Professional Documents
Culture Documents
January-2013 To July 2013 Current Affairs
January-2013 To July 2013 Current Affairs
TO
JULY-2013
CURRENT AFFAIRS
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JANUARY
INTERNATIONAL
Palestinian Authority to be Named State of Palestine
On 7 January Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has signed a
decree changing the name of the Palestinian Authority to the State of
Palestine," according to the organizations official news agency.
Pakistani Supreme Court Orders Arrest of Prime Minister
On 15 January 2013 Pakistans Supreme Court ordered the arrest of the prime
minister in connection with a corruption case linked to power projects. The
Supreme Court gave authorities 24 hours to arrest Prime Minister Raja Pervez
Ashraf and 16 others.This is the first in the history of Pakistan to arrest a Prime
Minister. The orders of the Court came following the allegations in connection
with a corruption case linked to power projects, done during his office of the
Water and Power Minister.
Obama Signed 23 Executive Orders on Gun Safety
On 16 January President Barack Obama announced 23 executive actions on gun
control laws, making them stricter,which would come into effect immediately after
his signatures. One of these measures include requiring the target shooters to
keep their guns locked and also to ban military-style assault weapons, high
capacity magazine as well as to make the background check mandatory.Obama
announced that this was his attempt to keep children safe, keeping in view the
massacre of Newtown where 20 first grade children along with six adults were
killed.
140 Nations Agreed On Global Mercury Limits
On 19 January , More than 140 nations have agreed on the first legally binding
treaty to curb mercury pollution.Delegates at UN discussed in Geneva approved
measures to control the use of the highly toxic metal, which is widely used in
chemical production and small-scale mining, in order to limit mercury
emissions.The governments agreed to ban the production, export and import of a
range of products containing mercury by 2020.The treaty has been discussed for
four years, but it is only now that the negotiators agreed over the final version of
the document. The treaty, known as the Minamata Convention on Mercury,
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State for Commerce and Industry D Purandesari signed the joint communique on
behalf of India along with representatives of Kenya, Sri Lanka, Indonesia,
Rwanda and Malawi in Colombo.The ITPF will initially be an independent body
but in future may get affiliated to Food & Agriculture Organisation of United
Nations.
India , Bangladesh Signed Extradition and Visa Agreements
On 28 January Bangladesh and India signed an extradition treaty and struck a
deal to relax business visa restrictions between the neighbouring countries.
However, refusal provisions were incorporated into the extradition treaty.Home
minister Sushilkumar Shinde signed the agreement with his Bangladeshi
counterpart Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir at the end of their bilateral talks.
India Dropped to 140th Rank in Press Freedom
According to the report Reporters Without Borders India has dropped nine places
to the 140th rank in the list of 179 countries in the latest World Press Freedom
Index.China (173rd, +1) shows no sign of improving. Its prisons still hold many
journalists and netizens, while increasingly unpopular Internet censorship
continues to be a major obstacle to access information.As last year, the list is
topped by three European countries Finland, Netherlands and
Norway.Turkmenistan, North Korea and Eritrea continue to be at the bottom of
the list as has been in the last three years.
NATIONAL
Govt Launched Direct Cash Transfer Scheme in 20 Districts
On 1 January 2013 The government launched its scaled down Cash Transfer
Benefit (CBT) in 20 districts,but food, fertiliser and fuel subsidies will not be
covered in the initial phase. All 26 schemes are ready for rollout. On 1 January
2013 the seven schemes in which payout is due in the (20 selected) districts, the
money will be transferred through the direct benefit transfer system using the
UIDAI platform.The scheme is going to be rolled out in 43 districts by 1 March
2013, 20 districts from January 1, 11 districts from February 1 and 12 districts
from March 1. By end of 2013, the direct cash benefit transfer will be rolled out in
all the districts of the country.
PA Sangma launched National Peoples Party
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PA Sangma, who broke away with the NCP in 2012 to contest the presidential
elections, though unsuccessfully, on 05 January 2013 launched National
Peoples Party (NPP), and chosen a book as its symbol. Sangma has chosen to
align his party with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
President Released Stamps on Swami Vivekananda
On 12 January The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee released the
Commemorative Postage Stamps, at the Commemoration of the 150th Birth
Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, in New Delhi .
Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2012
On 17 January According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2012
report has found that learning levels have dipped to an all-time low. So, almost
half the 6-7 year-olds (Class I) in India cannot read even one letter in any
language, over 57% cannot read any English while almost 40% cannot recognize
numbers between 1 and 9.The 12.8% children between Class I and V could not
read a single letter while 10.7% could not recognize numbers 1 to 9. The number
of children in Class V who could read Class II text fell from 53.7% in 2010 to
46.8% in 2012. In 2010, seven out of 10 children could solve a two-digit
subtraction problem with borrowing. This has come down to five out of 10 in
2012.
STATES
Odisha Launched Public Service Delivery System
On 2 January The Odisha government launched the much-sought after Public
Service Delivery System for citizens under the Odisha Right to Public Service
Act, 2012.Under the new act, people will get services like issue of driving license,
birth and death certificates, passport and trade license within a stipulated
time.Odisha is among the 12th state to implement the law.
Haryana Government announced Kanyadan Scheme for Bride participants
of Mass Marriages
The Government of Haryana on 3 January 2012 announced its plan of launching
a Kanyadan Scheme in the state for brides participating in the mass marriage
ceremony, which would be organised by any of the registered NGO or the Red
Cross Society. The scheme would carry an incentive amount of 11000 rupees
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and would come into effect from 1 April 2012. The incentive amount of 11000
rupees would be given to brides from all castes, creeds, race, religion and the
income category to which the girl belongs.
Arunachal Pradesh Collaborated with NSDL for Adoption of National
Pension Scheme
On 9 January The state of Arunachal Pradesh entered into an agreement with
signing of MoU with National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL), permitting it to
work as a Central Record Keeping Agency (CRA) for adoption of the National
Pension System (NPS).National Pension Scheme NPS is an initiative of the
Union Government of India and Arunachal Pradesh is the 26th State to adopt it.
Gujarat Tops List of Indian States on Economic Freedom Policy
According to the Economic Freedom of States in India report which was
released by former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor and present Rajya
Sabha Member Bimal Jalan.The top state in India in (terms of) economic
freedom in 2011 was western Indian state Gujarat. It displaced southern Indian
state Tamil Nadu which had been at the top in 2009.Gujarat freedom index has
been rising fast and estimated at 0.64 points. The biggest improvement has
been registered by Madhya Pradesh with freedom index score rose from 0.42 in
2009 to 0.56 in 2011 enabling it to move up from sixth to third position.
Assembly polls in Tripura,Meghalaya and Nagaland on Febrauary
Assembly elections in Tripura will be held on February 14 and in Meghalaya and
Nagaland on February 23 and their results will be out on February 28, the
Election Commission announced on 10 January 2013.The EC also announced
byelections to nine assembly constituencies in Mizoram, Uttar Pradesh, West
Bengal and Punjab on February 23 and in Assam, Bihar and Maharashtra on
February 24, but their results will be out together on February 28.
Presidents Rule Imposed on Jharkhand
On 18 January Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India imposed Presidents
Rule in Jharkhand under Article 356(1) of the Constitution.The Presidents Rule
for the third time since its formation 12 years ago.The decision came as a follow
up of the recommendation made by the Union Cabinet of India and fall of the
state machinery in form of Government on 8 January after the Jharkhand Mukti
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Morcha the supporting party to BJP led Coalition Government withdrew its
support from it. The state was placed under Presidents Rule in 2009 and 2010.
Three New High Courts for North East
The Centre has constituted three new High Courts in the northeast Meghalaya,
Manipur and Tripura taking the total number of High Courts in the country from
21 to 24.According to Law Ministry sources, the strength of judges in each High
Court will be as follows: Tripura 4 (including the Chief Justice), and Meghalaya
and Manipur: three each (including the Chief Justice).
CONFERENCES
100th Indian Science Congress held in Kolkata
The 100th Indian Science Congress was held from 3 to 7 January in Kolkata
(West Bengal) .The theme of the session is Science for Shaping the Future of
India .The session was inaugurated
by Pranab Mukherjee
the President
of India .In the session Prime Minister Manmohan Singh released The
Science, Technology and Innovation Policy(STI) 2013 .On 4 January Former
President Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam inaugurated a Children Science Congress as
part of the 100th Indian Science Congress .The 100th Indian Science Congress
(ISC 2013) is also organized a special programme Women empowerment for
the development of the country to showcase the contribution of women in
science and technology.This is the 13th time the Indian Science Congress is
being hosted by Kolkata
11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held in Kochi
11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was held from 7- 9 January at Kochi
(Kerala).Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag was the chief guest of this
official inaugural session.2000 delegates from 40 countries attended the
convention.The theme for this years Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is Engaging
Diaspora the Indian Growth Story.On 7th January in the event they discussed
on problems that people from Kerala face in the region.Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh will inaugurated the annual flagship event and released the
postage stamp on Ghadar Movement on 8 January and President Pranab
Mukherjee will delivered the valedictory address on January 9 and also
presented the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards.Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD)
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On 9 January Malala Yousafzai (15), the schoolgirl from Pakistan shot by Taliban
for campaigning girls education, received Frances Simone de Beauvoir Prize
for Womens Freedom in Paris. Malalas father Ziaudin Yousafzai received the
honour on her behalf. he award is accompanied with 2.5 million RupeTes
honorarium.
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2013
On 9 January Pranab Mukherjee President of India presented the Pravasi
Bharatiya Samman (Awards) 2013 to 14 people, included Overseas Indian
Affairs Vayalar Ravi and Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag, He was also
the Chief Guest of 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2013. In accordance to
Tradition, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (Awards) 2013 have been given to notable
Indians living abroad.
The other awardees are Prof Dr Gurusharan Singh Chhatwal of Germany for
science, Dr Rasik Vihari Joshi (Mexico) for Literature, Gilbert Canabady Moutien
(Reunion Island) and Mohammed Rabeeh Karuvanthodi (Saudi Arabia) for
business, Patricia Maria Rozario(UK) for Music, Dr Narendra Ramakrishna
Kumar (USA) for Healthcare, Subash Razdan (USA) and Islmail Ebrahim (South
Afrcia) for Public service.
Dr Satendra Kumar Singh (New Zealand), Australia India Society of Victoria
(Australia) and Bava Pandalingal (UAE), Ashok Shambhomal Vaswani (Guinea),
Indian Doctors Forum, Kuwait for community service, Tan Sri Ravindran Menon
from Malaysia for Community service, are among others on the list of awardees.
Mamata Banerjee gets gift from PCB
Overwhelmed by the hospitality at the Eden Gardens during India-Pakistan
second ODI in Kolkata, the PCB sent the gift as a silver-coated Quran to the
Cricket Association of Bengal who handed it over to the CM during a function at
the Netaji Indoor in Kolkata on 10 January 2013.
Mahaveer Golechha Bags Award for Alzheimers Drug
On 17 January The London-based Indian researcher Mahaveer Golechha, was
selected to be felicitated for an award that includes his work on a drug that can
be a potential cure of Alzheimers disease.In the study conducted by Golechha,
he found discovered that naringin has essential anti-Alzheimer activity.
70th Golden Globe Awards 2013
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On January 13 The 70th Golden Globe Awards honored the best in film and
television of 2012, was presented in California .
Best Film : Argo
Best Actor : Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln)
Best Actress : Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty)
Best Director - Ben Affleck (Argo)
Best Musical or Comedy -: Les Miserables
Best Foreign Language Film : Amour
Best Animated Feature Film -: Brave
Krishi Karman Awards 2011- 2012
On 15 January President Pranab Mukherjee presented the Krishi Karman
awards for the year 2011-12 at an award ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The awards were presented to the State Governments for their excellent
performance in increasing the production of food grains in their respective states.
Awards in Different Segments :- The Awards for Special Contribution to Total Food Grains Production Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Manipur and Nagaland
- Award for Contribution to Production and Productivity of Rice Bihar
- Award for Contribution to Production and Productivity of Wheat - Haryana
- Award for Contribution to Production and Productivity of Pulses - Jharkhand
- Award for Contribution to Production and Productivity of Coarse Cereals Uttar
Pradesh
58th Filmfare Awards
The 58th Filmfare Awards were held honoring the best films of 2012 from the
Hindi-language film industry (commonly known as Bollywood). The ceremony
was held on January 20, 2013 at Mumbai.
Best Movie :- Barfi!
Best Actor :- Ranbir Kapoor (Film -Barfi!)
Best Actress :- Vidya Balan (Film Kahaani )
Best Director :- Sujoy Ghosh (Film Kahaani )
Lifetime Achievement Award :- Yash Chopra (After Death)
Prof C N R Rao awarded by Chinese Academy of Sciences
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Womens Singles: Tai Tzu-ying (Thailand) won the womens singles title after
defeated Yao Xue (Korea)
Womens Doubles: In the event Bao Yixin-Tian Qing (China) won the title after
defeated Misaki Matsutomo-Ayaka Takahashi (Japan)
Lalith Babu takes top honours
Lalith Babu defeated Swapnil Dhopade in the final round to clinch the Chennai
Super Kings International Grandmaster chess tournament that concluded at the
Nehru Stadium in Chennai on 23 January 2013.Lalith Babu won Rs.200,000 and
the trophy after becoming the first Indian player to claim the Chennai Open
Australian Open Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners
Womens Singles :- Victoria Azarenka of Belarus won the Womens Singles title
of the Australian Open Tennis tournament after defeated Li Na of China in the
final at Melbourne on 26 January .
Mens Singles:- Novak Djokovic (Serbia) has won the mens singles title after
defeating Andy Murray (Britain) in four sets. This is Djokovics fourth Australian
Open and over all six Grand Slam single title.
Womens Doubles:- Top seeds Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci won the title,
defeating wild cards Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua in the final.
Mens Doubles : Top seeded American brothers Bob and Mike Bryan won the
mens doubles title. Americans Mike and Bob Bryan won their record 13th Grand
Slam doubles title, defeating the Dutch team of Robin Haase and Igor Sijsling .
Magnus Carlsen Won Tata Steel Chess Championship
Magnus Carlsen won Tata Steel 2013 Chess tournament title in the final at
Netherlands on 27 January .In the final round tournament, he scored 10 points ,
winning clear first ahead of second-place finisher Aronian (Armenia).World
champion Viswanathan Anand at third position.
Mumbai won 40th Ranji Trophy Title
On 29 January Mumbai won its 40th Ranji Trophy title against Saurashtra by an
inning and 125 runs in the final at Wankhede at Mumbai .Wasim Jaffar was
declared Man of the Match. Ajit Agarkar was the captain of the winning team.
ECONOMY
Philippines introduced sin tax
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perk up growth through reduced cost of borrowing. RBI in its third quarter
monetary policy review surprised the market by cutting short-term lending rate
called repo, by 0.25 per cent to 7.75 per cent and Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by
similar margin to 4 per cent.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
US approved First new Tuberculosis Drug
On 1 January The US Food and Drug administration approved a Johnson &
Johnson tuberculosis drug in 40 years .This is the first new medicine to fight the
deadly infection in more than four decades.The disease is rare in the US, but kills
about 1.4 million people a year worldwide.
Spiral galaxy IC 2233
Astronomers had captured one of the flattest galaxies known in the universe,
sitting like a silver needle in the haystack of space. The NASA/ESA Hubble
Space Telescope produced a beautiful image of the spiral galaxy IC 2233, one of
the flattest galaxies. The IC 2233 is located about 40 million light-years away
from Earth. This galaxy was earlier discovered by British astronomer Isaac
Roberts in 1894.
Immune system booster may hit cancer
Japanese research where stem cells were used to clone and produce large
numbers of a specialized type of white blood cell. These cells, known as
cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), are produced by the immune system and are
able to recognize specific markers on the surface of various tumour cells,
causing them to launch an attack to kill the tumour cells.The researchers are
succeeded in using stem cells to mass-produce CTLs in laboratory conditions.
Chinese Biologists Discovered Antibiotic In Panda Blood
Chinese biologists have discovered that the blood of the endangered giant panda
includes a compound called Cathelicidin-AM which acts as a natural antibiotic.
The nature of the blood compound makes it an attractive treatment for so-called
superbugs, those strains of disease that have become immune or resistant to
traditional antibiotics.
India to make worlds largest solar telescope
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India is likely to begin construction of the worlds largest solar telescope on the
foothills of the Himalayas in Ladakh to understand the fundamental processes
taking place on the Sun by year-end.A 2-metre class, state-of-the-art National
Large Solar Telescope (NLST), built by Bangalore-based Indian Institute of
Astrophysics (IIA), will permit Indian scientists to carry out cutting edge research
aimed to study Suns atmosphere.
Internet emits 830 mt of carbon dioxide annually
According to Researchers from the Centre for Energy-Efficient
Telecommunications (CEET) and Bell Labs, Internet and other components of
information communication and technology (ICT) industry annually produces
more than 830 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main greenhouse gas,
and is expected to double by 2020
Lakshya Missile Successfully Tested
Indias indigenously developed, Lakshya was sucessfully tested on 7 January .It
was launched from the Integrated Test Range ITR, at Odisha .25 meters in
length, 100 km away from the target to the missile .
17 billion Earth-sized planets in Milky Way
The Milky Way contains at least 17 billion planets the size of Earth.Astronomers
using NASAs Kepler spacecraft found that about 17 percent of stars in our
galaxy have a planet about the size of Earth in a close orbit.The Milky Way is
known to host about 100 billion stars, meaning that about one of every six has an
Earth-sized planet around it.
Brahmos cruise missile test fired in successfully
Supersonic cruise missile BrahMos scored once again in its 34th launch on 09
January 2013 off Visakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal, hitting a decommissioned
vessel with accuracy.As it took off vertically from a naval warship, reached an
altitude of 14 km, levelled out and started cruising at three times the speed of
sound, it performed a double manoeuvre in S-form and hit the decommissioned
ship, about 290 km away.
Astronomers Found NGC 6872 Largest known Spiral Galaxy
A team of astronomers from the United States, Chile and Brazil has crowned it
the largest-known spiral galaxy, a spectacular behemoth five times bigger than
our own Milky Way, based on archival data from NASAs Galaxy Evolution
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ABBREVIATIONS
CBT-Cash Transfer Benefit
EIUEconomist Intelligence Unit
CBSCentral Bureau of Statistics
NLST-National Large Solar Telescope
CEET-Centre for Energy-Efficient Telecommunications
CIAAmerican Intelligence Agency
WEF-World Economic Forum
PBSPravasi Bhartiya Divas
MSMEMinistry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
BWFBadminton World Federation
BOOKS IN NEWS
Swami Vivekananda The Monk as Man Book Released
The renowned Bengali writer Shankar wrote a The Monk as Man book on
Swami Vivekananda ,who spread the message of Indias spiritual heritage across
the world.In the book Shankar described Vivekananda used to emphasise greatly
on physical strength and is known for the shocking statement Better to play
football than read the Gita.
McChrystal My Share of the Task: A Memoir Book Released
General Stanley McChrystal, the former American commander in Afghanistan,
wrote a My Share of the Task: A Memoir, book which was released on 7
January .In the book Chrystal explained that tensions between the White House
and the Pentagon were evident in the Obama administration from its opening
months in office.This book is not just for aficionados of military history or for
students of American foreign policy .
COMMITTEES
Vijay Kelkar Committee for Fiscal Consolidation
The Vijay Kelkar Committee, which was appointed by Finance Ministry to
suggest a roadmap for fiscal consolidation, has suggested immediate hike in fuel
prices and complete deregulation of diesel prices by start of 2014-15 fiscal.It also
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Amendment Bill of 2012, whereby the letter h will be removed from the name of
the province.
Russia Rejected U.S. Nuclear Warheads Proposals
On 14 February Russia rejected U.S. president Barack Obama proposals , which
deployed nuclear warhead delivery systems including bombers, missile
launchers and nuclear submarines a cut of about 60%.In 2010 Russia and the
United States signed on New START agreement.The New Start treaty limits
each side to no more than 800 deployed nuclear warhead delivery systems
including bombers, missile launchers and nuclear submarines a cut of about
50%.
Rafael Correa Re-elected for 3rd term as Ecuadors President
On 17 February Ecuadoreans president Rafael Correa has been re-elected for a
third term with more than 50 percent of votes in his favour.As per the results,
Rafael Correa got 56.7 percent while his closest competitor Guillermo could
secure only 23.3 percent.Correa is a socialist leader who was first elected in
2006 December and he was sworn in on 15 January 2007 as the 56th president
of Ecuador.Correa was re-elected to a second term in 2009.
Pakistan Hands Over Strategic Gwadar Port To China
On 18 February Pakistan and China signed an agreement to hand over control of
the strategic Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea to a Chinese company.Under the
agreement for transfer of concession rights, the deep sea port will remain the
property of Pakistan while the Chinese company will share profits from its
operation. China Overseas Port Holdings Limited will fully assume responsibility
for Gwadar port in Balochistan province.
Israels Netanyahu Announced Coalition Deal with Tzipi Livni
On 19 Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has announced a coalition deal with
former Foreign Minister and the rival centrist Hatnua Party Chairwomen Tzipi
Livni, at Jerusalem. Under the deal agreement, Livni will serve as the new
Justice Minister and will oversee the peace efforts with the Palestinians.Tzipi
Livni is an Israeli Politician and the first women to be the leader of opposition in
Israel. She is the leader of the new centrist party, Hatnuah. She served Israel as
its Foreign Minister from 2006 to 2009.
Russia and Brazil Signed on Defence Cooperation Agreements
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On 3 February Six Indian research institutes, including Centre for Civil Society
(CCS), are among top 150 global think tanks in the annual list released by the
University of Pennsylvania for the year 2012.The list was topped by Brookings
Institution (United States) followed by Chatham House (United Kingdom) and
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (United States).Other Indian thinktanks featured in the list are:- Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis , Indian
Council for Research on International Economic Relations , The Energy and
Resources Institute , Observer Research Foundation and Development
Alternatives.
India and Austria Signed a Social Security Agreement
On 5 February India and Austria signed a social security agreement at Vienna,
under which the Indian professionals working in Austria would be exempted from
paying the social security contribution of the country, if such payments are
already made in India. Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and
Austrian Minister for Labour and Social Security, Rudoulf Hundstorfer signed on
the agreement.
India Pledges $100m For Mali Reconstruction
On 5 February India pledges $100m for Mali reconstruction .India has committed
to giving $1 million for the upgrade of the Malian army with a pledge to ramp up
contributions for reconstruction to $100 million after the situation stabilizes.
India and China Tourists Triple Australian Visits
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics report , Chinese and Indian
visitors, with tourist numbers from those countries tripled in the past
decade.630,000 visits from Chinese tourists in 2012 compared with 190,000 in
2002. Indian visits went from 45,000 to 160,000 in the same period.Despite a
high Australian dollar, Australias short-term visitor numbers were up by nearly
five percent since 2011 with 6.1 million short trips made to Australia 270,000
more than in 2011.
Special Purpose Vehicle Formed for TAPI Pipeline Project
On 7 February The Union Cabinet gave its approval for formation of the Special
Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI)
Pipeline Project and to permit GAIL India Ltd. to join the SPV. The four countries
involved in the TAPI Gas pipeline project, signed an Inter-Governmental
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VVIPs.The deal came under the scanner of Italian agencies after allegations of
kickback given in India surfaced.The agencies arrested Giuseppe Orsi, the head
of Italian defence and aerospace giant Finmeccanica as part of their probe
related to international corruption.Around 50 million euros , about 10 per cent of
the deal, were alleged to have been given as bribes to ensure that the company
won the contract.On February The Defence Ministry has ordered CBI probe into
alleged scam in a Rs 3600 crore defence helicopter deal after arrest of head of
Italian firm Finmeccanica on charges of bribery.
India and Britain Discussed on Nuclear Cooperation
On 19 February Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Britain Prime
Minister David Cameron discussed on regional and global issues ,which included
key issues of nuclear energy cooperation, security, terrorism and trade .The two
sides have also decided to commence negotiations on a bilateral Civil Nuclear
Agreement.Britain has assured that it will extend all cooperation to any Indian
probe into the multi-million-dollar helicopter scam which involves Italian defense
giant Finmeccanicas UK-based subsidiary AgustaWestland.David Cameron
announced that his country is going to introduce sameday visa service for Indian
businessmen in a bid to accelerate the bilateral trade between the two sides.
India won Kishanganga Case Against Pakistan
On 18 February the Court of Arbitration at the Hague allowed India to go ahead
with the Construction of the Kishanganga hydroelectric project in Gurez valley
near Bandipura in North Kashmir, the court rejected the plea of Pakistan that the
construction was a violation of 1960 Indus Water Treaty.The Court of Arbitration,
chaired by Stephen M. Schwebel in its orders stated that India can move ahead
with the diversion of water plans of Kishanganga that is a tributary of Jhelum, for
generation of hydro-electric power. But it restrained India from adoption of the
drawdown technique of flushing for clearing the sedimentation of the run-of-the
river project that had been designed and asked it to adopt a different technique
for generation of 330 MW power facilities.
NATIONAL
President Gave Assent to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013
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On 3 February President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to the Criminal Law
(Amendment) Ordinance, 2013 which provides for, amongst other things, stricter
punishment for crimes against women. The Ordinance was to be largely based
on the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee.However, the
Ordinance will have to be passed by Parliament within six months otherwise the
same shall lapse.
All Juvenile Crimes 64% by 16-18 yr Old Age Group
On 4 February According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data
shows that most juvenile crimes are committed by those in the age group of 1618 years.In 2011 the growth in rape by juveniles (34%) over 2010 was again
among the highest.In 2011, 64% of all juvenile criminals fall in the age group of
16-18. In 2011, 33,887 juveniles were arrested for 25,178 instances of crime.All
together make for over 50% of all rape cases by juveniles.
Aero India 2013 Held in Bangalore
The Asias biggest airshow Aero India 2013, a biennial air show and aviation
exhibition held from 6 10th February at the Yelehanka Air Force Station in
Bangalore .In the event displays magnificent aerobatic skills and belongings that
created a chance of winning potential business tieups and networking. Defence
Minister of India, A K Antony inaugurated the Air Show on 6 February .In the
event 53 civil and military aircraft and 27 countries participated and 78
delegations attended from US, Israel and Russia.The first Edition of the show
was organised for the first time in 1996.The next Aero India show is scheduled to
be held from 18 February to 22 February 2015 at Bangalore.
Cabinet Approved Rs.38500 cr Rural Road Development Plan
On 7 February The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 38,500 crore rupees for road
connectivity under the Prime Ministers Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).The
schemes approved were mainly for connectivity to villages in tribal areas, desert
and hilly areas, with a population of at least 250 each.In 82 areas hit by Naxalite
violence, villages with less than 250 people are also to be connected under the
scheme.
Parliament Attack Case Convict Afzal Guru Hanged
On 9 February in a top secret operation , the 2001 Parliament attack case convict
Mohammed Afzal Guru was hanged in Delhis Tihar jail.Afzal Guru was given the
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death sentence by the Supreme Court in 2004.The President rejected the Afzal
Gurus mercy petition on 23 January 2013.The code name of the secret
operation was Operation Three Star .
Centre Notified Cauvery Dispute Tribunal Award
After six years,on the directions of the Supreme Court, the Central Government
of India has notified the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal
(CWDT) on sharing the waters of the Cauvery system among the basin States of
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala and Union territory of Puducherry on 20
February.The Tribunal, comprising chairman Justice N.P. Singh and members
N.S. Rao and Sudhir Narain, in a unanimous award in February, 2007 had
determined the total availability of water in the Cauvery basin at 740 thousand
million cubic (TMC) feet at the Lower Coleroon Anicut site.In, what was then
described as a balancing act, the Tribunal gave Tamil Nadu 419 TMC of water
(as against the demand of 562 TMC); Karnataka 270 TMC (as against its
demand of 465 TMC); Kerala 30 TMC and Puducherry 7 TMC.After the issuance
of the notification, institutions like the Cauvery River Authority (CRA) chaired by
the Prime Minister and the CMC will cease to exist.
STATES
Sonia Gandhi Launched Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram Scheme
On 6 February Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi
launched Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), a new children health
care project initiative in Palghar, a tribal block in Thane district of
Maharashtra.The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, is a part of the National
Rural Health Mission of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The
scheme is aimed at improving overall quality of life of children through early
detection of birth defects, diseases and deficiencies, which are among key
factors for child mortality.
Maharashtra Promulgates Ordinance To Amend Cooperative Societies Act
On 15 February the Maharashtra Government promulgated an ordinance to
amend the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, which aims to promote
voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control and
professional management of co-operative societies.The ordinance is to amend
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Meghalaya Assembly with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, winning with huge
margins.Nagaland Ruling Naga Peoples Front combine returned to power with
an absolute majority in Nagaland winning 39 seats in the 60-member
Assembly.The ruling NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) alliance
will form government for a third consecutive term.Congress managed to win eight
seats. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio won from Northern Angami II seat by
defeating his nearest Congress rival Kevise Sogotsu of Congress by 12,671
votes.
Desalination Plant in Tamil Nadu Commissioned
On 22 February J. Jayalalithaa, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu inaugurated a
desalination plant at Nemmeli in Kanchipuram district of the state.The plant
which will benefit over 15 lakh residents in Velachery, Pallipattu and
Tiruvanmiyur areas of south Chennai has been set up with an investment of Rs
871 crore. About 265 million ltrs of water will be drawn from the sea to realise
100 million ltrs per day of drinking water through the plant spread over 40 acre.
CONFERENCES
13th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS)
The 13th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) concluded on 2
February at NewDelhi.The theme of the summit is The Global Challenge of
Resource Efficient Growth and Development.Among from 30 countries Heads
of Governments , research institutions, policy-makers, NGOs and corporates
attended the summit.The Summit organized annually since 2001 by The Energy
and Resources Institute (TERI), is an international platform for exchange of
knowledge on all nuances of sustainable development.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Malala Yousafzai nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
Malala Yousafzai, who was shoot by the Talibans against the girl education was
nominated for this years Nobel Peace Prize, as the deadline expired on 01
February 2013. French, Canadian and Norwegian MPs have all separately
nominated Malala.This years award will be announced in early October, but
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speculation was already underway as the deadline for nominations ran out on 1
February .
L. N. Tallur won Skoda Art Prize 2012
On 1 February Karnataka artist L. N. Tallur, whose works depict majorly the
underbelly of India, has won the Rs 1 million Skoda Prize 2012 for contemporary
art, from among a shortlist of four artists including an artist collective.
13th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) Awards
Sustainable Development Leadership Award :- The Seychelles President, Mr
James Michel has been awarded the Sustainable Development Leadership
Award at the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit . Georgescu roegen Award
: The award is Kozo Mayumi (Professor at Faculty of Integrated Arts and
Sciences, The University of Tokushima). The co-winners of the GeorgescuRoegen Award (bioeconomic practice) are Accion Ecologica and Oilwatch.
South Sudan Bishop Taban won UN Peace Award
On 9 February A South Sudans Bishop Emeritus Paride Taban has won a
coveted 2013 UN peace prize ( Sergio Viera de Mello Prize ) in recognition of his
efforts to build trust among warring communities in the conflict-torn region.Vieira
de Mello, the UNs former human rights chief, was killed in a bombing in Iraq in
2003. The annual prize in his honour is awarded to a person, community or
institution that has made an exceptional contribution to reconciliation of
communities or groups in conflict, and whose example can be duplicated
elsewhere.
Pandit Ravi Shankar honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Grammy
award
Sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement
Grammy award, which was jointly accepted by his daughters Anoushka Shankar
and Norah Jones on 9 February 2013.He was posthumously awarded the best
world music album trophy at the 55th Grammys, a day after being honoured with
a Lifetime Achievement award by The Recording Academy.He got 55 Grammy
award for his album The Living Room Sessions Part 1 .
National e-Governance award for Madhya Pradesh
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Madhya Pradesh had been conferred upon the prestigious National eGovernance Gold Award for 2012-13, for its Sparsh Abhiyan aimed towards the
disabled and the aged.
Amartya Sen honoured with Frances highest civilian award
The French president Mr Francois Hollande honoured the Amartya Sen with the
Frances highest civilian award, Commandeur de la Legion dHonneur (Legion
of Honour) after delivering the Madhavrao Scindia Memorial Lecture in New Delhi
on 15 February 2013.The prestigious honour is the reason for his enormous
contribution to the field of economics and for his exchanges with French
academic institutions would also be recognised.
Paul Hansen Won 2012 World Press Photo Award
On 15 February Swedish photographer Paul Hansen has won the 2012 World
Press Photo award with a picture of two Palestinian children killed in an Israeli
missile strike being carried to their funeral.The picture shows a group of men
marching the dead bodies through a narrow street in Gaza City.World Press
Photo, one of photojournalisms most prestigious contests, issued awards in nine
categories to 54 photographers of 32 nationalities.
63rd Berlin Film Festival Awards
The awarding ceremony of the 63rd Berlinale ended on 16 February in
Berlin.Romanian film Childs Pose won the Golden Bear, the top jury prize
awarded to the best film in the Berlin International Film Festival.
Best Film :- Childs Pose ( Romania )
Best Actor :- Nazif Mujic in Life of an Iron Picker (Bosnia/France/Slovenia)
Best Actress :- Paulina Garcia in Gloria (Chile/Spain)
Best Director :- David Gordon Green for Prince Avalanche (US)
Best ScreenPlay :- Jafar Panahi for Parde (Closed Curtain) Iran.
Ela Bhatt honoured with Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
Ela Bhatt, founder of the Self Employed Womens Association (SEWA), was
presented with the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and
Development for the year 2011 by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee at
Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on 18 February 2013.Ela Bhatt was honoured
for her life time achievements in empowering women, promoting grassroot level
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record after scoring an unbeaten 140 runs in Irani Trophy against Rest of India in
the first innings of the tournament of Mumbai team.When he reached 106,
Tendulkar also completed 25,000 runs in first class cricket.
Wrestling Dropped From 2020 Olympic Games List
On 12 February the International Olympic Committee (IOC) leaders dropped
wrestling from the 2020 Olympic Games.Wrestling will be included at the 2016
Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.The IOC board acted after reviewing the 26 sports on
the current Olympic program. Eliminating one sport allows the IOC to add a new
sport to the program later this year.Wrestling will now join seven other sports in
applying for inclusion in 2020. The others are a combined bid from baseball and
softball, karate, squash, roller sports, sport climbing, wakeboarding and wushu.
They will be vying for a single opening in 2020.The last sports removed from the
Olympics were baseball and softball, voted out by the IOC in 2005 and off the
program since the 2008 Beijing Games. Golf and Rugby will be joining the
program at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Victoria Azarenka won Qatar Open Tennis Title
On 18 February Defending champion Victoria Azarenka from Belarus defeated
Serena Williams (America) to won the Qatar Open tennis title in the final at Doha.
Sania Mirza won Dubai Tennis Championship Title
On 23 February Indias Sania Mirza and her American partner Bethanie-Mattek
Sands won the Dubai Tennis Championship title. The Indo-American duo
defeated the second seeded Russian-Slovenian combination of Nadia Petrova
and Katarina Srebotnik. Sania bagged her second Doubles title of the season.
ECONOMY
BHEL and GAIL Granted Maharatna Status
On 1 February The Union Government of India granted Maharatna status to
BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd ) and GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited),
a development which will provide them greater financial and functional autonomy
and also ensure better valuation for shares of the two public sector
undertakings.Ideally any Maharatna firm has a capacity to take investment
decision of around 5000 crore Rupees without taking assistance from the
government. On the other hand, forms with Navratna status have the capability of
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1000 crore Rupees.For any company to qualify for Maharatna status, the annual
turnover should be over 25000 crore Rupees in past three years, as per the
guidelines issued by Department of Public Enterprises.
Per capita Monthly Income Growth Eases to 14% in 2011-12
On 1 February According to the the revised data of national accounts the per
capita monthly income, a measure to assess standard of living, grew at a slower
rate of 13.7 per cent to Rs 5,130 in 2011-12 at current prices compared to Rs
4,513 in 2010-11.On the Gross Domestic Saving (GDS) front, the data revealed
that the growth at current prices in 2011-12 slowed to 30.8 per cent of GDP at
market prices against 34 per cent in the previous year.The gross domestic capital
formation has increased from Rs 28,71,649 crore in 2010-11 to Rs 31,41,465
crore in 2011- 12 at current prices.It further revealed that the per capita private
final consumption expenditure (PFCE) at current prices in 2011-12 is estimated
at Rs 42,065 as against Rs 36,677 in the year 2010-11, showing an increase of
14.7 per cent against an increase of 15.7 per cent in the previous year.
Argentina Censured by the IMF for Economic Data
On 3 February The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has censured Argentina
for the quality of its official inflation and GDP data.Inflation in Argentina is
estimated by private economists to be at 25% a year and rising but the
government reported it at 11% or less for last year.Argentina became the first
country to be censured by the International Monetary Fund for not providing
accurate data on inflation and economic growth under a procedure that can end
in expulsion.
Mumbai Is Worlds Cheapest City
Mumbai shares the title of the worlds cheapest city with Karachi, in Pakistan,
according to the Worldwide Cost of Living 2013 survey by the Economist
Groups Economic Intelligence Unit.After Mumbai and Pakistan comes Delhi
,Algiers, Bucharest, Colombo and Panama City.According to the report, the five
most expensive cities in the world are Tokyo and Osaka in Japan, Sydney, Oslo
and Melbourne.
Railway Budget 2013-14
On 26 February Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal presented the 2013-14
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14.This is the 82nd Budget for India and 8th Budget for the Finance Minister P
Chidambaram.In the past, former Prime Minister Morarji Desai presented the
Union Budget 8 times as Finance Minister. The Highlights of Union Budget 201314: Total budget expenditure seen at 16.65 trillion rupees in 2013-14.
on-plan expenditure estimated at about 11.1 trillion rupees in 2013-14.
Indias 2013-14 plan expenditure seen at 5.55 trillion rupees
Revised estimate for total expenditure is 14.3 trillion rupees in 2012-13, which is
96 point of budget estimate
Expect 133 billion rupees through direct tax proposals in 2013-14
Expect 47 billion rupees through indirect tax proposals in 2013-14
Target 558.14 billion rupees from stake sales in state-run firms in 2013-14
Expect revenue of 408.5 bln rupees from airwave surcharges, auction of telecom
spectrum, licence fees in 2013-14
But will give some tax relief of Rs. 2000 for every person who has an annual
income of up to Rs. 5 lakh
RBI expected GDP growth of 5.5% for Financial Year 2013-14
Rs.1000-crore Nirbhaya Fund announced for the empowerment of women
Rs.6,000 crore to be allocated for rural housing fund
Defence allocation increased to Rs. 2.03 lakh crore
Rs. 6,275 crore to ministry of science and technology, Rs. 5,880 crore to
Department of Atomic Energy
Rs.27,049 crore allocation to the Agriculture Ministry
Rs. 37,330 crore allocated for Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Rs.110 crore to be allocated to the department of disability affairs
Rs.37,330 crore allocated for Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Rs.14000 crore will be provided for PSB recapitalization. He will constitute a
panel on transaction costs, and financial policies.
Rs.6,5867 crore for Education , an increase of 17 percent over RE for 2012- 13.
Rs 6275 crore to Ministry of Technology
Rs.2 trillion for defence sector
Rs.15,260 crore to be allocated to Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
Rs.14,873 crore for JNNURM for urban transportation
Rs.80,194 crore allocation for Ministry of Rural Development
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On 25 February ISROs Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish
Dawan Space centre at SPSR Nellore in Sriharikota , launched the Indo-French
satellite SARAL along with six commercial payloads from Austria, Britain,
Canada and Denmark into a 785-km polar sunsynchronous orbit.It was the 23rd
mission of PSLV, which has an impeccable record of 21 consecutive successful
flights.
About SARAL:- The Saral mission results from the common interest of both
ISRO and CNES in studying the ocean from space. For instance, it can provide
information on seasonal forecasting, study on animal migration, locating buoys
and fishing vessels, collecting environmental data such as ocean temperature
profiles and currents.
Besides Saral, the PSLV-C20 has put into orbit two micro-satellites UniBRITE
and BRITE (both from Austria), AAUSAT3 from Denmark and STRaND from UK.
It also carried one micro-satellite (NEOSSat) and one mini-satellite (SAPPHIRE)
from Canada.With a lift-off mass of 407 kg, Saral is the 56th satellite to be
launched by PSLV.The six commercial payloads from abroad together have a liftoff mass of 259.5 km.PSLV-C20 is the ninth PSLV in core alone configuration
(without solid strap-on motors).
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Mo Yan and Jackie Chan Selected As Members of Chinese Parliament
On 3 February Mo Yan, the winner of Nobel Prize for literature, 2012 and Jackie
Chan, the movie star were given a political role in China by being selected as
members of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, one of the
houses of Chinese parliament.
Prachanda elected as Maoist president of ruling UCPN-Maoist party
Prachanda, the powerful Maoist leader who became prime minister after toppling
the 239-year-old monarchy in Nepal, was elected as the president of the ruling
UCPNMaoist party on 08 February 2013.58-yearold Prachanda, whose real
name is Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
Indian American Subra Suresh Appointed as President of Carnegie Mellon
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than Rs.1 crore and weapons from his vehicle on 18 February by troopers of
Assam Rifles at Sathupang area in Wokha district.
Pope Benedict XVI Resigned
On 28 February Pope Benedict XVI a position in which he serves dual roles as
Sovereign of the Vatican City State and leader of the Catholic Church resigned
his post.Pope Benedict XVIs birth name is Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger.Benedict
XVI was elected on 19 April 2005 in a papal conclave, celebrated his Papal
Inauguration Mass on 24 April 2005, and took possession of his cathedral, the
Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, on 7 May 2005. A native of Bavaria, he has
both German and Vatican citizenship.
C)DEATHS
Former Puducherry CM Shanmugam passes away
Former Chief Minister of Puducherry P. Shanmugam passed away at the
Karaikal Government Hospital on 02 February 2013.A bachelor, Shanmugam
was the chief minister of Puducherry from March 22, 2000 to Oct 27, 2001 and
represented the union territory in the Lok Sabha between 1980-1991.
Chinas Table Tennis Legend Zhuang Zedong Died
On 10 February the chinas table tennis legend , Zhuang Zedong died in Beijing
.Zhuang Zedong is a three-time world table tennis champion.Zhuang Zedong
remained a crucial figure in ping-pong diplomacy of 1971 and is popularly also
called the Architect of Ping-Pong Diplomacy. Pingpong diplomacy means
exchange of the table tennis (ping-pong) players between China and US
American Philosopher and Legal Scholar Dworkin Died
Ronald Dworkin a renowned American philosopher and a Constitutional Law
expert died on 14 February at London .He wrote books named A Matter of
Principle, Laws Empire and Justice for Hedgehogs.
Radhakishan Malviya former Union Minister died
Former Union Minister and senior Madhya Pradesh Congress leader
Radhakishan Malviya died on 19 February 2013 in Indore.Malviya was elected
MLA from Sanver in Indore district in 1972. A three-time Rajya Sabha MP, he
was Labour Minister in the Rajiv Gandhi government in mid-1980s. Malviya was
Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee president during 1998-2003 when
Digvijay Singh was the chief minister.
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D)VISITORS
Bhutan Prime Minister Jigmi Y. Thinley Visited India
Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigmi Y Thinley visited India from 7 9 February.During
his three-days visit he met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at NewDelhi and
discussed on developmental issues of his country with the Indian leadership, and
sought financial assistance for the 11th five year plan of his country.
Frances President Francois Hollande Visited India
Frances President Francois Hollande Visited India from 14th and 15th
February.During the 2 day visit he met manmohan singh at NewDelhi and
discussed the sale of Rafale fighter jets , bilateral issues , after signed the both
nations on several agreements .
Britains PM David Cameron Visited India
David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland , visited India from 18 20 February.During the visit on 18
February he attended India Britain delegations meeting in Mumbai .On 19
February Cameron met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi and
discussed bilateral and global issues.The British Prime Minister last visited India
in July 2010.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Three Year Old Girl Joins Mensa After Taking IQ Test in Russian
A brainy 3 year old girl Clever Alice Amos has been unveiled as the youngest
new member of Mensa with a higher IQ than Stephen Hawking.Amos has been
granted full membership of the brain box society after scoring an incredible 162
on an IQ test she took in Russian.Her IQ of 162 ranks her higher than a list of
the worlds greatest luminaries dead and living.Former US presidents Abraham
Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin and Bill Clinton could only muster 128, 160 and 137
respectively.
Mohamed Nasheed Took Refuge In Indian High Commission
On 13 February the former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed took refuge
in the Indian High Commission in Capital Male to evade arrest, a year after he
was toppled.He turned up at the single-storey Indian mission around noon to
evade arrest warrant issued by a court in a case concerning the detention of
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Chief Judge of the Criminal Court during his Presidency in January last year.The
Indian government has permitted him to stay in Mission.
Queen Elizabeth II named Britains Most Powerful
According to the BBC power list of Britains most influential women, Queen
Elizabeth II has been named the most powerful woman in Britain, while two
Indian-origin women also found a place in the list of UKs 100 most powerful
women. Two Indian-origin women who featured among the 100 most powerful
British women were Kolkata-born Pinki Lilani, founder of the Asian Women of
Achievement Awards in the UK, and human rights champion and director of
Liberty Shami Chakrabarti.
Worlds oldest woman is Misao Ookawa
Misao Ookawa,the oldest woman in the world receives a Guinness World
Records certificate in Osaka, Japan,on 27 February 2013.She will ready to
celebrate its 115th birth anniversary on 5 March 2013. The oldest man in the
world,Jiroemon Kimura(115) also belongs to Japan.
PLACES IN NEWS
Strong 6.6 Magnitude Quake Hits Solomon Islands
On 6 February a strong 6.6-magnitude tremor struck the Solomon Islands , the
latest in a series of aftershocks from a powerful earthquake that triggered a
tsunami The quake hit 36 kilometres south-southwest of Lata, the main town on
the remote island of Ndende.At least six people were confirmed dead and some
3,000 left homeless but the national disaster management office has been
struggling to get a clear picture of the scale of destruction on the island, more
than 600 kilometres from the capital Honiara.The Solomons are part of the Ring
of Fire, a zone of tectonic activity around the Pacific that is subject to frequent
earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Snow Storm Nemo Hits US and Canada
On 8 February Seven people have been killed in the United States and Canada
as the massive blizzard Winter Storm Nemo dumped nearly two feet of snow in
New England and knocked out power to more than a half a million
homes.Throughout the Northeast, more than 600,000 homes and businesses lost
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electricity. Airlines cancelled more than 5,300 flights today, and New York Citys
three major airports and Bostons Logan Airport closed.
Huge Meteorite Hits The Russia
On 15 February A huge meteor hits the Russia, injuring more than 1000 people,
many hurt by broken glass, and causing explosions.Fragments of the meteor fell
in a thinly populated area of the Chelyabinsk region.The meteorite, which
weighed about 10 metric tons and may have been made of iron, entered Earths
atmosphere and broke apart 30-50 km (19-31 miles) above ground.The meteorite
explosion, a very rare spectacle, also unleashed a sonic boom.The energy
released when it entered the Earths atmosphere was equivalent to a few
kilotonnes, the power of a small atomic weapon exploding.
ABBREVIATIONS
DSDS Delhi Sustainable Development Summit
BHEL Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd
GAIL Gas Authority of India Limited
TERI The Energy and Resources Institute
EIU Economist Intelligence Unit
NSF National Science Foundation
TAPI TurkmenistanAfghanistanPakistanIndia
POTA Prevention of Terrorism Act
IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency
CAIR Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
CITU Centre of Indian Trade Unions
FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation
HDI Human Development Index
UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
WIPO World Intellectual Property Organisation
BOOKS IN NEWS
Khushwantnama: The Lessons of My Life Book Released
On 2 February The indomitable Khushwant Singh has released a new book
named Khushwantnama: The Lessons of My Life on his 98th birthday in which
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he writes about his life, lessons it has taught him, politics, future of India and
what religion means to him.The book, published by Penguin Books India, is
dedicated to Kaur who is a close friend of the author.Khushwant Singh was a
Member of Parliament from 1980 to 1986. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan
in 1974 but returned the decoration in 1984 in protest against the storming of the
Golden Temple in Amritsar by the Indian Army. In 2007, he was awarded the
Padma Vibhushan.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Germany Book Released
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose new book named Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
and Germany released on 6 February.The First copy of the book by Professor
Anita B. Pfaff was given to the President of India Pranab Mukherjee at
Rashtrapati Bhavan at NewDelhi. The book was brought out by the Federation of
Indo-German Societies in India.The book is a collection of the records shared by
Professor Anita Pfaff as well as other known biographers and writers.The book
portrayed some interesting facets of the life of Netaji and his extraordinary
contribution to Indias freedom struggle.
COMMITTEES
Padmanabhan Committee To Help Boost Bank Finance For Exports
On 3 February The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) constituted a technical advisory
committee to iron out existing issues and boost bank finance for exports.The
committee will be headed by RBI Executive Director G Padmanabhan.The
committee look into the issues related to exporters, we have decided to
constitute a technical working group which will also look non-cost issues like
transaction costs, accounting norms, documentation required, procedural
difficulties.
MARCH
INTERNATIONAL
UN Imposed New Sanctions on North Korea
On 7 March The UN Security Council approved a new regimen of sanctions
against North Korea for conducting an underground nuclear test recently,
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Mediterranean island country in the euro area.The new bailout program includes
deep restructuring of the countrys two biggest banks, Bank of Cyprus and
Popular Bank of Cyprus.Under the new agreement, all bank deposits under
100,000 will be secured and guaranteed by the state.
South Africa, China Sign Deals To Boost Cooperation
On 26 March South African President Jacob Zuma and his Chinese counterpart
Xi Jinping met in Pretoria ahead of the fifth BRICS Summit.The two leaders
signed a number of agreements, focusing on trade, tourism, education and social
cooperation.The two sides agreed on future collaboration on research and
development initiatives, manufacturing, marketing and the construction of crossborder infrastructure throughout the continent.
North Korea Declares State of War with South Korea
On 29 March North Korea declared that it had formally entered a state of war
with South Korea.The announcement was made in a joint statement attributed to
all government bodies and institutions.The two Koreas have thus technically
remained at war for decades.
INDIA & WORLD
India, South Korea Hold Security Talks
On 1 March 2013 India and South Korea hold discussions over emerging
dynamics of global and regional security, cooperation in cyber security, defense
and space sectors and reviewing bilateral ties. Arvind Gupta,Director General of
IDSA, led the Indian side while Lt.G (retd.) Bang, Hyo-Bok president of KIDA and
former vice army chief,represented the Korean side in the talks.
India,UK Signed MOU To Strenghen Cooperation In Earth Sciences
On March 1, India and UK signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to
strengthen their cooperation in Earth Sciences and environmental research by
sharing information on meteorology,hydrology and climate variability.The MoU
between the Earth System Science Organisation of the Ministry of Earth
Sciences and UKs Natural Environment Research Council was inked in New
Delhi in the presence of Science and Technology Minister S Jaipal Reddy .
India and Bhutan signed Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement
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On 4 March India and Bhutan signed the double taxation avoidance agreement
(DTAA), a move that will facilitate exchange of information on banking between
the two nations and help check tax evasion.This is the first ever DTAA for Bhutan
with any country. The treaty was signed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram and
his Bhutanese counterpart Lyonpo Wangdi Norbum, on behalf of the Royal
Government of Bhutan.
India and Republic of Portugal Signed a Social Security Agreement
On 4 March A Social Security Agreement (SSA) was signed between India and
Republic of Portugal ,after the both countries meeting end at NewDelhi.The
agreement was signed by Vayalar Ravi, the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs
and Paulo Sacadura Cabral Portas, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs of
Portugal.
India Worlds Third Largest Spam Spewing Nation
On 6 March According to statistics from SophosLabs ,India has been placed third
on the list of the countries distributing spam across the world.US is still firmly on
the top, distributing more spam than any other country in the world.China took
the second spot and India the third, with 8.2 percent and 4.2 percent of the
worlds spam.
Indias Tourism Industry Competitiveness 65th in World
According to the fifth Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report by the WEF,
India has moved up by three notches to 65th out of 140 countries in terms of the
competitiveness of the travel and tourism industry.India has been ranked in the
11th place in the region and 65th overall, gaining three positions since the last
edition.
India and Romania Signed Two Agreements
On 8 March India and Romania signed on Avoidance of Double Taxation and the
Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income.The agreement
was signed after External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid held talks with his
Romanian Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean on the entire gamut of bilateral
relations, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
India and Bhutan Signed $100m Currency Swap Agreement
On 8 March India and Bhutan signed a currency swap agreement for up to $100
million to further economic co-operation between the two countries.The currency
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swap arrangement was signed between the Reserve Bank of India and the Royal
Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMAB).
Iran and Pakistan Launched Gas Pipeline Project
On 11 March Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his Pakistani
counterpart Asif Ali Zardari was officially inaugurated the final construction phase
of the multi-billiondollar Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.The 1,244-mile pipeline
would each day transport more than 750 million cubic feet of natural gas to
Pakistan from Irans South Pars gas field in the Persian Gulf.This Project was
started from Chabahar city in Iran to Karachi in Pakistan with $7.5 Billion. Initially
they have an idea to extend this project to New Delhi in India but India was
dropped from this project in 2009.
Britain & India Signed Agreement To Support R&D Projects
On 13 March Britain and India have signed an agreement to launch a joint
programme to encourage industry and business in the two countries to work
together towards commercialisation of research leads in a range of key areas,
including energy and health care.As part of the deal, Global Innovation and
Technology Alliance (GITA) sponsored by the Indian governments Department
of Science and Technology and UKs Technology Strategy Board (TSB) will
support UK and Indian businesses and academics in joint R&D and innovation
projects over a three-year period.
India Ranks 136 in Human Development Index
On 14 March According to the Human Development Report 2013 released by the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ,India has been ranked 136
among 187 countries evaluated for human development index (HDI).Norway (1st
rank), Australia (2nd rank) and the Netherlands (3rd rank) lead the Human
Development Index (HDI).The other countries ranks are:- Netherlands (4th rank)
, Japan (10th rank), Denmark (15th rank) , South Korea (12th rank).
China Unveils 5-Point Formula To Improve Ties With India
On 18 March Chinas new President Xi Jinping has unveiled a five-point formula
to improve relations with India, and that the resolution of the boundary dispute
between the two nations wont be easy and pending its final settlement peace
and tranquility should be maintained on the border without affecting the overall
ties. The Xi Jinping 5 Points are :- 1. First,to maintain strategic communication
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and keep bilateral relations on the right track. 2. Second, we should harness
each others comparative strength and expand win winwin cooperation in
infrastructure, mutual investment and other areas. 3. Third, we should strengthen
cultural ties and constantly increase mutual understanding and friendship
between our peoples. 4. Fourth, we should expand coordination and
collaboration in multilateral affairs to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and
interests of developing countries and tackle global challenges. 5. Fifth, we should
accommodate each others core concerns and properly handle problems and
differences existing between the two countries.
India Egypt Signed Seven Agreements
On 19 March In a bid to deepen ties and strengthen economic bonds, India and
Egypt signed 7 agreements after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Egyptian
President Mohamed Morsy held bilateral talks in New Delhi.The seven
agreements included a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the field of
cyber security, cooperation in the field of protection of intellectual property rights
and prevention of illicit traffic of antiquities besides others.The two leaders also
agreed to enhance cooperation in Defence and in international forums like UN.
India Signed Social Security Agreements With 18 Countries
On 20 March India has signed Social Security Agreements (SSAs) with
Belgium,France, Germany (social insurance for posted workers only),
Switzerland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Hungary, Denmark, the Czech
Republic, Republic of Korea, Norway, Germany, Finland, Canada, Japan,
Sweden, Austria and Portugal.Bilateral labour Memorandum of Understandings
(MoUs) have also been signed with United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, Qatar,
Kuwait, Oman, Malaysia and Bahrain for ensuring protection and welfare of
overseas Indian workers.
India Votes Against Sri Lanka at UNHRC
On 21 March India has voted for the resolution against Sri Lanka at the UN
Human Rights Council session in Geneva.The UN Human Rights Council
adopted a US-sponsored resolution on human rights violation in Sri Lanka.The
47-member Geneva forum adopted the resolution with 25 countries in favour,
including India.13countries opposed it, including Pakistan. 8 abstained and one
delegation was absent.The US-backed resolution that addresses alleged war
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crimes by Lankan forces during the countrys civil war with the Tamil Tigers.The
26-year civil war that ensued, which ended with the LTTEs military defeat in
2009.
Japan Grants India $2.32 Billion Aid For Infrastructure Building
On 27 March India and Japan have agreed to promote their bilateral strategic
and global partnership especially in economic and security areas, with Tokyo
granting a $2.32 billion aid for infrastructure building. Japanese Foreign Minister
Fumio Kishida ,External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid discussed about both
countries bilateral issues the meeting held at Tokyo .During the meeting Kishida
unveiled a 220 billion yen (USD 2.32 billion) aid to India for infrastructure building
and a 71-billion-yen loan ($753.17 million) for the subway project in Indias
financial capital Mumbai.
NATIONAL
Cabinet Approves Bill for Time-Bound Services to Citizens
On 7 March the government gave its nod to a Bill aimed at providing time-bound
delivery of services like passports, pensions and birth and death certificates,
among others, to the citizens.The Right of Citizens for Time- Bound Delivery of
Goods and Services and Redressal of their Grievances Bill, 2011, was approved
by the Union Cabinet at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh .
President Released the Commemorative Postage Stamp on Sahir Ludhianvi
On 8 March the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee released the
Commemorative Postage Stamp on Sahir Ludhianvi on occasion of his birth
anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.Sahir Ludhianvi died on 25
October 1980 and was a renowned Urdu poet.He fought for recognition of lyric
writers through the Film Writers Association.
Indias First All-Women Post Office
After announcing Indias all women public bank, the central government on 08
March 2013 started an all women post office in New Delhi on the occasion of the
International Womens Day. Communications & Information Technology Minister
Kapil Sibal inaugurated the post office at Shastri Bhawan the hub of central
government offices in central Delhi. All the employees in these post office are
women only.
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Tripura, Meghalaya and Manipur on 23 March 2013 got their own High Courts.
Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre, Judge of Chhattisgarh High Court took oath as
the first Chief Justice of Manipur High Court on 23 March 2013. Justice Deepak
Gupta along with three other judges would be administered the oath to the High
Court of Tripura .Justice Meena Kumari took oath as the first Chief Justice of
Meghalaya. With the opening of the three high Courts in the North Eastern states
of India, the total number of high Courts in India has gone up to 24 from previous
21.
Arunachal Pradesh Became the First State to Introduce e-GPF
Arunachal Pradesh became the first state to introduce e-GPF or electronic
GPF.The state Finance Department facilitated the online access to 34000 GPF
accounts through its redesigned Web site, which was launched by Chief Minister
of Arunachal Pardesh Nabam Tuki.
Housing stock, Amenities and Assets in Slums Report
On 29 March Union Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation released
the report on Housing stock, Amenities and Assets in slums based on
Houselisting & House Census, 2011.Registrar General presented the important
features of the report and outlined its importance.In all 1.73 Crore Census
houses have been reported in the House listing Blocks categorized as Slums in
India, comprising 1.37 Crore slum households.There are 19 cities with million
plus population where more than 25% households live in slums.A majority (71%)
of these are located in six States namely, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil
Nadu, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.Out of these 19 cities,
five cities namely, Vishakhapatnam, Jabalpur, Mumbai, Vijayawada and Meerut
have more than 40% slum households.Out of total slum houses, 92.7% are
occupied and 7.3% are vacant.84.9% Census Houses are used for
residence/residence-cum-other use.58.4% residential census houses are in good
condition, 37.5% are livable and rest 4.0% are in dilapidated condition.70.2%
Slum households are owned.
Punjab, Haryana, Delhi Top in Well Being Index
According to the Tata Strategic Management Group Survey report , Punjab,
Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana have been ranked at the top of the Well
Being Index,while southern states, Gujarat and most of the north-eastern states
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emerged as the most secure ones for women in the Female Security Index.The
states of Punjab, Delhi, HP, Haryana and Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
were ranked at the top of the Well Being Index. On the Female Security Index,
Chennai and Bangalore were at the top.
CONFERENCES
24th Arab League Summit Held in Doha
The 24th summit was held in Doha (Qatar) from 21 to 26 March 2013.A total of
15 heads of state of Arab countries attended the summit.The Arab League
currently consist of 21 countries, after Syria was suspended form the league due
to excessive violence during the Arab Spring. However, the Syrian opposition
umbrella organization, the Syrian National Coalition, will attend this years
summit and will be offered a seat formerly occupied by Damascus.The Arab
League summit called for an international conference in the framework of the
United Nations for Syrias reconstruction. The Qatari leader meanwhile proposed
a mini- Arab summit, led by Egypt and leaders of Fatah and Hamas, in Cairo as
soon as possible to achieve Palestinian national reconciliation. He also called for
Arab countries to establish a fund of 1 billion U.S.dollars to support the
Palestinians, pledging that his country will offer a quarter of the amount. The
Arab League was formed in 1945.
5th BRICS Summit Held in Durban
The 5th BRICS Summit was held in Durban, South Africa from 26 to 27 March
2013. The summit an international relations conference attended by the head of
states or heads of government of the five member states Brazil, Russia, India,
China and South Africa.Theme of the summit was , BRICS and Africa:
Partnership for Development, Integration and Industrialisation.BRICS Leaders
President of Brazil Dilma Rousseff ,Russian president Vladimir Putin,Indian
Prime Minister Manmohan Singhm,Chinese president Ji Xinping, South Africas
president Jacob Zuma also discussed swap arrangements among the national
currencies as well as reserve pooling. BRICS nations have decided to establish a
new development bank to finance infrastructure projects and to create a USD
100 bn contingency fund to tackle any financial crisis in emerging economies, in
what is seen as a major win for Indias campaign to reform global financial
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architecture. BRICS Summit took place in South Africa for the first time. BRICS,
originally BRIC before the inclusion of South Africa in 2010, is the title of an
association of emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and
South Africa (BRICS).
AWARDS & HONOURS
Indian-Origin Writer Anil Ananthaswamy Won British Physics Journalism
Prize
On 1 March Anil Ananthaswamy, a London based Indian origin writer, has won
the inaugural Physics Journalism Prize sponsored by the Institute of Physics
(IOP) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The Edge of
Physics, has won the prize for his article Hip Hip Array, which focuses on the
Square Kilometre Array, an international project to design and build the largest
radio telescope ever conceived.
Pranab Mukherjee Honoured with the Bangladesh Liberation War Award
On 4 March The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee was conferred with the
Liberation War Honour Award by the President of Bangladesh, Zillur Rahman.
The award was given away to Pranab Mukherjee for contributions to the
Liberation War.
Indian Women Selected For State Dept Award For Environment Awareness
On 5 March Dr Shubhalaxmi Vaylure has been selected for the US State
Departments International Exchange Alumni Member of the Month for March for
her dedication to build greater environmental awareness in India. Shubhalaxmi
first came to the US in 2003 as part of the Fulbright Indo-American
Environmental Leadership Programme which took her to the University of
Montana to study educational nature centers.Upon eturning from this
programme, she drew inspiration from her Fulbright programme as she
implemented innovative educational programs at the Mumbai Conservation
Education Center.
Arun Jaitley, Karan Singh, Sharad Yadav Best Parliamentarians
On 6 March Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley, Congress veteran Karan Singh and
JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav have been selected for the Outstanding
Parliamentarian Award.Jaitley, who is Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha,
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gets the award for the year 2010, Karan Singh for 2011 and Sharad Yadav for
2012. The Indian Parliamentary Group had instituted the award in 1994 which is
conferred each year.
Tagore Award For Ravi Shankar
President Pranab Mukherjee presented the first annual Tagore Award for Cultural
Harmony to late Pandit Ravi Shankar at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 07 Marchi
2013.Sukanya Shankar, wife of Ravi Shankar, received the award.
Stree Shakti Award For Nirbhaya
President Pranab Mukherjee presented the Stree Shakti award on International
Womens Day( 08 March 2013) for Nirbhaya. Stree Shakti award as a tribute to
her courage and strength.The award was recevied by her family members.As a
measure of recognition of achievements in individual women in the field of social
development, the government had instituted of 6 national awards which are
called Stree Shakti Puraskar. The awards are in the name of the eminent
women personalities namely Devi Ahalya Bai Holkar, Kannagi, Mata Jajabai,
Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang, Rani Lakshmi Bai and Rani Rudramma Devi (which is
open to both men and women). Nirbhaya was honoured with the Sree Shakti
award of Rani Lakshmi Bai.The Rani Rudramma Devi Award for the year 2012
was awarded to Smt. Pranita Talukdar from Assam. She was honoured for her
commendable work for the overall development of women.
US Bravery Award for Nirbhaya
The Delhi gang-rape victim, Nirbhaya was honoured by the US government with
an International Women of Courage Award for 2013.In this year this award was
given to 10 women in Washington on March 8, which is also International
Womens Day.
National Tourism Award Winners 2011-12
National Annual Tourism Awards for 2011-12 was announced by Tourism
Ministry on 12 March 2013. The Ministry announced 86 awards in 36 Categories.
The awards presented by President of India on 18th March. Winners of National
Tourism Awards for 2011-12 :Best State/ UT Comprehensive Development of Tourism (Rest of India):
Andhra Pradesh (First Prize) Rajasthan (Second Prize) Gujarat (Third Prize)
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Mens Singles :- On 18 March Wang Zhengming from china won the Swiss Open
Badminton Mens singles title after defeated Du Pengyu in the final at basel.
Womens Singles:- In the Womens singles Wang Shixian from china got the title
after defeating Ratchanok Inthanon (Thailand) in the final.
West Zone Won Deodhar Trophy
On 13 March Defending champion West Zone won the Prof. D.B. Deodhar
Trophy for the 12th time after defeated North Zones challenge in the final at the
Nehru Stadium.
Neha Tripathi Won Sixth Leg of Hero Womens Pro Golf Tour 2013
Kolkatas Neha Tripathi won sixth leg of Hero Womens Pro Golf Tour 2013 in
Panchkula on 21 March 2013. This is the third victory of Neha Tripathi in 2013
season. With this victory, Neha Tripathi overtook Smriti Mehra in the Hero Order
of Merit 2013.
Sebastian Vettel Won F1s Malaysian Grand Prix
On 24 March Three-time world champion Sebastian Vettel won the Malaysian
Grand Prix 2013 at the Sepang International Circuit.
ECONOMY
Nine Indian Women in Forbes Asia Power Business Women List
On 1 March ICICI Bank CEO and MD Chanda Kochchar, Biocon founder Kiran
Mazumdar-Shaw and film producer Ekta Kapoor are among the nine Indian
women named in Forbes magazines inaugural Asia Power Businesswomen
list.The list also includes Britannia Industries Managing Director Vinita Bali ; HT
Media Chairman and Editorial Director Shobhana Bhartia ; AZB & Partners
Founder and Senior Partner Zia Mody ; Axis Bank CEO and Managing Director
Shikha Sharma ; and Tractors & Farm Equipment Chairman Mallika Srinivasa;
Kapoor, TV and movie producer.
Mukesh Ambani Is Richest Indian on Forbes list
As per an annual ranking published on 4 March 2013 by business magazine
Forbes,Mukesh Ambani has retained his title as Indias richest person for sixth
year in a row,with networth of $ 21.5 billion.In the overall rich list of worlds
billionaires, Mukesh Ambani is ranked 22nd, while the second-richest Indian
Lakshmi Mittal is at 41st position with a networth of USD 16.5 billion.Mexican
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business tycoon Carlos Slim has topped the rankings with a networth of USD 73
billion, followed by Bill Gates (USD 67 billion), Spains Amancio Ortega (USD 57
billion), Warren Buffett (USD 53.5 billion) and Larry Ellison (USD 43 billion) in top
five.
Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad Airports Among Top 5 in the World
Airports of Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad are among the top five airports in the
world providing international standard services.Airports Council International
(ACI),a global body of airports, has adjudged Delhis Indira Gandhi International
(IGI) airport as second best after Seouls Incheon airport in the category of
airports handling 25-40 million passengers per annum (MPPA) for their service
quality for the year 2012.Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport was
adjudged the third best in this category.Hyderabads Rajiv Gandhi International
airport (RGI) has bagged the second position for their service quality in the
category of five to 15 MPPA. Japans Nagoya airport was adjudged the best in
this category. Seouls Incheon ranked first, Singapores Changi second and
Beijing was placed at the third spot.
RBI to Launch Plastic Currency Notes in 5 Cities
On 12 March The Union Government and RBI decided to introduce one billion
pieces of 10 Rupees bank notes made of plastic on a field trial basis in five
cities.A 10 Rupees note in polymer/plastic on a field trial basis will be introduced
first; Minister of State for Finance .The field trail is supposed to be conducted in
five cities of Kochi, Mysore, Jaipur, Bhubhaneswar and Shimla with varied
geographical locations and climatic conditions.As per the RBI, the primary
objective of introduction of polymer notes is to increase its life, it could also help
in combating counterfeiting.
Gujarat Tops in FMCG Consumption
On 12 March According to the Evolution of Indian Rural Markets During 2004-05
to 2009-10 report released by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and
Industry of India (Assocham) , Gujarat has garnered maximum growth in per
capita food and non-food consumption expenditure across the country between
FY05 and FY10 with growth rate of about 28% and 33% respectively. Besides
registering a growth of about 24.69%, Gujarat has also topped in terms of
household consumption of fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) during the
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fiveyear period.West Bengal has seen least growth of just about 1.6% and about
8% in per-capita food and non-food consumption expenditure, respectively.The
per capita food and non-food consumption expenditure across India has
increased at over 14% and 17%, respectively, between FY05 and FY10.
India Top Rice Exporter in FY 2011-12
On 13 March As the export price of Indian rice was more competitive than the
Thai rice, India has displaced Thailand from the position of top exporter of rice
during 2011-12, Minister of State Commerce and Industry was informed to Rajya
Sabha.In 2010-11, the rice exports stood at 24.71 lakh tonnes from 21.56 lakh
tonnes in the previous fiscal.Rice exports were at 74.67 lakh tonnes during AprilDecember 2012 against 71.75 lakh tonnes in the full fiscal year of 2011-12.
India 5th in World Billionaire Rich List
According to the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2013, India stands 5th among the
top 10 countries with the largest number of billionaires with 122 and the number
is expected double by 2022.Mumbai has secured the 7th spot in the list of top
global cities with a High Net Worth Individual HNWI population.Presently, the city
has 2,105 HNWIs and is expected to touch 4,988 with a 137 per cent rise by
2022. Delhi is not too far behind Mumbai; it ranks 11th with a current HNWI
population of 1,945 which is likely to grow by 120 per cent and reach 4,278 by
2022. In the cities that that matter to HNWIs , New York and London are the first
two places in the list.
India May Become 5th Largest Manufacturing Nation
According to the Boston Consultancy Group (BCG) report titled People
productivity-Key to Indian manufacturing competitiveness, India may become the
5th largest manufacturing nation from 9th position at present, if the country is
able to increase the share of manufacturing in GDP to 25 per cent.The National
Manufacturing Policy envisages that Indias manufacturing sector should
increase its share of GDP from 15 percent at present to 25 percent by 2022, in
line with global peers.It will help India become the fifth-largest manufacturing
nation.
Hindujas are Britains Richest Asians
Leading NRI businessmen Srichand Hinduja and Gopi Hinduja, Chairman and
Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group, have emerged as the richest Asians in
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Britain in 2013.After playing second fiddle for years to steel tycoon Lakshmi
Mittal, the Londonbased Hinduja brothers have come out top this year with net
wealth assessed at 12.5 billion pounds up 3 billion pounds on the 2012 figure.
Mumbai Falls to 66th Rank Among Leading Global Financial Hubs
According to the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), Mumbai which is
Indias financial capital has slipped to 66th rank in the list of leading financial
centres around the world, with New Delhi failing to even make a mark.GFCI
offers profiles,ratings and rankings for 79 financial centres around the world
positioned Mumbai at the 66th place, which is down three places from last year
when it was ranked 63rd on the much coveted list.Mumbai is the only Indian city
on the list. London topped the list, followed by New York ranking second in the
list. Hong Kong and Singapore in the third and fourth place respectively.
RBI Cuts Repo Rate by 25 Base Points
On 19 March The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut the repo rate by 25 basis
points to 7.5 per cent from 7.75 percent in its midquarter review of the monetary
policy. Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF stands adjusted to 6.5
per cent from the earlier 6.75 per cent and the marginal standing facility (MSF)
rate and the Bank Rate to 8.5 per cent with immediate effect.The Cash Reserve
Ratio (CRR) has been retained at 4 per cent.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Spinning Black Hole Observed for the First Time
The Spinning black holes are first identified by Paranal Observatory astronomers
in Chile.The enormous black hole at the center of the spiral galaxy NGC 1365 is
spinning about 84 percent as fast as Einsteins general theory of relativity allows
it to, researchers determined. NGC 1365, located about 56 million light-years
from Earth.
Pinaka Rockets Successfully Test-Fired
On 1 March Indigenously developed Pinaka rockets were successfully test-fired
by Indian army from a multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) by an armament
establishment from a base at Chandipur-on-sea, about 15 km from
Balasore.Pinaka is an area weapon system with a range of 40 km.Pinaka
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system can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds ,adding that the battery of six
launchers can neutralise at a time a target area of 3.9 sq km.
Large Meteorite Found in Antarctica
On 1 March the international group of researchers has discovered the18-kg
meteorite in eastern Antarctica, the largest found in that area in 25 years.
Astronomer Measured Exact Distance to Our Closest Neighbouring Galaxy
On 7 March Astronomers have for the first time accurately measured the
distance to one of the Milky Ways neighbouring galaxy and it is just 163,000
light-years away.
Japan Pioneers Gas Extraction From Seafloor Methane Hydrate
On 12 March Japan has become the first country in the world to extract natural
gas from frozen methane hydrate successfully off the central coast. According to
the Japanese study, it was estimated that around 1.1tn cubic metres of methane
hydrate existed in the offshore deposits. This is equal to the gas consumption of
Japan in more than 10 years.
Worlds Largest Telescope Inaugurated in Chile
On 13 March The worlds largest radio telescope has been inaugurated in Chile
on a mountain high above the Atacama Desert, wielding unprecedented power to
peer into the remotest regions of the universe.The ceremony attended by
President Sebastian Pinera and other dignitaries.The ALMA space observatory
consists of 66 antennae creating a telescope array 16 kilometres in diameter.
UAE Inaugurated Worlds Largest CSP Solar Power Plant
On 17 March United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed
Al-Nahyan inaugurated the 100-megawatt solar plant Shams 1 in the desert of
Abu Dhabi,the worlds largest concentrated solar power plant in
operation.Covering an area of 2.5 square km, the 600-million-U.S. dollars project
incorporates the latest in parabolic trough technology and features more than
258,000 mirrors mounted on 768 tracking parabolic trough collectors, capable of
delivering green electricity to 20,000 homes.
India Successfully Test Fired Worlds First Underwater Supersonic Cruise
Missile
On 20 March India has successfully test fired its submarine-launched version of
BrahMos supersonic cruise missile of the over 290 km-range in the Bay of
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Bengal off the coast of the southern port city of Visakhapatnam (Andhra
Pradesh).The launch of Missile is counted as the first test-firing of an underwater
supersonic cruise missile anywhere in the world. The missile travelled its
complete range of over 290 km.
Big Bang Radiation Map Unveiled
On 21 March The European Space Agency (ESA) has unveiled the most detailed
map yet of relic radiation from the Big Bang,revealing new data it hopes will shed
light on the creation and expansion of our Universe.The map results suggest the
universe is expanding more slowly than scientists thought, and is 13.8 billion
years old, 100 million years older than previous estimates.
India and US Agreed for Future Cooperation in Moon and Mars Missions
On 23 March India and the US agreed for cooperation on future missions to the
Moon and Mars after successful collaboration in Chandrayaan-1 lunar mission.
The highly successful Chandrayaan-1 lunar mission which was launched by the
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in October 2008 led to strong
evidence of the presence of lunar water.
Crew Reaches Space Station in Less than 6 Hours
On 29 March An astronaut from the U. S.with three Russian cosmonauts took a
short cut to reach space station and saved around 45 hours of journey. The crew
took only 5 hours and 45 minutes to reach the space station from the Baikonur
Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan.This is for the first time that any crew has used this
express route to reach space station in the minimum possible time.Three
members on this Russian Soyuz are Chris Cassidy from NASA, Alexander
Misurkin and Pavel Vinogradov from Russia.
NTPC Commissioned New Solar Power Project in Andaman & Nicobar
On March 30,NTPC Ltd has commissioned a 5-MW solar photo-voltaic power
project at Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.It is the first grid-connected
solar photo-voltaic project in these islands and also the first greenfield renewable
solar PV project of NTPC.
New Indian Ship ASWC Kiltan Launched in Kolkata
INS Kiltan is an anti-submarine warfare corvette of the Indian Navy built under
Project-28. It is the third of four Kamorta class corvettes under various stages of
induction with the Indian Navy. The ship was built by the Garden Reach
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voyeurism.Mukherjee accorded his assent to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill2013 on 03 April 2013.This is called as the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act,
2013.The law, passed by Lok Sabha on March 19 and by Rajya Sabha on March
21.
Union Government Approved Project for NOFN Creation in Gram
Panchayats
On 12 April The Government of India approved the project for creation of
National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) connecting all the 250000 Gram
Panchayats (GPs) in the country through Optical Cable (OFC). The Union
Government decided to fund the project through Universal Service Obligation
Fund (USOF).
Government Approved For 13 Power Projects
On 22 April The Cabinet Committee on Investment cleared 13 power projects
that involves investment of 33000 crore rupees. The projects on which the
investments will be made include one hydro and two thermal project as well as
ten transmission projects. 25 oil and gas blocks with investment commitment of
about seven billion US dollars also got approval during the same meet. Of these
16 blocks were given conditional clearances, while nine blocks were approved
without any condition. Approval of these projects was pending due to the
objections raised by the Ministry of Defence over national security.
Mukherjee Gives Assent To Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
Bill
On 25 April President Pranab Mukherjee has given his assent to the Sexual
Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill,
2013.Sexual harassment at workplace is a violation of womens right to gender
equality, life and liberty.It creates an insecure and hostile work environment,
which discourages womens participation in work, thereby adversely affecting
their economic empowerment and the goal of inclusive growth. (ANI)
STATES
Andhra Pradesh Government launched Online Services named
Parishkaram for Entrepreneurs
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crore.The first unit of North Chennai Thermal Power plant, third unit of Vallur
project and 2x 500 MW each of Tuticorin Power project would start generating
power between March 2014.The first unit of North Chennai Thermal Power plant,
third unit of Vallur project and 2x 500 MW each of Tuticorin Power project would
start generating power between this year May and March 2014
CONFERENCES
PM inaugurated CII national conference
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated the two-day national conference
and annual general meeting of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New
Delhi on 03 March 2013.Around 1,500 industrialists from across the country will
attended the meeting. The theme for this years deliberations is India tomorrow:
Imperatives of growth, security and governance.
Conference of CMs of States & Chief Justices of High Courts held at New
Delhi
Conference of Chief Ministers of States & Chief Justices of High Courts held at
New Delhi on 7 April.The conference presided over by Chief Justice of India
Altamas Kabir, aims to address pressing issues related to the countrys justice
delivery system thats often criticised for being tardy.Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh inaugurated the joint conference.Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has
called upon the judiciary and executive to work together to make the Indian
judicial system an arrear free.
Hyderabad will host ICSE conference in 2014
The 36th International Conference on Software Engineering, ICSE2014, will be
held in Hyderabad, India from 1 June 2013 to 7 June 2013. India is home to
some of the largest software companies in the world, and Hyderabad is one of
the main centers for software development in India.This conference is going to
be a premier software engineering conference that is going to provide a forum for
researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent
innovations, trends, experiences and concerns in the field of software
engineering.This is the first time conducted in India.
UNWTO Conference Held in Hyderabad
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prize was awarded to the exiled Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, the Dalai
Lama.
ICSI National Awards for Excellence in Corporate Governance 2012
Chairman of the Awards Jury of the ICSI (Institute of Company Secretaries of
India) and former Chief Justice of India Shri Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah in New
Delhi on 05 April 2013 presented the ICSI National Awards for Excellence in
Corporate Governance -2012 to two Best Governed Companies:
1.
Indian Oil Corporation Limited; and
2.
HCL Technologies Limited.
The Awards were presented during the ongoing 2nd CSIA International
Corporate Governance Conference.
ICSI Life Time Achievement Award for the year 2012 was presented to Shri
Deepak S. Parekh, Chairman, Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd.
for translating excellence in Corporate Governance into reality.Certificates of
Recognition were presented to the Top Five Companies. These are :
1.
CMC Limited
2.
Engineers India Limited
3.
ONGC Limited
4.
Persistent Systems Ltd.
5.
Powergrid Corporation of India Limited
Barfi! wins top honours at The Times of India Film Awards
Barfi movie was the top winner at the maiden edition of The Times of India Film
Awards, bagging the Best Film, Best Director (Anurag Basu), Best Actor (Ranbir
Kapoor), Best Actress (Priyanka Chopra) and Best Debut Female (Ileana DCruz)
trophies. The award for the Best Debut Male went to Ayushmann Khurrana for
Vicky Donor, which also won the Best Supporting Actor award for Annu Kapoor
and the Best Supporting Actress trophy for Dolly Ahluwalia. Anurag Kashyaps
Gangs of Wasseypur got the Critics Choice award for Best Film. Abhishek
Bachchan, who won the Best Actor in a Comic Role award for Bol Bachchan,
dedicated the honour to his wife Aishwarya.
Pran gets Phalke Award
On 12 April 2013,Hindi film actor Pran Krishan Sikand will be conferred with the
prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2012. The 93-year-old actor, popularly
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known as Pran, will be the 44th recipient of the top-most film award in the
country.Pran, who has acted in over 400 films in his six-decade-long career.The
award, named after the father of Indian cinema Dada Saheb Phalke, will be
conferred on Pran on May 3, which will also mark the 100 years of cinema this
year.
New York Times won four Pulitzer Prizes
The New York Times won four Pulitzer Prizes on 15 April 2013, including the
award for investigative reporting for stories that detailed how Wal-Mart used
bribery to expand in Mexico.The Sun Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was
awarded the public service Pulitzer for its reporting on off-duty police officers
reckless driving.The Pulitzer in breaking news photography went to The
Associated Press for its coverage of the civil war in Syria.The Pulitzers,
journalisms highest honour, are given out each year by Columbia University on
the recommendation of a board of journalists and others. Each award carries a
$10,000 prize except for the public service award, which is a gold medal.
Raj Chetty won John Bates Clark young economist award
Delhi-born Raj Chetty, the professor in the Department of Economy at the
Harvard University won John Bates Clark medal for 2013, also called Baby
Nobel.John Bates Clark medal is conferred upon the American economist whose
age is below 40 years and the one who has made crucial contribution to
economic knowledge and thought.Baby Nobel is one of the most prestigious
awards of economy. Infact, it is second only after Nobel Prize in economic
science.Raj Chetty, 33, is the first Indian-origin person to win this high honour.
His areas of work include social insurance, tax policy as well as education policy.
Telugu writer Ravuri Bharadwaja honoured with Jnanpith award
Telugu writer Dr Ravuri Bharadwaja got the countrys prestigious Jnanpith award
for 2012 for his contributions to Telugu literature over 60 years.He got this award
for his novel Pakudurallu.He is the third recipient of the countrys highest
literary award from Andhra Pradesh, after Dr Viswanatha Satyanarayana in 1970
for his Srimad Ramayana Kalpavriksham and Dr C. Narayana Reddy in 1988 for
his book Viswambhara. Eighty six-year-old Dr Bharadwaja was chosen for the
award by a selection Board chaired by poet Sitakant Mahapatra, said a
statement of the Jnanpith award committee.
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the Award as she won a medal in Olympics in badminton and also the first to win
the Asian Satellite Badminton tournament (India Chapter) twice keeping the
countrys image high abroad.The previous Yudhvir awardees include Prime
Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Classical maestro Pandit Jasraj, Space Scientist
Prof. UR Rao, Amar Chitra Katha founder late Anant Pai and eminent film maker
Shyam Benegal and others.
Asha Bhosle, Mala Sinha to get Phalke Academy awards
The Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards will be bestowed on singer Asha
Bhosle, actress Mala Sinha, late filmmaker Yash Chopra, and late superstar
Rajesh Khanna among several others at a ceremony in Mumbai on April
30.Asha, who has regaled music lovers with her melodious voice in her over six
decades old career, will receive the Phalke Ratna Award from the academy,
while Mala Sinha, who has acted in Pyaasa", Maryada" and Hariyali Aur
Rasta" will get the Golden Era Award.
Major Anup Joseph awarded Kirti Chakra, 12 others get Shaurya Chakra
Major Anup Joseph Manjali was on Saturday awarded the second-highest
peacetime gallantry award Kirti Chakra by President Pranab Mukherjee for killing
three foreign militants in Jammu and Kashmir. 12 defence personnel were
awarded the Shaurya Charkra for their acts of bravery including Captain A Rahul
Ramesh and Naik Krishna Kumar who were given the honour posthumously.
Seven South African Indians get National Orders
The awards(National Orders)are presented on the Freedom Day of South Africa
that is celebrated on April 27 to mark the day on which Nelson Mandela took over
as the countrys first democratically-elected President in 1994. Among the
recipients of the order was veteran Indian diplomat Enuga Sreenivasula Reddy
who had led the fight against apartheid at the UN since 1963 received the Order
of the Companions of OR Tambo(Silver).The second highest award called the
Order of the Baobab was presented to Lenasia-based community worker Suraya
Khan, popularly known to all as Aunty Bibi, while the same order in Silver went
to journalist and community activist Yusuf Abramjee and pioneering skin cloning
plastic surgeon Dr Ridwan Mia. Prof Quarraisha Abdool Karim received the
Order of Mapungubwe in Bronze for her internationally acclaimed research into
HIV Aids.
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On 23 April Chris Gayle, the West Indies opener, hit the fastest ever century in
the history of cricket by reaching 100 in merely 30 balls during Royal Challengers
Bangalore-Pune Warriors IPL match.Gayle scored a total run of 175 runs in
merely 66 balls, which included 17 sixes and 13 boundaries. It is important to
note that this is the most number of runs scored in any T20 innings. This was
also his fourth century in the IPL career.
Lancashires Jordan Clark hits 6 sixes in 1 over
Lancashire all-rounder Jordan Clark had become only the fifth professional
player to hit six sixes in one over, achieving the feat in a second XI match against
Yorkshire on 25 April 2013.
Clark joins an illustrious list that contains former West Indies all-rounder Garfield
Sobers (1968), Indias Ravi Shastri (1985), South Africa batsman Herschelle
Gibbs and India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh (both 2007).
Federation Cup Senior Athletics Championship in Patiala
Federation Cup Senior Athletics Championship in Patiala on 25 April 2013.
Men: 4x100M relay: Andhra Pradesh (K Pavan Kumar, E Gopi, Md Baba, M
Manikanand Raj) 41.06 seconds, 1; Tamil Nadu A (Silambarasan, Al Ameen,
Vijayakumar, Balamurugan) 41.10, 2; Kerala A (Anuroop John, Jeris Jose, Rahul
G Pillai, Renjith KG) 41.39, 3.
Women: 4x100M relay: Chhattisgarh (Niksy Joseph, Shilpa, Priya PK, Sini S)
47.40 seconds, 1; ONGC A (Mounika Gaddam, Meghna Shetty, Purnima
Hembram, Duteechand) 47.78, 2; Kerala A (Merlin K Joseph, Neethu Mathew,
Neethu Rajan, Rengitha C) 48.24, 3.
Dhoni fined for slow over rate
Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was fined $20,000 for his
teams slow over rate in their 14-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders in a Indian
Premier League (IPL) encounter in Chennai on 28 April 2013.
India Open Super Series Badminton Tournament Winners
Mens Singles:-On 28 April World number one Lee Chong (Malaysia) won the
mens singles title at India Open Super Series badminton tournament at
NewDelhi.In the final Lee Chong defeated Kenichi Tago of Japan and got the
title.
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investment across the country cornering about 14 per cent of total outstanding
private sector investment worth over Rs 75 lakh crore as of December
2012.Odisha ranks second with private investment commitments worth over Rs 8
lakh crore.With a share of about 9.4 per cent and 9.3 per cent, Andhra Pradesh
and Maharashtra both have attracted private investments worth over Rs 7 lakh
crore respectively.The private sector accounts for over 62 per cent of total
outstanding investments worth about Rs 122 lakh crore attracted by India as of
December 2012.Of the total investments from private sources worth over Rs 75
lakh crore, the domestic private sector accounts for a majority share of about 58
per cent.Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Assam
account for a share of less than even one per cent in the total private investment
commitments attracted by India.
IMF slashed Economic Growth Rate of India to 5.7 percent from 5.9 percent
for 2013
IMF(International Monetary Fund) in its latest release on 16 April 2013 of the
World Economic Outlook (WEO) slashed the growth projection of India from its
earlier prediction of 5.9 percent to 5.7 percent for the calendar year 2013.
Ambani Brothers 20th Richest in World
Mukesh and Anil Ambani, Indias leading industrialist brothers, have been
together listed as 20th richest in the world in the Sunday Times Rich List
2013.The Walton family of the US, who own Supermarkets (Walmart), are the
richest in the world with a 90 billion pounds fortune in 2013 as against 51 billion
pounds last year.The Hinduja brothers, Srichand and Gopichand Hinduja,
Chairman and Co-Chairman respectively of the Hinduja Group, are 47th richest
in the world with a fortune worth 11 billion pounds in 2013 as against 9 billion
pounds last year.
Spain Unemployment Rate Hits New Record
On 24 April According to the National Statistics Institute data ,Spains
unemployment rate soared to a new record of 27.2% of the workforce in the first
quarter of 2013.The total number of unemployed people in Spain has now
passed the six million figure, although the rate of the increase has slowed.The
jobless rate, which stood at 7.9% in mid-2007, has risen relentlessly since the
collapse in 2008 of a Spains labour-intensive property boom.
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A first of its kind ultra-lightweight plane powered completely by the sun is set to
fly coast-to-coast this spring.The Solar Impulse plane will stop in Dallas city in
Texas during its historic cross-country journey that begins on May 1.The plane,
which requires zero fuel and relies solely on solar panels and battery power,
would be the worlds first plane powered purely by solar energy.
Obama Announced $100 Million Brain Initiative Project
On 2 April US President Barack Obama has announced the BRAIN Initiative a
$100 million brain-mapping project.The BRAIN initiative will attempt to find ways
to treat Alzheimers disease and strokes while also aiding in job growth.
Carbon aerogel worlds lightest material
Chinese scientists have developed the worlds lightest substance carbon
aerogel with a density only one sixth of that of the air.Scientists at Zhejiang
University produced the solid material which has a density of only 0.16 mg/cubic
centimetre, breaking the previous record of the worlds lightest material held by
graphite aerogel.The graphite aerogel was developed by German scientists last
year with a density of 0.18 mg/cubic centimetre.
Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer Detected Evidence of Dark Matter
On 3 April NASA scientists announced the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS)
placed on the International Space Station (ISS) may have detected the elusive
dark matter. The scientists made the announcement after they observed an
excess of positrons in the Cosmic Ray Flux, which can be the reason of the
presence of elusive dark matter.
100 billion Earth-like planets in our galaxy
Scientists have proposed a new method for finding Earth-like planets in our Milky
Way galaxy and they anticipate that their number may be up to a whopping 100
billion.The strategy devised by researchers at The University of Auckland uses a
technique called gravitational microlensing, currently used by a Japan-New
Zealand collaboration called MOA (Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics) at
New Zealands Mt John Observatory.
German Shipyard Launches Worlds Largest Private Yacht
On 5 April A German shipyard has launched Azzam" , the worlds largest
private yacht at 590-feet long, which also happens to be among the fastest
vessels, costing a whopping USD 609 million.The luxury private vessel Azzam
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was one of 11 proposals selected for NASA funding in September 2011, down
from the original 22 submitted in February of that year.TESS, along with the
Neutron star Interior Composition ExploreR (NICER), had been selected for
launch in 2017.
The project will come into full swing within the next four years.
Pakistan Tests Nuclear-Capable Hatf-IV Missile
Pakistan successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable Hatf-IV ballistic missile on 10
April 2013. The missile has a range of 900 km and it can also hit targets in India.
Hatf- IV ballistic missile is also called Shaheen-1.
Indian Astronomer Discovered Blue Super-Giant Star
An Indian scientist Dr. duo Ananda Hota and his Taiwanese colleague Dr.
Youichi Ohyama have discovered a blue super-giant star located in the
constellation Virgo, far beyond our Milky Way Galaxy. Over 55 million years ago,
the star emerged in an extremely wild environment, surrounded by intensely hot
plasma (a million degrees centigrade) and amidst raging cyclone winds blowing
at four million kilometres per hour.This star is in small IC 3418 Milky Way Galaxy
and it is about 5.5 billion light-years away from Earth.
Astronomers find most Earth-like planets yet
NASA scientists announced on 19 April 2013 that they discovered two earths like
plants which are 1200 light years far from earth. NASA discovered the five plants
which are rotating around Kepler 62 star using the Kepler Space Telescope.
Two of the five planets orbiting a sun-like star called Kepler-62 are squarely in
what astronomers call the habitable zone not too hot, not too cold and
possibly bearing water. These two plants are named as a Kepler-63e and Kepler
62f.
China Tested Self Developed Biofuel Flight
On 24 April China successfully conducted a first test flight powered by selfdeveloped biofuel made mainly from palm oil and recycled cooking oil.An Airbus
A320 operated by China Eastern Airlines landed at Shanghai Hongqiao
International Airport ,after completing an 85-minute journey using aviation biofuel
produced by Sinopec, the countrys top oil refiner.The success made China the
fourth country after the United States, France and Finland to boast independent
production of bio-jet-fuel.
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PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Jonty Rhodes named South African tourism ambassador in India
Former cricketer Jonty Rhodes was named as the brand ambassador of South
African Tourism in India.
Chitra Ramkrishna Took Over as NSE chief
On 1 April Chitra Ramkrishna took over as National Stock Exchange (NSE) new
Managing Director and CEO .As MD and CEO of the NSE, Ramkrishna
succeeds Ravi Narain who would assume the role of non-executive Vice
Chairman .She is the first female head of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in
its nearly 20-year history of operations as a bourse.
Rakesh Bhatia is Catholic Syrian Banks new MD & CEO
Rakesh Bhatia had taken over as the new Managing Director and Chief
Executive Officer of Catholic Syrian Bank.He was previously the Global Head of
HSBCs Trade and Receivables Finance Division.
2 Indians selected for Yale fellowship programme
Abhik Sen, Managing Editor, The Economist Group, and Prodyut Bora, State
General Secretary of BJP in Assam, have been selected as the two Indian
representatives for 2013 Yale World Fellows Program.About 16 people have
been selected for the programme.Since 2002, the university has welcomed a
group of exemplary mid-career professionals from a wide range of fields and
countries for an intensive four-month period of academic enrichment and
leadership training.With the selection of Sen and Bora, the total number of Indian
fellows stands at 13.
Infosys S Gopalakrishnan is the new CII President
S. Gopalakrishnan (Kris), co-founder and executive co-chairman, Infosys
Technologies Limited, had been elected as the President of CII for the year
2013-14. He succeeds Mr Adi Godrej as the new President.
S.C. Sinha Appointed as NHRC Member
On 5 April National Investigation Agency (NIA) chief S.C. Sinha has been
appointed as a member of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) .S C
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Sinha, a 1975 batch Haryana cadre officer.He will now get a five year term at
NHRC.
Krishna Kumar Natrajan appointed as the New Chief of NASSCOM
Krishnakumar Natarajan, CEO and Director of Mindtree on 8 April 2013 was
appointed as the Chairman of Nasscom for the year 2013-14. He succeeded N
Chandrasekaran, MD and CEO of TCS, who was the Chairman for the year
2012-13.
First Woman director for IICT
On April 8,Dr. Mannepalli Lakshmi Kantam, had been appointed as Director of
the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), the first woman scientist to
head any of the 37 laboratories belonging to Council of Scientific and Industrial
Research (CSIR) in the country.
Kenyatta sworn in as Kenyas president
Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in as Kenyas fourth president on 09 April 2013,
becoming the second sitting president in the world to be indicted for crimes
against humanity and creating a challenge for western governments keen to
sustain links with a strategic east African ally.
PJ Kurien elected Chairman of Asian forum of Parliamentarians
On April 11 Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, PJ Kurien was unanimously
elected as the Chairman of the prestigious Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on
Population and Development (AFPPD) during the during the 73rd Executive
Committee Meeting of AFPPD at Bangkok. He replaced Yasuo Fukuda, former
Prime Minister of Japan as the Chairman of AFPPD. PJ Kurien at present is also
the Chairman of the Indian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and
Development.
Five new judges sworn-in
Five new judges to the Andhra Pradesh High Court were sworn-in by acting Chief
Justice N.V. Ramana in Hyderabad on 12 April 2013.The new judges who were
administered the oath of office and secrecy are: Challa Kodanda Ram, A.
Rajasekhar Reddy, P. Naveen Rao, A.V. Sesha Sai and S.V. Bhatt.
Two Judges Sworn in Supreme Court
On 12 April with two more judges sworn in the strength of the Supreme Court has
risen to 30.Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri and Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde were
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administered the oath of office and secrecy by Chief Justice of India Altamas
Kabir.While Justice Sikri was the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High
Court, Justice Bobde was the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court. The
sanctioned strength of the apex court is 31 judges including the CJI.
Sunil Kumar Takes over as Managing Director of CRIS
On 16 April 2013,Sunil Kumar took over as the Managing Director of Centre for
Railway Information Systems (CRIS).
Shri Asoke Kumar Mukerji appointed as the Permanent Representative of
India to the UN
On April 17,Shri Asoke Kumar Mukerji, took charges as the
Ambassador/Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations at New
York.
CRPF gets first woman Special DG
On April 18, Senior IPS officer Aruna Bahuguna appointed as the Special
Director General of the countrys largest paramilitary force CRPF. This is the first
time a woman officer is occupying the second top post in the hierarchy of the
force. She is a 1979-batch IPS officer. She was till now serving as the Chairman
of the AP police housing corporation. Bahuguna is expected to take charge at the
force headquarters in New Delhi within 15 days.
Abdul Hamid elected Bangladesh President uncontested
Abdul Hamid is to be Bangladeshs 20th president after no other candidate was
nominated in the poll to replace President Zilliur Rahman who died on 20 March
2013. Abdul Hamid was elected uncontested as the 20th President of
Bangladesh.
Sunil Bharti Mittal Appointed as Vice Chairman of ICC
On 22 April Sunil Bharti Mittal , the Chairman and Group CEO of Bharti
Enterprises appointed as the Vice-Chairman of the International Chamber of
Commerce (ICC),which is one of the worlds oldest global business
organisations.With the appointment as the Vice Chairman of ICC, Mittal became
the third business person from India in the history of ICC to be appointed on the
ICC Executive Board.
Ajay Devgn, Runa Laila named SAARC ambassadors for HIV/AIDS
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Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila and Oscar-winning
Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy have been named as SAARC
Goodwill Ambassadors for HIV/AIDS.A meeting of the selection committee was
held recently at the SAARC Secretariat and of the 10 nominations received from
the member states, the three celebrities were nominated.
Takehiko Nakao is new ADB President
On 27 April Takehiko Nakao has been unanimously elected president of the
Asian Development Bank (ADB) by the Board of Governors at New Delhi.He
succeeds Haruhiko Kuroda, who resigned in March to take up his assignment as
Bank of Japan governor.Nakao assumed office as ADBs ninth president on 28
April.
Gulzars appointment as chancellor elates Assam University
Lyricist-writer and Padma Bhushan awardee, Gulzar has been appointed the new
chancellor of Assam University.Established in 1994, the Assam University
campus is situated in Dargakona, about 20 km from Silchar.
B)RESIGNS
Kerala minister resigned following domestic violence complaint by wife
Kerala Forest minister K.B.Ganesh Kumar resigned his post on 02 April 2013
due to domestic violence complaint by wife in the local police station.He is only
one Congress person in the Congress- UPF Coalition Alliance government in
Kerala.
Cyprus Finance Minister Michalis Sarris Resigns
On 3 April Cyprus Finance Minister Michalis Sarris has resigned citing his role as
chairman of Laiki Bank, whose failure was a major contributor to the islands near
financial meltdown, as one of the reasons behind his decision.
UP Goverment suspends cabinet minister Raja Ram Pandey
The Uttar Pradesh government on 13 April 2013 removed cabinet minister of
Khadi and Gramudyog, Raja Ram Pandey for making sexist comments.Pandey
had promised to build roads as smooth as Hema Malinis and Madhuri Dixits
cheeks besides giving the states roads a facial while addressing a function in
Pratapgarh on 12 April 2013.UP CM Akhilesh Yadav, who is now in charge of 63
ministries, has taken charge of Pandeys ministry.
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad Resigned
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Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad resigned on 13 April 2013 after falling
out with president Mahmud Abbas. Salam Fayyad was tasked with the role of
caretaker for the current government until a new prime minister is appointed.
Supreme Court bids farewell to Justice Aftab Alam
On April 19,the Supreme Court bid farewell to Justice Aftab Alam marking the
end of his five and a half year tenure at the Supreme Court. Justice Alam
enrolled as an Advocate on March 27, 1973. He practised in the Patna High
Court and was designated as Senior Advocate by the Patna High Court on
February 1, 1984. He was appointed as Judge of the Patna High Court on July
27, 1990 and was later transferred to the Jammu & Kashmir High Court, where
he was appointed as the Acting Chief Justice on June 06, 2007. He assumed
office as Supreme Court judge on November 12, 2007.
C)DEATHS
Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, Oscar winner and novelist, died
Oscar, the Booker Prize winner novelist and screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala,
author of Heat and Dust and many other books set in India, died on 03 April
2013.Jhabvala also worked on several movie adaptations with filmmakers James
Ivory and Ismail Merchant, winning two Academy Awards for her screenplays for
1985 movie A Room With a View and Howards End in 1992.Jhabvala was
born in Germany but emigrated with her family to Britain during the Nazi regime.
She later married an Indian architect and moved to India, where she began to
write about her life there.Jhabvala collaborated with Merchant and Ivory on more
than 20 movies including The Remains of the Day and Mr. And Mrs. Bridge.
Bratindra Nath Mukherjee passes away
A Padmashri winner, Professor Bratindra Nath Mukherjee, renowned historian
and an expert in epigraphy who deciphered several ancient scripts, died in
Kolkata on 04 April 2013.
Britains First Female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher Died
Margaret Thatcher, Britains first and still only female prime minister has died on
8 April at London.Thatcher was the Prime Minister of Britain from 1979 to 1990
from Conservative party of Britain and was the first lady to hold the post of Prime
Minister.She was the longest-serving British Prime Minister of the 20th century
and is the only woman to have held the office. A Soviet journalist called her the
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woman who became the CEC. She was succeeded by T N Seshan.She had
served as the Governor of Himachal Pradesh from July 26, 1997 to December 1,
1999 and as the Governor of Karnataka from December 2, 1999 to May 20,
2002.
Dina Thanthi MD Sivanthi Adithan dead
Veteran journalist and managing director of Tamil daily Dina Thanthi B Sivanthi
Adithan died in Chennai on 19 April 2013.He was also head of the Indian
Olympic Association before Suresh Kalmadi took over and is the former vice
president of Olympic Council of Asia. At the time of his death, Sivanthi Adithan
was the life president of IOC and president of the Volleyball Federation of
India.Sivanthi Adithan was honoured with Padmashree in 2008.
Mathematical Genius Shakuntala Devi Died
On 21 April The human computer mental calculator, mathematics whizard
Shakuntala Devi died at Bangalore.Her name was recorded in Guinness Book of
World Records for her ability of making calculations at lightning-speed.In the year
1977, she calculated the 23rd root of digit number 201 in just 50 seconds.Some
of her books were Puzzles to Puzzle You, Mathablit, Astrology for You, Fun with
Numbers and Awaken the Genius in Your Child.
Former England Captain Mike Denness Died
On 19 April Michael Henry Denness, popularly known as Mike Denness, the
former England captain died in London.Mike Denness played county cricket for
Essex and Kent. He scored over 25000 runs in the first-class career.He was the
captain of Kent to six domestic trophies between 1972 and 1976.He was among
first few inductees into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame.He was also named as
the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1975.
Former Chief Justice of India J S Verma dead
Former Chief Justice of India J S Verma, who headed the government-appointed
committee to frame a tough law to tackle crime against women in the wake of the
December Delhi gangrape incident, died in Gurgaon on 22April 2013.Justice
Verma was the 27th Chief Justice of India and served from March 25, 1997 until
his retirement on January 18, 1998.He began his legal career in 1955 and
became a Judge of Madhya Pradesh High Court in June-1973. He became Chief
Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court in June,1986 and also served as Chief
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quake was near Pakistan-Iran Border in the southeastern city of Khash. The
tremors of the quake were felt across India, Middle East and Pakistan.
Fertiliser plant explosion in the US
On April 18, massive explosion at a fertilizer plant in the Town of West, in Central
Texas. It is 120km far from Dallas town in the Texas state. In this explosion 15
were died and 200 people were injured
Delhi gets Dildaar Delhi tagline
Delhi got its own tagline Dildaar Delhi. Penned by Amit Anand, a cashier in a
small confectionery shop in Keshavpuram, the tagline was selected out of 12,000
entries of a competition organized by Delhi government and Delhi Tourism
department.
German Bakery blast: Himayat Beg sentenced to death
On April 18, a Pune court sentenced Indian Mujahideen operative Mirza Himayat
Inayat Baig to death in the German Bakery bomb blast case.The terror attack on
the popular pune joint had killed 17 people and injured 64 in February 2010. On
15 April 2013, Pune sessions court special judge NP Dhote had held Baig guilty
in the case.
China hit by strong earthquake
On 20 April ,China was hit by strong earthquake and killed at least 157 people
and injured more than 5,700.The magnitude 7.0 quake hit a remote mountainous
area of southwestern Chinas Sichuan province at 8:02 a.m. (0002 GMT), close
to where an earthquake killed almost 70,000 people in 2008.The quake struck in
Lushan county, near the city of Yaan, at a depth of 12 km (7.5 miles)
ABBREVIATIONS
CII
Confederation of Indian Industry
MSME
Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
SCO
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
AMS
Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer
ICSI
Institute of Company Secretaries of India
TESS
Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite
WIPO
World Intellectual Property Organisation
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BOOKS IN NEWS
Vice President Released Book titled Religion, Law & Society-Across the
Globe
On 12 April 2013,The Vice President of India, Hamid Ansari released a book
titled Religion, Law & Society Across the Globe. The book is authored by Prof.
Tahir Mahmood.
COMMITTEES
Uday Kumar Committee To Act as Single Window Clearance for Film
Projects
On 15 April the Government of India announced creation of an inter-ministerial
panel that will work as a single window clearance system for international and
domestic film projects.The committee will be headed by I&B Secretary Uday
Kumar Varma .The constitution of the committee is expected to mainstream a
proactive mechanism and coordination process of granting permissions through
a single window provision. Apart from the I&B secretary, the committee will have
joint secretaries from the ministries of I&B, Home Affairs, Tourism, External
Affairs, Culture, Railways, Aviation and Defence on board.
IMPORTANT DAYS AND DATES
World Health Day was Celebrated on 7th April
World Health Day is celebrated every year on 7 April, under the sponsorship of
the World Health Organization (WHO).
National Safe Motherhood Day Observed across the Country
National Safe Motherhood day was observed across India on 11 April 2013 to
create awareness on proper healthcare and maternity facilities to pregnant and
lactating women.
MAY
INTERNATIONAL
Every year 2,70,000 Pedestrains are died in the World
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swelling to 12.8% by 2018, when more than two million more youths would likely
be out of work
Brazil, Argentina Signed Agreement To Build Nuclear Reactors
On 8 May Brazil and Argentina have agreed to extend their nuclear cooperation
by jointly commission will jointly build two research reactors.The agreement,
signed by the Brazilian National Commission for Nuclear Energy (CNEN) and the
National Commission of Atomic Energy (CNEA), is centred on the construction of
two reactors.
Argentine Passed Judicial Reform Bill
On 8 May Argentinas Senate passed a Judicial Reform Law, by 38 votes in favor
to 30.According to Argentine President Cristina Fernandez it aims at
democratizing the judiciary.
Nawaz Sharif Re-elected for Third term as Pakistan PM
On 14 May Two time former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif re-elected
as Pakistan Prime Minister for the third time after won the general elections with
a thumping majority.The Election Commission of Pakistan announced results of
272 National Assembly seats, with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz heading the
count with 126 seats, followed by the Pakistan Peoples Party with 31 seats.The
Sharif, belongs to Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (N) party. Pakistan Muslim
League-N attained an overpowering lead with 130 seats. The first runner up is
Imran Khan`s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) with 37 seats and the last is
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) with 31 seats.Nawaz Sharif previously having
been Pakistans 12th and 14th Prime Minister for two non-consecutive terms
from November 1990 to July 1993 and from February 1997 to October 1999.
Sharif is the President of Pakistan Muslim League-N, one of Pakistans largest
political parties.
France became the 14th Country in the World to legalise Gay Marriage
In France now onwards allow same-sex couples to marry. Frances President
Francois Hollande on 17 May 2013 signed into law a controversial bill to legalise
gay marriage. It makes France the ninth in Europe and 14th in the world to do so.
Zimbabwes President Signed New Constitution Into Law
On 22 Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe signed Zimbabwes new constitution
into law. The new constitution was approved overwhelmingly in a referendum in
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March 2013.The constitution cut short the powers of the president, limits
presidential tenures to two five-year terms and does away with the post of prime
minister.
Afghanistan Parliament Approved new Election Law
On 22 May The Lower House of the Afghan Parliament approved two new
Election laws , that will take effect in the elections next spring. The law contains
79 articles and 16 chapters.
EU Lifted Arms Embargo on Syrian Rebels
On 27 May European foreign ministers have lifted an arms embargo on Syria,,
paving the way for individual EU member states to provide weapons to the Syrian
rebels.After long and continuous hour of talk EU governments failed to agree on
extending the arms embargo, which effectively ends the EUs ban on supplying
arms to the rebels.Some other restrictive measures against Syria , which include
financing restrictions, travel bans and asset freezes is also supposed to be
extended for a year, as there is a fear that the entire sanctions regime could fall
over a failure to agree on the arms issue.
Australia the worlds happiest nation: OECD
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development released its Better
Life Index, which ranks the worlds most developed economies on jobs, income
environment and health. Australia got first place for the third consecutive
year.Sweden, Canada, Norway , Switzerland,United States, Denmark, The
Netherland Iceland and United Kingdom were also in the top ten.In Australia 84
percent of the people accepted that their life is happy.So,Australia got the first
place in Better Life Index.
INDIA & WORLD
US, India and Japan hold trilateral cooperation talks
On May 2 ,India, the United States and Japan held their fourth trilateral dialogue
at the State Department in Washington, exchanging views on a wide range of
regional and global issues of mutual interest.These discussions focused on the
prospect of greater Indo-Pacific commercial connectivity and regional and
maritime security, and cooperation in multilateral fora.The Indian delegation was
headed by External Affairs Ministry joint secretaries D.B. Venkatesh Varma and
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On 8 May Israel and the Indian state of Karnataka have signed an R&D
cooperation agreement. This is the first-ever such agreement between Israel and
an Indian state. The agreement aims to further bilateral business, technology,
and economic relations and sees Israel benefiting from Karnatakas human
resources and the Indian state benefitting from Israels innovations.
India Tops Cervical Cancer Deaths
On 10 May According to the Cervical Cancer Global Crisis Card report released
by the Cervical Cancer-Free Coalition, with nearly 73,000 women dying every
year, India now tops the world in cervical cancer deaths .India represents 26.4
per cent of all women dying of cervical cancer globally, with China, Bangladesh,
Pakistan, Indonesia and Thailand also showing high death incidence.The cervical
cancer kills an estimated 275,000 women every year .Cancer Registry
Programme (NCRP) report in 2009 the number of cervical cancer cases were
101938 which has increased to 107690 in 2012.It is being estimated that the
number of cervical cancer cases and deaths are estimated to increase by 2025
to 203,757 and 115,171, respectively.
Britain launched Super Priority Visa Service for Travellers from India
On 12 May 2013, Britain launched super priority same-day visa service for
urgent travellers from India. Britain launched this kind of service first time for
India only . The super priority visa service was announced by British Prime
Minister David Cameron during his visit to India in February 2013.
Google signs MoU to train engineering students in Andhra Pradesh
On May 14,Google India Private Limited signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh government to train engineering
students of Jawahar Knowledge Centres (JKC) in latest technologies like mobile
and cloud computing.The MoU was signed between the IT minister and Nelson
Mattos, vice president (Europe & Emerging Markets), Google Hyderabad. Google
will also train the trainers/mentors of AP Society for Knowledge Networks
(APSFKNW) and provide required software, services and training material free of
cost.
India and Netherlands Signed MoU on Urban Planning
On 14 May India and Netherlands signed on a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) for Technical Cooperation in the field of Spatial Planning, Water
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cent of all foreign-born residents in London.This accounts for 37.8 per cent of all
residents that had been born in India resident in England and Wales in
2011.Other important foreign-born groups in London, with more than 100,000
residents, include those born in Ireland (129,807), Nigeria (114,718), Pakistan
(112,457) and Bangladesh (109,948).
India China Signed 8 Agreements
On 20 May India and Chine signed eight important agreements covering a wide
range of issues like trade, culture and water resources. The agreements were
finalised after delegation-level talks between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh and Chinese counterpart Le Keqiang.
The list of eight agreements/memoranda of undrstanding (MoUs):(i) Protocol between Indias external affairs ministry and Chinas foreign affairs
ministry on Indian Official Pilgrimage (the Kailash Mansoarovar Yatra) to the
Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
(ii) Work Programmes of the Three Working Groups under Joint Economic Group
(JEG) between Indias commerce and industry ministry and Chinas commerce
ministry.
(iii) MoU on Buffalo meat, fishery products and Agreement on feed and feed
ingredients between Indiss Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export
Development Authority and The Marine Products Export Development Authority
and Export Inspection Council and Chinas General Administration of Quality
Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).
(iv) MoU between Indias urban development ministry and Chinas National
Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on cooperation in sewage
treatment.
(v) MoU between Indias water resources ministry and NDRC on cooperation in
water-efficient irrigation.
(vi) MoU between the external affairs ministry and Chinas State Administration of
Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) on cooperation in
mutual translation and publication of works, both classic and contemporary.
(vii) MoU between the water resources ministries of both countries for provision
of hydrological information by China to india on the Yaluzangbu/Brahmaputra
River during the flood season.
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joint statement issued at the end of exhaustive talks between Singh and Abe said
the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed the importance of civil nuclear cooperation
between the two countries, while recognising that nuclear safety is a priority for
both governments.In this context, they directed their officials to accelerate the
negotiations of an Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear
Energy towards an early conclusion
India and Thailand sign extradition treaty
On 30 May 2013,in a major boost to bilateral security cooperation, India and
Thailand signed the much awaited extradition treaty after 20 years of
negotiations.The MoU was signed by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid
and Thai Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.The
treaty was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his
Thai counterpart Yingluck Shinawatra.The treaty provides the legal framework for
seeking extradition of fugitive offenders, including those involved in terrorism,
transnational crimes and economic offences among others.The two countries
totally signed on seven pacts. They are extradition, education,financial
intelligence mapping , geospatial technology applications , investigation of
persons suspected of money laundering and criminal activity related to money
laundering and terrorism financing.
UNESCO Declares Nicobar Islands as World Biosphere Reserve
On 31 May The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
(UNESCO) has declared and designated the Nicobar Islands in India as a world
biosphere reserve .The International Coordinating Council of UNESCOs Man
and the Biosphere Programme added the Nicobar Islands to the list of eleven
other sites which are designated as world biosphere reserves.Great Nicobar now
9th Indian reserve in Unesco world network.Member countries establish such
reserves. UNESCO recognizes them under the programme to promote
sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science.
NATIONAL
National Urban Health Mission Approved By Cabinet
On 1 May The Union Cabinet approved the launch of the National Urban Health
Mission (NUHM) to reduce rates of infant mortality, maternal mortality and for
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Obama conferred upon her, the Gershwin Prize that is given as a lifetime
achievement in popular music.
APJ Abdul Kalam Received Wernher Von Braun Memorial Award
On 24 May United States based National Space Societys (NSS) has conferred
Wrenher von Braun Memorial Award upon former president APJ Abdul Kalam
in San Diego .The award was conferred upon Kalam at International Space
Development Conference. It was instituted by NSS, a non-profit organization and
is dedicated to the creation of spacefaring civilization.The honour is given to
recognize excellence in management and leadership in a space-related project,
where the project holds significance.
Biological clock scientists share Shaw Prize
On 28 May ,three scientists whose groundbreaking studies using fruit flies helped
to uncover the workings of the human biological clock were named the winners of
the $1 million Shaw Prize .US scientists Jeffrey Hall, Michael Rosbash and
Michael Young received the award for their discovery of molecular mechanisms
underlying circadian rhythms.Biological rhythms govern behaviour in plants,
animals and humans, from flowers opening during the day and closing at night, to
sleep patterns and the effect of jet lag.
SPORTS & GAMES
PV Sindhu won Malaysian Badminton Grand Prix Title
On 4 May,Indias shuttler PV Sindhu won Malaysian Badminton Grand Prix title
after winning Malaysia Open womens final match.In the final, top seed Sindhu
defeated lower seed, Gu Juan of Singapore.This is the first Grand Prix title in her
Career.
Aamir Won Asian Squash Championship Title
On 5 May Pakistan`s top seeded player, Aamir Atlas Khan won the Asian
Squash individual championship for the first time in 14 years after he defeated
Kuwait`s Abdullah Al Mezayan in straight sets in Islamabad.Pakistan had last
won the Asian individual title in 1998, but since then has only been able to win
the Asian team title in the last Asiad.
Ronnie OSullivan Won World Snooker Championship
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title is Barcas fourth in five seasons and the 22nd of their history. The last team
other than Barcelona or Madrid to win the title was Valencia in 2004.Barcelonas
Lionel Messi finished the Spanish League as the top-scorer.He has already 46
goals, 12 clear of Cristiano Ronaldo, who finished second.
Rome Masters Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners
Womens Singles :- On 19 May Serena Williams (USA) won her fourth
consecutive title of the year after defeated Victoria Azarenka from Belarus in the
Rome Masters final.This is the second Rome Open title won by Serena, before
this Serena won the Rome title 11 years ago in 2002.
Mens Singles :- Rafael Nadal from spain claimed his seventh Rome Masters title
after defeated Roger Federar (Switzerland ) in the final
Mumbai Indians Won 2013 IPL Title
On 26 May Mumbai Indians won the Indian Premier League title for the first time ,
after defeated Chennai Super Kings by 23 runs in the final at Eden Gardens.
* Man-of-the-Match Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians)
* Most Valuable Player Shane Watson (Rajasthan Royals)
* Orange Cap ( (Highest Run Getters) Michael Hussey (Chennai) : 733 Runs
* Purple Cap (Highest Wicket Takers) Dwayne Bravo (Chennai) : 32 Wickets
* Best Youngest Player Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)
* Fair Play Award Chennai Super Kings
* Best catch of the season Gurkeerat Mann Singh (Kings Eleven Punjab)
Rosberg Won Monaco Grand Prix Title
On 26 May The Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg won the Monaco Grand Prix
title.Rosbergs team-mate Lewis Hamilton dropped from second to fourth after
losing out through the safety car.Force Indias Adrian Sutil took fifth from
McLarens Jenson Button.
China Won Sudirman Cup In Badminton
On 26 May China won their fifth consecutive Sudirman Cup and ninth overall,
after defeated South Korea.At the Putra Stadium Chinas World No. 1 Xu Chen
and Ma Jin defeated their South Korean opponents Ko Sung Hyun and Kim Ha
Na in straight games in the mixed doubles.In mens singles, Chinas Chen Long
defeated South Korean Lee Dong Keun .In mens doubles Chinese Liu Xiaolong
and Qiu Zihan defeated South Korean players Ko Sung Hyun and Lee Yong
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Dae.Huser Ayla, of Switzerland won the Womens Singles after defeated Rankin
Anna, from New Zealand Sudirman Cup is the world mixed team badminton
championship which takes place every two years.
ECONOMY
RBI Cuts Repo Rate By 25 Basis Points
On 3 May The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the policy repo rate under
the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 25 basis points, from 7.5 percent to 7.25
per cent with immediate effect as part of its annual monetary policy statement
2013-14.The reverse repo rate under the LAF also stands adjusted to 6.25 per
cent. The RBI took this step to boost flagging economic growth.The cash reserve
ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks has however been retained at 4 per cent of their
net demand and time liabilities.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide about 6 billion dollars loan to
India
Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 5 May 2013 announced that it is going to
provide about 6 billion dollars loan to India over the next three years which was
decided at the concluding day of the 46th annual meeting of the funding agency.
The bank is working on partnership strategy and is planning to maintain the level
of lending to India.It is important here to note that India is the biggest borrower of
ADB and ADB had extended a 2.4 billion dollars loan to India in 2012 across
sectors like transport, energy, commerce, industry, trade and finance.
Delhi Tops in the Creative Index Report 2013
On 6 May According to the Creative Index Report 2013 report ,Delhi has been
ranked as the most creative state in India with the greatest potential for success
in todays creative economy. The ranking is based on the population of creative
class. This class is of individuals are often engaged in either complex problem
solving or in the generation of new ideas, new technology, and new creative
content.Chandigarh, Punjab, Kerala, Goa, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands,
Puducherry, and Maharashtra round out the top nine.
Mobile Phones To Out Number Human Population By 2014
On 12 May According to the International Telecoms Unions (ITU) report ,The
number of mobile phone subscriptions are set to outnumber the worlds
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post.He will take charge of his office from Pascal Lamy of France in the Genevabased Body in September 2013.
Siddaramaiah Sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka
On 13 May Congress leader Siddaramaiah was sworn in as the 22nd chief
minister of Karnataka by the Governor H R Bharadwaj.In year 1992
Siddaramaiah was appointed as Secretary General of Janata Dal.In Year 1994
became the Minister for Finance in the Janata Dal government headed by Deve
Gowda.He served as a Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka twice, first in 1996
when JH Patel became Chief Minister and again in 2004 when JDS formed a
coalition government with Dharam Singh.
Nirbhay Sharma Appointed Governor of Arunachal Pradesh
On 16 May Lieutenant General (retd) Nirbhay Sharma has been appointed as
Governor of Arunachal Pradesh as the term of present incumbent Gen (retd) J J
Singh ended in January 2013. He was appointed as Member of UPSC in May
2008 and after completion of his five year stint .He was also a part of the
Airborne Assault Group, the first Indian Army Unit to enter Dacca (Dhaka) during
1971 war.
Shashi Kant Sharma is the new CAG
On 21 May Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma was appointed as the new
Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) ,replaced outgoing Vinod Rai.Sharma, an
IAS officer from 1976 batch of Bihar cadre, has earlier assumed various
important offices during his tenure as Secretary in the Department of Financial
Services and has spent over 10 years in the Defence Ministry in various
capacities.The CAG is appointed for a term of six years or till the incumbent
attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Indian Origin Srinivasan Appointed as Top US Court Judge
On 23 May The United States Senate voted 97-0 to appoint Srikanth Srinivasan
as a Judge of the prestigious US Court of Appeals.It is the highest judicial
appointment to an Indian -American . Srinivasan has become the first IndianAmerican to be appointed to the court.He is the Principle Deputy Solicitor
General and defends the policies of US President Barack Obama before the
Supreme Court
Radha Krishna Mathur is new Defence Secretary
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On 25 May Senior IAS officer Radha Krishna Mathur has been appointed as new
Defence Secretary.He succeeds Shashikant Sharma who has taken over as
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). A 1977-batch IAS officer of ManipurTripura cadre, Mathur was serving as Secretary (Defence Production) in the
Defence Ministry.
Justice Raveendran is new NBSA Chief
On 25 May Former Supreme Court judge Justice R V Raveendran has been
appointed as the new Chairman of the News Broadcasting Standards Authority
(NBSA) , the self regulatory initiative of the News Broadcasters Association
(NBA).He succeeds justice (Retd.) J.S. Verma, chairperson of the NBSA, who
passed away on 2013 April.NBSA is an independent redressal body set up by
the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) and has leading TV news channels as
its members.
Kushal Singh Appointed as the Chairperson of NCPCR
On 27 May Mrs. Kushal Singh has been appointed as the Chairperson of
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), by the Ministry of
Women and Child Development.Mrs. Kushal Singh has held several high level
posts in the Government of Rajasthan and the Central Government.She was the
Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan.
PM Manmohan Singh elected to Rajya Sabha
On 30 May 2013 ,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was elected to Rajya Sabha
from Assam for fifth consecutive term.Dr Singh got 49 first preference votes,
while the second Congress candidate bagged 45 votes and All India United
Democratic Front (AIUDF)s Aminul Islam, who polled 18 votes, lost in the 126member state Assembly.
B)RESIGNS
Union Railway Minister and Law Minister of India Resigned
On 10 May Union Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal and Union Law Minister
of India Ashwani Kumar resigned from their posts.Railway Minister PK Bansal
resigned from his office since his nephew Vijay Singla was arrested for his
alleged involvement of bribery of 90 lakh rupees from the Railway Board
Member, with a promise of promotion. Ashwani Kumar the Union Law Minister
submitted his resignation after being into attack by the opposition and the CBI
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affidavit submitted to Supreme Court for vetting up the CBI report in the Coal
Block allocation scam.
C)DEATHS
ATP chairman Brad Drewett died
Brad Drewett(54), the former tour player who led the ATP as executive chairman
and president since January 2012 died on 3 May 2013 . He helped in increasing
the prize money at Grand Slam tournaments.
Giulio Andreotti, the former Italian Prime Minister died
On 6th May, the former Italian Prime Minister ,Giulio Andreott(94) was dies in
Rome.He was one of the most powerful figures in the politics of the country after
World War II.
Islamic scholar Asghar Ali Engineer Died
On May 14,Leading Islamic scholar, author and activist Asghar Ali Engineer, 74,
died at his Santacruz home in Mumbai. He was born in 1940 and completed his
BSc in civil engineering from Vikram University.From 1980, he edited the journal
named the Islamic Perspective and during 1980s he published a series of books
on Islam and communal violence in India. His books were based on his
investigations in the post-independent India. The USA International Student
Assembly and the USA Indian Student Assembly honoured him with
Distinguished Service Award in 1987.
Bengali filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh dead
On 30 May 2013,Award-winning Indian film director Rituparno Ghosh was died
from a heart attack in the city of Calcutta.Ghosh directed 18 films in that 12 films
got national awards.Ghosh began his remarkable journey by directing a
childrens film Hirer Angti (Diamond Ring) in 1994, which won him an
immediate recognition. He shot to fame after his next film Unishe April (19
April) won the national award in 1995.His other award-winning films include
Dahan, Asukh, Chokher Bali, Raincoat, Bariwali, Antarmahal,
Noukadubi, Abohoman, Chitrangada and Amitabh Bachchan starrer The
Last Lear.
Academic Vina Mazumdar Dead
On 30 May 2013,Noted academic and a leading figure of Indias womens
movement, Dr Vina Mazumdar, died in New Delhi.Born in 1927 in a middle-class
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Bengali household in Kolkata, she did her schooling in the city and studied in
Banaras Hindu University and Calcutta University, before going to Oxford in
1947, soon after independence. She went back to Oxford University later and
received her D.Phil in 1962.
D)VISITORS
China Prime Minister Li Keqiang Visited India
Chinas new Prime Minister Li Keqiangs visited India on his first foreign trip to
India from 19th to 21st May 2013 since taking his office in March 2013. During
the visit he met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and discussed India-China
border issues , bilateral, regional and global issues of common interest.After the
both countries signed on 8 agreements.The Chinese have also agreed to provide
greater facilitation to Indian pilgrims on the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai Visited India
Hamid Karzai , President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan visited India from
20-22 May, 2013.During the visit Hamid Karzai was on 20 May conferred an
honorary doctorate degree by President Pranab Mukherjee at a professional
university in Phagwara.He met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at New Delhi
and discussed on various key bilateral and regional issues , the situation in the
region in the backdrop of Afghanistans keenness to enhance defence
cooperation with India and get supply of lethal and non-lethal weapons.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
First Woman Named To FBIs Most Wanted Terrorist List
On 3 May Joanne Chesimard (also known as Assata Shakur), a member of the
Black Liberation Army who killed a New Jersey state trooper 40 years ago and
has since fled to Cuba,has been named as one of the FBIs most wanted
terrorists, making her the first woman ever to make the list.Chesimard was
convicted for killing Foerster and sentenced to life in prison. In 1979 she escaped
with the help of the Black Army Liberation and has been on the run ever
since.The U.S. Justice Department announced a doubling of the reward for her
capture to $2 million.
Ritankar Das is Centurys Youngest California University Topper
On 10 May An 18-year-old Indian-American has become the youngest graduate
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born Ritankar Das, has been named as the University Medalist, the prize which is
given to the years top graduating senior.Das has taken just three years to
complete his studies with a double major in bioengineering and chemical biology
and a minor in creative writing from the University of California, Berkeley.Further
he is the first student from the College of Chemistry in 58 years, and the first ever
from the Department of Bioengineering.
Sreesanth,Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were arrested
S Sreesanth and two of his Rajasthan Royals teammates Ajit Chandila and
Ankeet Chavan were arrested by the Delhi police on charges of spot fixing in the
ongoing Indian Premier League.
First Saudi Woman Ever Climbs Mount Everest
On 18 May Raha Moharrak has become the first Saudi Arabian woman to climb
Mount Everest. Moharrak also became the youngest Arab to reach the 8,850meter peak (29,035 feet). She was part of a group that included the first Qatari
man and the first Palestinian man to reach the summit.
Indian Sisters First Twins To Climb Mount Everest
On 19 May Two Indian girls have scripted history by becoming the first twins ever
to climb Mount Everest together.Tashi and Nancy Malik from Dehra Dun
achieved this feat by successfully reaching the worlds highest mountain peak at
8,848 meters.The duo were among other record-makers including the first
women from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan who climbed the Everest on 18 May.
Arunima Becomes First Indian Amputee To Scale Mt Everest
On 21 May Arunima Sinha, a former national level volleyball player who had lost
one of her legs after being thrown off a moving train by, created history by
becoming the first Indian amputee to conquer Mount Everest. Sinha reached the
8,848 metre-high summit of the worlds highest peak as a member of the Eco
Everest Expedition from the Tata Group.Sinha, a resident of Ambedkar Nagar in
Uttar Pradesh.Arunima successfully scaled the 6,622-metre-high Mount
Chhamser Kangri of Ladakh last year, but her ultimate goal was to climb Mount
Everest.
Yuichiro Miura, Became Oldest Man to Climb Mount Everest
Yuichiro Miura, the 80-year old mountaineer from Japan reached Mount
Everests summit on 23 May 2013. With this, he became the oldest man to climb
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the highest mountain peak of the world. Yuichiro Miura climbed the Everest at the
age of 70 and 75 as well.
Indian-origin Boy Won National Geographic Bee Contest
On 23 May Sathwik Karnik, a 12-year-old Indian-American boy, has won the
prestigious National Geographic Bee 2013 after gruelling rounds testing his
geographic knowledge about lions in Botswana, mountain ranges in Asia and
port cities in England.To clinch the title, Karnik, 12, correctly named Chimborazo
as the mountain in Ecuador that represents the farthest point from the Earths
center.US.Karnik took home the spoils of the Bee prize that include a USD
25,000 college scholarship, an all-expenses paid trip to the Galapagos Islands,
and a lifetime membership to the National Geographic Society.
Jiroemon Kimura Becomes Last Living Man Born in 19th Century
The oldest person in the world, Japanese Jiroemon Kimura,116 years Japanese
man became the last male of the 19th century in the world. Jiroemon Kimura was
given the title of last male alive to be born in the 19th century after the death of
Barbados in the month of May 2013 at the age of 113 years and 90
days.Gerontolgy Research Group at University of California, Los Angeles found
out that as far as female were concerned, there are in all 21 women born before
1 January 1901 and they are still alive.But amongst the male, Jiroemon Kimura is
the only alive person of 19th century.Jiroemon Kimura was born on 19 April
1897.
Premlata becomes the first Indian woman to complete seven summits
Asian woman mountaineer Premlata Agrawal has become the first Indian woman
mountaineer to scale the seven continental peaks after climbing Alaskas
McKinley Peak.With this, she became the first Indian woman mountaineer to step
on the highest peak of North America.
Arvind Mahankali Won National Spelling Bee 2013
On 31 May Arvind Mahankali, a 13-year old Indian-American won the Scripps
National Spelling Bee contest, as children from the community scripted history by
dominating the prestigious competition for the sixth year in a row, grabbing top
three slots this year.Arvind, from New York, won the contest by correctly spelling
the German word knaidel which means a small mass of leavened dough,
overcoming his fear of German-derived words during his past four appearances
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at the contest.This is the sixth consecutive year that an Indian-American has won
the contest, which was watched live by millions of people in the United States.
PLACES IN NEWS
Cyclonic Storm Mahasen Hits Bangladesh
On 16 May The cyclonic storm Mahasen hit Bangladeshs southern Patuakhali
coast with wind speed up to 90 kilometers per hour.More than 48 persons were
killed as inflated waters coupled with gusts started ravaging parts of Patuakhali
alongside the other areas adjacent to the Bay of Bengal in the region.The system
is now located in the west-central bay and is likely to intensify further, move in
northeast direction and cross the Bangladesh coast close to Chittagong.
ABBREVIATIONS
NESAC - North Eastern Space Applications Centre
ACTO Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization
ILO International Labour Organization
CNEN National Commission for Nuclear Energy
CNEA - National Commission of Atomic Energy
IPV Inshore Patrol Vessel
BWF - Badminton World Federation
BOOKS IN NEWS
Understanding Bhagat Singh by Prof. Chamanlal released
Understanding Bhagat Singh a book by Prof. Chamanlal was released in the on 3
May 2013.Professor Randhir Singh, Eminent Thinker released the book at
School of Social Sciences (SSS- I) Auditorium, JNU in New Delhi.The book
Understanding Bhagat Singh has tried to explain the soul or spirit of Bhagat
Singh like his principle of achieving objectives with dignity, honesty and
fearlessness.
Gandhis Outstanding Leadership Book Released
On 27 May Gandhis Outstanding Leadership , written by former Indian
diplomat-turned-Gandhian Pascal Alan Nazareth, was released at the Peking
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Universitys Centre.Prof Shang Quanyu, a history professor with the South China
Normal University, translated the book into Madarin.
COMMITTEES
G Padmanabhan Committee on Services for the Exporters
On 6 May A Reserve Bank of India (RBI) committee recommended setting up of
the Indian Bill Payment System (IBPS) in the country.The committee chaired by
G. Padmanabhan, Executive Director, RBI, has recommended a cap on interest
margins charged by banks lending to exporters.The committee also
recommended that export credit be allowed to be a part of priority sector lending
(PSL) for all commercial banks, including foreign banks, for a period of three to
five years.
IMPORTANT DAYS AND DATES
National Technology Day was Observed on 11 May 2013
National Technology Day was celebrated on 11 May 2013 as a symbol of quest
for scientific inquiry, technological creativity and the translation of that quest in
the integration of Science, Society and Industry. This day is also celebrated to
honour technological innovations and their successful commercialization which
makes fruits of research reach people at large.
JUNE
INTERNATIONAL
Egypts Top Court Rules Parliament Invalid
On 2 June Egypts Supreme Constitutional Court invalidated the nations upper
house of parliament and a panel that drew up the constitution.The upper house,
or Shura Council, holds legislative powers. It will be dissolved after a new lower
house is elected.The court dissolved the lower house of parliament 2012
June.The constitution was drafted by an Islamist-dominated assembly in 2012
November and approved by voters in December.
Nigerias Parliament Passed a Bill Criminalising Gay Marriage
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On 7 June The U.S. President Barack Obama and China President Xi Jinping
concluded their latest round of high-level trade talks.In the meeting both
countries agreed to inject new vitality to bilateral trade and economic
relations.The US and China will work together and with other countries to use the
expertise and institutions of the Montreal Protocol to phase down the
consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), among other forms
of multilateral cooperation.Both nations agreed to work together on the crucial
cyber security issues that have spiraled tensions between the two nations.
Bangladesh Amends Anti-Terror Law
On 12 June Bangladeshs parliament amended the tough anti-terrorism law redefining terrorism and allowing courts to accept internet.The (anti-terror) bill
suggests provisions to effectively control terrorism through inter-state
cooperation.It offers the central bank the authority to freeze suspicious accounts
without court orders.The law was first enacted in 2009 after the December 2008
elections while it was amended last year incorporating some provisions.The law
was first enacted in 2009 when the incumbent Awami League assumed office
after the December 2008 elections while it was amended last year incorporating
some provisions.
EU Launched New Nuclear Safety Rules
On 12 June The European Commission released a new set of nuclear power
safety rules aimed at eliminating the risk of a Fukushima-type disaster in the
region.The directive will require countries to submit to an international review of
their nuclear power systems every six years, and fix any shortcomings
discovered.There are 132 nuclear reactors in operation in Europe.
Hasan Rowhani Elected As Irans New President
On 15 June moderate cleric Hasan Rowhani elected as Irans new
President.Rowhani has won the countrys presidential election.Rowhani won with
50.7 percent of the more than 36 million votes cast.Other contenders such as
Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf got 16.5 percent and Hard-line
nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili came in third with 11.3 percent of votes. Another
conservative Mohsen Rezaei got 10.6 percent votes.
Kuwaits Constitutional Court Dissolved Parliament
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On 16 June The Kuwait Constitutional Court has dissolved the Kuwaiti parliament
and ordered new elections.The Constitutional Court had decided not to make a
ruling on the constitutionality of the Emir Sheik Al-Sabahs change to the
electoral laws after they had examined and rejected the challenge.
Afghanistan Rejects Talks With Taliban And U.S
On 19 June Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai rejected peace talks with the
Taliban in a new office in Qatar .Karzai also suspended talks on a new U.S.Afghan security deal that would allow some American troops to remain in the
country after the international combat mission ends in 2014 to protest the fact
that his government was being left out of the initial process.
China Russia Cooperation 2013 Held in Beijing
Chinese Armed Police Force and the Russian internal security forces
Cooperation -2013 Joint training was held from 11th to 20th June in Beijing at
Armed Special Police Academy.46 personnel from the Snow Leopard
Commandoes, an elite anti-terrorism force under the Chinese Peoples Armed
Police Force (PAPF), and 29 from a special task force unit of Russias domestic
security force.Before this joint training held in Beijing, the two sides previously
conducted a joint anti-terrorism drill, Cooperation 2007, in Moscow .
Russia and China Signed $270bn Oil Deal
On 21 June Russias oil giant Rosneft and Chinese state firm CNPC signed a
agreement to supply China with $270bn worth of oil over the next 25 years.The
agreement was signed by Rosneft chief executive Igor Sechin and CNPC head
Zhou Jiping in the presence of Putin and visiting Chinese Vice Premier Zhang
Gaoli.
UK and China Signed Currency Swap Agreement
On 23 June UK and China have signed a three-year agreement worth 200bn to
establish a renminbi currency swap to promote trade between the two
countries.The agreement was signed by The Bank of England and the Peoples
Bank of China.Currency-swap agreements basically allow central banks to swap
currencies which can be used by firms to settle trade in local currencies rather
than in US dollars.
Kevin Rudd Re-elected As Australian PM
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Chief of Mission Cord Meier-Klodt and Indias Joint Secretary in the Department
of Economic Affairs Rajesh Khullar.
India Ranked 141 in Global Peace Index 2013
On 11 June According to the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2013 released by
Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) , India ranks 141st out of 162 in this
years Global Peace Index (GPI).Iceland (First Rank) ,Denamark (2nd rank) ,
Austria (3rd rank) ,Switzerland (5th rank).Other important countries ranks in
Global Peace Index (GPI) :- Japan (6th rank) ,US (100th rank) ,China (101 rank)
,Bangladesh (105 rank) , Srilanka (110 rank) ,Iran (137th rank) ,Russia (155th
rank) ,Pakistan (157th rank) , Iraq (159th rank) and Afganistan (162 rank) ranks
at bottom.The Global Peace Index (GPI) is an attempt to measure the relative
position of nations and regions peacefulness.
World Population Projected To Reach 9.6 Billion By 2050
On 14 According to the United Nations (UN) World Population Prospects: the
2012 Revision report ,The current world population of 7.2 billion is projected to
increase by 1 billion over the next 12 years and reach 9.6 billion by 2050.India is
expected to become the worlds largest country, passing China around 2028,
when both countries will have populations of 1.45 billion. After that, Indias
population will continue to grow and Chinas is expected to start decreasing.
India, UK Signed MoU On Cooperation In Healthcare Sector
On 14 June India and the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) for strategic and technical cooperation on health care
policy and practice.The MoU was signed by Department of Health Research
(DHR) Secretary V M Katoch and UK-based National Institute for Health and
Care (NICE) Excellence chief executive Andrew Dillon in London.
33% Of Women Suffer Domestic Violence
On 20 June According to the World Health Organization (WHO) survey ,In the
first major global review of violence against women, a series of reports released
found that about a third of women have been physically or sexually assaulted by
a former or current partner.The rate of domestic violence against women was
highest in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where 37 percent of
women experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner at some point in
their lifetimes. The rate was 30 percent in Latin America and 23 percent in North
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workers and auto rickshaw drivers and taxi drivers.The scheme became
operational from 1 April 2008.
Roshni Scheme Launched In Naxal Affected Districts
On 7 June Union Government of India launched a placement linked skill
development scheme Roshni targeting 50,000 rural men and women, mostly
tribals, in 24 worst affected districts.Under the scheme, national-level agencies
will be designated to act as monitoring and coordinating agencies in the Naxal-hit
districts.The three-year initiative aims at skilling and placement of 50,000 youth
from 24 Naxalite-affected districts in nine states.The funding for the Roshni
scheme would be in the ratio of 75:25 to be shared between the Centre and the
states.
National Skill Development Agency Constituted
On 7 June The Government has constituted the National Skill Development
Agency (NSDA) by subsuming the Prime Ministers National Council on Skill
Development (PMNCSD), the National Skill Development Coordination Board
(NSDCB) and the Office of the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Skill
Development.The NSDA will endeavour to bridge the social, regional, gender
and economic divide by ensuring that the skilling needs of the disadvantaged and
marginalised groups like SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities.The NSDA will be an
autonomous body chaired by a person of the rank and status of a Cabinet
Minister supported by a Director General and other staff. The office of the NSDA
is located in the Ministry of Finance.
Indias First Dedicated Air Ambulance Launched
On 8 June Indias first state-of-the art Air Ambulance, Flying Doctors India, was
launched in NewDelhi.The new aircraft is tailor-made and equipped with a stateof-the-art Intensive Care Unit on a dedicated chartered aircraft. The goal is to
provide critical care even when a patient is in transit.
50 Lakh Child Labours In India
On 12 June According to the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO)
report , nearly 50 lakh children are eking out their livelihood in the country, of
whom 17.5 lakh are in Uttarakhand.The second-largest share of child labourers
comes from West Bengal (5.5 lakh), Rajasthan (4.05 lakh) and Gujarat (3.9
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lakh).The NSSO estimated this figures on the eve of the World Day against Child
Labour.
Central Cabinet Reshuffled
On 17 June Eight new ministers were inducted into Union council of ministers
headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.4 Cabinet ministers and 4 Ministers
of State were administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Pranab
Mukherjee in the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan.Mallikarjun Kharge was
given the charge of Railways Ministry.With the new induction, the strength of the
Union Council of Ministers has gone up to 77.
List of Four newly appointed Cabinet Ministers and their Departments:* Sis Ram Ola
- Labour and Employment Ministry
* Oscar Fernandes - Road Transport and Highways Ministry
* Girija Vyas
- Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation
* Kavuru Sambasiva Rao
- Textiles Ministry
List of Four newly appointed State Ministers and their departments:* Manikrao Gavit - Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment
* Santosh Chowdhury - Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare
* Jesudasu Seelam - Minister of State for Finance and
* E.M.S. Natchiappan - Minister of State for Commerce and Industry
40 Percent Indian Women Use Internet
On 20 June According to the Google study report ,About 40 percent of the 150
million internet users in the country are women and close to 24 million of them
log in everyday to check emails, interact on social networking sites and shop
online.Around 60 million women in India are now online and use the Internet to
manage their day-to-day life.75 percent are in the 15-34 age group with over 24
million women accessing the Internet daily.
Union Government Launched New Scheme For Pregnant Women
On 22 June The Union Minister for Health Ghulam Nabi Azad launched a new
scheme for the pregnant women across the country that would cover all
expenses of women from birth of a baby to treatment of the sick child. Free
medicines will be provided to new-born babies up to the age of one month while
expecting mothers, who deliver baby at government hospital, will receive
assistance as provided under the scheme.
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On 26 June Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia
Gandhi inaugurated the newly constructed railway line between Banihal (Jammu
region)-Qazigund (Kashmir valley) section.The Banihal- Qazigund rail link is the
18 km long rail link, which also includes the 11km long tunnel across Pir Panchal
range. This is the longest tunnel of India and second longest tunnel of Asia.The
tunnel was constructed by making use of the New Austrian Tunnelling Method
(NATM). It is for the first time that the method of this kind was used on a large
scale in India. The project was implemented by Hindustan Construction
Company.
Rajasthan Launched A Scheme For Energy Conservation
On 27 June the Rajasthan government launched a unique scheme called
Mukhyamantri Bijli Bachat Lamp Yojna for energy conservation. The State
government will provide 2 CFL bulb free of cost to all electricity consumers of
villages and BPL consumers in urban areas. This unique scheme will continue till
August 2013.The state Government will spent 100 crore rupees on this
scheme.The purpose of this scheme is to save energy and conservation of
environment.
Karnataka Govt Launched Helpline Arogyavani
On 30 June The Karnataka government has launched a health information help
line service Arogya Vani .The Call Centre has to provide information on the
nearest Government Hospital, before providing a private-sector alternative.The
main objective of this facility is to assist people living in rural or remote areas who
face difficulty in accessing the service of qualified doctors and to provide
information on any health problem.
CONFERENCES
Chief Ministers Conference on Internal Security held in New Delhi
Chief ministers Conference on Internal Security held in NewDelhi on 5th June
2013.The conference chaired by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.In his
address, the Prime Minister called for effective coordination between the Centre
and the States to face the challenges of Internal Security.The Prime minister
stated that the government has instituted several measures in 34 Naxal-hit areas
to combat the Naxal menace.The key agenda of the chief ministers conference
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On 5 June The late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been awarded the
Simon Bolivar National Award of Journalism 2013 even though he was
accused of persecuting the press during his 14 years in power.Chavez family will
be given the award on June 27 at a ceremony in Miraflores Palace, in Caracas.
Kiran Bedi Received Nomura Award
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On 11 June Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi was honoured with USD 10,000
Nomura Award at Singapore for her outstanding humanitarian works.Bedi was
given the award constituted by Nomura Group of Japan for improving the world
for future generations. The group is one of the leading financial services group.
Bill Clinton Awarded Father of the Year
On 11 June Former President of the United States Bill Clinton was honored as
2013 Father of the Year award from the National Fathers Day Committee at a
New York City , which benefitted international NGO Save the Children.
Shabana Azmi Received Fourth Doctorate
On 12 June National award-winning actress Shabana Azmi received her fourth
doctorate from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver .Shabana has received
doctorates from Leeds University in Britain, the Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi and
the Jadavpur University in Kolkata, previously.
Delhis IGI Airport Gets Worlds Second Best Airport Award
On 14 June Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has been named the worlds
second best airport in the 25-40 million passengers category by the Airport
Council International. The airport also has been adjudged as the fourth best in
the world among 199 airports across all categories.IGI has managed to retain its
position of second best airport in the 25-40 million passengers per annum
category for 2012 year.
Anish Kapoor Honoured With Knighthood
On 15 June Indian-origin sculptor Anish Kapoor has been honoured with
knighthood, one of the highest honours in Britain, by Queen Elizabeth II in her
birthday honours list 2013 for services to Visual Arts.Kapoor is famous for his
monumental public sculptures and his enigmatic sculptural forms that have been
exhibited all over the world.
Tan Twan Eng Wins The 2013 Walter Scott prize
On 14 June Malaysian writer author Tan Twan Eng has won the 2013 Walter
Scott prize for Historical Fiction for his second novel The Garden of Evening
Mists.The Walter Scott Prize for the historical fiction was founded in the year
2010.
Indian Artist Selected For Dubai Art Prize
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Sharapova .This is Serenas second French Open title and 16th grand slam. It
was the 31-year-old Americans 16th Grand Slam title win.At 31 years, 247 days
she is the oldest women in the Open Era to win the French Open title.
Mens Singles :- On 9 June Rafael Nadal won his 8th Mens Singles Tittle of the
French Open Tennis Tournament. In the final at Paris, Nadal defeated Spanish
compatriot David Ferrer . With this, he became the first player to win 8 Singles
Titles at the same Grand Slam Tournament. It was his 12th Grand Slam title
overall.
Womens Doubles :- Russian fourth seeds Ekaterina Makarova and Elena
Vesnina won the French Open womens doubles title by defeating top seeds
Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy in the final.It was a first Grand Slam title for
the Russian pair.
Mens Doubles :- American twins Bob and Mike Bryan won the Mens doubles
.American twins extended their record by clinching their 14th Grand Slam trophy
after defeated Michael Llodra and Nicolas Mahut of France in the mens doubles
final.
Sebastian Vettel Won Canadian Grand Prix Title
On 9 June Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel won the Canadian Grand Prix at the
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.Ferraris Fernando Alonso took the second
position followed by Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, who conquered the third
position. This is the third win of the Garman F1 driver, before the Canadian
Grand Prix, Vettel won the Malaysia and Bahrain Grand Prix of the year.
Srikanth Won Thailand Open Badminton
On 9 June Indian shuttler Srikanth has won the Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold
Badminton trophy.In the Mens Singles final Srikanth defeated Boonsak Ponsana
from Thailand.
Indonesia Badminton Tournament 2013 Winner
Mens Singles :- On 16 June Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia) won the Indonesia
Badminton Tournament Mens Singles title after defeated Germanys Marc
Zwiebler in the final.
Womens Singles :- Li Xuerui of China won the title.In the womens singles final
Li Xuerui defeated Juliane Schenk from Germany.
Singapore Open Badminton 2013 Winners
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$3.5 million from matches and remaining amount from advertisements and other
business.Sachin Tendulkars annual income is $22 million . The Golfer Tiger
Wood(America) got a 1st place in this list with annual income of $78.1 million
followed by tennis star Roger Federer at $71.5 million. Kobe Bryant, American
professional basketball player, is third at $61.9 million.
Worlds Highest Density Of Millionaires In Qatar
On 10 June According to the Boston Consulting Groups (BCG) 13th Annual
Global Wealth Management Report ,Qatar has the highest density of millionaires
in the world, with 14.3 pc of the oil-rich Gulf nations population holding private
wealth of $1 mn.The figure shows 143 out of every 1,000 households in Qatar
holding private wealth of at least $1 million, much higher than the global
average.Kuwait ranks third with 11.5%, while Bahrain (4.9%) and the UAE (4.0%)
rank seventh and ninth, respectively.
World Bank Expected India To Grow 5.7% In FY 13
On 13 June According to the World Bank Global Economic Prospects (GEP)
report ,Growth in India is projected to rise to 5.7 percent in the 2013 fiscal year
and firm to 6.5 percent and 6.7 percent in FY2014 and FY2015,
respectively.Global GDP is expected to expand about 2.2 percent this year and
strengthen to 3.0 percent and 3.3 percent in 2014 and 2015.
2011-12 Poverty and Household Consumer Expenditure Indicators
Released
On 20 June The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in its 68th round survey
has released the poverty and key indicators of household consumer expenditure
in India, generated from the data collected during July 2011June 2012 .The
National Sample Survey Offices (NSSO) 68th round of survey is based on
samples consisting of 7,496 villages in rural India and 5,263 urban blocks except
some remote areas.
Highlights of the Poverty and Household Consumer Expenditure Indicators
Data Report :* 5 per cent population on the bottom rung had an average monthly per capita
expenditure (MCPE) of Rs 521.44 in rural areas and Rs 700.50 in urban areas.
* Poorest of poor in the country survive on barely Rs 17 per day in villages and
Rs 23 a day in cities.
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* On the other end of the spectrum, top five per cent of the population had an
MPCE of Rs 4,481 in rural areas and Rs 10,282 in urban areas.
* On an average on the all-India basis, MPCE was around Rs 1,430 for rural
India and about Rs 2,630 for urban India.
* For the average rural Indian, food accounted for 52.9 per cent of the value of
consumption during 2011-12.Among non-food item categories, fuel and light for
household purposes (excluding transportation) accounted for 8 per cent, clothing
and footwear 7 per cent, medical expenses 6.7 per cent, education 3.5 per cent,
conveyance 4.2 per cent, other consumer services (excluding conveyance) 4 per
cent, and consumer durables 4.5 per cent.
* For the average urban Indian, 42.6 per cent of the value of household
consumption was accounted for food, including 9 per cent by beverages,
refreshments and processed food, 7 per cent by milk and milk products, and 6.7
per cent by cereals and cereal substitutes.Education accounted for 6.9 per cent,
fuel and light 6.7 per cent, conveyance 6.5 per cent, and clothing and footwear
6.4 per cent.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Lightest Alien Planet Outside Solar System
On 3 June European scientists have discovered a new alien planet orbiting a
young star about 300 light years from Earth.The exoplanet, HD 95086 b , was
observed directly by the European Southern Observatorys (ESO) Very Large
Telescope in Chile.Nearly 1,000 exoplanets have been detected indirectly
through various means such as radical velocity and transmit method.Of the 12
exoplanets ,the newly discovered HD 95086 b is the least massive planet to have
been directly observed outside the solar system .HD 95086 b orbiting its parent
star, HD 95086, is estimated to have a mass of four to five times that of Jupiter.
Japan Unveiled 500 kmph Bullet Train
On 5 June Japan has unveiled its new levitating bullet train, designed to travel at
speeds of upto 500 kmph.The track is being extended to 43 kilometres to enable
full-fledged test runs.Commercial runs of the maglev train are scheduled to start
between Tokyo and Nagoya in 2027.The train magnetic levitation (maglev) as
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On 19 June According to the World Bank new report prepared by the Potsdam
Institute for Climate Impact Research and Climate Analytics, the report warns
that global warming could lead to more extreme droughts across large parts of
India,over the next few decades.The impact of a possible global temperature rise
of 2 degrees Celsius in the next few decades threatened to trap millions of
people in poverty.Depicting life in a not-too-distant future shaped by already
present warming trends, the new report warns that by the 2040s, India will see a
significant reduction in crop yields because of extreme heat.The warming will
impact significant reduction in crop yields and some 63 million people may no
longer be able to meet their caloric demand.
Scientists Discovered New Language In Australia
On 19 June Scientists have discovered a new language in northern Australia
which contains rare grammatical innovations and a unique combination of
elements from other languages.The language, now known as Light Warlpiri, is
spoken by approximately 300 people in a remote desert community about 644
kilometres from Katherine, a town located in Australias Northern Territory.
Japan To Send Kirobo The Talking Robot Into Space
Japan announced a humanoid robot named Kirobo will be used in the worlds
first communication experiments between a human and a robot in space.The
pint-sized robot developed by Toyota Motor Corp ,the University of Tokyo and
venture firm Robo Garage.Just 13 inches tall and weighing 2.2 pounds, Kirobo
will launch aboard an H-IIB rocket in August from the Tanegashima Space
Center in Kagoshima Prefecture and head for the International Space Station.
NASA Launched IRIS Spacecraft To Study Suns Atmosphere
On 27 June NASA has launched Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS)
spacecraft from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.The mission to study
the solar atmosphere was placed in orbit by an Orbital Sciences Corporation
Pegasus XL rocket.The Pegasus XL carrying IRIS was deployed from an Orbital
L-1011 carrier aircraft over the Pacific Ocean at an altitude of 39,000 feet, off the
central coast of California about 100 miles northwest of Vandenberg. The rocket
placed IRIS into a sun-synchronous polar orbit that will allow it to make almost
continuous solar observations during its two-year mission.
INS Trikand Commissioned Into Indian Navy
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On 30 June INS Trikand, the last of the three Follow on Talwar Class frigates
built in the Russian Federation, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 29th
June at Kaliningrad, Russia by Vice Admiral R. K. Dhowan, the Vice Chief of the
Naval Staff, Indian Navy.The commissioning of INS Trikand marks the
culmination of a three ship contract for Follow on Talwar Class ships built in
Russia. Her sister ships INS Teg and INS Tarkash were commissioned in
2012.INS Trikand carries a state-of-the-art combat suite which includes the
supersonic BRAHMOS missile system, advanced Surface to Air missiles Shtil,
upgraded A190 medium range gun, Electro-optical 30 mm Close-in Weapon
System, Anti-Submarine weapons such as torpedoes and rockets and an
advanced Electronic Warfare system.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Justice Kaul Sworn in as Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief
On 1st June Haryana Governor Jagannath Pahadia administered the oath of
office to Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and
Haryana High Court at Haryana Raj Bhavan.Justice Kaul, 54, earlier served as
the senior most judge of the Delhi High Court and was the acting Chief Justice
there in September last year.the strength of judges of Punjab and Haryana High
Court has reached 41 as against the sanctioned strength of 68 judges. Shortage
of judges leads to pendency in the cases and the ideal strength should be
between 50 to 55.
Jagmohan Dalmiya is new Interim President of BCC
On 1 June Cricket Association of Bengal president Jagmohan Dalmiya , a former
president of the BCCI and ICC, has been appointed as the new interim president
of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).BCCI chief N. Srinivasan
agreed to step aside, with Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president
Jagmohan Dalmiya took over as the boards interim president.
Narayana Murthy Re-elected as Executive Chairman in Infosys
On 1 June NR Narayana Murthy has been re-elected as Executive Executive
Chairman of the Board in Infosys.He would serve as board chairman for 5
years.Narayan Murthy was appointed as the chairman for the second
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time.Murthy, who founded Infosys in 1981, had stepped down from the Board
and became Chairman Emeritus in 2011. He has served as companys CEO
from 1981 to 2002.
Indian-Origin Diplomat is New Australian Envoy to Israel
On 2 June 2013 Indian origin diplomat appointed Devanand Sharma appointed
as a Australian envoy to Israel.Devanand Sharma has made history by becoming
the countrys youngest Ambassador after he was appointed Canberras envoy to
Israel.He got Medicine degree from Sydney University.Mr Sharmas prior
international service includes postings as Counsellor at the Australian Embassy
in Washington.
Nawaz Sharif Sworn in as Pakistans PM
On 5 June Nawaz Sharif has been sworn-in for a record third term as Pakistan`s
Prime Minister, after he was elected with 244 votes in the 342-seat
Parliament.He was sworn-in by the President Asif Ali Zardari at a function in an
ornate hall at the Presidency.Sharif has served as the Pakistani Premier during
1990-1993 and 1997-1999 but was ousted from office before he could complete
his term, once on corruption charges and later because of a military coup led by
Pervez Musharraf.
Virginius Xaxa is new National Advisory Council Member
On 6 June Union government has reconstituted the National Advisory Council by
including prominent sociologist Virginius Xaxa into the 12-member panel chaired
by Sonia Gandhi.Virginius Xaxa was inducted with the exit of Aruna Roy from the
panel.Virginius Xaxa is a Professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences,
Guwahati and has worked extensively on tribal communities of the country.The
NAC comprises distinguished professionals drawn from diverse fields of
development activity who serve in their individual capacities.
TCA Raghavan is Indias new High Commissioner To Pakistan
On 6 June TCA Raghavan has been appointed as the new High Commissioner
to Pakistan.A 1982-batch IFS officer, Raghavan is currently serving as Indias
high commissioner to Singapore.Raghavan will replace Sharat Sabharwal, who
was on an extension after he retired last year.
K R Kamath Re-elected as IBA chairman
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On 17 June Indian-origin journalist Amol Rajan was named the editor of The
Independent,becoming the first non-white editorial head of a UK national paper.
Amol Rajan will replace Chris Blackhurst, becoming Fleet Streets first non-white
newspaper editor.
S Ramadorai is AirAsia India new Chairman
On 17 June Subramanian Ramadorai, former head of the Tata Consultancy
Services (TCS), has been appointed as the Chairman of AirAsia
India.Subramanian Ramadorai, holds the rank of cabinet minister in the
Government of India.
Indian-American Sri Srinivasan Sworn In As Top US Court Judge
On 18 June Indian-American legal luminary Sri Srinivasan was sworn in as a
judge in the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, the second most powerful
court in the United States after the Supreme Court.Srinivasan from Chandigarh
has become the first Indian American judge in the second most powerful court of
the country.
Krishna Chaudhary is new NDRF chief
On 25 June Senior IPS officer Krishna Chaudhary has been appointed as
Director General, National Disaster Response Force and Civil Defence.His
appointment will take effect from the date he assumes charge of the post and
until his superannuation on June 30, 2017.
Kevin Rudd Sworns As Australian PM For Second Time
On 27 June Kevin Rudd was sworn in as Australias prime minister for second
time ,replaced Julia Gillard who was removed in a Labor Party caucus vote.He
was sworn in at Government House in Canberra by Governor General Quentin
Bryce.Now Kevin Michael Rudd is the 28th Prime Minister of Australia, as well as
Leader of the Labor Party.
Justice P Sadasivam Appointed As New Chief Justice Of India
On 29 June P. Sathasivam was appointed as the 40th Chief Justice of India . He
will take over the charge on completion of the tenure of present incumbent
Altamas Kabir which will end on July 18, 2013.As the 40th CJI, Sathasivam will
serve the nation till his 26 April 2014.Sathasivam joined as a permanent judge of
the Madras high court in January 1996 after which he was transferred to the
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Punjab and Haryana high court in April 2007.He was appointed as a Supreme
Court judge on August 21, 2007.
B)RESIGNS
Rajiv Shukla Resigned as IPL chairman
On 1st June 2013,Rajiv Shukla has resigned as the Chairman of the Indian
Premiere League.He has decided to quit in the wake of recent controversies in
the IPL Spot Fixing Scandal.
Union MinistersAjay Maken and CP Joshi Resigned
On 15 June Union Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation minister Ajay Maken
,Surface Transport and Highways Minister as well as Railway Minister CP Joshi,
resigned from their offices.Their resignation was accepted by the President
Pranab Mukherjee.
Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Necas Resigned
On 17 June Czech Republic prime minister Petr Necas has resigned ,after a
fraud and spying scandal involving his closest aide, pitching the European Union
member state into a period of uncertainty.Petr Necas is a former Prime Minister
of the Czech Republic and leader of the Civic Democratic Party. He was sworn
into office in 2010.
Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah Resigned
On 23 June Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah announced his
resignation ,following a dispute between the prime minister and his two deputies,
Mohammed Mustafa and Ziad Abu Amru, who also serve as senior advisors to
President Abbas.Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accepted the
resignation of newly appointed Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.Prime Minister
Rami Hamdallah takes charges on 2 June and he had served only 20 days.
C)DEATHS
British Comic Author Tom Sharpe Died
On 6 June British comic novelist Tom Sharpe has died in the coastal town of
Llafranc in north-eastern Spain.His first two books were satires about South
Africas apartheid regime.Sharpe travelled to South Africa in 1951 after leaving
Cambridge, to work as a teacher and photographer. Sharpes other books
include Riotous Assembly, Indecent Exposure and Porterhouse Blue, all
written in the 1970s.
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behind them.The ranking was based on a citys expected international air travel
arrivals and the amount of money spent in the city by those arrivals.
Dubai Inaugurated Worlds Tallest Twisted Tower
On 13 June Dubai has inaugurated the worlds tallest twisted tower named
Cayan" Tower built at a cost of 272 million US dollar, setting a yet another
record for skyscrapers and other engineering marvels. Earlier it was named the
Infinity Tower.The tower was inaugurated in Dubai Marina.The 310-metre (1,017foot), 75-storey residential Cayan" Tower is twisted at 90 degrees from top to
bottom.The developer of this tower is Cayan Real Estate Investment and
Development Company.
Worlds Longest and Widest Cable Bridge Inaugurated In China
On 18 June The worlds longest and widest multi-pylon cable-stayed bridge
named Jiaxing-Shaoxing Sea Bridge with a span of 10km has opened in China
after seven years of construction work.The Jiaxing-Shaoxing Sea Bridge
stretches 6.2miles (10 kilometres) over the Hangzhou Bay, in Shaoxing, China.It
is mainly supported by two cable-towers, both of which reach 745ft in the air, and
has a main body stretching 2,560ft wide.The high speed bridge is designed for
vehicles travelling exclusively above 60mph and pedestrians, motorbikes and
cars with a maximum speed below 45mph are not allowed to cross.
Earth Quake Hits Northern Italy
On 21 June 2013 a magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Italy,causing some minor
damage in Casola in Liguana. The tremors were felt across central and northern
Italy. According to the national geophysics institute,the epicenter of earthquake
was between the towns of Massa and Lucca in Tuscany and La Spezia in the
Liguria region.
UNESCO Declared Six Rajasthan Forts World Heritage Sites
On 22 June Six hill forts in Rajasthan have been selected to be included in the
Unescos World Heritage List. The hill forts are Amber, Chittorgarh, Gangron,
Jaisalmer, Kumbhalgarh and Ranthambore.
Thousands Of People Are Died In Uttarakhand Floods
In the month of June 2013 the North Indian states of Uttarakhand and Himachal
Pradesh, some regions of Western Nepal and their adjoining areas experienced
heavy rainfall that triggered devastating floods and landslides.More than
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JULY
INTERNATIONAL
Croatia Joins The EU as 28th Member State
On 1 July Croatia became the 28th member of the European Union.It is the first
addition since Bulgaria and Romania joined EU in 2007.Croatia formally applied
for EU membership in 2003.
International Assistance Force In Mali Transformed into UN Force
On 1 July A new United Nations peacekeeping mission for insurgent-affected
Mali was launched on 1 July .The previous African-led International Support
Mission in Mali (AFISMA) has been transformed to the UN Multidimensional
Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).The transfer of authority from
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Democratic Party (PDP) won the National Assembly elections by having secured
a majority of thirty two seats.The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) won fifteen
seats and was elected as the opposition party.PDP leader Tshering Tobgay is
likely to be named prime minister of the new government.
Bangladesh Passes Labour (Amendment) Bill 2013
On 15 July the Bangladesh Parliament passed Bangladesh Labour
(Amendment) Bill 2013 aimed to protect the interest and rights of the workers
and ensuring their safety.The new law has seen amendments to a total of 87
sections of the Labor Act 2006.
Britains Queen Elizabeth II Signed Bill Legalizing Gay Marriage
On 17 July Britain has legalized gay marriage after Queen Elizabeth II gave her
royal stamp of approval.The queens approval was a formality.Britain became the
15th country to legalize gay marriage after a bill cleared Parliament and Queen
Elizabeth II signed off on the law.
Iran and Iraq Signed Gas Export Agreement
On 21 July Iran has signed an agreement to export gas to Iraq, worth 3.7 billion
dollars a year.The agreement was signed in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad by Irans
Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi and his Iraqi counterpart, Abdul Kareem Luaibi.
EU Declared Hezbollahs Military Wing As Terrorist Organization
On 22 July The European Union (EU) declared the military wing of Hezbollah a
terrorist organization.The EUs 28 foreign ministers reached the decision
unanimously at their meeting.The Iranian-backed group plays a major role in
Lebanese politics and has dominated the government since 2011.The
blacklisting would mean imposing visa bans on individuals and asset freezes on
organizations associated with the group.
Thirty Meter Telescope Partners Signed Agreement
On 26 July The partners building the worlds largest and most advanced optical
telescope at Mauna Keas summit have signed an agreement laying the
foundation for the telescopes operation.Mauna Kea is a volcano on the island of
Hawaii.The Thirty Meter Telescope project representatives from partnering
institutions in the U.S., Canada, China, India and Japan signed the
document.The agreement defines project goals, member party rights, obligations
and benefits. It also establishes a governance structure.The telescope is a
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of Prime Minister Irsen Kucuk, in power since 2009.Cyprus has been divided into
a Turkish northern part and a Greek south since a Turkish invasion in July 1974.
Mamnoon Hussain Elected As Pakistans New President
On 30 July Pakistan Muslim League-Nawazs (PML-N) nominee Mamnoon
Hussain was elected as the 12th President of Pakistan.Hussain emerged as a
clear winner in the contest with ex-judge Wajihuddin Ahmed of Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaf party , headed by cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan.Mamnoon
Hussain has secured 432 votes whereas justice Wajihuddin (Ahmed) secures 77
votes.The presidential office of Pakistan will be vacated on 8 September 2013 by
the incumbent Asif Ali Zardari, as his term of 5 years ended.Mamnoon Hussain
will be administered the oath of the office on 9 September 2013. Mamnoon
Hussain was born on 2 March 1940 in Agra, India.He is the textile businessman
as well as politician of Pakistan.He migrated to Pakistan from India in 1954.
Ireland President Signed The Abortion Bill In To Law
On 31 July Ireland President Michael D. Higgins has signed the abortion bill into
law. The bill, overwhelmingly passed by both houses of the Irish parliament on 12
July 2013, permits abortions only in cases where doctors deem the womans life
at risk from continued pregnancy.
INDIA & WORLD
India Ranks 66th On Global Innovation Index
On 2 July India ranked 66th in the Global Innovation Index 2013, published by
Cornell University, INSEAD, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) as a knowledge partner.Switzerland and
Sweden maintained rank 1 and 2 respectively The study ranked 142 economies
across the world on their innovation capacity and efficiency.
India and Mauritius Signed 5 MoUs
On 5 July India and Mauritius signed 5 MoUs (Memorandum of
understanding).The 5 MoUs are signed in the presence of the Union Minister of
Commerce & Industry Shri Anand Sharma and Mr. Sayyad Abd-Al-Cader Sayed
Hossen, Minister of Industry, Mauritius, in Port Louis.Five institutional level MoUs
were signed to take the partnership forward. These are:
* MoU between Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) and Enterprise
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Mauritius (EM)
* MoU between Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) and
Mauritius Standards Bureau
* MoU between NITRA and National Productivity and Competitive Council
(NPCC) of Mauritius
* MoU between Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) and
Mauritius Export Association (MEXA); and
* MoU between Institute of Apparel Management (IAM) and Fashion and Design
Institute of Mauritius (FDI)
UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2013
On 5 July According to the UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2013, the
world has reached the poverty reduction target five years ahead of schedule. In
developing regions, the proportion of people living on less than $1.25 a day fell
from 47 per cent in 1990 to 22 per cent in 2010. Extreme poverty is also falling in
every region.Nevertheless, the gender gap in employment persists, with a 24.8
percentage point difference between men and women in the employment-topopulation ratio in 2012.
India, Albania Signed Agreement For Avoidance Of Double Taxation
On 8 July India and Albania signed an agreement for avoidance of double
taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and
on capital.The agreement was signed by Ms Sudha Sharma, chairperson,
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), and Mr Fatos Kerciku, Ambassador,
Republic of Albania.
India, Iraq Signed Agreement To Enhance Co-operation In Energy Sector
On 8 July India and Iraq signed a agreement to enhance co-operation in energy
security, bilateral trade & commerce, infrastructure development among
others.The agreement was signed between the Union Petroleum Minister
Veerappa Moily and his counterpart from Iraq, Abdul Karim Luaibi at the end of
the India-Iraq Joint Commission on technical co-operation in Baghdad.
India, SriLanka & Maldives Signed Tripartite Maritime Security Agreement
On 8 July India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have entered into a tripartite
agreement on maritime cooperation to secure sea routes in the Indian Ocean
region at the end of the Meeting on Trilateral Cooperation on Maritime
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Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the powers to regulate any pooling of funds
under an investment contract involving a corpus of 100 crore rupees or more and
attach assets in case of non-compliance.The Chairman of SEBI would have
powers to authorize the carrying out of search and seizure operations, as part of
its efforts to crack down on ponzi schemes.
Acid Attacks On Women Non-bailable Offence
On 18 July the Supreme Court o made acid attack a non-bailable offence and
ordered all state governments to pay Rs 3 lakh compensation to acid attack
victims. The states were also directed to frame rules for regulating sale of acid
within three months.The material cannot be sold to a person who is below the
age of 18 years.Going through the compensation schemes of 17 states and
seven Union Territories (UTs), the bench found the amount being paid to the
victims as grossly inadequate.The compensation for after-care and rehabilitation
at present ranges between Rs 5,000 and Rs 1,50,000.
Union Tourism Minister Launched Clean India Campaign
On 24 July Union Tourism Minister K. Chiranjeevi launched the Project Clean
India Campaign at Taj Mahal.Clean India Campaign has been initiated by the
Ministry of Tourism with the objective to increase tourist arrivals to the country
and to improve quality of services and provide a hygienic environment in and
around tourist destinations across the country.Taj Mahal is the second heritage
site to be covered under this project. The first being Qutub Minar Delhi, which
has been adopted by India Tourism Development Corporation in June 2012.On
the request from the Tourism Minister, the Oil and Natural Gas Commission
(ONGC) has agreed to adopt and upkeep the environs of Taj Mahal Complex
including up gradation of tourist facilities in the monument.Besides Taj Mahal, the
ONGC has also agreed to adopt five more monuments including Ellora and
Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra, Red Fort in the national capital, Golkonda Fort
in Hyderabad and Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu.
STATES
Himachal Pradesh Declared First Smoke Free State In Country
On 2 July Himachal Pradesh has been declared the first smoke-free State in
the country in compliance with Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco
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Products Act (COTPA), 2003. The State has achieved 85.45% compliance with
the relevant parameters.
Uttar Pradesh Grants District Status To Amethi
On 5 July the Uttar Pradesh government granted district status to Amethi ,which
will include three tehsils of Sultanpur and one of Rae Bareli. The district
headquarters of Amethi will be Gauriganj.Sultanpurs Amethi, Gauriganj and
Musafirkhana tehsils and Rae Barelis Tiloi will be part of Amethi district.Some
revenue villages of Maharajganj tehsil of Rae Bareli were included in Tiloi tehsil
of Amethi and in exchange some villages of Tiloi were included in Maharajganj.
Karnataka Launched Anna Bhagya Scheme
On 10 July Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the ambitious Anna
Bhagya scheme in Bangalore.The scheme under which 30 kg of rice per month
will be given to BPL (below poverty line) families across the state at Re 1 per kg.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced the scheme after taking oath on
June 13.The government will spend Rs 4,300 crore every year on the scheme.
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project Starts Fission
On 13 July Indias 21st nuclear power reactor and the countrys first pressurised
water reactor under the light water reactor category ,Kudankulam Nuclear Power
Project (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu began the nuclear fission process.Indias atomic
power plant operator, NPCIL is setting up two 1,000 MW reactors with Russian
technology and equipments at Kudankulam, around 650 km from Chennai.The
over Rs 17,000 crore project, which generated severe protests from the locals,
has started generating heat and steam from the 163 uranium fuel bundles loaded
in the reactor.
Night Policing Scheme Launched In Punjab
On 14 July Punjab government launched the Night Policing Scheme (NPS) with
4000 police personnel and an independent cadre and command structure. The
NPS is aimed at augmenting and strengthening the deployment of police
personnel, through the usage of modern technology during night hours in cities
and towns of the state.The NPS will also focus on the national and state
highways and major roads crisscrossing the state, mainly to instill a sense of
security among the citizens.
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road project would include two road-over bridges, under pass as well as 29-bus
bays at both the sides.
Government Of Odisha Announced Rice For Olive Ridley Conservation
Scheme
The Government of Odisha announced Rice for Olive Ridley Conservation
(ROrC) scheme for the year 2013 in order to help the fishermen families affected
by seven-month ban on marine fishing at Odisha coastal areas.The identification
of beneficiaries under Rice for Olive Ridley Conservation (ROrC) Scheme was
announced on 22 July 2013.The main aim of the ROrC scheme is to help the
fishermen families who are affected by seven-month ban on marine fishing as an
Olive Ridley turtle protection measure.
CONFERENCES
First IOR-ARC Economic and Business Conference
(IOR-ARC) Economic and Business Conference held in Port Louis, Mauritius on
4 5 July 2013.The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Anand Sharma
co-chaired the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC) Economic and Business Conference.India and Mauritius co-hosted the first
economic and business conference under the theme of Deepening Economic
Linkages for Balanced, Inclusive & Sustainable Growth. The IORARC has 20
members, of which India and Australia are the largest economies.During the
meet Trade and industry ministers of member countries and dialogue partners
of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC) agreed
to push trade within the grouping to promote economic cooperation and
development in the strategic Indian Ocean region.The Indian Ocean RimAssociation for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), initially known as the Indian
Ocean Rim Initiative, is an international organization with 20 member states.It
was first established in Mauritius on March 1995 and formally launched on 67
March 1997.
National Conference Of State Tourism Ministers Held In New Delhi
The National Tourism Ministers Conference was held in New Delhi on 18 July
2013.The Conference was chaired by Union Tourism Minister Shri K.
Chiranjeevi. State and Union Territory Tourism Authorities were represented in
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the conference either through their Tourism Ministers and/ or senior officials.The
objective of the conference was discussion of the future strategies for realising
the complete tourism potential of India.The Departments of Tourism of all States
and UTs will consider setting up of a special force such as a Tourist Police,
where it does not exist at present, either by taking few companies on deputation
from the Police Department or by engaging Ex-Servicemen or Home
Guards.During the conference, a new campaign known as I Respect Women
was also launched.The campaign was launched with Ministry of Tourism issuing
badges in Hindi and ten international languages.
G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting Held in
Moscow
The G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting was held on
19-20 July in Moscow,Russia.G20 Countries ministers ,Central Bank Governors
and Indian Finance minister P.Chidambaram ,RBI governor D Subbarao
attended the meeting.In the meeting delegates discussed traditional G20 agenda
including the G20 Framework agreement for strong, sustainable and balanced
growth, the financial regulation reforms, and market transparency. The final
communique contains the usual sentence urging convergence stressing this time
how convergence can contribute to financial stability:At the end of the meeting
Finance Ministers and Central Banks Governors approved the Joint
Communique.
AWARDS & HONOURS
27 Individuals Conferred With National Youth Awards 2011-12
National Youth Award 2011-12 was conferred by Pranab Mukherjee, the
President of India on 4 July 2013 to 27 individuals and an organization at a
function held at Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is for the first time that the National Youth
awards were given by the President of India.A total of 27 individuals and one
organisation received he award this year.The youth award carries a Silver Medal,
a Certificate and a cash prize of 40000 rupees in cases of individual awardees
and 2lakh case prize for voluntary organizations.The selected individuals are
expected to possess leadership qualities and use them in carrying out voluntary
activities in the field of youth development.
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Lokmanya Tilak award for 2013 for his outstanding contribution to society.Name
of Sreedharan, considered as the architect of the ambitious Delhi metro project,
was announced by Lokmanya Tilak Trust.The Padmashree laureate is also
credited for pulling off the Konkan Railway project.
Amjad Ali Khan To Get Rajiv Gandhi National Sadhbhavna Award
On 30 July Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan was chosen for the 21st Rajiv Gandhi
National Sadhbhavna Award for his contribution towards promotion of communal
harmony and peace. The award was instituted by All India Congress Committee
of the Indian National Congress Party (INC).
SPORTS & GAMES
Negi Won Continental Chess Open Title
On 2 July Indias young Grand Master Parimarjan Negi has won the Continental
Chess Association Open title in Washington.The second and third places are
won by the International Master Bindi Cheng of Canada and American Grand
Master Konrad Holt from Kansas respectively.
Chris Martin Announced Retirement From All Cricket
On 3 July Chris Martin, the fast Bowler of New Zealand has announced his
retirement from all forms of cricket.Chris Martin is New Zealands third-highest
Test wicket taker only after Richard Hadlee and Daniel Vettori. He had taken 233
Test wickets with an average of 33.81.Martin played 71 Tests, 20 ODIs and six
Twenty20s for his country in an international career.
Wimbledon Tennis Tournament Title 2013 Winners
Womens Singles :- On 6 July Frances Marion Bartoli won the Wimbledon 2013
womens title after defeated Germanys Sabine Lisicki in the final.Bartoli is the
fifth oldest woman to become a first-time Grand Slam winner in the Open Era.By
finally winning her maiden major title in the 47th Grand Slam appearance of her
career, Bartoli surpassed the previous record set by Jana Novotna, who won
Wimbledon in 1998 after 45 appearances at the majors.
Mens Singles :- On 7 July Andy Murray (Britain) won the Mens Singles title
after defeated Novak Djokovic (Serbia) in the final.Andy Murray became the
Britains first male winner after almost eight decades, to win the championship.
Earlier he was Fred Perry, who won his last Championship in 1936.
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Womens Doubles :- Hsieh Su-wei (Taiwan) and Peng Shuai (China) won the
womens doubles title after defeated Australian duo Ashleigh Barty and Casey
Dellacqua in the final at Wimbledon.
Mens Doubles :- Americans Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan won the Wimbledon
mens doubles title after defeated Ivan Dodig (Croatia )and Marcelo Melo (Brazil)
in the final.
Indian Women Won Gold At Asian Athletics Championship
On 7 July India clinched a gold medal in womens 400m relay in a sensational
race to finish sixth overall as the curtains were drawn on the 20th Asian Athletics
Championships with China confirming their supreme status in the continent.The
home team came up with a rich haul of eight medals, one gold, two silvers and
five bronzes on the fifth and final day .India ended the Championships with two
golds, five silvers and 10 bronzes, a much improved performance than the last
edition in 2011 in Kobe.As expected, China, who had been ruling the Asian
Championships for the last 15 editions, finished at the top spot with 16 golds, six
silvers and five bronzes.
Sebastian Vettel Won German Grand Prix
On 7 July Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel won the German Grand Prix title .Kimi
Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean got second and third positions respectively.It
was Vettels first victory in his home race and the 30th of his career.
Shiva Thapa Wins Gold at Asian Boxing Championships
On 8 July Nineteen-year-old Shiva Thapa became the youngest Indian to win a
gold medal at the Asian Boxing Championships in Amman, Jordan.Thapa
defeated local pugilist Obada Alkabeh,on a split decision to win the gold in the
56kg class.The nimble-footed boxer, who made his Olympic debut in London last
year, thus followed Suranjoy Singh (2009) and Rajkumar Sangwan (1994) into
the history books as a rare Indian gold-medallist at the premier continental event.
Lajja Goswami Won Silver In Shooting World Cup
On 9 July Indian woman shooter Lajja Goswami has won silver medal in
womens 50-metre Rifle 3 Position event at the ISSF World Cup in Granada,
Spain.Gauswami, a silver medallist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, shot 454
in the finals to bag the silver ahead of Norways Malin Westerheim.Petra
Zublasing of Italy won the gold medal.
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Devi and Rimil Biruly won Gold medal in the Womens Recurve Team event at
the Archery World Cup Stage-3 in Medellin, Colombia.In the final Indian womens
archery team defeated China in the recurve event to claim the gold medal.India
claim their second medal of this World Cup and their first World Cup Womens
team gold since Shanghai 2011.
Divij Sharan Purav Raja Won First ATP Title
On 21 July Purav Raja and Divij Sharan of India clinched their first ever ATP
tour doubles title after defeated Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France and Igor
Sijsling of the Netherlands in the final match of Claro Open in Bogota, Colombia.
Devendra Jhajharia Won Gold In World Paralympic Championships
On 22 July Indias Paralympian Devendra Jhajharia has won a gold medal in the
Javelin Throw at IPC (International Paralympic Commitee) athletics World
Championships in France.He became the first differently-abled Indian to win gold
at the IPC Athletics World Championships.He threw the javelin to 57.04 meters in
F-46 category, which is meant for one-armed athletes.He won a Gold medal at
the 8th FESPIC Games in Korea, 2002.In March 2012, he received the Padma
Shree Award and became the first paralympian to win the award.
Dhyan Chand Nominated For Bharat Ratna
The sports ministry has chosen hockey legend late Dhyan Chand for Indias
highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.Dhyan Chand, who passed away in
1979, won three gold medals at the Olympics in 1928 ( Amsterdam), 1932 (
Los Angeles) and 1936 ( Berlin).
Jennitha Wins World Chess Title For Disabled
On 24 July Indias K. Jennitha Anto has became the World Chess Champion for
disabled, after won the 13th IPCA World Womens Individual Chess
Championship in Velke Losiny, Czech Republic.Hailing from Tamil Nadu,
Jennitha scored 4.5 points in nine games after winning three, drawing three and
losing three games.She competed in a combined group with men and became
the highest scorer among the women players.The title came along with the
Woman International Master title.
Lewis Hamilton Won Hungarian Grand Prix Title
On 28 July Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes won the Hungarian
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Grand Prix title 2013 held on Buadpest.Raikkonen and Vettle got second and
third positions respectively.
Afridi Becomes First Batsman To Hit 400 Sixes
Pakistans Shahid Afridi became the first cricketer to hit 400 sixes in an
international career on 26 July.Afridi reached the landmark in the 16th over of
Pakistans reply to the West Indies 152 for seven in the first Twenty20
international.Chris Gayle, playing for the West Indies, is next on the list having hit
353 sixes in his Test, ODI and T20 career.
Indian Wrestlers Won 15 Medals In Asian Cadet Championship
On 27 July Indian wrestlers finished the Cadet Asian Championships with a rich
haul of three golds, nine silvers and three bronze medals, besides winning the
Champion Trophy in the freestyle category in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.The gold
came through Amit Kumar (58kg), Vikas (63kg) and Parveen (85kg) of the
freestyle category while silver medals were won by Ravi Kumar (54kg), Ankur
Rathi (69kg), Balraj (76kg) and Gursewak Singh (100kg) in the same division.The
freestyle team secured 84 points and finished ahead of Iran who were the
runners-up.
Aditya Mehta Won Snooker Gold In World Games
On 30 July Indias numero uno snooker player, Aditya Mehta won the gold medal
in the World Games after defeated Chinas Liang Wenbo in the final of the
quadrennial event at Cali, Columbia.
India Won Under-16 SAFF Championship
On 30 July India won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-16
Championships held at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu.Indian boys
defeated Nepal 1-0 in final to lift the South Asian Football Federation Under-16
Championship title. This is the first time that India have won the championship.
ECONOMY
Indian Internet Economy To Touch USD 100 Billion By 2015
On 3 July According to the Economist Intelligence Unit Good to Grow: The
Environment of Asias Internet Business report ,Indias Internet Economy that
stands at 1.6 per cent of GDP is slated to touch USD 100 billion by 2015 .Online
advertising in Asia will grow from 24 per cent of worldwide online advertising in
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actual terms, there were 26.93 crore people below poverty line in 2011-12 as
compared to 40.71 crore in 2004-05.
* State-wise, the Commission said ,highest poverty rate of 39.93% was recorded
in Chhattisgarh (2011-12)followed by Jharkhand (36.96 per cent), Manipur (36.89
per cent), Arunachal Pradesh (34.67 per cent) and Bihar (33.47 per cent).
* Among the union territories, the Dadra and Nagar Haveli was the highest, with
39.31 per cent people living below poverty line followed by Chandigarh at 21.81
per cent.
* Lowest poverty rate of 5.09% was recorded in Goa (2011-12) followed by
Kerala (7.05 per cent), Himachal Pradesh (8.06 per cent), Sikkim (8.19 per cent),
Punjab (8.26 per cent) and Andhra Pradesh (9.20 per cent).
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
ISRO PSLV C22 Successfully Launched IRNSS 1A Navigation Satellite
On 1 July ISROs Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C22, has successfully
launched IRNSS-1A, the first satellite in the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite
System (IRNSS) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota ,Nellore District
(Andhra Pradesh)This is the 23rd consecutively successful mission of PSLV.The
IRNSS-1A was launched on 1 July 2013 at 11.41 p.m.It was the first near
midnight satellite launch by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).The
satellite has been designed to provide accurate position information services to
users in India as well as to the regions extending up to 1,500 km from its
boundary.IRNSS-IA is among the first seven satellites that constitutes the Indian
Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) Space Segment. The mission has
a life of 10 years.
IRNSS will provide two types of services :- standard positioning service using
signals in the L5-band to an accuracy of 20 meters for all users and an encrypted
service in S-band provided for authorized users.
About PSLV-C22 :* Rocket Height 44-metres
* Weight 320 tonnes
* Satellite IRNSS-1A
* Satellite Weight 1425 kg
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because for the crew to cheat these controls turn off a device that transmit data
to the radars, as altitude and speed of the flight.
China Russia Joint Sea-2013 Naval Drills
Chinese and Russian naval forces Joint Sea-2013 drills was held from 6th
to11th July in the Sea of Japan.In the Joint exercises China used seven
warships, included a guided-missile destroyer with Aegis-type radars that track
and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets, and missile frigates with
antisubmarine abilities.The Russian lineup included the flagship of its Pacific
fleet, the guided-missile cruiser Varyag, and a Kilo-class submarine.The six-day
maneuvers focused on joint maritime air defense and the defense of marine
traffic arteries, with exercises involving joint escorts, marine search and rescue
operations, anti-submarine tactics and anti-hijacking tactics.They were the ninth
bilateral and multilateral joint military exercises carried out by the Chinese and
Russian militaries.
Iran Secret Nuclear Site Discovered By MEK
On 11 July the paris based militant group organisation of the Peoples Mujahedin
of Iran (MEK) has discovered credible evidence of a secret new nuclear site,
gathered over a year by 50 sources in various parts of the regime.The codename
of the project is Maadan-e Sharq (literally the mine of the east) or Project
Kossar.This site is hidden in a series of tunnels under a mountain near the town
of Damavand.The Paris-based militant group MEK alleges that the site has
existed since 2006, with the first series of subterranean tunnels and four external
depots recently completed.
US Autonomous X-47B Drone Successfully Lands On Aircraft Carrier
On 11 July the US Navys next-generation autonomous drone, the X-47B, has
successfully landed on the deck of the USS George H.W. Bush,during a
milestone test run off the coast of Virginia.Developed by aerospace contractor
Northrop Grumman, the X-47B is the first UAV designed to refuel, take off, and
land without any human intervention.
U.S. Bill For A National Park On Moon
On 12 July Lawmakers of US proposed a Bill in the US Congress for establishing
a national park on the Moon.The new Bill seeks creation of the Apollo Lunar
Landing Sites as National Historical Park on the Moon.The bill has been named
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as the Apollo Lunar Landing Legacy Act, the Bill and was referred to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in addition to the House
Committee on Natural Resources.It calls for no later than one year, after the date
of enactment of the act, the establishment of a Apollo Lunar Landing Sites
National Historical Park, as a unit of the National Park System.
NASAs Hubble Discovered Blue Planet
Scientists from NASA have discovered a blue planet that possibly rains glass,
orbiting a star 63 light-years away.This is the first time an exoplanets true colour
has been determined. Astronomers has used NASAs Hubble Space Telescope
and made visible light observation spotting the planet HD 189733b which is one
of the closest exoplanets that can be seen crossing the face of its star.
Neptunes 14th Moon Discovered
On 16 July the U.S. space agency NASA has announced the discovery of
Neptunes 14th moon.The Hubble Space Telescope captured the moon as a
white dot in photos of the planet on the outskirts of our solar system.The new
moon, Neptunes tiniest at just 19.3 km across, is designated S/2004 N1.
China Successfully Launched Three Experimental Satellites In To Space
On 20 July China successfully launched three satellites to carry out scientific
experiments into space.A Long March-4C carrier rocket carrying three satellites
,blasts off from the launch pad in the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Taiyuan,
capital of north Chinas Shanxi Province.The three satellites for scientific
experiments, namely the Chuangxin-3 , Shiyan-7 and Shijian-15 .The three
satellites will be used mainly for conducting scientific experiments on space
maintenance technologies.
Worlds Largest Virus Discovered By French Researchers
On 20 July French National Centre for Scientific Research Scientists have
discovered a huge viruses in the world.The virus is one micrometre big ,up to ten
times the size of other viruses, and only six per cent of its genes resemble
anything seen on Earth before.The size of each virus must be 2500 genes.93
percent of genes in this virus is new for the world.The scientists named this virus
as a Pandoraviruses.Ten years back these Scienists found a new virus called
mimiviruses .
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Abdoulaye Bathily of Senegal as his new Deputy Special Representative for the
United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali
(MINUSMA).Mr. Bathily has been serving as Senior Minister in the office of the
President of Senegal since 2012. Mr. Bathily also served as a Member of the
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, member of
the African Union Contact Group on the crisis in Madagascar.
Kaushik Appointed As The Coach Of Indian Mens Hockey Team
On 10 July Hockey India (HI) appointed Olympic gold medallist Maharaj Kishan
Kaushik as the mens hockey team coach.The decision comes in the wake of
Michael Nobbs removal as the teams head coach.Kaushik was a member of the
team when it won the gold medal at the 1980 Summer Olympics in
Moscow.Under the Coaching of MK Kaushik , India mens hockey team had won
their last major international tournament, the 1998 Asian Games, Bangkok. In
1998, he received the Arjuna Award.
S. B. Mainak Appointed LIC MD
On 8 July S B Mainak has been appointed as MD of Life Insurance Corporation
of India (LIC).He will hold office from the date of assuming charge till 29 February
2016.
Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka Appointed UN Women Chief
On 10 July Former South African deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
has been appointed as the head of UN Women agency.Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka
replaces Michelle Bachelet, a former president of Chile who served as the first
Executive Director of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of
Women (UN Women).Mlambo was the first woman to hold the position of Deputy
President of South Africa from 2005 to 2008.
Hemant Soren Sworn in as 9th Jharkhand Chief Minister
On 13 July Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Hemant Soren was sworn in as the
ninth Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Syed Ahmed, the Governor of Jharkhand
administered the oath of the office to Hemant Soren in the premises of Raj
Bhavan in a swearing-in ceremony.Hemant Soren, who heads the ninth ministry
in less than 13 years, became the fifth tribal Chief Minister after Babulal Marandi,
Arjun Munda, Shibu Soren and Madhu Koda since the state was created on
November 15, 2000.Soren, who gave the Governor a list of 43 MLAs supporting
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him in the 82-member Assembly, is expected to expand his ministry after taking
the floor test. The alternative coalition comes nearly six months after the
imposition of Presidents rule.The Presidents Rule was imposed on Jharkhand
on 18 January 2013 after the failure of the Constitutional Machinery in the state
after JMM withdrew support to the BJP-led government under Arjun Munda on 8
January 2013.
ElBaradei Sworn In As Egypts Vice President
On 14 July a former head of the UN nuclear watchdog and a Nobel peace
laureate, Prominent liberal Egyptian leader Mohamed ElBaradei was sworn in as
Egypts interim vice president for foreign relations.
Moin Khan Appointed Pak Cricket Teams Chief Selector
On 15 July Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed former Pakistan team
captain Moin Khan as chief selector after the resignation of Iqbal Qasim.Moin, is
the youngest person to be named to the chief selectors post by the cricket
board.Khan played 69 Tests and 219 one-day internationals for Pakistan in
1990s and was also a member of World Cup winning team in 1992.
Santosh B Nayar is new CEO & MD of IFCI
On 15 July Santosh B Nayar has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer and
Managing Director of the Industrial Financial Corporation of India.The IFCI was
the 1st specialised financial institution setup in India to provide term finance to
large industries in India.
Nisha Desai Biswal Nominated For The Post Of Assistant Secretary Of
State Of USA
On 18 July Nisha Desai Biswal, an Indian-American woman was nominated for
the Post of Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia by US
President Barack Obama .Nisha Desai Biswal, held the post of the Assistant
Administrator for Asia at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
at the time her of nomination to the post of Assistant Secretary of state.Nisha
Desai Biswal will oversee the US Foreign Policy and relations at the State
Department for India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan, Maldives,
Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.This is the first time
an Indian-American is heading the South Asia Bureau, a new milestone for the
community.Nisha Desai Biswal worked at the American Red Cross from 1993 to
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Khil Raj Regmi , Nepalese counterpart Madhav Prasad Ghimire and both the
nations held official talks covering all feature of bilateral relations and issues of
mutual interests.
US Vice President Joe Biden Visited India
US Vice President Joe Biden visited India from 22 25 July .He is the first U.S.
vice-president visited India after three decades.On 22 July Joe Biden visited
Gandhi Smriti Museum in New Delhi.On 23 July Biden met President Pranab
Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and
discussed on a broad array of issues, includes ways to enhance economic
growth, and cooperation in trade, energy and climate change, security and
strategic opportunities, besides investments in innovation and education.On 24
25 July Biden visited in Mumbai.Biden met business leaders and delivered a
policy speech at the Bombay Stock Exchange.It is Bidens first trip to India as
vice president. He visited New Delhi in 2008 as a senator.
France Defence Minister Yves Le Drianis Visited India
Defence Minister of France, Mr Yves Le Drianis visited India from 25-27
July.During the visit Yves Le Drianis met Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony
and discussed on regional and international security challenges of mutual
interest.The Ministers noted that defence cooperation is an important pillar of the
strategic partnership between both countries and that the ongoing dialogue and
cooperation is mutually beneficial to both nations.The Ministers agreed that
exchanges between respective defence institutions and armed forces should
continue to be progressed, including in the areas of military education and
training and through the conduct of military exercises.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Egypt President Mohamed Morsi Ousted By Military
On 3 July Mohamed Morsi, the Islamist president of Egypt whose rule sparked
protests that had engulfed the country , was removed from power by the
Egyptian military.After Morsi had rejected the militarys ultimatum to surrender to
public pressure and resign within 48 hours.Morsis election as the first
democratically elected President was a turning point in the political history of
Egypt after the downfall of 30 years reign of Hosni Mubaraq.
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Pope Francis Clears John Paul II, John XXIII For Sainthood
On 5 July Pope Francis on Friday cleared two of the 20th centurys most
influential popes to become saints, approving a miracle needed to canonize Pope
John Paul II and waiving Vatican rules to honour Pope John XXIII.The
announcement ceremony is expected before the end of the year.
Bangladesh Islamist Ghulam Azam Sentenced To 90 Years In Prison
On 15 July Bangladesh Islamist leader Ghulam Azam, 91 has been sentenced to
90 years in prison on charges of war crimes.Azam, was accused of setting up
militia groups that carried out mass killings and rape during Bangladeshs 1971
war of independence with Pakistan.
Pakistans Women Paratroopers Create History
On 15 July Female officers of the Pakistan Army have jumped from military
helicopters for the first time in the countrys history.A total of 24 lady officers of
the Pakistan Army successfully completed a three-week basic airborne course at
the Parachute Training School in the northwestern city of Peshawar.Pakistan
Army, in another landmark achievement, successfully completed the first ever
Lady Officers Para Trooping Course at Para Training School.Captain Sadia was
the first women officer who jumped from an MI-17 helicopter, while Captain Kiran
Ashraf was declared the best paratrooper of the batch.
Che Manuscripts Added To UNESCO Heritage Program
On 20 July the writings of Cuban Revolution leader Ernesto Che Guevara have
been added to UNESCOs Memory of the World Register.The documents include
original manuscripts from Ches youthful Motorcycle Diaries days, to his diary
from the mountains of Bolivia where he was executed by that nations military in
1967.They are now recognized as world heritage and will be protected and cared
for with the help of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization.
Indian Woman Scientist Sunetra Gupta Joins Famed UK League
On 22 July Sunetra Gupta, an India-born chemist and physicist has joined the big
league of female scientists like Marie Curie in a first-of-its-kind art exhibition at
the prestigious Royal Society.Gupta, who was born in Kolkata and is now a
professor at Oxford University, is among an exclusive group as part of the
Women in Science Portrait Exhibition of the greatest female Fellows of the
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Connecticut in fourth place and Columbia University in New York City at No.
5.For the sixth year, Forbes worked with the Center for College Affordability and
Productivity in Washington to produce the list.
PLACES IN NEWS
Incheon Named World Bank Capital For 2015
On 19 July UNESCO announced South Koreas western port city of Incheon has
been chosen to be the World Book Capital for the year 2015.Incheon became the
15th city to be designated as the World Book Capital following the Nigerian city of
Port Harcourt for 2014 and Bangkok for the year 2013.
Strong Earthquake Hits China
On 22 July a strong earthquake in northwestern China ,measuring 6.6 on Richter
scale, that has killed more than 89 people and injured 412.The quake hit along
the border of two counties Min and Zhang.The epicenter, with a depth of 20
km, was 170 km away from the provincial capital Lanzhou.The earthquake was
also felt in Tianshui city and the provincial capital city of Lanzhou besides in the
cities of Xian, Baoji and Xianyang in neighboring Shaanxi Province.
ABBREVIATIONS
PSLV - Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
IRNSS - Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System
WIPO World Intellectual Property Organization
CMAI - Clothing Manufacturers Association of India
AEPC Apparel Export Promotion Council
CISF Central Industrial Security Force
CRPF Central Reserve Police Force
DGCA Directorate General of Civil Aviation
CAA Civil Aviation Authority
GSPA Gas Sale Purchase Agreement
MMRCA - Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft
ESMA Essential Services Maintenance Act
BOOKS IN NEWS
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Shri Sharad Pawar.It has called for an effective implementation of Model APMC
Act in all the states. This committee was constituted in March, 2010 under the
Chairmanship of Shri Harshvardhan Patil, Minister for Cooperation and
Parliamentary Affairs, Govt.of Maharashtra.The committee has also
recommended the setting up of multiple and competitive marketing channels;
independent regulatory authority to encourage private investors; need for viability
gap funding to attract private sector investment; higher investment in marketing
infrastructure.
IMPORTANT DAYS AND DATES
Nelson Mandela International Day Observed On 18 July
Nelson Mandela International Day was observed across the world on 18 July
2013 to earmark freedom, justice and democracy. The overarching objective of
Mandela Day is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for
the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good. Ultimately it seeks
to empower communities everywhere. Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every
Day a Mandela Day.In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18
July as the Nelson Mandela International Day to recognize the former South
African Presidents contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.
World Population Day Observed Across The World On 11 July
World Population Day was observed on 11 July 2013 across the world. The
theme for the year 2013 is Focus is on Adolescent Pregnancy. In 1989, in its
decision 89/46, the Governing Council of the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) declared 11 July as the day that should be observed as
World Population Day by the International Community.The UNDP recommended
11 July as world Population Day, in order to focus attention on the urgency and
importance of population issues in the context of overall development plans and
programmes and the need to find solutions for these issues.The 2013 World
Population Day is being observed with an aim of raising awareness on the issue
of adolescent pregnancy with the hope of delivering a world where every
pregnancy is wanted and every childbirth is safe, and every young persons
potential is fulfilled. The 2013 aim has been proposed because as per reports
about 16 million of girls under 18 years of age give birth to a child every year.
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Apart from this about 3.2 million undergoes an unsafe abortion and about 90
percent of the pregnant adolescents in the developing world are married.
Malala Day Observed Across The World On 12 July
12 July 2013 was observed as Malala Day across the World and by United
Nations. The day is being observed by the United Nations to highlight the fight of
education of the Pakistani child activist Malala Yousafzai. Seminars, conferences
and other ceremonies were held across Pakistan wherein scholars, educationists
and analysts participated to pay tribute to Malala, who fought for girls education
in Swat valley against the Taliban. 12 July, the day of Malalas Birth was declared
as Malala Day by UN General Secretary Ban-Ki-Moon on her 16th
Birthday.Malala is the girl from Pakistan, who was shot in head and neck by the
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on 9 October 2012 for advocating girls for their
right to education and speaking against Taliban
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JANUARY
INTERNATIONAL
1. On 7 January who is the country Palestinian Authority President has issued a
decree renaming the organization the State of Palestine ?
Ans:- Mahmoud Abbas
2. On 16 January 2013 Which country Cargo Ship MV Amina fled away from the
waters of Sri Lanka after suffering detention by its Navy for about two months ?
Ans:- Iran
3. Which country president signed into law the Former Presidents Protection Act
of 2012 on January 2013 ?
Ans:- America
4. Which country Bar Council recently Suggested Chemical Castration for
Repeated Sex Offenders ?
Ans:- Malaysia
INDIA & WORLD
1. According to the which country 2012 Home Office report, India is among 10
countries that are the main sources of illegal immigration ?
Ans:- Britain
2. On 30 January 2013 which country Pledged Humanitarian Assistance of 2.5
Million US Dollars to Syria ?
Ans:- India
3. India asked to avoid Violence Prone Areas in which country on 19 January
2013 ?
Ans: Nigeria
4. Which two countries agreed not to allow escalation of tensions along the Line
of Control (LoC) on 16 January 2013 ?
Ans:- India and Pakistan
5. What is the name of the Tibetan Monk got sentenced to death by the Chinese
Court for encouraging the self-Immolations?
Ans:-Lorang Konhok
NATIONAL
1. In how many districts Government of India launched Direct Cash Transfer
Benefit (CBT) on 1 January 2013 ?
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Ans:- 20 districts
2. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2012 report
which class students could read Class II text fell from 53.7% in 2010 to 46.8% in
2012
Ans:- Vth class
3. Who released the Commemorative Postage Stamps, at the Commemoration
of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, in New Delhi on 12
January 2013 ?
Ans:- President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee
4. Government of India how much crore of the MGNREGA linked Post Office
Accounts would be used under the Direct Cash Transfer Scheme on January
2013 ?
Ans:- 3.5 Crore
STATES
1. What is the name of the system launched by Odisha government on 2
January 2013 for citizens under the Odisha Right to Public Service Act, 2012 ?
Ans:- Public Service Delivery System
2. In which state the first Shariat panchayat is scheduled to be inaugurated on 3
March 2013 ?
Ans:- Punjab
3. Which state high court stayed the state governments decision for giving 4 per
cent additional reservation to Gurjar on 29 January 2013?
Ans:- Rajasthan High Court
4. On 20 January Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated Ghat Ki Guni
tunnel at Jaipur.
CONFERENCES
1. What is the name of the 100th Indian Science Congress theme which was held
from 3 to 7 January 2013 at Kolkata ?
Ans:- Science for Shaping the Future of India
2. The 43rd World Economic Forum Annual Meeting held from 23 27 January
at Ans:- Davos-Klosters in Switzerland
AWARDS & HONOURS
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1. Who is the Mauritius President was received the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya
Samman Award on 9 January 2013 ?
Ans:- Rajkeswur Purryag
2. Who is an Indian researcher selected for a prestigious Young Investigator
Scholarship Award for his work on a drug to cure Alzheimers?
Ans:- Mahaveer Golechha
3. Who got the Best Actor award at the 58th Idea Filmfare Awards held in
Mumbai on 20 January 2013?
Ans:- Ranbir Kapoor
4. Who honoured with the prestigious International Scientific Cooperation Award
2012?
Ans:- C N R Rao
5. Who launched a Tang Prize(Asian Noble Prize) on 28 January 2013 ?
Ans:- Samuel Yin
6. Who was selected for the Order of Australia Medal award on 30 January
2013?
Ans:- Krishna Arora
SPORTS & GAMES
1. Who is a former India player announced his retirement from first class
cricketer on 01 January 2013?
Ans:- Sanjay Bangar
2. Who got the CEAT International Cricketer of the Year 2011-12 on 03 January
2013?
Ans:- Virat Kohli
3. Who won the WTA Brisbane International trophy on 5th January 2013?
Ans:- Sania Mirza and Bethanie Mattek
4. Who defeated the Bulgarian star Grigor Dimitrov to get a Brisbane
International title on 06 January 2013?
Ans:- Andy Murray
5. Who won the Chennai Open Tennis Title on 6 January 2013 ?
Ans:- Tipsarevic
6. Which country won in the third and final Test match against Sri Lanka on 6
January 2013 ?
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Ans:- Australia
7. Who is an Australian cricketer suspended for one match and $4500 at MCG
on 07 January 2013?
Ans:- Shane Warne
8. Who got the FIFA Player of the Year award consecutively four times?
Ans:- Lionel Messi
9. Who got the youngest national table tennis championship award on 11
January 2013?
Ans:- Soumyajit Ghosh
10. Which country won the Test series with 2-0 between South Africa and New
Zealand?
Ans:- South Africa
11. Who is from Andhra Pradesh selected to represent India at the World Cup
fencing championship in Doha (Qatar), to be held from January 19 to 21?
Ans:- Y.Hala
12. To whom the International Olympics Committee (IOC) asked to return the
Olympic Bronze Medal and Certificate of 2000 Sydney Games on 17 January
2013 after found guilty of doping?
Ans:- Lance Armstrong
13. Who won the Malaysian Open Badminton Championship Womens singles
title on 20 January 2013 ?
Ans:- Tai Tzu-ying
14. Who won the Australian Open Tennis Tournament Mens singles title in the
final on January 2013 ?
Ans:- Novak Djokovic
15. Who got the first place in the womens singles rankings in the Badminton
World Federation (BWF) rankings released on 31 January 2013?Ans:- Lee Juri
ECONOMY
1. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index Who is the 18th richest person
in the world?
Ans:- Mukesh Ambani
2. Which country company Toyota Motor appears at the top ranked in the top1500 Global R&D investments list ?
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Ans:- Japan
3. On 29 January 2013 The Reserve Bank of India slashed Cash Reserve Ratio
(CRR) from 4.5% to Ans:- 4 percent
4. On 23 January 2013 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected that the
economic growth rate of India in 2013 would be ?
Ans:- 5.9 percent
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
1. NASA/ESA Astronomers had captured one of the flattest galaxies known in the
universe, sitting like a silver needle in the haystack of space using Hubble Space
Telescope.What is the name of the galaxy?
Ans:- IC 2233
2. What cells in White blood cells having the capacity to kill the tumour (Cancer)
cell?
Ans:- T lymphocytes
3. What is the name of the rocket used to launch a Mars Orbiter Mission in the
mid-October 2013?
Ans:- PSLV-XL
4. How many earth size plantes are found in a Milky way Glaxy?
Ans:- 17 billion
5. What is the name of the missile successfully test fired by the Indian Navy on09
January 2013 at Visakhapatnam?
Ans:- Brahmos
6. What is the name of the largest Space structure found in the Universe?
Ans:- Large Quasar Group(LQG)
7. What is the name of the underwater ballistic missile India successfully test
fired on 27 January 2013?
Ans:- K-15.
8. What is the name of the multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) weapon system,
was successfully test fired from a defence base at Chandipur-on-sea on 30
January 2013?
Ans:- Pinaka
PERSONS IN NEWS
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A) APPOINTMENTS
1. Who is the first minority community person appointed as a chief of the
Intelligence Bureau?
Ans:- Asif Ibrahim
2. Who is appointed a deputy governor at the Reserve Bank of India on 02
January 2013?
Ans:- Urjit Patel
4. Who is the present chairman of 20th Law Commission?
Ans:- Justice DK Jain
5. Who is the first woman speaker and Indian-origin elected for the Singapores
Parliament on 08 Janauary 2013?
Ans:- Halimah Yacob
6. Who is the new Chairman and Managing Director of Canara Bank?
Ans:- RK Dubey
7. Who is the new executive director of Central Bank of India appointed on 11
January 2013?
Ans:- Raj Kumar Goyal
8. Who is the Founding Chairwoman of CIIs women wing
Ans:- Suchitra Ella
9. Who is the present Secretary of State of America?
Ans:- John Kerry
10. Who is the present President of Czech?
Ans:- Milos Zeman
B) RESIGNS
1. Who is the first woman chief justice SriLanka dismissed by the Sri Lankan
President?
Ans:- Shirani Bandamayake
C) DEATHS
1. Who is the oldest surviving woman of the world, died at the age of 115 years in
a town near Tokyo, Japan on 12 Jan. 2012 ?
Ans:- Koto Okubo
2. Who is the the former all-rounder of India from Surat died on 13 January 2013
in Mumbai ?
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FRBRUARY
INTERNATIONAL
1. Which 3 countries leaders set out 6 months goal for peace, urge Taliban to
dialogue on 4 February 2013 ?
Ans: Britain , Afghanistan , Pakistan.
2. What is the new name for Sindh province?
Ans: Sind
3. On February 2013 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a
financial aid of $ 278.8 million to ?
Ans: Bangladesh
4. On February 2013 Regional African leaders signed UN-brokered accord which
aims to bring peace to the troubled eastern region of the ?
Ans: Democratic Republic of Congo
5. Which country prohibited its security forces from taking any air support from
the International Forces on 18 February 2013 ?
Ans: Aghanistan
6. Who had been elected as Cyprus new President on 24 February 2013 ?
Ans: Nicos Anastasiades
INDIA & WORLD
1. For which country reconstruction India pledges $100m on 5 February 2013 ?
Ans: Mali
2. On 7 February 2013 the Union Cabinet approved for which project formation of
Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV )?
Ans: TAPI pipeline
3. On february 2013 the Defence Ministry has ordered CBI probe into how much
crore alleged scam in a defence helicopter deal ?
Ans: Rs 3600 crore
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Ans: Jharkhand
3. Which state government was decided to issue a complete ban on sale and
consumption of tobacco products in the state on 15 February 2013?
Ans: Manipur
4. Which State Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda was launched the Direct
Benefits Transfer scheme in Sonepat and Ambala districts on 1 February 2013 ?
Ans: Haryana
5. On 21 February 2013 the UTTIPEC started efforts for developing vision for
successful implementation of the plans for mass-rapid transport system in
Ans: Delhi
6. Which party won maximum number of seats in Maghalaya Assembly
elections?
Ans: Congress
7. Which party got the full majority in Tripura Assembly elections held on 14
February 2013?
Ans: CPM-led Left Front
CONFERENCES
1. What is the theme of 13th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS)?
Ans: The Global Challenge of Resource Efficient Growth and Development
AWARDS & HONOURS
1. The Pakistani girl was shoot by the Talibans against the girl education was
nominated for this years Nobel Peace Prize.Who is she?
Ans: Malala Yousafzai
2. Who is the Karnataka Artist had won the Rs 1 million Skoda Prize 2012 for
contemporary art on 1 February 2013?
Ans: L. N. Tallur
3. Who had been received the Georgescu roegen Award at the Delhi Sustainable
Development Summit on February 2013?
Ans: Kozo Mayumi (The University of Tokushima)
4. Who got Lifetime Achievement Grammy award after his death?
Ans: Pandit Ravi Shankar
5. Which picture got the best picuter award in 85th Oscar awards ceremony?
Ans: Argo
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6. Who is the Eminent Hindi litterateur had been selected for the prestigious Vyas
Samman for 2012 for his historical novel Na Bhooto Na Bhavishyati on 22
February 2013 ?
Ans: Narendra Kohli
SPORTS & GAMES
1. Who were the two players honoured with Davis Cup Commitment Award on
2 Febraury 2013?
Ans: Leander Paes, Jaideep Mukherjee
2. Who is the Indian cricketer equaled the record of Sunil Gavaskar of 81 first
class hundreds in first class cricket at Mumbai on 8 February 2013 ?
Ans: Sachin Tendulkar
3. Which two games will be joining the program at the 2016 Games in Rio de
Janeiro ?
Ans: Golf and Rugby
4. Who won the National Grasscourt Tennis Championship Mens single title on
16 February 2013?
Ans: Ramkumar Ramanathan
5. Who won the Grenke Chess Classic Trophy on 17 February 2013 ?
Ans: Viswanathan Anand
ECONOMY
1. Which of the companies selected for the Maharatna status on 1 February
2013?
Ans: BHEL and GAIL
2. On 7 February 2013 the Indias Central Statistics Office (CSO) revealed that
the economic growth of India is estimated to fall to in 2012- 2013 FY ?
Ans: 5 percent
3. Which scheme was launched by Finance Minister P Chidambaram on 9
February 2013 in Mumbai ?
Ans: Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme
4. Indias Economic Survey for 2012-13 pegs the countrys growth at 6.1-6.7%
and inflation at
Ans: 6.2-6.6%
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5. How many crores are allocated for the Agriculture Ministry in the Union Budget
2013-14?
Ans: Rs.27,049 crores
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
1. What is the name of the most sophisticated fighter jet launched by the Iran?
Ans: Qaher F313 (Dominant F313)
2. What is the name of the worlds first complete Bionic Man which was unveiled
recently at Londons Science Museum ?
Ans: Rex
3. What is the name of the first indigenously built Weapon System Integrated
Advanced Light Helicopter was inducted in to the Indian army on 8 February
2013?
Ans: Rudra
4. What is the name of the fifth ship in a series of eight inshore patrol vessels
(IPVs) was commissioned by Indian Coast Guard on 11 February 2013 ?
Ans: Rajratan
5. What is the use of SARAL satellite launched by the ISROs PSLV-C20 rocket
on 25 February 2013 from the spaceport at Sriharikota?
Ans: Oceanographic Study
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
1. Who had been selected as members of the Chinese parliament on 2 February
2013 ?
Ans: Mo Yan and Jackie Chan
2. Who is the Indian american and Padma Shri awardee had been appointed as
the new president of Carnegie Mellon University on 9 February 2013?
Ans: Dr Subra Suresh
3. Who is the Tata Group Chairman Emeritus had been elected as a member of
the US prestigious National Academy of Engineering on 9 February 2013 ?
Ans: Ratan Tata
4. Who is the former Chairman of Life Insurance Corporation, has took over as
the new Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
(IRDA) on 21 February 2013 ?
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BOOKS IN NEWS
1. What is the name of the Sania Mirza new autobiography book ?
Ans: Against All Odds
2. Who is the author of Khushwantnama: The Lessons of My Life Book ?
Ans: Khushwant Singh
COMMITTEES
1. Who was constituted a G Padmanabhan technical advisory committee to iron
out existing issues and boost bank finance for exports ?
Ans: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
IMPORTANT DAYS & DATES
1. National Maritime Day observed on ?
Ans: April 5
MARCH
INTERNATIONAL
1. Which two countries was reached an agreement on Prison Transfer on 23
March 2013?
Ans: US and Afghanistan
2.Which countries finance ministers had approved a new bailout plan for
Cyprus,putting an end to uncertainties over the fate of the Mediterranean island
country in the euro area ?
Ans: Eurozone
3. Which country and South Africa signed a number of agreements, focusing on
trade, tourism, education and social cooperation on 27 March 2013 ?
Ans: China
4. On March 2013 South Korean and US troops launched a joint military exercise
as
Ans: North Korea
5. In the month of March 2013 which country was declared an environmental
state of emergency in Amazon jungle region ?
Ans: Peru
INDIA & WORLD
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1.Which country have signed agreement with India to support R&D Projects on
13 March 2013?
Ans: Britain
2. Which country has signed seven agreements with India on 19 march 2013 ?
Ans: Egypt
3. Which agreement was signed by India and 18 countries on 20 March 2013 ?
Ans: Social Security Agreements (SSAs)
4. In the month of March South Australia rolled out 10-year Plan to Enhance
Trade with
Ans: India
5. Which country and India agreed to finalise the plan of bilateral exchanges
between their armed forces and decided that the exchanges would be conducted
between the Armies on 22 March 2013?
Ans: China
6. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa on 26 March 2013 barred players and
officials of which country from featuring in IPL matches slated to be held in Tamil
Nadu?
Ans: Sri Lanka
NATIONAL
1.Who is the renowned Urdu poet commemorative postage stamp was released
by President of India, Pranab Mukherjee on 8 March 2013 ?
Ans: Sahir Ludhianvi
2. Which of the following bill was approved by the Union Cabinet on 19 March
2013 ?
Ans: National Food Security Bill
3. On 21 March 2013 the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence of in the
1993 Mumbai serial blasts case ?
Ans: Yakub Abdul Razzak Memon
4. Which bill was introduced in the Rajyasabha on 23 March 2013?
Ans: National Waterway Bill
5. Which scheme was launched by Ministry of Labour and Employment on 24
March 2013 ?
Ans: Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)
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4. Who was honoured with Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award on
11 March 2013 ?
Ans: Jessica Ennis
5. Which country womens chess team was won the World Chess Team
Championship on 13 March 2013 ?
Ans: Ukraine
6. Which place India got in Sultan Azlan Shah hockey Tournment ?
Ans: 5th place
7. Who won the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament Mens singles title on 18 March
2013 ?
Ans: Rafael Nadal
8. Who won the sixth leg of Hero Womens Pro Golf Tour 2013 in Panchkula on
21 March 2013 ?
Ans: Neha Tripathi
9. Which country won the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2013 ?
Ans: India
10. Who won the Miami womens singles title on 30 March 2013 ?
Ans: Serena Williams
ECONOMY
1. As per an annual ranking published on 4 March 2013 by business magazine
Forbes, Who is the richest Indian?
Ans: Mukesh Ambani
2. Which country has displaced Thailand from the position of top exporter of rice
during 2011-12 ?
Ans: India
3. What was Mumbais rank in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI)
released on 26 March 2013?
Ans: 66th rank
4. L&T General Insurance is to be merged with which insurance company, as
announced in an agreement on 26 March 2013?
Ans: Future Generali India Insurance
5. Indias largest bank the SBI recently announced plans to open how many
branches spread all over the country in the next fiscal year?
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Ans: 1200
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
1. On 1 March 2013 the international group of researchers has discovered the18kg meteorite recently in
Ans: Eastern Antarctica
2. On 7 March 2013Astronomers have for the first time accurately measured the
distance to one of the Milky Ways neighbouring galaxy and it is just
light-years away
Ans: 163,000 light-years
3. In which country the worlds largest radio telescope had been inaugurated on
13 March 2013 ?
Ans: Chile
4. What is the name of the research centre of India recently announced of
developing the largest magnet of the world ?
Ans: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
5. In the month of March 2013 Herschel space observatory Founded 15 New
Very Young Stars named as
Ans: Protostars
6. In the month of March 2013 the first operational squadron of F-35 Joint Strike
Fighter jets passed a major milestone with first short take off and vertical landing
at a marine base in
Ans: California
7. On 26 March 2013 the 3rd antisubmarine warfare (ASW) corvette Kiltan was
launched in
Ans: Kolkata
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
1. Who was sworn in as chief minister of Tripura for the fourth consecutive time
on 6 March 2013 ?
Ans: ManikSarkar
2. Who is the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas was assumed
additional charge as Union Minister of State for Textiles on 5 March 2013 ?
Ans: Panabaka Lakshmi
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BOOKS IN NEWS
1. What is the name of the book released by Vice President of India on 19th
March 2013?
Ans: The First Woman President of India,Reinventing leadership, Smt. Pratibha
Devisingh Patil
COMMITTEES
1. Which is the committee formed by the information and broad casting ministry
to strengthen and expand the role of public broadcaster Prasar Bharathi?
Ans: Sam Pitrodaa Committee
IMPORTANT DAYS & DATES
1. World Athletics Day is observed on ?
Ans: May 4
2. Which date is World PressFreedom Day ?
Ans: May 3
APRIL
INTERNATIONAL
1. Who winner of the Venezuelan Presidential elections?
Ans:- Nicolas Maduro
2. When the US House of Representatives has passed the controversial Cyber
Intelligence Sharing and Protect Act (CISPA)?
Ans:-18 April 2013
3. Who is the present Italys President?
Ans:-Giorgio Napolitano
4. Who is the present President of Paraguays?
Ans:-Horacio Cartes
5. Which country is the first country in Europe to outlaw discrimination on caste?
Ans:-Britain
6. Which of the two counries have singned for 51 joint projects worth two billion
US dollars?
Ans:- Cuba and Venezuela
7. Who got the life ban from any elections in Pakistan by Peshawar high court?
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Ans:- Musharraf
INDIA & WORLD
1.Who won the Spelling Championship title held in Singapore?
Ans:-Ashwin Kumar
NATIONAL
1. When the Cabinet Committee was approved for 13 power projects that
involves investment of 33000 crore rupees?
Ans:- 22 April 2013
STATES
1. What is the name of the online service launched the Andhra Pradesh
Government for entrepreneurs and grievance redressal system?
Ans:- Parishkaram for Enterpreneurs
AWARDS & HONOURS
1. Who won the Prestigious 2013 Templeton Prize ?
Ans:-Desmond Tutu
2. Which film won the best film award in The Times of India Film Awards?
Ans:- Barfi
3. Who is the Indian-American got the Baby Noble prize(John Bates Clark young
economist award)for the year 2013?
Ans:- Raj Chetty
4. According to Skytrax-World Airport Awards,which Airport rated as the fifth best
regional airport in Asia?
Ans:- Rajiv Gandhi International Airpor,Hyderabad
5. Who received the Queens Award on 20 April 2013?
Ans:-Kartar Lalvani
6. Who will honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award on 30 April 2013?
Ans:- Yash Chopra
7. Who will get the Kirti Chakra from President on 30 April 2013?
Ans:- Anup Joseph
SPORTS & GAMES
1. Who got the Gold medal in ISSF World Cup in Korea on 5 April 2013?
Ans:- Rahi Sarnobat
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2. Which country won the T-20 International Series between India and
Bangladesh?
Ans:-India
3. Which country won the women One-Day International Series bewteen India
and Bangladesh?
Ans:-India
4. Who is head of the committe announced a ban on two Pakistani umpires over
spot-fixing?
Ans:- Zaka Ashraf
5. Who won the Augusta 77th Masters Golf Tournament?
Ans:- Adam Scott
6. Who won the gold medal in men`s 55kg category in the Senior Asian
Wrestling Championship in New Delhi on 20 April 2013?
Ans:- Amit Kumar
7. Who won the Monte Carlo Masters title on 21 April 2013?
Ans:-Novak Djokovic
8. Who won the gold medal in Mens 66kg Freestyle at New Delhi on 22 April
2013?
Ans:- Amit Kumar Dhankar
9. Who is Chennai Super Kings Skipper fined due his team slow over rate?
Ans:- Mahendra Singh Dhoni
10 . Who won the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Title?
Ans:- Maria Sharapova
ECONOMY
1. Which company developed the cheapest bike of the World in India?
Ans:- Yamaha
2. Accorrding to the Sunday Times Rich List 2013,who are the 20th richest
persons in the world?
Ans:- Ambani Brothers
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
1. What is the name insects found in Australia having the capacity to kill the
bacteria with their wings?
Ans:-Cicadas
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2. The Supreme Court of India on 1 April 2013 rejected the plea of Novartis, the
Swiss drug maker, to patent the updated version of the cancer drug. What is the
name of the drug?
Ans:-Glivec
3. Who developed a New Laser powered Camera System that can take image of
any object from a distance of about one kilometer?
Ans:- researchers from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh
4. What is the name of the Satellite using the NASA to find earth like planets in
the entire Space?
Ans:- TESS
5. Who discovered the Blue Super-Giant Starlocated in the constellation Virgo,
far beyond our Milky Galaxy?
Ans:- Dr. duo Ananda Hota
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
1. Who is the present CII president?
Ans:- S.GopalaKrishnan
2. Who is the presnt Kenua President?
Ans:-Kenyatta
3. Who is the 20th president of Bangladesh?
Ans:- Abdul Hamid
4. Who is the present ICC Vice Chairman?
Ans:-Sunil Bharti Mittal
5. Who is the SAARC ambassador from India?
Ans:- Ajay Devgn
6. Who is the present ADB president?
Ans:- Takehiko Nakao
7. Who is the present PM of Italy?
Ans:-Enrico Letta
B)RESIGNS
1. Who is the Palestinian Prime Minister resigned on 13 April 2013 after falling
out with President Mahud Abbas?
Ans:- Salam Fayyad
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C)DEATHS
1. Who is the Oscar, the Booker Prize winner novelist died on 3 April 2013?(
Ans:-Ruth Prawer Jhabvala
2. Who is the Former British Prime Minister died on April 8?
Ans:-Margaret Thatcher
3. Who is the first successful oral vaccination developer for polio died in
Philadelphia on 11 April 2013?
Ans:-Dr Hilary Koprowski
4. Who is the Playback singer died on 14 April 2013?
Ans:- PB Srinivas
5. Who is the former woman CEC and former governor of Karnataka died on 17
April 2013?
Ans:-V. S. Ramadevi
6. Who is the Veteran journalist and managing director of Tamil daily Dina
Thanthi died on 20 April 2013?
Ans:-B Sivanthi Adithan
7. Who is the Mathematical genius also called as human computer died on 21
April 2013?
Ans:-Shakuntala Devi
8. Who is the former England Captain died on 19 April 2013?
Ans:- Mike Denness
9. Who is the former chief justice of India died on 22 April 2013 in New Delhi?
Ans:- JS Verma
10. Who is the Veteran violinist died on 22 April 2013 in Chennai?
Ans:-Lalgudi Jayaraman
11. Who is the Legendary singer died in Mumbai on 23 April 2013?
Ans:- Shamshed Begum
12 Who is the former Telugu Desam Minister died on 28 April 2013 in
Hyderabad?
Ans:- Sripathi Rajeswara Rao
13. Who is the Police officer was attempting to cross the River Teesta in the state
of West Bengal on 28 April 2013 for creating world record?
Ans:- Sailendra Nath Roy
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14. Who is the Padma Shri award recipient and ONGC Chairman died in
Hyderabad on 29 April 2013?
Ans:- Nuthakki Bhanu Prasad
D)MISCELLANEOUS
1. Who is the first American teenager with Downs syndrome to reach a Everst
Base Camp?
Ans:- Eli Reimer
2. Who is the Nepali TV Anchor Made Guinness Record for longest talk show ?
Ans:- Rabi Lamichhane
3. Who is the Egypt PM sentenced to one-year jail in failing to implement a
verdict to return privatised company to the state?
Ans:-Hesham Qandil
4. Who is the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations at New
York?
Ans:- Shri Asoke Kumar Mukerji
BOOKS IN NEWS
1. Who is the author of the book Religion, Law & Society Across the Globe?
Ans:- Prof.Tahir Mahmood
COMMITTEES IN NEWS
1. What is the name of the committee established by the Government of India
that will work as a Single Window clearance system for International and
domestic film projects?
Ans:- Uday Kumar committee
MAY
INTERNATIONAL
1) Which organization representatives agreed to widen and strengthen regional
cooperation to promote the integral development of those territories on 4 May
2013?
Ans:- ACTO(Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization)
2) Who elected as a Prime Minister of Pakistan on 14 May 2013?
Ans:- Nawaz Sharif
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4) Who got the ISRO young scientist award 2013 from Meghalaya?
Ans:- Jenita Mary
5) Who got the National Florence Nightingale award 2013 from Andhra Pradesh?
Ans:- N.Leela Samuel
6) Who was elected for the prestigious Global Leadership Award-2013?
Ans:- Malala Yousafzai
7) Who is the Indian-American girl won Americas Top Young Scientist Award for
inventing a super-capacitor device that could potentially charge a cellphone in
less than 20 seconds?
Ans:- Esha Khare
8) Who conferred with the 47th Jnanpith Award for the Year 2011?
Ans:- Pratibha Ray
SPORTS & GAMES
1) Who won the FWA player of the Year Award on ?
Ans :-Gareth Bale
2) Who won the World Snooker Championship title?
Ans:- Ronnie OSulivan
3) Who won the Spanish Grand Prix Title in Barcelona?
Ans:- Fernando Alonso
4) Who won the Players Championship title on 12 May 2013?
Ans:- Tiger Woods
5) Who won the England Player of the award-2013?
Ans:- Prior
6) Who is the Indian archer bagged two silver medals in the Archery World Cup?
Ans:- Deepika Kumari
7) Who won the Mess Singles Rome Masters Tennis Tournament title on 19 May
2013?
Ans:- Rafael Nadal
8) Who won the Womens Singles Rome Masters Tennis Tournament title on 19
May 2013?
Ans:- Serena Williams
ECONOMY
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1) According to a survey by global research firm Ipsos ,which country got the first
position in the most economically confident countries in the world?
Ans :- Saudi Arabia
2) Who got the place in Forbes Philanthropy List on 30 May 2013 from India(first
place)?
Ans:- Biocon Chief Kiran Mazumdar
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
1) Which computers are more faster than the super computers?
Ans:- Quantum computers
2) What are the names of two exoplants discovered by the NASA on 1May 2013?
Ans:- KOI-200b,KOI-889b
3) What is the name of the second Inshore Patrol Vessel built by the Hindustan
Shipyard Ltd for the Coast Guard?
Ans:- Rani Avantibayi
4) What is the new type of wheat developed by the British scientists to increase
productivity?
Ans:- Super Wheat
5) What is the name of the planet discovered with the help of Einsteins General
Relativity Theory?
Ans:- Einstein or Kepler-76b
6) What is the name of the unmanned carrier Fight Deck?
Ans:- X-47B
7) What is the name of the Vaccine developed by the India to eradicate the
Rotavirus diarrhoea in infants?
Ans:-Rotavac Vaccine
8) What is the name of the aircraft received by the Indian Navy on 15 May 2013?
Ans:-Boeing P-8I Aircraft
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
1)
Who
is
the
present
MCC
president
?
Ans:- Gyating
2) Who is the new president of Asian Football Confederation?
Ans :- Bahrains Sheikh Salman Ebrahim Al-Khalifa
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3) Who Indian leg spinner elected as a player representative on the ICC Cricket
Committee?
Ans :- Laxman Sivaramakrishnan
4) Who is the new Director General of WTO?
Ans:- Roberto Azevdo
5) Who is the 4-years old boy elected as a Mayor of the town Dorset of
Minnesota town in America ?
Ans:-Robert Tufts
6) Who is Sworn as Chief Minister of Karnataka?
Ans:-Siddaramaiah
7) Who is the present CAG of India ?
Ans:- Shashi Kant Sharma
B)RESIGNS
1) Who is the Union Railway Minister of India resigned on 10 May 2013?
Ans:-Pawan Kumar Bansal
C) DEATHS
1) Who is the executive chairman of ATP died on 3 may 2013?
Ans:- Brad Drewett
2) Who is the english film director,actor,screenwriter and novelist died on 8 May
2013?
Ans:- Bryan Forbes
3) Who is the former Maharashtra MLA and first woman MLA of Cngress from
Sinnar died on 9 May 2013?
Ans:- Rukminibai Waje
4) Who is the famous Bollywood photographer died in Mumbai on 13 May 2013?
Ans:- Jagadis Mali
5) Who is the Islamic scholar,author and activit died in Mumbai on 14 May 2013?
Ans:- Asghar Ali
6) Who is the PCC Chief of Chhattisgarh dead in naxels attack on 25 May 2013?
Ans:- Nanda Kumar
D) VISITORS
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1) Which country PM visited the Myanmar on 23 May 2013( first time Since
1977)?
Ans:- Japan
E) MISCELLANEOUS
1) Who is the first woman included in a FBIs Most Wanted Terrorist List?
Ans:- Joanne Chesimard alias Assata Shakur
2) Who is he the Indian-American become the youngest graduate topper of the
prestigious University of California in more than a century?
Ans:- Ritankar Das
3) Who is the first Saudi Woman climbed the Mount Everest?
Ans:- Raha Moharrak
4) Who are the two Indian twins climb Mount Everest?
Ans:-Tashi and Nancy Malik
PLACES IN NEWS
1) What is the name of the Cyclonic Storm formed over Bay of Bengal on May
2013?
Ans:- Mahasen
ABBREVIATIONS IN NEWS
1) What is the full form of CNEN ?
Ans:- National Commission for Nuclear Energy
BOOKS IN NEWS
1) What is the name of the book released by Prof. Chamanlal on 3 may 2013?
Ans:- Understanding Bhagat Singh
2) Who wrote the book Gandhis Outstanding Leadership ?
Ans:- Pascal Alan Nazareth
COMMITTEES IN NEWS
1) When the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) committee recommended setting up of
the Indian Bill Payment System (IBPS) in the country formed?
Ans:- 6 May 2013
DAYS & DATES
1) Which day was celebrated on 11 May 2013?
Ans:- National Technology Day
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JUNE
INTERNATIONAL
1) According to EU new Nuclear Safety rules ,for how many years European
countries to submit to an international review of their nuclear power systems to
fix
any
discovered
shortcomings
?
Ans:- Six
2) What is the name of the whistleblower who exposed the US Governments
internet spy program and who is being wanted by the CIA presently?
Ans:- Edward Snowden
3) Which country recently became the first European and NATO member country
to make military services obligatory for males as well as the females?
Ans:- Norway
4) Which country Lower House Parliament on 11 June 2013 approved the antigay bill that bans providing children any information about homosexuality in the
country ?
Ans:- Russia
5) World leaders on 8 June 2013 signed a global agreement to fight malnutrition
in children and made commitments of up to 4.15 billion dollars to tackle under
nutrition up to ?
Ans:- 2020
6) Which South American country witnessed tens of thousands of protestors
taking part in marches and demonstrations in large cities of the country on 17
June 2013?
Ans:- Brazil
7) Which country parliament in the month of June 2013 passed a bill to ensure
the voting rights of the displaced people in the North ?
Ans:- Sri Lanka
INDIA & WORLD
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1) On 18 June 2013 India signed an agreement for loan of 255 million US dollars
with
World
Bank
for
the
?
Ans:- National AIDS Control Project (NACP-IV
2) According to the recently released UN report World Population Prospects
2012, by which year India would surpass China to become the most populous
country in the World?
Ans:- 2028
3) Which country and India agreed to enhance cooperation in oil and
hydrocarbon sector ?
Ans:- Iraq
4) ) Which country Competition and Consumer Commission and Competition
Commission of India (CCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on
Cooperation at Canberra ?
Ans:- Australia
5) Which country planned to introduce a new scheme under which Indians and
Pakistanis are required to pay 4600 US dollars more for visa ?
Ans:- Britain
6) The Union Government of India on 22 June 2013 planned to introduce Visaon-Arrival facilities for the - ?
Ans:- Chinese nationals
NATIONAL
1) In a landmark judgment on 3 June 2013, which commission held that political
parties are answerable to citizens under the Right to Information Act (RTI Act)?
Ans:- Central Information Commission (CIC)
2) In the month of June 2013 Union Health Ministry launched free medicine
scheme.what is the name of the Scheme ?
Ans:- Free Drug Service and Free Diagnostics Service
3) What was the total foreign tourist arrival in India during 2012, as stated in the
latest tourist immigration data of the Bureau of Immigration?
Ans:- 6.57 million
4) Which administrative division of the country has recorded no rape of minors
since 2007, as stated in data of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
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released recently?
Ans:- Lakshdweep
5) BSNL decided to put an end to the 160 years old Telegram Services in India
from ?
Ans:- 15 July 2013
6) Which party on 16 June 2013 broke away its 17 year old alliance with National
Democratic Allaince (NDA) led by BJP in Bihar?
Ans:- Janta Dal United (JD(U)
7) CCEA on 21 June 2013 decided to extend the for the 12th Five-Year
Plan period in order to strengthen the distribution sector
Ans:- R-APDR
STATES
1) What were the results of the bypolls for 4 Lok Sabha seats, results for which
were
declared
on
5
June
2013?
Ans:- BJP-2, RJD-1, TMC-1
2) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on 6 June 2013 sought the
status of mega cities for two cities of the state, which are part of the NCR. Which
cities are these?
Ans:- Gurgaon and Faridabad
3) What was the name given to an operation launched by the Indian Air Force
(IAF) to rescue stranded pilgrims in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh?
Ans:- Operation Rahat
4) Which state government on 13 June 2013 signed MoU with the (IRCTC) Ltd
for a scheme as per which it will bear all the expenses for senior citizens to go on
select pilgrimages ?
Ans:- Rajasthan
5) Recently government decided to set up Indias highest Krishi Vigyan Kendra
(KVK) at Nyoma, Leh district of which Indian State?
Ans:- Jammu and Kashmir
6) Which state government on 11 June 2013 amended the Police Act, 1963 ?
Ans:- Karnataka
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?
Ans:- Lough Erne, Northern Ireland
2) Which Indian city will host the 29th annual meeting of the World Economic
Forum (India chapter) to be held here in November 2013?
Ans:- Kochi, Kerala
AWARDS & HONOURS
1) Who is the Malaysian author won the Walter Scott Prize 2013 ?
Ans:- Tan Twan Eng
2) Which country advertising agencies grabbed gold and bronze lions in Cannes
Lions International Festival of Creativity 2013 ?
Ans:- India
3) International Data Groups Computerworld Honours Program, Computerworld
Honors Laureate selected UIDAI for 21st Century Achievement Award 2013
under the category ?
Ans:- Economic Development
4) How many awards India got at the third SAARC Film Festival in Colombo ?
Ans:- Three
5) What is the name of the Indian short film has won the Yellow Oscar award at
the Uranium Film Festival at Rio-de-Janeiro, Brazil ?
Ans:- High Power
6) Who is the Legal activist received the India abroad publishers special award
for excellence 2012 ?
Ans:- Amrit Singh
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7) Which country film The Major won Golden Goblet on 23 June 2013 for best
feature film at the 16th Shanghai International Film Festival ?
Ans:- Russia
SPORTS & GAMES
1) Who won the US Open Golf
title on 17 June 2013 ?
Ans:- Justin Rose ,England
2) Who won French Open Mens singles title 2013 ?
Ans:- Rafael Nadal
3) Who won the Indonesia Badminton Tournament Mens Singles title 2013 ?
Ans:- Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia)
4) Which Indian pair won silver medal at the World Cup (Stage-II) Archery
competition in Turkey on 16 June 2013?
Ans:- Rajat Chouhan and Manjudha Soy
5) India won the ICC Champions Trophy for 2013 on 23 June 2013 by defeating
the hosts England by 5 runs in the final played at Edgbaston. Who was awarded
the Golden Bat for his consistent performance throughout the series?
Ans:- Shikhar Dhawan
6) Who won the Silver medal for India at the 3rd China Open boxing tournament
on 22 June 2013 ?
Ans:- Manjeet Singh
7) Who won the 8th Tal Chess Championship 2013, which concluded on 23 June
2013 at Moscow?
Ans:- Boris Gelfand (Russia)
ECONOMY
1) Which global rating agency on 12 June 2013 revised Indias sovereign credit
outlook from negative to stable, thus bringing cheer to the union government?
Ans:- Fitch
2) Tata Coffee, the largest plantation company of Asia on 19 June 2013
inaugurated the premium extraction plant at ?
Ans:- Theni near Madurai in Tamil Nadu
3) Which bank in Zurich on 20 June 2013 unveiled that the Indian money in
Swiss banks dropped to record low at 9000 crore Rupees ?
Ans:- Swiss National Bank (SNB)
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4) The World Bank report released on 3 June 2013 forecasted that India and
China will become largest investors of the world in the year - ?
Ans:- 2030
5) Which country on 3 June added some more items, including gems and
jewellery to its list of items prohibited for trade with North Korea,directly or
indirectly ?
Ans:- India
6) The government hiked the import duty on Gold and Platinum on 05 June 2013.
What is the present import duty?
Ans:- 8 percent
7) How many mini LIC offices were inaugurated by Finance Minister P.
Chidambaram on 25 June 2013?
Ans:- 300
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
1) Where the early Tsunami warning system was installed to predict a tsunami
immediately
after
an
earthquake?
Ans:-Rangachang in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2) China recently achieved an incredible breakthrough in diverting river water to
its arid areas by linking two mighty rivers. Which are these two rivers?
Ans:- Yangtze and Huang He
3) Which pain killer drugs production, sales and distribution was banned in India
by the union govt. on 12 June 2013?
Ans:- Dextropropoxyphene
4) Name the fastest Super Computer in the world which was announced recently,
developed by China?
Ans:- Tianhe-2
5) Recently Venus Remedies Limited, the global pharmaceutical company
received novel antibiotic product Potentox patented from ?
Ans:- Mexico
6) Name the Boieng series Aircraft received by Indian Air Force from United
States on 18 June 2013?
Ans:- Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Aircraft
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2) In June 2013 Dubai inaugurated the tallest twisted tower of the world called
- ?
Ans:- Cayan Tower
ABBREVIATIONS IN NEWS
1) What is the the full form of WSA ?
Ans:- World Steel Association
BOOKS IN NEWS
1)
Who
is
the
author
of
Ambedkar
Speaks
?
Ans:- Dr. Narendra Jadhav
COMMITTEES IN NEWS
1) Who was appointed as the head of a newly constituted committee to examine
aspects related indecent portrayal of women in mass media ?
Ans:- K Ratnaprabha
2) The first meeting of the Cauvery Supervisory Committee was held on 8 June
2013 which decided to review the position of storage levels.Who headed this
committee?
Ans:- S.K. Sarkar ,Union Water Resources Secretary
DAYS & DATES
1)
World
Environment
Day
is
observed
on
?
Ans:- June 5
JULY
INTERNATIONAL
1) Name the two countries that offered asylum to US intelligence leaker Edward
Snowden, on 6 July 2013, who is waiting at a Moscow airport for some nation to
offer
him
sanctuary?
Ans:- Venezuela and Nicaragua
2) The European Union (EU) launched the first formal trade dispute with Russia
at
the
?
Ans:- World Trade Organisation (WTO)
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3) Which party scored victory in the General Elections held in Bhutan for Nation
Assembly,
countrys
parliament?
Ans:- Peoples Democratic Party PDP
4) Which country has legalized gay marriage on 17 July 2013 ?
Ans:- Britain
5) Which country moved to put more than 25,000 state workers on notice for
dismissal
by
the
end
of
the
year
?
Ans:- Greece
6) Which country and China signed eight agreements on 5 July 2013 ?
Ans:- Pakistan
7) Which country President signed new election law on 17 July 2013 ?
Ans:- Afghanistan
8) Which country has signed an agreement to export gas to Iraq on 21 July 2013
?
Ans:- Iran
INDIA & WORLD
1) On 11 July 2013 India-Vietnam 15th Joint Commission Meeting was held in
?
Ans:- New Delhi
2) India recently overtook the United States to become the top buyer of crude oil
from a prominent African crude producing country. Which country is this?
Ans:- Nigeria
3) Which country on 15 July 2013 agreed to take payments for oil it sells to India
entirely
inrupees?
Ans:- Iran
4) What is Indias global rank in term of number of internet users?
Ans:- Third
5) Which country and India signed an solar power plant agreement on 22 July
2013?
Ans:- Nigeria
NATIONAL
1) Union government on 11 July 2013 approved a proposal to replace DGCA with
a new aviation regulator with full operational and financial autonomy. What would
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be
the
name
of
new
regulator?
Ans:- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
2) Union government on 17 July 2013 approved a proposal to amend Act
for providing more powers to the market regulator SEBI to crack down on Ponzi
schemes?
Ans:- SEBI Act
3) On 18 July 2013 the Supreme Court rejected the one-nation-one-test
proposal for medical admissions.What was the name of this all-India medical
entrance
test?
Ans:- National Eligibility Entrance Test NEET
4) By which name will the Bengaluru International Airport be known after it was
approved
by
the
Union
Cabinet
on
17
July
2013?
Ans:- Kempegowda International Airport
5) Supreme Court of India on 17 July 2013 refused to reduce the age of juvenile
from 18 to years and dismissed a plea that minors involved in heinous
crimes
should
not
be
protected
under
the
law.
Ans:- 16
6) Name the National Tobacco Control Campaign launched recently by Ministry
of
Health
&
Family
Welfare,
Government
of
India?
Ans:- Tears You Apart
STATES
1) Which state launched a state-wide Hausla family health campaign on 15
July
2013
?
Ans:- Uttar Pradesh
2) Which state government gave its nod for tapping unfermented sap or neera
from
the
coconut
all
over
the
state
?
Ans:- Kerala
3) Supreme Court of India on 16 July 2013 upheld a Bombay High Court verdict
which quashed the state governments order to ban dance bars in Maharashtra.
In
which
year
dance
bars
were
banned
in
Maharashtra?
Ans :- 2004
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?
Ans:- Moscow,Russia
AWARDS & HONOURS
1) Who got the Best Actor award at 14th IIFA (International Indian Film Academy)
awards
2013
held
in
Macau
on
6th
July
2013?
Ans:- Ranbir Kapoor
2) Who is the Indias first high commissioner in Britain, was honoured with a Blue
Plaque
on
17
July
2013?
Ans:- VK Krishna Menon
3) On 17 July 2013 the British firm Real VNC was presented MacRobert Award
by
the
Princess
Royal
for
?
Ans:- Engineering Innovation
4) Which two journalists were awarded Ramnath Goenka Journalist of the Year
award for print and broadcast categories respectively on 23 July 2013?
Ans:- Josy Joseph and Ravish Kumar
5) Habiba Sarabi, Afghanistans first and only female governor, was one among
three recipients of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for 2013. She is the
governor
of
which
province
of
Afghanistan?
Ans:- Bamyan
6) Who was conferred with the Major Port of the Year award for its excellent
performance
in
the
year
2012-13
?
Ans:- Paradip Port
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5) Name the Asian country which on 19 July 2013 lifted control on banks allowing
them to set their own lending rates, a move to arrest slowdown and spur growth
as
well
as
to
liberalise
the
economy?
Ans:- China
6) As per the latest data by World Federation of Exchanges, which stock
exchange in India has regained its position as the worlds largest bourse in terms
of
volume
in
equity
trade
in
June
2013?
Ans:- National Stock Exchange (NSE)
7) All public sector banks have been asked to set up ATMs in all branches to
enable customers in rural pockets to do banking round-the-clock. What is the
deadline
for
setting-up
branch-ATMs
for
these
banks?
Ans:- March 2014
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
1) Which university scientists recently created a 3D-printed bionic ear?
Ans:-Princeton University
2) Who is the Indian-origin student in Australia recently developed a smartphone
application which helps in detecting the breast cancer early ?
Ans:- Sanjay Sreekumar
3) Which country on 17 July 2013 launched Joint US-German space project ?
Ans:- New Zealand
4) Which country palaeontologists recently discovered the fossil of a previously
unknown dinosaur, a bizarre horned beast that roamed on an island continent 76
million
years
ago
?
Ans:- U.S
5) What is the name of the new virus found by the French Scientists in the river
water
of
Australia
and
Chile?
Ans:-Pandoraviruses
7) What is the name of Indias newest weather satellite, which was successfully
placed in an elliptical orbit on 26 July 2013 after being launched from Kourou,
French
Guiana?
Ans:- INSAT-3D
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PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
1) Who was appointed as the new Lt. Governor of Puducherry on 1 July 2013?
Ans:- Virendra Kataria
2) Who was appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of IDBI
Bank
by
the
Union
Govt.?
Ans:- M.S. Raghavan
3) Who was appointed as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of public
sector
Syndicate
Bank?
Ans:- Sudhir Kumar Jain
4) Who took over as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of
Staff
Committee
(CISC)
on
1
July
2013?
Ans:-Lieutenant General Anil Chait
5) Who is the Pakistan Chief selector resigned his on 4 July 2013?
Ans:- Iqbal Qasim
6) Who was appointed as the Coach of the Senior Mens Hockey team of India,
on
10
July
2013?
Ans:- Maharaj Krishan Kaushik
7) Who was announced as the new director of Kalakshetra on 10 July 2013?
Ans:- Priyadarsini Govind
B)RESIGNS
1) Who is the Syrias rebel interim prime minister has announced his resignation ,
nearly four months after his appointment and having failed to form a government
on 8 July 2013 ? Ans:- Ghassan Hitto
C) DEATHS
1) Douglas Engelbart, who passed away on 2 July 2013, was associated with
invention
of
which
part
of
the
PC?
Ans:- Mouse
2) Name the acknowledged food scientist and the former Director of the Central
Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) who died on 9 July 2013 ?
Ans:- H.A.B. Parpia
3) One of Indias senior-most ophthalmologists, who performed the first corneal
transplant operation in Northern India, passed away on 12 July 2013. Who was
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he?
Ans:- Dr. Dhanwant Singh Grewal
4) Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, who passed away in Milan on 13 July
2013,
was
main
accused
in
which
scam?
Ans:- Bofors scam
D) VISITORS
1) In which country Indias External Affairs Minister, Salman Khurshid, visited on
9th
July
2013
?
Ans:- Nepal
2) Who is the US Vice President visited India from 22 25 July 2013 ?
Ans:- Joe Biden
E) MISCELLANEOUS
1) Name the Egypts first democratically elected President who was on 3 July
2013
ousted
from
his
office
in
a
military
coup?
Ans:- Mohamed Morsi
2) Wikileaks founder Julian Assange launched his political party on 25 July 2013
in Australia to contest the general elections later this year. What is the name of
this party?
Ans:- Wikileaks Party
3) What name was announced for the newborn son of the Duke and Duchess of
Cambridge Prince William and Kate Middleton)?
Ans:- George Alexander Louis
PLACES IN NEWS
1) In which country on 22 July 2013 a strong earthquake with measuring 6.6 on
Richter scale , killed at least more than 50 people and injured 296 ?
Ans:- China
ABBREVIATIONS IN NEWS
1) What is the full form of DGCA ?
Ans:- Directorate General of Civil Aviation
BOOKS IN NEWS
1) In which country on 22 July 2013 a strong earthquake with measuring 6.6 on
Richter scale , killed at least more than 50 people and injured 296 ?
Ans:- China
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COMMITTEES IN NEWS
1) Who is the head of the committee constiuted by the government of India to ta
ke a suggessions regarding limit of FDIs in different sectors?
Ans:- Arvind Mayaram
DAYS & DATES
1) World Population Day is observed on - ?
Ans:- July 11
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