Current Affairs Ebook May 2013

CurrentAffairs eBook May 2013
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CURRENT AFFAIRS EBOOK MAY2013
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TableofContents
Preface........................................................................................................................................5 Pick of the Month........................................................................................................................6 ChinesePremier Li Keqiangs visit to India ...........................................................................6 Pakistan Election Result 2013 ............................................................................................10 Indiadeclared Year 2013 as Water Conservation Year 2013 ..............................................12 IndiaUnveiled indigenously developed Rotavirus Vaccine .................................................13 International .............................................................................................................................15 Maryland Abolished Death Penalty....................................................................................15 Japan UAE Deal for Transferring Nuclear Power Technology .............................................15 India&Chinapulled back Troops fromDaulat Beg Oldi Sector ..........................................15 Russiaand USACommited to Negotiateto End Syrian Conflict ..........................................16 Indiawas granted an Observer Status by Arctic Council.....................................................16 National ....................................................................................................................................17 Union Cabinet approved theLaunch of NUHM ..................................................................17 SC approved Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Got Approval for Operations ....................18 Union Cabinet approved Changes to Aajeevika..................................................................18 WomenSelf Help Groups to Get Low Interest Loans .........................................................20 Amendments in National Food Security Bill Introduced in LS .............................................20 Economy ...................................................................................................................................22 SC upheld 51 Percent FDI in Multibrand Retail .................................................................22 RBI reduced theRepo Rateby 25 Basis Points to 7.25 Percent ..........................................22 CCEAapproved ExchangeTradeFund for PSUstocks.........................................................22 Governmentset 325billion Dollars Export Target for 201314 ..........................................23
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Air IndiaImplemented Cost Cutting Measures...................................................................23 RBI decided to Launch Inflation Indexed Bonds (IIBs) ........................................................24 Corporate..................................................................................................................................24 Ivan Menezes was Named New CEOof Diageo ..................................................................24 UK's Cairn Energy sold 8 % Stakein Cairn India for 910 US $..............................................25 IFFCOsigned Agreementwith ValeSAfor Supply of Rock Phosphate ................................25 IL&FSInfrastructureSigned MoUwith 8 Public Sector Banks.............................................25 Star Indialaunched Star Movies Actions ............................................................................25 COMPAT Ordered Cement Manufacturers to Deposit 630 Crore .......................................26 EnvironmentEcology ................................................................................................................27 Camarillo Springs WildfireBrokeOut In California .............................................................27 IUCN: SyzygiumTravncoricumremoved fromRed List.......................................................28 GovernmentDecided to Ban Tradeof Peacock Feathers ...................................................28 Arctic Seais Becoming Acidic: Research.............................................................................29 EUdecided to issueBan on Pesticides that HarmBees ......................................................30 Science&Technology ...............................................................................................................31 USScientists Developed First Smart RFIDEnabled Paper...................................................31 IBM Released Smallest Stop Motion Film; aBoy and His Atom ..........................................32 USScientists Created Worlds Smallest Flying Robot RoboFly...........................................32 Worlds First Gun Madefrom 3D Printer Technology Fired ................................................33 New Typeof Wheat developed to IncreaseProductivity....................................................34 Sports........................................................................................................................................34 Alex Ferguson Manchester United Manager Retired..........................................................35 Sreesanth and two others Arrested for SpotFixing............................................................36 LausanneTalks to bring IndiaBack to Olympic Fold ...........................................................37 Legendary Footballer, David Beckham announced Retirement ..........................................37 www.jagranjosh.com
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State .........................................................................................................................................38 KarnatakaAssembly Elections 2013...................................................................................38 TN announced 9 Crore Grant to Jeevan for Stem Cell Storage ...........................................39 Punjab Govt. increased Min. Wages on Eveof Labours Day ..............................................40 HaryanaGovernmentissued ShikshaSetu Cards to Students ............................................40 HC ordered W. Bengal Govt to hold 3phased Panchayat Polls ..........................................41 News Capsule............................................................................................................................41 Briggs appointed as Secretary General of Ramsar Convention ...........................................41 Recent Trends in Material Flows and ResourceProductivity in Asiaand Pacific .................42 Book Entitled FidaeLucknow Tales of theCity and Its People .........................................43 Jagran Group bagged Three Awards at INMAAwards Ceremony .......................................43 Questions of theMonth ............................................................................................................44
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PREFACE
The Current Affairs eBook May 2013 includes the important happenings of May 2013. The eBook availableon jagranjosh.com is designed with an aimto ensurethat the material provided is useful for candidates of all types of examinations conducted by IAS|PCS,SSC,Banking,MBA as well as Board Exams of CBSE and StateBoards. Our experts keep a tab on all important events of the world in all platforms like National, International, Corporate,Economy as well as the advancements on thefrontiers of Scienceand Technology, Environment and Ecology,Sports and Issues of different States of thecountry to select the best out of all. The affairs of maximum importance are compiled to help you in revising theimportant events without much brainstorming activity. Every event mentioned is examined on different grounds to make sure that everything is covered about it and none of the details on the issue is left out, from where their exists any percentageof chances of question being asked. So havealook further to find out more. Wewill keep you updated every month with apackageof finely compiled magazine. This is a sampleeBook on Current Affairs. To find theOriginal Copy Click here.
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PICK OF THE MONTH

CHINESE PREMIER LI K EQIANGS VISIT TO IN DIA
China's new premier Li Keqiangs visited Indiaon his first foreign trip to Indiafrom 19 22, May 2013, after assuming thechargeof his officein March 2013. During thevisit of Li Keqiang, both thecountries looked forward to speed up their efforts to settleadecadesold border dispute and strengthen economic ties. Theleaders of both thecountries had athorough exchangeof views on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common interest in asincereand cordial atmosphereand reached broad consensus. List of Documentssigned during the Visit of Li Keqiang toIndia: 1. Protocol between Indian and Chinaon Indian Official Pilgrimage(theKailash Mansarovar Yatra)to theTibet Autonomous Region of China With the signing of Protocol both the countries have agreed to conduct the Yatra every year fromMay to September. Chinawill makefurther advancements in theexisting facilities on the routeof thepilgrims and to maintain even communication. They havealso agreed to assist in renting wireless sets and local SIM cards. 2. Agreement on Work Programmes of the Three Working Groups under Joint Economic Group between Ministry of Commerce& Industry of Indiaand China. The three working groupsunder the Joint EconomicGroup are: i. ii. iii. Services TradePromotion Working Group Economic and TradePlanning Cooperation TradeStatistical Analysis 3. MoUon Buffalo Meat, Fishery Products and Agreementon Feed and Feed Ingredients between Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority of Indiaand China It is directly aimed at strengthening mutual cooperation in trade and safety of buffalo meat, fishery products and feed and feed ingredients, and to meet theregulatory requirements with respect to safety &hygiene&quarantineand is also supposed to deal with thegrowing trade deficit between thetwo countries. 4. MoUbetween theMinistry of Urban Developmentof Indiaand National Development www.jagranjosh.com
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and ReformCommission of Chinaon Cooperation in thefield of SewageTreatment
The MoU signed by the Urban Development will enhance cooperation in the field of Sewage Treatment and ideas and knowledge sharing in the areas of mutual interest in the urban sectors. 5. MoUbetween theMinistry of Water Resources of Indiaand TheNational Development and Reform Commission, of China on Cooperation in the field of Water Efficient Irrigation The MoU directly aims at enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of water efficient technology with applicability in the area of agricultureand exchangeof best practices. 6. MoUbetween theIndiaand theStateAdministration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of Chinaon Cooperation in Mutual Translation and Publication of Classic and Contemporary Work As per the MoU a Joint Working Group will formed which will coordinate translation and publication of 25 books of Classic and Contemporary Works of each side over a period of 5 years in to Chineseand Indian languages respectively. 7. MoUbetween theMinistry of Water Resources of theIndiaand theMinistry of Water Resources of China upon Provision of Hydrological Information of the Yaluzangbu/BrahmaputraRiver in Flood Season by Chinato India As per theMemorandumof Understanding Chinais supposed to provideIndiawith information of water level, dischargeand rainfall of 8:00 hrs and 20:00 hrs(Beijing Time)twicea day from 1st Juneto 15 October each year in respect of three hydrological stations on themainstream Brahmaputra river. 8. Agreementbetween theMinistry of External Affairs, of Indiaand theMinistry of Foreign Affairs, of Chinato facilitatecooperation and linkages between Indian and Chinesecities &states/provinces As per this said agreement both the sides agreed to identify sister cities and sister states/provinces in Indiaand Chinawith aview to establishing relationships between them in areas of mutual interest for enhancing greater peopleto peoplecontacts Important Outcomesof the Meeting between Both theCountries agreed to aregular exchangeof visits between theHeads of State/ Governmentof thetwo countries. Theleaders of thetwo countries will also continueto meet on thesidelines of important multilateral forums. Both theCountries agreed in further strengthening cooperation in theareas of energy
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and environmental conservation, new and renewableenergy and hightechnology. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in therailway sector including heavy haulage and station development. India and China showed eagerness to carry out cooperation on establishing industrial zones so that they can provideplatforms for clustertypedevelopmentof enterprises of thetwo countries. Indiaand China decided to mark the60thanniversary of theFivePrinciples of Peaceful Coexistence(Panchsheel) in 2014 by designating it as theYear of Friendly Exchanges. Both the Country agreed to encourage their cities/provinces to establish twinning relationships in accordancewith theAgreementto FacilitateCooperation and Linkages between Indian and ChineseCities and States/Provinces. Both the Country underlined the need to implement all relevant UN resolutions, in particular UNSC resolutions 1267, 1373, 1540 and 1624. Both theCountries agreed to enhancecoordination in thefollow up process of theUN Conference on Sustainable Development and in discussions on the post 2015 developmentagendaas well as international negotiations on climatechange. The two countries sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting multilateral arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation processes. They support the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of all nuclear weapons and reaffirm their opposition to theweaponization of and an arms racein outer space. Both thecountries agreed to work towards simplifying visaprocedures. In order to pursuemutual benefit and fulfill their international cooperation objectives, both the Countries agreed in considering collaborating on development projects of common interest in third countries.
Decision on achieving trade target of 100billion for Financial Year 201415 During the same visit of the Chinese premiere, both the nations also decided to scale up its twoway trade to 100 billion US Dollars by 2015 from 67.8 billion US Dollars in 201213. The decision was madeon 20 May 2013. It is worth mentioning herethat bilateral tradebetween thetwo countries scaled up from2.1 billion USDollars in 200102 to 75.6 billion USDollars in 201112 and suddenly it dropped down to 67.8 billion USDollars during 201213. Some important pointstoremember Indias trade deficit increased from 1.1 billion US Dollars in 2001 02 to 40.8 billion US
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Dollars in 201213.
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In 201213, China became Indias fourth largest trading partner from third largest in 20112012. Our exports fell from 18.1 billion US Dollars in 201112 to 13.5 billion US Dollars in 201213 In year 2010, both countries had set a trade turnover target of 60 billion US Dollars which was achieved. An IndiaChinaCEOs Forumhas been constituted to deliberateon business issues and makerecommendations on expansion of trade and investmentcooperation which will behead by Anil Ambani and Chen Yuan fromIndia and ChinaSiderespectively.
As per theexporters increasing of market access to Chinais critical for ashoot in Indias exports as the country efforts to change its export profile from raw materials to finished and value added products. India and China Signed MoUstoAddressConcernson Trade Deficit During thevisit of theChinesePremier Li Keqiang to India, thetwo countries also signed three Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) on buffalo meat, fisheries and pharmaceuticals and oneagreementon feed and feed ingredients on 20 May 2013. TheMoUs are supposed to deal with the growing tradedeficit between thetwo countries. It is worth mentioning herethat thetrade deficit has increased from1.08 billion USDollars in 2001 02 to 40.77 billion USDollars in 201213. The resumption of exporting buffalo meat from India to China, will bring a big merchandise tradethat will not only behelpful in reducing tradeimbalanceof Indiabut also in Chinas food security by providing quality and hygienemeat products. Earlier theexport of buffalo meat is not allowed from India to China due to concerns about Foot & Mouth Disease. It was a long pending issuebetween two countries. TheOther MoU was signed for import and export tradeof fishery products which aims to bring cooperation in promoting tradeof fishery products and healthy developmentof tradebetween Indiaand China. Another MoU was also signed between Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products (CCCMHPIE) which will facilitate access to the China market in pharmaceuticals. The average imports of medicinal and pharmaceutical products from China during last five years were 4332.37 million US dollars visvis exports from India of 692.44 million USdollars. An important agreement was signed between Export Inspection Council of India (EIC) and AQSIQ on trade and safety of feed and feed ingredients which is supposed to bring big www.jagranjosh.com
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merchandise trade for feed & feed ingredients after the resumption of trade as China has suspended import of feed and feed ingredients since1 January 2012. Both the countries also agreed to conduct the KailashMansarovar Yatra every year between May and September.
PAKISTAN ELECTION RESULT 2013

The Election Commission of Pakistan on 14 May 2013 announced results of 272 National Assembly seats, with Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz heading the count with 126 seats, followed by thePakistan Peoples Party with 31 seats. Thevoting took placefor all parliamentary constituencies of Pakistan to elect 342 members for the National assembly, including 60 seats reserved for women and 10 for nonMuslims, simultaneously voting took placefor thefour Provincial Assemblies of Punjab, KPK, Sindh and Balochistan as well. Over 4600 candidates a contested at the centre for National Assembly seats, while11000 candidates contested at provincial levels.
As per the Article 51 (6) C of the Constitution of Pakistan themembers to theseats reserved for women which areallocated to a Provinceunder clause(3) shall beelected in accordance with law through proportional representation system of political parties'lists of candidates on the basis of total number of general seats secured by each political party from the Province concerned in theNational Assembly. Also with referenceto the Article 51 (6) E members to theseats reserved for nonMuslims shall be elected in accordance with law through proportional representation system of political parties'lists of candidates on thebasis of total number of general seats won by each political
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party in the National Assembly.
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Pakistans General election 2013 was theelection to the14th parliament of Pakistan. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif declared winner which was followed by a historic election. The voting has taken place in all parliamentary constituencies of Pakistan, to elect Members (MNAs) to seats in theNational Assembly, thelower houseof parliament. It is worth mentioning here that the current National Assembly completed its constitutional term on 18 March 2013, five years after the first session of the National Assembly elected during the2008 general election. Pakistan Election 2013 was intended to elect members of the National Assembly of Pakistan, thelower houseof theMajliseShoora(thenation's parliament).Pakistan's opposition parties, theImran Khan`s Pakistan TehreekeInsaf (PTI), and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (N) were themajor contenders for thegeneral Election. The 63yearold Sharif belongs to Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (N) party. He had twice served as premier. Pakistan Muslim LeagueN attained an overpowering lead with 130 seats. Thefirst runner up is Imran Khan`s Pakistan TehreekeInsaf (PTI) with 37 seats and thelast is Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)with 31 seats. ThePakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which had atally of 124 in the2008 elections and ruled the country for fiveyears with thesupport of theMQM and theAwami National Party. It is important hereto notethat to win asimplemajority, aparty or coalition would haveto bag 137 of the272 National Assembly seats for which polls wereheld. Another 70 seats, reserved for women and nonMuslims, will be allocated to parties according to their performance in polls. To haveamajority in the342member National Assembly, aparty or coalition would need 172 seats. TheSenateor upper houseof the parliament is currently controlled by thePPP.
PARTY WISE STATISTICS OF THE PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLIES ELECTION

Punjab Sindh 65/130 KPK PTI IND Balochistan 34/99 PMAP 14/99 PMLN 10/51 8/51
PMLN 211/297 PPPP IND 41/297
MQM 35/130
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PTI 20/297 IND 8/130 PMLN JUIF 13/99 IND 12/99 JUIF 98/99 Seats 8/51 6/51 48/51
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PMLQ 8/297 Seats
PMLF 7/130
293/297 Seats
122/130 Seats
FACTS TO REMEMBER ABOUT PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLIES ELECTION

PML(N) leads Punjab Provincewith 211 out of 297 seats PPPParty leads theSindh Provinceof Pakistan with 65 out of total 130 seats Pakistan TehreekeInsaf (PTI) party leads theKPKProvincewith 34 out of total 99 seats. PMAP (Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party) leads thebalochistan province with 10 out 21 seats.
SOME FACTS ABOUT THE ELECTION

4670 candidates stood for 272 seats in afirstpastthepost system in the342member lower house. Sixty seats reserved for women and 10 for nonMuslim minorities are distributed by proportional representation based on theparties shareof thedi rectly elected seats. A total of 10955 candidates contested in elections for Pakistan s four provincial assemblies in Punjab, Sindh in the south, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the northwest and Baluchistan in thesouthwest. Only 161 women stood for thenational assembly, 3.5 percent of the candidates Voters. Thereare 86.2 million registered voters 37.6 million womenand 48.6 million men.
INDIA DECLARED YEAR 2013 AS WATER CONSERVATION YEAR 2013

2013: Water Conservation Year TheUnion Cabinet of Indiaon 9 May 2013 gaveits approval to declare theyear 2013 as Water Conservation Year 2013. Following thethemeof theyear, theGovernment has proposed to comeup with several mass awareness activities with an emphasis on sensitizing the masses on water issues and to encourage them to use water judiciously and conserve it. The Policies and programs of the www.jagranjosh.com
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Ministry of Water Resourcefor theyear will beto createasustainablesociety and economy. Thenational awareness programs launched by theGovernmentwill aimtowards achieving the identified objectives of the National Water Policy 2012 and National Water Mission.
NATIONAL WATER POLICY 2012

National Water Policy 2012 was adopted by theNational Water Resources Council headed by thePrimeMinister Manmohan Singh on 28 December 2012. ThePolicy takes cognizanceof the existing situation and proposes aframework for creation of asystem of laws and institutions and aplan of action with aunified national perspective.
NATIONAL WATER MISSION

The key objective of National Water Mission is water conservation. It is among the eight national missions under theNational Action Plan for ClimateChange. Themission aims towards conservation of water by minimizing wastageand to develop formulae for impartial distribution of the water resources both in and across the states via integrated water resources developmentand management.
INDIA UNVEILED INDIGENOUSLY DEVELOPED ROTAVIRUS VACCINE

India on 14 May 2013 unveiled its indigenously developed Rotavirus Vaccine named Rotavac after thePhaseIII clinical trial of low cost rotavirus Vaccine. TheRotavacthat has demonstrated strong efficacy and excellent safety profile; if gets its approval by theDrugs Controller General of India(DCGI) than will bemadeavailablein themarket at arateof 54 rupees per dose. Approx 453000 child across theworld dies every year dueto Rotavirus diarrhea and following the recent reports every year approx one lakh children below five years in India die due to severediarrhea that is caused dueto Rotavirus bacteria. Indiaaccounts for 22 percent of the global deaths that occurs dueto diarrhoeacausing rotavirus. Rotavac vaccine has been developed under a publicprivate partnership and is the third such vaccinethat will hit theIndian market. Theprevious two vaccines cost morethan 1000 rupees per doseand thus remain out of reach fromthe hands of millions in developing and third world nations. It is an oral vaccinethat is administered in infants in three dosecourseat ages of six, ten and fourteen weeks, which is given to a child along with the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)vaccines recommended to begiven to children.
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INTERNATIONAL
MARYLAND ABOLISHED DEATH PENALTY
Maryland, theU.S. state located in theMidAtlantic region of theUnited States, on 2 May 2013 became thefirst southern US stateto abolish the death penalty. Themeasure on it was signed by DemocraticGovernor Martin OMalley on 2 May 2013. Theperson who was attended was former Maryland death row inmate KirkBloodsworth. He will bethefirst person in thecountry freed fromdeath penalty becauseof DNAevidenceafter being convicted in a death penalty case. On the global level, Maryland is the 18th state to abolish thedeath penalty. The Governor can commute the death sentences of intimates to life without parole. The Governor OMalley has asserted that hewill consider them on acase bycasebasis. Thestates last execution was in 2005.
JAPAN UAE DEAL FOR TRANSFERRING NUCLEAR POWER TECH NOLOGY

Japan on 2 May 2013 concluded a deal with the United Arab Emirates for transferring the nuclear power technology. It is the first transfer of the nuclear power technology since 2011 Fukushimanuclear accident. JapanesePrimeMinister Shinzo Abevisited the Persian Gulf stateon thethird leg of aweeklong overseas trip. Shinzo Abemet UAE VicePresident and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoumon 2 May 2013 in order to concludethe nuclear deal. The nuclear deal was concluded with an agreement to promote bilateral investments and economic exchanges. Shinzo Abe also explained about Japans plan for holding theministerial level strategic talks on aregular basis with six Gulf Arab states, known as the Gulf Cooperation Council.
INDIA & CHINA PULLED BACK TROOPS FROM DAULAT B EG OLDI SECTOR
Indiaand Chinaon 5 May 2013 pulled back their troops from thestand off point at Daulat Beg Oldi sectorin Ladakh, wheretheChineseforces had intruded nearly three weeks back. Abattalion of Chinesetroops estimated at about 50 and accompanied by vehicles and dogs had intruded 19 kminsidetheIndian Territory across theLineof Actual Control (LAC) in Daulat Beg Oldi sector on April 15 and set up fivetents. TheIndian troops had also established tented posts facing theChineseforces at adistanceof 300 metres.
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An agreementwas reached for both nations to pull back their troops simultaneously fromthe faceoff point.
RUSSIA AND USA COMMITED TO NEGOTIATE TO END SYRIAN CONFLICT

Foreign Minister of Russia, Sergei Lavrov and Secretary of United States John Kerry announced their commitments to anegotiated settlement for theend of theconflict of Syriaat Moscow on 7 May 2013. The two have pushed forward for an international conference on the crisis situation. Thedecision came up after thetalks that lasted for hours between the Visiting USSecretary of StateJohn Kerry and Russian President Vladimir Putin further proceeded by theRussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in abid to lessen thedifferences between Washington and Russiaover theSyrian Conflict. Both thenations will try to comeup with an international conferenceover theconflict of Syria and will try to convincetheregimeas well as therebels to accept theterms of Genevathat was agreed and suggested by theworld powers in June2012. Genevaagreementwas reached by the world leaders on 30 May 2012 by setting up thepath towards the formation of the transitional Government in Syria, without declaring the fate of President Bashar alAssad. TheInternational Conferencewill aimat bringing together theleaders of thegovernmentand theopposition at oneplatformto comeup with anegotiated settlement of issue, to end the bloodshed in Syria.
INDIA WAS GRANTED AN OBSERVER STATUS BY ARCTIC COUNCIL

Indiaon 15 May 2013 was successful in getting theobserver status in theArctic Council along with fiveother nations namely China, Italy, Singaporeand South Korea. This step of theArctic Council will giveIndiaafoothold in theresourcerich Arctic Ocean with themelting of theice. As Indiawill get an access fromnavigation to oil and gas exploration. Theobserver status was assigned to Indiaafter ameeting held at Kiruna, Sweden. With this success, Indiawill get an opportunity to contributeits scientific expertisemainly its capabilities in polar research to thework of theArctic Council and support its objectives. Theobserver status of Indiain theArctic Council if seen at the realpolitiklevel; Indiawill get an access for hydrocarbon exploration that is offered in theArctic Circle. For this Indiawill haveto join its hands with one of the five countries gearing up for the purpose among US, Canada, Russia, Denmark and Russia. If seen with the perspectiveof geographical distancethan Russiais an ideal partner for India and to makethis happen Indiawill haveto takeafirm stand on theLomonosov Ridgeand the Mendeleev Ridgefor Russia. Russiaclaims that theLomonosov Ridgeand theMendeleev Ridge www.jagranjosh.com
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aretheextension of its continental shelf. This support will also bring in Indias chances to get access in therich deposits of Arctic Belt and utilizetheNorth SeaRoute.
MELTING ICE OF ARCTIC CIRCLE AND INTERESTS OF NATIONS & RESEARCHERS

Thelevel of melting icein theArctic sea in September 2012 went down to thenew lows and attracted interest of nations and researchers towards it. Various nations placed their interest in theregion for exploration of its rich mineral resources and navigation purposes. India has its Arctic research station named Himadri since 2008 that is located at the International Arctic Research base, NyAlesund at Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway. Thestation is operated by the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research. Indias approach in the Arctic Circlesince2008 has always been purely scientific. Chinabecame thefirst Asian country to navigatethearea with athreemonth sea voyagein an icebreaker across theArctic Circle.
NATIONAL
UNION CABINET APPROVED THE LAUNCH OF NUHM
TheUnion Cabinet of Indiaon 1 May 2013 approved thelaunch of theNational Urban Health Mission (NUHM) to reducerates of infant mortality, maternal mortality and for universal access to reproductivehealth care. Thecost of theNational 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 crorepeople. TheCabinet also gaveits nod to abill which provides for confiscating property illegally acquired by corrupt public servants. Themajor changes to thePrevention of Corruption Act, 1988 were approved by theCabinet. Atimeframe has also been set for getting sanction of thecompetent authority to prosecuteserving and retired bureaucrats and reasons will haveto bespecified for giving thenod or refusing it. The Union Cabinet also approved the Empowered Group of Minister's (EGoM)s decision to conduct auction of 839 channels of FM radio stations in 294 cities through eauction. The decision is part of theamendments in thePolicy Guidelines for PhaseIII expansion of FM Radio broadcasting services through privateagencies. The government also approved amendments to a bill that seeks to eradicate manual scavenging. TheProhibition of Employmentas Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Bill, 2012 includes provisions for mandatory inclusion of women in vigilance committees at the district, stateand national level and asurvey to identify manual scavengers. www.jagranjosh.com
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TheUnion Cabinet also referred theMarriageLaws (Amendment)Bill to aGroup of Ministers. Thelaw deals with awoman's right to marital property in caseof adivorce.
SC APPROVED KUDANKULAM NUCLEAR POWER PLANT GOT APPROVAL FOR OPERATIONS

TheSupremeCourt of Indiadirected that theKudankulamnuclear 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. The Supreme Court directed Nuclear Power Corporation of India and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board to ensurethat all steps weretaken for thesafety of thenuclear plant. The Apex Court explained that the Kudankulam nuclear plant was absolutely safe and secure and that it was necessary to start its operations for economic growth as well as welfareof India. In 2012, the fishermen as well as villagers protested against the fuelling of this plant. Opponents of this plant, People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) complained that it was situated in thearea which was affected badly by 2004 Asian tsunami and that therewas afear of disaster likethat of Fukushima nuclear plant of Japan in 2011. TheKudankulamnuclear plant is among thoseplants which is apart of Indias aimof generating 63000 MW of nuclear power by 2032.
CONTROVERSY OVER KUDANKULAM NUCLEAR PLANT

Kudankulam nuclear plant is the underconstruction nuclear power plant in Kudankulam in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. Theconstruction of this plant began in March 2002. Thedelay in the construction of the plant is attributed to antinuclear protests by the locals as well as People's Movement against Nuclear Energy (PMANE). Thepreserviceinspection of the first unit of Kudankulamnuclear plant began by theengineers in 2012. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board completed the inspection of reactor pressure vessel of Unit1 and it was found that therewereno defects at all.
UNION CABINET APPROVED CHANGES TO AAJEEVIKA

The Union Cabinet on 6 May 2013 had cleared important changes to the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (Aajeevika)in amajor boost to theroll out of thewomens self help group model across thecountry. Thechanges is supposed to provideadditional resources and additional elasticity to implement theNRLM(Aajeevika)in amoreeffectiveand accelerated manner across thecountry thereby www.jagranjosh.com
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creating new livelihoods and empowering women across rural India. Highlightsof the ChangesApproved are
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Improved targeting, by doing away with BPL criteria and instead identifying target groups through theParticipatory Identification of Poor (PIP)process: TheParticipatory Identification of Poor process has been expansively demonstrated to bevery effectivein states wherewomens selfhelpgroups havebeen succeeded. The list finalized through the P.I.P process will be inspected by the Gram Sabha and approved by theGramPanchayat. The P.I.P process will also have a set of exclusion criteria, automatic inclusion criteria and a set of deprivation indicators for enabling poverty ranking in a participatory manner. This delinks N.R.L.M target group from the BPL list. Interest subvention and additional interest subvention in 150 districts Union Cabinet has approved the provision of interest subvention to Women SHGs, enabling them to avail loans up to 3 lakh Rupees at an interest rate of 7 per cent per annum. Women SHGs that repay loans in time will get additional 3 per cent subvention, reducing theeffectiverate to 4 per cent. Theinitiative, in thefirst phase, would focus on 150 districts, including the82 IAP districts, affected by Left Wing Extremism.
Change in the pattern of financial assistance replacing Capital subsidy with a Community Investment Support fund The Cabinet has approved to withdraw capital subsidy to S.H.Gs and instead provide financial support S.H.G federations and livelihoods organizations of theS.H.G members in theintensive blocks through agrant called Community InvestmentSupport fun d.
Setting up of National Level Society under N.R.L.M for more effective implementation The Cabinet also approved the setting up an autonomous, adequately staffed, professionally managed and empowered agency at thenational level to implement the N.R.L.M, called the National Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (N.R.L.P.S) under the Societies Registration Act. The NRLPS will act as the technical support unit of N.R.L.M. The setting up of such a Society is essential to implement the programme in a mission mode, as livelihoods programmes requirea widerangeof specialization and experience. TheSociety structurewould enableaccess to high quality professional support, provide flexibility to create partnerships and facilitate innovations and would serve as a knowledgecenter for rural livelihoods for thestatemissions.
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Further it will provide an opportunity for formally involving State Governments in decisionmaking, by nominating them to theExecutiveCommittee of theSociety.
WOMEN SELF HELP GROUPS TO GET LOW INTEREST LOANS

The Union Cabinet of India on 1May 2013 approved major changes to the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) with the objective of removing poverty in rural areas by empowering women. Approximately, 25 lakh Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) will be given bank loans at an interest rate of seven percent. They could avail loans upto 3 lakh rupees annually. At first, theschemewill begin as apilot project in 150 districts which includes the82 Integrated Action Plan districts affected by naxal violence while 75 per cent of thecost will be carried by theCentral governmentand 25 per cent by theStates in therest of thestates. All womenSHGs arenow getting bank loans at 11.5 to 14 per cent rateof interest. In the150 districts, the Union governmentwill carry thecompletecost of theinterest subvention fromthe market rateto seven per cent. Theentire cost of theproject is approximately 1650 crorerupees for 201314, out of which, 1400 crore rupees shall becarried out by theUnion governmentand 250 crorerupees by theStates. Aajeevika National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India in June 2011. Aided in part through investment support by the World Bank, the Mission aims at creating efficient and effective institutional platforms of the rural poor enabling them to increase household income through sustainable livelihood enhancements and improved access to financial services.
AMENDMENTS IN NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY BILL INTRODUCED IN LS

Ministry for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution introduced amendments in the National Food Security Bill in the Lok Sabha on 9 May 2013 and placed the amended Bill for consideration and passing by the House. Based on the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, the Government decided to movecertain amendments to the Bill. Theseamendments seek to makethe framework of the proposed legislation simpler, providemoreflexibility to States/UTs in its implementation and to address someof theconcerns raised by them.
MAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL ARE AS UNDER:

Coverage and entitlement under Targeted PublicDistribution System (TPDS): Instead of coverage of up to 75 percent of the rural population and up to 50 percent of the urban population under two categories of priority and general households with different entitlements and issue prices provided in the original Bill, there would be only one category of beneficiaries with uniformentitlement of 5 kg per person per month. Protection of entitlementsunder Targeted PublicDistribution System : Theentitlement
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of AntyodayaAnnaYojana(AAY) households, which constitutepoorest of thepoor will, however, beprotected at 35 kg per household per month. It is also proposed to accept therecommendation of theCommittee to protect theexisting allocation of food grains to the States/UTs, subject to it being restricted to average annual off take during last three years (200910 to 201112). Statewisecoverage and identification of beneficiaries : Corresponding to coverageof 75 percent/50 percent of the rural/urban population at the all India level, Statewise coveragewill bedetermined by thePlanning Commission. Thework of identification of eligiblehouseholds is proposed to beleftto theStates/UTs, which may frame their own criteriaor usetheSocial Economic and CasteCensus (SECC) data. SubsidizedPricesunder TDPS and their Revision: Uniform prices of 3/2/1 rupees per kg for rice/wheat/coarsegrains will beapplicableto all eligiblebeneficiaries. It is proposed to fix theseprices for thefirst three years of implementation of theAct, and thereafter link thesame suitably to MSP. Cost of intraState transportation & handling of food grainsand FPS Dealers Margin : In order to address theconcerns of States/UTs regarding additional financial burden, it is proposed that Central Governmentmay provideassistanceto States towards cost of intraState transportation, handling of food grains and FPS Dealers margin, for which norms will bedevised. Maternity Benefit: It is proposed to allow States/UTs to usetheexisting machinery of District GrievanceRedressal Officer (DGRO), StateFood Commission, if they so desire, to saveexpenditureon establishmentof new set up. TheNational Food Security Bill was introduced in theLok Sabhaon 22 December 2011 to addresses theissueof food security in acomprehensivemanner, by adopting alife cycleapproach. TheBill was introduced after a wideranging consultation with various stakeholders.
After introduction, theBill was referred to Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, who interacted with other Central Ministries, various other organizations and individuals and visited States beforesubmitting its report to theSpeaker, Lok Sabhaon 17 January 2013. The recommendations of the Standing Committee were examined in consultation with concerned Central Ministries and also with the Food Ministers and Food Secretaries of States/UT. At the coverage and entitlement now proposed, total estimated annual food grains requirement is 612.3 lakh tons and the corresponding estimated food subsidy for implementation of NFSB, at 201314 costs, is about 124747 crorerupees. When compared to theestimated food subsidy requirement under existing TDPS and Other WelfareSchemes, the additional food subsidy implication is about 23800 crorerupees per annum. Requirement for assistanceto States for meeting theexpenditureon Transportation, Handling and FPSDealers www.jagranjosh.com
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margin, etc., would beadditional.
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ECONOMY
SC UPHELD 51 PERCENT FDI IN MULTIBRAND RETAIL
TheSupremeCourt of Indiaon 1 May 2013 upheld theconstitutional validity of Governments decision allowing 51 percent foreign direct Investmentin themultibrand retail sector. Abench of Justices RM Lodha, Madan B Lokur and Kurian Joseph gavetheruling. Thebench observed that therewas no harmin giving thepolicy achance. It saw merit in the policy that it would eliminate middlemen and help provide farmers a better price for their produce. It dismissed thepetition filed against the51 percent FDI in multibrand retail. As per thecourt, the policy will affect thelives of only 13.3% of thecountry's population living in 53 cities.
RBI REDUCED THE REPO RATE BY 25 BASIS POINTS TO 7.25 PERCENT

TheReserveBank of India(RBI) on 3 May 2013 reduced thepolicy repo rateunder theliquidity adjustmentfacility (LAF)by 25 basis points, from7.5 per cent to 7.25 per cent with immediate effect as part of its annual monetary policy statement201314. Thereverserepo rateunder the LAF also stands adjusted to 6.25 per cent. The RBI took this step to boost flagging economic growth. The Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rateand the BankRate, both stand adjusted to 8.25 per cent with immediate effect. The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks has however been retained at 4 per cent of their net demand and timeliabilities. In its Monetary Policy Statement the RBI has stated that thebalanceof risks stemming fromthe Reserve Bank's assessment of the growthinflation dynamic yields little space for further monetary easing. Interest rates on homeand car loans will easefollowing RBIs decision to cut key policy rates. Thenext midquarter review of Monetary Policy for 201314 will beannounced on17 June2013.
CCEA APPROVED EXCHANGE TRADE FUND FOR PSU STOCKS

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 2 May 2013 cleared the government proposal to set up an exchange traded fund backed by a basket of PSU stocks, commonly referred as CPSEETF. Thebasic idea behind setting up of fund is that among other benefits, PSUdivestments could becarried out in amuch less disturbing manner for themarket and can also incentivizeretail www.jagranjosh.com
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investors. An empowered group of ministers would takethis forward.
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The government plans to float such a fund so that, The CPSEETF will comprise a basket of shares of different PSUs which would track an index, but will tradelikeastock on theexchange. ICICI Securities is theadviser to theETFand Goldman Sachs is learnt to bethefund manager. Thereleaseon CPSEETFnoted that each stock would haveafixed weightagein thebasket and the ETF will give discount to investors. It is important here to note that the Selling a mutual fund at adiscount to its NAV is anew concept in theIndian market, and would requiresome rulechangeby themarket regulator SEBI.
GOVERNMENT SET 325BILLION DOLLARS EXPORT TARGET FOR 201314

The Union Government announced an export target of 325 billion dollars for the current financial year 201314 to support theslowdown in theglobal markets. It is dueto theglobal slowdown in developed regions likethat of USand Europe, theexports of India went down for the first time in three years with a dip of 1.8 per cent to 300.6 billion Dollars in 201213, making thetradedeficit to a record high level of 191 billion dollars. It is important hereto notethat, theGovernment had set an export target of 360billion dollars for the financial year 201213. According to the provisional figures, export registered an increaseof 0.8 per cent for themonth of January 2013 after apermanent fall during May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December 2012.
AIR INDIA IMPLEMENTED COST CUTTING MEASURES

Air India on 10 May 2013 declared a set of transformations by implementing certain cost cutting measures. Theairlines will soon start charging passengers travelling in economy class on domestic sectors for food. The recommendations on transformation suggested by the committee constituted to suggest costcutting measures for thebleeding national carrier were accepted by theUnion Ministry of Civil Aviation. The constituted committee has suggested a set of 46 recommendations, which when implemented will savean estimated annual expenditure of 3240 crorerupees. Oneof the major recommendations suggested by thecommittee is serving tea, cold drinks, coffee, peanuts and biscuits, free of cost by doing away themeal. Thecompletemeal on an Air Indiaflight costs 175 rupees which will comedown to 25 rupees, with theimplementation of recommendation and help in saving about 100 crore rupees annually to Air India. The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has recommended to Air India to implement the recommendations and provide a schedule on implementation to it within a weeks time. The Ministry of Civil Aviation on 29 April 2013 allowed airlines to unbundlecharges for services like preferential seating, meals, snacks, drinks (doesnt incl ude water) and use of lounges and www.jagranjosh.com
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baggage.
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The free baggage allowance was reduced to 15 kg from previous 20 kg by Air India and Jet Airways, following theannouncement fromtheMinistry of Civil Aviation. For baggageabove15 kg, 250 rupees per kg extrawill becharged by thepassengers. Thedecision fromtheAviation Ministry came up in wakeup of thenod given to Air Asiato launch alocal airlineby theUnion Ministry of Finance. Theconstituted committee that suggested therecommendations on thecost cutting measures and Optimal Utilisation of Resources in Air India was a fivemember Committee, headed by RavindraH. Dholakia, Professor of Economics and Public Systems, IIM, Ahmedabad to suggest various measures for cost cutting and optimal utilisation of resources in Air India.
RBI DECIDED TO LAUNCH INFLATION INDEXED BONDS (IIBS)

The RBI (Reserve Bank of India) on 15 May 2013 decided to launch Inflation Indexed Bonds (IIBs). Thefirst trancheof theIIBs 20132014 for 1000 to 2000 crorerupees will beissued on 4 June 2013. The maturity period of these bonds will be 10 years. The total issue size will be 12000 to 15000 crorerupees in 2013 to 14. TheRBI will do on monthly basis to attract household savings of up to 15000 crorerupees so as to discourage investments in gold. After the first tranche, bonds will be issued on the last Tuesday of every month. While the first series of the bonds will be open for all class of investors, the second series issue beginning October will be reserved exclusively for retail investors.
CORPORATE
IVAN MENEZES WAS NAMED NEW CEO OF DIAGEO
Ivan Menezes was named as thenew ChiefExecutiveOfficer (CEO) of Spirits Company Diageo on 7 May 2013. Hereplaced Paul Walsh who remained theCEOof this British firmsince2000. Ivan Menezes was theChiefOperating Officer of thecompany. Menezes will take on his office from 1 July 2013. The Chairman of Diageo, Franz Humer explained that the handover of the role of CEO was given to Ivan Menezes at thetimewhen their business was strong in terms of global development. Ivan Menezes originally hailed fromIndia. Helater headed up thekey North Americadivision of Diageo for 8 years before he was appointed as the COO in 2012. Paul Walsh, 57, has not decided about his new job yet. Hehowever has a lot of corporatenonexecutiveroles. Hewas also working as the business ambassador of the business department of the British
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UK'S CAIRN ENERGY SOLD 8 % STAKE IN CAIRN INDIA FOR 910 US $

UKs Cairn Energy plc on 7 May 2013 sold 8 per cent stake in Cairn India for 910 million US dollars. Cairn Energy retains about 10 per cent shareholding in Cairn Indiafollowing thesale. Thefund will beused to fulfill Cairns current capital needs, which includethedevelopmentof discovered resources in theNorth Sea. Cairn Energy in June2012 had sold 3.5 per cent stakein Cairn Indiafor about 360 million US dollars. Cairn Energy is based in Edinburgh.
IFFCO SIGNED AGREEMENT WITH VALE SA FOR SUPPLY OF ROCK PHOSPHATE

Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative(IFFCO), on 11 May 2013 signed alongtermagreement with Brazilian mining company ValeSAfor supply of rock phosphate. It is used in manufacturing phosphatic soil nutrients. IFFCOsigned this agreement in order to strengthen its phosphatesourcing for manufacturing of phosphatic fertilisers in India.
IL&FS INFRASTRUCTURE SIGNED MOU WITH 8 PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS

IL&FS Infra Asset Management Limited (IAML), an Asset Management Company (AMC) promoted by IL&FS Financial Services Limited (IFIN) to manage the IL&FS Infrastructure Debt Fund (IIDF), on 13 May 2013 signed aMemorandumof Understanding (MoU) with eight Public Sector Banks (PSBs) including Allahabad Bank, Bank of India, CanaraBank, Central Bank of India, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerceand UCOBank for acquisition of infrastructureloans. Signing this landmark MoUwhich will pavetheway for settingup of moresuch infradebt funds and financing thereof. IIDFwill complement domestic banks in providing required funding to infrastructuresector and would beintegral part of theIL&FSGroups efforts in taking Indias infrastructuregrowth story to thenext level.
STAR INDIA LAUNCHED STAR MOVIES ACTIONS

Star India in the month of May 2013 launched its new movie channel, Star Movies Actions, which is targeted at maleaudiences. Thenew channel is supposed to replaces thecompanys action brand Fox Action Movies. The channel had strong tieups with thetop four Hollywood studios and has alibrary of nearly 300 www.jagranjosh.com
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exclusivemovies. Thechannel is going to begin with having premiers of recent action movies that includes Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter and Taken 2. Thechannel will also be airing big franchisee movies such as Rambo, Fast and Furious, Resident Evil and Jaws. On the other hand, there are several new brands targeting males that were being launched across categories such as automobiles, twowheelers, handsets and consumer goods, and the company was banking on thesebrands for Star Movies Action. The company has planned an aggressive marketing plan to promote the channel. While the band Pentagramhas sung aspecial channel anthemfor Star Movies Action, thecompany would bespending on promotion across mediums.
COMPAT ORDERED CEMENT MANUFACTURERS TO DEPOSIT 630 CRORE

The Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) on 17 May 2013 ordered 11 cement manufacturers to deposit an amount of 630 crore Rupees before it heard manufacturers appeal against 6307 croreRupees fineimposed on them by Competition Commission of India (CCI) in June2012. Competition Commission of India(CCI) is the competition watchdog for price manipulation as well as cartelization. COMPAT posted cement manufacturers case for final hearing in themonth of August 2013. COMPAT had ordered the cement manufacturers to deposit a 10 percent amount of total penalty imposed on it by CCI in June2012.
THE LIST OF THESE CEMENT MANUFACTURERS INCLUDE:

JP Associates UltraTech Cement AmbujaCements ACC Binani Cement IndiaCements GrasimCements Madras Cements Century Textiles JKCements
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Indian unit of France's LafargeSA
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All thesemanufacturers havebeen ordered to makethepaymentwithin onemonth. Failureof doing so will result in their appeal being dismissed. Thespokesperson for JP Associates explained that all thecement manufacturers werelooking for different options, which also includes challenging the decision of COMPAT in Supreme Court. The matter will also be discussed with the Cement Manufacturers Association of India (CMA). CCI imposed highest penalty of 1323.6 croreRupees on theJP Associates. Additionally, thefine of 73 lakh was imposed on CMA. Thepenalty was stayed by theCompetition AppellateTribunal, but thedesist order as well as theceaseorder would remain against thesemanufacturers.
ENVIRONMENT ECOLOGY
CAMARILLO SPRINGS WILDFIRE BROKE OUT IN CALIFORNIA
Camarillo Springs Wildfirebrokeon 2 May 2013 near Camarillo in California. Six hugewildfires in all brokein California, which tripled in sizesince3 May 2013. Over 3000 firefighters struggle with theblazes in California. Among these wildfires, oneof thefiercest firecompelled shutting down Pacific Coast Highway for second time, with 30milestretch offlimits. Camarillo Springs Wildfireis spread over thearea of 18000 acres. The wildfires, also known as Springs Firereached northwest of Los Angeles, thereby posing amajor threat to various homes as well. Firecrews in Americahavealready dealt with 680 wildfires in 2013. This Springs Fire has already damaged over 12 homes and therearemorethan 4000 other homes at risk.
WEATHER CHANGE AFFECTING SPRINGS FIRE

Changein wind direction is also affecting thewildfirebecausethewind fanned thefirethrough coastal wilderness to the beach. The fire is fanned by dry Santa Ana winds. These winds are occurring latein 2013. It is thestrange weather pattern and is also affecting the firemen dealing with thewildfire. However, the National Weather Service predicted that calmer ocean air might raise humidity level which would help in fighting thefire.
OTHER FIRES IN THE RECENT PAST IN CALIFORNIA

McNally Fire in 2002 spread over 150700 acres was the largest fire in Sequoia NF history.
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In 2003, Old Firebrokeout over an area of 91281 acres.
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Cedar Firein 2003, spread over an area of 280278 acres was thelargest recorded firein thehistory of California. September 2005 Californiawildfires brokeout over an area of 17000 acres. EsperanzaFirebrokeout in 2006 over 40200 acres of area. In 2007, AngoraFirebrokeout in Californiaover 3500 acres of area. In 2007, ZacaFirebrokeout in California over 240207 acres of area. It was thesecond largest firerecorded in thehistory of California. California wildfires of October 2007 werea series of wildfires over 500000 acres of area. In 2008, summer 2008 California wildfires broke out in Northern California. It was spread over 1557293 acres of area. In 2009, Station Firebrokeout in California. It was spread over 157220 acres of area. It is the10th largest firein the history of thestate. In 2012, PonderosaFirebrokein California. It was spread over 28098 acres of area and destroyed 52 residences and 81 outbuildings apart from damaging 1 residence and 5 outbuildings.
IUCN: SYZYGIUM TRAVNCORICUM REMOVED FROM RED LIST

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in the first week of May 2013 removed the critically endangered Syzygium Travncoricum (locally known as kulavetti or vadhamkolli) tree endemic to Kerala fromits red list. KerelaForest Research Institute(KFRI) conducted afield study in wakeof theIUCN classification and suggested that thetree can now bemoved to theendangered list. Thetree entered thecritically endangered list of IUCN in 1998 on thebasis of theConservation Assessment Management Plan (CAMP) workshop conducted under the Biodiversity Conservation Prioritisation Project India. IUCN classified theSyzygiumTravncoricumunder the critically endangered Red List after thecampstudy discovered that dueto habitat destruction (theprimecause)theestimated population of the tree went below 200. Maximumof thelast trees of theSyzygiumTravncoricumgroup wereseen in Southern Part of thestateraising concerns of theenvironmentalist about thetree.
GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO BAN TRADE OF PEACOCK FEATHERS
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TheEnvironmentMinistry of Indiadecided to put aban on thetradeof peacock feathers as a measureto conservethenational bird of India peacock. Thegovernmenthas no dataregarding peacock population, but it is evident that thenumber of peacocks in Indiais dwindling becauseof poaching of thefeathers which fetches good pricein not just international markets, but also within Indian markets. World WideFund for naturein 1991 did theonly stocktaking of peacock population in India. It was found that Indiahad only 50 percent of overall peacock population left, in comparison to what existed during independence. It is believed that the population of the peacocks went down even moresince1991 becauseof arisein poaching as well as habitat loss. Therehas been an increased demand of thepeacock feathers, also called Morpankh. Therefore, theEnvironmentMinistry decided to completely ban thetradeof any kind (sale, purchaseor transport) of thepeacock feathers. Environmentand Forest Minister Jayanthi Natarajan explained that thedecision was taken to put acompleteban on thetradeof Morpankh.
WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT, 1972 AND THE TRADE OF NATURALLY SHED PEACOCK FEATHERS
Trading of thenaturally shed peacock feathers is permitted under theWildlifeProtection Act, 1972. This act completely prohibits peacock killing. However, because of the loophole in the WildlifeProtection Act, 1972, extensivekilling of peacocks takes placein Indiafor thelucrative business of peacock feathers. With the approval of the Union Government of India, an amendment will be made to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 in order to make trading of any body part of national bird an offence, which would be equivalent to the punishment granted for killing the other non endangered species. This means that anyonecaught buying or selling thepeacock feathers or thetrophies would bejailed for up to 2 years under amended WildlifeProtection Act, 1972.
ARCTIC SEA IS BECOMING ACIDIC: RESEARCH

Scientists fromNorway's Center for International Climateand Environmental Research in their report unveiled that the Arctic seas are becoming acidic rapidly because of carbon dioxide emissions. Widespread changes wereobserved in theocean chemistry of Arctic. Thescientists explained that even if thecarbon dioxide emissions stopped; it would still take thousands of years for thechemistry of Arctic Ocean to revert back to thepreindustrial levels. Alot of creatures such as thecommercially important fishes would beaffected becauseof this. Thescientists additionally forecasted that alot of changes in marineecosystem will also take
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place. But what thesechanges would beis hard to tell.
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It is an already established fact that thecarbon dioxideleads to warming of the plant, but it is not known to alot of peoplethat it also makethealkalineseas even moreacidic when these seas absorb carbon dioxidefrom air. This absorption is faster in cold waters and thereforethe Arctic sea is very vulnerable. It is worth noticing that therecent decreasein thesummer sea ice exposed thesea surfaceto atmospheric carbon dioxide. Thevulnerability of Arctic is intensified becauseof theincreasing flow of freshwater from the melting land iceand rivers. This is so becausefreshwater is not that effectiveat neutralising the acidifying effects of carbon dioxide. Nordic Seas are other seas that are acidifying over range of depths, quickly in the surface waters as well as slowly in thedeep waters. Theresearch team, whileexploring theacidifying effects, monitored decreases in the seawater pH of around 0.02 per decade ever since late 1960s in Barents seas and Iceland. Acidification has also been observed in surface waters of Bering Strait as well as CanadaBasin of thecentral Arctic Ocean. Scientists observed that average acidity of ocean waters across theworld is around 30 percent higher than what it was beforeIndustrial Revolution.
EU DECIDED TO ISSUE BAN ON PESTICIDES THAT HARM BEES

The European Union made decision in May 2013 to impose a continentwide ban on the Pesticides namely neonicotinoids that harmbees. TheEUcame up with adecision to ban the useof thepesticides after scientists came up with theconclusion that chemicals posed an acute risk to honeybees that pollinate many of the crops grown in Europeon acommercial scale. Bees as pollinators play avital rolein food production. The hives of honeybees across theglobe aredying off in thephenomenon that is known as Colony Collapsedisorder. TheEuropean countries in May 2013 voted on banning neonicotinoids, which is mainly found in pesticides. Fifteen of the twenty seven member states that included France voted for a two year restriction on theneonicotinoids which is not enough to formaqualified majority. The voting was madeamid strong opposition fromchemical companies. The final decision is now with the European commission, which will implement the ban. According to EU rules, the Commission will now impose a twoyear restriction on neonicotinoids. Neonicotinoids aremainly produced mainly Switzerland's Syngentaand Germany's Bayer. The conservationists called up for aban on theuse, whereas theorganizations related to agriculture claimedthat farmers will facehardship and will havean impact on food production, which will cost Europealoss of billions of Euros dueto loss of crop yield. As per aUnited Nations report released in 2011, thebees and other pollinators likebutterflies, www.jagranjosh.com
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birds and beetles do aworldwidework of pollination that worth 203 billion dollar every year.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

US SCIENTISTS DEVELOPED FIRST SMART RFIDENABLED PAPER
The scientists at the North Dakota State University developed a process called Laser Enabled Advanced Packaging (Leap) which can help embed the radio frequency identification (RFID) chips on thepaper. This process is cheaper and faster as well as it offers arangeof applications than thepresent method. This technique is useful for preventing fraudulent practices. It also gives a new meaning to paper trail. In this process, lasers are used to transfer as well as assemble the chips on the paper. The paper would thus be called a smart paper, which in turn can be used for various purposes such as smart labels, banknotes, tickets and legal documents. These findings would be presented at Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers conferenceon RFID in Orlando, Florida. Therearealready someRFIDenabled papers in themarket but chip are thicker, which leads to either bumpy surfaceor bulky paper. This means that such apaper would not be printed. The chips are at first, thinned by the plasma etcher. The technology is yet to be patented. It makes use of the laser beams energy in order to transfer the ultrathin chips precisely. Antennas areembedded by making useof thesamemethod. Prof Val Marinov, theHead of theproject explained that this process was twicefaster than the present method of manufacturing. It is also cheaper becauseof less material used. Therefore, thereis an extensivepotential for this technology. Prof Val Marinov also explained that theEuropean bank and Bank of Japan had hinted towards their intention for development of this technology, but they did not go for it. Therefore, the technology developed by the US scientists is the first one which demonstrates the functional RFID tag embedded in paper. The team that developed the technology is now looking for the commercial partners of this technology.
WHAT IS RFID?
RFID is expanded as Radiofrequency identification. RFID is primarily thewireless noncontact application of the radiofrequency electromagnetic fields for transferring data. It is used for automatic identification as well as tracking thetags which are attached to theobjects. The tags are encompassed with electronically stored information. Some of these tags are www.jagranjosh.com
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powered as well as read at theshort ranges through theelectromagnetic induction or magnetic fields. Other tags makeuseof thelocal power sourcelikebattery, but they collect theenergy frominterrogating EM field.
IBM RELEASED SMALLEST STOP MOTION FILM; A BOY AND HIS ATOM
TheIBM scientists on 1 May 2013 released thesmallest movieof theworld called ABoy and His Atom. Themovietracks movement of theatoms which aremagnified 100 million times. Themovie, ABoy and His Atom, is astory of the character called Atomwho in turn befriends the single atom and then follows him on journey of bouncing and dancing which helps in explaining thesciencebehind thedatastorage. Ascientist at IBM Research, Andreas Heinrich explained that positioning, shaping and capturing theatoms in order to createtheoriginal motion pictureon atomic level was completely firstof itskind and precisescience. Themovieis actually afunfilled way of sharing theatomicscale world.
HOW WAS THE SMALLEST MOVIE OF THE WORLD MADE?

In order to make this movie, the scientists moved the atoms with the help of IBMinvented scanning tunneling microscope. Scanning Tunneling Microscopeis thedevicewhich helped its inventors to get theNobel Prizeas well. This was thefirst tool which helped thescientists in seeing theworld in theformof single atoms. The device weighs two tons and operates at the temperature of 268 degrees Celsius. It magnifies theatomic surfacemorethan 100 million times. With theavailability of this device, IBM Research lab is oneof thoserareplaces in theworld where it is possibleto movetheatoms with precision of such alevel. Guinness Book of World Records certified this movieas theWorld'sSmallest Stop Motion Film. Thefilmmadeuseof themicroscopein order to control thesupersharp needlealong copper surface in order to attract the atoms as well as molecules and then, in turn, pull them to specified location on any surface. Such akind of sciencecould help in improvement of computer datastorage. This is so because the data creation as well as consumption is getting bigger and therefore, there is a need of making datastoragesmaller. IBM is now applying this techniquefor developing new computer architectures as well as alternativeways for storing thedatain order to makethis movie.
US SCIENTISTS CREATE D WORLDS SMALLEST F LYING ROBOT ROBOFLY

USScientists at theHarvard University created arobot of thesizeof fly which can performfast manoeuvres of omnipresent insects. The robot called RoboFly is built from the carbon fibre www.jagranjosh.com
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which weighs just a fraction of the gram and also has superfast electronic muscles that are used to power thewings. Thedevelopers of therobot described that thetiny robots likethesecould beused in various rescueoperations. For example, such akind of therobot could beused for navigating through thetiny spaces in buildings which havecollapsed. Dr Kevin Ma of Harvard University as well as his team which was led by Dr Robert Wood described their creation as theworld's smallest flying robot. Theflylikeagility that this robot encompasses, allows it to evadethefastest human efforts to swat them. This ability came becauseof precisewing movements. The robot has the ability to perform immediate evasive manoeuvres as well as hover, by constant adjustmentof theeffect of lift and thrust which acts on the body at extremely high speed. Likeany real fly, theflexibleand thin wings of therobot can beat around 120 times per second. This high speed of the wings can be achieved with the help of a special substance known as piezoelectric material. This material contracts each timewith theapplication of thevoltageto it. Thescientists switched on and off thevoltage very rapidly and this helped them in making thematerial behaveliketiny muscles which maketheflys wings beat very fast. Thescientists explained that theprimary goal of this research was not to build theuseful robot, but understand theflight working of theinsects. However, now, with the developmentof the robot, there could be various uses of the machine. These robots could also be used for the monitoring of theenvironmentby being dispersed into habitat for sensing tracechemicals or certain other factors. Dr Maalso explained that theserobots wereable to behavelikethereal insects and could also help in pollination of crops. At present, themodel of robofly is small, offboard power source. However, in thenext step, it would becreated as thecompletely wireless flying robot.
WORLDS FIRST GUN MA DE FROM 3D PRINTER TECHNOLOGY FIRED

The first gun of the world made out of 3D printer technology was fired successfully in US. DefenseDistributed created this firearm and the form also planned to maketheseblueprints availableonline. DefenseDistributed spent ayear for creation of this firearm, which was fired successfully on 4 May 2013 at firing range south of Austin, Texas. The antigun campaigners criticised this project, whilethelaw enforcement of Europeis monitoring thedevelopments of this project. Victoria Baines of cybercrime centre of Europol explained that the criminals at present were likely to pursue the established routes for obtaining these firemans, but with the passage of time, the 3D printer technology would become more userfriendly as well as costeffective, www.jagranjosh.com
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thereby posing risks.
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Cody Wilson, 25, a student of the University of Texas is the head of Defense Distributed. 3D printing has successfully been called the future of manufacturing.
WORKING OF THE 3D PRINTER TECHNOLOGY

The3D printer technology works by building layer upon layer of thematerial, which is basically plastic. This is donein order to build thecomplex and solid objects. This technology is cheaper and instead of buying thegoods from markets, theconsumers will beableto download its designs. Then thesecan beprinted out at the homeitself. However, likeall technologies, thereareadvantages as well as disadvantages. Thefirst gun of the world made out of 3D printer technology cost 8000 US dollar from eBay. The gun was assembled fromdifferent printed components which weremadeout of ABSplastic. The firing pin was madeout of metal. Cody Wilson was given themanufacturing as well as sellers licen sefromUSBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)in order to makethis gun. USBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)official DonnaSellers explained that thegun was legal in USas long as it wasnt aNational Firea rms Act weapon. 3D printing technology was used in the past by certain criminal organisations for creation of card readers skimmers, which are inserted in thebank machines. Law enforcement agencies across theworld haveprofessionals for monitoring cybercrimes.
NEW TYPE OF WHEAT DEVELOPED TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY

British scientists developed a new type of wheat which could increase productivity by 30 percent. Thelast 15 years haveregistered littlegrowth in theaverage wheat harvest fromeach acre in Britain. The Cambridgebased National Institute of Agricultural Botany combined an ancient ancestor of wheat with a modern variety to produceanew strain. The scientists used crosspollination and seed embryo transfer technology to transfer someof theresistanceof the ancient ancestor of wheat into modern British varieties. The resulting crop turned out to be bigger and stronger than the current modern wheat varieties. Scientists will carry out more tests before it is harvested by farmers. This Scientific development ensures that the global food security demands of the next five decades can be met.
SPORTS
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CurrentAffairs eBook May 2013 ALEX FERGUSON MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER RETIRED
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Alex Ferguson on 8 May 2013 declared that hewould step down as theManager of Manchester United at theend of theseason. His declaration has put to an end, his 26 years journey as the inchargeof Manchester United. After retirement, hewill join theboard of thefootball club. The 71 year old, Alex Ferguson would step down from the position of manager after the Uniteds game against West Bromwich Albion to beplayed on 19 May 2013. Alex will now take over theposition of both Director and Ambassador for theclub.
ABOUT ALEX FERGUSON

Alex Ferguson is themost successful manager in theEnglish Football History Hetook over thechargeof the teamas its manager in 1986 fromRon Atkinson and since then has helped theteamin winning fiveFACups and two Champions League In 26 years of his journey hemanaged to win 13 leaguetitles Hewas thein chargeof 1498 matches for theclub After taking the charge of Manchester United, he helped the team to win the English titleof 199293 by defeating Liverpool Players like David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo and WayneRooney started their career under Alex Ferguson
ChampionshipsWon under AlexFerguson by Manchester United Championships Premier League Yearsof Winning 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013 1999 and 2008 1996,
Champions League
FA (Football Association) 1990, 1994, Cup 1999 and 2004
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LeagueCup 1992, 2006, 2009 and 2010 2008
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FIFAWorld Cup
India Bagged 2 Silver and 7 BronzeMedalsin Commonwealth Championship India on 10 May 2013 finished their candidature in the tournament with a record haul of 2 Silver and 7 Bronzein the19th Commonwealth TableTennis Championships that concluded in New Delhi. Onesilver medal on behalf of Indiawas won by Soumyajit Ghosh and MoumaDas in themixed doubles event, and theother onewas won by themen's teamearlier in thetournament. Indians represented thecountry in atleast six of theeight tournaments that included doubles too, but didnt turned up to be successful in securing agold medal for thecountry. At the same time, Singapore delivered the best and claimed gold in every category except the women's individual competition. Mo Zhang fromCanadapulled off thegold fromSingapores world no 27 Mengyu Mu by securing a43 win in thefinals.
SREESANTH AND TWO OTHERS ARRESTED FOR SPOTFIXING

Indian fast bowler, S. Sreesanth and his two team mates from Rajasthan Royals namely Ajit Chadilaand Ankeet Chavan werearrested by Delhi Policeon 16 May 2013 on charges of Spot Fixing in Indian Premier League(IPL). The three cricketers were arrested from Mumbai and will be brought to Delhi for being produced in a Court. Apart from the three cricketers the police also arrested seven bookies. Both the cricketers and the bookies are charged under two sections of Indian Penal Code, Section 420 (cheating) and Section 120B(criminal conspiracy). Thearrests madewereapart of the investigations being conducted by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police over months on alleged Spot Fixing in thecash rich IPL.
SPOT FIXING
Spot Fixing is an illegal activity in asport, in which any part of thegamemay bean over or aball is fixed between theplayer and thebookies. Under this, theplayer agrees to play in accordance to theagreementmadebeforethegame with thebookies, so that they can bet upon the same. Although betting on any sport is illegal in India.
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CurrentAffairs eBook May 2013 LAUSANNE TALKS TO BRING INDIA BACK TO OLYMPIC FOLD
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TheInternational Olympic Committee (IOC) on 15 May 2013 agreed in principleon aroadmap to bring India back in the Olympic Fold after a meet with Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in Lausanne. The International Olympic Committee on 4 December 2012 put a ban on India its failure to adhere the Olympic Charter. The meet of Lausanne was of a great importance with Indian perspectiveas it will decidethe sporting future of India, after theban. TheIOC in its meet with theIOA stated that during ameet of the interimbody would takeover fromtheIOAand hold fresh elections under theamended IOAconstitution. This announcement was made by the IOC after the Union Sports Minister Jitendra Singh convinced IOC on the Sports Bill that theBill as asign of government interferenceis necessary for good governanceof Indian sports.
LEGENDARY FOOTBALLER, DAVID BECKHAM ANNOUNCED RETIREMENT

Legendary Footballer and Former England captain David Beckhamon 16 May 2013 announced his retirement fromprofessional football and gavean end to his illustrious career of morethan two decades. He will retire from the professional football after the end of this season. The38 year old footballer recently helped his teamto win aleaguetitlein thefourth country with Paris Saint Germain.
ABOUT DAVID BECKHAM

Beckham earned 115 caps for England, a record for an outfield player, and won the Champions League, six Premier Leaguetitles and two FACups with Manchester United. David Beckham joined Manchester United as a 14yearold in 1992 and made 398 appearances, winning six Premier Leaguetitles and theChampions League. Hemadehis debut for England in 1996 and made 115 appearances for the country Heis themost capped outfield player of in thehistory of England By securing theParis SaintGermain's Ligue1 wins, hehas won 19 trophies of which 10 areLeaguetitles Heis theonly English player to win Championship titles in 4 different countries Beckham was a key member of the Treble Team and he helped it in addition of Champions League, 2 FA Cups, 1 Intercontinental Cup and 4 Community Shields to a long list of its honours. (Treble Team is a term that is used in football association to
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refer a team that winsthree trophiesin a single season). Heis thefirst English player who scored in 3 consecutiveWorld Cup Finals
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Beckham has the record of jointsecond most goal assists in European Championship Finals history Heis among few of theBritish players who played for Real Madrid, AC Milan, LA Galaxy and Paris SaintGermain Heis thefirst British player to reach 100 champions leagueappearances Hewas successful in winning LaLigaTitlein thefinal season of Spain as well as has been thewinner of USMLSChampionship twice Hehelped theteamto win French Ligue1 Championship in 19 years
STATE
KARNATAKA ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2013
KarnatakaElections: Congress Secured 121 seats of the223 Seats to emergeas winner. Congress on 8 May 2013 won 121 seats of the 223 seats on which polls were contested in KarnatakaAssembly Elections 2013, theelections wereheld on 5 May 2013. Congress returned back to power after seven years in thestate. The party of opposition BJP and JantaDal secular managed to win 40 seats each. The Resultsof Karnataka Elections: Statusknown for 223 of 224 constituencies
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Congress won 121 BJP won 40 JanataDal (Secular) won 40 Samajwadi Party won 1 KJP 6 Others won 15
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Parties like Karnataka Janatha Party of BS Yeddyurappa and the BSR Congress of B Sriramulu werereduced to single digits in context of seats. Whereas, Samajwadi party managed to secure Chennapatnaseat and opened its account for thefirst timein thestate. Themajor setbacks of theelection werethedefeat of defeat of former StatePresident of BJP K SEshwarappaand KarnatakaStateCongress President G Parameshwar. After theresults were declared, ChiefMinister Jagadish Shetter submitted his resignation to theGovernor of thestate following thedefeat of his party in thestate. In 2008, BJP came to power in the state for the first time after winning 110 seats against congress 80 seats and JDs 28 in the224 member house. Polling was held on 223 seats in the state. Date for polls in the Periyapatna in Mysore district was postponed to 28 May 2013 following death of aBJP candidateSannagogeGowdaon 1 May 2013. Removal of BS Yeddyurappa from the Chief Minister's post and his decision to form his own party were identified as the two major reasons for the huge defeat suffered by BJP in Karnataka, considered to bea gateway to South Indiafor BJP.
TN ANNOUNCED 9 CRORE GRANT TO JEEVAN FOR STEM CELL STORAGE

TheGovernmentof Tamil Nadu on 30 April 2013 allotted agrant of 9 croreRupees to thePublic Cord Blood Bank established by theJeevan Blood Bank and Research Centrein Chennai. Thegrant was allotted to process and storeabout 3000 cord blood donations from Tamil Nadu. Theallotted money is supposed to bedisbursed in aspan of over three years.
ADVANTAGE OF THE GRANT

It will be amajor boost to public cord blood banking in India; as thearea can flourish only with governmentpatronage. It is important here to note that the Umbilical cord blood, which is discarded after childbirth, is one of the richest sources of blood forming stem cells and is being used across theworld for over two decades for thetreatmentof blood cancers, Thalassemia
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and blood disorders.
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But for this the HLA (Human Leucocyte Antigen) matching of the donor and the recipient is critical for thesuccessful transplant of stem cells. It usually depends on thebackground of the patient and donor. In the nonappearance of an Indian inventory, the chances of an Indian finding amatch is less than 10 per cent across the world. If anyoneis lucky enough to find a match elsewhere, it will cost thepatient closeto 20 lakh Rupees to import it.
PUNJAB GOVT. INCREASED MIN.WAGES ON EVE OF LABO URS DAY

The Punjab government on 1 May 2013 announced to increase the minimum wages of unskilled, semiskilled and skilled workers with effect from1 March 2013. Highlightsof the revisedwages Thewages of unskilled labourers likechowkidaar, peon, and helpers havebeen revised from5200 to 5695 Rupees per month. The wages of semiskilled workers have been revised from 5980 to 6475 Rupees per month. The skilled worker like black smith and electrician having five year experience on un skilled post will get minimum7372 Rupees per month instead of 6877 Rupees. Wages of highskilled like graduate, technical degree holder, truck driver has been revised from 7909 to 8404 Rupees. Thewages of categoryAstaff likepost graduate, MBAhas been revised from10370 to 10865 Rupees. CategoryB Staff likegraduatehas been revised from8700 to 9195 Rupees CategoryC staff likeundergraduatehas been revised from7200 to 7695 Rupees CategoryD staff like matriculate has been revised from 6000 Rupees to 6495 Rupees per month. It is Important hereto notethat thePunjab Governmentis all set to build labour sheds and night shelters in different parts of thestatefor theconstruction workers with the cost of 10 crore Rupees in thefinancial year 201314.
HARYANA GOVERNMENT ISSUED SHIKSHA SETU C ARDS TO STUDENTS

State Government of Haryana on 5 May 2013 issued Shiksha Setu Cards for Government Schools to keep students and teachers updated about theperformanceof students. www.jagranjosh.com
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TheShikshaSetu Cards areissued for ensuring individual attention over every student as this will help to impart quality education to students in Governmentschools. Thesecards will act as thereport cards for thestudents. This can be considered as astateGovernments step towards effectiveimplementation of theSection 134 Aof theRight to Education Act, which envisages for admission of children belonging to poor and needy families in privateschools.
HC ORDERED W. BENGAL GOVT TO HOLD 3PHASED PANCHAYAT POLLS

TheHigh Court of Calcuttaon 14 May 2013 directed theStateGovernmentof West Bengal to conduct the Panchayat Elections in three phases in thestate. Thedivision bench of theCalcutta High Court that comprised ChiefJusticeArun Mishraand JusticeJoymalyaBagchi directed the state government to announce full notification in consultation with the State Election Commissioner within three days. TheHigh Court in its orders also directed thestategovernmentto concludethepoll process by 15 July 2013 and asked it to deploy armedpolicein each and every hypersensitiveand sensitive polling booth. Earlier, theWest Bengal Governmentmoved to theDivision Bench seeking stay on theorders that was passed by thesinglebench of theCourt by JusticeVishwanath Sammadar to conduct of Panchayat polls.
NEWS CAPSULE
BRIGGS APPOINTED AS SECRETARY GENERAL OF RAMSAR CONVENTION
Dr. Christopher Briggs was announced theSecretary General of theRamsar Convention in third week of April 2013. His appointmentto thepost was declared by theStanding Committee of theRamsar Convention on Wetlands during 46th meeting held in Gland, Switzerland from812 April 2013. He is the successor of Tiga Anada, who served the convention for six years. About Dr. Christopher Briggs Hehas served UN DevelopmentProgramme(UNDP) Hehas also served theUN EnvironmentProgramme(UNEP) Hehas also served the UNEPGlobal EnvironmentFacility (UNEPGEF) Bio safety Unit Heserved GEFSecretariat, and theUNDPfor theLatin American and Caribbean region based in Panama
About the Ramsar Convention The Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) called the Ramsar Convention is an www.jagranjosh.com
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intergovernmental treaty that embodies the commitments of its member countries to maintain theecological character of their Wetlands of International Importanceand to plan for the wise use, or sustainableuse, of all of thewetlands in their territories.
RECENT TRENDS IN MATERIAL FLOWS AND RESOURCE PRODUCTIVITY IN ASIA AND PACIFIC
UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Report Recent Trends in Material Flows and Resource Productivity in Asiaand thePacific 2013 released on 24 April 2013 reported that AsiaPacific has surpassed the rest of the world in material consumption and will continue to dominate the world material flow. Thefindings and conclusions of thereport is based on an updated material flows database which presents data up to 2008, and the onset of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). As per thefindings of thereport, thetradebalanceof AsiaPacific indicates that thecurrent rate of exploitation of theresourcebaseis not sufficient to fulfill the evergrowing demands of the fastgrowing economies and the changing lifestyles. The report indicated that from 1970 to 2008, the consumption of construction minerals in the region increased 13.4 times. Similarly metal ores and industrial mineral consumption increased 8.6 times. Biomass and fossil fuels havealso seen an increaseof 2.7 and 5.4 times respectively. The report indicates that at such a pace of development the area will have to depend upon imports. The material intensity of the region consumption of materials per dollar Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is an area of serious concern. The development of the region has increased pressures over theenvironmentby exceeding therapid growth of theregion. At present the material intensity of the AsiaPacific is three times the rest of the world. The current rateof consumption is also having anegativeimpact on theenvironment. From1970 and 2008, thematerial consumption of thearea has goneup to 37.5 billion tonnes from6.2 billion tonnes. In all theseyears, theregion has grown at a rateof 4.8 percent. By 2008 in therecord of consumption, China accounts for 60 percent and India accounts for 14 percent of thetotal regional domestic material consumption. Overall AsiaPacific accounts to 89 percent of theaverageper capitaincomeof theworld. China India www.jagranjosh.com
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Between 2005 to 2008, theper capitamaterial consumption increased by 25 percent Dueto thestrong domestic demands, it has reinforced its position as anet importer of materials (in particular petroleum) Since1980s theresource efficiency of Chinahas shown agood progress
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Overall material Consumption of Indiahas remained low, whereas theconsumption of metal ores, industrial minerals has grown 8.6 percent every year from 1998 to 2008. Thus India is moving at agreat paceto changeitself into an industrialized economy
The report also identified that the AsiaPacific is making a slide transition to mineral based economy from the biomass based economy, i.e. a transition from agrarian economy to industrialized economy. The biomass in the region has gone down to 25 percent, which accounts to morethan half of thedomestic extraction, whereas theconstruction material has seen agrowth of 51.4 percent. The report has called up for being vigilant in making up of the development policies and recommended theestablishmentof aharmonised databaseto sharematerials.
BOOK ENTITLED FIDAELUCKNOW TALES OF THE CITY AND ITS PEOPLE

TheVicePresident of India, Hamid Ansari released abook entitled FidaeLucknow Tales of the city and its people on 1 May 2013. The book is authored by Parveen Talha, former Member UPSC. It is important to note that a lot of authors as well as poets have also penned down about Lucknow and its culture. Cultural civilization grew in the city because of its rich tradition and specialty. FidaeLucknow Tales of the city and its people is the collection of 22 short stories. It peeps into theflavours and textures of lifein Lucknow. Thebook takes its readers through thehistory of its GangaJamuni culture and the changes which came over the city and its people in the postIndependenceperiod. Thebook also describes about thestory of Lucknows women.
JAGRAN GROUP BAGGED THREE AWARDS AT INMA AWARDS CEREMONY

Jagran group bagged three awards in three different categories at the International News MediaMarketing Association (INMA)awards held in New York. Dainik Jagran won theaward for its campaign How Much MoreTimeDoes Jharkhand Need: Awakening aState. In this campaign, there was an active participation of social activists, politicians, students, women and youths. Apart from Dainik Jagran, MidDay won second prize in the category of Digital Audience Usage while iNext bagged second prize in the category of Advertising Sales and Retention. Earlier, Dainik Jagran had bagged prizefor campaigns related to judicial reforms. In addition, Dainik Jagran got second prize in the Readership/Usage of the Print Publication category. INMA is the world's leading provider of global best practices and marketing ideas for news www.jagranjosh.com
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media companies and nearly 5000 media institutions in 80 countries are its members. There weretotal of 87 entries fromacross theworld, including America, Germany, England, Canada and Pakistan, in this category.
QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH

Q.1) President Robert Mugabeon 22 May 2013 signed Zimbabwe's new constitution into law. Discuss the present scenario in Zimbabwe. Do you agree that the new constitution could improvethepolitical situation there? Q.2) The Second USIndia Homeland Security Dialogue was held in Washington. Critically describeand discuss thefeatures of security dialogue. Q.3) TheElection Commission of Indiaand the National Literacy Mission Authority on 21 May 2013 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Electoral Literacy. In what way electoral literacy can strengthen democracy in India?Discuss. Q.4) Thegovernmenton 17 May 2013 cut the import tariff valueof gold and silver to 466 US dollars per ten grams and 761US dollars per kg, respectively. Enlist the reasons behind the governmentdecision. How it affects theeconomy? Q.5) Writebriefnotes on thefollowing: a)3D GestureSensing Technology b) Carbon Aerogel c)GSLV D5 d) First Cloned Human Embryo e)Chinua Achebe f) Yuichiro Miura g) PratibhaRay h) LydiaDavis Q.6) TheZoological Society of London in themonth of May 2013 revealed that Indian dolphins as well as the wild elephants were among recent top 100 mammals facing the risks of extinction. Describe the status of dolphins and Elephants in the report. Suggest measures to savethem fromextinction. Q.7) The government on 13 May 2013 approved new guidelines for the Indira Awas Yojna Schemefor rural poor. What arethenew guidelines?How it will benefit the poor?
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