Current Affairs January 2010 Mail2neha K PDF

India and world – January 2010
Current Affairs : Post format : Title of the news + news published in news paper ( ctrl+c , ctrl+v)
( cause I can't write so much matter )
Current affairs : Awards/Honours 2009
Sikh of the year 2009 award
Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur has been conferred with the prestigious Sikh of the year 2009
award for her outstanding contribution to the state of Punjab.
At the annual dinner of Sikh Forum International held at the House of Lords here last night, NRI businessman Lord Iltaf
Sheikh presented the award to Kaur in the presence of a distinguished gathering including Lord Navnit Dholakia, Deputy
leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords.
Lord Sheikh told Kaur "you are worthy recipient of this award for your outstanding contribution to Punjab."
Accepting the award, Kaur said though she had the good fortune of receiving several honorary degrees and awards in the
past, "there can be nothing more valuable or precious than receiving this award today in the House of Lords amongst the
august gathering of achievers of our Diasporas in the UK."
"It is a wonderful feeling to be here in London at a time when the relationship between our countries is at its very best,"
she noted.
Others present at the function included Lord Viscount Slim, Justice Mota Singh, Ranjit Singh, OBE, President of the Forum,
R S Baxi, founder of Europe's leading recycling firm and winner of Asian of the year 2008 award, Surinder Aujla, NRI
entrepreneur and Rami Ranger, leading NRI entrepreneur.
"The Indian community in the UK has a unique place in our Diaspora. UK is the first country which has an Indian
community truly representative of its diversity," Kaur said, adding "your involvement in the economic, social and political
life of this country has been positively significant."
Referring to the growing bilateral trade, she said, "while UK is one of India's most important trade and investment
partners, India has become one of the largest investors in the UK.
"There have been significant investments in IT, life sciences and advanced engineering. Over 600 Indian companies have
opened their offices in UK and have secured the second highest number of jobs by a foreign employer in the UK."
Describing India as one of the fastest growing economies of the world, the minister said, "India's dynamic growth coupled
with its large reservoir of skilled workforce, its commitment to democracy and the rule of law, all taken together make
India a very attractive investment destination.
"India has achieved levels of European productivity at a meagre 20 per cent of the cost. Global corporations clearly
understand the value of leveraging India's advantages."
Referring to a minute's silence observed at the function in memory of those killed in last year Mumbai terror attack, Kaur
said, "the spectre of terrorism, extremist ideologies have become transnational in nature. No country is immune to them.
Thus it requires global response."
Ranjit Singh presented a cheque for 10,000 pounds to a charity to help heroes families of those killed in action. The Forum
had donated 32,000 pounds to the charity of Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, last year.
World Athletes of the Year – 2009 Awards
Monte-Carlo – During the celebrations of the World Athletics Gala hosted by International Athletic Foundation (IAF)
Honorary President HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and IAF & IAAF President Lamine Diack in the Salle des Etoiles of the
Sporting Club d’Eté, Monte Carlo, on Sunday 22 November, 23-year-old Jamaican Usain Bolt and USA’s 24-year-old Sanya
Richards were crowned as the Male and Female World Athletes of the Year 2009.
Bolt, who again captivated the attention of the sporting world with his World 100m and 200m gold medals, earned the
honour for the second consecutive year.
“It’s been an amazing season, but also a trying season,” said Bolt, who broke his own World records with stunning 9.58
and 19.19 performances at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. “To be named athlete of the year is such a great honour, it shows
that all the work we put in pays off.”
Like Bolt in the shorter sprints, Richards dominated the women’s 400m, producing seven of the year’s 10 fastest
performances and finally won her first World title.
“I was asked if this feeling would be the same as being World champion and it really is,” said Richards, who had previously
been named World Athlete of the Year in 2006. “Considering the other athletes I was up against this year, I know this
must have been a really tough decision.”
2009 World Athletics Gala Awards

Male World Athlete of the Year
Usain Bolt (JAM)
Female World Athlete of the Year

Sanya Richards (USA)
Coach of the Year

Clyde Hart (USA)
Inaugural IAAF World Journalist Award

Gustav Schwenk (GER)
CMO of the year 2009 Award
Canon India 's Alok Bharadwaj wins the Best CMO of the year 2009 award
Indore , India , November 20, 2009 – The US based Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council, having a presence
across 100 countries and over 20,000 global executives today conferred the important Chief Marketing Officer
(CMO) of the Year award to Alok Bharadwaj, Senior Vice President, Canon India in the Office Automation
Category . The conference on marketing held in Indore is the first by the CMO India Council , under the guidance of its US
partners.
The honor is in recognition of his visionary leadership skills in the field of marketing and his contribution towards
building the Canon brand in the digital imaging industry in India . His strong belief on customer centricity and execution
excellence has improved Canon's speed and quality of performance in various marketing programs as well as its financial
performance leading to market leadership.
On receiving the award, Alok Bharadwaj, Senior Vice President, Canon India said , “It is an honor for me to be felicitated
by the esteemed CMO Council. In all humility, this recognition is a testament to not just my efforts but to Canon's
relentless commitment towards delighting customers with total consumer focussed solutions. This award will only
encourage us to go a step further and continue delivering on our promise of ‘Delighting you always'.”
“I would also like to highlight that the entire marketing team has created some highly innovative propositions during this
difficult year of 2009 resulting into Canon India emerging amongst one of the few companies that have witnessed positive
growth in all segments. We at Canon are committed to constantly provide our customers and partners with innovative
products, technologies and solutions. ” he added .
According to Dr RL Bhatia, Founder, CMO Council India , “We would like to congratulate the award winners as well as the
nominees as they are visionaries and risk-takers who are motivated by passion in their respective fields. These
individuals not only contribute to building brands but also provide inspiration to others. ”
The CMO Council is a dedicated organization that provides high-level knowledge exchange, thought leadership and
personal relationship building among senior marketing decision makers and brand decision-makers across a wide range
of global industries. The CMO Council Asia Pacific will help marketers on both sides of the Pacific acquire competencies
and best practices to address global business challenges.
The theme of this years award function was aptly Change Ahead, Lead Confidently, Navigate Now to Next, Regain Control.
The event was well attended by marketing professionals from prominent organizations like Reliance India Limited,
Bennett Coleman & Company Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Godfrey Philips, Aircel Limited, Zapak Digital
Entertainment, etc.
The winners of the CMO award are chosen after a rigorous and comprehensive process by the jury members of the CMO
Council.
About Canon Inc
With total revenue of about US $ 45 billion in 2008, Canon Inc. is a global leader in photographic and digital imaging
solutions. Its global network now employs some more than 165000 people. Five Technology ‘imaging' engines of Optical,
Electro photography, Bubble Jet, Semiconductor and Display drive Canon's cutting-edge technology products. Canon is the
world leader in office automation and digital imaging technologies. The company is dedicated to the advancement in
technology and innovation and commits 8% of its total revenue each year to R&D. Canon is ranked 36 th on the Best
Global Brands for the second consecutive year in Business Week's 100 Best Global Brands 2008 and 189 th on the
Fortune Global 500 in year 2008. Can on has consistently remained as one of the top 3 companies to have earned the most
number of patents over the last decade. Guided by its kyosei philosophy, which focuses on "living and working together
for the common good”, Canon delivers high performance and user-friendly products and solutions to improve efficiency
both in the office and home environment. More information is available on Canon Global
Canon's product portfolio extends over a vast variety of photocopiers, multi-functional peripherals, fax-machines,
printers, scanners, All-in-ones, digital cameras, camcorders and multi media projectors, cable id printers, semi conductors
and card printers.
Canon in India
Canon India Pvt. Ltd. is a 100% subsidiary of Canon Singapore Pvt. Ltd., a world leader in imaging technologies. Set up in
1997, Canon India markets over 140 comprehensive range of sophisticated contemporary digital imaging. The company
today has offices in 7 cities, warehouses in 11 cities across India and employs over 700 people. Canon products are
available in over 300 towns in India . Overall Canon's presence is expected to increase to 4000 outlets by December 2009.
Canon India closed 2008 with revenue of Rs. 665 crores, which marked 31% growth over 2007. Overall, Canon expects to
touch revenue of more than 800 crores in 2009.
About Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council
The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council, founded in 2001, is dedicated to high-level knowledge exchange, thought
leadership and personal relationship building among senior corporate marketing leaders and brand decision-makers
across a wide-range of global industries. The CMO Council's 5,000 members control more than $125 billion in aggregated
annual marketing expenditures and run complex, distributed marketing and sales operations worldwide. In total, the
CMO Council and its strategic interest communities include over 20,000 global executives across nearly 100 countries in
multiple industries, segments and markets. Regional chapters and advisory boards are active in the Americas , Europe,
Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America . The Council's strategic interest groups include the Coalition to
Leverage and Optimize Sales Effectiveness (CLOSE), Marketing Supply Chain Institute, and the Forum to Advance the
Mobile Experience (FAME).
Current Affairs : January 2009 : Awards/Honours
INS Science Communication Award
New Delhi, Nov 22 (PTI) Senior journalist PallavaBagla has been chosen for the prestigious Indian NuclearSociety's
Science Communication Award for 2008.
Current Affairs : January 2009 : Awards/ Honours
Indira Gandhi peace award 2009
Thu Nov 19 2009 17:49:50 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time) by IANS ( Leave a comment )
New Delhi, Nov 19 (IANS) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the recipient of the prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize
for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2009 for her contribution to the promotion of democracy and pluralism.
An announcement by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Thursday said Sheikh Hasina embarked on her “Vision 2021″,
aimed at transforming Bangladesh into a middle-income country by eliminating poverty and inequity, after being elected
as prime minister last year.
“This document reaffirms Bangladesh’s commitment to promoting world peace,” said a PMO statement.
The international jury headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Sheikh Hasina’s determined drive to alleviate
poverty and secure social and economic justice for her people was recognised.
Sheikha Hasina, who is the eldest daughter of Mujibur Rehman, the founding father of Bangladesh, will receive the award
next year.
The award carries a Rs.25 lakh purse and a plaque.
Mohammad El-Baradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), was the last recipient
of this award.
The IAEA chief was recognised for his opposition to the use of nuclear energy for military purposes and his steadfast
espousal of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, sustained over many years.
Current Affairs: January 2009 : Awards/ Honours
17 Nov : President Pratibha Devisingh Patil gave away the Nirmal Gram Puraskar 2009 to districts and Block Panchayats
from Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and West Bengal for achieving total sanitation in their respective areas at a
function in New Delhi.
Dr. V. Krishnamurthy, Chairman, National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC), Government of India,
was honoured by the Government of Japan with the highest award “The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising
Sun”.
The award was presented to him in an investiture ceremony held last week by the Emperor of Japan at Tokyo. This award
was in recognition for his contribution in shaping the Indo-Japanese relationships, particularly in the field of industrial
cooperation.
National children Awards 2009 were given
Sahara India Sports Awards were given
World Travel Awards 2009
'Incredible India' campaign wins World Travel Award
LONDON: The 'Incredible India' campaign, an initiative by the Indian government to promote tourism, has won the World
Travel Award 2009 for being the best campaign of the year.
The reigning Miss World, Ksenia Kukhinova of Russia, presented the award to India's Tourism Minister, Kumari
Selja at a gala function held at the Grosvenor House here.
Selja, who is here to participate in the World Travel Market, also received the Asian Guild Award for promoting the
'Incredible India' campaign at a function held at the House of Lords last evening.
The Award and Fellowship of the Asian Guild was presented to her by Lord Peter Archer of Sandwell.
The Guild also bestowed the Fellowship on Jagdish Chander, Director, India Tourist Office here for his "hard work to carry
out the conviction of Incredible India Campaign in the UK.
"Suresh Joshi, Joint Director General of the Asian Guild, said "Incredible India has enriched the status of the Asian in
British Society by broadening the tradition and culture of India.
Shelja said "Incredible India initiative was conceived in the year 2002, when we decided to brand the country as a unique,
vibrant and inclusive identity.
"Through this branding, an attempt was made to create a distinct image for the country."
Rajiv Gandhi National Quality Awards, 2008 announced
Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has announced the
annual awards and commendation certificates for the fifteenth prestigious Rajiv Gandhi National Quality Awards for the
year 2008.
The awards, given annually, were instituted by the Bureau of Indian Standards in the year 1991 with a view to
encouraging Indian manufacturing and service organizations to strive for excellence and giving special recognition to
those, who are considered to be the leaders of quality movement in India.
The Best of All Award has been won by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The other category
award winners include GAIL (India) Limited, Gas Processing Unit, Vijaipur, Guna, M.P., Haldia Barauni Crude Oil Pipeline –
IOC, Midnapur (East), West Bengal, Jet Knitwears Pvt. Ltd., Kanpur, U.P. and Logistics Park (India) Pvt Ltd., Nagpur,
Maharashtra.
In addition to these awards, fourteen organizations have been selected for commendation certificates under various
categories.
The award winners and recipients of commendation certificates were selected from a total of 104 applicants from various
sectors following vigorous evaluation by a group of qualified and trained professionals from different spheres of
intellectual activity. Awards would be presented by the Shri Sharad Pawar, Union Minister of Agriculture, Consumer
Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in a ceremony scheduled to be held on 17 December 2009
The list
RAJIV GANDHI NATIONAL QUALITY AWARDS 2008

The BEST OF ALL AWARD has been won by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam
Limited, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The other Category award winners are as
under:
1. Large Scale Manufacturing Industry GAIL (India) Limited, Gas Processing Unit, Vijaipur,
Guna, M.P.
2. Large Scale Service Industry Haldia Barauni Crude Oil Pipeline – Indian Oil
Corporation Limited, Midnapur (East), West Bengal

3. Small Scale Manufacturing Industry Jet Knitwears Private Limited, Kanpur, U.P.
4. Small Scale Service Industry Logistics Park (India) Private Limited, Nagpur,
Maharashtra
In addition to these awards, fourteen organizations have been selected for
commendation certificates under various categories and are given below:
1. Large Scale Manufacturing Industry
Chemical
Grasim Cement, Raipur, Chattisgarh
Electrical and Electronic
Hindalco Industries Limited, (Renusagar Power
Division), Sonebhadra, U.P.
Engineering
Ashok Leyland Limited, Bhandara, Maharashtra
Food & Drug
Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producers’
Union Limited, Palanpur, Gujarat
Metallurgical
Balasore Alloys Limited, Balasore, Orissa
Textiles
RSWM Limited, Rishabhdev, Udaipur, Rajasthan
7. Large Scale Service Industry
Others
Firstsource Solutions Limited, Chennai, Tamilnadu
8. Small Scale Manufacturing Industry
Electrical and Electronic
Yash International, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

Engineering
MIDCO Limited, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Food & Drug
Pravin Masalewale, Pune, Maharashtra
H.K.Firodia award 2009

Scientist Yash Pal and Project Director of Chandrayaan-1 M. Annadurai have been chosen for the H.K. Firodia
awards for 2009.
While Professor Yash Pal has been chosen for his contribution to education and communication technology, Mr.
Annadurai gets the honour for his role in the moon mission.
The awards were announced by the former Director-General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR),
R.A. Mashelkar, and chairman of the Firodia Group Arun Firodia. Besides Dr. Mashelkar, the selection committee
comprised scientists Anil Kakodkar, Vijay Bhatkar and Govind Swarup.
A release says the awards, instituted in 1996 in memory of H.K. Firodia, a doyen of automobile industry, are
meant to applaud scientific achievements in the country, inspire the youth to pursue a career in science and take
the benefits of science to people.
It calls Professor Yash Pal a scientist, a committed educator and a visionary science administrator, who made path-
breaking research in astronomy, astrophysics and space technology. Mr. Annadurai has also made notable contributions
such as the first-ever software satellite simulator for an ISRO mission and automation of spacecraft operations.
The awards will be presented in Pune on December 23. The earlier recipients include A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, M.S.
Swaminathan, Jayant Narlikar and Samir Brahmachari.
Keywords: H K Firodia award, Yash Pal, M. Annadurai, Chandrayaan-I

Current Affairs: January 2009 : Economic News
RIL topples ONGC as largest gas producer
KG D-6 fields’ production touched 50.15 mscmd on Sunday.
Reliance Industries (RIL) has become the largest natural gas producer in the country with its over 50 million standard
cubic metres per day (mscmd) output surpassing that of state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp’s (ONGC).
RIL’s gas production from its D6 fields in the Krishna Godavari basin touched 50.15 mscmd on Sunday, according to the
regular output report RIL sent to the oil ministry.
This is the first time it has surpassed ONGC’s 49.6 mscmd output.
“RIL is now the country’s largest gas producer,” a ministry official said.
KG D-6’s output has also helped the nation cross 100 mscmd of domestic gas production. Besides RIL and ONGC, about 16
mscmd is produced by BG Group-operated Panna/Mukta and Tapti fields.
RIL, which had begun gas production from KG D-6 on April 2, is targeting a peak output of over 80 mscmd from fields.
The official said 22.84 mscmd of D6 gas is sold to power companies, 15.19 mscmd to fertiliser units and 5.05 mscmd to
steel manufacturers. Refineries, including those of RIL, recently named as additional customers, are drawing about 5
mscmd.
State-run gas utility GAIL India is buying 1.8 mscmd of D6 gas for its LPG plants, while 0.28 mscmd is going to city gas
companies for supply as CNG.
The output will rise to 60 mscmd by the end of next month and to 65 mscmd in January. Peak output is expected in the
second half of 2010.
ONGC’s majority of gas production comes from its Bassein and Mumbai High fields. The two fields produce about 42
mscmd.

NTPC identifies Indonesian coal mines for acquisition
Mon Nov 30 2009 14:56:33 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time) by IANS ( Leave a comment )
New Delhi, Nov 30 (IANS) State-run power utility NTPC is scouting for more coal mines overseas and has identified about
three blocks in Indonesia.
“We are working on more international acquisitions and have identified two-three mines in Indonesia,” NTPC chairman
and managing director R.S. Sharma told reporters at the sidelines of a power conference here.
NTPC already owns a coal mine in Indonesia and has earmarked about $3 billion (Rs.14,000 crore) for international
acquisitions. It is eyeing assets in South Africa, Nigeria and Mozambique, apart from Indonesia.
“We have realised that ultimately imports are going to be a reality for many years to come and are working aggressively
to identify more mines,” said Sharma.
NTPC’s total coal requirement this financial year is about 150 million tonnes, out of which the company will import 12.5
million tonnes.

Richest Indian Mukesh Ambani amongst Forbes top ten Billionaires
Mumbai, Mar 11 (ANI): Reliance Industries (RELIANCE.NS : 985.05 -2.85) chairman Mukesh Ambani has become the
richest man in the Asia-Pacific region and the fourth in world rankings as per the 2010 Forbes list of world's billionaires
released on Wednesday.
The number of tycoons from the Asia-Pacific region with a ten-figure net worth has risen to 234 from 130 in 2009. This
accounts for 23 percent of the 1,011 billionaires on the global list against 16 percent of the 793 billionaires the year
before.
India has 49 billionaires in 2010 as compared to only 24 last year.
The combined wealth of Asian billionaires has also more than doubled to 729 billion dollars compared with dollar 357
billion a year ago. This rate of increase far outpaces that of European tycoons, who saw their collective fortune has risen
by fifty percent while their US counterparts enjoyed only an 18 percent increase.
Of the 234 Asian tycoons on the list, 62 are first-time billionaires out of a total of 97 new billionaires in the world.
The richest man in the world is Mexican telecom titan Carlos Slim Helu and his family.
With his fortune swelling to an estimated dollar 53.5 billion, up by dollar18.5 billion in 12 months, Slim surged ahead of
Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, who had held the title of world's richest man fourteen times in the last fifteen years.
Gates, now worth dollar 53 billion, is ranked second in the world. Buffett is ranked third with dollar 47 billion.
Eleven countries have at least double the number of billionaires they had a year ago, including China, India, Turkey and
South Korea.
The seven top billionaires from India are as follows:
World Ranking Name Wealth
4 Mukesh Ambani $29.0
5 Lakshmi Mittal $28.7
28 Azim Premji $17.0
36 Anil Ambani $13.7
40 Shashi and Ravi Ruia $13.0
44 Savitri Jindal $12.2
74 Kushal Pal Singh $9.0 (ANI)

Yesterday, Uninor, a collaboration between realty giant Unitech’s telecom arm and Norway-based Telenor Group
entered the already crowded and the fast growing Indian telecom industry. They have announced the launch of GSM
services in seven circles.
The company has introduced two tariff plans:
1. Local calls at 29 paisa a minute

2. STD (national long distance) calls at 49 paisa a minute
The seven circles that Uninor announced the launch of GSM services are Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,
Uttar Pradesh East, Uttar Pradesh West and Bihar (including Jharkhand).
If you are from any of the circles mentioned above, please let us know if you would like to switch to Uninor, in the
comments section below? You can stay connected to our blog for more information on the GPRS plans provided by
Uninor.
Current Affairs: January 2009 : International Affairs
41st CHOGM summit
41 st chogm summit begins at Port of spain the capital of the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago.More than 51
heads of states are participating in the two day conference.
Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated the summit a shortwhile ago. Climate change is expected to dominate the agenda in this
last major summit before the Copenhagen talks.Climate change is going to dominate the Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting (CHOGM) which is being attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.The 53-nation grouping
which constitues 2 Billion pouplation one third of total global population of former British colonies, which include
developed, developing and under-developed countries, is expected to come out with a communique pressing for early
decision on tackling the problem of climate change.
The CHOGM, is attended by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, can send out a
message for the Copenhagen meet, with an objective of influencing the negotiators to reach a decision.This summit ahead
of the Copenhagen Summit on climate change, is seen as important meet to reach to logical conclusion with countries
participating from the poor regions to developed region.
India has said the meeting should make all efforts to come out with a legally binding substantive outcome on tackling the
pressing global challenge and disapproved of any attempt to give up and defer a decision as is being mulled by some
developed countries.
Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Climate Change Shyam Saran said in Port of Spain that even if no consensus is reached
at Copenhagen next month, efforts should continue with an aim of concluding within time-bound manner the negotiations
as mandated by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.Identifying education and business as areas of
reconnecting with Indian diaspora, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has invited them to be active partners of the
country’s development and progress by making use of investment and business opportunities. Addressing a reception for
Indian community at Port of Spain, he said India is on the move and is reaching out to the world with confidence and in a
spirit of live and let live.Reaching out to the People of Indian Origin, he said, “Education and business are the two major
areas through which the country is reconnecting with the people of Indian origin worldwide.”Almost half of 1.3 million
population of Spain is of Indian origin.PM invites Indian diaspora to see new creative India Identifying education and
business as areas of reconnecting with Indian diaspora, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday invited them to
undertake a “pilgrimage” to the “new creative India” and be active partners of the country’s development and progress by
making use of investment and business opportunities.He said India, whose education system was once an envy of the
world, had “lost ground” over last three decades and his government was committed to correct the situation.Addressing a
reception for Indian community here soon after his arrival from Washington, Dr Singh told them that India is on the move
and is reaching out to the world with confidence and in a spirit of live and let live.Reaching out to the People of Indian
Origin, he said, “You are, for millions of Indians, the most visible symbol of our own globalisation process. For us,
globalisation is a natural means of linking up with the international community of Indians.”Education and business are
the “two major areas through which we are reconnecting with the people of Indian origin worldwide,” he said in the
capital of Trinidad and Toboga, whose almost half of 1.3 million population is of Indian origin.
European leaders select Belgian premier to be the EU’s first permanentpresident.

EU trade commissioner Catherine Ashton from the UK lands the foreign policy spot.
After nail-biting negotiations at a council meeting headed for the history books, the decision on Belgian prime minister
Herman Van Rompuy and commissioner Ashton was unanimous.
President Barroso congratulated the two. “I think it will be impossible to have a better choice than those personalities for
the European Union leadership.”
A Christian-Democrat politician and economist by training, Mr Van Rompuy, 62, has served as Belgium’s premier for
nearly a year. Many credit him with bringing stability to the country during tensions between the French- and Flemish-
speaking communities.
“I have not sought this high position. I have intervened in no way. But from tonight, I will take it up with conviction,” he
said.
In an agreement with the European commission, the council appointed Catherine Ashton, 53, to be the EU’s high
representative for foreign affairs and security policy. A member of the UK Labour Party, she will also serve as a vice-
president of the next commission now being formed.
The two posts were created by the recently approved Lisbon treaty, which aims to enhance the EU’s role in world affairs
and streamline its decision-making.
The new president will serve for 2½ years. The position will replace the rotating presidency under which one member
country chairs major EU meetings for six months.
Van Rompuy’s core responsibilities will include chairing council meetings and representing EU leaders on the global
stage. He will also represent the council in relations with other EU institutions.
Catherine Ashton will have the authority to propose defence and security measures. She will also be tasked with setting
up a network of diplomats around the world to support the new office.
She said she was surprised by her nomination, which must still be confirmed by parliament. "I am very honoured and
proud to have been asked to take on this role. “
"I will make sure I represent our values across the world.”
The post of high representative merges two existing portfolios: high-representative for common foreign and security
policy and commissioner for external relations.
The selections become official with the entry into force of the Lisbon treaty on 1 December.

Kaiane Aldorino, Miss Gibraltar, Miss World 2009 Winner
RESULTS
Final results Contestant
Miss World 2009
Gibraltar - Kaiane Aldorino
1st Runner-up
Mexico - Perla Beltran Acosta
2nd Runner-up
South Africa - Tatum Keshwar
Top 7 Finalists
France - Chloé Mortaud
Canada - Lena Ma
Panama - Nadege Herrera
Colombia - Daniela Ramos
Top 16 Semifinalists
Brazil - Luciana Reis
India - Pooja Chopra
Japan - Eruza Sasaki
Kazakhstan - Dina Nuraliyeva
Korea - Kim Joo-ri
Martinique - Ingrid Littré
Poland - Anna Jamróz
Sierra Leone - Mariatu Kargbo
Vietnam - Trần Thị Hương Giang
UN honours Nelson Mandela with International Day on 18 July
11 November 2009 – The United Nations has declared 18 July “Nelson Mandela International Day” in recognition of
the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.
The resolution was adopted yesterday by the 192-member General Assembly to commemorate the Nobel Peace Prize
laureate’s long-standing commitment to promoting conflict resolution, race relations, human rights, reconciliation and
gender equality.
The Day will be observed annually on 18 July, Mr. Mandela’s birthday, starting in 2010 when the former anti-
apartheid leader will turn 92 years old.
By adopting the resolution, the UN expressed its appreciation for a great man who had suffered for the sake of people
everywhere, said Assembly President Ali Treki, recognizing Mr. Mandela’s 27-year imprisonment, most of which was
spent in the notorious Robben Island detention centre off the coast of Cape Town.
After his release from prison in 1990, Mr. Mandela became the first President elected in a fully representative democratic
ballot in post-apartheid South Africa, holding office from 1994 to 1999 in accordance with the country’s Constitution.
At an event marking his 91st birthday this year, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that “Nelson Mandela is a living
embodiment of the highest values of the United Nations.”
Current Affairs: January 2009 : National Affairs
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Chosen by Children as India's First "Paryavaran Ambassador"
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has been chosen the "Bharat ka Paryavaran Ambassador" in a campaign conducted in 2 00,000
schools in India. This poll was part of the CO2 Pick Right- Kaun Banega Bharat Ka Paryavaran Ambassador Programme
conducted by the Centre for Environment Education in partnership with ArcelorMittal, for the Ministry of Environment
and Forests, Government of India.
Current Affairs: January 2009 : National Affairs
40th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-09)
Mumbai, Maharashtra, December 16, 2009 /India PRwire/ -- The main attraction of the 40th International Film Festival of
India this time was the participation of Academy Award Winner Ben Kingsley in IFFI. The media stayed in Goa till the last
date only to have an exclusive interaction with the "Gandhi" fame Hollywood actor. Although, my fellow media friends are
as old as 27 and the film "Gandhi" was released in 1982, but the excitement and enthusiasm seen in the media proved that
they've watched the movie a number of times like me.
Ben Kingsley is soon going to make a comeback in Amitabh Bachchan starrer "Teen Patti" and also in "Taj" starring
Aishwarya Rai. Film "Red Alert" produced by T.P Agarwal and directed by Anant Mahadeven gained immense popularity
in the film festival. The tickets of this film got sold out within 2 hours of the opening of the ticket counter leaving a handful
of journalists disappointed.
Goa film festival honored the great veteran actress "Sharmila Tagore" on completing 50 years in the film industry.
However, she seemed disappointed and expressed that the film festival should be organized under a notable film star and
the festival should be held in Goa as International Films are not appreciated much.
This time the film festival was enthralling and attracted a lot of Goans as well as the tourists. There was a food court made
right outside the festival campus along with other attractive stalls for the visitors. Even Abhishek Bachchan was spotted at
the festival as he came to meet Mani Ratnam, director of his upcoming film "Ravan". Regular at the IFFI, ace film maker
Mani Ratnam came to participate in the Knowledge Series of Film Bazar organized by the NFDC. This year the Hong Kong
Trade Development Corporation, a delegation of distributors from Europa Cinemas, and the American Film Institute's
20/20 program will be present at Film Bazaar were present at the Film Bazaar to expand their global film network.
However, the information on web and mobile digital distribution crashed at the Baazar.
On the 75th anniversary of the Assamese film industry, various Assamese films were screened in IFFI and the especially
the first Assamese film "Joymati" intrigued a lot of audience. Normally, all regional films are shown with English sub-titles
but this some of the regional films shown didn't have any sub-title against the systematic procedure of the festival.
There were some International films like "Guilt" and "4-3-2-1" which didn't appeal the audience that much and the hall
turned almost empty after 30-40 mins. The selection committee should now focus on the quality of films the select for
such a prestigious festival irrespective of them being international films. Nevertheless, there were some fantastic movies
like the Chinese film "Wheat" and a film from Thailand "Best of Time" and also "Nora's Will", a film from Mexico.
All films by USA based director Gurinder Chadha were screened at the festival and Gurinder Chadda had a reason to smile
all the way at the festival since all her films went houseful. The film festival was inaugurated by the Information and
Broadcasting minister, Ambika Soni along with evergreen actress Waheeda Rehman, Ghajini fame heroine Asin, famous
actor Nana Patekar and Digambar Kamat, Chief Minister of Goa were present to grace the event.
The inauguration followed with speeches of all these stars and Aseen couldn't stop praising Waheeda Rehman but when
she was interviewed by the reporters, she revealed that she hasn't seen even a single film of Waheeda Rehman.
The Chief Minister was also hardly present at the festival unlike last time, when he used to hang out at the food court like
a normal visitor which was well-appreciated by the Media.
Altogether, IFFI was not up to the mark this time as the media was less in number due to the 1st anniversary of 26/11 in
Mumbai so the coverage was quite less. It would be much better if the dates of Goa film festival change from next year for
a massive coverage as the media will focus on 26/11 every year.
Current Affairs: January 2009 : Sports
2009 Asian Athletics Championships
2009 Asian Athletics Championships - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Delhi Half Marathon 2009
Merga retains Delhi Half Marathon title
NEW DELHI: Olympian Deriba Merga of Ethiopia defended the men's title, while Kenyan Mary Keitany won in the
women's category of Delhi Half Marathon on Sunday.
Merga, who faced some stiff competition from compatriot Eshetu Wendimu and last year's runner-up Wilson Kipsang of
Kenya, clocked 59:54 minutes to cover the 21.097 km and bagged USD 25,000 winners' purse.
Wendimu (1.00.02) finished second, followed by Kipsang (1.00.04), who was much slower due to a toe injury this year.
Reigning world champion Keitany took 1 hour 6.54 minutes to touch the finish line with Ethiopian Ayelew Wude (1.07:5
coming second, followed by compatriot Aberu Kebede (1.07:59).
Meanwhile, Armyman Deepchand Saharan (1.04:00) finished first among Indian men and overall 17th in the race, while
Uttar Pradesh's Sukanya Mall (1.20:11) was the fastest woman among Indians and 22nd overall.
Each of the Indian toppers would be richer by USD 4,000. Earlier, the Indian Olympics Association (IOA) chief Suresh
Kalmadi flagged off the race that saw 8,429 participations, including 266 foreigners.
Italy wins golf's World Cup
The Molinari brothers have delivered Italy a maiden World Cup victory in golf after a thrilling final-round tussle with
Ireland and Sweden at Mission Hills in China.
Italy started the final round foursomes just one stroke behind Ireland and powered into the lead with three consecutive
birdies on the back nine, finishing on a total of 29-under-par to win by a single stroke.
A monster 30-foot putt at the par-four 12th took Francesco and Edoardo Molinari a shot clear at the top of the
leaderboard and they followed that with another birdie at the par-three 13th, finishing with a final round 68.
Consistent Sweden, which did not drop a shot in the entire tournament until the eighth hole Sunday, birdied the par-five
15th to close the gap to just one shot and keep the pressure on.
Henrik Stenson and Robert Karlsson, who won the trophy last year and started the final round in joint second place,
ended with a 69 and a total score of 28-under.
Ireland's powerful pairing of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, who had set a blistering pace with a 58 in the first-
found fourballs, started shakily, with a bogey on the par-five third after McIlroy found the trees with his tee shot.
Although they hit back with a run of four birdies, a dropped shot at the par-three eighth and a missed two-footer from
McIlroy for par at the 10th proved costly.
England, teaming Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher, started the day eight strokes adrift of the leaders but powered up the
leaderboard with eight birdies in a final round 64.
Japan ended a further four shots back on a total of 22 under, one clear of Australia.
Last year's runners-up Spain, led by world number eight Sergio Garcia, finished on seven under after a miserable
tournament, despite starting as one of the favourites.
The Omega Mission Hills World Cup, near Shenzhen, is a 72-hole event with 28 teams each comprising two players.
The first and third days were fourball, in which four balls are used and the player with the fewest shots takes the hole for
their team.
The second and final days involved foursomes play, where the teams compete using only one ball per pair.
-AFP
Devis Cup 2009
MADRID, Dec 7, 2009 (AFP)
Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero on Monday honoured his country's tennis team after they defended their
Davis Cup title over the weekend, saying they had made Spanish tennis "the best in the world".
"It was a spectacular series, you managed to make Spanish tennis, without a doubt, the best tennis in the world. You
proved it again with this Davis Cup," he told the players at a reception at his official residence in Madrid.
"You played just like the Roja. What one notices above all is the tremendous teamwork you display," he added, using the
nickname for the Spain's national football team which won the Euro 2008 championship.
Defending champions Spain had sealed their fourth Davis Cup title on Saturday when the doubles pair of Fernando
Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez demolished their Czech opponents to give the hosts an unassailable 3-0 lead.
And world number two Nadal and Ferrer completed the job on Sunday by beating Jan Hajek and Lukas Dlouhy
respectively for a final 5-0 scoreline for the hosts.
Nadal downed Jan Hajek 6-3, 6-4 while Ferrer cruised to a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Dlouhy.
Spain also won the Davis Cup in 2000, 2004 and 2008, and are the first country to successfully defend the title since
Sweden in 1998.
"For us it was a dream winning the Davis Cup two years in a row," said team captain Albert Costa, who as a player helped
Spain to its first ever Davis Cup title in 2000, beating Australia at the same Palau Sant Jordi Arena in Barcelona.

ATP World Tour Tennis Finals
2009 ATP World Tour Finals - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Italy Wins Second Fed Cup
Team Italy ( Corrado Barazzutti, Francesca Schiavone, Roberta Vinci, Sara Errani, Flavia Pennetta) lift the trophy after the
final match of the Fed Cup World Group between Italy and the USA at Circolo Tennis Rocco Polimeni on November 8,
2009 in Reggio Calabria, Italy.
India Wins SAFF Championship 2009
India never allowed Maldives to beat them thrice in a row and perfectly took the revenge of final loss in Colombo in 2008.
India keeper Arindam continued his splendid performance keeping Maldives at bay and saved two penalties to win the
title for a fifth time.
Most notable disappointment from Maldives was failure to play their usual passing game and instead fell a victim of
India’s long ball strategy. India continued their stability in all departments, most notably at the back.
Maldives only managed to get their feet back on the ball in the extra two halves and in regular time they rarely trouble the
Indian defense.
Maldives completely outplayed the Indians in the extra period of the game and chances came in numbers but failed to
convert any. All thanks to India’s superb custodian Arindam.
India could have scored the winner in the extra period if Sushil was sharp enough to kick the loose ball from Imran in the
second period of extra time but Imran blocked his shot.
Maldives skipper Ashfaq could have finished the game off later in the game but after beating his markers he fired the ball
inches over the cross bar.
In the penalty kicks, Jibon, Denzil and Subodh converted their respective spot kicks while Nirmal fired wide.
Ibrahim Fazeel was the only player to score for Maldives on penalties. Thoriq and Mukhthar’s kicks were well saved by
Arindam and Ashfaq fired the crucial one wide.
India keeper Arindam was named the best players of the tournament. Ahmed Thoriq, Channa (Sri Lanka) and Enamul
(Bangladesh) shared the top scorer award with each scored four goals. Bangladesh was awarded the fair play award.
This is the second time Maldives lost SAFF championship on penalties and interestingly Bangabandhu stadium is the
venue on both occasions.
IBSF World Snooker championship was held
Welcome To World Snooker Championship 2009

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India and world – January 2010

( cause I can't write so much matter )

Current affairs : Awards/Honours 2009

Sikh of the year 2009 award

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Current affairs : Awards/Honours 2009

World Athletes of the Year – 2009 Awards

2009 World Athletics Gala Awards

Female World Athlete of the Year

Coach of the Year

Inaugural IAAF World Journalist Award

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Current affairs : Awards/Honours 2009

CMO of the year 2009 Award

About Canon Inc

About Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council

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INS Science Communication Award

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Indira Gandhi peace award 2009

The award carries a Rs.25 lakh purse and a plaque.

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Current Affairs: January 2009 : Awards/ Honours

National children Awards 2009 were given

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Sahara India Sports Awards were given

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World Travel Awards 2009

'Incredible India' campaign wins World Travel Award

Current Affairs: January 2009 : Awards/ Honours

Rajiv Gandhi National Quality Awards, 2008 announced

RAJIV GANDHI NATIONAL QUALITY AWARDS 2008

Corporation Limited, Midnapur (East), West Bengal

Yash International, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

Current Affairs: January 2009 : Awards/ Honours

H.K.Firodia award 2009

Keywords: H K Firodia award, Yash Pal, M. Annadurai, Chandrayaan-I

RIL topples ONGC as largest gas producer

KG D-6 fields’ production touched 50.15 mscmd on Sunday.

Current Affairs: January 2009 : Economic News

NTPC identifies Indonesian coal mines for acquisition

Current Affairs: January 2009 : Economic News

Richest Indian Mukesh Ambani amongst Forbes top ten Billionaires

India has 49 billionaires in 2010 as compared to only 24 last year.

The seven top billionaires from India are as follows:

World Ranking Name Wealth

4 Mukesh Ambani $29.0

5 Lakshmi Mittal $28.7

28 Azim Premji $17.0

36 Anil Ambani $13.7

40 Shashi and Ravi Ruia $13.0

44 Savitri Jindal $12.2

74 Kushal Pal Singh $9.0 (ANI)

Current Affairs: January 2009 : Economic News

The company has introduced two tariff plans:

1. Local calls at 29 paisa a minute

Current Affairs: January 2009 : International Affairs

41st CHOGM summit

Current Affairs: January 2009 : International Affairs

European leaders select Belgian premier to be the EU’s first permanentpresident.

Current Affairs: January 2009 : International Affairs

Kaiane Aldorino, Miss Gibraltar, Miss World 2009 Winner