens single Rome Masters Title by defeating Chinas Li Na on 20 May
held at Rome.
Sania-Mattek lift Brussels Open TIttle
Sania Mirza won her second WTA doubles tittles of the season and 14th overall,when she combined
with.Bethanie Mattek-sands to lift Brussels Open Tropy with an emphatic straight set win over Alicja Rosolska of
polamd and china;s Zheng Jie.This Indo-American pair took an hour and 10 minutes.
Knights Dethrone Kings IPL-5 Crown
Kolkatta Knight Riders are newly crowed IPL Champions.The visitors beat defending champions chennai
SuperKings by five wickets in a high final at the MAC stadium in chennai. The Man of the Match is Bisla. Golden
player goes to Sumil Naring(KKR) and Orange cap goes to Chris Gale(RCB) and Purple Cap goes toMore
Morkel(DD)
Weber Wins Monaco Grand Pix
Australia Mark Webber made Formula one history on 27 May when he steered his Red bull to victory and claimed
his First Win in this Year and his Team Red Bulls Third successive Monacco Grand Pix.
Lin Dan Propels China to Thomas Cup Tittle
Super star Lin Dan led osts china to an emphatic victory over South Korea in the Thomas cup Final on 27 May,
Sending a starl message he and his Team mates are in peak form for the London Olympics in the field of
Badminton.
Fluent Fedex on the Mark
Roger Federer celebrated on 28 May his 50th straight major with a record equalling 233rd Grand slam win.His win
, achieved on a sixth match point, also told him level with Jimmy connors record for most grand slam matches
win of 233.
Services Defeat Tamilnadu for Cup
Services showed nerves of steel to defeat Tamilanadu 3-2 in the final of the 66th santosh Tropy at the Barabati
stadium in Cuttack,Adisha on 28 May.This was services second Title, with thier maiden championship coming in
the 1960-61 season.
Anand Crowned Fifth world Championship
Indian Grand master viswa nathan Anand showed immense resilence to beat challenger Boris Gelfand of Israel in
the tense rapid chess tie braker to win the world championship crown for the fifth time and Fourth in a row on 30
may 2012
Chattisgarh Girls&Boys Clinch National Titles
Chattisgarh Clinched both Girls&Boys Titles in the 63rd National Junior Basketball championship on 30 May
.boys defeated the punjab in final where as girls defeated the maharastara in final.
ECONOMY
RBI Directed Indian Banks To Maintain Tier I Capital
The Reserve Bank of India on 2 May 2012 published guidelines of implementation of the new global capital
adequacy norms, called Basel-III, by March 2018. India banks will have to maintain Tier-I capital, or core capital of
at least 7% of their risk weighted assets on an ongoing basis. The objective is to strengthen risk management
mechanism . As per the guidelines specified by the central bank, commercial banks will have to maintain their
total capital adequacy ratio at 9% higher than the minimum recommended requirement of 8% under the Basel- III
norms.
ADB To Provide $6.25 Billion Assistance To India
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide assistance of $6.25 billion to India over three years for various
projects, including those in the energy and education sector. The lending support will go to key areas like
transport, energy, urban development, agriculture, natural resource management. Prior to this ADB has approved
159 loans for India amounting to $24.12 billion.
Moodys Downgrades 3 Private Sector Banks
Moodys Investor Services has downgraded the standalone bank financial strength rating of the top three private
sector banks- ICICI Bnak, HDFC Bankand Axis Bank. The global credit rating agency also downgraded the Life
Insurance Coorporation of Indias foreign currency insurance financial strength rating.
WEF To Open Office In India
The world Economic Forum (WEF), known for its annual Davos meeting on 14 May 2012 said, it will open its full
fledged office in India in the wake of the country growing economic clout. Besides, WEF which has been
organising annual India event along with the industry body CII, has decided to go solo from this year. The branding
of the event would also be changed to world Economic forum on India rather than India economic summit being
held annually for the last 27 years.
The World Wildlife Fund Report On Global Environment
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in its report living planet report 2012 released on 15 May 2012 noted that
Biodiversity has decreased by an average of 28 percent globally since 1970 and the world would have to be 50%
bigger to have enough land and forest to provide for current levels of consumption and carbon emissions. The
problem, by 2030 even two planets Earths would not be enough to sustain human activity. A summit on the global
environment is to be held in Brazilian city Rio De Janerio from 20 to 22 June 2012. The summit is expected to
draw more than 50,000 participates from different nations.
RBI Decided to Set Up 2 Billion Dollar Swap Facility For SAARC Nations
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 16 May 2012 decided to set up a 2 billion dollar swap facility for SAARC nations.
This facility will be available in foreign currency and Indian rupee. The facility will provide the member nation with
the facility to swap US dollar, euro or Indian rupee against domestic currency or domestic currency denominated
Government securities. The withdrawal could be done in multiple tranches. The move for a SAARC swap facility
follows a decision taken by the SAARC finance minister at the ministerial meeting on global financial crisis.
Retrospective Amendment To I-T Act May Impact FDI In India
The amendment to increase tax laws with retrospective effects passed by Parliament may impact inflows of
foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country, a top Italian trade official said.
General Provident Fund Interest Rate Hiked to 8.8%
The Finance Ministry has hiked interst rates on General Provident fund to 8.8% a year with effect from April 1st
this year. This move will benefit millions of employees.who are subcribes to this fund.berfore it is 8.6 in december
2011-March 2012.
Fix NPAs, Pranab tells to banks
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 28 May asked banks to take steps to manage their non-performing
assets (NPAs). which have grown on account of economic down turn.NPAs of public sector banks stood at about
3.3 percent of the assets in 2011-12 as against 2.3 percent a year ago said pranab.
Delhi Chief Minister Sheela Dikshit Presented the Budget for Fiscal Year 2012-13
Delhi Chief Minister Sheela Dikshit on 28 May 2012 presented the financial budget in the Delhi assembly for the
fiscal year 2012-13. The 33436 crore rupees budget had its share of populist measures as a number of social
welfare schemes were announced in the budget by the government.
14 Times Bigger Supermoon
On 5 May 2012, the moon had been closer to Earth than at any other times this year, which means it will appear
up to 14 % bigger and 30% brigther han any other full moon of 2012. Its the supermoon ,it happens but once in a
year.
Pakistan Test Fired Hatf -III
Pakistan on 10 May 2012 successfully test fired the traning launch of Hatf-III (Ghaznavi), a short range ballistic
missile capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads across 290 km . The launch was conducted
at the conclusion of the annual field training exercise of the Army strategic force command.
Soyuz TMA-04M Rocket Launches In Kazakhstan
The Soyuz TMA-04M rocket launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on 15 May 2012 carrying
Epedition 31 Soyuz commander Gennady Padaika, NASA flight Engineer Joseph Acaba and flight Engineer
Sargei Revin to the International space station.
U.S Company Space X Test flight of the dragon space capsule
The U.S company Space X on 22 May in Florida ( Cape Canaveral) to lunch its own craft towards th e international
space station. The test flight of the Dragon space capsule,which lanuched a top space Xs falcon 9 rosked,aims
to show that indutry can restore U.S access to the ISS after NASA retired its space shuttle fleet last year . The
mission is set to include a fly-by and berthing with the station in the next three days ,before the capsule returns at
the end of may month.
Russia Successfully Test Fired a new Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
U.S has the capable of piercing defence systems being developed. THe strategic Missile forces test launched a
new prototype ballistic missile from a mobile launcher at the plesetsk cosmodrome in Askhangalsk Region on 23
May. It was the second launch of deeply modernised yar missile named Avangard.
Large Solar Telescope
A powerfull solar telescole billed as the largest in Europe opened recently on Spains canary Islands. Scinetist
says it will alow them to study the sun unprecedented with a mirror diameter of 1.5meters , the Gregor telescope
will be able to show structures on the sun on scales on small as 70 kilometres.
India Test Fired Anti Aircraft Akash Missile
Defence Research Development organization (DRDO) official associate with the Akashmissile project.The
missile,which has a strike range of 25km with warhead of 60 kgs,was test fired from a mobile launcher from
launch complex-III of the ITR at about 110hrs.It is surface to air missile.
Isarel Unleashes Spy Virus On Iran
A Russian firm has discovered a new computer virus Flamewith unprecendented destructive potential that cheifly
targets Iran. Kasperky Lab, is one of the Worlds biggest producer of anti-virus softwaer discovered the cyber
weapon called Flame during an investigation that was prompted by the International Telecommunication Union.
Pakistan Successfully Test Fired Nuclear Capable Hatf9 Missile
Pakistan on May 29 2012 succesfully test fired a short range Hatf9(Nasr)missile.The missile which has a range of
60kilometers is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It was pakistans third ballastic missiile test since
April2012.
AWARDS & HONOURS
6th NTR Literary Award for Tamil Writer Ashoka Mitran
Noted Tamil Writer Ashokamitran, Known for his novel Thanneer and other works was declared the recipient of the
6th NTR National Literary Award on 4 May 2012. The award is sheduled to be presented on 28 May 2012. The
writer was born in Secunderabad and was closest to Telugu Culture, languages and people.
Miss India World Awarded With Kalpana Chawla Excellence Award
Actress Sushma Seth and Miss India World Vinya Mishra were awarded with Kalpana Chawla Excellence award
on 6 May 2012 at MavlankarAuditorium, New Delhi. The other awasrds included Padmabhushan Kuchipudi and
Bharatnatyam dancer Swapna Sundari, IPS officer Shalini Singh, WWho had won the police medal for meritorious
service in 2012 and jewellery designer Puneeta Trikha.
The Order Of The Rising Sun, Ratan Tata
Tata group chairman Ratan Tata has been conferref The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun title by
Japan for his contribution instrengthening economic relations between Japan & India. The ceremony of conferment
has been held in Tokyo on 8 May 2012 at the Imperial Palace in presence of the Emperor of Japan . Tata had
made a huge contribution from the perspective of promoting trade and investment in industry as well as for
improvement of the business environment in India .
Pt. Ravi Sankar Conferred First Tagore Cultural Harmony Award
Classical sitar maestro Ravi Sankar has been awarded the first Tagore Award for cultural harmony by a jury
chaired by Prime minister Manmohan singh to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath
Tagore , which was announced on 7 May 2012. The award was given in recognition of his outstanding contribution
to cultural harmony and universal values. The award comprises Rs. 1crore in cash, a citation in a scroll, a plaque
and an enquisite carved handicraft or handlloom memento. the award would be presented to the sitar guru by the
president at a special ceremony.
International Jurist Awards to five Persons Including Mulayam
Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Pakistan chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Choudhary are
among five eminent personalities who have been chosen for the prestigious International Jurists Award 2012.
Yadav and Choudhary will be presented the awards on 28 May 2012 at a ceremony in London by Right Honble
Lord Phillips, president of the Supremme court of the United Kingdom. Besides the two eminent personalities,
International Bar Association president Akira Kawamura, Stephen B Huttler and Christophe Eck will also be
presented the awards, while Yadav was chosen for this award for his uniflinching contribution to the advancement
of the bar and the bench.
Bhanuprakash in Guiness Book of Records
Chikka Bhanuprakash of Bhoodan Pochampalli entered the Guiness Book of Records for lifting 8.67 kg weight
using the fingernails of his left hand. Mr. Bhanu, who is working as a software engineer in Hyderabad has become
famous for preparing sketches with his fingernails and lifting weights.
Narayana Murthy receives Awards From US University
Infosys chief mentor Narayana Murthy had been felicitated with the global leadership and five enterprise awards by
the University of South Florida in recognition of his entrepreneurial spirit. The two awards were presented to
Murthy by USF President Judy Genshaft at ceremony in Tampa, Florida.
Amartya Sen to Receive Honourary Degree From US University
Nobel Laureate and eminent Indian American economist Amartya Sen will receive an honourary degree from
the prestigious John Hopkins University. Apart from Sen, five other persons including Myanmars Pre- Democracy
leader Aung San Suu Kyi, environment microbiologists Rita R.Colwell, Canadian diplomat, politician Stephen .
Lewis, American businessman and philanthropist John . Malone and IBM Chairman Samuel J Parmisano have
also been chosen for the prestigious citation.
Vetern Actress Suchitra Sen Conferred Banga- Bibhusan Award
Eminent film actress Suchitra Sen was conferred with West Bengal Governments highest award Banga- Bhushan
on 20 May 2012. The legendary filmstar was however, not present on the stage to receive the award as she
continues to remain away from public eye. The award was received by his daughter and grand daughter. The
award includes a citation and award money worth of Rs. 2 lakh.
Pedabayalu Coffee wins Flavour of India Fine Cup Award
The International jury at melbowrne in Australia has adhusted as the best coffee grown in Araku Region
comprising Odisha and Andhra Pradesh as the best coffee in the region for the year 2012 and bestowed the
Flavour of India Fine Cup Award
65th Cannes FilmFestival
The 65th annual cannes film festival was held from May 16 to May 27 ,2012 .The Palmedor was awarded to
Australian director Michael Heneke for his film Love.
The Jury gave the Grand Prize to Matteo Garrones Reality.
The Angel Share was Awarded the Jury Prize
Best Actor is Mads Mikkelsen for the film Hunt
Best Actress is Cristina flutur and Cosmina Strantan for thr film Beyound The Hills
Best Director is carlos Regadas for the film Post Tenebras Lux
Best Screen Play is Beyounf the Hills by Cristian Hungiu
Rahul Bhattacharya Wins British Friction Prize
Young writer Rahul battacharya on 29 May won the prestigious Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize 2012
for his book, The sky company of people who care.He also won Common Wealth Book prize for 2012 .
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) Appointments
Indian American Vikram Singh Appointed To SES of Pentagon
Indian American Vikram Singh ,an expert on Afghanistan and Pakistan and close aide of late diplomat Richard
Holbrooke, was appointed to an important position of Deputy Assistant Secretery of Defence for South and South
East Asia at the Pentagon. He replaced Robert Seher who had been assigned as deputy assistant secretary of
defence for plans.
Vidya Balan Appointed As The Brand Ambassador of NSC
Union Rural Development Ministry of India on 4 May 2012 in National Award winning actor Vidya Balan was
appointed as the Brand Ambassador for improving the state of sanitation in the country. Rural Develop Minister
Jairam Ramesh brought in the leading bollywood star to promote the National Sanitation Campaign (NSC).
New Prime Minister for Russia
Dimitri Medvedev has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Russia on 8 May 2012 .
New Chancellor for Eflu
Mrs. Sunaina Singh had been appointed as the new Vice- chancellor of the English and Foreign Languages
University (Eflu) on 11 May 2012. She is the head for the English department in Osmania University at present.
Rahul Khullar Appointed TRAI Chief
Commerce security Rahul Khullar has been appointed as chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (
TRAI) for three years on 13 May 2012. He will succed J.S Sharma whose tenure ended on 13 May 2012.
New German Ambassador To India
Michael Steiner had been appointed as the German ambassador to India on 14 May 2012, he was earlier special
envoy to Afghanisthan and Pakistan.
Jean Marc Ayrault New Prime Minister of France
Jean Marc Ayrault a moderate socialist took over as the Frances new Prime Minister on 16 May 2012
Saurabh Chandra Took The Additional Charge (SDC)
Saurabh Chandra, secretary, Department of Industrial policy and promotion was slated to hold the additional
charge of the post of secretary of the department of commerce on 14 May 2012
India American Elected To City Council in Texas
After Several Months of consistant campaigning, Himesh Gandhi, a person of Indian origin (PIO), has been
elected to a city council in the US state of Texas on 17 May 2012.
Bedi Selected to the Board of World Federation Against Drugs
Team Anna member Kiran Bedi has been selected as the Board member from the Asian region to the Board of
World Federation Agaibst drugs. Bedi has been elected unanimously to the Board during a meeting in Stockholm
earleir this week as recognition of her work in the field of contaning drug abuse throug her NGONavjyoti.
New Army Chief Bikram Singh
General Bikram Singh, a vetarian infantry officer, who took over as the 25th chief of the Indian Army on 31May
2012 , has to grapple with the challenge of closing the fissures in the top echelons of the worlds second largest
force.
B) Resigns
Snooker Champion Stephen Hendry Announced His Retirement
Seven time world snooler chmpion Stephen Hendry announced his retirement on 1 May 2012 after loosing in the
quarter finals at the world championships. The 43 years old legend called it a day after a 13-2 defeat to fellow
Stephen Maguire.
Nepal Cabinet Resigns To Form New Government
Nepal cabinet tendered its resignatiom on 3 May 2012. Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai also stated resigned by
the end of the month . The decision to step down came in the wake of an agreement among the Nepals major
political parties to form a new coalition Government.
UTI Mutual Funds Chief Marketing Officer Resigns
UTI mutual funds chief marketing officer Jaideep Bhattacharya stepped down from his post on 4 May 2012.
Bhattacharya quit the position to explore Carrier opportunities
Indian American Scientist Quits From Top Energy Post
Apunava Majumdar, eminent Indian, American scientist had resigned after the US Senate did not confirm
president Barack Obamas proposal to elevate him as under secretary at the Department of energy.
Mahasweta Devi Resigns from Bangla Academy
The Magsaysay Award Winner Mahasweta Devi,who is known to be close associate of West Bengal Chief
Minister Mamata Banerjee in her resignation as Chair person of the Bangla Academy on 23 May.
Sanjay Joshi Resigns a Head of BJP National Executive
BJP Leader, Sanjay Joshi,bete noire of the Gujarat Vheif Minister on 22 May resigned a head of the party national
executive.
Infosys Bpo Coo Indnani Resigns
Indias largest software services firm,Ritesh Idanani senior vice president and cheif cooperative officer of its
business processing out sourcing arm, has resigned.
Pieterson Retires fron ODIs
England star Kevin pieterson retired from international limited overs cricket on 31May a secision which took the
England and Wales Cricket Board(ECB) by surprise.
C)Deaths
Former Left Front Minister Nandagopal Died
Veteran Communist Party of India leader and former left front minister Nandagopal Bhattacharya died in Kolkata
on 6 May 2012. Nandagopal served three terms from 1961 tp 2011 as minister in the West Bengal Government.
Norways World Swimming Champion Dale Died
Norways World Swimming Champion Alexander Dale Oen died suddendly on 1 May 2012 in the US aged 26, he
had won gold medal in 400m breakstoke at the world cahmpionship in Shangai in July 2012.
Mexican Novelist Carlos Fuentes Dead
Author Carlos Fuentes, Who played a dominated role in Latin Americas novel- writing boom by delving into the
failed ideals of the revolution, died on 16 May 2012 in Mexico.
Disco Queen Donna Summer Died
Singer Donna Summer, popularly Known as the Queen of Disco has died after a long battle with lung cancer on
17 May 2012 in Florida. Whose real name is LaDonna Adrain Gainess .
D) Visitors
Hillary Clinton 3-Day Visit To India
The US secretary Hillary Clinton visited India for a 3-day visit and initially resisting US pressure to adhere to
international sanctions on Iran. She met West Bengal chief minister Mamata Benerjee in Kolkata and after that
Mr.Manmohan Singh and chairperson Sonia Gandhi. The main agenda was that India would reduce its
dependence on Iran oil imports.
French PresidentFrancois Hollande on Surprise Trip to Afghanistan
French PresidentFrancois Hollande arrived in Afghanistan on 25 May for a
surprise trip to visit Frances Troops there.Hollandae ,who plans to
accelerate the withdrawl of french soldiers fron Afhanistan to the end
of this year was accompanied by Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and
Defence Minister Drian.
PM Meets Myanmar President in Land Mark Visit
PM Manmohan Singh visited Myanmar on 27 May . A three day visit in Myanmar. He is the first PM to visit
Myanmar in 25years. India suggested the two countries should work out a joint strategy to tackle terrorism and
insurgency along their border and enhance security cooperation.
Iranian vice President Ali Saeedlu Visits Cuba
Iranian vice President Ali Saeedlu Began an official Visit to Cuba. saeedlu,Ahmadinejads deputy for international
Affairs,met with cuban vice President Jose Ramon Machado on 28 May,after which they stressed the excellent
state of bilateral tiesan official statement.
Myanmar Suu Kyi Leaves For First Abroad In 24 years
Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi visited Thailand on 29 May to attend a world Economic Forum Meet
ahead of her European tour.
Iranian Foreign Ministers visit to India
Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar salehi visits India on 31May on a two day visit to formaly invite prime minister
Manmohan Singh for the Non Aligned Movement(NAM) summit to be held in tehran in august.
E)Miscellaneous
Googles New Translate Services Started
Recently Google had started his instantly free online language translation services which can translate more than
14 languages of text and web pages, which is called conversation mode.
Paris is Worlds Most Expencive City For A Club Sandwich
Paris had turned out to be the worlds most expencive city for a club sandwich according to a survey by Hotel
Booking site. New Delhi has emerged the cheapest in this survey of major tourist destinations and business
capitals. The site has been tracing the prices of this classic chicken, bacon, egg, lettuce and as handy indicator
of how expencive or inexpencive a city is for travellers.
Worlds Largest Hindu Temple to Be Built In Bihar
Worlds largest Hindu Temple to Be Built In Bihars East Chaparan district by a religious body Mahavir Mandir
Trust (MMT) said its secretary on 13 May 20121.The temple is built over 50 acres land donated by the Kathwalia
Math, The temple would not be the exact replice of the Angkor wat temple, but few common features of the two
religious structures. The five storied temple will be 1,240 feet long, 1,150 feet wide 272 feet tall and will house the
idols of Radha and Krishna, shiva & parvati, Ganesh , Surya, Vishnu and Dashavatar. The construction cost of the
temple would be about Rs. 300 crore.
Tallest Residential Building in Dubai
Princess tower in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is 413.4 metres high and has 101 storeys above ground
dedicated to residential use.Guinness said . This has set a new record with Princess Tower,which the Guinness
World Record
The Richest Woman in World
Australias reichest person Gina Rinehart has eclipsed Wal-Mart Heiress Christy Walton oz tycoon to become
the Worlds Wealthiest woman,according to an annual index by Business review Weekly,personal fortune at
$28.48 billion
Ratan Tata Rmains India Incs Most Powerful CEO
Tata sons chariman Ratan Tata heads the ET-Corporate Dossier ranking of India Incs most powerfull CEOs for
the fourthyear running. While Mukesh Ambani has Managed to retain his position at the second place,his brother
Anil has fallen six positions at no.11 ,Sunil Mittal i sin 16th position.
Record Carbon dioxide Emission in 2011 India stood Fourth
China spurred a jump in global carbondioxide emissions to their highest recorded level in 2011,offsetting falls in
the united states and europe .THe International Energy Agency(IEA) said on 25th may India moved a head on
Russia to become the fourth largest co2 emitter,behind china ,the u.s and E.U.
Old puzzle of Newton Solved by Shaurya Roy an Indian Student
A 16 year shaurya roy has saolved the Newtons 350 year unsolved puzzle which had baffled the world of
Mathematicians for more than 350 years. he has been hailed a genius after working out the problems set by Sir
Issac Newton. The scholl boy,from Drebsden,Germany,solved two fundamental particle dynamics theories.which
physicians have previously been able to calculate only by using computer.
Postal Stamp on Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti Released
Union Minister of Communication and IT Kapil Sibal on 27 May released a postal stamp to mark the 800th urs of
Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chistu at Ajmer.The stamp was released in the ceremony hall Mehfil Khana of the
Dargarh Premises in the presence if a large number of Zayrines(pilgrims).
Indian-American Snigha Nandipati Becomes word Spelling Bee Champ
Snigha Nandipati, a 14-year-old Indo-American girl spelled the French for ambush,guetapens,right to be crowned
the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion.
PLACES IN NEWS
Londons Tallest Tower
Londons Tallest tower of 114.5 metre stands in the Olympic park in East London, Between the aquatic centre
and the main Olympic stadium. The tower was designed by Mumbai born artist Anish Kapoor. The Mayor of
London , Boris Johnson unveiled on 10 May 2012. The twisting tower was described by Kapoor as the Tower of
Babel.
The Italian Town Devasted By An Earth Quake
Emilia Romanga strucks 5.8 earthquake at 4.am on 20 May,killing seven people and forcing 7,000 into
temporary shelters.Then disaster struct once again on 29 May at 5.8 Magnitude earthquake shook the region at
just after 9.am. 16 died,1400 people are homeless and 5 are missing in it.
COMMITTEES
Competition Commission Of India, Constituted Eminet Persons Advisory Group
The competition commission of India (CCI) formed an Eminet Persons Advisory Group (EPAG) on 7 May 2012.
The group is constituted to provide CCI inputs and advise on issues impacting markets and competition, among
others. The group comprise Infosys founder N.R.Nayanan Murthy former comptroller and Auditor General V.N
Kawl, Former Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India Rakesh Mohan, Biocon Chairman and M.S Kran
Mazumdar- shaw, former Directorof IIM-Amedhabad Bakul Dholaka, formerchairman of CEFC S.L.Ro, former vice
chancellor of NLSIU- Bangalore N.L Mitra . Thee group will hold its maiden meeting on July 2012 The group will
have interaction/ meeting with the commission two to three times a year.
Seven Members Committe To Look After Deplorable Conditions Of Widows
The Supreme Court on 9 May 2012 set up a seven member committee to look into the deplorable conditions of
widows destitutes living in Vrindavan and set an eight week dead line to complete the report. The committe
headed by the chairman of the Mathura District Legal Services Authority and will prepare a list of the widows with
their names , age and reasons for being in Vrindavan in Uttarpradesh.
Committee Formed By Delhi Government To Promote Welfare Of DTC Workers
A committee was formed by Delhi Government on 18 May 2012 under the chairman ship of principal secretary of
the Finance Department to promote the welfare of Delhi Transport Corp(DTC) workers. The objective of forming the
committee is to ensure participation of DTC workers in Delhi Transport Cooporation management . The decision
toform the committe was announced by Delhi Chief minister in a meeting.
BOOKS IN NEWS
Yadavs Biography
Mulayam Singh Yadav Harbinger of Social Justice book was written by eminet author Sarah Booth which was
released on 28 May 2012 in United Kingdom.
canada by Richard ford
Robert ford -Canada book was written by Robert ford which was released on 22 may 2012.
ACRS Advance Coaching Refund System
CII Confederation of Indian Industry
AWLR The Automatic Water level Recorder
April 2012 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Victory for Suu Kyi
The opposition leader of National League for Democracy (NLD) Aung San Suu Kyi had won the election held in
Myanmar on 1 April 2012 for 45 parliament seats and NLD won 43 seats.
US Grants $ 12 million Aid to Syria
The US Government announced an additional $12 .2million humanitarian aid for Syria as the second meeting of
Friends of Syria held in Turkeys largest city Istanbul. The US State department said that the new aid, consisting
of medical supplies and other humanitarian relief for displaced and vulnerable Syrian communities. The US aid will
be used to support the work of international organisation, including World Food Programme.
Mali Tuareg Rebels Declared Independence In Azawad
The Northern part of Mali was captured by a mix of separatist Tuareg rebels and Islamist fighters recently on 6
April 2012 and security of the nation was in danger, The insurgent group is called National Movement for
Liberation of Azawad and they declared an independence state of Azawad.
USA & Afghanistan Signed MoU On Night Raids
United States of America & Afghanistan on 8 April 2012 signed (MoU) Memorandum of Understanding on the
controversial issue of conduct of night raids on Afghan homes. It empowered the Afghan security forces oversight
over the raids led by the US troops. The agreement leads its a more comprehensive long term strategic
partnership agreement between the two nations after the departure of all foreign troops from Afghanistan in 2014.
The issue of night raids was a big hurdle in the way of the strategic partnership agreement
Mitt Romney Won Republic Party Crown
Mitt Romney on April 2012 effectively won the Republican Party crown to challenge President Barack Obama in
November elections as the chief rival Rick Santorum dropped from the election
Qatar is Obesity Capital Of The World
The worlds wealthiest country ranked by Forbes with highest per capita in the world Qatar is the obesity capital of
the world. Over half of its population are overweight according to a report an unhealthy combination of low levels of
exercise and growing population of fast food outlets has led to this problem. It was very serious problem facing by
Qatar.
US-Afghanistan Signed Strategic Pact
US and Afghanistan signed a long awaited strategic pact on 22 April 2012. The pact aims at setting forth
guidelines for US involvement in Afghanistan as forces are withdrawn from the trouble torn nation. The pact
provides a strong foundation for the security of Afghanistan, the region and the world. Both the countries took
almost one year to reach on the mutual agreements.
EU Suspended its Sanctions Against Myanmar
The European Union suspended its sanctions against Myanmar on 23 April 2012 for a year .The EU move came in
the back drop of a string of political reforms in the South Eastern Asian Nations. The group however maintained
that it will hold on to restrictions on arms.
INDIA & WORLD
India & Britain Economic Financial Meeting
India & Britain , held the fifth ministerial level India- UK economic financial dialogue in New Delhi on 2 April 2012.
Both nations discussed ways to strengthen their mutual cooperation and further boost trade and investment
between them. Both nations agreed, while the global economy has stabilized in recent months growth will remain
subbed and at risk, aim of increasing the role of institutional investors in infrastructure financing. Foreign capital
can play an important part in this process . Both nations supported the progress on the Reserve Bank of India s
(RBI) road maps for foreign banks in India.
IAERB Became The 11th Member Of MEDP
Indias Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (IAERB) was admitted as the 11th member of MDEP ( Multinational
Design Evaluation Programme) on 4 April 2012. The other members of this body are China, Finland, Japan, Korea,
South Africa, USA, UK Canada, France & Russia, MDEP is a multinational initiative taken by national safety
authorities to develop innovative regulatory authorities who are currently or will be tasked with the review of new
reactor power plant designs. the international Atomic Energy Agency participate in many of MDEP activities,
including the harmonization efforts
India & UAE Signed Agreement To Ease Indian Contract Workers
India & UAE signed an agreement on 4 April 2012 to ease the entry of Indian Contract workers in the Emirates.
The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It provides for an electronic contract registration and validation
system to safeguard and protect the interests of migrant Indian workers. The electronic contract registration and
validation system for this purpose was launched in Abu Dhabi on 4 April 2012. The move would ensure a
transparent, legal and less cumber some migration of Indian workers to the Emirates.
India, China To Lead Urban Population Growth Over Next 40 Years
India & China will witness unprecedented increase in their urban population in the next four decades, posing new
challenges of providing jobs, energy, housing & infrastructure to their people. The UNs 2011 Revision of the
World Urbanisation Projects said Africa and Asia will lead the global urban population growth in the next four
decades with the largest increase expected in India , China Nigeria US & Indonesia . India will add another
479million to its urban population between 2010 to 2050, while China 341million, Nigeria 200million. US 103million
and Indonesia 92milliom people moving to urban cities.
India & America Navy Training Malabar 2012
The India & US Navies began their 16th annual Malabar 12 exercise on 7 April 2012 in Chennai, that border of
the Bay of Bengal. The 10 days joint exercise which was concluded on 16 April, consists of both ashore and at
sea training. and was supported to feature seminars on everything from air defense and integrated antisubmarine
welfare operations, to carrier aviations and counter privacy operations.
India, Qatar Sign Oil & Gas Pact
India & energy rich Qatar, home to half a million Indians on 8 April signed six agreements in diverse areas,
including a pact on cooperation in oil and gas exploration. P.M.Manmohan Singh held talks with Qatars Emir
Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani on a range of issues, including boosting trade and investment as well as
energy ties between the two countries. Issues relating to the welfare of India workers in Gulf country were also
discussed. Both the countries signed a pact on establishing a cooperative framework to enhance bilateral
cooperation in oil & gas.
India, US to Boost Health Cooperation
India and the US has strengthen cooperation in the area of public health by sharing information and best
practices, identify and address policy concerns and establish new technologies. The agreement to ensure smooth
implementation of issues for bilateral cooperation was reached during a meeting on 9 April 2012 in Washington
between India & US.
India To Allow Pakistan FDI
India on 12 April 2012 said that it will allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Pakistan companies, which will
make the way for industrial from the neighbouring country to set up business and tap the growing Indian markets .
India had taken an in-principle decision as part of the trade non-malisation process to allow Foreign Direct
Investment from Pakistan. India Pakistan business council to be formed soon.
India, US Joint USD 125mn Fund For Research In Clean Energy
India & the United States had announced a joint USD 125 million fund to carry out combined research in the field
of clean energy. As such there institutions each from India and the US have been selected for the US-India Joint
Clean Energy Research & Development Center (JCERDC), which is part of the US-India partnership to Advance
Clean Energy. While national Renewable Energy Laboratory, University of Florida & Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory have been selected from US, three Indian Institutions are the Indian Institute of Science- Bangalore,
The India Institute of Chemical Technology Hyderabad, and CEPT University Ahmedabad.
35 Indian Companies Attending Canton Fair in China
Thirty five Indian Companies are participating in the Chinas biggest trade show Canton Fair, hoping for a major
opening into Chinese markets as Beijing Plans to permit more foreign goods to boost to its domestic
consumptions
US Puts India, China & Pakistan On IPR List
The US Government has put India, China & Pakistan along with 10 other countries on the intellectual property
watch list for failing to present the theft of copy righted property. Other nations on the watch list are Canada,
Argentina, Algeria, Chile, Indonesia, Israel, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine and Venezuela. These countries will be the
subject of particularly intense bilateral engagement during the coming years.
NATIONAL
NPCIL Sets A Record In Production
Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) produced a 32,455 million units of power in the financial year 2011-12,
marking an increase of 23% from 26,473 million units generated in 2010-11. Its 19 operating reactors, with a total
installed capacity of 4,680MW generated the 32,455 million units.
Worlds First Women Paramilitary Band
The Worlds first all women paramilitary pipe band on 9 April 2012, marched to its maiden tune after it got its
ceremonial colours under the CRPF at an event, during the Valour Day celebrations in New Delhi. Minister Of
State for Home Jitendra Singh presented the ceremonial pipe mace to the band commander, called Major of
pipes, sub inspector Darshana Kumari. In 1986 the first women CRPF battalion was established.
New Naval UAV Squadorn Inducted
The Eastern Naval Command gt a fill up with the commissioning of a new naval air squadorn an Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle (UAV) Squadorn at INS Parundu, the naval air station at Ramnathapuram in Tamil Nadu. It is the third of
its kind in the Indian Navy and the first on the Eastern Coast. INAS344 was commissioned on 11 April 2012 by
Flag Officer Commanding in-chief of Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Anil Chopra. The aircraft with long
endurance and stealth capabilities are suited for search and detection.
Efftronics Instruments Get RDSO Nod
A city based Efftronics Systems Pvt Ltd has developed the countrys first ever solid state block instrument that is
a micro computer supported electronic equipment approved for the use in railway signalling. The Luknow based
Research Designs & Standards Organisaton of the Indian Railways ( RDSO) approved the product. It helps in
running more number of trains on the same track, it gives stress-free operational environment with smooth push
buttons.
Union Cabinet Approved Extension of Funding For Swavalamban Scheme
The Union Cabinet on 12 April 2012 approved the extension of funding support for implementing the Swavalamban
scheme under the new pension system (NSP) from three years to five years for all subcribers enrolled during
2010-11,2011-12 and 2012-13. The cabinet decide to provide an additional funding support of Rs. 2065crore to the
scheme till 2016-17. The cabinet decision will benefit 70 lakh workers in the unorganised sector.
Union Cabinet Approved A Proposal To Set Up SPV For GSTN
The Union Cabinet on 12 April 2012 approved a proposal to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for Goods
and Service Tax Network (GSTN) to help facilitate the smooth introduction of the New Indirect Tax regime. GSTN
SPV is to be incorporated as section 25 not for profit private limited company in which strategic control would be
held by the centre. It will provide IT infrastructure& services to various Stakeholders including the centre & states.
Union Cabinet Approved, Amendment In the Registration of Births & Deaths Act, 1969
The Union Cabinet on 12 April 2012 gave its approval to the introduction of a bill seeking amendment in the
Registration of Births & Deaths Act 1969 to include registration of marriages as well, so that the existing
administrative mechanism of marriage in accordance with the specified procedures and be able to maintain
necessary records and statistics for registration of marriages also. The proposal Bill is set to benefit the women
from unnecessary harassment in matrimonial & maintenance cases. It also seeks to provide evidentiary value in
the matters of custody of children.
Worlds Most Influential Mamata Banerjee On Time List
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most
influential people of the world released on 18 April 2012.
270 Million Indians Are Illiterate
According to the report by the International Youth Foundation (IYF), there are an estimated 270 million Indians
aged 15 and older who are illiterate, while young women aged 15 to 24 are twice as likely as young men their age
to be illiterate. people remain illiterate in India despite the country making major progress in cutting down illiterate
, by opening number of schools.
Asias First & Largest Solar Power Park In India, Dedicated
A 600MW solar power park, and the Asias first & largest was dedicated to the nation by the Gujarat Chief
Minister Narendra Modi on 19 April 2012. The park is situated in the states Patan district has a power generation
capacity of 600MW, covering 3,000 acres of the waste land bordering of the Rann of Kutch and generating two-
third of Indias total 900Mw of solar power production
TRAI Made Mandatory for Second Billing Option To Customers
The Indian Telecoms Regulatory TRAI issued a directive to all mobile phone operators in India on 20 April 2012
making it mandatory for the operators to offer a per second billing option to customers. The new directive allowed
telecoms carriers to charge premium services that mostly include phone calls and text messages sent to
participate in TV and Radio programmes.
Union Government decided on 1 million cap on ECB For Aviation Sector
The Union Government on 20 April 2012 permitted companies engaged in the aviation sector to raise working
capital resources through the External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) route to the tune of $ 1 million. The limit
for individual airline companies was set at $ 300 million. This limit can be availed themselves of either in a
lumpsum or in tranches, depending on the utilisation of the limit during the one year, when the facility is available.
So far airlines were allowed to raise foreign capital only for import of capital equipment such as aircraft.
India Second Most Economically Confident Country
Indians continue to be among the worlds most confident people about their economy on account of moderating
inflationary presence and the easing of tight money policy stance of the Reserve Bank, Said a report. According
to global research firm Ipsos India had emerged as the second most ergonomically confident nation for the second
consecutive time with 75% and Saudi Arabia with 89% stood top most and China with 71% in third most . India
has overtaken Japan to become the second largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity and is heading
for accelerated growth.
Rajya sabha Passed The Right Of Children To Free & Compulsory Education Bill 2010.
The Rajya Sabha , the upper house of Indian parliament on 24 April 2012, passed the Right of Children to Free
and Compulsory Education ( Amendment) bill 2010. The amendment seeks to provide the right to receive home-
based education to children with severe disabilities. The amended bill gives school management committees and
advisory role in minority schools, both aided and unaided , and keeps madrases and vedic schools and other
institutions providing primarily religious instructions out of the perview of the Act.
India Accounted For 47% of Measles Deaths in 2010
As per a recent World Health Organisation ( WHO) study, published in the British Medical Journal, The Lancet, on
23 April 2012 India accounted for about 47% of Measles deaths in 2010, while Africa recorded 36% of deaths due
to the same disease. The study revealed that the death rates from measles went down by 74% between 2000 &
2010, but it missed the WHO target of 90%. Africa & India two key regions of the World where a large number of
cases related to measles came into light significantly under performed which led the WHO to miss its target
Sachin Tendulkar, nominated to Rajya Sabha
Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar, who celebrated his 39th birthday recently will enter the Rajya Sabha along
with Bollywood actress Rekha and industrialist Anu Aga. The nomination of the three personalities was approved
on 25 April 2012by the president Pratibha Patil under the article 80 of the constitution.
Information & Broadcasting Ministry Notified Cable Television Networks Rules, 2012
The information and Broadcasting ( I&B) ministry of India on 28 April 2012 notified the much awaited cable
television networks rules, 2012 which paves the way for digitalisation of all the sectors. The I& B ministry had set
30 June 2012 as the date for digitalisation of the cable sector in the four metros and these cables rules would
provide the framework on which the digitalised cable network would provide services. As per the new rules, cable
operators and multi sector operators will now have to ensure that they have the capability to carry minimum
numbers of channels as specified by the Telecoms Regulatory Authority of India. (TRAI)
Health Of Urban Poor Worse Than Rural Poor, Parliamentary Panel
Health indication of the urban poor are worse than their rural counterparts, a parliamentary panel has said slaming
the Government failure to launch a key programme for the health of nine crore people who live in slums in big
towns and cities with an increasing number of urban poor and few Government policies for them, the report has
slammed the ministry of Health & family welfare for not launching the much talked about National Urban Health
Mission (NUHM).
STATES
Financial City In Bangalore
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 8 April 2012, laid the foundation stone for the countrys first financial city,
being built by the state run IFCI Infrastructure Development Ltd ( IIDL) at the Hardware park near the International
airport a Bagalur, about 30 km from Bangalore.
Indias Largest Solar Power Plant In Rajasthan
L&T Commissions Indias largest solar power plant (40 MWP) owned by Reliance power Limited at Dhursar village
in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. The company officials said L&T Construction, as the largest (EPC) Engineering,
Procurement & Construction player in solar power, executed the plant from concept, including detailed design to
commissioning in 129 days.
4G Services Launched In Kolkata
Union Telecommunications Minister Kapil Sibal had Launched the countrys first ever fourth Generation Mobile
services from Bharti Airtel in Kolkata on 10 April 2012.
Adarsh Judicial Commission Its Interim Report to Maharashtra Govt
The two member Adarsh Judicial Commission set up by the Maharashtra Government to probe into the scan-
tained Adarsh Housing Society submitted its interim report to the state Government on 13 April 2012. The
commission was formed under N.N.Kumbahar. It included the commissions findings on two issues ownership of
the land in Mumbai where the 31 storey Adarsh building stands and whether the land was reserved for Kargil war
widows and their relatives.The commission refuses to rely on property card submitted by state as evidence. The
army was not dispossessed of Khukari park by either the state or the Adarsh society.
Uttar Pradesh Government Scrapped The Post of Cabinet Secretary
The Uttar Pradesh Government on 27 April 2012 decided to scrap the post of cabinet secretary of the state. The
cabinet also decided to withdraw a proposed amendment bill meant to give immunity to panchayat heads from no-
confidence motion for two years. The decision to withdrew Kshetra Panchayat and district panchayat amendment
bill 2011 proposed by previous Mayawati Government was taken in a cabinet.
State Owned Oil Companies Reduced Jet Fuel, Prices
State owned oil companies for the second time in the month of April reduced jet fuel prices by a marginal Rs. 312
per kilolitre on 30 April 20121. The price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) jet fuel, in the reduction was announced in
the wake of Rs. 169.3 per KL cut inrates effected from 16 April 2012.
CONFERENCES
Two Day 20th ASEAN Summit
The two days 2th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit was chaired by the Hunsen, the
Cambodian Prime Minister on 3 April 2012 in Cambodia. The summit themed (ASEAN) one community one
destiny was gathered by the heads of states or Government from 10 ASEAN members. The summit is expected
to discuss a wide range of issues including the implementation of the roadmap for an (ASEAN ) Community
Building and for (ASEAN ) integration work plan.
India -Russia Seventh Joint Working Meeting
The seventh meeting of the India-Russia Joint Working Group was held in New Delhi on 11 April 2012. India &
Russia held comprehensive discussion on combating international terrorism and reaffirmed their commitment to
consolidate bilateral interaction in the fight against this menace. The two countries emphasised that cooperation
in countering new challenges and threats is an integrate part of the India- Russian special and privileged Strategic
partnership
RIC Meeting In Moscow
The Russia, India and China (RIC) trilateral conference was held in Mascow on 13 April 2012. Where came up
with discussions over the South China sea and discussed on a range of international issues, including North
Korea, Iran Afghanistan terrorism and regional security in Asia and over the issue of new sanctions on North
Korea.
6th Summit Of The Americas
The 6th Summit of the Americas was held At Cartagena, Colombia on 14 and 15 April 2012. Delegates from 34
heads of states and government addressed the summit , only Cuba not attended the summit due to restrictions
from US and other countries. The central theme of the summit is Connecting the Americas The main agenda
were the lucrative and destructive drug trade and how the countries of the entire regions could meet while
excluding one country, Cuba.
World Agriculture Congress-2013 in Hyderabad
The World Agricultural Forum, which organised the biannual event last time in Belgium, for2013 year World
Agriculture Congress mega event will be hosted by the Hyderabad city for the first time in the country. The state
Government had given assurance for all help and support to the World Agriculture Congress.
AWARDS & HONOURS
National Award For NTPC Ramagundam
NTPCs Ramagundam super Thermal Power Station Situated in Karimnagar district of Andhra Pradesh has been
awarded with Nation Award on 2 April 2012 for its Meritorious performance
Bhagwan Mahavir Award For Aung San Suu Kyi
Myanmars democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been chosen for the first international Bhagwan Mahavir
World Peace Award on 3 April 2012 for her devotion to Promote non-violence and peace for the welfare of the
people.
BSES Yamuna Power Ltd (BYPL) Won British Safety Award
BSES Yamuna Power limited (BYPL) won the prestigious 54th British International Safety Award. BYPL has been
selected for this award given the steps taken by it for the safety of its over 11 lakh consumers and safety & health
of its employees. The list of awards winner was announced in London in the last week of March 2012. The award
will be presented in May 2012. BYPL is the first Indian discom to be selected for this award.
Amitabh To Be Honoured For Polio Campaign
Actor Amitabh Bachchan who has been the Goodwill Ambassador for polio UNICEF Campaign from 2005, will be
honoured for his contribution to the cause. In feb, the World Health Organisation had taken India off the list of polio
endemic countries.
Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Award for SCR
Governor N.D.Tiwari presented the Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Award to South Central Railways ( SCR) on 53rd
Railway Week Celebrations at Rail Kalarang in Secunderabad on 8 April 2012, which was presented in recognition
of its overall excellence among the 16 zones in the Indian Railways
New York Times Won Two Pulitzer Prizes for 2012
The 2012 Pulitzer Prize was announced on 16 April 2012. The New York Times won two Pulitzer prize, for
explanatory and international reporting. The Associated press won a Pulitzer prize for investigative reporting for
documenting the New York Police Departments spying on Muslims.The Pulitzer prize are given annually by
Columbia University on th recommendation of a board of Journalists. Each awards carries a $10,000 prize except
for the public service award, which is a gold medal.
Gallantry Award For Lt. Gen Bikram Singh
President Pratibha Patil on 17 April 2012 presented Gallantry Award to Lt.Gen Bikram Singh and other 16
persons during the Defense Investiture Ceremony held at New Delhi . This award has been presented for showing
bravery and service during war time.
Sikkim Won The Best State Award
Sikkim, on 24 April 2012 won the best state award for strengthening its Panchayathi Raj institutions. The North-
Easatern state bagged the five pretigious national awards worth of 1.36 crore rupees, at a Panchayat Raj Day
functon held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.
New Record By 10 Years Old, Aadhil
A 10 years old boy named Aadhil from Beypore, Kerala created a new record by swimming 4.63 km with his
hands and legs tied in a World record bid, Aadhil swam across from a point in the Arabian sea to the Chaliyar
river and break the current record of two miles set by a Chinese girl. And recorded in the Giunness Bokk of
Records.
Yudhvir Award For Shanta Sinha
Chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Shanta Sinha has been honoured
with this year 2012 Yudhvir Memorial Foundation Award on 30 April 2012. She had been given the award for
pioneering and innovative role in protecting and promoting child rights.
Indian Americans Wins White House Journalism Award
Indian American Journalist Manu Raju was among the White House Correspondent Journalism Award winner for
2012 honoured at the Associations traditional annual dinner with President Barck Obama.
SPORTS
Maimi Masters Title to Novack Djokovic
Worlds No-1 Novak Djokovic won the Maimi masters title on 1 April 2012 by defeating fourth seeded Andy Murrey
in the final held in Florida.
World Championship For China
Worlds no-2 Zhang Jike of China won the Mens Single Worlds Table Tennis Championship held in Durtmund,
Germany on 1April 2012 by defeating Timo Boll
Womens Single World Championship
Chinas Ning Ding won the Womens Single World Table Tennis Championship held in Durtmund, Germany on 1
April 2012 by defeating Feng Tianwei
Geeta Kumari, First Indian Woman Wrestler to Olympics
Geeta Kumari, the woman wrestler, won a gold in 55kg category at the ongoing Asia qualifying tournament in
Astana, Kazakhastan. Geeta with this victory also made a history as she became the first Indian woman wrestler
to have ever qualified for the Olympics
Indian Boxer Vijendra Singh Qualified For London Olympics
In boxing, Indias Vijendra singh on 8 April 2012 qualified for the London Olympics in the 75 kg category, He is the
first Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics for the third time in succession.
Pankaj Advani Win 11th Asian Billiards Championship
Six times world Champion Pankaj Advani on 8 April 2012 clinched the 11th ONGC Asian Billiards Championship
title after defeating Thowaat Sujaritthurakara of Thailand in the Final in Panaji
Sarena Wins First Title Of 2012
Fifth seeded Sarena Williams captured her 40th career Womens Tennis Association (WTA) title by defeating
ninth seeded Czech Lucie Safarova on 8 April 2012 in Charleston.
Bubba Won Augusta Masters Title
Bubba Watson of US, a third left hand player won the Augusta Masters Golf Tournament on 8 April 2012 in
Augusta by defeating Louis Oosthuizen of British.
Indian Squash Player Saurav Ghosal Won The EL Gouna International Open
Top Indian Squash player Saurav Ghosal won a 3-2 victory over Rabbie Temple of England at the $120,000 EL
Gouna International open in EL Gouna on 9 April 2012
Double Honour For Sangakkara
Sri Lankas Kumar Sangakkara has been chosen one of the five Cricketers of the Year and leading Cricketer in
the World for 2011, which was announced in 2012 edition of Wisden Cricketers Almanack on 11 April 2012.
Smriti Named Player Of The Year
Smriti Mehra, the most successful Golfer on the Hero Womens Professional Golf Tour in 2011-12 was named the
Player of the Year at the Hero- WGAI Awards function on 11 April 2012 held in New Delhi.
Shiva Thapa Became The Youngest Indian Boxer For Olympics
The 18 years old Shiva Thapa (56 kg category) on 11 April 2012 became the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for
the Olympics by beating Japans Satoshi Shimize 31-11 to enter the final of the Asian Qualifiers in Astana,
Kazakhstan.
Vikas Gowda Sets Nation Award
Discus thrower Vikas Gowda, the 28 years old Indian hurled the discus to 66.28 meters at Norman Oklahana in
US on 12 April 2012, to break his National record of 64.96 meters en route to winning the gold in the event, laying
down an early marker in the Olympic year. His previous record was made at Salinas, California in 2007.
Mercedes AMG Driver Nico Rosberg Won Chinese Grand Prix
Mercedes AMG driver Nico Rosberg won the Chinese Grand Prix on 15 April 2012, first in his career at Shanghai
International Circuit by defeating Jenson Button of Britain
Under 19 Quadrangular Cricket Tournament Winner India
India recorded a convincing seven wicket win over Australia to clinch the under 19 quadrangular cricket
championship on 15 April 2012 in Townsville, Australia. The man of the match was given to Unmukt Chand for his
unbeaten 112 runs in the match. where four countries Australia, South Africa, India and England participated.
Lanka Ravi Titled By FIDE Lecturer
Former Asian Rapid Chess Champion Lanka Ravi has been conferred a FIDE Lecturer title by the World Chess
Body (FIDE) on 15 April 2012. Ravi, who was the first International Master from Andhra Pradesh is the only one
from Asia to get this privilege in the list of 24 FIDE Lectures nominated across the world.
No Champions Trophy After 2013
The ICC Champions Trophy, which will be held in England in 2013, will be last tournament, as the association
plans to have only one Championships for each of the games three formats from 2015
Korean City Slated As The Venue For Shooting World Championship
The shooting world championship of 2018 was awarded to,Korean city of Changwon on 17 April 2012. The
decision regarding the venue of the championship was made at the general assenbly meeting of international
shooting sport Federation ( ISSF) in London. The last World Championships was held in Munich, Germany, in
2010 and the next Championship will be held in Granada, in Spain in 2014.
Rafeal Nadal Won Monte Carlo Masters
Ace tennis player Rafeal Nadal on 22 April 2012 clinched his eighth consecutive Monte Carlo Masters Title match
held at Monaco. The second seeded Nadal defeated Serbian Novak Djokovic in the final. The Monte Carlo Title
was Nadals first since French Open title in 2011 and 47th of his ATP career.
Vettel Won The Formula One Title Race
Defending Double world championship Sebastian Vettel of R ed Bull claimed his first win of the year on 22 April
2012 to take over as leader of the Fotmula One Tile race in Manama.
Chinas Chen Jin Clinch The Asian Badminton Championship
The third seeded Chinas Chen Jin defeated fellow countryman and fifth seeded Du Pengyu in the Mens finals of
Asian Badminton Championship in Chinas eastern city of Qingdao on 22 April 2012
Umadevi On Top In World Ladies Billiards
R.Umadevi claimed her maiden World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association Title beating world no-13 Eva
Palmius by 2-0 in the seniors final held at the Cambridge snooker centre, England on 24 April 2012.
Shon Wan Ho Won Indian Open Badminton
Shon Wan Ho of Korea defeated Chinese defending champion Lee Chong Wei in the mens singles final clash
and clinch his maiden super series title of the Indian Open Badminton on 28 April 2012 held in India.
Nadal Won Barcelona Open Badminton Title
Rafeal Nadal defeated Davis Ferrer of Spain to clinch the seventh Barcelona Mens Singles Title on 29 April 2012
held in Barcelona, and became the first tennis player to win two seperate ATP World Tour events seven times.
Aditya Mehta Wons Asian Snooker Title
Aditya Mehta defeated compatriot Pankaj Advani in the final and won the Asian Snooker Title after eight years on
29 April 2012 held at Qatar
Maria Sharapova Won Porsche Grand Prix
Russias Maria Sharapova won the Porsche Grand Prix Title after defeating world no-1 Belarus Victoria Azarenka
in the final match held on 30 April 2012 in Stuttgart Germany.
ECONOMY
E-Filling Mandatory For Income Above 10 Lakh
The Government had made it mandatory for individuals with income of over Rs. 10lakh to file their tax returns for
2011-12. Electronically E-filling has been made compulsory for the person who is an individual or a Hindu
undivided family, if his or its total income or the total income in respect of which he is or it is assessable under
the Act during the previous year, exceeds ten lakh rupees for assessment year 2012-13 onwards.
India Spends Least On Healthcare
Data from World Bank confirm that among the comparable BRICS Nations, which have similar social, political &
economic influence in the globe, India spends the least on public healthcare. Among all the BRICS nations,
Indias share of public expenditure in the total health expenditure is the lowest in each of the years from 2004 to
2009 at 0.936%
RBI Cuts Repo Rate By 0.50%
After a gap of three years, Reserve Bank of India on 17 April 2012 cut the repo r ate from 8.5% to 8% And the
reverse repo rate reduced from 7.5 to 7%, As the CRR remains at 4.75%, which would stimulate growth and
softening of inflation, And set the stage for a reduce in interest rate on home, auto and corporate loans.
Print of MICR & IFSC Code Mandatory on Passbooks, RBI
The Reserve Bank of India on 21 April 2012 directed all commercial banks to print the MICR( Magnetic Ink
Chracter Recognition) and IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) Code on the passbook and statement of account
of the customer.
World Economic Outlook By IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its World Economic Outlook (WEO), released ahead of the IMF World
Bank Spring meetings, marginally lowered India;s economic growth forecast to 6.9% in 2012, from 7% projected
earlier. The IMF projected world economic growth rate to slump to 3.5% in 2012 from 3.9% in 2011. It pegged
Indias growth during the 2013 year at 7.3%. According to the estimates of Indias Central Statistical Organisaton
( CSO), the growth rate during the financial year 2011-12 slipped to a 3 year low of 6.7%. the Union Government
projected a growth rate of 7.6% for 2012-13 fiscal year .
Indian Navy Inducted Russian Origin Submarine
The Indian Navy on 4 April 2012 inducted a Russian origin nuclear Submarine, INS Chakra into its flotilla. The
nuclear submarine has placed India into the elite group of nations which operate nuclear vessels. The Akula II
class submarine K-152 Nerpa, renamed INS Chakra II is on a 10 years lease from Russia at a cost of nearly
1billion dollar
AWACS Test Flight Sucessful
Achieving a major milestone, India has successfully carried out the maiden- test flight of its second indigenous
Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft in Brazil on 5 April 2012 the DRDO said. The successful
flight is seen as a major boost as the aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in June 2012 to the (IAF) Indian Air
Force.
Worlds First Flying Car
Woburn, mass based Terrafugia said that its prototype flying car has completed its first flight, bringing the
company closer to its goal of selling the flying car within the next year. The vehicle dubbed the transition has two
seats, four wheels and wings that folds up so it can be driven like a car. It flew at 1,400 feet for eight minutes,
Terrafugia will be introduced in the New York Auto show and is expected to cost $ 279,000.
Fossilized Bone Of a Foot In Ethiopia
Scientists in the first week of April 2012, unearthed fossilized bones of a foot in Ethiopia which they believe could
be a new species of human that roamed the planet some three million years ago and could offer insight into how
man evolved to walk on two feet. The shape of the bones shows that the creature could walk upright at times. The
ability to walk upright is an important feature that separate humans from other great apes.
New ISRO Centre to Control Spy Satellite Launch
The Indian rocket that will carry the 1,850 kg indigenous surveillance Satellite- Radar Imaging Satellite(Risat-1) to
the skies in April month will be controlled by the new mission control centre at Sriharikota, said by senior officials
of Indian space agency ISRO. The second mission control centre was inaugurated by President Pratibha Patil this
January. The forth coming rocket launch would be controlled and monitored from the new mission control centre.
The new mission control centre is modern and has layer area to accommodate more space scientist.
Pre-Magalithic Period Discovered In Tamil Nadu
Pottery & iron age megaliths dated the Pre -Megalithic/ iron age period in Tamil Nadu 1,800 BC-1,500BC found at
Mandapam village, near Aarpakkam intersection, about 14 km from Kancheepuram in April 2012. The importance
of the vast urn- burial site is that it belongs to a period earlier than the Megalithic age or 1 run age in Tamil Nadu.
Gravity Changes Along Moons Surface
Planetary Scientists claim to have coated a new gravity map of the Moon which shows that the gravity pull
changes from location to location oves the surface of the Earths Natural Satellite. Using detailed top graph-phase
information from NASAs Lunar Reconnaissance Orbitar Mission an international term was able to reveal the fine
structure of the Moons gravity field in brand new detect.
Agni-V Test Fired Successfully
India on 19 April 2012 emerge as a regional super power with the successfully test fired of 5000 km-plus Long
Range Ballistic Missile (LRBM) Angi -V from the Integrated Test Range on the Wheeler Island in Odisha. India
entered into the elite club of nations with Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Technology by successfully
test firing nuclear capable Angi-V. This missile is 17.5 metre long, can carry 1 to 1.5 tonne conventional and
nuclear warheads. Which can hit targets in large parts of China including Beijing. And can also target whole of
Pakistan and South Asia .
India To Join Project To Build Largest Telescope
In a giant leap for astronomy, India will help to build the Worlds Largest and most advanced telescope. About 20
institutions like the India Institute of Astrophysics, Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences and
many other will join to construction of the Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT), a Telescope that will have nine times the
collecting areas of the current largest optical /infrared telescope and will provide unparalleled high sensitivity
spatial resolution more than 12 times sharper than what is achieved by the Hubble Space Telescope,
Six Scientists Of Indian Origin Elected Fellows Of Royal Society
Bangalore based biologist Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan and Professor Tejinder Singh Virdee of Imperial College,
London who was associated with the design and construction of the large Hadron Collider,proff Chandrashekhar
Bhalchandra Khare, Proff Mathukumalli Vidhyasagar, Proff Shankar Balasubramanian, Proff Varinder Kumar
Aggarwal are among six internationally renowned scientists of Indian origin elected to the prestigious fellowship of
Royal Society, Britains Premier Science Academy. They join the ranks of some of the worlds most famous
names including Albert Einstein Isaac newton and Stephen Hawking etc.
Pakistan Test Fired Hatf-IV Missile
Pakistan Successfully test fired a nuclear capable international range ballistic missile on 25 April 2012.
Intermediate range ballistic missile could reach targets up to 1000 km. The Hatf -IV, which was launched in the
sea, was a version of the Shaheen-I with improvements in range .It can carry nuclear and conventional warheads.
It can hit targets anywhere in India
Indigenous Imaging Satellite PSLV-C19 Launched
Indias first indigenously built all weather Radar Imaging Satellite, RISAT-I with applications ranging from
agriculture to natural disaster management, is now in polar orbit after its carrier the PSLV-C19 was launched with
clinical precision from the Sriharikota Spaceport of The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 25 April
2012.RISAT-I, weighing 1,858 kg and the heaviest satellite launched yet by the PSLV is a state of the art active
Microwave Remote Sensing satellite carrying a Synthetic Aperture Radar ( SAR) that will operate in the C-band.
RISAT-I can imaging of the Earth surface features at day and night and under all imagined weather conditions.
Indian Navy Inducted Stealth INS Teg
The Indian Navy on 26 April 2012 added one more war fighting capabilties missile stealth frigate INS Teg to its
navy. An advanced version of the Talwar class frigate which are already in service with its Teg was commissioned
by Vice-admiral K.N Sushil at the ceremony at the Yantar shipyard at Kalingrad Russia . INS Teg had been built
to meet the specific command and control needs of the navy for coordinated surface, air and water missions. The
weapons suits of the 125 metre, 4,000 tonne frigate includes the Brohmos surface to surface missile system.
India To Build Anti-Radar Missile
After the success of the Agni-v project, India had set to take its defense capabilities a stride further, It is
developing an Anti- Radiation Missile ( ARM) which can hugely multiply the strike capabilities by destroying the
enemys advance warning system production of the Anti- Radiation Missile, Which is among the most advanced
missiles is being undertaken on priority basis by the Defense Research & Development Laboratory. Such missiles
can be mounted on Sukhoi fighter planes SU-30 MKI, 140 of which have already been acquired from Russia and
around 100 more are expected to be delivered in due course of time.
China Launches Two More Satellites For Navigation System
China on 29 April 2012 successfully launched two more satellites for its proposed Beidou global navigation &
positioning network being built to counter the US Global Position System (GPS). China had so far launched 13
satellites. The Beidou 2-satellites launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in the province of Sichvan,
was boosted by a long march 3B carrier rocket and has entered the sheduled orbit. It is the first time China has
launched two Navigation Satellites with one rocket and two satellites will help to improve the accuracy of the
Beidou and compass system.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) Appointments
Ibrahim Kalifulla As Supreme Court Judge
Jammu & Kashmir High Court chief Justice F.M.Ibrahim Kalifulla was appointed as Supreme Court Judge on 2
April 2012. He will remain a Supreme Court Judge for a period of four years.
New CDM For BDL
Satya Narayana Mantha has been appointed as the new chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Dynamics Ltd (
BDL ) on April 2 2012.
Ajit Pal Singh Named Indias Chef-de Mission For Olympics
Ajit Pal Singh had became the first sports person to be named Indias Chef-de-Mission for the Olympic games, on
2 April 2012, bringing an end to the bitter wranglings for the post within the IDA. The seven members committee,
which was formed to appoint the Chef-de-mission for the July 27 2012 Olympic Games, unanimously selected the
former hockey star to head the Indian contingent in the London Olympics.
Amarendra Khatua, New Envoy To South Sudan & Sudan
India in the last week of March 2012 appointed Amarendra Khatua as its special envoy to South Sudan & Sudan
to broker peace between two countries. This was done with the objective of strengthening Indias pursuit of oil &
other Hydrocarbon resources in Africa. Amarendra Khatua is the MEA additional secretary he handles the
passport division,
Malawis New President
Prominent womens right campaigner Joyce Banda has taken sworn in as Malawis new president on 7 April 2012.
After the former President Binju Wa Mutharika died of heart attack on 5 April 2012
Malaysia s New King
Sultan Abdul Halim takes oath as Malaysias new king on 11 April 2012
New Pakistan Envoy To India
Pakistans former foreign secretary Salman Bashir was appointed as new envoy to India on 14 April 2012 . Who
has been part of the post 26/11 Indo-Pak dialogue process.
New World Bank President
The World Bank on 16 April 2012 had chosen Korean born American health expert Jim Yong Kim as its new
president. Mr. Jim was president of Dartmouth College will assume his new position from 1 July after the Banks
current president Robert Zeollick steps down.
World Heart Federation President
Dr. Srinath Reddy had been appionted as the president of World Heart Federation (WHF) on 21 April 2012. Dr.
Srinath Reddy was the first Indian ever to be conferred this honour.
S.Narsing Rao took as Chairman of CIL
S. Narsing Rao, former chairman of Singareni collieries company Ltd was appointed as the chairman & Managing
Director of Coal India Limited ( CIL) on 24 April 2012.
B) RESIGNS
James Murdoch Stepped Down From British Sky Broad Casting
James Murdoch on 3 April 2012 resigned as the chairman of Satellite Broad Caster British Sky Broad Casting,
Murdoch was forced to step down given his alleged role in phone haking at closed the news of the world
newspaper.
Mali President Resigns
The President of Mali, Amadov Toumani Toure resigned on April 8 2012 following the agreement signed with the
mediators.
Greek Prime Minister Quits
Greeces P.M Lucas Papademos resigns to his position on 11 April 2012 to set a stage for early elections on
May 6 2012.
Netherlands Prime minister Resigns
The Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his cabinet resigned on 23 April 2012 after failing to reach
agreement on reducing the countrys budget to meet European guidelines.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi Resigned As Congress Spokesperson
Abhishek Manu Singhvi , the spokesperson of the ruling congress party, tendered his resignation on 23 April
2012. Singhvi also resigned from a powerful parliamentary law committee that he headed.
Jordan Prime Minister Resigns
Jordans Prime Minister Awn Al- Khasawneh resigned on 26 April 2012, just six months after he took offices with
a pledge to push for political reforms.
C) Deaths
Former BCCI President N.K.P. Salve Passes Away
Former BCCI President and former Union Minister N.K.P.Salve passed away on 1 April 2012 in New Delhi. N.K.P
Salve had been the president of the BCCI when India won the World Cup in 1983.
Communist Leader Promode Gogoi Passed Away
Veteran communist leader & President of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Promode Gogoi passed
away on 6 April 2012 in Guwahati.
Chinas Dissidents & Astrophysicist Died In US
One of Chinas best known dissidents & Astrophysicist Fang Lizhi died in excile in the US on 6 April 2012. He
had become a force to reclon with prominent during the 1989-pro-democracy movement. He was known as
Chinas Sakharavo.
Legendary Newsman Mike Wallace Died
Mike Wallace, a legendary newsman known for impertinent, the CBS reporter who became one of Americas best
known broadcast journalist as an interrogator of the famous & infamous on 60 minutes died on 8 April 2012 in
America.
Nityananda Mohapatra Passes Away
Nityananda Mohapatra, author, freedom fighter, Gandhian and editor passes away on 17 April 2012 in Odisha
D)VISITORS
Pakistan President Visit To India
The Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari visited India on 8 April 2012 at New Delhi for the high level meeting over
trade, security and friendly issues
Visit of Qatar President to India
The president of Qatar Emir Sheik Hamad Bin Khallifa Al-Thani visited India for boosting trade and investments
between the two countries.
UN Secretary General Visit to India
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon visited India for two days, and had meetings with Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh regarding the relatives of victims of the 1984 anti sikh riots.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Titanic Wreckage To Become UNESCO Heritage
On the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, its wreckage will become underwater cultural heritage
protected by the UNESCO, under a convention ratified by 41 states, the organisation said on April 14, 1912
Titanic hit iceberg in North Atlantic and sank. This year will mark 100 years since the tradegy, that the hull will
from now on be protected by the 2011 convention on the protection of the underwater cultural heritage. The
convention can only be applied to objects that sank more than 100 years ago. The Titanic, the biggest and most
luxurious Ocean liner of its time, sank in international waters and no state has exceptional jurisdiction over the
wreckage.
Railways New Rail Bheem
With an aim of hauling heavier trains, railway is ready to roll out a newly designed 5500 horse power diesel
locomotive equipped with all modern features including 100 km per hour running speed. Aptly named as Bheem,
the high horse power locomotive is currently undergoing safe trail. Manufactured at diesel Locomotive Works at
Varanasi, the prototype has cost about Rs. 17crore to the railways.
Second Child Genius
A four years British girl, Heidi Hankins has been hailed as a child genius after being ranked just one point below
Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking in IQ of 159 against average adult 100 IQ. She has became the second
youngest ever child to be accepted into the Elite Mensa Society for people with high IQs. Two and a half years
Oscar Wrigley remains the first youngest with an IQ of 160.
London, Most Impressive City In The World
The wealth report, a study which focuses on the ten international cities deemed the most impressive by high net
worth individuals each with assets in excess of its 15.5 million. Economic activity, quality of life, political power,
knowledge and influence were all factors in assessing what made a city important according to the survey.
London has been voted the worlds most important city according to the wealth report study. Taking second &
third place, are New York and Hong Kong.
PLACES IN NEWS
Chinas Highest Bridge
Aizhai is the Worlds Highest Tunnel Bridge and the fourth suspension bridge in China to cross the valley so wide
its seems to be connecting two mountain ranges, the first three were the Siduhe, Balinghe and Beipanjiang
bridges of the worlds 400 or so highest bridges, non has a main span as long as Aizhai with a Tower to tower
distance of 3,858 feet (1,176mtrs) Located deep in the heart of Chinas Hunan province near the city of Jishou.
The suspension bridge is the largest structure on the Jishou to Chadong expressway with a deck 1, 102 feet
above the Dettang Canyon
8.7 Earthquake Hit Indonesia Aceh Province
An earthquake measuring 8.7 on Richter scale hit Indonesias Aceh province on 11 April 2012, which issued
tsunami warning over 28 countries mild tremors were felt in all 28 countries. In Indian cities including Kolkata,
Chennai, Bangalore Andhra Pradesh and several other cities on the Eastern coast.No damage was occurred
anywhere due to the earthquake.
ABBREVIATIONS
IIP- Index of Industrial Production
GSTN Goods & Services Tax Network
EEPC Engineering Export Promotion Council.
AFSPA Armed Force Special Powers Act.
TDSAT Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal
INCOIS- Indian Nation Centre for Ocean Inforamation Services
ICBM- Inter Continental Ballistic Missile.
NTCA National Tiger Conservation Authority
AWACS- Airborne Warning And Control System
BOOKS IN NEWS
Book Released on Sachins Statistics
A book was released featuring the statistical peak scaled by cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who celebrated his 39
birthday on 24 April 2012 during his glorious international career. titled as Sachin A Hundred Hundreds book
was introduced by former Indian Captain Rahul Dravid and foreword by the Tendulkar first coach cum mentor
Ramakant Achrekar. The book is about every hundred, every peak scaled by Tendulkar and photos.
COMMITTEES IN NEWS
Sub-Committee Suggested Creation Of A National Funds For UTP
A Government sub-committee was set up to look into probable sources of funds for Urban Transport Projects
(UTP) in the 12th plan recommended creation of a national fund, resources for which can be generated through
taxes on vehicles& petrol consumption. The sub -committee on financing Urban Infrastructure in the 12th plan
report suggested investments to the tune of Rs. 87,000crore in the five year plan duration.
Defense Minister Set Up 3 Committees to Accelerate BIP
The Defense Ministry in its meeting on 17 April 2012, decided to set up three new committees to procurements
and Border Infrastructure Projects( BIP). The meeting was chaired by Defense Minister A.K.Antony. The
committee was also set up to decide a whether the Army will get combat aviation assets, and to expedite
infrastructure development in the Northern region that has borders with both China and Pakistan.
http://currentaffairs.freejobalert.com/march-current-affairs/165/ 1/23
March 2012 Current Affairs Study Material
INTERNATIONAL
Nepal Calls For Help to Settle Mt Everest Height
Nepal is appealing to the international donors to help its finally settle, a long-running dispute over the height of
Mount Everest, according to a Government official. The Worlds highest peak, Which straddles Nepal and China,
is usually attributed a height of 8,848 meters following an Indian survey in 1954, but other an American team using
GPS technology, recorded a height of 8,850 meters. Everest was first measured in 1856. In 2010, Nepal and
China reached a compromise under which Nepal measured the height of Everests snow cap at 8,848 meters and
China measured the rock peak at 8, 844 meters.
US Court Dismissed a Lawsuit Against, Sri Lankan President
A US federal Judge on 1 March 2012, dismissed a lawsuit filed against the Sri Lankan President Mahindra
Rajapaksa. The lawsuit alleged that the president Rajapaksa is responsible for human right abuses occurred
during the civil war in Sri Lanka.
25 EU States Sign Pact For Budget Discipline
All but two European Union Countries signed a fiscal pact to tighten budget discipline on 3 March 2012, making a
coup for Germany that pushed for the accord to prevent a repeat of the loose spending that led to economic
crises. Only Britain and czech Republic did not sign the agreements , under which all other countries in the 27-
nation blocks are to write a golden rule on balanced budget in national constitutions equivalent laws and
automatic corrections mechanism, if the rule is breached.
Britain Wont Be Christian By 2030
Britain may no longer be a Christian country by 2030 as the number of non-believers is set to overtake the number
of Christians. Christianity is losing more than half a million believers per years, while the count of atheists and
agnosties is going up by almost 7,50,000 annually. The number of Muslims has surged by 37%, Hindus by 43%
and Buddhist by 74%.
China Develops Systems To Predict Earthquakes
Chines scientists claimed to have developed a system to monitor the movement of the Earths crust and predict
earthquakes. The new system will be based on satellite navigation involving a network of 260 constant observing
stations and 2,000 part time observing stations with data processing technology. According to the officials of
China Earthquake Administration, The new system will be used for weather forecasting and scientific research,
among their purposes.
US Sees Vatican As Hub For Hawalas
The Obama Administration for the first time has identified Vatican City as a potential hub for money laundering
along with 67 other countries. The state department Annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report
(INCSR) identifies the 67 countries for money laundering or other financial crimes.It looks at the national laws to
fight financial crime, their enforcement as well as the size of the banking sector. Major economics including the
US, Britain and Japan are identified as countries of primary concern for money laundering.
Forbes Rich List Of 2012
Maxican Tycoon Carlos Slim Helu retains his position as the Worlds richest person. An all time high 1,226billion
worth a record $4.6trillion were counted this year. The second is Bill Gates with 61.0billion, Warren Buffett in the
third place with 44.0billion, the last three in top 10 are Stefan Persson with 26.0billion Li Ka Shing with 25.5billion
and Kari Albrecht with 25.4billion.
Russia To Offer Air-Base To US
A new deal allowing the United States and its NATO allies to use a Russian air base for transit of troops and
military cargo to Afghanistan. It would help Russias own security, Russias Foreign Minister said that the plan to
permit the US and other NATO nations to use their air base in the city of Ulyanousk on the Volga River will be
considered by the Russian cabinet.
China, Worlds Biggest Art, Antiques Marketer
China had overtaken the US as the Worlds biggest market for art and antiques in 2011. According to the report,
China share of the global art market rose from 23% to 30% last year pushing the US to second place with a share
of 29%, UK with a share of 22% in third place and France in fourth place with 6%.
Putin Wins Presidential Poll
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had won for the third term as Russian President in the Presidential elections held
on 4 March 2012 and gets the highest percent of 63.6% votes in the election.
Oil Discovered in Kenya
The President of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki said on 26 March 2012 that oil deposits had been discovered in the
countrys Northwest and first time in the East African nations. He cautioned that commercial viability is still
uncertain through it was good news for the country, but the discovery was the beginning of a long journey before
Kenya could become an oil producer. The discovery was made in Kenyas Turkana region, Neighbouring South
Sudan and Uganda both have oil industries. The discovery was made after exploratory drilling by Anglo-Irish firm
Tullow oil
Syria Accepts Kofis 6-Points Peace Plan
Syria had accepted UN Arab League envoy Kofi Annans six points peace proposal to end the year long violence,
a more which the former UN Chief Kofi Annan described as an important initial step to taken by the Syria to fulfill.
Syria commits to work with Annan in a inclusive Syrian political process to address the legislative aspirations and
concerns of the Syrian people.
Syria commits to stop fighting and immediately stop troop movements and use of heavy weapons in populated
areas
Syria accepts and implements a daily two hours humanitarian pause to deliver aid and evacuate the injured
Syria commits to intensify the pace and scale of release of arbitrarily detained persons and provide a list of all
places
Syria commits to ensure freedom of movement through out the country for Journalists and a non discriminatory
visa policy for them
Syria commits to respect freedom of association and the right to demonstrate peacefully as legally guaranted
Beijing Begins Mapping Disputed In South China Sea
China having maritime disputes with several of its neighbours, said that it is mapping South China sea (SCS) with
an aim to step up exploration for oil and gas and reinforce its territorial claims. The majority of the disputed water
used to be beyond our reach because we seldom put our claims into action. The Chinese Academy of Social
Sciences, told by drawing a map, the country can reinforce its jurisdiction claims in the South China Sea, and
further actions may fallow, such as exploiting resources near the Nansha Islands.
Euro-zone Builds $1 trillion Financial Firewall For Larger Economies
The Euro zone nations have reached a deal to build up a massive 800billion euro ( around US 1.1trillion) financial
firewall to present the two years old sovereign debt crisis from anguefing larger economies such as Spain & Italy.
The finance minister of the 17 nations using the single currency agreed at the start of a two day meeting in
Copenhagen to boost the fire power of euro-zones financial bailout fund to 700billion euros.It will be done by
bringing together the temporary European financial stability facility mechanism (ESM) which has an initial funding
capacity of 500billion euros.
Coups In Mali Ousted Its President
Rebel troops in Mali ousted its president Amadov Toumani on 22 March 2012. The ousted president Amadov
Toumani Toure was due to leave office after elections on 29 April 2012 The rebels slammed the government for
failing to control an ethnic Tuareg insurgency in the Northern part of Mali. The Tuareg insurgency includes fighters
who supported Munnar Gaddafi in Libya. USA suspended military and other funds directed to Mali Government.
INDIA & WORLD
India & China Move To Maritime Cooperation
India & China had decided to open a new bilateral cooperation by agreeing to undertake joint operation against
pirated and sharing technological know how on sea bed research. The maritime cooperation proposals were made
by visiting Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi. This proposal was shared after Beijing was permitted by the
international seabed Authority to explore in South-west Indian ocean
India For Science Ties With Africa
India is making stronger scientific ties with Africa as science ministers from 31 African countries had gathered in
New Delhi on 1 March 2012. Minister of science & Technology, VilasRao Deshmukh had Inaugurated the first ever
India & Africa Science & Technology conference and stressed the need to build bridges between the two scientific
communities and also enhance human resources in research and development.
India To Host Trade Show In Jakarta
The Union Commerce minister, Mr. Anand Sharma and Indonesias trade minister, Mr. Gita Iranwan Wirjawan, will
inaugurate the high profile Indian show being held in Jakarta, Indonesia from 6-8 March 2012. Over 75 domestic
corporates would participate in a fair as the two countries aim to achieve a bilateral trade target of $25 billion by
2015 from the current $ 16.6billion.
India, Iran To Step Up Ties In Renewable Energy
India and Iran had agreed to improve co-operation in the field of renewable energy. Both the countries were called
for stepping up bilateral ties and economic cooperation in tourism, cultural exchanges and people to people
contacts
BRICS Summit Set Pact For Trade
This important move could facilitate trade between Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in local currency.
Two agreements had been linked at the Delhi summit level meeting of its leaders. The agreements are non-binding
and the leaders of these countries are to meet for the BRICS summit scheduled to be held on 29 March 2012.
India & Colombia Signed Exchange Programme For The Years 2012-16
India & Colombia on 12 March 2012 signed a cultural exchange programme in New Delhi for the years 2012-16.
The CEP was signed in conformity with the provisions established Government of India and the Government of
Colombia, CEP was signed in Bogota, capital of Colombia. The CEP includes areas such as cultural heritage,
museums, Archives, exhibitions, science Arts, Visual Arts, cinematography, Radio and Television, Music,
Libraries, Book and Literature, Creative Industrial and Editorial Industry for Cooperation. Both the nations have
agreed to set up a joint working group to look after the implementation of their programme
Turkey Seeks More Flights From Indian Cities
Turkey plans to not only to set up a consulate or appoint honorary consul in Hyderabad but it is also seeking
direct air connectivity between Hyderabad and Istanbul. Turkish ambassador said that they had applied to the
Indian authorities for direct air link. Turkey had also sought direct connectivity with Chennai, Amritsar, Bangalore
and Kolkata. The envoy was in town to pitch Turkey as an Investment destination and woo Hyderabad based
businessmen, from infrastructure and realty sectors
Worlds Most Ethical Firms; Tata & Wipro
The Ethisphere Institutes Annual Worlds Most Ethical Companies (WME) list revealed that 145 companies in
countries including the US, Great Britain , Japan, Partuagal and India. Ethisphere evaluated about 5,000 global
companies, including those in Standard & Poors 500 index on reputation. India stood out for setting high
standards of employees behaviour and conduct. Tata Steel and Wipro had been named among the Worlds Most
Ethical Companies by an American Ethical Institute recently
India, Worlds Largest Arms Importer
India was the Worlds largest arms importer between 2007 to 2011, according to latest data from the Stockholm
International Peace Research Institution (SIPRI) India accounted for 10% of the global arms imports in 2007-11.
SIPRI said on 19 March 2012 that the four next largest recipients of arms in the same period were South Korea
with 6%of arms tranfers, Pakistan 5%, China 5% and Singapore 4%.
India to Vote Against Sri Lanka In UNHRC
P.M.Manmohan singh on 19 March said that India was inclined to vote in favour of a US-sponsored resolution
against Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. As regarding the issue of a draft
resolution initiated by the United States at the on-going 19th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The resolution, currently being drafted, has two main components first, it asks the Sri Lankan Government to
implement the report of its own Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) ,accept some kind of UN
minitoring and report to the UNHRC secondly, UN monitoring efforts are on to watering down the resolution but the
Western countries are opposed to it
Indo- Israel FTA Likely To Be Concluded This Year
An Indo- Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to be concluded this year, paving the way for further
expansion in bilateral trade between the two countries, Mr,Muneer Akbaria Consul-General, Consulate General of
Israel said that the two countries on the FTA were at an advanced level. At present the bilateral trade between
both countries is $5billion, and is expected to rise by 60% in next two years. The new areas identified for
engagement included water technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and life science. This trade meeting between
both the countries was held in Hyderabad on 19 March 2012
India To Face Sanctions By America
Along with India and other countries importing oil from Iran, could face sanctions by July, If it did not significantly
reduce such imports, the US State Department warned in a conference call, that if such countries may have other
kinds of sanctionable activities. The remarks raised brows, as sanctions against countries such as India , China
and South Korea appeared more imminent and push for upping the ante against Iran through its 2012 National
Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA).
India Offers LNG Gas To Pakistan
After fuel, India is going to offer LNG natural gas to Pakistan to help the neighbouring country tide over its gas
crisis. State owned GAILs just commissioned natural gas pipeline from West coast to Bhatinda in Punjab is
barely 25km away from Pakistan border and the gas utility is proposing that the line can be extended to Lahore in
no time .
Iran To Import Major Farm Commodities From India
Iran is going to import four major farm commodities wheat,rice, sugar and tea from India. an export body,the
President of the Federation of Indian Export Organisation (FIEO) said, that Iran had signed import contracts with
India. and for also 1.25lakh tonnes of Soyameal, used as animal feedstock. The shipment would be delivered in
two months. Besides agricultural commodities Mr. Ahmad said that the west Asian nation is also interested in
purchasing of Pharmaceuticals and auto components from India .
India, S.Korea to Have Defence Ties
There had been bilateral ties between the India and South Korea to boost up their economic ties in conference
held in Seoul. Both the nations had decided to step up cooperation in the defence sector, which would include
naval ship, aircrafts and ship building
Indian American In US State Legislature
An prominent Indian American politician and Deputy Speaker of New Jersey State Assembly, Upendra Chivukula
is all set to run for the house of Representative in the elections in November. Mr. Upendra holds the proud
distinction of being the first Indian American elected to the New Jersey Legislature and only the fourth Indian -
American to be elected to a state legislature
Indian Exploration In Vietnam Oil Blocks Normal
Asserting that Chinas opposition to India is undertaking oil exploration in Vietnam blocks was not in accordance
with UN norms. Vietnam said the blocks are well within its sovereign territory.maintaining the vietnam will only
explore in areas accepted by international community and that the oil blocks that India has been exploring is
within the territory.
NATIONAL
Nine Indian Women In Forbes Magazine
The Indian women named in Forbes Magazines inaugural Asia Power Businesswomen List. The list names 50
Path Breakers whose extraordinary business success is driving the regions remarkable economic rise.The list
includes, ICICI Bank CEO& MD, Chanda Kochchar, Bincon founder Kiran Mazumdar-shaw and film producer Ekta
Kapoor, Britannia Industries MD Vanitha Bali, HT Media chairman and editorial director Shobhana Bhartia , A2B&
Partner Founder & senior partner Zia Mody, Axis Bank CEO & MD Shikha Sharma and Tractor & farm Equipment
chairman Mallika Srinivasan. Youngest on the list is Ekta Kapoor 36 yrs.
LIC Launches Jeevan Vriddhi
Life Insurance Corporation Of India (LIC) on 1 March 2012, launched a single premium insurance plan, Jeevan
Vriddhi. This is a single premium non-linked insurance plan where the risk cover is five times of the premium
chosen by the offers excellent guaranteed returns at maturity
Indian Men Among The Most Dissatisfied At Work
Indian men are among the most dissatisfied people at work across the world, according to a report by Accenture,
The Path Forward- research report stated that as much as 72% of men in India are not satisfied with their job.
Brazil tops the list with a figure of 74% men dissatisfied with their jobs. Women cited lack of opportunities and
heavy work loaded as reasons for dissatisfaction in work, while inadequate pay was cited as the main reason for
dissatisfaction by men in their jobs. The overall job satisfaction in India stands at 34%. over 78% Indian women
proactively manage their carriers.
Base Price For Broadcast, Rised
BCCI of India had increased the base price for home international games in the new broadcast rights, as they kept
the base price at Rs. 31.25crore plus 1crore (that is Rs. 32.25crore) for an international game for A category. And
Rs 33crore, plus Rs1crore (Rs 34crore) for a game in B category. The basic price for games will be declared in
the tenders .
Asias Richest Man
Asias richest man was Hong Kongs Li ka Shing stood top with worth of 25.5billion, in second richest Asian on
the Forbes list in India was Mukesh Ambani with 22.3billion.
India To Spread A Multi Modal Transportation Network
India is making a concerned push into Central Asia by taking charge of a crucial transportation network through
Iran into Central Asia and beyond. 14 stakeholder countries in the region in January, experts from all countries will
meet in New Delhi on 29 March to put final touches to the project known as the International North-South
Corridor .The project envisages a multi modal transportation network that connects ports on Indias West coast to
Bandar Abbas in Iran than over land to Bandar Anzali port on the Caspian sea, thence through Rasht and Astava
on the Azerbaizer border onwards to Kazakhstan and further onwards towards Russia. Once completed this would
connect Europe and Asia , which serves economic and strategic interests of all states concerned
Tata Steel Topped The List Of Most Admired Indian Brand
A survey conducted by Fortune India and Global Management Consultancy Hay Group, which was released on
13 March 2012, revealed that Tata Steel as the most admired brand in India. Several factors corporate,
governance and financial make this brand in top most.
55.5% New Cases Of Leprosy Recorded In India
According to the Government, about 55.5% of new leprosy cases were identified in 2010 in India. Minister of
Health and Family welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad said that, of the total 2,28,474 new leprosy cases detected World
wide in 2010, India contributed 1,26,800 cases which is about 55.5% of the global disease burden. The minister is
now concentrating on achieving elimination of leprosy at district level during the 12th plan( 2012-17)
112 Government Websites Hacked
Government websites are turning out to be soft targets for hackers. In the last three months alone more than 112
websites, including the planning commission, the finance minister and Government agencies were hacked.
Minister of state for communication and IT Sachin Pilot declared.
Indian Rotocraft to be Produced Near RGIA
Indian Rotocraft, a joint venture of Tata sons and Augusta Westland, had decided to set up a facility near the Rajiv
Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) here to assemble, customise and flight -test helicopters for World wide
markets. The joint venture, with capacity of 30 units a year, will initially start producing the 8 seat AW119ke light
helicopter with production expected to be from the middle of next year. This is the second chopper producing
facility in city after Tata -Sikorsky joint venture
5 Crore People Moved Out Of Poverty- Govt
Data released by the Planning Commission of India on 19 March 2012 showed that poverty had significantly
declined between 2004-05 and 2009-10. The new estimates are based on a poverty line that averages Rs.672.8
per month (Rs 22.43 per day) in rural areas and Rs 857.6 per month( Rs 28.65 per day in urban areas for 2009-10.
Poverty down by 7.3% points to 29.8% in 2009-10 from 37.2% in 2004-05. Rural poverty declined faster down
8%points to 33.8% from 41.8%.
Woman Share In Husbands Property After Divorce
Making amendment in Marriage Act for women, the Union Cabinet on 23 March 2012 approved a Bill seeking to
give a woman share in her husbands property after divorce. The quantum of share however will be decided by the
courts on a case by case basis, while a wife can oppose a husbands plea for divorce, but husband will have no
such rights to oppose if the wife moves the court on the same. Apart from this it also aims at giving equal rights to
adopted children on a par with biological off-spring in case the parents go for divorce.
Nations First Vaccine Park
The Finance Minister had given its approval to set up the countrys first integrated vaccine park. The Rs. 594crore
park spread over 100 acres at Chengalpattu near Chennai will produce, all six primary vaccines used in the
countrys Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), besides manufacturing several new generation
vaccines.Indias UIP is one of the largest in the world that targets 2.7crore infants and 3crore pregnant women
every year. the main intention was to establish vaccine security in India.
NTPC Board Approved Rs. 17,000crore Investment In Projects
The National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd (NTPC) board on 30 March 2012 approved an investment of over
17,000crore rupees in two power projects in Maharashtra. The projects would have a total generation capacity of
2540mw. The NTPC board approved the investment for the Mouda Super Thermal Power project and Solapur
Super Thermal Power project.
IRDA Notified Revision Of Premium Rates For Motors
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA) notified in March 2012 that premium rate for
motor third party liability only cover will undergo an upward revision bringing 1 April 2012. IRDA listed the third
party liability premium rates for vehicles of assorted categories. The premium rates calculated on the basis of a
specified formula is to be notified every financial year by the IRDA. The ratio for 2012-13 were calculated by using
the average growth rate in severity assuming that the average frequency remains instant.
SEBI Decided Guidelines For Algorithmic Trading
The securities and exchange board of India (SEBI) on 31 March 2012 issued board guidelines on algorithmic
trading based on recommendations of technical advisory committee and secondary market advisory committee
(SMAC) SEBI decided to enforce board guidelines for algorithmic trading in the securities market. The market
regulator decided stock exchanges to undertake system up gradation, including periodic up gradation of its
surveillance system so as to keep pace with the speed of trade and volume of data that may rise through
algorithmic trading.
Infosys Co- Founder Narayana Murthy Named In The Fortune List
Infosys co- founder N.R.Narayana Murthy got his name figured in the list of 12 greatest entrepreneurs of our time.
The list published by the Fortune magazine on 28 March 2012 was prepared considering the economic and social
impact and world changing vision of entrepreneurs other famous personalities who got their names included in the
list are Steve Jobs of Apple, who topped the list, Bill Gates in second and followed by Fred Smith
Union Cabinet Approved Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Trust
The Union cabinet on 23 March 2012 approved the setting up of a credit guarantee fund trust with an initial corpus
of Rs 1200crore to with an objective to encourage housing for low- income groups in India. The scheme will work
on the key principle that the lender shall secure loans to construct and upgrade low income housing purely on the
assets financed, without any other collateral. The trust is to be set up under the Indian trust Act and the Ministry
of Housing.
IIT Madras Students To Sign Honour Code
In a first of this kind move, over 7,000 Madras IIT students studying various courses & staying in 17 hostels
decided to sign an Honour Code. The honour code makes students take a written pledge that they would attend
classes regularly, study well, be friendly with others, maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness. This will bring a
sense of accountability among students and it will also deal with how they go about acquiring knowledge, besides
their behaviour inside the campus.
STATES
Hyderabad City Aims To Set Record With Sky Lanternns
On 25 March, the Hyderabad city sky would be lit-up with thousands of sky lanterns, just like that sense out of
the popular animated movie Tangular, when the maiden Hyderabad sky lanterns festival gets under way at
Gachibowli stadium. The event is also an attempt to make it to the Guinness Book Of Records. And break the
current record for the most number of sky lanterns recorded is 10,000 plus accomplished in Indonesia in 2009. To
break that record 8,000 people participated in flying 12,000 lanterns at Hitek in Hyderabad .and a New Guinness
World Record has been created at last.
Bangalore City Station Boost Of BluFi
The Bangalore city Railway Station on 2 March 2012 became the first in the railway network to offer Blu-Fi,
combination of Blu-tooth and Wi-Fi that will provide passengers with a wealth of information .The facility was
launched by Railtel corporation of India in collaboration with TeleBrahma. Bangalore being Indias IT capital, it
deserves to be the first in the country to offer the facility.
Uttarakhand Became The Ninth Indian State For e-Stamps
Uttarakhand Government on 2 March 2012 introduced e-stamping in the state, which would ensure a secure way
of paying non-judicial stamp duty to the Government. Uttarakhand is the ninth state in the country to implement
the stamping service. In the first phase, e-stamping is set to be introduced in the four districts of Dehradun,
Haridwar,Udhamsingh nagar and Nainital. e-stamps would be sold through the branches of Punjab National Bank
in these districts.
New CM for Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttarpradesh.Goa and Manipur states
Akali dal leader Mr. Parkash Singh Badal had been appointed as the new chief minister for Punjab for the second
time.Vijay Bahuguna, a high court retired judge had been appointed as chief minister of Uttarakhand by the
Congress party.and Akilesh yadav had been elected as the new chief minister of Uttar pradesh.Okram singh Ibobi
was appointed as the new chief minister of Manipur for the third time after the congress won elections in the state.
And Mr. Manohar Parrikar was appointed as the chief minister of Goa state.
T.N To Move For Kudankulam Project
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha on 19 March 2012 solved to take steps for the early commissioning of the
nuclear plant in Kudankulam. The cabinet also decided that a Rs 500crore package of development works should
be taken up in Kudankulam with regards to the local fishermens welfare
IOCL To Set Up LNG Terminal In Chennai
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd had signed an agreement with the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation for
setting up of 4,500crore LNG terminal in Chennai.
Four States Signed For MoU
Four states namely Jharkhand, Mizoram, Sikkim and Lakshadweep on 16 March 2012 signed MoU with the
Ministry of Statisitics and Programme Implementation under the Indian Statistical Strenghthening Project (ISSP)
for the states and Union Territories.
CONFERENCES
The 50th Anniversary Celebration of (AARDO)
The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has inaugurated the 50th anniversary celebrations of Afro Asian Rural
Development Organisation (AARDO) on 5 March 2012 in New Delhi. The members of the countries to work
together and to build a favourable international regime axis funds and green technologies for rural growth. This
organization consists of 15 African and 14 Asian countries
International Conference of BRICS
Delegates from Russia, China and South Africa arrived at the International conference on New World Economic
Order organised at Gitam University in Visakhapatnam on 10 March 2012. BRICS was firmly committed to the
common interests of the countries and strengthens the role of emerging markets and developing countries in
global economic governance
Turkey World Trade Bridge Business Summit
A seven days Turkey World Trade Bridge International Business Summit is going to be organized by the
confederation of Businessman and Industrialists of Turkey (TUSKON) and the Indo-Turkish Business Association
(ITBA) from 3 June to 10 June 2012 in Istanbul. More than 15 Hyderabad businessmen are expected to participate
in the summit. The envoy said that Turkey was also seriously pursuing a free trade agreement (FTA) or economic
partnership agreement (EPA) with India to accelerate bilateral trade that hit a historic high of $7billion last year.
World Telugu Conference At Thrirupati
The Andhra Pradesh state Government had decided to conduct the third Telugu Conference in December in
Thirupati as proposed earlier. The previous conference, which held at Hyderabad and Kuala Lumpur which focused
mainly on Telugu language and culture. The meet would be highlights the strides made by the Andhra Pradesh
over the years.
Two days 2nd Nuclear Security Summit In Seoul (NSS)
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has taken part at the two days Nuclear Security Summit that will be attended by
53 leaders and five international organisations, which held at Seoul in South Korea. The meeting will discuss the
threats posed by the nuclear terrorism and the measures required to prevent terrorists from gaining access to
sensitive nuclear material & technologies, calling Nuclear terrorism as one of the most challenging threats to
international security, the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security summit had outlined a number of steps the world should
take to secure vulnerable nuclear material.
All countries should sign up to international treaties on nuclear security like the Convention on the Physical
Protection of Nuclear Material ( CPPNM), its 2005 amendment and the international convention for the
suppression of nuclear terrorism.
Countries with resources should contribute more to the IAEAs Nuclear security fund
Countries should minimize the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU) for civilian purposes
Countries should secure all radioactive sources
Nuclear safety and nuclear security measures should be designed, implemented and managed in nuclear facilities
in a coherent and synergistic manner
Countries should consider appropriate plans for the management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste
Action oriented coordination to combat illicit trafficking urged on all, consistent with national laws and regulations
Countries should work with one another to develop and enhance nuclear forensis capabilities
Countries encouraged to develop a nuclear security culture
Attention must be paid to information security, preventing non-stake actors from obtaining information required to
get or use nuclear materials as a weapon or to hack into IT-based security and safety systems at nuclear
facilities
World Summit On Accreditation
India, the independence accreditation agency organized its 1st world summit on Accreditation from 25 -28 March
2012 in New Delhi.( WOSA )world summit on Accreditation would bring together Indian and global leaders in
Technical, professional education, educational Administration,Policy makers and regulatory bodies, corporate and
Industry .WOSA- 2012 has been inaugurated by the Honourable union minister for education Mr.Kapil Sibal.
23rd Arab Summit In Baghdad
The 23rd Arab summit was held on 29 March 2012 Baghdad, half of the Arab worlds 22 heads of states had to
meet for the summit in former president Saddam Hussains palace, but only few leaders gathered. It was the first
summit to be held following the peoples power movement. Syrias crisis topped the agenda for the Arab summit
and discussed about the turmoil in Iraqs .
Indian Aviation 2012 At Hyderabad
The international exhibition-cum conference Indian Aviation 2012 held at Hyderabad from 14-18 March 2012. A
special postal stamp was released on the eve of completing hundred years of Indian Aviation
Two-Day National Agricultural Conference
Two-day national agricultural conference held at New Delhi. Eminent scientist and higher authorities from all over
the country participated in this conference
The Fourth BRICS Summit
The fourth BRICS summit was held in New Delhi on 29 March 2012, the theme of the summit was BRICS
partnership for global stability, security and prosperity. At the end of the summit a draft was released as Delhi
Declaration. In that declaration the BRICS countries decided to work together on internal trade in local currencies
and to establish BRICS bank. The president of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, The president of Russia Dmitry Medvedev,
The Prime minister of India, Manmohan singh, The president of China Hu Jinton and President of South Africa,
Jacob Zuma were participated in the summit.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Chinese Architect Bags Pritzker Prize
For the first time Pritzker Architecture Prize, considered as the Nobel Prize in architecture, had been awarded to
Wang Shu a Chinese, for producing an architecture that is time less , deeply rooted in the context and yet
universal. The Prize includes a $ 100,000 grant, a citation certificate and a bronze medallion
MANNU To Honour, Gulzar, Former Chief Justice
Filmmaker & Lyricist Gulzar and former chief Justice of supreme court A.M Ahmadi along with two other eminent
personalities would be honoured with D.Lit (Honours Causa ) by the Maulana Azad National Urdu University
(MANNU) during its fourth convocation on 3 March 2012.
Sahitya Akademi Prize For Young Writer
V.Gangadhar, an upcoming telugu writer of Rayalaseema had received the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar for
the year 2011, for his compilation of short stories Molakala Punnami
101 Years Old Woman Set World Record
A 101 years old Mary Hardison, Utah woman is being honoured with a world record for a Paraglide Ride and
entered into Guinness Book of World Records. The previous record was set by 100 years woman
59th National Film Awards
The 59th National awards had been announced on 7 March 2012 in New Delhi.
Best Feature Film - Del (Marathi) and Byari (Karnataka)
Best Actor- Girish Kulkarni
Best Actress Vidya Balan ( The Dirty Picture)
Best Editing Pravin K.L (for Aranyakandam)
Best Special Effects Ra.one
A.P Woman Gets Sthree Shakti Puraskar
President Pratibha Patil had presented the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Award to Hypno Padma Kamlakar from Andhra
pradesh during the Sthree Shakti Puraskar 2011 in New Delhi held on 7 March 2012.
International Women of Courage Awards
On March 8 2012 International Womens Day Secratory of states Hillary Clinton and first lady Michelle Obama
honoured 10 women from around the world.
Shad Begum of lower Dir women of Pakistan received the 2012 international women of courage award for bravely
working for women in a deeply conservative areas
Afghanisthan provincial council woman Maryam Durani, for her works towards economic equality
Saudi Arabias Samar Badawi for her work preparing legal challenges to law restricting womens rights to many
works
Brazils police Major Pricilla De Oliveira Azevedo for working to improve health care & education
Myanmars political activist Zin MarAung to promote democracy & the right of ethnic minorities
Turkish Parliamentarian Safak Pavey for promoting the rights of the physically disabled women & minorities
Maldives Aneesa Ahmed for eliminating domestic violence
Libyas Hana El Hebshi for helping properly document the violence of her countrys resolution
Colombian Jineth Bedoya Lima in pushing for Justice in unsolved case of sexual and gender based violence
Sudans Hawa Abdallah Mohammed Salih for defending the rights of differences and in particular rights of women
& children
Kuchipudi Dancer Anjana In Indian Book of Records
Ajana Thomas , an eight class student had entered the Indian Book of Records by performing Kuchipudi dance
from Timmapur in Dubbak mandal to Siddipet on 12 March, walking the dance which began at 5am, completed at
1 pm
Indian American Wins Science Talent Search
An Indian-American teenager Nithin Reddy Tumma topped the Intel Science Talent Search and also two other
Indian Americans Neet Patel from Florida, Anirudh Prabhu from Indiana had been in the top.Tumma had won the
prestigious Science Talent Competition in the US for his research on devising a more effective and less toxic
breast cancer treatment.
Chameli Devi Jain Award
Chameli Devi Jain Award for 2012 was awarded to Tusha Mittal on 13 March 2012 in New Delhi for her outstanding
women mediaperson for reporting of life in the raw at the margins in deep interior states like, Bengal, Orissa and
Chhattisgarh
Dr. Burgula Award For Babu Rao Varma
Freedom fighter and former member of National Commission for Backward Classes, B.Babu Rao Varma was
awarded with Dr. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, who was the first Chief minister of Hyderabad state . this award was
given on 14 March 2012 by the state Government.
NTR Award For Sharada
Veteran actress Sharada had been awarded the NTR National Award for the year 2010 which was announced by
the state Government of Andhra Pradesh on 19 march 2012
Indian NGO Selected For US Award
An Indian NGO, Chintan had been chosen for American first innovation awsrd for the empowerment of women and
girls, for training and organizing waste pickers and eliminating child labour from recycling
Gram Ratna Award For Andhra Pradesh
Kotala Gram Panchayat of Chandragiri Mandal, Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh had won the Central
Government Gram Ratan Award. It has won the award for showing the best results in the development of
Panchayat.
Hungarian Mathematician Gets 2012 Abel Prize
The prestigious Abel Prize of the Norwegion Academy of Science and Letters for the year 2012 had been awarded
to Hungarian Mathematician Endre Szemerede of the Alfred Renyi Institute of Mathematics, this award was given
for his fundamental contributions to discrete mathematics and Computer science
Phalke Award For Soumitra Chaterjee
Veteran Bengali actor, Soumitra Chaterjee has been honoured with the Prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award for
lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.
Bangladesh Govt To Honour 47 Indians
The Bangladesh Government has decided to honour 132 foreign leaders, intellectuals, cultural personalities and
organisations who helped in the countrys Liberation war of 1971. The list of people to be honoured includes 47
Indians. The honour was conferred on 27 March 2012. The Indians who has been awarded include Sachindra lal
singh, Rajeshawar Rao, Siddhartha Shankar Ray, P.A Sangma, Justice Sadat Abul Masual, Dr. Karan singh,
Maharani Biva Kumari Devi, Field Marshal Sam manekshaw, Lt Gen Jagjit singh Aurora, Lt Gen Jacob, Lance
Nayek Albert Ekka.
Tamil Writer To Honour With Saraswati Samman
The K.K Birla Foundation announced on 22 March 2012, its decision to honour Tamil writer A.A.Manavalan with
the 21st Saraswati Samman for his book on Ramayana.
Dalai Lama Winner Of Worlds Leading Religion Prize
The John Templeton Foundation on 29 March 2012 decided to honour Tibetan Buddhist Spirutual Leader, the Dalai
Lama with one of the worlds leading religion prizes called , Templeton Prize for 2012. The Buddhist leader who
lives in exile in India had won the Nobel prize in recognition of his work on science & religion. The Templeton prize
to be presented to him on 14 May 2012 at St. Pouls Cathedral in London is a $1.7million award.
SPORTS & GAMES
Lahiri Qualifies For British Open Golf
India will have a representation at the British Open after two years, as the Anirban Lahiri shot a final round five
under-par 67 had won the top honours at the International Final Qualilfy (IFQ) on 2 March 2012 in Chonburi. The
open championship will be played at the Royal Lytham St. Annes from 19 to 22 July 2012. .
Bhupathi-Bopanna Wins Dubai Doubles Finals
The Indian pair Rohan Bopanna & Mahesh Bhupathi had won the doubles finals of the Dubai tennis
Championships held in Dubai by defeating Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Malkowski. It was the fourth Dubai
title for Bhupathi, and sixth title for Bopanna.
Roger Federer Wins Single mens Dubai Tennis Championship
Roger Federer of Switzerland had won the single mens Dubai tennis championship by defeating Andy Murray of
Britain held on 3 March 2012 in Dubai for the fifth time . It was the 72nd title for Federer
Indian Women Wins Kabaddi World Cup
India clinched the first womens kabaddi world cup championship title by defeating Iran by 25-19 in the final played
at Patliputra in Patna on 4 March 2012.
Irishman became The World No.1 In Golf
Rory Mcllroy, a Northern Irishman who won the US PGA tours Honda Classic on 4 March 2012, to be the golfs
world number one ranking after defeating Tiger Woods former worlds no -1.
Anderson Wins Delray Tennis Championship
South African Kevin Anderson beats Aussle Qualifier Marinko Matosevic on 4 March 2012 and won the ATP
Tours Delray Beach International Tennis Championship Title held in Johannesburg. This is the second career title
for Anderson.
Justin Rose Wins The Cadillic Golf Championship
Justin Rose had won the Cadillic Championship Golf title on 11 March held in Miami and defeated Bubba Waston
. Rose captured his 10th global title and his first in an elite world golf championship
Women Doubles All England Title For Chinese
World no-2 Tian Qing & Zhoe Yun Lei of China had won the Womens Doubles All England championship title for
2012 by defeating world no-1 Wang Xiaoli & Yu Yang held at Britain on 11 March 2012.
Mens Doubles All England Title For Korea
Worlds no-2 Jung Jae Sung and Lee Yong Dae of Korea had won the Mens doubles All England Championship
for 2012 by defeating worlds no-1 Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng of China on 11 March 2012 held in Britain.
Chinese Lin Dan Cliams All England Title
Chinese Lin Dan had won his fifth All England Open mens single championship title on 11 March 2012 by
defeating Lee Chong Wei held in Britain
Li Xuerui Won Womens All England Single Title
Chinese Li Xuerui had won the All England Open Womens single championship title on 11 March 2012 by
defeating Wang Yihan of China held in Britain
Sachins Century of Centuries
Sachin Tendulkars incredible cricket journey reaches a momentous destination at Mirpur in Dhaka on 16 March
2012. The master hero of cricket became the first cricketer to make up 100 international centuries. This hundreth
century was scored against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup ODI Tournament. The 38 years old Tendulkar had made
a magical collection of 51 tests matches and 49 ODI hundreds, he made his 99th century against South Africa in
Nagpur on 12 March 2011.
Saina Retains Swiss Open Crown
Saina Nehwal had won her first title of the season, she retained the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold Trophy with
straight game victory against Chinas Wang Shixian, World no. 5 in the summit clash at Basel, Switzerland on 18
March 2012.
Kenyan Wins Seoul Marathon
Kenyan Rookie Wilson Loyance Erupe ran to a surprise victory on 18 March 2012 in the Seoul Marathon, by
setting a new record. The 24 years old crossed the finishing line in 2 hours five minutes 27 seconds breaking the
previous record of 2 hours six minutes 49 seconds set by SylvesterTeimet in 2010
McLarens Wins The Australian Grand Prix Racing Championship
McLarens Jenson Button had won the Australian Grand Prix Openig Race Championship on 18 March 2012 held
at Melbourne. This was his 13th career victory
Donald Wins US PGA Golf
Luke Donald of England reclaimed the World no-1 ranking by defeating Rory Mcllory by winning the US PGA
Transitions Championship on 18 March 2012 in Palm Harbour, Florida
Victoria Azarenka Wins The BNP Paribas Womens Title
Victoria Azarenka of Belarusian World no-1 ranked had won the BNP Paribas Womens Open Single title at
Indian Wells in California, defeating Maria Sharapova worlds no-2 on 19 March 2012 .It was just two months after
Victoria had won the Australian Open title and this was her fourth title of the year
Federer Wins The BNP Paribas Mens Title
Switzerlands Roger Federer had won the mens single title in the BNP Paribas Open Tennis tournament at the
Indian Wells in California by defeating John ISner of US on 19 March 2012
Spanish Duo Wons Doubles Title
Spanish duo of Rafael Nadal and Marz Lopez had won the Mens Double Title in the BNP Paribas by defeating the
American pair of John Isner and Sam Querrey on 18 March 2012
American Pairs Wins Womens Doubles Title
The American pair of Lisa Raymaond and Leizel Huber had won the Womens Double Title of BNP Paribas at the
Indian Wells in California.
A.P Archer To Represent India At World Cup
Jyothi Surekha from Andhra Pradesh Volga Archery Academy Trainee, after bagging hat rick of medals in the
National Archery events, had made her way into the Indian Compound Womens team for the World Cup (stage I)
to be held at Shanghai (China) from 10 to 15 April 2012.
Pakistan Wins Asia Cricket Cup Finals
Pakistan had won the Asia Cricket Cup by defeating Bangladesh by two runs in Dhaka on 22 March 2012
Eight Medals For India In Nepal
Indain weight lifters had won ten medals, including eight golds in the inaugural of South Asian Weightlifting
Championship held at Nepal
Mary, Saritha Win Gold At Asian Championship
Five time world champion M.c Mary Kom and L.Sarita Devi on 25 March 2012 won gold medals in the sixth Asian
Womens Boxing championship in Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia. Mary defeated world champion Ren Cancam of
China, while Sarita defeated Chorieva Mavzuna of China
Alonsa Wons The Malaysian GP
Spains Ferrari Fernando Alonsa, a two time world champion had claimed his first victory in eight months by
winning the Malysian Grand Prix at Sepang in Malaysia .
Indo, Czech Pair Wins ATP Miami Doubles Title
Indo, Czech pair of Leander Peas and Radek Stepanek claimed the doubles title of Miami Masters on 31 March
2012. Peas by winning the Miami title took the total number of his career titles to 50. The pair had defeated the
world no-1 pairing of Americans Bob and Mike Bryan held at Florida.
Radwanska Wins ATP Womens Single Title
Agnieszka Radwanska on 31 March 2012 defeated Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova to clinch ATP Miami
Masters Womens Single title held in Florida.
ECONOMY
Countrys First Infrastructure Debt Fund Launched
Four banking and financial services giants ICICI, LIC,Citicop Finance and Bank of Baroda on 5 March 2012 joined
together to launch Indias first Infrastructure debt fund (IDF) to be structured as a non- banking finance company.
This (IDF) was signed in the presence of the finance minister, Mr.Pranab Mukerjee. The company will have initial
equity share of Rs capital of 300 crore
Brazil Economy Overtakes UK
Brazil claimed that the UKs spot as the largest economy globally, after official figured its economy rose by 2.7%
last year against the UKs 0.8%. France remains in fifth place behind Germany, Japan, China and the US. The per
capita income of Brazillians is at $11,000 per head.
RBI Cuts CRR By 75 bps
The Reserve Bank Of India on 9 March 2012, cut the cash reserve ratio by 75 basis points. The move to cut the
amount of cash that banks need to perk with RBI was from 5.50% to 4.75% of deposits is aimed at easing the
persistent liquidity crunch being faced by banks
World Bank Okays $ 50 million Credit For Assam
The World Bank has approved a $50-million additional credit for an ongoing agricultural project in Assam. The
Assam agricultural competitiveness project aims at the increasing the productivity, profitability and market access
of the farming community in the state.
Indian Railway Budget 2012-13
The Indian Railways run the fourth largest railroad network in the world spread over some by 64,000km, with
12,000 passengers and 7,000 freight trains each day from as many as 7,083 stations to carry 23million travellers
and 2.65million tonnes of goods. Former Union Railway Minister Mr. Dinesh Trivedi, who presented his Railway
Budget for the financial year 2012, had proposed 8.33% raise to improve the state of rail finance.
Railways plan to barrow Rs. 15,000crore from the market.
Gross rail traffic targeted to increased by Rs.28.635crore to Rs. 1,32,552crore in 2012-13.
To hire more than one lakh persons in 2012-13.
All unmanned level crossing to be abolished in the next five years.
2paise per km for subarbun and ordinary second class, 3paise per km for mail-express second class, 5paise per
km for sleeper class, 10paise per km for AC chair car, AC 3tier and first class, 15paise per km for Ac 2 tier
30paise per km for AC1 tier.
Minimum fare and platform ticket to cost Rs. 5
75 new express trains to be introduced, along with 21 new passengers services, nine DEMU services and eight
Memu service trains.
Outlay of Rs.60,100crore during 2012-13
Passenger earning to increase to Rs. 36,200crore.
Indian Railway Station Development Corporation to be set up to redevelop stations and maintain them like
airports.
The open discharge toilets on trains to be replaced with green toilets.
Double decker container trains to be introduced.
Steps to improve cleanliness and hygiene on trains and stations.
A special house keeping body to be set up to take care of both stations and trains.
To set up an independent Railway Safety Authority as a statutory body.
On-board passengers displays indicating the next halt station and arrival time to be introduced.
Introduction of regional cuisine, book a meal scheme to provide meals through SMS.
Specially designed coaches for differently disabled persons to be provided in each mail and express trains.
Stress on strengthening safety.
Signalling to be improved over 19,00km more
To provide rail connectivity to neighbouring countries.
World Bank Approves $4.3billion Aid To India
The World Bank had announced $ 4.3billion financial aid to India through a new innovative and flexible financing
arrangement to help the country to fight against poverty. This arrangement, while facilitating a $ 4.3billion increase
in support to Indias, is designed to maintain International Bank For Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
.Which is lending its arms net- exposure within the limit of $ 17.5billion established by it.
Economic Survey 2011-12
The Economic Survey by the Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 15 March 2012. Indian economy was
estimated to grow by 6.9% in 2011-12, mainly due to weakening industrial growth. The survey state that despite
dip in the economic growth India remains among the fastest growing economies of the world countrys sovereign
credit rating was stated to have risen by a substantial 2.98% in 2011-12. The economic survey stressed the need
for fiscal consolidation to tame inflation. The survey estimates the economy to grow at 7.35% to 7.85%, during
2012-13 against 6.9% in the current fiscal year
GDP growth rate pegged at 6.9% this fiscal, for 2012-13 7.6% and for 2013-14 at 8.6%.
Agriculture growth forecast at 2.5%
Service sector grows by 9.4%, its share in GDP rises to 59%.
Industrial growth pegged at 4.6%, expected to improve and performed poorly a share of 27% of the GDP.
Inflation to low down by year end, fiscal consolidation on track- saving and capital formation expected to rise.
Exports grew at 40.5% in the first half of current fiscal and imports grew 30.4%.
Forex reserves rise to nearly to cover the entire extended debt stock.
Central spending on social services hiked to 18.5% this fiscal .
MNREGA coverage rises to 5.49crore household in 2010-11
Sustainable development and climate change concern high on priority.
Overall growth during April-December 2011 reached 3.6% compared to 8.3% in the corresponding period of the
previous year.
Union Budget 2012-13
Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukharjee on 16 March 2012, announced the union budget in the parliament for
the financial year 2012-13. Mukharjee, who presented the fourth annual budget seemed to focus on the recovery of
the domestic economy. The budget 2012-13 aims at achieving the rapid growth for the economy which remained
on a downward all through out the fiscal year 2011-12. The budget estimated the Indian economy to grow at 7.6%
in the fiscal year 2012-13.
Highlights of the budget 2012-13
Total expenditure in 2012-13 seen at 14.9trillion rupees, up by 29%
Plan expenditure budgeted at 521.25billion rupees in 2012-13, up by 18%
Economy expected to grow at 7.6% in 2012-13, plus or minus 0.25%
Income tax exemption limit raised to 2 lakh rupees from 1,80,000 rupees
Fiscal deficit seen at 5.1% of GDP in 2012-13
Net market borrowing seen at 4.80trillion rupees in 2012-13
Proposes to raise service tax rate to 12% from 10%
Gross tax receipts seen at 10.8trillion rupees in 2012-13
Non tax revenue seen at 1.64trillion rupees in 2012-13
Proposes to levy tax on all services expect 17 items in the negative list from 2012-13
No change in corporate tax rates
Signs of economy turning around in March quarter
Allow external commercial borrowing of upto 1billion dollar to raise working capital for airlines industry for 1 year
To allow qualified foreign investors in Indian corporate debt markets
To allow external commercial borrowing to part finance rupee debt in power projects.
To award contracts to build 8.800km of roads in 2012-13
Allocate 1.94trillion rupees for defense in 2012-13 up from 1.64trillion rupees for defense in 2011-12
Government doubles allocation for tax free bonds to 600billion rupees for financing infrastructure projects 2012-13
Disinvestment target in 2012-13 of 300billion rupees
Expects country to become self sufficient in urea production in five years.
Proposes to raise agricultural credits targets in 2012-13 to 5.75trillion rupees
To keep 2012-13 subsides under 2% of GDP
To inject 159billion rupees to capitalize state run banks in 2012-13
Current account deficit seen at 3.6% of GDP in 2011-12
How India Compares To Other Countries
India fares favourably on the income inequality front when compared to other countries measures in terms of Gini
Coefficient on scale of 1 to 100. India ranks better than China and the US on the income inequality front, it ranks
on par with Japan and below UK on the front, with a score of 66.9. For wealth inequality, it only lags behind the
US and UK, where the wealth is distributed unequally. India has managed to be the second fastest growing
economy in the world next to China with 6.9%.
India & The World Bank Signed An IDA Credit of $152million
India and the World Bank on 21 March 2012 signed an IDA credit of 152million US dollars to finance the Indian
Governments efforts to help and improve the efficiency, equality and accountability of health services in Uttar
pradesh. The project will include two main components first, it will focus an improving the department of healths
management and accountability system. Th project will seek to improve, planning capacities, information flows
and data inputs to enable policy-makers to improve monitor and manage service delivery in U.P, Secondly, the
project will help the state Government to improve the department of healths capacity to perform its quality
assurance role and manage more effectively with private sectors.
World Bank Approves $500million For Secondary Education Project
In a progress to make quality education accessible to young people at the secondary level, the World Bank had
approved $500million credit to support Indians secondary education project. The project will give support to all
activities as envisioned in the $12.9billion Rastriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) programme.
Interest Rates, High of 0.5% On Post Office Operated Small Saving
The Union Government on 26 March raised interest rates on post office operated small savings like Monthly
Income Scheme (IMS) and Public provident Fund (PPF) by 0.5% Interest rates on term deposits of one or two
years were increased by 0.5% each to 8.2% and 8.3%, while rates for popular (MIS)were increased by 0.3% to
8.5%. The new rates will be effective from 1 April 2012 and will valid during 2012-13
World Bank Approved 109million Dollar Grant For (RACP)
The World Bank on 28 March 2012 approved a 109million dollar-grant fund to Rajasthan Agriculture
Competitiveness Project. The project is aimed at promoting water efficient agriculture through sustainable and
efficient use of resources in Rajasthan. The project is likely to benefit about 1,55,000 farmers mainly those with
small land holdings in the state the project in line with the stake water policy of 2010 will help farmers more from
low value and water -gazzling crops to high value farming.
Thickest Arctic Ice Melting Faster
The oldest and thickest Arctic sea ice is disappearing at a faster rate than the younger and thinner ice at the
edges of the Arctic Oceans floating ice cap, NASA had revealed that the thicker ice known as multi year ice
survives through the cyclical summer melt season, when young ice that had formed over winter season just as
quickly melts again.Arctic ocean where multi year ice covers at least 15% of the ocean surface, is diminishing at
a rate of 15.1% per decade.
Oceans Turning Acidic At Fastest Pace In 300m yrs
The worlds oceans are turning acidic at, what could be the fastest pace of anytime in the past 300million years,
even more rapidly than during a monster emission of planet- warming carbon 56million yrs ago. Quickly acidifying
sea water eats away at coral reefs, which provide habitat for other animals and plants and makes it harder for
mussels and oysters to form protective shells.
5 Places Where Life May Exist In Solar System
Life on Earth occupies some bizarre places from deep sea hydrothermal vents to frigid and lightless lakes.
According to the Christain Science Monitor the following are the five places where life may exist. Mars-The red
planet which had abundant surface water could microbes lurk under ground. Europa-With rocky cores heated by
tugs from Jupiter. Enfolds This icy moon of Saturn also has subsurface deposits of liquid water. Titan Saturns
largest moon has lots of hydrocarbons as raw material for biologically improvement molecules. Venus Its a long
shot with its crushing atmosphere and surface temperature that would melt lead.
Oxygen Found On Saturn Moon: Dione
Planetary Scientists claims for the first time that the presence of oxygen in the atmosphere of Saturns moon,
Dione . An international lead by Los Alamos National Laboratory had said that it had discovered molecular oxygen
ions in the upper most atmosphere of Dione, one of the 62 known moons orbiting Saturn. The tiny moon is a
mere 700 miles wide and appears to be a thick pockmarked layer of water ice surrounding a smaller rock core, as
it orbits Saturn every 2.7 days.
US Tests Railgun That Can Shoot 160 km
The US Navy is one step ahead in developing a futuristic supersonic weapon capable of firing missiles between
80km to 160km at seven times the speed of sound. The 40 feet long electromagnetic railgun consists of parallel
rails and uses a magnetic Field and electric current, instead of chemicals to generate the energy required to fire
the rounds.The first weapon scale prototype of the railgun began under going firing test last week and the next big
step towards putting the super weapon on US warships by 2020. The full size prototype made by BAE system ,
looks like a real gun.
Torpedo, Akash Missile To Be Handed Over To Navy & IAF
The indigenously developed advanced lightweight torpedo and the Akash missile system will be handed over to
navy and the Indian Air Force at a function in Hyderabad on 3 March 2012. The defence Research & Development
Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, developed Akash , a surface to air missile. Torpedoes are underwater missiles
which are fired from ships, submarines or helicopters against ships and submarines. The Torpedo Advanced Light
(TAL) which was developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory in Vishakapatnam.
Brahmos Supersonic Cruise Missile Successfully Test Fired
The Army had successfully test-fired the 290km range Brahmos supersonic cruise missile at the Pokhran range
in Rajasthan on 4 March 2012, to operationalise the second regiment of the weapon system in service.
Nirbhay To Be Test Fired In April
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had developed a new sub-sonic cruise missile
called Nirbhay, which may be test -fired in April. This is the first time that India has developed a cruise missile
that will travel at sub-sonic speed. Nirbhay is a two stages, surface to surface missile and surface to air missile,
while a booster engine would kick the first stage from the ground. It is Indias equivalent of US Tomahawk. It can
engage many targets and be in air for longer period.
Huge Asteroid To Come Close To Earth In One Year
About 150-foot asteroid orbiting earth called 2012 DA14 will fly fast, just 17,000 miles from earth nearer than
geostationary satellites on 15 Feb next year hits our planet. If an asteroid of that big size hits our planet, it would
cause an explosion similar to a nuclear blast. Two Astronomers from the Observatorio Astronomics De La Sagra
in Spain spotted 2012 DA 14 in late Feb 2012 and its orbit has been estimated to be very similar to Earths
Huge Space Storm Hits Earth
A strong geomagnetic storm hit Earth early on 8 March 2012, but the planets magnetic field appeared to be
absorbing the shock and it was unlikely to reach severe levels. The storm was expected to be the strongest in five
years and has the potential to disrupt global positioning systems, airlines flights, satellites and power grids. The
leading edge of the coronal mass ejection a Burst of hot plasma and charged particles that erupted from the sun
Jupiter, Venus Gets Closer
The pair of Jupiter and Venus will reach its closest point between 12 March and 15 March, despite being vastly far
from one another in space, the conjunction will make them appear just a few degrees apart in the sky. The most
anticipated planetary event for 2012, will be the transits of Venus in early June.
Students Space Web Experiment To Be Launched Soon
A team of science and engineering students had developed an innovative Space Web experiment which will be
carried on a rocket from the Arctic circles to the edge of space. The experiment known as Suaineadh, which was
developed by a team of 20 students from the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde and the Royal Institute of
Technology in Stockholm. It will be launched from the Esrange Space Centre in Northern Sweden in March
Russia To Send Man To The Moon By 2030
Russia is now to send a team of Cosmonauts to the Moon. According to a leaked strategy document from
Russias Space Agency, Roskosmos, a space craft will conduct a demonstrative manned circumlunar test flight
with the subsequent landing of cosmonauts on the Moons surface and their return to Earth by 2030.
India To Launch Mars Mission Next Year
The Indian Space Research Organisation is planning to send a scientific probe to Mars next year. The Mars
orbiter mission would be launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)during Nov 2013, the
spacecraft, which has a provision for carrying nearly 25kg of scientific instruments, will be placed in an orbit
500km by 80,000km around Mars.
North Korea To Launch A Missile
North Korea announced on 16 March 2012 that it would launch a rocket carrying a Satellite next month to mark
the 100th birthday of the former President late Kim II Sung, just 16 days after agreeing to suspend long range
missile test in return for massive US food aid. The US, Japan and South Korea condemned the plan and said, it
would breach a United Nations ban imposed after previous launches. North Korea said a Unha-3 rocket will launch
a home built polar orbiting Earth observation satellite known as Kwangmyoug-sons-3 by the last deal under which
Pyongyang also promised to freeze its uranium enrichment plant, had raised hopes of eased tensions under the
new regime headed by Kim Jong Un and it is the violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
A New Species Of Frog Discovered
A new frog species was found by researchers in Mawphlang, 25km from Shilong, capital of Megalaya. The new
species was named Fejervarya Sengupti in honour of Saibal Sengupta. Sengupta was the head of Aryavidyapeeth
College and one of the pioneers of amphibian research. The new species was different from all congeners in terms
of body size and cell charecteristics. The discovery of new species shows that Northeast part of India is quite rich
in terms of its biodiversity, especially in case of amphibians.
India Joins In Making Critical Tubes For Nuclear Plants
India had joined a select band nations on 26 March 2012 when the Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) successfully
manufactured critical tubes required for steam generators of nuclear plants. Currently only three companies in the
world are producing the UNS NO8800 U tubes with NFC becoming the fourth entity. The first tubing consignment
was handed over to Larsen & Toubro, which is manufacturing eight steam generators for Kakrapara (3&4 units)
and Rajasthan (7&8 units) nuclear power plant being set up by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited
(NPCIL)
Sea Levels Could Rise By 22Metres
The sea levels could rise up to 22meters in the future due to global warming, an international team lead by Prof
Kem Miller and Prof Tim Narish analized sediment cores in Virginia in the US, Eneweta K Atoll in pacific and the
Whanganui region of New zealand that the late pliocene epoch 2.7m to 3.2m years ago, which is the last time the
carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere was at its current level, and atmospheric temperatures were two degrees
higher than are now The global sea levels were higher than present.
Brohmos Supersonic Cruise Missile Test-Fired Successfully
India had successfully test fired its supersonic cruise missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in
Odisha on 28 March 2012. The missile rose from a Tatra truck on the sea-side launch station and speed over the
Bay of Bengal at 2.8 times the speed of sound. The missile, which has a flight range up to 290km is capable of
carrying a conventional warhead of 200 to 300kg, the cruise missile was a surface to surface Army version.
NASA SpaceCraft Found Evidence Of Water Ice In Mercury
A NASA spacecraft called messenger in the month of March 2012 discovered further evidence for the existence of
water ice at Mercurys poles. Although surface temperature at mercury can soar above 400C, some craters at
mercurys poles are permanently in shadow, turning them into so called cold trops.
American Robot Cheetah Sets New Record
A Cheetah robot funded by the US military had broken the land speed record, while running on a lab treadmill. Its
robotic display of athleticism given hope for new battlefield robots that could prove nimbler than existing robots on
wheels or tank like treads.
Speech Jammer Device
The Japanese researchers recently introduced a prototype for a device called as speech Jammer, which can
literally jam some one voice effectively stopping them from talking
China To Launch 100 Satellites By 2015
China has set a target of completing a space mission of 100 rockets, 100 satellites between 2011 and 2015.
According to the Deputy General Manager of China Aerospace, Science and Technology. On an average China
will complete about 20 launch missions each year before 2015, China had launched 19 satellites, 1 target orbiter,
8 spacecraft with 19 long march rockets last year.
PERSONS IN NEWS
a) Appointments
Gopal Gandhi As New IIAS Chairman
Gopal Krishna Gandhi had been elected as the new chairman of the Governing body of the Indian Institute of
Advanced Study Shimla, and president of its society.
New Chairman Securities Commission For Malaysia
Mr. Ranjit Singh had been appointed as the chairman of the Securities Commission of Malaysia , replacing Mr.
Zarinah Anwar.
New CII Chief For A.P
Ms.Suchitra K.Ella, co-founder and joint M.D of Bharat Biotech International had been elected as chairman of
Cost Inflation Index (CII) of Andhra Pradesh for 2012-13
H.S Bedi As The Chairman Judge
Justice H.S Bedi, the Supreme Court of India on 2 March 2012 appointed its former judge, as the chairman of the
monitoring authority which will investigate the case of 22 alleged fake encounter killing in Gujarat in 2007-8.
New Chairman For Coal India
S. Narasinga Rao has been appointed as the Chairman of the Coal India Ltd. He is presently working as the CMD
of Singareni Collieries.
Germanys New President, Gauck
Former East German Rights Activist Joachim Gauck had been appointed as the New President of Germany on 18
March 2012.
New Railway Minister
Mukul Roy had been appointed as the new Railway Minister on 20 March 2012 in the UPA Government
Shyamala As Central Vigilance Commission
Shyamala Gopinath, Central Vigilaner Commission was appointed as the chairperson of the Advisory Board and
commercial & financial frauds on 29 March 2012
b) Resigns
Rahul Dravid Takes Retirement From International Cricket
Rahul Dravid Had announced his retirement from international cricket on 8 March 2012, by ending a long
outstanding career. He was the second highest test scorer after Sachin Tendulkar in test matches.
Railway Minister Resigns
Railway Minister Mr. Dinesh Trivedi had resigned on 18 March 2012 due to crises over, increasing fare prices for
passengers in the railway budget 2012-13 which was against the Trinamul party policy.
Waterman Rajendra Singh Quits NGRBA
Magsaysay award winner Waterman of Rajasthan Rajendra Singh on 11 March 2012 quits the Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh chaired National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) protesting the Governments negligence
of the river.
c) Deaths
Former Basketballl Champion Muniyappa Passes Away
A member of the Indian team at the 1967 South Asian Basketball Championship B.Muniyappa, and a qualified
NIS coach died on 5 March 2012 in Bangalore.
West Indian Cricket Player Dies In Accident
West Indian cricket player Runok Morten died on 4 March 2012 in a car accident. He played 15 test matches, 56
one day international and 7 20-20 matches since 2002.
Former PTI Chairman Died
P.K.Roy, former chairman of press trust of India, and president of the Indian Newspapers society and the Audit
Bureau of Circulations for Several terms died on 24 March 2012 in Kolkata.
Marathi Poet Passed Away
Marathi poet and Sahitya Akademi award winner, Manik Godghate passed away in Pune on 26 March 2012. He
was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi for his prose collection. Varyane Halta Raan in Feb 2012
d) Visitors
Anwar Ibrahim Visits Kerala Mosque
Anwar Ibrahim, former deputy prime minister of Malaysia and opposition leader of the country, visited the historic
shrine at Thalangara locality paid obeisance at the Malik Dinar Juma Masjid.
IMF Chief Visiting India
The International Monetary Fund managing director Ms. Christine Lagarde , is going to visit New Delhi on 19
March 2012, to meet senior Government officials and to participate in a high level conferenceChina and India
sustaining high quality growth. The conference is being co-hosted by the IMF and will be inaugurated by the
Finance minister Mr. Pranab Mukerjee. The two days conference will bring together policy makers, academics
and private sector representatives to discuss the growth success of China and India
Ravi Shankar To Visit Pakistan
Spirutual leader Ravi Shankar had visited Pakistan for three day peace mission on 11 March 2012 ,This was his
second visit to Pakistan, to emphasizing the urgent need for a people to people movement
IAF Chiefs 4 Day Bangladesh Trip
Indian policy to step up bilateral military cooperation with Bangladesh, Our IAF Chief Air Marshal (ACM) N.AK.
Browne had left for a four day visit to Dhaka on 18 March 2012.
e) Miscellaneous
NEET Rollout In 2013-14
India is to set roll out NEET from 2013-14, the Common National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for
admission to under graduate courses will be conducted by the CBSE, while the National Board of Examination
will conduct the post graduate exams. The Union Health Ministry had informed the state Governments that their
existing reservation policies would not be disturbed under the proposed scheme and state wise eligibility merit
lists will be prepared for the respective state authorities.
Blind Woman Gets Railway Job After 4 Yrs Struggle
A visually challenged woman who cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam with distinction in
2008, but was denied posting got justice after 4 years battle and the intervention of P.M Manmohan singh, 75%
visual disability, had been offered an Indian Railway Personal Services post under group B of class I
Bin Laden Cinema By Oscar Director
Oscar winning director Kathryn Bigelow is going to make a movie about Osama Bin Laden. the name of the movie
is Zero dark thirty.
PLACES IN NEWS
Earthquake of 4.9 Magnitude in North
A low density of earthquake measuring of 4.9 on Ritcher scale felt in Northern India, at Bahadurgarh in Haryana as
its epicentre is the third tremor in these places since two months
Earthquake Leaves 800 Homes Damaged In Mexico
A strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake hitted Southern Mexico on 20 March 2012, damaging some 800 homes near
the epicentre and swaying tall buildings and spreading fear and panic hundreds of miles away in the capital of
Mexico.
ABBREVIATIONS
ASOSAI Association of Supreme Audit Institutions
GATT General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
NSIGSE National Scheme of Incentive to Girls Secondary Education
ARAI Automotive Research Association of India
IGPCC Inter Governmental Panel on Climate Change
AIDWA All India Democratic Womens Association
DTAA Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement
IATA International Air Transport Association
DTC Direct Tax Code
AEPC The Apparel Export Promotion Council
SCRES South Central Railway Employees Sangh.
IMF International Monetary Fund
APMC All Agriculture produce Marketing Committee
CII Cost Inflation Index
AOSIS Association of Small Island States
NFIR The National Federation of Railwaymen
INSC International North-South Corridor
DGFT Directorate General of Foreign Trade
DGFT Directorate General of Foreign Trade
IRFC - Indian Railway Finance Corporation
BOOKS IN NEWS
Mamata Banerjee: Political Biography Book Released
A journalist Monobina Gupta had written a political biography of Mamata Benerjees Didi, The Political Biography
which tries to capture the complexities that make Mamata Benerjee what she is explores her personal, her
perception of herself as a woman and her equations with the lefts radical politics in Bengal.
North-Eastern State Book Released
Minister of State for Defence M.M.Pallam Raju had released the book NorthEast Trilogy written by Dipti Bhalla
and Kunal Verma , which has the spirit of the country, its tribes and languages.
Masterpiece Book Of Garcia Marquez
Colombian writer Gabrial Garcia Marquez on his 85th birthday on 6 March 2012 starts the sales of an electronic
version of his masterpiece novel One Hundred years of Solitude. The book had already sold 30million copies
world wide.
COMMITTEES IN NEWS
ECCE Committee Had Set Up
The Government had proposed a National Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) policy, which lays down the
way for a comprehensive approach for every child. To sustain the Multi sectoral and inter agency collaboration, a
thematic ECCE Committee with experts will be formed under the ICDS mission steering groups initially and later
formed as a National ECCE council, with corresponding councils at the state level. The council will be the apex
body to guide and oversee the implementation of the policy as well it keeps ECCE programmes consistent with
the National ECCE policy
Finance minister set up committee to Address Bad Loans
Finance minister had set up a committee to address rise of bad loans after Moodys downgrading Union bank of
India by one notch due to its high level of troubled assets and low provisions for coverage.
Committee For Corporate Governance
Ministry of Corporate Affairs in March 2012 set up a committee under the leadership of Adi Godrej chairman
Godrej group to bring out a formal policy document that will initiate enlisting of diverse elements of corporate
governance under a single national corporate governance policy, the first meeting of the committee is scheduled
to be held on 5 April 2012.
http://currentaffairs.freejobalert.com/february-current-affairs/161/ 1/17
INTERNATIONAL
US To End Afgan Mission By 2013
The President of US Barrack Obama was facing a tough time of re-election campaign, as the strongest signal is
that the White House wants to put an end to wars. The US troops completed their withdrawal from Iraq in Dec
2011. So the US Government plans to end combat operations in Afghanistan in 2013 and shift to training
program.
Face book Files For Historic IPO
A social networking for huge Face book had filed an initial public offering (IPO),Which could raise as much $10
billion and raise the value of the company between $75billion and $10billion.It had more than 845million active
users across the world .
Russia &China Vetoed The UN Security Council Resolution
Russia & China on 4 Feb 2012 vetoed the UN Security Council resolution for the second time in four months. The
resolution condemns the Syria regimes on public uprising calls upon Present Basher Al Assad to abide by the
Arab league time-fame for political reforms in the country. The frame for implementation of the resolution by Syria
was increased from 15 days to 21 days
EU Wants 3rd World To Double Its Renewable Energy By 2030
The European Union (EU) wants Countries meeting at a conference in the up coming June under the UNs Rio+2o
mechanism to double their share of renewable energy by 2030 under an International obligation. EU wants
countries like India to agree to double its energy efficiency levels under an International understanding. All world
leaders are to gather in June for the United Nations Conference on sustainable development, known as Rio+20 in
policy circles.
Indonesia Became The 157th Country For Test-Ban Treaty
Indonesia had formalized ratification of the nuclear test ban treaty on 6 Feb 2012 at the United Nation. The South-
east Asia nuclear weapon free-zone treaty commits ASEANs 10 members stakes not to develop, manufacture
or, otherwise acquire posses or has control over an atomic energy.
Moodys Cut Rating Of Six European Countries
Moodys action follow those of standard & poors which downgraded rating of six European countries, Italy
Malta,Portugal,Slovakia and Slovenia all had their rating cut by one notch with a negative outlook, while Spain was
cut by two notches to A3, with a negative outlook. Britain, Australia and France could lose their triple A ratings
as rating agency Moody placed the countries on negative watch.
Pakistan To Grant MFN Status To India By 2012
Pakistan on 15 Feb 2012 agreed liberal trade with India and conceded to put in place a small negative list of
goods by the end of the month where imports will be restricted. By the year end even this negative list expected
to be phased out. A joint statement issued after bilateral talks between commerce minister Anand Sharma and
Markhdosm .Pakistan will grant MFN status to India by October 2012.
Three New Nuclear Projects By Iran
Iran on 15 Feb 2012 launched three nuclear projects including a fourth generation ultra centrifuge, which is
capable of enriching the uranium faster than its earlier models. The first one was at the Iranian Atomic
Organisation Research Center in Tehran where Irans first home made nuclear fuel rods were loaded into a
medical reactor. This would be used for production of two other projects in the Nathan plant in Central Iran.
Enriched uranium is a critical compound for both civil nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons
China to Be Top Gold Consumer In 2012
According to the World Gold Council ( WGC ) China had over taken India as the country with greatest appetite for
gold in 2012. Its Jewellery investment demand reached 769.8 tonnes in 2011.Representing 82 % of Indians level
of demand for gold which was at 933.4 tonnes. The Chines figure had only recently risen above the 50% mark in
the gold market.
EU-US In Trade Tie- up
The US and European countries had entered into a historic trade arrangement that will pare way for organic
products certified in the U.S or EU to be sold in either region from 1 June 2012 To bring the two largest organic
producers and markets together to promote organic farming and is valued at around $60billion. Germany stands
as its contribution to the organic market is $ 6billion.
Dow Chemicals Remain To Be Sponsor For London Olympics
The International Olympic Committee ( IOC) on 16 Feb 2012 announced that Dow Chemicals would remain a
sponsor of the London Olympics. The Indian Olympic Association had appealed to the IOC London Games
Organizing committee to withdraw the Dows sponsorship from the London Olympics. The International Olympic
Committee turned down the appeal of IOC maintaining that Dow chemicals, the parent company of Union Carbide
had no role in the Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984. It insisted Dow chemicals did not have any ownership stake in
union carbide until 16 yrs after the disaster and 12yrs after the USD 470 million compensation agreements was
approved by the supreme court of India.
Independent Evaluation Group On World Banks Crisis
A phase -two study of the World Banks crisis response, presented in a report, that the world Banks response to
the global economic crisis. Phase II was released on 23 Feb 2012. The report noted during its responses to the
worst financial economic crisis that hit the world economy in 2008, the World Bank failed to adequately modify its
lending patterns as per the severity at the downturn across nations.
Worlds Richest Country Qatar
Qatar had the worlds highest per capita GDP Rs. 43,06733 , while the economy grew by 19.40%, the fastest in
the world . Qatar had been proven reserves of both oil and natural gas. Qatar tops the list of worlds richest
countries by the Forbes magazine in 2012, with a small citizen population of less than 17 lakh people. The
Forbes magazine had announced 182 countries ranking among these countries the world richest country is
Qatar ,in second place is Luxembourg, in third place is Singapore, and Burundi, Liberia and Congo at the least
places. Qatar is the place where the next World football world cup is going to be held in 2022.
N.Korea, Agreed To n-Moratoriums
United states officials confirmed that North Korea had agreed to halt nuclear tests and activities and implement a
moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile development in exchange for a US package of 240,000metric
tonnes of food aid. The agreement also includes suspension of uranium enrichment activities at Yongbyon and
also permission for International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to return and conform the disablement of the
5-MW reactor and associated facilities.
Long List Of Millionaires In Chinas Parliament
The membership of the National Poeples Congress provides wealthy businessmen on powerful platform and
secure their support for the communist party of China .The NPC, the chinese parliament and top legislative body
convenes in Beijing on March 5 for its annual session, it will be bringing together not only Chinas most powerful
political leaders but also some of the nations wealthiest individuals. The net worth o f the 70 richest delegates at
the NPC, was $89.8billion, the countrys 3,000 Members legislative house.
INDIA & WORLD
NMDC Buys Coal, Iron Ore Mines From Overseas
Indias largest iron ore producer NMDC, Which had acquired a 50% stake in the Australian iron ore firm Legacy
Iron ore recently. To acquire more from overseas mines, one each in Russia, Brazil, Mozambique and Australia.
India :Dont Want Change Of Rule In Syria
India had taken decision to vote in favour of the UN Security Council resolution on Syria by stating that it does
not want a regime change in the turmoil-ridden Arab country. The draft resolution was supported by 13 of the 15
members of the UN Security council when it was voted on 4 Feb 2012. Russia and China used their vote power to
block the resolution. By Russia and China backing the security council, the syrian regime had stepped up armed
attacks against protesters in the embattled city.
$250m Credit For Mauritius
India had announced an economic package which includes a line of credit of $250million and a grant of $ 20million
to Mauritius with whom it had traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly ties. The two sides also signed a slew of
agreements and MoUs. The two sides will provide a frame work for cooperation in the field of science and
technology.
India & China Call For New Flexible Ties
Indian & Chinese leaders on 8 Feb 2012 had laid out a new roadmap for bilateral ties calling for a Flexible and
imaginative approach in 2012 to minimise the effect of persisting political irritants, such as border disputes and
Tibet. External Affairs minister S.M.Krishna who on 8 Feb inaugurated Indias new $10million embassy, which he
had described as turning a new page in ties and underscored Indias willingness to calm sources of tension.
India & China Set Bilateral Trade Target $100b
India & China had set up an ambitious bilateral trade target of $100billion by 2015 compared to last yrs record
figure of $74billion, External Affairs Minister S.M,Krishna said Bilateral Economic & Trade Cooperation had
witnessed a robust growth rate. India will continue to carry forward the positive momentum in ties.
India & Saudi Agreed to Set Up Joint Working Group
India & Saudi Arabia on 13 Feb 2012 agreed to set up a joint working group on defense cooperation during the
visit of Defense Minister A.K.Antony. The two sides held wide range talks about combating terrorism and piracy
and cooperation in regional affairs.
Pakistan May Be Allowed To Invest In India
India may allow investments from Pakistan into the country; Government Sources said the commerce ministry
had proposed to the finance minister to exempt Pakistan from the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)
Regulations. This is being seen as a move to strengthen bilateral economic relation between the two countries.
India Seeks Oil From Saudi-Arabia
India had sought additional five million tonnes of crude oil from Saudi- Arabia as its second largest oil supplier Iran
faces action from US & Israel over the Islamic nations nuclear programmed. Saudi-Arabia is the biggest supplier
of crude oil to India followed by Iran, Iraq and Nigeria. India buys 27million tonnes of crude oil per annum from
Saudi-Arabia while its annual import from Iran is about 17million tonnes.
India & Pakistan Extended Agreement On Reducing Risk From Nuclear Accidents
India & Pakistan on 21 Feb 2012 agreed to extend the agreement related to nuclear weapons for another five
years, in accordance with article 8 of the agreement between the two countries. The agreement had come into
force on 21 Feb 2007 for an initial duration of five years.
India To Set Up Engagement With Arab World
India will set up its mutilateral engagement with the Arab world in the up coming months with a series of events
that will include a visit to Cairo by the External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna to confabulate with the Arab League
and to re-engage Egypt, which is stepping out of the rigid policy confines of the Mubarak era.
Canada, India For Nuclear Ties
The civil nuclear cooperation agreement between India and Canada closes, the two countries could cooperate in
looking at third markets requiring nuclear technology for energy purpose. The two nations realizing the
importance and the value of strong bilateral relations. The best indicator of the improved ties was the civil nuclear
cooperation agreement signed by the Prime ministers of both the countries in 2010.Canada would be able to sell
uranium, nuclear supplies and equipment to India soon.
NTPC To Supply 250MW Power To Bangladesh
The countrys largest electricity producer NTPC is going to supply 250MW power to Bangladesh from the
unallocated quota, a move that will help strengthen trade ties between the two nations.
NATIONAL
On 2G Spectrum, Supreme Court Cancels 122 Licenses
The Supreme Court on Feb 2 2012 cancelled 122 2G licenses granted during the period of former communication
minister A. Raja Jan 2008. The 2G spectrum scandal involved officials in the Government illegally undercharging
mobiles telephony companies for frequency allocation licenses.The shortfall between the money collected and the
money which the law mandated to be collected isEstimated to be Rs.176,645crore. As the grants of these
licenses is illegal and blamed the Governmentfor its flawed first come first served policy, and imposes a fine of
5crore for each on 3 telecomcompanies which offloaded their shares after getting the licenses.
46,800 Indians Died Of Malaria
Malaria deaths in India is more than 40 times higher than what is presently estimated.New research published in
the Lancet shows that malaria kills 1.2million people worldwide each year-twice as high as the figure in the world
malaria report -2011. In India, it is estimated that 4,800Malaria deaths in children younger than 5 yrs and 42,000
malaria deaths in those aged 5 yrs or older for the year 2010 as against 19,000 malaria deaths in children
younger than 5 yrs and 87,000malaria deaths in those aged 5yrs or older in 2002. Globally, 42% of all malaria
deaths occur in older,children & adults. 20% deaths are in 15-49 age groups.
Major NREGA Reforms To Be Done
Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Feb 2 2012 said that their had been several complaints of corruption &
irregularities regarding rural jobs schemes, MGNREGA. To make immediate reforms in the scheme, the rural
development minister Jairam Ramesh told in the MGNREGA conference that the CAG would also look into the
expenditure under the scheme and also the payments of wages in time for workers .
In India, Record Of 14 lakh Cancer Cases
India records high of 14 lakh new cases per annum. World Cancer Day, being observed on 4 Feb every year that
over 12.7million people receive cancer diagnosis and 7.6million people die from these disease every year.
Nowadays cancer had become lifestyle of the person that is to blame, much like in the case of diabetes and
Hypertension.
Yuvraj Singh Confirmed Cancer
Yuvraj Singh, Who played a key role in Indias ODI World Cup triumph in 2011, had been confirmed with lung
cancer had been diagnosed that the tumor was cancerous in his left lung.
The Most Happiest People Reside In Three Countries
According to a poll conducted by global research company IPCos, the happiest people of the world reside in
Indonesia, India and Mexico. The survey measured comparative depth and intensity of happiness among country
citizens and the world . As world was a happier place than in 2007 as 22% of global citizens were found to be
happy in state of mind, Indians were among the happiest on the planet. On a national level, Indonesia had the
highest proportion of happiest people with 51%, followed by India and Mexico with 43% each.
Indias Lakshya-I Successfully Test Flown
Indias indigenously developed micro-light pilot less target aircraft (PTA) Lakshya-I was successfully test flown
from Integrated Test Range at Chandipur near Balasore on 8 Feb 2012. Lakshya, a sub-sonic, re-usable aerial
target system is remote controlled from the ground and designed to import training to both air borne and air
defense pilots. The (PTA) had been developed by Indias Aeronautic Development Establishment (ADE),
Bangalore to perform discreet aerial reconnaissance of battle field and target acquisition.
Approval Of The National Data Sharing & Accessibility Policy
The Union cabinet of India on 9 Feb 2012 approved the national data sharing & accessibility policy (NDSAP 2012)
to facilitate access to central Government owned shareable data & information and also national planning &
development.
Special Commemorative Stamp
President Pratibha Patil on 9 Feb 2012 released a special commemorative stamp to mark the golden jubilee of the
India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi. This centre plays a major role in promoting awareness and creating
public opinion. The stamp priced at five rupees promoted the nation image and depicts the rich diverse culture of
the country.
Missile Interceptor Tested Successfully
Indian Defense Scientist on 10 Feb 2012 successfully demonstrated an indigenous ballistic missile from the
Odisha coast; an air defense missile successfully tracked, hit and destroyed an incoming ballistic missile at a
height of 15km and range of 35km, according to the defense research and development organization.
Indias First Vessel Traffic Service Dedicated To Nation
In Gujarat, Indias first highly sophisticated vessel traffic service was dedicated to the nation in Kandla. Sixteen
thousand square km of Gulf of Kutch are now under strict vigilance by this ultra modern radar system, which is
the first and the largest radar surveillance system on Indian coast.
Announcement Of New Telecom Policy
The new telecom policy was announced by communication minister Kapil Sibal on 15 Feb 2012. The key policy
measures are aimed at reassuring incumbent operations who had been seeking clarity in rules at a time when the
Government is making every possible effort to put the cam-tainted telecom sector back on track. Telecom
companies operating in the same region will be allowed to share 2g spectrum. All future allocation of airwaves will
only be through auctions.Also, future licenses will be declined from spectrum and companies must buy bandwidth
at market rates.
Sahara Back As Sponsor
The deadlock between the board of control for cricket in India and the Sahara group ended on 16 Feb with the
board agreeing to most of the corporates demands. The Sahara owned franchise Pune warriors will continue to
play in the Indian premier League, with the board reactivating its unspent auction purse of $16m. From both side a
joint statement was given to extent the IPL trading windows till 29 Feb to give Pune warriors the opportunity to
negotiate with other franchises. Tore- activate the auctionpurse of Pune warriors so that they can take more
players. To start the arbitration proceedings subjectto the consent of others franchisers BCCI had agreed to allow
Pune warriors to play five overseasplayers in non-availability of Yuvraj Singh.
Indias success Had Inspired The World WHO
An, announcement was made by the health & family planning minister Glulam Nabi Azad at the 12th Polio
summit 2012, held in New Delhi, That the World Health Organisation (WHO) has removed India from the list of
polio-ridden countries. Suggesting that the wild polio virus had been totally eliminated from the environment. And
India had successfully completed an entire year without an incidence of polio. However, India will have to remain
polio free for two more years before it is declared polio-free by the WHO. There were only four countries in the
WHO endemic list including Pakistan, Nigeria and Afghanistan.
Government To Set Up National Internet Scanning Agency
The Government is setting up an Internet Scanning agency which will seek to monitor all web traffic passing
through internet service providers in the country.
India To Set Up 20 N-Reactors
To boost up the nuclear energy in the country, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd plans to set up 20
nuclear reactors in different states. They will be ready during the 12th five years plan and the new plants will come
up, among other places, at Kovvada in Andhrapradesh. The nuclear energy production in the country has now
touched 32,000 million units.
Survey Of India To Bring New Set Of Maps
The survey of India is all set to bring out a new set of maps with never before details like, open spaces, rocky
areas, important buildings and landmarks, roads and even power lines passing through an area soon. One of the
first such maps brought out by its as part of a pilot project was displayed during an exhibition.
STATES
Chennai-Based Heymath To SeMaths Face book
In 2005, American writer Thomas Friedman was impressed with Chennai-based online Mathematics education
platform Heymath. If Friedman were to describe its aspirations at present he could make, maths face book for
,Hey math, which had former IMFchief economist Raghuram Rajan and entrepreneur Jerry Rao on its advisory
board, to launch a social net working site for mathematics the first of its kind ,within three months. Symbolically,
it is happening in 2012 the National mathematics year in India. The maths social network to be called as
Teaching Tomorrow will be separate non profit venture.
Gujarat Ranked Top In Investment Proposal
Gujarat topped the list of most preferred business destination in India in year 2011. According to associated
chambers of commerce & industry of India report, released on 13 Feb 2012 Gujarat at the end of 2012 got the
total investment proposal worth of Rs. 16.28lakh crore. Gujarat recorded 13.52% stake in the total line investment
proposals worth Rs.1.20.34 lakh crore in the country in the yr 2011.
High Level IT Security Policy In A.P
A high level IT security policy had been proposed for the Government of Andhra pradesh . A committee had been
formed to formulate the policy with members from the formationTechnology and communications department,
Nasscom, National Informatics centre; Data centre Operator, The operator of the state data centre, and Wipro and
Security specialists from Cyber security works. This draft will be made available by March 10 2012 and circulated
to all stake holders. This decision was taken at a high level committee meeting for reviewing the issue of hacking
of Government websites at the A.P State Data Centre recently
A.P Village Girl In World Cup Team
International Kabaddi player, R.Nagalakshmi who hails from the remote Inkollu village in prakasam district, will
hog the lime might in the womens world cup to be held in Patna in March.
LPG Terminal Soon In Ennore
The LPG terminal project of Indian oil Petronas Pvt Ltd in Ennore, about 30km from Chennai, will be completed in
all respects by the first week of next month to receive the first consignment. Apart from the imbalance in LPG
demand supply in T.M, the terminal would cater to industrial consumers and also help the company foray into
auto LPG dispensing.
Tirumala Museum To Showcase Lord Venkateswaras Jewels
The Tirumala thirupathi Davasthanams TDD is exploring the possibility of putting the precious ornaments of Lord
Venkateswaras on display at the S.V.museum .
UP Elections In Seven Phases
The Legislative Assembly elections were held in Uttarpradesh in seven phases for 403 seats. The first phase
polling was held on 8 Feb for 55 seats. The second phase polling was held on 11Feb for 56 seats. The third
phase polling was held on 15 Feb for 56 seats . The fourth phase was held on 19 for 56 seats . The fifth phase
was held on 23 for 49 seats .The sixth phase was held on 28 for 68 seats and last phase will be held on3 march
2012. and the results will be announced on 6 March 2012.
A.P State Budget For Yr 2012-13
Andhra Pradesh Finance minister A. Ramanarayan Reddy had presented Rs, 1.45Lakh crore budget for the
financial year 2012-13 in the assembly on 16 Feb 2012.The Government estimates a revenue surplus of Rs.
4,444crorre the fiscal deficit of Rs. 20,000 crore, the latter at 2.5 % GSDP .The overall state debt is likely to go up
to Rs. 1,60 191crore for 2012-13 against Rs 1,39,668 crore for 2011-12. And category wise distribution of the fund
as follows .
Rajiv Yuva Kiranalu - 150 crore , Indira Jala Prad 18,000crore , Electricity 5,937crore, Housing 2,302crore,
Interest to farmer & women 1,075crore, IT Sector 150crore, Sports 120crore, Transportation
5,302crore,Home -4,832crore ,RTC 5,032crore,CM Fund- 600crore, Education -15,132crore,Irrigation
15,010crore , Agriculture- 3,175.
CONFERENCES
National Conference On Governance
The national conference on Governance was held on 29 Jan 2012 at the NCUI auditorium in New Delhi, organized
by the Foundation for peace, Harmony &Good Governance in association with global steel.
IACTS 58th Conference
The 58th annual meeting of the Indian Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons (IACTS) was held
from 8 to 12 Feb 2012 in Kolkata had focused on rising incidence of heart diseases and remedies. The four day
meet of the cardiac surgeons would be synchronized by the joint workshop with the European Association for
cardiac thoracic surgery. For the first time in India, the original research work on genetics causes of heart
diseases and diabetic will be presented. And also the first even demonstration of the recent version of the
Artificial Heart Heartmate II.
International Diamond Conference
The 10th International Kimberlite conference meeting was held from 6 to 11 Feb 2012 at Bangalore(GSI). It is the
first time to conduct the conference in India .
15th National Conference On e- Governance In Odisha
The 15th National conference on e-Governance conference had been inaugurated by the chief minister M.Naveen
Patnaik on 8 Feb 2012 which will be held for two days. The conference aims at providing a platform for effective
interaction of policy makers, practitioners and industry leaders to deliberate and identify priorities and recommend
strategy for good governance.
Luminescence Conference
The 4th International Conference on Luminescence and its Applications (ICLA) 2012 conference had been
organized by the Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies on 8 Feb2012 in Hyderabad. About 350
delegates from all over the country are participating to present their latest findings and discuss several crucial
issues.
Global Company Meets In Delhi
The top corporate, ministry officials of international experts meeting had been held in New Delhi for two days 9,10
Feb 2012.To discus the issues related to responsibilities of company boards, stake holders expectations concern
about corruption from all sectors of society etc.
The 12th India EU Summit
The 12th India EU summit was held in New Delhi on 10 Feb 2012. EU was represented by Herman Van
Rompuy, President of the European Council, and Mr. Jose Manver Durau Barrow, president of European
commission.
India, Asean Summit For 2-Days
The Association of South East Nations (Asean ) summit had held in New Delhi on 12 Feb 2012 with the theme of
India and Asean partners for peace, progress and stability. The two days conference will also mark two decades
of India-Asean cooperation and also to look areas where the relationship can be further consolidated.
The 44th Session Of Indian Labour Conference
The 44Th session of Indian Labour conference was held on 14 and 15 Feb 2012, under the chairmanship of Shri
Mallikajun Kharge, Union minister of Labour and Employment. The conference was inaugurated by P.M
Manmohan singh on 14 Feb in New Delhi . The conference was attended by senior representatives of workers &
employers. Organisation and state labour ministers and senior officers from central ministers, departments and
state government. The conference was deliberated upon very critical issues of minimum wages, social security
and employability and employment.
9th Three -Day International Conference & Exhibition
The 9th three day International conference & exhibition was hosted by the society of Petroleum Geophysicists
(SPG),which was inaugurated on 16 feb 2012 in Hyderabad, to discus the major challenges that the oil and gas
sectors facing .
AWARDS & HONOURS
Nayudamma Award For NASSCOM Chief
National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSOM) chairman & NIIT group co- founder Rajendra
Singh Pawar had been awarded with Dr.Y.Nayudamma Memorial Award 2011 in recognition of his outstanding
performance to the Indian information technology.
Typing A To Z in 3.43 Seconds
A B.Tech. student Mohammed Khurheed Hussain, typed the entire English alphabet in 3.43 seconds along with
spaces after each letter, he succeeded in typing the 50 characters in a record time of 3.43 seconds, to break the
existing record of 3.52 seconds set by Sridhar Raju for The fastest time to type the alphabet and break the
Guinness book of world record.
National Integration Award For Razzak
The all Indian National Integration Award had been presented to Abdul Razzak by the Tazeen ulema-e-haq. This
award had given to persons who strove hard for communal harmony and for spreading the spirit of national
integration.
Professor Chosen As UNESCO Chair
Professor. Vinod Pavarala Dean, Sarojini Naidu School of Arts & Communication, University of Hyderabad had
been chosen to be the first ever UNESCO Chair on community media. The chair being set up at the university for
the period of four years. The prestigious chair, which is the first of its kind anywhere in the world comes in
recongnition of Prof, Pavaralas work in the last decade on community radio, his research & writing, the struggle
for community radio in India.
World Record Heart Surgery On 17-HR-Old Baby
A tiny figure from UK is recovering in hospital after becoming the youngest person to had open heart surgery. She
was just 17 and half hours old when they operated her.
Three IIT Scientists With Scopus Award
Three IIT scientist are among the eight young scientist who had won the prestigious Scopus award from the
Nation Academy of Science and Elsevier. Sanjib senapathi from IIT Madras. Sagnik Dey from IIT Delhi.
Satyajit Banerjee from IIT Kanpur.
Djokovic: Sportman Of The Year 2012
The tennis world no.1 Novack Djokovic had been awarded with the Sportman of the year award at the ceremony
in London on 6 Feb for the year 2012.He was the fifth man to become to win three grand slam title in a row. Djo
kovik had won the top individual prize at 2012 Laureus sports Awards.
FC Barcelona Chosen Team Of The Year 2012
Barcelona footbal team had been recognised as the best team after its grand winning of the Spanish League and
champion League. And it had captured the team Trophy at the 2012 Laureus Sports Awards held at London.
Sportswomen Of The Year 2012 Vivan Cheruiyot
The Kenyan distance runner, Vivian Cheruiyot who had won the 5,00 and 10,000 titles at the world championships
last year was awarded with sportswomen of the year award for the year 2012
Scot Sisters Named Oldest Living Twins
Guinness World Records had recognised 102yrs old Scottish sisters as the worlds oldest living twins. Edith
Ritchie and Evelyn Evie Middleton, Who hail from Aberdeenshine were born in 1909 neither of them had ever
travelled outside of the UK.
Rajesh Roshan Honoured With Lata Manageshkar Award
The great Hindi film music composer Rajesh Roshan was honoured with the Lata Manageshkar award by the
M.P.Government on 8 Feb 2012 for the year 2011.
Worlds Shortest Man
The 72 yrs old Nepali Chandra Bahadur Dangi, who is just 22 inches had been awarded as the Worlds shortest
man and weighs just 12kilos. He would also be the worlds shortest human adult to be alive. Guinness world
records experts had confirmed it and they are to travel to Dangis village.
54th Annual Grammy Awards
The 54th Annual Grammy A wards were held on 12 Feb 2012 at the Staple center in Los Angeles. The British
female singer, Adele won six golden gramophones for her Album, 21. The other winners are -Album of the year
22-Adele; Record of the year, Rolling in deep by Adele; song of the year; Adele; Best new artist; Bon Iver
British Academy Film Awards
The 65th Annual British Academy film awards, was held at the Royal Opera House in London on 12 Feb
2012.Black & White silent movie, The artist won six awards, including best film, best actor and best director.
Best actress was awarded to Meryl Streep for her amazing acting as former British Prime minister, Margaret
Thacher in the Iron Lady.Some of the other winners are best picture
Writer Ramdarash Mishra Selected For Vyas Samman
A noted Hindi writer Prof. Ramdarash Mishra was selected for the 21st Vyas Samman for his poetry collection
Aam Ke Patte published in 2004.
Prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award For A.P Teacher
A retired teacher from Adilabad district in Andhra Pradesh Mr.Samala Sadasiva had awarded with the prestigious
Sahitya Akademi Award in NewDelhi on 14 Feb 2012, as he considered a pioneer in literature, music and
philosophy. he got this award for his book Swaralayalu on Hindustan music.
Jindal Prize For Kalam & Hedge
The former president A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, and former Lokayukta of Karnataka Justice N.Santosh Hedge, had
been selected for the S.R, Jindal prize for their contribution in their fields. Mr. Kalam got the award for his
contribution in science and technology. Mr. Hedge for his exemplary service in social development.
US Humanities Medal For Amartya Sen
Indias Nobel prize winning economist Amartya Sen was honoured with the prestigious US National Medal of Arts
& Humanities award by U.S President Barrack Obama on 14 Feb 2012, for his efforts to increase the
understandings of fighting hunger and poverty.At the glittering white house function.
Highest Serbia Award For Djokovic
Worlds no-1 Tennis star Novack Djokovic of Serbia was awarded with the highest serbian award,Gold Star Of
Karadjordje on 15 Feb 2012 it was conffered upon him by the Serbian President Mr.Boris Attic
IOC Award For Manisha
Manisha Malhotra, a former Indian tennis player and Bussan Asian Games silver medalist on 16 Feb 2012 was
chosen as winner of the IOC Women and Sports Awards World Trophy by the International Olympic Committee
for promoting women in sports.
100 yrs Old Frenchman Sets Cycling Record
Frenchman Robert Marchand had entered The Cycling Record Books in the one-hour event . three months after
celebrating his 100th birthday Marchand rode 24.251km around an indoor track to establish the first ever hour
performance in the 100yrs-plus category.
5 Oscar Awards For Film The Artist
The 84th Academy Awards Ceremony/ Oscars was hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science (
AMPAS). The ceremony which took place at the Hollywood Highland center in Hollywood, California on 26 Feb
2012 honoured the best film and performances of 2011. The ceremony was hosted by Billy Cristal who hosted
this ceremony for the ninth time.
Best Motion Picture: The Artist,
Best Director: Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist
Best Actor : Jean Dujardin, The Artist
Foreign Language Film : A separation
Original Screenplay: Woody Allen
Best Actress : Meryl Streep, Iron Lady
Adapted screenplay: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and JimRash
Best Supporting Actor :Christopher Plummer, Beginners,
Cinematography : Hugo.
Art direction: Hugo
Best Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, The Help .
Original Score: The Artist.
Visual Effects: Hugo
Film Editing: The girl with the dragon tattoo.
Sound mixing:Hugo.
Sound Editing: Hugo.
Costume Design:The Artist
Original Song: Man or Muppet, from Muppets.
Make Up: The Iron Lady .
Live Action Short Film:The Shore
Animated Feature Film: Rango.
Animated Short: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.
Documentary Features: Undefeated.
Documentary Short: Saving Face.
M.P,Sikkim Gets Tourism Awards
The National Tourism Awards ceremony was inaugurated by the President Pratibha Patil in Newdelhi on 29 Feb
2012. Madhya pradesh state got best state for tourism infrastructure and best tourism film. Sikkim got the award
for tourism infrastructure in the Northeast and best state for clean India campaign.
Driverless Automated Train In Dubai
The Dubai Metro had made its to be the Guinness Book Of World Records, as the longest driverless metro
network in the world, spanning 74.695km, officials announced on 21 Feb 2012.
Toilet Revolution Award For M.P Woman
Madhya Pradesh woman named Anitha Narre was awarded for leading Toilet revolution on 16 Feb 2012 by the
Sulab Sanitation , with cash worth of 5 Lakh. An Indian woman had been rewarded for her bold decision to leave
her marital home within days of her wedding to protest the lack of toilets in the household.
SPORTS & GAMES
Ajay Mittal & Shreyas Double Grab Gold In Short Gun
Ajay Mittal and Shreya Singh created a new national record won gold medal in womens double trap with a 12
points margin over Seema Tomer in the 55 th national short gun championship at the Kavni singh shooting range
Tuglakabad on Feb 1 2012 .
India won team Crown Golf Championship At Dhaka
Indias Manav Das and Khalin Joshi had won the Team Title Of Bangladesh Open Ameteur Golf Championships
held at Kurmitola Golf club in Dhaka against Bangladesh team Sajib Ali and Dulal Hassain.
Egypt Defeated India 2-1 In 21 Squash World Cup
Egypt defeated India by 2-1 in the final of the SDAT-WSR under-21 Squash World Cup on 5 Feb 2012. Even after
Ravi Dixits and Dipika Paliki fought hard to bring India back in contention but at last India lost the cup.
National Snooker Champ Mehta
Aditya Mehta had won the National Snooker Championship title held in Pune by defeating Kamal Chawla.
Stanlley Is Champion In Phoenix Open Golf
Kyle Stanley bounced back from a bitter defeat to won the Phoenix Open Golf Champion in Scottsdade, USA
Pakistan Wins The Test Series Against England
Pakistan had won the test match series against England by 3-0 on 6 Feb 2012held at Dubai.
Sania Wons Womens Tennis Title
Sania Mirza of India and Anastasia Rodinova of Australia won the Pattaya Open Womens tennis title held in
Pattaya on 12 Feb 2012
Indian Archers Won 3 Gold Medals
India had ended their campaign on a high in the individual sector of Asian Grand Prix Archery in Bangkok on 18
Feb 2012 by winning 3 gold, 3 silver, 1bronze medal. The Indian mixed recure team of Jayanta Talukdar and
L.Bombayla Devi took gold beating the Japanese team in the final. Rajat Chauhan and Jhano Hanshad combined
well to give India the mixed compound team gold by beating the Myanmar.
Russias Isinbayevas New Olympic Record
Russias Olympic champion Yelena Isinbayeva set a new indoor pole vault world record on 23 Feb 2012 with
clearance of 5.01m. Isinbayevas latest world record comes just over two weeks out from the world indoor
championships in Istanbul at 4.92m.
Ranwanska Won Eighth Career Title
Polands Agniezka Radwanska had won the Women Singles Dubai Tennis Championship held in Dubai on 25
Feb 2012 , beating Germanys Julia Goerges and becoming worlds top five for the time .
Indian Hockey Team Qualified For London Olympic
Indian hockey team was qualified for the 2012 London Olympics beating France by 8-1 in the final match for
qualifing tournament in NewDelhi on 26 Feb 2012.
The world no-5 David Ferrer claimed his 13th carrier title by winning the Buenos Aires Open title on 26 Feb 2012.
The worlds no-5 tennis player Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina had won Marseille open title final by defeating
Michael Liodra on 26 Feb 2012.
ECONOMY
Per Capita Income Has Raised
The per capital income in India has been raised up by 15.6% according to central statistical office at the current
prices during 2011-12 is estimated to be 60,972/-.The per capita income at current prices is estimated at Rs.
53,331/-in 2010-11, as against Rs. 46,117/- for the previous year 2010.
EU Carbon: Over-Flight Charges For India, Russia & China
India, Russia and China may consider imposing over-flight charges on European airlines, if the European Union
Continues with its plans of imposing a carbon tax on International airlines. The tax came into force from 1 January
2012.There is growing acceptance between various countries, including the US and Brazil, on imposing some
restrictions on the EU if they continue with their plans to impose the tax.
Food Grains Output To Hit Record High
Indias food grains productions expected to reach Record High in second successive year in 2011-2012, and aided
by the above normal monsoon & improved productivity in eastern states of Bihar and Jharkhand. According to the
Government estimates, output of food grains to touch 250.42million tonnes as against the previous years harvest
of 244.78million tonnes. The cotton output to be at a record high of 34milllion bales of 170kg each as against
previous years 3million bales.The rice output to be beat more at 102.75million tonnes, over last years
95.98million tonnes. The wheat output is higher at 88.3million tonnes, over last years 86.87million tonnes.
Where as the pulses, oil seeds and coarse cereals are projected to dip. The production of pulses dip by
5.26%,17.28million tonnes over last years 18.24million tonnes. Output of turdal and red gram is lower at
2.72million tonnes last years 2.86million tonnes. The oil seeds dip by 30.58million tonnes against 32.48million
tonnes in the previous years.
GDP Growth To Hit Low Of 6.9%
Indias economy is expected to grow low by 6.9% in 2011-12, the slowest pace of expansion in three years,
dragged down by sluggish industrial growth and decline in the mining sector. According to central statistics office
showed growth in 2011-12 is estimated below by 7% to 7.5%.The Indian economy, Asias third largest, had been
hit by stubbornly high inflation, high interest rates, and a slowing global economy which emerged in last year.
Set Up Of National Centre For Cold Chain Development
The Government of India, on 9 Feb 2012 approved setting up of a National centre for cold chain development,
NCCD, as a society under the Societies Registration Act 1860 and allocation of one time grant of Rs. 25crore as
corpus fund had been released. The NCCD will be having a governing council under the chairmanship of secretary
with 22 members, covering Government officials, confederation of Indian Industry, federation of Indian Chambers of
commerce & industries, FICCI and other stake holders. The move comes in the wake of post harvest losses to
the tune of 50000crore rupees annually in absence of proper storage facilities.
RBI Changed The Bank Rate To Rebuild It With (MSF) Rate
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 13 Feb 2012 changed the bank rate, a medium term signal rate after 9 yrs.
The bank rate, a benchmark rate nine which RBI buys or re-discounts bills of exchange or other commercial
papers eligible for purchase, was hiked with immediate effect to 9.5% from 6%. The rate was raised with the
objective to realign it with the marginal standing facility MSF rate as a one-time technical adjustment to link it with
the main policy repo rate
RBI Issued Circular For Development Of WLAs
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 14 Feb 2012 issued the draft circular for development of White Label
Automated Teller Machine (WLAs) from non-banks entities. The central bank also announced its plans. The
central banks issuance of the draft reflected the banks intention to accelerate the growth and penetration of
ATMs in the country. ATMs rolled out by non-bank will provide ATM service to consumers of all banks. WLA
means ATM owned, run and maintained by third parties on a contract basis from financial institutions.
Mumbai Worlds Second Least Expensive City
A global survey had named two Indian cities the financial hub Mumbai and the national capital New Delhi,
among the four least expensive places across the world. As per the worldwide cost of living survey by economist
Intelligence Unit ( EIU) Mumbai is the second least expensive city globally, while New Delhi is ranked fourth.
Karachi in Pakistan has been named as the cheapest destination globally,which Zurich in Switzerland is the most
expensive place across the world.
PMs Economic advisory Panel Projected 7.5% To 8% Growth Rate
The Prime Ministers economic advisory panel projected 7.5% to 8% growth rate for the next fiscal 2012-13 and
the country is also expected to achieve a higher economic expansion if the global environment turns favorable.
While releasing the review of economy 2011-12 that the growth rate in 2011-12 is likely to be 7.1%, marginally
higher than 6.9%. projected by the central statistical organisation (CSO).
RBI To Issue 5Rs Coin In Bhagat Singhs Name
The Reserve Bank of Indias RBI had made an announcement to bring out 5Rs coin devoted to the legendary
Martyr. A photograph of Bhagat singh and the words-Shaheed Bhagat singh birth centenary 1907-2007 will be
inscribed on one side of the coin.The two horizontal lined on capital of Ashoka pillars and the value of
denomination will be displayed. Figures 1907-2007 will be printed below the picture and the coin is made of iron
and chromium will be of a 2.3mm diameter.
First Nationwide Annual India Consumer Price Index Released
As per the first Nationwide retail inflation data was released by the centre of Statistical Office on 21 Feb 2012,
inflation based on the all India consumer price index stood at 7.65% in Jan 2012. The annual consumer price
index CPI data released for the first time measured prices in major food groups, fuel, clothing , housing and
education across the rural and urban India . Overall retail inflation in rural and urban areas stood at
7.38%.Consumer price inflation for rural India was recorded at 7.38%, for urban India stood at 8.25%.
L G & Milagrow Enter Into Home Cleaning Robot
The two companies announced the launch of their domestic robotic cleaners. Signalling the creation of a new
product niche within the vacuum cleaner segment .LG, the launch of its comb-out prized Rs. 43,990.
US Engineers New Self-Guided Bullet
US Sandier National Laboratories Engineers had invented a bullet that directs itself to a target like guided missile
and can hit a target more than 1.6km away, it can move up to thirty corrections per seconds while in the air. The
bullet can twist and turns to guide itself toward a laser-directed point.
Drought-Hit Mars Too Dry For Life
British scientists had concluded that Mars is too dry, a planet to host any form of life. An analysis of soil,
collected during the year 2008 NASA Phoenix Mission to Mars, by Imperial college London had revealed that the
red planet had experienced a super drought 600millions years ago. The scientists had decided that there had
been water present during a warmer period lasting up to 5,000 years in past, but this would been too little time for
life to establish itself on the surface.
Two New Planets Found
Researchers had discovered a new planet some 22 light years from the Earth is the most likely to hold water
&possibly host life. It receives about 90% of the light that the Earth receives from the Sun the new two planets
named Kepler 34, and Kepler 35 each of which circling around its own double Sun together with Kepler 16.
Worlds Highest Resolution Lunar Images
Chinas state administration of science, technology and industry for national defense on 6 Feb 2012, released a
set of Worlds Highest Resolution lunar images taken by its second moon orbiter, Change-2, and at it braces to
launch its next missile to land a rover to explore its surface.
Google Launch Camera Equipped Glasses
Google is going to launch a hi-tech glasses with in-built computer displays. Speculation is rife that developed at
Googles secret Google X lab. The glasses will be armer with cameras, an android operating system and could
be on sale soon.
New Super continent In Arctic
Geologists at the Yale University in the US predicted that in the coming 50 to 200million years, Australia may
merge with India while all the countries may collide each other to form one massive supercontinent.The Americas
and Asia will drift Northward, closing off the Arctic and Caribbean Oceans to merge around the North pole and
form a super continent called Amesia.
Life Originated On Land Not In Oceans
Anew study claimed that the theory proposed by Charles Darwin on lifes origin was correct. Drawin proposed that
the life originated on land in a pound and not in the oceans. The study held by the researchers at the Osnabruck
university in Germany found that the first primitive cells might have originated in pools of condensed vapour. This
was caused by underground hot water. The scientist discovered that the oceans did not contain the best balance
of ingredients to support life on Earth.
NASA Discovered Water On The Planet Called GJ1214b
Researchers at the Harvard Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics discovered that the planet GJ1214b was largely
covered in water . They used Hubble space telescope to discover the water on planet. GJ1214b was discovered
in 2009 by the ground based MEarth. It is approximately 2.7 times, Earth diameter and weighs almost 7 times as
much as Earth. The presence of water on the planet was confirmed when it crossed in front of its host star. The
light of the star glittered through the planets atmosphere, provided clues to the mix of gasses, supporting the
water vapour theory.
Tiny Lizard Called Brookesia Mirca Found
In Madagascas, one of the worlds tinest Lizards called Brookesia Mirca was found by German researchers
on 14 Feb 2012 It reaches a maximum length of 29mm. The researchers also found three new species in the
North of the Island, during daytime, the lizards mostly live in the leaf litter in the day and at night climb up. The
lizards were limited to very small ranges and they are at risk from habitat disturbance.
Indian Black Eagle Was Spotted After 90 yrs
The Indian Black Eagle was spotted in the Aravali Biodiversity Park after a gap of 90 yrs The bird was last seen in
1920-21 by Basin Edwardes.
Space Bug A New Source Of Power
Scientists have discovered a type of space bacteria in British river which they could be used as a new power
source for the world. The Bacillus Strato sphericus, usually found more than 20 miles above the Earth, were
spotted in the mouth of the river Wear in Sunderland. It is believed that the bugs may had been brought to the
surface by atmospheric cycling, which causes evaporated water to rise into the stratosphere and then fall
again.The organism is a particularly potent form of bacteria which can be used in a microbial fuel cell to convert
river waste into power and clean water.
China Launches 11th Satellite To Bolster GPS system
China had successfully launched a satellite into space to bolster its indigenous global navigation and positioning
network known as Beidou. The satellite, launched from the Xichang satellite launch centerin the southwestern
Sichaun province,was boosted by a long march 3c carrier rocket into a geosynchronous orbit. It is Chinas 11th
homemade navigation satellite.
Arctic Sea Ice Decline Linked To Snowy Winter
Further evidence had found of a relationship between melting Arctic sea ice and wide spread cold outbreaks in the
Northern hemisphere could be used to improve seasonal forecasting of snow and temperature anomalies.
PERSONS IN NEWS
a) Appiontments
AP Dr.For Royal College Of Surgeons Of Edinburgh
Dr.P.Raghuram had been appointed as the Honarary Secretary for the Royal Collage of Surgeons of Edinburgh
from Andhrapradesh .
New President For Maldives
Mohammed Waheed Hassan had been appointed as the new president of Maldives.
Abd- Rabbu Monsour Hadi had been appionted as the new president of Yemem on 25 Feb 2012.
b) Resigns
President of Maldives;Resigns
President of Maldives Mr.Mohamed Nasheed had resigned on 7 Feb 2012 against weeks of protest which was
against his decision he had accused of favouring oppositions.
Kuldip Nayar Quits Symbiosis
The veteran journalist and former Member of Parliament Kuldip Nayar had resigned as professor emeritus at the
symbiosis institute of media and communication.
World Bank Chief to Step down
World bank President Robert Zoellick had announced to step down from his position as his five years term closes
by June this year.
German President Quits
Germans President Christian Wulff resigned on 16 Feb 2012 in a scandal over favors he allegedly received before
becoming head of state.
Space Scientist Narasimha Quits ISRO
The top aerospace scientist Prof Roddan Narasimha, who was a member of the B.C Chathurvedi committee
probing Antrix- Devas deal, had quitted from the space commission to protest against blacklisting of scientists,
including former ISRO chief G.Madhavan nair.
James Murdoch Quits News International
James murdoch had resigned as executive chairman of News International, publisher of the times due to
allegations that he attempted to cover up the scandal.
c) Deaths
Pop Music Legend Whitney Houston Passes Away
Whitney Houston, who was pop music queen with her majestic voice and had won six Grammy awards in her
glittery career had died on 11Feb 2012 in Los Angeles.
Akhlaq Mohammad Khan Urdu Poet Passes Away
A renowed urdu poet Akhlaq Mohammad Khan passes away in Aligarh on 13 Feb 2012 .He had received the
Jnanpith award for the year 2008.
Anthony Shahid Newyork Times Passes Away
Anthony Shahid Newyork times foreign correspondent and two time Pulitzer prize winner died in Eastern Syria on
16 Feb 2012, after suffered from severe asthma attack. He had covered nearly two decades of middle east conflict
and turmoil.
A Diplomat M.A.Vellodi Passes Away
M.A.Vellodi, who was an Indian foreign service officer witnessed up-close several momentous eventsin the 1960s
and 1970s, died on 16 Feb 2012 in Chennai.
Football Legend Manna Passes Away
Indian football former player who played bare footed, Sailendranath Manna. Indias first internationaloutgoing player
at the London Olympics in 1948, had died on 27 Feb 2012 in Kolkata.
Nair Service Society Chief Passes Away
P.K.Narayana Panicker, president of the Nair Service Society died on 29 Feb 2012 in Kerala.
d) Visitors
The Prime minister of Mauritius Mr.Navinchandra Ramloolam had visited India on 7 Feb 2012 for his six days
visit to sign slew agreements and for to provide frame work for cooperation.
Defense Minister Antony To Visit Saudi
In the first ever visit by an Indian defense ministry to Saudi Arabia, defense minister A.K.Antony had visited on 13
Feb 2012 to discus on bilateral military ties in areas ranging from training to jointexercises.
e) Miscellaneous
Face Book To Complete 8 yrs
Face Book a social utility net working had completed its 8 yrs journey, which had almost 84.5crore people as
members in facebook.
Indian-American Appears On Time Cover
An eminent Indian-American Preet Bharara had made to be the cover of the prestigious Time magazine for his
crusade against wall street corruption and irregularities including inside trading.This man is busting wall street
Bhararas picture appeared in the latest edition of Time magazine.
PLACES IN NEWS
The worlds Tallest communications tower and 2nd largest highest building 6343m, had been completed on 29
Feb 2012 , and named as Tokyo sky Tree in Tokyo of Japan.
6.8 Magnitude Earthquake In Philippine
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the central Philippines on 6 Feb 2012, killing 44 people and
causing widespread panic. The powerful earthquake hit in a narrow strait between the heavily populated island
provinces of Negros and Cebu, causing severe damage to property and lives.
ABBREVIATIONS
S A S T I N D State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry For National Defense
NCLP- National Child Labour Project.
NADAP The National Anti Doping Appeal Panel.
BOOKS IN NEWS
Official Release Of Bangladesh Writers Book Release Was Cancelled
The Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreens book releasing was cancelled at the 36 th Kolkata International Book
Fair on Feb 1 2012 . There had been a controversy about the promotion of the book, regarding the release of the
seventh volume of her autobiographical series ( NIRBASAN ) exile . The Amar Ekushey Book Fair had launched
the 7th volume of Taslima Nasreens autobiographical series Nirbasan (Exile) on 2 Feb 2012 in Dhaka where as
the release of this book was banned by the West Bengal recently.
Anisul Hoques Book On Bangladesh War Launched
Bangladesh High Commissioner T.Ahmad Karim & Dr.Karan Singh released Dhaka-based author Anisul Hoques
latest book,Freedoms Mother in NewDelhi on 4 Feb 2012
Fidel Castros Time Guerrilla Book Released
Cuban leader 85yrs old, Fidel Castro released his two volumes of his memoir entitled Time Guerrilla in
ceremony. The memoirs trace his life from infancy until 1958 when he was Cuban leader in 2006.
Pakistani Writers Book Released In Hyderabad
Fatwar on Terrorism A book by Pakistan writer Muhammad Tahir ul Qudri, was launched in Hyderabad on 27
Feb 2012 by the former gudge.
DAYS & DATES
April 5 National Maritime Day
April 7 World Health Day
April 17 World Hemophilia Day
April 18 World Heritage Day
April 22 Earth Day
April 23 World Books & Copyright Day
April 25- World Malaria Day.
INTERNATIONAL
Obama signs bill to suspend $ 1.1 bn aid to Pak
US President Barack Obama has signed into law a massive $1.1 billion defence spending bill that also seeks to
suspend a big cut of $1.1 billion military aid to Pakistan, despite his serious reservations about provisions
regulating custody and prosecution of suspected terrorists.
Pakistan wins temporary UN Council Seat
Pakistan has won a seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-
year term.
Securing 129 out of 193 votes in the United Nations General Assembly exactly the two-thirds majority required
to win the seat, Pakistan will now be a non-permanent member, replacing Lebanon, of the United Nations Security
Council in a term that begins on January 2012 and will end in December 2013.
Pakistan Court issues Contempt Notice against Prime Minister Gilani
Pakistan top court began contempt proceedings on 16 January 2012 against Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani
for failing to carry out its order to re-open a corruption case against the President, ramping up pressure on the
beleaguered civilian government and pushing the country deeper into political crisis.
Wikipedia shut for 24 hours to protest US anti-piracy act
Wikipedia, the popular community-edited online encyclopaedia from 18 Jan. 2012 evening blacked out its English
Language site for 24 hours to seek support against proposed US anti-piracy legislation that Wikipedia founder, Mr
Jimmy Wales, said threatens the future of the Internet.
White House locked down after smoke bomb attack
The White House, Washington was locked down on 18 Jan. 2012 for more than an hour after a smoke bomb"
landed inside the compound of the United States presidents residence, breaching the high security alert around
the building.
Once Again Bird Flu Deaths In China
Once again bird flu deaths brings 2nd death in 30 days in china , over 28 number of people in china who have
died from the diseases since 2003 .
Younest Sailor To Complete Solo Circumnavigation of The World
Dutch Leeager Laura Dekkar 16 yrs old , on 21 st Jan 2012 became the youngest sailor to complete a solo
circumnavigation of the world .
25 EU Nations Sign Up For German
All European Union Countries agreed to sign a new treaty called fiscal compact on 30 th Jan 2012 .When 25 out
of 27 EU states agreed to sign only Britan and Czech republic refused to sign a fiscal compact, that will impose
quasi automatic santions on countries that breach European union budget deficit rules in national law .and
crippling debts crises and to stimulate growth and development in economy .
Romney wins first round battle for GOPs ( Grand Old Party), ( US Republican Plitical Party ) US
President nominations
Front-runner Mitt Romney stood in course of a narrow win ( by just 8 votes ) from a 120, 000 party flock in a state
New Hampshire that is considered the heartland of America.
Maldives lifts ban on spas
The Maldives president on 4 January 2012 said he has lifted a ban on spas in the upmarket tourist destination
after establishing they were not being used for prostitution as alleged by Islamist protesters.The Maldives on 31
December 2011 has ordered hundreds of luxury hotels to close their spas after protsts by an Islamist party which
claimed they were a front for prostitution.
Karzai gives go ahead to US Taliban peace talks
The government of Afghanistan gave its blessing to talks between Taliban insurgents and the United States, and
also to the opening of an office for the Islamists in Qatar on 4 January 2012 .
Obama unveils New Defence Policy, shifts U S focus to the East
U S President Barack Obama unveiled a defence strategy on 5 Jan. 2012 that calls for a greater U S military
presence in Asia and envisions cutting troops in Europe as the Pentagon seeks to reduce spending by nearly half
a trillion dollars after a decade of war.
Myanmar Govt. approves Suu Kyis party on 5 January 2012, allows to contest by- elections in April
Turkeys ex general arrested on coup allegations
Turkeys former Army chief Ilker Basbug on 6 January 2012 was detained over an alleged bid to topple the Islamist
rooted government in the latest confrontation likely to inflame tensions with the powerful military.
Chinese media slams US look east policy Warns Washington against War Mongering , says move may fuel
military tension
Chinas state run news media warned Washington on 6 January 2012 not to recklessly practice or engage in
war mongering, a day after the Obama administration outlined a new military strategy with an increased focus on
China.
Nea Zealand oil slick ship breaks up in storm
A cargo ship, Reena, stranded on a New Zealand reef for the past three months has split into two in a severe
storm on 8 January 2012, creating fears of a fresh oil spill. The two pieces of the Reena have been forced 20-30
metres apart after waves up to 6 metres hit the vessel according to Maritime New Zealand spokesman, Ross
Henderson.
Iran begins N activity underground
Iran has begun uranium enrichment at a new underground site well protected from possible air strikes on 8
January 2012.
Germany, France warn Greece it wont get more funds until it agrees on Bond Swap
Germany and France warned Greece on January 9, 2012 it will get no more bailout funds until it agrees with
creditor banks on a bond swap and pressed for an early deal to avert a potential default in the euro zones most
debt-stricken nation.
Pak PM dismisses Defence Secretary
Pakistans Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani dismissed Defence Secretary Lt Gen Khalid Naeem Lodhi, a retired
general and a close aide of the Army Chief with immediate effect for gross misconduct and illegal action
according to a statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office.
INDIA & WORLD
India, Pak exchange list of Nuclear Installations
India and Pakistan on 1 Jan. 2012 exchanged lists of their nuclear installations and facilities under a two decade
old pact prohibiting attacks on atomic assets, days after senior officials of the two sides held talks in Islamabad
on nuclear and conventional CBMs. The Governments of the two countries are required to exchange lists of their
nuclear installations and facilities on January 1 every year under the terms of the Agreement on Prohibition of
Attacks against Nuclear Installations and facilities that was signed in December 1988.
India, Pak set to start trade in power, petro goods
Plan is to transfer 500MW via Punjab, surplus Diesel from Bhatinda Refinery
India and Pakistan are strengthening business links in 2012, with the stage set for start of trading in electricity
and petroleum products. Officials from the two countries have decided to trade in electricity through a specially
built high voltage direct current link between Amritsar and Lahore. The plan is to transfer 500MW through the
Punjab border with the tariff linked to the market rate.
China denies visa to IAF officer, Indian defence team cancels the visit
India on 6 Jan. 2012 cancelled the visit by a military delegation to China after one of its members hailing from
Arunachal Pradesh, was denied Visa by China.
12 Indian diamond traders return after detention in China
Twelve diamond traders returned to India from China on Jan. 6, 2012 after being released from a detention centre
in Shenzhen, where they had been kept for nearly two years.
India to give MFN status to Bangladesh
India on Jan. 6, 2012 said that it was keen to give Bangladesh most preferred nation status for trade across the
border and would try to ensure capital flows to that country for business.
India to seek new waivers from US on new sanctions on Iran
As new US sanctions of Irans oil sector take effect, India, which expects to be hit, will ask the US for waivers to
minimise the effect of the curbs that may be given to Washingtons key allies like Japan, Turkey and South
Korea, who, like New Delhi, are all importers of Iranian oil.
India decides to send small tri service delegation to China
In an overnight U-turn India has decided on 7 January 2012 to go ahead with sending a military delegation to China
next week but reduced it to 15 members to the original 30 after Beijing refused to issue a visa to an IAF officer
from Arunchal Pradesh.
India for labour treatises with Europe, Oz
The government is negotiating human resource mobility partnership agreements with the Netherlands, France,
Australia and the European Union in a move aimed at greater inroads for Indian professionals into such markets.
India, South Africa for early conclusion of Customs union pact
India and South Africa on Jan. 9, 2012 agreed to ensure an early conclusion of the India SACU ( Southern
African Customs Union ) Preferential Trade Agreement and the Bilaterial Investment Promotion and Protection
Agreement.
India, Singapore in talks for changes in trade agreement
The India Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement ( CECA ) would require some
amendments, particularly in the area of mutual recognition of professional qualification in order to make it relevant
to the present business relations between the two countries..
Mali signs $100-m line of credit with Exim Bank of India
The West African nation of Mali on January 11, 2012 signed a $100 million line of credit with the Exim Bank of
India. This line of credit will be used for transmission of power from Cote dIvoire, Malis neighbour, to the capital
city of Bamak.
Indias push for UN veto to stall reforms: Berlin
As the issue of expansion of UNSC permanent membership gathering momentum, Germany for the first time on
16 January 2012 has openly warned India that its insistence on veto rights for new permanent members will not
just delay the reform process but also not help turning the UNSC into a more decisive body.
India, China agree on a border peace mechanism
India and China on 17 Jan.2012 agreed to set up a working mechanism on border management to deal with
important affairs related to maintaining to peace and tranquility in the border areas.
Mahindra Rajapaksa committed to settling Tamils issue
Sri Lankan President Mahindra Rajpaksa on 17 Jan. 2012 repeated his commitment to follow the 13th
Amendment plus approach" to achieve a political solution to the Tamils issue even as the External Affairs
Minister S.M. Krishna urged Sri Lanka to move towards an expeditious political settlement.
Chinas Rail Network To Touch Indias Border
China has announced it will aceelerate plans to expand a railway network in Tibet to reach the two towns near the
border i,e from Lasha to Xigaze and the town of Nyingchi which lies in a prefecture bodering of Arunachal pradesh
, under five years plans 2011 -2015.
Indian Factories Fail To Move Up
Indias states as a competitive industrial production economy remained unchanged .India ranked 42nd in 2009
on a competitive industrial production index lower than much smaller economies like Thailand , Mexico
,accordingly to the latest report of (U N I D O ) .
Safeguard Passwords From Phishing
Satistics says India is among the top three countries targeted for phishing attacks .It is estimated that there are
three crore victims of identity theft annually with losses of nearly Rs 10,00,000 crore to the companies . phishing
is among the more popular security attacks on banks and personal information , the others being screen logger
and key logger .
India s Anti Subsidy Plan To Hit China
The Indian government is ready with a plan to act against countries that provide subsidy to local producers and
make exports more competitive , Although anti subsidy action is a trade defence measure,permitted by the
World Trade Organisation (WHO) the move is expected to hit China . The government is setting up a Directorate
General of Trade Remedies , which will deal with anti- subsidy ,anti dumping and countervailing actions .
India Pakisthan Deal
India has offered to export petroleum products, including petrol , to Pakisthan .by road , rail and sea assumes
significance in the backdrop of the forthcoming Pakisthan visit of the Indian Trade Minister .The praposal will be
worked out in next few weeks .
India & Thailand Likely To Sign Free Trade
India and Thailand are likely to sign the free trade agreement by the middle of the year, The Pm of Thailand Ms
YingluckShina Watra addressing a bussiness conference pitched for opening trade in services and investment
between India and Thailand .
India s Ranks 131 In Press Freedom
Indias ranking in a global press freedom index fallen singnificantly in the past years . India fell to 131 out of 179
on the press freedom indes compiled by reporters without borders .
India Has The Most Toxic Air
India has the Worlds most toxic air which infact , the entire South Asian regions fare badly in the analysis .India
holds the very last rank among 132 nations in terms of air quality with regards to its effects on human health .
India scored a miniscule 3.73 out of a possible 100 points .
N T P C New Project In Bangladesh
Bangladesh s state owned power development board had signed a $ 1.5 billion , 50 : 50 joint venture deal with
public sector N T P C to build a 1,320 mw coal fired power plant in Bangladesh .
India To Grant $1.5 Million To Chicago
India will provide a grant of $ 1.5 million to the University of Chicago to establish a Vivekananda chair for Indian
studies , as part of the initatives to mark the 150 th birth anniverssary of the 19 th century Swami Vivekananda
and polymath Rabindranath Tagore .
Indian Deal For France ,126 Fighters
India on 31 st Jan selected the French fighter Rafale over the Eurofighter Typhoon in a multibillion dollor contract
for the supply of 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft ( M M R C A ) the country s largest defence deal . The
defence ministry said that the product was picked upon the basis of it being the lowest bidder , after complex
calculations ,including the life cycle costs .The total deal is estimited to be worth of $ 10.2 billion ( 54,000 crore
).wich was the mojor supplier from French defence , Dassault Aviation who plyed a major role Kargil conflit in 1999
.
Bangladesh To Buy 11 Broad Guage Locos From India
The Bangladesh Railway on 31 st linked a major deal with India to Acquire 10 braod guage diesel electric
locomotives ,allowing the expansion of train services in the country .
NATIONAL
Anna suporters show PM black flags
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was shown black flags by supporters of anti graft crusader Anna hazare at the
Golden Temple in Amritser on 1 January 2012, leading the congress to condemn the protests that it said should
be directed against the BJP for blocking the Lokpal Bill.
No evidence against Tata Group in 2G scam, says Ratan Tata
Ratan Tata, the Chairman of the Tata Group, has expressed happiness that the Group has come out safely in the
2G Scam on 2 January 2012 which has involved politicians, bureaucrats and executives of various companies.
Home Min rejects Mundra Ports bid to develop Vizhinjam Seaport
Adani promoted co wanted to develop port which could become deepest one in India.The Union home ministry
on 3 January 2012 has rejected Mundra Port and Special Economic Zones ( SEZ ) bids to develop Keralas
Vizhinjam International Seaport ( VISL ) and a few other projects raising doubts about the companys expansion
plans.
Retire on May 31 : MoD to General Singh
Ministry of Defence on 3 January 2012 said to Army Chief General V K Singh to retire by May 31 due to a
controversy over his Date of Birth recorded differently in the Adjutant General ( AG ) branch, the keeper of official
records, and the Military Secretary ( MS ) branch, which handles postings and promotions. It is May 10, 1950
in AG branch, and May 10, 1951 in MS branch.
PM asks ministers to fill 50k quota backlogs
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 4 January 2012 instructed key ministers to seriously take up the task of
filling backlog vacancies of the SCs, the STs and the OBCs after he was told that the pending seats stand at
around 50, 000.
NREGS : 9,000 personnel punished
As many as 9, 000 personnel involved in implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (
NREGS ) for the past six years, have been punished on 6 January 2012 in connection with various irregularities,
including simphoning of funds.
NRIs can vote in Indian polls, says PM Notification on Registration of Overseas Voters
Reminding non resident Indians ( NRIs ) of the constitutional provision that allows them to vote in Indian
elections, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Jan. 8, 2012 told a gathering of the diasphora from 60 countries
that the government has issued notificaton for registration of overseas voters. In other words, NRIs can vote in the
upcoming elections in five states.
70% milk in country adulterated Goa, Puducherry safest places to buy milk; AP too fares well
In the 33-state study, milk was found adulterated with detergent, fat and even urea, besides siluting it with water.
Across the country, 68.4% of the samples were found contaminated.Only in Goa and Puducherry did 100% of
the samples tested conformed to required standards. At the other end were West Bengal, Bihar, Chattisgarh,
Jharkhand, Orissa and Mizoram, where not a single sample tested met the prescribed norms.
Muslim quota : EC show-cause to Khursheed
The Election Commission on January10, 2012 night issued a show-cause notice to Union Law Minister Salman
Khursheed, asking him to explain why action should not be initiated against him for his statement 9% sub-quota
for backward muslims in the course of an election rally in UP.
2G note isssued with PMOs approval
FM officials tell JPC Word Perusal replaced Approval after Pranabs scrutiny
The controversial 2G note that suggested P Chidambaram as finance minister could have seized the telecom
scam, was issued with the approval of the Prime Ministers Office ( PMO ), top ministry officials told the Joint
Parliamentry Committee ( JPC ) on 11 Januray 2012. The committee was also told that the word perusal had
replaced approval in the context of finance minister Pranab Mukherjees scrutiny of the note in an internal noting
just two days before the backgrounder was readied.
Govt. nod for anti terror entity
Government on Jan. 12, 2012 finally gave its approval to set up a specialized anti terror body, National Counter
Terrorism Centre ( NCTC ), which will work as a single-window entity to pool together and collate terror related
intellegence input, draw plans to nuetralize terror modules and coordinate action among different terror agencies
to defuse threats.
India asks BBC to apologize for Clarksons cheap show
India on 12 January 2012 has demanded an apology from BBC over its presenter Jeremy Clarkson mocking Indian
culture during a Christmas special while driving around the country, calling it a breach" of agreement.
No polio in a year, India steps up Line of Control checks
Success in controling spread of the virus hikes global demand for Indian Docs.India has not recorded a single
case of polio in 12 months the longest ever. India has increased survelliance against polio along the Line of
Control ( LoC ) bordering Pakistan.
BPL health scheme to be extended to more unorganised workers
The Government on Jan. 11, 2012 reviewed the implementation of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana ( RSBY ), the
scheme launched five years ago to ensure health insurance for families living below the poverty line, saying that it
will be extended to several segments of unorganised workers.
Infosys, HDFC Bank among HBRs elite 10 growth outliers
Two Indian companies, Infosys and HDFC Bank, along with the US-based company of Indian origin Cognizant,
figure in an elite group of 10 companies identified by Harcard Business Review as the companies that have
consistently performed better than others around the world over a ten year period. This elite group of 10
companies is called Growth Outlier".
Court warns Facebook, Google
The Delhi High Court on 12 January 2012 warned Facebook and Google that their websites could be blocked"
as was done in China if they failed to devise a mechanism to remove objectionable materrials.
Govt. nod to prosecute Facebook, Google, Yahoo
The government on 13 January 2012 granted sanction to prosecute social networking websites, including Google,
Facebook and Yahoo and 18 others, for allegedly promoting enmity between classes and causing prejudice to
national integration, a trial court in New Delhi was informed.
Govt. supports subsidising Rural Mobile Bills
The Planning Commission has proposed that the government pay 20% of all mobile bills that are less than Rs 300
a month for customers in rural India by dipping into the funds set aside for providing subsided rural telephony. The
Planning Commission had sent the proposal to the Prime Ministers Office, which in turn has asked the telecom
department to study the feasibility of the proposal on 13 January 2012.
Army Chief takes Govt to Court over Age row
Army Chief General V K Singh on 16 January 2012 moved the Supreme Court against the governments rejection
of his claim on his date of birth. In a writ petition, he is believed to have questioned the governments decision to
treat his date of birth as May 10,1950, instead of May 10,1951,as claimed by him on the basis of his matriculation
certificate and other documents. This is the first time that any Service Chief has dragged the government to the
court of law.
NTRO Scam: SC asks CAG report
The Supreme on 16 January 2012 asked for a copy of the Comptroller and Auditor Generals (CAG) report pointing
out alleged irregularities in the purchase of intelligence equipment by National Technical Research Organisation
(NRTO).
NAC draws up plan for shelters for over 3L urban homeless
The National Advisory Council (NAC) on 16 January 2012 has recommended a Rs. 4,250 crore programme to
provide shelters and other amenities to homeless in Class 1 cities in the country.The council has suggested the
National Programme for Shelters and other services for Urban homeless to set up 6,800 permanent shelters for
around 3 lakh homeless.The Scheme to be run on a 75-25% cost sharing basis between the Centre and the
states with the Union government bearing the entire capital costs.
Centre files a caution against Army Chief
The Centre on 17 Jan. 2012 filed a caveat (caution) in the Supreme Court to prevent Army Chief V.K. Singh from
getting any ex parte order in the writ petition filed by him challenging the defence ministrys order fixing his date of
birth on May 10, 1950, instead of treating it as May 10, 1951.
NTPC To Set Up 5MV Solar Farms in Andaman
NTCP is taking decisive steps towords renewable energy projects . it is setting up a 5 mv photovoltaic power
generation unit close to port blair airport in Andaman and Nicobar Islands .
India is On 6th Nation To Have a Nuclear Sub
India s long hunt for nuclear submarine is finally over . it will take another 10 12 months to get an operational
nuclear weapon triad the capabillity to fire nukes from land , air and water .
Renaming Of Mana Airport
The Union cabinet of India on 24 th Jan 2012 approved renaming of Mana airport at Raipur in Chattisgarh as the
Swami Viveka nanda airport.
New Advisor To P M
Senior Television Journalist Pankaj Pachuri was appointed as communication advisor in Prime Ministers office on
19 th Jan 2012 .and Mr .Harish Khare resingned as Media advisor to prime minister Manmohan singh .The Union
cabinet of India on 24 th Jan 2012 approved renaming of Mana airport at Raipur in Chattisgarh as the Swami
Viveka nanda airport.
India First Life To Sell Life Cover Through Auto Dealers
India s first life insurance plans to sell life insurance policies through automobiles . Indian life insurer had tied up
with Varun motors to sell the insurance cover including all vehicles .
Eliminating N T D By 2020
Around 17 Neglected Tropical Diseases ( N T D ) many of which affect millions of Indians are all set to get the
much needed attention .A phrama company Ceos , Billgates along with the W H O will loosen their purse string
to annouce a range of measures to achieve a common goal . N T D elimination by 2020,over $ 2 billion is needed
to prevent and treat all people at risk of contracting a common NTD by 2015, According to a document released
on Jan 26 th by WHO .The programme aims to improve the lives of over 1.4 billion people world wide and help
them to achieve self sufficiency .WHO identified 17 NTD in149 countries , and found that one -third of 2.7 billion
people living in less than $ 2 a day were effected .
Pushing Up Of Inland Waterways
The Government has moved the process to fasttrack the development and use of inland waterways transport
involving the private and state run companies . The move is expected to push the high potential of inland
waterways in transporting bulk cargo ,such as coal , food grains , fertilizers , project cargo , fly ash over
dimensional cargo and container at competive cost for both public and private sectors . It is also expected to ease
the burden on rail and road infrastructure .An agreement has been signed between the National Thermal Power
Corporation and The Inland Waterways Authority of India and a private developers for the Farakka power project .
Farmer Army Vice Chief Booked
The farmer vice chief of the army , Lt.Gen ,Nobel Thamburaj ,and two other were booked by the C B I on the
charges of criminal conspiracy , cheating and misconduct in settlement of land dispute .
STATES
Madhu Koda has wealth worth about Rs. 3,300 crore
Madhu Koda has amassed property worth about Rs. 3,300 crore during his tenure as the chief minister of the
Jharkhand State by misusing his office, the income tax department has said on 1 January 2012.
Jagan aide Vijay Sai arrested by CBI Sai is second accused in Jagan Assets Case
Effecting the first arrest in the alleged illegal assets case pertaining to YSR Congress president in AP,
Jaganmohan Reddy, the CBI on 2 January 2012 took into custody Vijay Sai Reddy, the financial advisor of
Jagathi Publications and other companies owned by the son of YS Rajasekhara Reddy, the former CM of AP.
HIgh Court cancels Srilakshmis bail
Justice NRL Nageswara Rao of the AP High Court on 2 Jan 2012 cancelled the bail granted to senior IAS Oficer Y
Srilakshmi in the illegal mining case and directed her to surrender before the CBI court before Jan 6.President
Pratibha Devi Singh Patil visited SHAAR Space Centre in Nellore District, AP on 2 January 2012. She dedicated
PSLV Mark 3 Mission Control Centre to the Nation.
Milk sold in AP safe, pure : Survey
According to a survey conducted on adulteration of milk in various parts of the country, the milk sold in Andhra
Pradesh has been found to be mostly safe but that is not the case with many parts of the country. According
to National Survey on Milk Adulteration 2011 report, out of the 1791 samples tested in states, 1226 samples were
found to be adulterated and not conforming to Food Safety and Standards Authority specifications. The results
were made public on January 2, 2012.The result for Andhhra Pradesh may be happy to feel about. Its not that
there is no adulteration at all but out of the 75 samples tested, 70 samples conformed to the standards. Only 6.7
per cent did not conform to the standards.
Kerala ready for joint control of New Dam
Kerala is ready for a joint control of the Mullaperiyar Dam with Tamil Nadu and the Centre, if a new dam gets
constructed, replacing the 116 year old existing structure, state Chief Minister Oommen Chandi said on 4
January 2012.
Lokayukta rejects complaint against Maya
The Lokayukta on 5 January 2012 has rejected a complaint against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati and
her trusted minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui alleging a scam of Rs 2.32 lakh crore in the excise department on the
grounds of insufficient evidence.
Poll process kicks off in Manipur
The notification for the January 28 assembly polls was issued on Jan. 4, 2012 in New Delhi, setting up in motion
the poll process in the five poll bound states including Uttar Pradesh. The elections in Uttar Pradesh will be
held in 7 phases while in Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur, it will be held in a single phase. Counting of
votes in all the states will be held on March 4.
EC says all Mayawati statues to be covered
Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi on 7 Jan. 2012 said all statues of chief minister Mayawati and
Elephants, election symbol for Bahujan Samaj Party, will be covered ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Polls.
UP polls to begin on Feb.8
The Election Commission on Jan.8, 2012 announced a change in the election date in Uttar Pradesh : instead of
beginning on February 4 as previously announced, the polls will start on February 8.
Karnataka for Gita in school syllabus
Karnataka chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda on Jan. 8, 2012 announced that the government was considering
introducing the Bhagvad Gita in primary and secondary schools after seeking public opinion.
Mahindra Solar Rajasthan unit on stream
Mahindra Solar One, a solar power developer, commissioned its first 5 MW solar power plant. A part of
Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission ( JNNSM ) policy, the project is located near Jodhpur in Rajastan and
was first to achieve non recourse financing in the industry.
Karnataka cuts VAT on cotton to 2%
Karnataka government on 10 January 2012 has decided to reduce tax rate to two per cent from five per cent for
value added tax ( VAT ) on purchase and sale of cotton.
Suzion to set up 3,000-mw Wind Power Capicity in AP
Suzion Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh government to
develop a wind power capacity in the state totalling 3,000mw between 2012 and 2016, creating potential
investments of up to Rs 18,000 crore on 16 January 2012.
Setback to Modi: Appointment of Liokayukta is supported
In a major set back to Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the Gujarat High Court on 18 Jan. 2012, by a majority
verdict, supported the appointment of Justice R.A. Mehta, a retired judge of the High Court, as Lokayukta. The
Modi governments petition challenging Governor Kamala Beniwal appointing the Lokayukta bypassing the
government was dismissed.
US To Set Up LNG Terminal In AP
IL & FS Maritime Infrastructure has teamed up with the US based VGS group to up a floating liquefied natural gas
terminal at the Kakinada Anchorage port in Andhrapradesh in a bid to cater to the growing needs of independent
power producers ( I P P s ) .This terminal will become the first such ( L N G ) import terminal on Indais east coast
.
Government Takes ECS Route To Check Black Money
The Andhra pradesh government has decided to make all payments contractors and other through (ECS)
Electronic Clearance Service .Introduction of ECS payments the money will directly deposited in their bank A/C
and the tax on the same cannot be evaded as the entire process is recorded by the bank and the Finance
department.
NTPC Another Mega Project In South
NTPC Ltd the countrys largest power company is planning to take up mega project in kudgi project in karnataka
with 4000- mw .
Revive Sakri Solar Project In Maharashtra
The Maharashtra government is trying to revive the , Rs 2,000 crore sakri solar power project in Dhule, near
Northern Maharashtra with 150 mw .
Bullet Train Between Ahmadabad & Mumbai
Terming the bullet train as a dream project of the C M Mr Narendra Modi demanded for new railway project and
infrastructure for the financial year 2012-2013 . this project will be annouced in the railway budget for 2012-2013 .
Maruthis New Diesel Plant At Gurgoan
A new diesel engine plant is expected to entail an investment of Rs 1,000 crore for a capacity of 1 lakh engines
under the Maruthi Suzuki banner .It will be the first own diesel engine plant at Manesar in Gurgoan .
Longest Flag Unveiled In AP
The Famous temple town of Bhadrachalam in AndhraPradesh , as students of Dr .Paul Raj Engineering College
created a history by unveilling a 3.2km long natinal flag .On the occasion of 63 rd republic day on Jan 26 th 2012
. The flag weighed about 800 kg .The organisers claiming that they had suceessfully unveiled the Worlds longest
Indain flag .Vedeo recording of this entire programe was sent to the authorities of Guinnes Book of Record .
L N G Plans Terminal In A P
Petronet L N G will set up its third terminal at Gannavaram in Andhra pradesh . The decision has taken by
companeis board meeting with estimated cost of Rs 4,500 crore .
500 MW Wind Energy Farms In A P
Welspun Energy Ltd (W E L ) part of the diversified $ 3 billion Welspun group had made agreement with New and
Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh to install 500 mw of wind energy capacity in the
state .
Polling In Punjab & Uttarakhand
Assembly Elections has been held in the states Punjab & Uttarakhand on 30 th Jan 2012 .Elections for 117
contituencies in Punjab & 70 contituiencies in Uttarakhand . All major parties candiadates are participating in this
elections .highest of 77 % voting poll has been polled Punjab and in Uttarakhand 70 % voting poll.
U P Lokayukta Recommends C B I To Probe Against Kushwaha
The former minister for family& welfare & mining Babu Singh Kushwaha , prima facie guilty of illegally awarding
mining contracts and laudering money through his several registered socities , Uttarpradesh lokayukta N .V .
Mehrotra sent a report to cheif minister Mayavathi on 30 th Jan 2012 registration of a case against Kushwaha
with C B I and enforcement directors .
CONFERENCES
99th Science Congress Conferences were inaugarated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Bhuvaneswar,
Odisha on 3 January 2012. PM announced the decade 2010-20 as Decade of Innovation, he also said that the
government would allot 2% of GDP for scientific & Technological researches in the 12 th Five Year Plan.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated 15th Global Sanskrit Meetings in New Delhi on 4 January 2012.
Confederation of Indian Industry ( CII ) Global Partnership Summit 2012 has been inaugurated by Union minister of
industry and commerce and textiles Anand Sharma in Hyderabad, AP. AP gets 233 investment proposals worth
around Rs.5.57 lakh crore with employment generation potential of 4.7 lakh on day one of the event.
10th Pravasi Bharathiya Divas in Jaipur
The 10th Pravasi Bharathiya Divas was commenced on 7 Jan, 2012 in Jaipur, the pink city.The chief guest, Indian-
origin Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad Bissessar, arrived in Jaipur for the 10th Pravasi
Bharathiya Divas. The conference took place from 7 Jan 9 Jan. 2012.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Flair play Award For Dhoni
Indian Cricket Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was awarded with International Sports Press Associations Fair
Play Award on 30 December 2011 for showing sport-spirit by calling back Ian Bell even after the umpire declares
him out during the Teams visit to England. This is the first time that this award is given to a cricketer.
Gates Vaccine Innovation Award for Nitish Kumar
The Bill Gates and Melinda Foundation has accepted the proposal for conferring the Gates Innovation Award to
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the first Gates Vaccine Innovation Award for effectively strengthening the
immunization programme.The Bihar Chief Minister will thus be the first recipient of the Vaccine Innovation Award,
introduced globally by the Foundation having carried a cash of U.S. $ 250,000.
Grand Master Honour
International Chess Player Musunuri Lalith Babu received the honour of Grand Master on 2 January 2012. He
is the 26th Chess Player from India to receive the Honour.
S.K.Singh award for nuclear trouble shooter Venkatesh Varma
Senior Indian diplomat D. Bala Venkatesh Varma a key member of the negotiating team that saw the Indo
U.S. nuclear deal through from the first agreement of July 2005 down to Additional Protocol in 2010 was given the
first S.K. Singh award " for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen Indias position in the Global nuclear order by
UPA Chair person Sonia Gandhi at a high profile function in New Delhi on 6 January 2012.
Bagged By AP Team
Union Home Ministry Award Jeevan Raksha has been bagged by AP Team. The Union Home Ministry
released Sarvotttam Jeevan Raksha, Uttam Jeevan Raksha and Jeevan Raksha Awards for the Year 2011. Rs.
30,000 will be given for Jeevan Raksha Award .
British honour for culture secy
In a rare honour, the British Museum, the oldest in the world, has decided to give its maiden British medal to
culture secretary Jawhar Sircar on 7 January 2012. The medal is being given as a tribute and recognition of the
extraordinary contribution made by Sircar in piloting museum reforms in India".
Award for Saluri Vasu Rao
Noted cine music director, Saluri Vasu Rao, was conferred with the title, Sangeetha Siromani, by the Guntur
District Music Artistes Association at the first anniversary celebrations held recently in Guntur, AP.
Manjubhargavi presented Lifetime Achievement award
Kuchipudi dancer Manjubhargavi was honoured with Lifetime Achievement award at the inauguaral session of the
three day Bharat Nrityotsav of Nataraja Music and Dance Academi at Kalabharati Auditorium in Visakhapatnam,
AP on 8 Jan. 2012.
Gollapudi Maruthirao feted
Renowned film actor and writer Gollapudi Maruhtirao was conferred Lifetime Achievement Award by Appa Josyula
Vishnubathala Kandalam Foundation and Srikakulam Rangasthala Kalakarula Samakhya on 8 Jan. 2012 in
Srikakulam, AP.
Ballon d Or" for Lionel Messi and Homare Sawa
Lionel Messi was on Jan.10, 2012 awarded the 2011 FIFA Ballon dOr" at a star-studded ceremony in Zurich,
the third consecutive year that he has won the prestigious award for the worlds outstanding footballer.Japanese
midfielder Homare Sawa claimed the womens equivalant.
Clooney, Streep conquer Golden Globes
The 69th Golden Globe Awards this year have been bagged by Clooney, the Best Actor in a Motion Picture
The Descendants" and Meryl Streep for the Best Performance by an Actress for her role as Margaret Thatcher
in The Iron Lady" on 16 January 2012 in Los Angles.
Cash award for Bindra
Union Sports Minister Ajay Maken on 18 Jan. 2012 presented a cheque for Rs. 4.33 lakh to Olympic champion
Abhinav Bindra for winning the Gold in air rifle in the ongoing Asian shooting championship in Doha.
South Asia Literature Award For The Novel China man
Srilankan author Shehan Karunatilaka was awarded the DSC Pril for south asia literature 2012 at the Jaipur
literature festival in Rajsthan for the novel china man .
Dr . C. Narayana Reddy s Award. Dr . C. Narayana Reddy sahitya puraskaram is been awarded to kanad poet
Maskandapuram Srinivas .
Ricky Ponting Was Honoured
Senior Australian batsman Ricky Ponting was honoured with Australias highest civil honour along with a host of
sports person of international repute .he was aslo appointed as officer in the general division of distinguished
service to the sports criket.
A P State Gets 3 Padma
Andhra Pradesh got a raw deal in the prestigious Padma Bhushan . G Maniratnam -Founder member of
Trirupathi -based N G O Rashtriya seva samithi (RASS) .Ace Badminton coach Syed Mohamad Arif were
honoured with Padma Shri .Dr , P. Chandrasekhar Rao -a judge at international tribund for the law of sea ,
Germany were honoured with Padma Bhushan.
Padma Bhushan Awards
Cine artist Dharmendra , cine artist Shabana Azmi , Director Mira Nair, An Painter Jatin Das , London based
sculptor Anish Kapoor , carnatic musicians T. V .Gopalkrishnan , B. Muthuramam -mM D of Tta steel,eminent
cardiologist -Dev Prasad Shetty ,Cancer Specialist -Suresh H.Advani ,N. Vital -head of Central Vigilance
Comission, M V. Subbaiah murugappa group .
Padma Shri Awards
Women Criketer Jhulan Goswami , Hockey Olympic Gold Medalist -Zafar Iqbal ,Skiing -Ajeet Bajaj ,Athletics -
paralympics -Devendra Jhajriya , Archery -Limba Ram were awarded with Padma Shri .
Assam Policman Creates World Record
Assam police constable who is 22 years old Abhjeet Buruah created world record by running barefoot more than
150 km in 24 hours in Jorhat .and entered into Guinness Book Of World Record on 31 st Jan 2012. The Indian
observer for the guinness world record B.K.Chandrasekar Tiwari opproach to the Tarjan bypass on the western
outskirts of Jorhat town .
Asha Bhosle , in Limca Book Of Records
The luminaries from Indian Music including Asha Bhosle , Gulzar and Yesudas have been awarded people of the
year at the unveiling of the 23 rd Limca Book Of Rcords on 31 st Jan 2012.
SPORTS & GAMES
Bartoli crushes Gajdosova
Marion Bartoli of Italy left Australian Jarmila Gajdosova in tears after defeating her 6-0, 6-0 as France eased to a
3-0 Hopman Cup victory on 3 Jan. 2012. in Perth.
Michael Clarke, Australian Batsman hits a grand Triple Century ( 329 ) in the 2nd Cricket Test match between
India & Australia in Sydney on 5 Jan. 2012.
Grand Master Honour
AP Chess Player, M R Lalith Babu won Bronze Medal in the Hastings Masters International Chess Tournament
where as Chinas Yuvang stood as winner on 6 Jan. 2012.
SA wins the Test series against Sri Lanka
South Africa wins the Test series against Sri Lanka 2-1 at Capetown. Kalis was declared Man of the Match for
his Double Century. Australia wins the second Test match against India in Sydney and lead the four match
series 2-0.
Czech Republic wins Hopman Cup by defeating France
Thomas Berdych & Wimbledon Champion Petro kvitova defeated France and won the Hopman Tennis Cup in the
final in Perth on 7 Jan. 2012.
Kanepi wins Brisbane International
Estonias Kaya Kanepi defeated Slovakias Daniela Hantuchova ans won Brisbane International Tennis Tourney in
Brisbane on 7 Jan. 2012.
Tsonga wins Qatar Open
Jo-Wilfred Tsonga defeated French compatriot Gael Monfils 7-5, 6-3 on 7 Jan. 2012 and won the 20th edition of
Qatar Open Tennis in Doha on 7 Jan. 2012.
Canadian Tennis Player Raonic defeats Tipsarevic ( Serbia ) in the Aircel Chennai Open singles final and clinches
the Chennai Open in Chennai on 8 Jan. 2012.
Leander Paes ( India ) and Tipsarevic ( Serbia ) won the Aircel Chennai Open Tennis doubles final in Chennai on 8
Jan. 2012.
Zheng wins crown
Chinas Zheng Jie won the Auckland Classic Tennis Tournament on 8 Jan. 2012 in Auckland. This is Zhengs
fourth WTA title.
Lee, Wang triumphant
World No.1 Lee Chong Wei stormed back to defeat arch rival and holder Lin Super Dan in the final of the
Korea Open Badminton in the Mens Final on Jan. 8, 2012 in Seoul. In the Womens Final, world No.3 Wang
Shixian from China easily beat her compatiot Jiang Yanjiao, who had defeated world No.1 Wang Yihan in the
semifinals. Shixian ran out a comfortable 21-12, 21-17 winner.
South Africa beats Sri Lanka in the first One-day International at Boland Park in Paarl ( South Africa ) on 11 Jan.
2012. South Africas Hashim Amla hits century ( 112 ).
Kerala beat Uttarakhand and won the 60th senior National Volleyball championship at the Balbir Juneja Indoor
Stadium in Raipur on 11 Jan. 2012..
Chinas Yu Ruiyuan won the Chennai Open international Grandmaster Chess tournament in Chennai on 12
January 2012.
Dhoni hints at Test retirement by 2013
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on 12 January 2012 made a surprise revelation that he may retire from Test
cricket if he is to play in the 2015 World Cup.
Bindra shoots Gold in Asian Championship
Abhinav Bindra won the gold medal in 10-meter air rifle event of the Asian Shooting Championship in Doha on 13
January 2012.
Azarenka triumphs
Victoria Azarenka ended Li Nas unbeaten two-year run at the Sydney Tennis International with a fighting three set
victory in the final on 13 January 2012 in Sydney.
Wagner wins Sony Open
American Johnson Wagner recorded his third victory on the USPGA Tour Sunday by shooting a final round three-
under 67 for a two-stroke win at the $5.5 million Sony Open in Honolulu, Hawaii on 15 January 2012.
South Africa clinched series victory
South Africa clinched a series victory in the third one-day International against World cup finalist Sri Lanka at
Chevrolet Park in Bloemfontein on 17 Jan. 2012. South Africa lead the five match series 3-0.
Beijing World Cup cancelled
Shooters preparing for Olympics will have only three World Cups as the Beijing World Cup scheduled to be held
from June 16 to 25 has been cancelled.
India wins Hockey Second Test
India recorded a 2-1 win over South Africa in the closely fought second hockey Test at the National Stadium in
New Delhi on 17 Jan. 2012.
Srilanka Wins Fifth odi
One day International series which was between Srilanka and SouthAfrica at Jonnesburg was won by Srilanka by
3-2.
Rajasthan Holds On Ranji Trophy
Rajasthans hard work and commitment retained the 78 th Ranji Trophy with them and win the trophy against
Tamilnadu at M A .Chidambram stadium .
Robertson Wins Masters
Australias 2010 world champion Neil Robertson won the master tittle on 21 st Jan 2012 with 10-6 against
England s Shaun Murphy at Alexandra palace .
1 st Women To Icy Adventure
British adventure Felicity Aston completed her crossing of Antarctica on 22 nd Jan 2012 , becoming the first
women to ski across the icy continent alone . she did it in 50 days pulling two sledges for 1,744 km from her
starting point on the leverett glacier .she has set another record ,the first human to ski solo across Antarctica
using only her own muscle power .
Sixth National Tittle For Advani
Pankaj Advani has won the sixth national billards tittle which was held at Pune .
India Wins Mens s Doubles
Indian players Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek pair , has won their first mens doubles A ustralian Open Grand
Slam on 28 th Jan 2012 against Czech which was held in Melbourne park .
First Balarusian To Win Grandslam
Victoria Azarenka became the first Balarusian to win the grand slam single tittle in Australian Open Tittle ,crusing
Russia s Maria Sharapova . She is only 22 yrs old to become the new world no . 1 according to W T A ranking .
Australia won By 4 0
Australia won the forth test series by 4 0 and wins the Border Gavaskar Trophy against India at Adelaide Oval .
The captian of Australia Micheal Clarke has been given the man of the series ,who scored the highest 626 runs in
the series .Peter Siddle the man of match for this series
Sania Ranked No 7 In Double
Indias Sania Mirza craked the top 10 of the individual doubles ranking , climbing ahead to no 7 rank in the
world .According to the new W T A ranking and Sania slipped five places to 116 to 111 in singles .
Rocks Wins Abu Dhabi Championships
The worlds 117 th ranked golf player Robert Rock has won the Abu Dhabi Golf Championships on 29 th Jan 2012
against his strongest opposition player Tiger Woods ,which held in dubai .
Nadal Looses Grand Slam
Novak Djokovic wins the Australian Open 2012 mens Singles Champion ship .It was final in grand slam history
which six hours to finish the match between Nadal and Djokovic held on 29 th Jan 2012 at Melbourne .Djokovic
beeing ranked worlds no 1 after winning this grand slam .
ECONOMY
U S Economy Grows 2.8 %in Q Y
The U S economy grew at its fastest pace in one and -a -half years in the fourth quarter , rebuilding of stocks by
businesses and week spending on capital goods hinted for the shole of 2012,the economy grew 1.7 % after
expanding 3 % the prior year .
$ 5 Billion Loss : Goods Made in India, Faked in China
Chinese manufacturers are increasingly faking popular Indian products of consumer goods giants such as
Dabur and ITC, undermining the legitimacy of brands and causing losses worth as much as $ 5 billion annually,
officials said.
Govt readies Rs. 50k cr infra fund plan
LIC, IIFCL, IDBI Bank, ADB & HSBC likely Parteners for New Finance Firm. The government has finalized the
outlines of a $10 billion crore ( over Rs. 50, 000 crore ) infracture debt fund ( IDF ) with 50% participation from a
foreign bank and a multilateral agency, while the rest of the corpus will be contributed by state owned financial
institutions on 2 January 2012.Government officials and bankers said India Infracture Finance Company ( IIFC ),
Life Insurance Corporation and IDBI Bank along with Asian Development Bank and HSBC are joining hands to set
up a non banking finance company ( NBFC ).
RBI governor hints at soft monetary policy
Concerned over the declining growth Reserve Bank Governor D Subba Rao has indicated on 2 January 2012 that
the central bank could reverse the tight monetary stance adopted by it since March 2010 to control inflation. The
central bank is scheduled to announce the monetary policy review on Jan 24. RBI has hiked key interest rate 13
times since March 2010 in its bid to check rising inflation, but it took a pause in its December monetary policy .
ONGC to invest $2.9 bn in Krishna Godavari gas find
State owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation ( ONGC ) plans to invest $2.894 billion ( about Rs. 15, 340 crore )
in developing its ultra deepsea UD 1 gas discovery in the KGi basin by 2016 17.
Andhra Bank hikes NRE deposit rates
The state run Andhra Bank has hiked its interest rates on NRE term deposits to 9.40% per annum for one year,
9.25% pa from one to two years and 9% pa for 2 to 3 years with effect from December 30, 201.
SBI achieves 100% Financial Inclusion in AP
State Bank of India has achieved 100% coverage of its alloted unbanked villages in Andhra Pradesh under the
Financial Inclusion Programme ( FIP ) of the Reserve Bank of India.
PFCs Rs. 5,000 Cr Tax Free Bonds
Power Finance Corporation ( PFC ) on 2 Jan. 2012 has come out with a Rs. 5,000 crore tax free bond issue.
PFC is a Navratna Government of India undertaking with the government holding 73.72% stake in it. Government
approves RILs $1.529 B Investment Plan for Satellite Fields in KG-D6 Block.
The Union government approved Reliance Industries (RIL) $1.529 billion investment plan for developing four
satellite fields in the declining KG-D6 block on 3 January 2012. RILs investment plan will boost falling output in
the Krishna-Godavari Basin KG-D6 block . Growth in Direct Tax collection down by 8.3%.
Annual growth in net direct tax collection slowed to 8.3% during the first nine months of the fiscal year amounting
to Rs. 3,23,955 crore, raising concerns about the centres ability to meet its revenue targets.
ONGC declares 125% Interim Dividend
State run Oil Natural Gas Corp ( ONGC ) declared a 125% interim dividend. The Board has approved an interim
dividend of Rs.6.25 per equity share ( of Rs. 5 each ) for 2011 12 on 4 Jan. 2012.
Sebi allows UTIMF to launch new schemes
Reversing its earlier stand, market regulator Sebi on 4 Jan. 2012 has allowed UTI Mutual Fund ( UTIMF ) to
launch new funds again even though the fund house continues to function without its top executive officer nearly a
year now.
SBI Loan to Kingfisher Airlines turns NPA
State Bank of India, the countrys largest lender says its exposure to ailing private carrier Kingfisher Airlines has
turned a bad loan or a non-performing asset ( NPA ) on 5 Jan. 2012.
SIDBI inks pact with IOB
Small Industries Development Bank of India ( SIDBI ) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with
Indian Overseas Bank ( IOB ) to extend assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises ( MSME ) to the
customers of IOB on 6 January 2012.
State FMs agree in principle on GST ( Goods and Services Tax ) list
The empowered committee of state finance ministers on GST on Jan. 9, 2012 agreed in principle on the concept
of negative list and suggested the Centre could prepare such a list which would help widen tax base. The panel
has agreed in principle to the concept of negative list and the Union Government should prepare it and can also
implement it from April, 2012. The Committee suggested that all those items mentioned in the Constitutions
Schedule II should be included in the negative list so that Union Government can not impose tax on them.
Air India told to pay service tax dues
The Central Board of Excise and Customs ( CBEC ) on 10 Jan. 2012 has warned the national carrier Air India to
pay up a reasonable part of its service tax dues as early as possible or face having its accounts frozen.
Govt. notifies 100% FDI in single-brand retail Retains rider of 30% sourcing from Indian small industries
The Government, which has been facing flak for policy paralysis, on 10 Jan. 2012 notified 100 per cent Foreign
Direct Investment in single-brand retail trading, moving a step forward in opening up of the retail sector. The
current FDI limit is 51 per cent. Investments will be through the Government approval route.
IRDA plans to take up complaints on its own
Customers may except better services from their insurers soon. The Insurance Regulatory Development Authority
is planning to take insurance complaints on its own to ensure fair play by the insurers.
Govt investing $20 b in creating information highway, says Pitroda
The Government is investing $20 billion in projects related to creating information highway, according to Mr Sam
Pitroda, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Public Infrastructure, Information and Innovations.
SEBI asks bankers to disclose due diligence records
Stock market regulator SEBI ( Securities and Exchange Board of India ) on 10 Jan. 2012 has asked merchant
bankers to disclose their track record of due diligence done during the last three financial years from the date of
listing for each public issue managed by them.
Rs. 1,935 crore worth FDI cleared
The Government on 10 Jan. 2012 has approved 20 proposols of Foreign Direct Investment worth Rs. 1,935.24
crore according to an official statement. One among them include Rs. 1,150 crore by Sterlite Grid, to act as an
investment company.
RBI says no to CRR cut
The Reserve Bank of India has ruled out the possibility of a cut in the cash reserve ratio or CRR, in its monetary
policy review on January 24, according to bankers who took part in the customary pre-policy meeting held by the
central bank on Jan.10, 2012.
Rice procurement up 17.3%
The Government has so far procured 18.11 million tonnes rice from farmers across the country in the current
marketing year that started October , the food ministry said on 10 Jan. 2012.
Malaysia palm oil exports fall
Malaysias palm oil exports fell 19 per cent in the first 10 days of January compared with the previous month.
Indirect tax collections up 16.1 per cent
Indirect tax collections went up by 16.1 per cent to Rs. 2.86 lakh crore in April-December this fiscal as compared
to Rs. 2.46 lakh crore garnered during the same period of 2010-11.
Moodys upgrades Indias Short Term Foreign Currency Bank Deposits Rating
It will help Indian banks, other entities raise overseas deposits at finer rates.Global rating agency Moodys on Jan.
10, 2012 has upgraded the countrys rating of short term foreign currency bank deposits from speculative to
investment grade. Since December 20 last year, this is the fourth upgrade by Moodys Investor Service, which is
expected to help Indian banks and other entities in raising overseas deposits at finer rates.
SBI cuts processing fee by half for bigger share of Home Loan Mkt
The State Bank of India on 11 January 2012 cut processing fees on home loans by half, a move aimed at
acquiring a larger business in the home loan market and giving competition to private banks and housing finance
companies.
SBI opens exclusive branch for women customers
The branch, Vasundhara Jubilee Senortia Banking centre is opened by SBI in Hyderabad on Jan. 11, 2012. It is
only the second of its kind in the country. It is aimed at tech-savvy, educated women customers including
entreprenuers. "with play room for kid and other facilities women customers can handle their banking
transactions in a safe and family atmosphere".
Andhra Bank lauches Abhaya Wealth Pack
Andhra Bank on 12 January 2012 launched Abhaya First Wealth Pack for the common man. The bank termed
it as one wealth management for all financial needs. It will have a savings bank account, a recurring group
deposit account, a group term insurance and a unit linked insurance plan.
India to be Reckitt Benckisers New Regional Head Quarters
Benckiser, one of the worlds largest consumer goods companies , has upgraded India to its regional head
quarters for Sooutheast Asia, covering 12 nations representing a market of 1.8 billion people.
S&P may strip France of AAA rating for first time
Standard & Poors is stripping France of its AAA rating for the first time according to Agence France-Press report.
SEBI wants Fund Houses to Launch Pension Products
Asset Management Companies ( AMCs ) need to launch pension products that will channel retirement savings
into stock market, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman UK Sinha said on 13 January 2012.
Indian Exports up 6.7% in December, may touch $300-b target
Indias exports rose for the first time in five months, encouraging the government to reaffirm that it would achieve
its $300-billion target for the year. Exports in December grew 6.7% to $25 billion over the previous month
according to the data released on 16 January 2012.
At 7.47%, December Inflation takes major load off Govt
Inflation rose at its slowest pace in two years in December 2011. Headline Inflation as measured by the
Wholesale Price Index (WPI), dropped to 7.47% in December on lower food prices, as compared with 9.11% in
November, government data released on 16 January 2012.
S&P downgrades the Brussels bailout fund EFSF
The Standard and Poors, the US credit ratings agency on January 16 downgraded the Brussels main bailout
fund, European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) by one notch to AA+ but said it would restore the top AAA
ranking if the fund obtains additional guarantees.The decision was the result of downgrades to Frances and
Austrias ratings from AAA since they served as top-level guarantors of the European Financial Stability Facility,
S&P said in a statement.
Govt. set to allow FDI in domestic airlines
In a major relief to financially distressed Indian airlines, the government on 17 Jan. 2012 said foreign airlines would
soon be allowed to acquire up to 49% stake in them.
Chinese Banks lend $1.18 bn to Reliance Communications
Chinese state banks lend debt-laden Reliance Communications (Rcom) $1.18 billion to repay foreign currency
convertible bonds worth Rs 6,125 crore ($1.18 billion) on 17 Jan. 2012.
India ranked behind Pakistan, Bangladesh
India has been ranked as 132 behind Pakistan and Bangladesh in 2012 in the World Banks latest Ease of Doing
Business rankings. India has moved up seven points to 132 this year, from 139 last year.
Rupee undervalued 61% : Big Mac Index
The Indian rupee is the most undervalued currency, trading at around 61% below its actual price against the dollar
according to The Economists Latest Big Max Index. The Index measures the effective purchasing power of
different currencies by looking at how much Mc Donalds popular burger costs in various countries.
Iran explores buying more goods from India
Iran is considering stepping up its purchases from India to obtain a more balanced trade and reduce the payments
problem faced by the two countries in setting payments for crude import by India in the wake of fresh sanctions
from the US.
Centre plans to boost up textiles sector
The government is planning to give incentives to the textiles sector with retrospective effect as it seeks to revive
Indias second largest manufacturing sector burdened with sickness, debt and declining demand.
World Bank cuts Global GDP forecasts
The World Bank on 18 Jan. 2012 warned the developing countries of the upcoming recession danger. It cut its
forecast for growth in developing economies to 5.4% for 2012 from its previous forecast of 6.2% saying expansion
in Brazil and India and to a lesser extent Russia, South Africa and Turkey had slowed already.
States want to hike professional tax
In a Budget wish list presented to finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, finance ministers of states on 18 Jan. 2012
demanded that the government should allow them to tax top professionals more and lift the ceiling from the
current 2,500 a year.
Centre urged to give funds directly to States
Majority of States have favoured the Rangarajan Committees recommendations on doing away with the current
system of classification of expenditure into Plan and Non-Plan categories on 18 Jan. 2012. They have also
agreed that the BK Chaturvedi Group report on Centrally sponsored schemes should be implemented. Mr. Sushil
Kumar Modi, Chairman of the empowered Committee of States Finance Ministers, asked the Centre to give funds
to the states directly for various social sector schemes.
Small And Medium Units Urged
SMEs (small and medium enterprises ) in the country used to work more closely with special economic zones to
gain from the facilities extended .
Banks Want Tax Compliance Norms
Banks have moved the finance ministry to ease the procedure relating to the compliance being faced by
depositors to the senior citizen and economically weaker categories . saying that pan in forms 15G/15H should
not be mandatary .
Center Mulls Textiles Sops With Retrospective Effect
The Government is planning to give incentives to the textiles sectors which are burdened with debts.No ,subsidy
scheme was given for these campanies in 2010 11 .Companies which were deprived for benifit last year will be
covered under the changed rule .
LIC Crosses One Million Mark
The Life Insurance Corporation of Indai has crossed the one million mark in cumulative lives under its health
Insurance segment.
LIC Launching Jeevan Ankur
Life Insurance Corparation of India is launching a new plan . Lic s Jeevan ankur on 23 rd Jan 2012 to meet the
educational and other needs of the child .
China To Rescue UK Economy
Chinas fastest growing economic presence in Britan to rescue the UK economy the china investment corporation
(CIC) has bought a 8,6% stake in Thames water,which is Britanss largest water and sewerege company .
The production target for worlds largest coal produce coal India ( C I L) is likely to be fixed at 46.4 million tones
mt for the 2012-2013 financial year.
4 Pharma FDI Plans Okayed
For money inflow intact, the government has cleared forms foreign direct investment proposals in pharmaceutical
space , dispelling fears that the recent change in rules will effectively kill foreign investments in the sector.The
foreign investment promotion board ( F I P B ) examines proposals that are in approval route on merit .
Tata Power In Talks To Buy 15 % Stake in MEC Coal
The Tata group already owns 30 % in mines promoted by the Bakrie group one of the Indonesias biggest
house.Tata company plans to secure coal supplies from Indonesia to reduce power generation costs .If the deal
goes on it will be the second time buying a stake in Indonesia coal mines .
R B I Cuts C R R Rates
The Reserve Bank of India on 24 th Jan 2012 cut the cash ratio by 50 basis points from 6% to 5.5 % with effect
from 28 th Jan 2012 , which would release Rs 32,000 crore in the financial system . keeping all other unchanged
repo rate at 8.50 % . GDP growth from 7.6% to 7 % now .With the RBI holding back on cutting interest rates due
to increased inflation risk from global crude , oil prices, the lingering impact of rupee depreciation .CRR cuts
would bring liquidity and help in sensex up .
India Srilanka Bilateral Trade Surges by 70 %
Trade between India and Srilanka surged by more than 70 % in 2011over the past years touching all time high of
$ 5 billion .
Solar Powered A T M s In Rural Areas
Innovation which makes a difference to peoples lives in the Indain context is very different .The company Vortex
placed in Chennai helping the banks by solar powered A T Ms installed in rural places .Where as conventional
ATMs requires 50 watts of power everyday while Vortexs machines require just 70 watts power to work .
India Signs International Tax Treaty
The government had made another move to get information about black money stashed away from the country
.India had signed the multilateral convection on mutual administrative assistance regarding tax matters , that
promotes international cooperation .India and other countries joined to ensure that individuals and multinational
enterpries pay right amount of tax ,at the right place .Which is based on international standards of transparency
and exchange of information .
Samsung India To Exit From Window AC Market
Indias largest consumer durable firm Samsung India Electronics had decided to exit from window air conditioners
segment from the year 2012 .And completely focusing on fast growing split air conditioners market ,due to the
window AC market is shrinking significantly .
TCS Opens New Facililty In Silicon Valley
The I T major ( T C S ) Tata Consultancy Services has opened a new facility in U S , It will serve as the world wide
headquaters of the companys mobility solution units .And which aims to bring the benifits of emerging
technologies such as big data , analyties and mobility to enterprises across all industries .
C A G To Audit In States
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India ( C A G ) has decided to audit the spending of all states under the
National Rural Health Mission (N H R M ) Scheme .After hearing a Rs 5,754 , crore NRHM scam in
Uttarpradesh . The CAG will conduct independent audits of the scheme in 17 other states to ascertain losses to
exchequer . The ministry has written letters to states, asking them to cooperate with their accounts generals.
Excise Duty ,Service Tax May Be Hiked In The Upcoming Budget
To revive Indian economy ,impacted by the global slowdown , the government had provided three fiscal stimulus
packages starting from Dec 7,2008 the government had brought down excise duty from 14 % to 10 % to miligate
the impact of the global financial crises .The duty was further cut to 8 % on Feb 24, 2009 . On Feb 26 2010 rolled
back the cut partially . The excise duty and service tax may be hiked by 2% in the up coming budget .
Government is thinking that entire cut be rolled back . When industry is down and demand is depressed , raising
duties may further hurt growth .There will be fiscal deficit likely to be 5.6 % to 5.1 % .in 2011-2012 .
Economic Growth Revised Down By 8.5% To 8.4 %
The central Statistics office on 31 st Jan 2012 lowered its estimate for the countrys gross domestic product
(GDP) growth in 2010-2011 to 84 % from 8.5 % earlier , The gross national income grew 7.9 % in 2010-2011
.GDP growth in Agriculture sector is 7% .GDP growth in service sector grew up by 9.3 % . GDP growth in
financial savings reduced from 12.9% to 10 % .GDP growth in private cooperate sector down by 8.2 % to 7.9 %
.GDP growth in saving of public sectors increased from 0.2 % to 1.7 % .The gross demostic capital formatiom at
current prices increases from Rs. 23.64 lakh crore to 26.92 lakh crore in 2010-2011.The rate of capital formation
stood at 35.1 % in 2010-2011 low down than earlier against 36.6 % in 2009-2010 . These are the latest revisions
,part of quick estimates of of nationalincome ,cunsumtion expenditure ,saving and capital information released by
central statistics office .
RBI lowers Export Figures by $ 6 B, surprises Economists
The Reserve Bank of India ( RBI ) has revised its export numbers downwards by $6 billion in its balance of
payments statement for the first quarter ( April June ) of the fiscal indicating massive over statement in the
countrys export numbers.
Challenging Iran begins 12 with N fuel rod feat, missile test
Iranian scientists have produced the nations first nuclear fuel rod, a feat of engineering the West has doubted
Tehran capable of, the countrys nuclear agency said on 1 January 2012.
Nasa probe on track, reaches Moon orbit
Grail, 110th Mission to Earths Satellite, will help understand Lunar enigma better .As planet Earth rang in the
new year, a different counter sown was happening at the moon. After a 3 1/2 month journey, a Nasa spacecraft
flew over the Moons South pole, fired its engine and dropped into orbit on 1 January 2012 in the first of two back
to back arrivals over the new year weekend.
A massive star called VFTS 102 is the fastest star that rotates at the rate of million milles per hour 100 times
faster than our Sun was found to date.
Iran tested successfully two missiles that can chase 200 kms target in the Strait of Hormutz on 2 January 2012.
RE60, Bajajs 4-wheeled vehicle, launched
Indias Bajaj Auto Ltd launched its first-ever four-wheeled vehicle RE60 on 3 January 2012 saying the RE60 would
target commercial users and three-wheeled vehicle owners in India..
Below Antarctic sea, a lost world of unknown species
British Scientists have discovered what they claim is a lost world of unknown species nearly 8, 000 feet deep
on sea floor off the coast of Antarctica - kept alive by undersea volcanoes.
The stem cells that can produce different cells in an eye were identified by Nural stemcells Institute of
Regenerative Research Foundation Scientist Sally Temple on 5 January 2012.
AIDS vaccine for monkeys raises hopes for humans
Scientists in Washington have developed a new vaccine that partially protects monkeys from an infection much
similar to HIV, a breakthrough which they say could be a new weapon in the battle against AIDS. Hydrogen
driven three wheelers.
The world got its first fleet of hydrogen fuelled three wheelers on 9 Jan. 2012 when seven vehicles were
unvieled at the ongoing Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi. Called HyAlfa , the three wheeler is almost zero-
emission vehicle while its fuel consumption is substantially lower as compared to 1kg of hydrogen giving 80 km
mileage.The three-wheelers have been developed under a project DelHy 3W, of the United Nations Industrial
Development organisation ( UNIDOs ) Internal Centre for Hydrogen Energy Technologies ( UNIDO-ICHET ) in
association with Mahindra & Mahindra and IIT Delh, besides being supported by the Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy ( MNRE ).
Acer unveils worlds thinnest laptop. The Taiwan-based computer titan Acer unveiled the worlds thinnest laptop in
Las Vegas on 9 January 2012.
New earthworm species discovered in Port Blair
Pointing to the rich biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar islands , a team of researchers from
Thiruvanthapuram has identified a new species of earthworm on 10 January 2012. The species has been named
Moniligaster ivaniosi" .
Two more planets orbiting binary stars discovered
Kepler-34 b, Kepler-35 b binary star systems have low-density gas plannets orbiting them..More than 700 planets
orbiting a star ( extrasolar planets ) have been discovered till date. But a planet orbiting two stars was more in the
realms of fiction recently. Scientists on 11 January 2012 discovered two circumbinary planets Kepler 34 b and
Kepler 35 b orbiting binary stars.
Morocco Rocks Come From Mars
Scientists have cliamed that chunks of a meteorit which fell in Moracco last Jully 2011 were from Mars .which
happened once in every fifty years .
World Smallest 3D Map Created . Scientists have created a miniature world map which has now been accepted
by the Guinness World Record as the worlds smallest 3D map .A map which can only seen through a
microscope .
11 Solar Systems . NASA s kepler telescope has discovered 26 new planets spread among 11 solar systems.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) Appointments
A P K Reddy has been appointed as the new president of the AP Smallscale Industrial Societies Federation on 3
January 2012.
Yahoo appoints Paypals Scott Thompson as new CEO 4 months after firing Carol Bartz on 4 January 2012.
Muralidharan takes charge as Coast Guard Chief. Vice Admiral M P Muralidharan has taken charge as the 19th
Director General of the Indian Coast Guard on 6 January 2012.
Farida Group Chairman, Raffiq Ahmed was appointed as the new President of Federation of Indian Exports
Organisation ( FIEO ) on 7 January 2012
T.G. Venkatesh elected chief of APBA
Minister for Minor and Lift Irrigation T.G. Venkatesh has been elected the new president of Andhhra Pradesh
Badminton Association ( APBA ) on 8 January 2012.
B D Park is Samsung Indias new MD. Consumer Electronics and mobile phone major Samsung India Electronics
on 9 Jan. 2012 announced the appointment of BD Park as its new managing director and the president and CEO
of its South-West Asia operations.
NGRI gets new Director
Prof. Mrinal K. Sen has been appointed as the new Director of the National Geophysical Research Institute (
NGRI ), a part of the Council of the Scientific and Industrial Research ( CSIR ) on 10 January 2012.
UTIMF gets an interim chief
Imtaiyazur Rahman has been appointed as the interim chief executive officer of UTI Mutual Fund, the fifth largest
fund house in India by assets under management ( AUM ).
B) Resigns
VS Achuthanandan offers to resign as Opposition Leader
Stung by the allegations of corruption and a vigilance FIR registered against him, former Kerala CM and CPM
leader VS Achuthanandan has offered to quit the post of Opposition leader in the State Assembly on 13 January
2012.
Pawar To Make Retirement . National Congress Party ( N C P ) Cheif and Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar has
annouced that , he will not contest the next Loksabha election and make way for younger leadership . he will be
copleting his 45 yrs in politics .
C) Deaths
Dancer who brought Bharatnatyam to Maos China dies
Chinese dancer Zhang Jun, who brought Bharatnatyam and Kathak to Maos China in the 1950s and inspired
thousands to follow her passion for classical Indian culture over a celebrated five decade-long teaching career ,
passed away in Beijing on 10 January 2012 after a long battle with cancer. She was 79.
Indias 1st woman photo journalist passes away . Homai Vyarawalla, the countrys first woman photojournalist
died in Vadodara on 15 January 2012.
Indais Water man Passes Away
Dr .C.H.Krishnamurthy Rao, chairman 7 managing director of Chemfab Alkalies Ltd passes away on 20 th Jan
2012 .he was known as water man.
Deputy Cheif Minister Passes Away. Former Deputy cheif minister c.Jaganatharao passes away on 23 rd Jan
2012 .
Intellectual Writer Died. Sukumar Azhikode , award winning writer , scholar and probaly the most influential
gandhian died on 24th Jan 2012 .
M . O . H Farook Passes Away . kerala Governor and three times Puducherry Cheif Minister and M P M. O .H
Farook died in chennai on 26 th Jan2012.
First Music Arranger Died . India s first music arranger Anthony Prabhu Gonsalves deid on 18 th Jan 2012 .
D) Visitors
Pak army Chief leaves for China
pakistan Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani went to China on a five day official visit to China at the invitation
of the Chinese leadership on 4 January 2012.
Saudi Arabia Minister of Commerce, Taffic Bin Fazhan Al Rabia, who is on a visit to India met Union Minister of
Commerce & In dustry, Anand Sharma. Trade between both the countries exceeded Rs. 2,500 crore dollars in
the year 2010 11.
Trinidad PM visit to India
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar visited India on 6 January 2012. Both the countries
agreed for 5 Pacts.
Bangladesh PM in Tripura
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheik Hasina visited Tripura on Jan 11, 2012. She met Tripura Chief Minister Manik
Sarkar. She has been invited to receive an honourary doctorate from Tripura Univesity. This is the first visit by a
Bangladesh Prime Minister to Tripura, which played an important role in Bangladeshs War of Liberation in 1971.
She also addressed India-Bangladesh Business Meet, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry ( CII )
and the Federation of Bangladesh chambers of Commerce ( FBCCI ) in association with government of Tripura.
Nepal Deputy PM on a 4-day visit to India
Nepal Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar has been on a 4-day visit to India to hold talks on
security issues. During his stay in New Delhi, Mr Gachhadar, who is also the countrys Home Minister, will meet
his Indian Counterpart Mr P Chidambaram, and Defence Minister, Mr A K Antony, among others.
Visit Of InBer CEO CarlorBrito To India
The worlds largest brewer AB InBER , Carlos Brito has been visited to India in the last weak of Jan 2012 .Brito
now heads the joint exiting making him one of the top 30 global CEOs in the world .
Thailand P M Visits India
Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shina Watra has visited India 25 th Jan 2012 . she will be our cheif guest for 63
rd Republic Day celebrations at red fort.
1.5 Lakh Indains Visited Srilanka In 2011
In the period from Jan to Nov in 2011, 1.5 lakh Indian people has been visited Srilanka out of the total of about 6.5
lakh tourists ,and the numbers from India are expected to reach an all time high due to the International Criket
committie s Twenty-20 World Cup being held in Srilanka this year .
E) Miscellaneous
$376 m Stock Award for Cook. The one-time stock award worth for Apples CEO is the largest given by a
company in a decade.
Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook received a one-time stock award worth nearly $400 million , the largest given by a
company in a decade on 10 January 2012.
Gilani not an honest man, says Pak SC. Pakistans Supreme Court on 10 Jan 2012 said PM Yousaf Raza Gilani
wasnot an honest man and slammed hid government for wilful disobedience while warning him that he could be
removed from office if he does not take action on corruption cases against president Zardari.
Zardari flies to Dubai
Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari flew out on a surprise trip to Dubai on 12 January 2012. Although it was
described as a one-day private visit, his sudden disappearance at a time of government military stand off triggered
by memogate fuel speculation that he may not return.
British royal faces 22-yr jail in Turkey over TV documentary
The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson is reportedly facing more than 20 years in jail, after Turkey authorities
charged for breaching privacy" of orphans in the country by secretly filming them for a TV documentary.
Suu Kyi launches bid for Parliament. Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi launched her historic bid for
a seat in Parliament on 18 Jan. 2012. The Nobel Peace Prize winner is standing in April 1 by-elections.
PLACES IN NEWS
7.0 Magnitude Earthquake hits Japan
A strong earthquake with a strong magnitude of 7.0 struck heavily eastern and northern Japan on 1 January 2012,
but there were dno immediate reports of injuries or damages or no tsunami warning issued .
AFSPA Armed Forces Special Powers Act
AMC Asset Management Company.
CII Confederation of Indian Industry.
CRR Cash Reserve Ratio.
FIU Financial Intelligence Unit. . FDI Foreign Direct Investment.
FIR First information Report.
NCM National Commission for Minorities.
NCTC National Counter Terrorism Centre .
NEET National Eligibility cum Entrance Test.
NIA National Investigation Agency .
NPA Non Performing Asset.
NREGS National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
NTPC National Thermal Power Corporation.
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
SEBI Securities and Exchange Board of India.
SAIL Steel Authority of India Limited.
FCCB Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds.
WPI Wholesale Price Index.
IPICOL Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Ltd .
UIDAI Unique Identification Authority of India .
IAMAI -Internet And Mobile Association of India .
FCCB Foreign Reliant Iregated Area Development .Currency Convertible Deberture .
A P R P R P Andhra Pradesh Rural Powerty Reduction Project.
T R I AD - Tank Reliant Iregated Area Development .
I W A I Inland Waterways Authority Of India
O E C D -Organisation For Economic Cooperation and Development .
A I B E A All India Bank Employees Association .
N R E D C A P New and Renewable Enenrgy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh .
J N N S M - Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission .
T R R A I N Trust For Retailers and Retail Associates of India .
F I E O The F ederation Of Indian Export Organisation .
M M R C A - Meduim Multi Role Combat Aircraft .
P H C G Publicis Healthcare Communications Group .
BOOKS IN NEWS
Visually challenged boy pens Novel
Inspired by author J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter and series , a visually challenged 18 year-old Viswanath Venkat
Dasari from a formers family in Gokavaram of East Godavari District, has spent seven years of his life and wrote a
book Pharaoh and the King, a story based on Indian and Egyptian mythology. The book was published by
Author House, UK. Priced at $19.95, the book was released in the United States and the United Kingdom.
COMMITTEES IN NEWS
The Supreme Court appointed empowered committee heard the submission made by Kerala and Tamil Nadu on
the Mullaperiyar Dam issue on 2 Jan 2012. Kerala complained to the empowered committee headed by former
Chief Justice of India, Justice A S Anand that a survey done by the expert panel last month was biased and the
panel had supported Tamil Nadu during its inspection of the dam site.
A two member export panel comprising C D Thatte and D K Mehta had visited the dam site after Kerala
expressed fears in the wake of recent tremours in the area.
DAYS &DATES
March 02 Common Wealth Day .
March 08 International Womens Day , International Literacy Day.
March 13 World Kidney Day .
March 15 Worlds Disabled Day , World Consumers Day.
March 08 Ordnance Foctories Day.
March 21 World Sleep Day ,World Forestry Day , International Day For The Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
March 22 World Day For Water.
March 23 World Meterological Day .
March 24 World TB Day , Internation Day For Achievers .
March 25 International Day Of Remembrance .
March 26 Bangladesh Day .
March 27 World Drama Day .

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