Scientist Vinod Prakash Sharma honored with Gujar Mal Modi award August 18th, 2013

Scientist Vinod Prakash Sharma has been honored with theGujar Mal Modi

Award for Innovative Science and Technology 2013 for his achievements in malaria

research, control and prevention, including other vector borne diseases.

He is leading the Safe Water Campaign of the NASI (The National Academy of

Sciences, India). His work on popularization of science, creating awareness and

science education programmes of NASI are widely appreciated in the remote areas as well.

Environment Ministry‘s panel finds illegal sand mining in Gautam Buddh Nagar August 18th, 2013

The environment ministry team found facts of the widespread illegal sand mining in Gautam

Buddh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh. The team was set up by the ministry in the backdrop

of the suspension of the district‘s sub divisional magistrate Durga Shakti Nagpal who took

on the illegal mining in the area.

Steps suggested by the panel to prevent illegal sand mining:

The state must adopt and implement the rules set out for riverbed mining which lay down

specification of mining depth, location of mining leases.

Those holding mining leases are required to have their mining plans approved by the

state‘s mining and geology department.

A cumulative impact assessment must be undertaken to assess pollution, adequacy

of infrastructure.

All the mining activity must have environmental clearance. It has been recommended that

cumulative impact assessment of riverbed mining be undertaken before giving clearance, as

well as stepping up monitoring.

INS Arihant submarine‘s reactor achieves criticality August 18th, 2013

The reactor of India‘s first indigenous nuclear powered submarine,Arihant achieved

criticality i.e. the self sustaining nuclear reaction which is the first step towards the

stable production of power.

About INS Arihant:

India‘s first indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.

It has been jointly developed by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE),

the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Navy.

It is about 111 metres long, 11 metres broad and about 15 metres tall and is designed to

be propelled by a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) that uses enriched uranium as fuel,

and light water as both coolant and moderator. The PWR will generate about 80 MWt.

The submarine will eventually be fitted with K-15 underwater fired missiles, which can hit

targets 700 km away. The K-15 missiles are capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Note: Only five countries in the world possess nuclear powered submarines-

the U.S., Russia, the U.K., France and China. Apart from India, Brazil is also working on

naval nuclear propulsion.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launches New Media Wing August 18th, 2013

The Union Cabinet accepted the proposal for establishing a New Media Wing. The

expenditure to set up and run the New Media Wing will cost Rs. 22.5 crore which was

allocated during the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) and approved by

the CCEA under Development Communication & Information Broadcasting plan

scheme of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The proposal for its establishment was drawn on the basis of the experience of its pilot

program on the social media platforms such as Youtube, Facebook and Twitter. The New

Media Wing will address the communication and broadcasting requirements of the

government on social media.

The New Media Wing would be headed by a senior officer of Joint Secretary level and will

work under his overall supervision, direction and guidance. The administrative and

operational support will be provided by a Media Unit under the Ministry – the Research

Reference & Training Division – which would be the New Media Wing.

Serena Williams wins women‘s Rogers Cup August 18th, 2013

US‘ tennis star Serena Williams defeated Romania‘s Sorana Cirstea in the final of the

women‘s Rogers Cupheld in Toronto to bag her 54th WTA singles title.

Serena Jameka Williams is an American professional tennis player and is currently ranked

No. 1 in women‘s singles tennis.

On six separate occasions, the WTA (Women‘s Tennis Association) has ranked her World

No. 1 in singles .

Reservation in prelims not legally valid: Patna High Court August 18th, 2013

As per an order passed by the Patna High Court which was adjudicating a petition that

challenged the preliminary tests results declared by theBihar Public Service Commission

(BPSC) for the 53rd to 55th Combined Competitive Examinations (CCE) to recruit

gazetted officers across the state, no reservation was applicable to preliminary tests as they

were just screening examinations.

The petition had challenged the result on the basis that the BPSC had implemented the

reservation policy in declaring the preliminary result whereas quota was applicable only in

the mains examination and not in the elimination round.

The petitioner referred to the Bihar Reservation for Post and Vacancy Act, which

specified that reservation could be granted only when the examination led to the final

selection of the candidate.

Noted naturalist Zafar Futehally passes away August 18th, 2013

India‘s one of the best known naturalists and ornithologists Zafar Futehally (93) passed

away.

Zafar Futehally:

Born in Andheri, Mumbai in 1920.

He led the conservation movement in India serving as a link between conservationists

and corporates.

He also founded Newsletter for Birdwatchers a periodical that helped birdwatchers

around India to communicate their observations. It was a vital publication and served to

document observations at a time when there was no digital documentation and there

were few scientific studies on wildlife in the country.

Mr. Futehally was associated for 60 years with the Bombay Natural History Society of

which he was honorary secretary for 16 years till the 1970s.

Usain Bolt regains 100-meter gold at worlds August 18th, 2013

Six-time Olympic gold medalist, Usain Bolt, regained World 100 meter title as he won

the race in 9.77 seconds at the IAAF World Athletics Championships held in Moscow.

Bolt finished ahead of Justin Gatlin of the U.S. (9.85) and Jamaican Nesta Carter

(9.95).

Bolt had previously won the event at the World championships in Berlin in 2009 where

he set the current world record of 9.58 seconds.

Other Winners at IAAF World Athletics Championship 2013:

Olympic decathlon champion Ashton Eaton of the U.S. won gold in the event.

Olympic winner Brittney Reese of the U.S. won the women‘s long jump for the third

consecutive time with a leap of 7.01 meters.

Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia won the women‘s 10,000 meter title for the third time.

Sandra Perkovic of Croatia won the women‘s discus.

Aleksandr Ivanov of Russia won the men‘s 20-kilometer walk.

Bt cotton replaces desi cotton in flag making August 15th, 2013

Bt cotton, a technology of an American seed company replaced ‗desi‘ cotton Jayadhar, a

popular variety of cotton grown in Karnataka that was also earlier used in making flags.

Flag making units at Bengeri in Hubli city and Garaga in Dharwad district, which caters

to the nationwide demand for the tricolor are now using, wholly or partly, the khadi

derived from Bt cotton. At some naufacturing units at Bengeri where flag making started in

2008, the tricolour is manufactured using khadi made out of a combination

of Jayadhar and BT cotton.

Why flag manufacturers are choosing Bt cotton over indigenous cotton varieties?

As per manufacturers, quality of cotton is determined by length,

strength and appearance and BT cotton provides all these qualities.

Maharashtra is first State to pay salary through Aadhaar seeded bank accounts August 15th, 2013

Maharashtra became the first state in the country to disburse salary of its staff through

their Aadhaar linked bank accounts. The employees of the state government‘s Information

Technology (IT) department got their July 2013 salaries through their Aadhaar linked bank

accounts.

Maharashtra State Government has decided to use the Aadhaar Payment Bridge

(APB) system for all Mantralaya employees. This initiative would help in speedy transfer of

salaries and also ensure the transfer to the actual beneficiary at a later stage.

UID for faster Salary:

Maharashtra State Government initiated a program ―UID for faster Salary‖ for its

employees in the state. The aim is to process salaries only for those employees, who are

enrolled under Aadhaar program.

India‘s forex reserves dips by $2.99 billion August 15th, 2013

As per the Reserve Bank of India, the country‘s foreign exchange reserves lowered by an

immense USD 2.995 billion to USD 277.167 billion. Foreign currency assets which are a

major component of the forex reserves, dropped USD 2.155 billion to USD 249.895 billion

in the first weekend of August 2013.

Foreign currency assets expressed in US dollar terms include the effect of appreciation or

depreciation of the non-US currencies, such as euro, pound and yen, held in the reserves.

The gold reserves dropped USD 808.5 million at USD 20.747 billion. TheSpecial Drawing

Rights (SDRs) were down by USD 21.4 million to USD 4.352 billion, while the country‘s

reserve position with the IMF also fell by USD 10.7 million to USD 2.171 billion.

PV Sindhu creates history by winning Bronze in World Badminton

Championship August 15th, 2013

PV Sindhu created history as she won bronze medal in the WorldBadminton Championships

Although she lost in the semifinal to Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand, she became the first

Indian to win a women‘s singles medal in the World Badminton Championship.

PV Sindhu holds both junior and senior national titles after thelegendary Prakash

Padukone

In past, Prakash Padukone had won the men‘s singles bronze in 1983 at Copenhagen. Jwala

Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa won another bronze in women‘s doubles in the 2011 edition.

Wildlife Protection Amendment Bill 2013 introduced in Rajya Sabha August 14th, 2013

The Environment and Forests Ministry introduced in the RajyaSabha major amendments

to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 that seek heavier penalties to check wildlife-related

crimes and aim to make Indian laws consistent with the Convention

on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild flora and fauna (CITES).

Salient features of the Wildlife Protection Amendment Bill 2013:

The amended legislation aims to ban the use of animal traps except under certain

conditions.

It also looks forward to engage gram sabhas and gram panchayats in management of

protected areas, and to grant hunting rights to hunter-gatherer Scheduled Tribes of the

Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Hunting in national parks and sanctuaries or the alteration of their boundaries should be

punished with 5 to 7 years in jail and fine of Rs 5 to 25 lakh as compared to the previous

3 to 7 years in jail and Rs 10,000 fine.

The punishment would be 7 years in prison and Rs 30 lakh fine for repeat offenders

compared to the previous 3 to 7 years of imprisonment and Rs 25,000 fine now.

The amendments are strict against crimes related to sale, purchase and transfer of

animals, their parts or products listed in various schedules.

IRDA relaxes investment norms August 14th, 2013

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has relaxed the investment

norms for the firms like Housing finance and infrastructure finance companies to

allow these companies to get higher funding from the insurance companies.

Steps taken by IRDA:

The investments in debt instruments issued by housing finance companies as specified in

the investment regulations shall not be included under the exposure to financial and

insurance activities. Currently, such exposure to housing finance companies and

infrastructure finance companies is treated as exposure under financial and insurance

activities but the industry exposure limits will continue to apply for such investments.

The single investee debt exposure limits in housing finance companies have been

enhanced to 20% of equity plus free reserves from existing 10% limit. The limit

mentioned above can be further increased by an additional 5% with the prior approval of

board of company.

The group and promoter group exposure norms will continue to apply on the investments

made in a housing finance company.

Environmental activists oppose Mithi Virdi Nuclear Plant August 14th, 2013

Environmental activists in Gujarat are against the proposed Rs. 6,000 crore Mithi Virdi

nuclear power plant in Saurashtra region‘s Bhavnagar district to be set up by NPCIL

(Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited).

They have written to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) that alleging

the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) clearance by the State government was given

without any site visits and documentation of ground realities.

Why Environmental activists opposing the Mithi Virdi nuclear power plant?

As per the activists, clearance for the project has been given by overlooking safety aspects,

site clearance report, and without undertaking any site visits. They argue that the basics

like population increase in the immediate vicinity of the proposed plant have not been taken

into account. According to the activists CRZ clearance is an act of endorsing the illegal and

unconstitutional act of NPCIL and Engineers India Limited (EIL). Activists earlier alleged that

the EIL were not authorized to conduct an environment impact assessment for a nuclear

power plant.

GSLV-D5 to be powered by indigenous Cryogenic Engine, to lift off on August 19, 2013 August 14th, 2013

As Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-D5) is slated to lift off around 5

p.m. on August 19, 2013 from Sriharikota is powered by an indigenous cryogenic engine

and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has used every expertise available in the

country to ensure that the engine performs smoothly this time. GSLV-D5 will put India‘s

advanced communication satellite GSAT-14, weighing 1,980 kg, into orbit.

ISRO‘s earlier attempt with indigenous cryogenic engine has not been successful. In April

2010, the GSLV flight with an indigenous cryogenic engine had failed. The subsequent GSLV

flight with a Russian cryogenic stage also failed in December 2010.

This time a number of ground tests have been done on the sub-systems and the cryogenic

engine at the after making the necessary design changes in the Fuel Booster Turbo Pump

(FBTP) and the oxidiser turbo pump which was earlier causing errors.

What is a Cryogenic Rocket Engine?

―Cryos‖ is a Greek word meaning Ice Cold. The Cryogenics is the study of producing

extremely low temperatures. Cryogenic rocket engine uses a cryogenic fuel. A cryogenic fuel

or oxidizer includes the gases liquefied at a very low temperature. Due to use of liquid gases

as propellants, the cryogenic Rocket Engines are also called liquid-propellant rocket engines.

The gases in liquid state occupy less space and provide required mass flow rate more

efficiently than using the same in gaseous state.

The CE-20 is the first Indian cryogenic engine (but not indigenous)to feature a gas-

generator cycle. It has been developed at Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), in

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

LPSC is the research centre and rocket engine test facility of ISRO. LPSC has played a

leading role in development of liquid propellant stages for PSLV, control systems for SLV-3,

ASLV, PSLV and GSLV, satellite propulsion systems including those for INSAT and IRS and

production of pressure transducers.

India‘s indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) for Geosynchronous Satellite Launch

Vehicle (GSLV) which was successfully test fired by ISRO on August 4, 2007, was also

developed by LPSC.

Which are countries who possess Cryogenic Engine technology?

At present only five countries viz. United

States, Russia, France,Japan and China have the cryogenic engine upper stage

technology to launch heavier satellites in geostationary orbit. India is the sixth country

to design and develop the cryogenic technology.

Rajya Sabha passes Companies Bill 2012 August 14th, 2013

Rajya Sabha has passed the Companies Bill 2012 in order to replace the outdated

Companies Act, 1956. Both the houses of Parliament have passed the Bill and before it

becomes law it will go to President Pranab Mukherjee for his assent. The existing statute for

regulation of companies in the country, viz. the Companies Act, 1956 had been under

consideration for quite long for comprehensive revision in view of the changing economic

and commercial environment nationally as well as internationally.

The Companies Act of 1956 replaced the first Companies Act that was created in 1919 (the

pre-independent India). The Act of 1956 has been amended 25 times in all these years

since its formation.

Key features of Companies Bill 2012:

Spending of funds by companies for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) will be

mandatory. Companies are required to spend at least 2 % of their net profit on CSR. The

companies will also have to give preference to the local areas of their operation.

If the companies are unable to meet CSR norms, they will have to give explanations and

may even face penalty.

The amended legislation will help to control major source of corporate law-breaking for

falsely inducing a person to enter into any agreement with bank or financial institution

with a view to get credit facilities.

With view of interests of employees, company will have to pay 2 years‘ salary to

employees in case it shuts operations.

The appointment of auditors for five years shall be subject to ratification by members at

every annual general meeting.

The limit in respect of maximum number of companies in which a person may be

appointed as auditor has been proposed as 20.

The maximum number of directors in a private company has been increased from 12 to

15 and which can be increased further by special resolution.

The financial year of any company can end only on March 31 and the only exception is for

companies which are holding subsidiary of a foreign entity requiring consolidation outside

India.

It makes auditors subject to criminal liability if they consciously or carelessly omit certain

information from their reports.

It has a stipulation that keeps a check on very expensive remunerations for the board of

directors and other executives of the companies. This will protect the interest of

shareholders as well as employees.

The amended legislation also limits the number of companies an auditor can serve to 20

besides bringing more clarity on criminal liability of auditors.

The proposed legislation would ensure setting up of special courts for speedy trial and

stronger steps for transparent corporate governance practices and curb corporate

misdoings.

20% of food items are either substandard or contaminated August 14th, 2013

Records of the Health and Family Welfare Ministry have disclosed that 1/5th (20%) of food

items in the market tested by government labs in 2012 were either substandard or

contaminated. These food items did not meet the standards set by the Food Safety and

Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

In the survey, a test of 29,328 samples taken from malls as well as wholesale shops

conducted in 123 labs shows that everything from packed items to cereals is contaminated.

The food items tested include items such as edible oil, milk, sugar and grains, packed foods

available in the market.

As per the tests, The rate of food contamination was 8% in 2008-09and now it has moved

up to 20% in 2012-13. Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are the three states with

the worst record between 2008 to 2010.

Consumption of adulterated food leads to serious health problems such as heart disease and

even neurological problems, especially in children.

Lack of Supervision:

By April, 2013 only 2% food business operators had registered with the state

governments. The lack of a proper monitoring is one of the reasons for this issue. At

present there are more than 50 million who still need to register with the state

governments.

Increased use of chemicals and pesticides for production and storage has also

significantly contributed to the increase in adulterated food items in the market.

Steps taken to reduce the food adulteration:

Food safety officers appointed by each state government randomly take food samples

from markets. These are then tested in the 123 government laboratories spread across

the country.

The state governments then send the results to FSSAI which calculates the figures and

takes necessarily action.

As per the new rules a food business operator involved in the manufacture, storage,

distribution or retail of food items can be punished if the food item is not up to the mark.

Pinaka rockets tested successfully August 14th, 2013

Armament Research and Development

Establishment(ARDE) successfully test fired Pinaka rockets were from a Multi- Barrel

Rocket Launcher (MBRL) from a base at Chandipur. The MBRL is capable of acting as a

force multiplier and has been developed to supplement artillery guns. Pinaka has undergone

several tough tests since 1995 and has already been introduced into the armed forces.

In July, 2013, a more advanced 2nd generation i.e. Pinaka Mark II Multi-Barrel Rocket

Launcher System had undergone successful firing trials at Chandhan area in Pokhran field

firing ranges in western Rajastan and is in development stage.

Pinaka and its applications

Pinaka is an unguided area weapon rocket system with a range of 40 km, meant to

neutralise large areas with rapid salvos.

It can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds, the battery of six launchers can neutralise

at a time a target area of 3.9 sq km.

The system‘s capability to incorporate several types of warheads makes it deadly for the

enemy as it can even destroy solid structures and bunkers.

The quick reaction time and high rate of fire of the system gives an edge to the Army

during a low amount conflict situation

Govt. mulls making fingerprints compulsory for new SIM cards subscribers August 14th, 2013

Government is looking forward to make it mandatory for the telecom service providers to

take fingerprint or any other biometric feature of the subscriber when he/she applies for a

mobile connection in future.

As per the suggestions of Ministry of Home Affairs the Department of Telecom

(DoT) may need to maintain a central database of all subscribers with bio-metric

parameters similar to the Aadhaar. The final decision is still due.

Magnetic flip of Sun may affect Earth‘s climate August 14th, 2013

The Sun‘s magnetic field is expected to undergo a 180-

degree flip in the coming 3 to 4 months as its magnetic north and south poles reverse

positions.

How does this Magnetic Flip take place?

The outer layers of the Sun consist of a soup of charged particles whose steady motion

influences the alignment of the Sun‘s magnetic field. There are two winds of such charged

particles one moving east-west and the other north-south and these tug at each other to

move the magnetic north and south poles of the Sun thus making them go a full circle once

every 22 years. This period is called a solar cycle which results in reorientation of the

solar dynamo and which is the source of the Sun‘s magnetic field.

The magnetic field will flip half a circle in the coming months marking the end of 11 years of

the 24th such cycle on record and once the second pole catches up, the next half of the cycle

will start.

Effects of Magnetic Flip:

It could affect storms on Earth and even disrupt satellites.

During this flip, activity on the star‘s surface intensifies, producing violent solar flares and

coronal mass ejections.

A weak electric field that rises out of the Sun and pervades the Solar System experiences

small disturbances. As the moving Earth dips in and out of this field, stormy space

weather can be stirred up around Earth.

The Cosmic rays which are high energy particles accelerated to nearly light speed by

supernova explosions and other violent events in the galaxy, could also be affected and

thus influencing cloudiness and the climate on Earth.

Can‘t opt for high inflation to promote growth: RBI August 14th, 2013

RBI has clarified that it could not espouse a policy of tolerating higher inflation in order to

promote growth because such a stance would not yield the desired results. RBI cited a study

which, although, gave empirical evidence that lower real interest rates could stimulate

growth and investment, it didn‘t recommend a policy of higher inflation tolerance as the

means to lower real rates. The study was conducted in the backdrop of criticism that the

RBI was adopting an anti-inflationary monetary policy stance to the impediment of growth.

As per the study, the incremental capital output ratio has increased in recent quarters and

correspondingly, the implicit marginal productivity of investment has also declined. As a

result, lower levels of real interest rate would have also contributed to the slowdown in

growth.

Why RBI can‘t adopt a policy which tolerates high inflation?

The negative impact of inflation on growth outweighs its positive impact if real rates are

lowered beyond a threshold.

Tolerating higher inflation with growth supportive monetary policy response is unlikely to

stimulate growth to the desired extent since the adverse impact of higher inflation on

growth would more than offset the favorable impact of growth supportive monetary

policy.

The adverse growth impact of high inflation was seen to operate primarily through

compression of consumption demand since investment demand is more sensitive to lower

real rates than higher inflation.

What is real interest rate?

The real interest rate is the rate of interest an investor expects to receive after allowing

for inflation. It can be described more formally by the Fisher equation, which states that the

real interest rate is approximately the nominal interest rate minus the inflation rate. If, for

example, an investor were able to lock in a 5% interest rate for the coming year and

anticipated a 2% rise in prices, he would expect to earn a real interest rate of 3%.

RBI to auction Cash Management Bills (CMBs) to control liquidity August 14th, 2013

Taking further measures to control the liquidity in order to boost the position of

rupee which has been on a decline for past some time, the RBI has decided to

auction short-term Cash Management Bills (CMBs) for an amount of Rs. 22,000

crore every Monday. RBI will be selling Rs.11,000 crore each in two CMBs maturing in 35

and 34 days on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. The bills will mature on 17 September,

2013, when banking system liquidity gets strained on account of advance tax outflow. The

auctions will be conducted using ―Multiple Price Auction‖ method and the Cash

Management Bills will have the generic character of Treasury Bills.

What are Cash Management Bills?

CMBs are short-term paper with the flexibility of fixing tenure according to the requirement

of the government. The basic difference between a treasury bill and a CMB is that the

former has fixed tenure of 30, 91, 182 and 364 days, while a CMB can be anything between

seven days and one year. CMBs can be structured in such a way that they are redeemed at

that time to infuse liquidity but treasury bills do not offer that flexibility.

Why the RBI is auctioning CMBs (Cash Management Bills)?

Past few months have brought some serious depreciation in the value of rupee against the

dollar with rupee crossing the 6o mark versus dollar. The country is also facing the problem

of inflation. RBI has been taking liquidity tightening measures to curb the instability of the

currency. As part of its liquidity tightening measures, on 15 July, RBI said banks can borrow

up to Rs.75,000 crore of money from it at 7.25%. Any excess of it shall be borrowed at a

special rate called Marginal Standing Facility (MSF), which it raised to 10.25% from 8.25%.

However, the rupee continued to fall and RBI, on July 23, further restricted this liquidity to

0.5% of a bank‘s own demand base. This effectively halved the money a bank can borrow

from RBI to Rs.37,500 crore. It also directed banks to keep 99% of their cash reserve ratio,

or the portion of deposit that banks need to keep with RBI on a daily basis.

The central bank has clarified that it gives priority to contain rupee-volatility and it chooses

to curb inflation over growth. The latest measure of auctioning CMBs is aimed at absorbing

the excess liquidity from the economy even as demand for such short-term bills is high. This

is expected to bring some positive effect in terms of improving the position of Rupee as well

as some impact on inflation.

Under nutrition in women linked with their unequal status August 14th, 2013

The unequal social status of women could play a significant role in the mysterious high

under nutrition levels. India has higher than expected levels of stunting and under-weight

among children and adults. It‘s quite perplexing that children in India are shorter on

average and even than poorer children in sub-Saharan Africa. But children‘s poor growth is

no surprise, given the enormous range of threats to early life health and net nutrition,

sanitation and the disease environment, problematic feeding practices, and low social status

of young women.

Key observations of Experts:

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen focused on food availability and consumption and as per

him food consumption alone does not explain the scale of India‘s under-nutrition.

Dean Spears, an economist, has shown that poor sanitation and open defecation in

particular which can be accounted for a large part of the international variation in height,

including that between India and sub-Saharan Africa.

Diane Coffey an economist and a PhD candidate at the Office of Population Research at

Princeton University, along with Reetika Khera of the IIT, Delhi has shown that the

younger daughters-in-law in a rural joint family have shorter children on average event

after controlling other possible factors. As per him, the difference in status between two

daughters-in-law is small compared to other social hierarchies in Indian society, such as

between men and women, and between high and low caste people. It is possible that

these larger status differences also have important implications for Indian children‘s

health and well-being.

Research by Angus Deaton, Professor of Economics at Princeton University, has

shown that Indian women‘s nutrition is not improving at the same pace as men‘s. He has

found that Indian men‘s heights are growing at nearly three times the rates of women

and the gap is widening and genetic variations across and between countries are not

important for height.

Intermixing of Population happened in India for 2,300 years August 12th, 2013

As per the scientists from the Hyderabad based Centre for Cellular and Molecular

Biology (CCMB) and Harvard Medical School, Indian population was derived from two

major ancestral populations Ancestral North Indians (ANI) and Ancestral South

Indians (ASI) which don‘t have major genetic differences. The ANI-derived populations

and ASI-derived populations mixed together to form the modern day population in the long

time period of 2300 years. This admixing continued for an extended period until practice of

endogamy became the norm.

The extent of admixture increased among the groups including the isolated tribes like

the Paliyar that live in Kodaikanal Hills and Bhil that are primarily located in Rajasthan.

But some populations like the Vysya from Andhra Pradesh didn‘t experience the mixing from

neighbouring groups in India for around 3,000 years.

What is ANI and ASI population?

The ANI population is related to West Eurasians (people of Central Asia, the Middle East,

the Caucasus and Europe) where as the ASI population is specifically related to the

indigenous Andaman Islanders.

No significant difference between groups across the Indian population:

As per researchers, Indians as a whole do not have major genetic differences even though

endogamy has been largely practiced for the last 1,900 years. The endogamy in the

respective admixtured populations ensured that no further gene mixture happened between

groups for the last 1,900 years and then later caste came and significantly reduced the

chances of admixture and made it nearly zero.

Indian government launched the beta version of the Data Portal India August 12th, 2013

The Indian government has launched Data

Portal India : http://data.gov.in/

It is a joint initiative between India and the US and the portal will be available on the

official sites of the Indian- http://india.gov.in/ and the US governments-

http://www.data.gov/.

What is Data Portal India?

It is a platform developed to provide single point access to datasets, documents, services,

tools and applications published by various ministries/government departments for

supporting the Open Data initiative of the National Data Sharing & Accessibility Policy

(NSDAP).

It is a product that is available in open source for global implementation i.e. on Open

Government Platform (OGPL) and the entire product is available for download at the

Open Source Code Sharing Platform GitHub.

How would Data Portal India be useful?

The portal will enhance transparency in government functioning and also open up avenues

for additional usage of government data.

Parimarjan Negi regains Politiken Cup August 12th, 2013

Grandmaster Parimarjan Negi (Born: February 9, 1993 (age 20))put up a

brilliant performance to regain the Politiken Cup chess Title in Copenhagen,

Denmark. Parimarjan had recently won the DC International Open in US and tied for the top

place in the World Open. The youngest international Grandmaster in chess won the same

tournament in 2009. This was Negi‘s second title in the last three outings.

Parimarjan Negi studies in the Amity International School and has won various tournaments

there. Negi became the youngest Grandmaster inIndia on July 1, 2006 by drawing with

Russian Grandmaster Ruslan Sherbakov and finished with six points from nine rounds of the

Chelyabinsk Region Superfinal chess tournament in Satka.

Parimarjan Negi replaces Pendyala Harikrishna as India‘s youngest ever Grand

Master.

Chakde India: India wins historic bronze at Junior Women Hockey World Cup August 12th, 2013

India‘s junior women hockeyteam created a history

by clinching country‘s first ever bronze medal in the junior women hockey World Cup as

they defeated England. The Indian girls beat England 3-2 in the bronze medal play-off to

finish on the podium – their best-ever showing in the marquee event. Captain Ms Sushila

Chanu held that the entire team was delighted to have made the country proud.

assan Rouhani is the new President of Iran August 12th, 2013

Hassan Rouhani sworn as the new President of Iran in the

ceremony held at the Iranian Parliament in Tehran. Rouhani, who will have 4-year tenure as

President, is the 7th (different) President of Iran after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. He

secured a little over 50% votes to win the election and succeeded Mahmoud

Ahmadinejad.

Some facts about the election of the President in Iran:

The President of Iran is elected as per rules envisaged in the country‘s Constitution. As per

the Constitution of Iran, the President is elected by an absolute majority of votes polled by

the voters. The President must be elected from among religious and political personalities.

The President is elected for 4-year term by the direct vote of the people. His re-election for

a successive term is allowed only once.

Robert Mugabe re-elected as Zimbabwe‘s President August 12th, 2013

Robert Mugabe has been re-elected as Zimbabwe‘s President for next five-

year term amid Zimbabwe‘s Movement of Democratic Change (MDC)allegations of fraud

in the elections. MDC has decided to challenge an election victory by President Robert

Mugabe‘s Zanu-PF party in the court. Western observers were kept out by Harare and

independent domestic monitors have described the vote as deeply flawed by registration

problems that may have disenfranchised up to a million people.

RGGVY programme to be continued for rural electrification: Government August 12th, 2013

In order to continue providing electricity to all rural households the government has decided

to carry on with the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY). The

continuation of RGGVY in the current Plan period has been approved by the Cabinet

Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

Requirements to continue the Programme:

Capital subsidy of Rs 35,447 crore will be needed to continue the programme, including

Rs 12,849 crore towards run over works.

Rs 23,397 crore would be met through Gross Budgetary Support for the 12th Plan period

(2012-17) and the remaining Rs 12,050 crore would fall over to the 13th Plan.

The programme will cover all remaining census villages and habitations with a population

of above 100.

About Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY):

Launched in April 2005 with the objective of providing electricity to all rural households.

The programme seeks to provide free electricity connections to BPL (Below Poverty Line)

households at the rate of Rs 3,000 per connection in villages and habitations with

population of above 100.

The scheme was initially approved with capital subsidy of Rs 5,000 crore for the last two

years of the 10th Plan period ending March 2007.

It continued in 11th Plan with capital subsidy of Rs 28,000 crore. During 2011-12 an

additional capital subsidy of Rs 6,000 crore was approved by the Planning Commission.

During the previous two Plan periods, 648 projects – entailing a total cost of Rs

42,060.44 crore – covering 1,12,795 un-electrified villages, 4,02,364 partially electrified

villages and 275.69 lakh BPL households were sanctioned.

Foreign Telecom vendors‘ refusal to share design details delays TTSCC August 12th, 2013

Foreign telecom equipment vendors have refused to share their design details with

the India‘s telecom equipment testing lab- Telecom Testing and Security Certification

Centre (TTSCC) for it may conflict with their business interests.

TTSCC was decided to be set up at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc),

Bangalore by the Department of Telecom (DoT) keeping in view the security issues.

Due to this refusal, the setting up of TTSCC which would have become fully operational by

April 2013 is now delayed. The DoT was asked to start the first round of security audit

beginning mid-2012, but now all this will be further delayed.

What does this Foreign Telecom vendors‘ refusal to share design details mean to India?

This is a major debacle for the government‘s initiative towards creating a ‗safe to

connect‘ telecom network in the country. In 2001, the Centre had asked the DoT to ensure

that all telecom service providers (TSPs) should induct only ‗safe to connect‘ telecom

equipment in their network, besides ensuring annual security audit of all TSPs to create a

telecom infrastructure sans bugs and ‗leakages‘.

Rising concerns about foreign telecom equipment

The US and other western countries are more cautious while deploying foreign made

telecom networks especially those being imported from Chinese equipment

makers, Huawei and ZTE. The US also found security loopholes in products supplied by

Huawei through testing procedures and has thus banned supplies from Huawei.

Who conducts the telecom equipment testing at present in India?

The testing of equipment in India is dependent on unreliable methods of self-certification by

operators. The National Security Council had highlighted the fear of attacks on telecom

networks and stealing of sensitive information and data.

India may get lesson from China‘s plans to curtail brain drain August 11th, 2013

The government of China has taken an initiative to get back some of

the country‘s best and brightest minds. The brain drain problem was taking away top

scientific talent of the country.

The Communist Party of China‘s (CPC) co-ordination groups stated that 87% of top

specialists in science and engineering who went overseas had no plans to return.

Steps taken by the Coordination Groups of China to curb brain drain:

In 2010, the government launched a 10-year development plan to bring back 2,000 top

Chinese specialists in the fields ofinformation technology, aerospace

and biotechnology.

The Ministry of Education has also set up a 600-million-Yuan fund for 20,000 returnees to

carry out research in the sciences.

The State run Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), a top research body, has put in

place a programme offering two million Yuan to returnees for research. The CAS

succeeded in bringing back 1,568 scientists in the ten years.

The government has also started reaching out to younger overseas Chinese students. It

has launched summer camps funding as many as 30,000 Chinese residing in 55 countries

to travel to China every year in an attempt to make them more familiar with their society.

These measures taken by China may hold some lesson for Indiawho is facing the same

challenge of brain drain. As per UNDP estimates,India loses $2 billion a year because of

the emigration of computer experts to the U.S. Indian students going abroad for their

higher studies costs India a foreign exchange outflow of $10 billion annually.

What is Brain drain?

Brain drain (or human capital flight), is the large-scale emigration of a large group of

individuals with technical skills or knowledge. Although the term originally referred to

technology workers leaving a nation, the meaning has broadened into: ―the departure of

educated or professional people from one country, economic sector, or field for

another, usually for better pay or living conditions‖.

What is the background of ―brain drain‖?

The term brain drain was coined by the Royal Society to describe the emigration of

―scientists and technologists‖ to North America from post-war Europe. Some findings also

indicate that this term was first used in the United Kingdom to describe the influx of Indian

scientist and engineers. The converse phenomenon of brain drain is ‗brain gain‘ which

happens to the country of destination of these emigrants.

What are the reasons behind brain drain?

The reasons usually include two aspects which respectively come from countries and

individuals.

In terms of countries, the reasons may be social environment (in source countries: lack of

opportunities, political instability or oppression, economic depression, health risks, etc.; in

host countries: rich opportunities, political stability and freedom, developed economy,

better living conditions, etc.).

In terms of individual reasons, there are family influences (overseas relatives), and

personal preference: preference for exploring, ambition for an improved career, etc.

What is the impact of brain drain?

Brain drain is usually regarded as an economic cost, since emigrants usually take with

them the fraction of value of their training sponsored by the government or other

organizations.

It is a parallel of capital flight, which refers to the same movement of financial capital.

Recognized NABL labs to test mid day meals August 11th, 2013

Recognized laboratories under the National Accreditation Board for Laboratories

(NABL) will collect the samples to test the microbiological presence/absence of e-coli,

chemical parameters such as moisture content, fats, proteins and calorific value of the mid

day meals. The measure has come after the death of 23 children in a school in

Chhapra in Bihar who died after consuming contaminated food served in the mid-

day meal scheme.

How the mid day meals will be monitored?

Periodic reports and monitoring at the local level through the school

monitoring committees as well as by the State government officials.

An independent monitoring through 41 monitoring institutes such as IIT Chennai, Visva

Bharati, and the XLRI has also been ensured by the Centre.

The Joint Review Missions (JRM) visit States at regular intervals. Presently 7 JRMs

have been conducted, and 13 more are planned.

Surprise visits will be made from time to time.

What are the steps taken by the government to improve the quality of mid day meal?

HRD and Tourism Ministries are working together on imparting training for cooks through

Hotel Management Institutes and the Food Craft Institutes. A 10-day full time course will be

organized which will impart knowledge in terms of the caloric and nutritive values. The

course will emphasize on the methods of cooking for retaining the nutritive value of cooking

ingredients, issues of malnutrition and nutrition levels and the importance of regular

washing of hands.

Izumo, Japan‘s biggest warship unveiled August 8th, 2013

Japan has unveiled its biggest warship since World War

II calledIzumo.

About Izumo:

Flat top destroyer resembling a conventional aircraft carrier. Nearly 250 metres (820 feet)

long flight deck which can carry up to 14 helicopters. Used particularly in anti-submarine

warfare and border-area surveillance missions. It will boost Japan‘s ability to transport

personnel and supplies in response to large-scale natural disasters, like the devastating

earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

Tension escalates between U.K.-Spain over Gibraltar August 8th, 2013

There is a sudden spike in the Anglo-Spanish conflict over Gibraltar asSpain has threatened

to impose border charges and close airspace which can turn into a form of economic

blockade of the peninsula.

Where is Gibraltar?

Gibraltar, less than six square kilometres, is a

limestone outcrop at the mouth of the Mediterranean. The Rock- as it is popularly known –

is a British Overseas Territory, although Spain, which it borders, also claims sovereignty.

The people who live there are British citizens but they run their own affairs under a chief

minister.

How Gibraltar is governed?

Gibraltar is a self-governing territory in all matters – including taxation – except foreign

policy and defence, which are in the hands of the UK government.

Strategic Importance of Gibralatar:

It is strategically important as located at the mouth of the Mediterranean only 20km (12

miles) from the north coast of Africa. It has a NATO base, including a port and airstrip.

What is the UK-Spain-Gibraltar conflict?

The conflict over the sovereignty of Gibraltar is not new but has been for centuries. It is this

conflict which has manifested itself in the form of a dispute over fishing rights. Both Spain

and Gibraltar have claimed jurisdiction over the waters off the Rock, and both sides have

complained about breach into what they claim are their waters. Both nations have also

invoked environmental laws in a bid to strengthen their claims.

The tension between the two sides escalated when Gibraltar – without prior notice- dropped

concrete blocks into the bay to create an artificial reef to encourage sea life to flourish in

what it sees as its marine reserve. Spain claimed that it has contravened its own

environmental laws and damaged its fishing industry, because Spanish fishing nets were in

danger of catching on the concrete reef blocks.

What Spain has threatened to do?

Spain has imposed more rigorous border checks at the crossing point between Spain and

Gibraltar which led to extremely long traffic queues. Spain is also contemplating introducing

a 50 euro (£43) fee to cross the border, which is at Spain‘s southern tip and has also

threatened to close its airspace to flights heading to Gibraltar. The Spanish tax authorities

can launch an investigation into property owned by around 6,000 Gibraltarians in

neighboring parts of Spain and the law can be changed so that online gambling companies

operating from Gibraltar have to use Spanish servers if they want to operate in Spain, thus

coming under Madrid‘s taxation regime. Spain can also stop concrete and other materials

being brought in through the border for the building of the reef.

Is fishing the only issue annoying Spain?

No. Apart from fishing there are other issues too. There is considerable traffic between

Spain and the Rock, including people who cross the border daily to live and work, but

Madrid alleges that the border is being abused. Other problems include Cigarette smuggling

and circumventing of Spanish residency taxes as Spain see it a corporate tax haven which

allows companies and wealthy individuals to avoid paying millions.

Is this conflict over Gibraltar new?

No. The conflict has continued for centuries. First Spain fought Moorish invaders. Then it

lost Gibraltar to an Anglo-Dutch force in 1704. The Spanish, despite formally ceding it to

London in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht, have wanted it back ever since. Under Franco, Spain

cut Gibraltar off by sealing its frontier.

In 1984 the Spanish and UK governments started negotiations, but the process eventually

crumbled over Spain‘s demands that the territory should revert to full Spanish sovereignty

after 50 years of shared control. However, the border was reopened in 1985.

The Cordoba Agreement:

The Cordoba Agreement was signed in 2006 between the governments of Spain, the UK and

Gibraltar. The pact included deals on issues like border crossings and access for flights. It

also committed them to a tripartite forum for regular talks, but Madrid is not happy to abide

by it.

Raghuram Rajan appointed as the next RBI Governor August 8th, 2013

Raghuram Govind Rajan (50), who is currently the Chief Economic Adviser

to the Govt. of India, has been appointed as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

for 3 years. He will take over from D. Subbarao who demits office on September 4, 2013.

The appointment was approved by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Dr. Rajan, who is credited to have correctly predicted the 2008 financial crisis, is set to take

over the helm of the central bank at a time when the economy is grappling with a multi-

pronged crisis of high consumer price inflation, industrial slowdown, sharp depreciation of

the rupee and a widening current account deficit.

Researchers produce World‘s first lab-grown beef burger August 8th, 2013

Scientists from the Maastricht University in the Netherlands have produced the first lab-

grown beef burger of the world which is being seen as a step towards food revolution. The

burger was served to the volunteers in London.

What is so special about this Hamburger (World‘s first lab-grown beef burger)?

The world‘s first lab-grown beef burger, developed in the lab of Professor

Mark Post of Maastricht University in the Netherlands, weighed 140g with production cost

250000 Euros or 330000 US dollar. The beef used in the burger was developed from the

stem cells extracted from a living cow. As claimed by scientists, when mixed with

breadcrumbs, egg powder and salt, for improving its taste; as well as coloured with red

beetroot juice and saffron; it will taste very much like a usual burger.

How the beef used in the burger (World‘s first lab-grown beef burger) was produced?

The beef used in the burger was developed by using the stem

cells taken from a living cow. Stem cells, as we know, are the master cells with a unique

capability to grow into multiple types of cells i.e. blood, tissue, muscle, etc. Scientists, then

placed these cells in a nutritional medium to grow into small strands of meat. Thousands of

these meat strands were used for making the burger.

Why there is so much excitement about the in-vitro development of beef-burger?

Many view this development as a step towards food revolution as this success has the

capability to produce meat without actually rearing any animal. The research has the

following prospects:

It can address the concerns of growing food demands due to increasing population.

It can also alleviate the pressure on environment as doing away with animal rearing for

meat production would also reduce the carbon footprint and also lessen the pressure on

land, water and other resources. (Cattles like pig, cow, chicken and buffaloes are known

to produce methane which is also a Green House Gas).

A study found that the lab-grown beef makes use of 45% less energy than average global

representative figure for farming cattle. Besides, it also produces 96% less greenhouse

gas emissions and requires 99% less land as well.

What is PETA‘s stance on growing meat in lab?

PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, supports attempts to grow meat in labs

because they say that will greatly diminish the amount of animal suffering. Donor animals

are needed for the muscle cells, but taking those samples doesn‘t hurt the animal. One

sample can theoretically provide up to 20,000 tons of lab-made meat. Continue reading…

HAL signs MoU with Transparency International India August 8th, 2013

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

with the Transparency International India (TII), the coalitions against corruption, to

promote corruption-free, fair and transparent business practices in the company. TII will

advise HAL and support it in implementing its integrity pact programme. HAL is the

firstdefence public enterprise to sign the MoU.

About Transparency International

Transparency International (TI) is a non-governmental organization that monitors and

publicizes corporate and political corruption in international development. It publishes an

annual Corruption Perceptions Index, a comparative listing of corruption worldwide. The

headquarters is located inBerlin, Germany.

Note: Currently India ranks 94th on the CPI released in December 2012.

China unveils first Giant Panda channel August 8th, 2013

China Network Television has launched an internet channel ipanda.com dedicated to the

conservation of Giant Panda. The website will show live 24-hour high-definition (HD)

Internet broadcasts of the daily activities of the 80 endangered Pandas at the Chengdu

Research Base of the Giant Panda Breeding in the southwest Sichuan

Province which is China‘s premier panda breeding facility. Documentaries and a 30-minute

panda-themed programme will also be broadcast everyday on the siteipanda.com.

What is the status of Giant Pandas?

Giant Pandas are one of the world‘s most endangered species. About1,600 pandas live in

the wild, mostly in the mountains of Sichuan, while more than 300 live in captivity.

World Bank & ADB to provide $ 400m to disaster-hit Uttarakhand August 8th, 2013

The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide $ 400 million for

reconstruction and rehabilitation in the disaster-hit areas inUttarakhand. The fund would be

spent in works in sectors including the housing, tourism, irrigation, agriculture, education,

and health sector.

Of the total money received, $ 95 million would be spent in the construction of roads. Also,

$ 20 million would be given to the five hydro-power projects that are funded by the ADB

and have been damaged due to the recent flood-disaster.

Amazon‘s Jeffrey Bezos to buy Washington Post August 8th, 2013

The Washington Post, an American daily newspaper, has announced its sale to Amazon

founder and CEO Jeffrey P Bezos. Bezos has agreed to buy the newspaper assets of the

Washington Post Company for $ 250 million. The decision to sell the assets was made

following the decline in revenue and fall in the circulation of its copies.

The Washington Post has been owned by the Graham family for 80 years. Currently, Donald

E. Graham is the Chairman and Chief Executive of Washington Post.

In another major deal, the Boston Globe, one of the most renowned newspapers in US

was sold by New York Times Company to John Henry, the American billionaire owner of

Liverpool Football Club for $70 million. Globe was launched in 1993 and broke the records of

highest price ever paid to the American newspaper. Fall of the newspaper‘s circulation to

nearly half over a decade is one of the reasons behind the sale.

Why there is decline in the circulation of newspapers in USA?

The print based newspaper is facing stiff competition from the internet based sources of

news. People are switching from the conventional medium to internet and other modern

mediums.

Arundhati Bhattacharya is the new managing director of SBI August 6th, 2013

The Govt. has appointment Arundhati Bhattacharya has been appointed as

the new managing director of the State Bank of India (SBI). Previously, Bhattacharya was

the managing director of SBI Capital, the merchantbanking arm of the bank.

Who is SBI‘s first woman MD (Managing Director)?

Ms Arundhati Bhattacharya will be State Bank of India‘s first woman managing director.

Who was the first Woman MD (Managing Director) of a Public Sector bank in India?

The first woman MD of a Public sector bank in India was Ms Ranjana Kumar.

The Government of India appointed Ms Ranjana Kumar as the Chairperson and managing

Director of the Indian Bank, she became the first woman to become head of a public sector

bank in India.

Some other ladies who are at present heading banks in India:

Public Sector Banks:

United Bank of India: Ms. Archana Bhargav (Chairman & MD)

Allahabad Bank: Ms Shubhalakshmi Panse (Chairman & MD)

Private Sector Banks:

ICICI Bank: Ms.Chanda Kochhar (MD & CEO)

Axis Bank: Ms Shikha Sharma (MD & CEO)

Rajeev Rishi appointed as Chairman and MD of Central Bank of India August 6th, 2013

The Central Government has appointed Rajeev Rishi, Executive

Director, Indian Bank has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing

Director, Central Bank of India. He will have a tenure of five years from the date of

taking over charge.

Prior to his appointment as Chairman & Managing Director of Central Bank of India Shri

Rishi was the Executive Director of Indian Bank since October 2010.

Cyber criminals stealing information during tax filing rush: McAfee August 6th, 2013

Cyber security firm McAfee has warned online tax filers to be

cautious of the phishing scams and fake ads which are being perpetrated by cyber criminals

to make the most of income tax e-filing rush to to steal confidential financial data of users.

Cyber criminals try to take advantage of the rush during the last days of e-filing as tax

payers try to meet the deadline set by the I-T department.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes, the administrative authority of the Income-Tax

Department, has extended the deadline for filing returns, both manual and electronic, to

August 5, 2013.

As per McAfee, cyber criminals use phishing scams where an e-mail is sent to a number of

people, saying income-tax refund is available, and once it is clicked, the user is directed to a

website similar to the one owned by Income-Tax Department. Consumers are then directed

to disclose personal financial details, which help scammers empty their credit card or bank

account. These criminals also use fake tax filing ads that claim to help you to file taxes and

direct you to fraudulent websites that steals your financial data.

McAfee has asked people filing tax returns online not to open any suspicious websites or

emails from an untrustworthy source. The Income-Tax Department does not request

personal information such as PIN numbers, passwords or similar access information for

credit cards, banks or other financial accounts through e-mails.

India win over Zimbabwe is country‘s first-ever ODI Series whitewash on foreign soil August 6th, 2013

History was created when India thrashed Zimbabwe in the final match of the

five-match ODI series played in Zimbabwe. The victory marked India‘s first-ever five-

match ODI series whitewash on foreign soil. The Indian team, under the captaincy

Virat Kohli, achieved the feat when they pipped Zimbabwe by 7 wickets in the fifth and final

one-dayer at Bulawayo.

Union Cabinet gives nod to 10% stake sale in Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) August 6th, 2013

The Union Cabinet has given nod to the proposal to divest 10% government stake in Indian

Oil Corporation (IOC). The move expected to fetch around Rs. 3,750 crore to the exchequer

at the current market price. Currently, the government controls 78.92% stake in IOC.

IOC is India‘s largest oil refiner and has a market capitalization of Rs. 54,519 crore. It

posted a net profit of Rs. 5,005 crore in 2012-13, up from Rs. 3,954 crore in 2011-12. IOC

sells fuel at below-market prices, for which it is partially compensated by the government.

The government has set a disinvestment target through PSU stake sales in the

current financial year is Rs. 40,000 crore. So far, it has managed to garner only around

R929 crore through stake sale in MMTC, Hindustan Copper and National Fertiliser.

Agni V missile expected to be operational by 2015 August 6th, 2013

According to Tessy Thomas, director, Agni Missile Project, DefenceResearch and

Development Organisation (DRDO), two or three more successful test firings, the Agni

V missile is likely to be operational by 2015.

Salient features of Agni V

Intercontinental ballistic missile developed by the Defence Research and Development

Organisation (DRDO) of India.

Part of the Agni series of missiles, one of the missile systems under the

original Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.

Range of 5,500–5,800 km.

It will allow India to strike targets across Asia and into Europe.

A 3 stage solid fuelled missile with composite motor casing in the second and third

stage.

Carry MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles) payloads. A

single MIRV equipped missile can deliver multiple warheads at different targets.

Incorporate advanced technologies involving ring laser gyroscope and accelerometer for

navigation and guidance.

First successfully test-fired by DRDO from Wheeler Island off the coast of Orissa on April

19, 2012. With this, India joined an ―elite nuclear club‖ that also

included China, Russia, France, the US, the UK and possibly Israel.

Government considering giving TRAI authority to impose penalty August 6th, 2013

As per Telecom Ministry, the government is thinking taking away penalizing powers, which

are used to punish service providers for not complying with rules and regulations, from the

Department of Telecom (DoT), and giving these to Telecom Regulatory Authority

of India(TRAI).

Why the government intends to transfer the penalizing powers to TRAI?

As per the government, the Department of Telecom (DoT) is imposing excessive penalties

on the telecom operators who fail to adhere to rules. As per industry estimates, telecom

service providers are facing penalty to the tune of Rs. 6,500 crore. Of this, Rs. 1,900 crore

has been imposed with regards to EMF (radiation) issues. The government intends to bring

in proportionality so that penalty levied in some way is related to seriousness of

the violation of the licence condition. Therefore, it is mulling to transfer penalizing powers

from DoT to TRAI. Currently, while TRAI has the power to regulate and monitor rates,

quality and other parameters of telecom and broadcasting services to protect consumer

interest, it does not have the power to impose penalties on service providers for failing to

adhere to rules.

Rail Tariff Authority gets Cabinet‘s approval August 6th, 2013

Union Cabinet has given nod to the set up Rail Tariff Authority (RTA) in order to

improve the financial situation of the Railways forthwith without any delay.

The RTA has been mandated to completely eliminate the subsidy component and

cross-subsidy of passenger fares from surplus generated from

freight business completely within 10 years.

To set up RTA, the Cabinet has directed the Law Ministry to initiate the process through an

executive order. This will save time than going by the Parliament approval route which is a

long drawn process that needs more than six months. By setting up the authority through

an executive order, the government would obtain the first ruling from the authority for

raising passenger fares. It would not only be speed up the process of decision-making, but

rake in more revenue in the process.

What is the urgency to raise passenger fares?

The net loss in the passenger segment has been rising at a steep rate of 17.6% and has

mounted to a whopping Rs. 22,507 crore in 2011-12. With the Railways finding it difficult to

meet even their operating expenses, there has been little or no progress on the

development and growth front. To make the Railways self- sufficient, the Authority‘s domain

is to generate surplus funds for creating and maintaining rail infrastructure on a long term

basis.

EM-DAT data: Surge in natural disasters linked to population density August 6th, 2013

As per a recent study report released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), an increase in

people living in perilous conditions, poverty, environmental degradation and climate change

have been rendering Indiavulnerable to intense disasters. These conditions that lead to

precipitation extremes are giving a rise to water-related catastrophes.

As per EM-DAT data, India confronts the second most number of intense floods in the

world after China, according to EM-DAT data. The study titled Climate-Related Disasters

in Asia and the Pacific , shows an association between the rise in floods and storms and

more precipitation and dryness linked to rising green house gases and temperatures.

The EM-DAT data shows Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar, thePhilippines,

and Vietnam at exceptional risk.

Key findings of ―Climate-Related Disasters in Asia and the Pacific” study:

Population density is a key factor that drives hydro-meteorological natural disasters

(floods, storms), both statistically and economically.

1% increase in population density is associated with a 1.2% to 1.8% increase in the

frequency of intense hydrometeorological disasters.

It implies that densely populated countries like India are more likely to incur over 100

deaths or have over 1,000 people affected when a storm or flood hits.

High population vulnerability and deterioration climate trends, related to natural disasters

in Asia and the Pacific, loom over the region‘s economic success and affect its strategic

importance in the global economy.

In Asia and the Pacific, the population continues to grow relative to the global total,

and its economy helps drive global economic growth. Still, global manufacturing has

moved to some very hazard-prone and ill-prepared areas. For eg: The Thailandfloods of

2011 and their huge impact on the supply of computer hard drives and auto parts.

The poorer populations are more vulnerable to intense natural disasters.

Less poor economies — those with less than 30% of the population living below

$1.25 Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) a day — are less likely to experience a lower

frequency of intense natural disasters than economies with higher poverty incidence.

What is Emergency Events Database EM-DAT?

Emergency Events Database EM-DAT is a global database on natural and

technological disasters that contains essential core data on the occurrence and effects of

more than 17,000 disasters in the world from 1900 to present. Since 1988, EM-DAT is

maintained by the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) at

the School of Public Health of the Université catholique de Louvain located in

Brussels,Belgium.

Objective of EM-DAT:

To assist humanitarian action at both national and international levels; to rationalize

decision-making for disaster preparedness; and to provide an objective basis for

vulnerability assessment and priority setting.

Health Ministry revokes Pioglitazone suspension August 6th, 2013

As per a notification issued by the Union HealthMinistry, the suspension

imposed on the diabetes drug Pioglitazone and all its combinations has been repealed.

Why Pioglitazone was banned earlier?

Under the Drugs and Cosmetic Act 30-B, sale of any drug, the use of which is prohibited

in the country of origin, is banned in India until clinical data substantiate that it is risk free.

There are several health risks involved with Pioglitazone. Though it is generally used in

against type 2 diabetes and hyperglycemia, there has been higher occurrence of fractures

hands and feet in female diabetics given this drug and is also associated with bladder

cancer and congestive heart failure as found in some Western studies.

What are the new guidelines for the sale of Pioglitazone?

The Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has recommended that the drug may be

allowed to be sold and consumed in the country, with sufficient caution. It suggested that

the manufacture and sale of Pioglitazone may be allowed, provided the manufacturer clearly

mentions on the package insert and promotional literature of the drug that Pioglitazone may

not be used as a first line of therapy for diabetes. It has also recommended that the

manufacturers carry a box warning, clearly mentioning the risks/side effects of the drug in

bold red letters on the package. It has also asked the doctors to make sure that the drug is

not used in persons with active bladder cancer or a history of bladder cancer in the family.

Doctors should review the safety and efficacy of the drug after three to six months of

prescription and the drug maybe continued only if the patient seems to be deriving any

benefit.

CCEA gives nod to IIT-H‘s project with Japan August 6th, 2013

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved

the ‗collaboration of IIT-Hyderabad andJapan‘- a joint project which aims at value-

addition for the institute, along with an academic and industry interface between the

institute and Japan. The project will be carried out via an Official Development Assistance

(ODA) loan from the Japanese government and the Union HRD Ministry.

Project cost: The project cost of Rs. 1,776.50 crore will be met through the ODA loan of

Rs. 1,501.72 crore, while the balance of Rs. 274.77 crore will be endured by grants from the

HRD Ministry over a period of four years between 2013—14 and 2016—17.

How would the ‗Collaboration of IIT-Hyderabad and Japan‘ project help?

The project would add value through collaborative interactions between academics and with

the industry of Japan and by exchange of students and faculty. This will enhance

cooperation between the two countries in the field of science and technology and human

resource development. The project would also help create of a number of

basic infrastructurefacilities and faster scaling up of the IIT with benefits for the

Indianeconomy.

CCEA nod to create Special National Investment Fund August 6th, 2013

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a mechanism to bring

down the government shareholding in its six sick companies to the required 90% or less. As

per CCEA decision, a Special National Investment Fund will be created to transfer shares

of these companies — HMT, Scooters India, Hindustan Photo Films Manufacturing Co, ITI,

Andrew Yule & Co and Fertilizers & Chemicals (Travancore) Ltd.

What will Special National Investment Fund do?

The government has decided to sell the 90% of less of the equities it holds in the above

mentioned six sick companies. As per the SEBI‘s minimum public holding norms, all

government-owned units will have to have at least 10% of public holding. The number

of shares required to make the six companies compliant with the minimum public share

holding norm will be transferred to the Special National Investment Fund out of

government share holding on an irrevocable basis, without any consideration (meaning,

money changing hands). The fund will be managed by independent professional managers.

It will sell the transferred shares within 5 years. The funds realized from the sale would be

used for social sector schemes of the government.

Research links Climate Change to Human Conflict August 6th, 2013

As per a latest study from University of California, Berkeley which analysed 60

studies on climate change, by 2050, human conflict could rise by 50% due to the

rising temperatures. The study covered all major types of violence and revealed large and

clear changes in human behavior in response to climate.

The research examined human behavior in relation to climate over the past 12,000 years in

order to find a link between hot weather and aggression. It was found that intergroup

conflict soared by 14% and interpersonal violence rose 4% for each temperature rise.

As per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over the past

century, the Earth‘s average temperature has risen by 1.4°F. Although this appears minute,

small average temperature changes translate to large and potentially dangerous shifts in

climate, which researchers have now revealed also creates hostile environments.

The researchers examined studies from a wide variety of fields including climatology,

archaeology, economics, political science, and psychology to make the study accurate and

valid. It examined various aspects of climate, such as rainfall, drought, and temperature

and cross-analyzed with various forms and degrees of violence in broad categories. The

factors were divided into the following groups with specific links to historical

events: personal violence and crime like murder, assault, rape, and domestic

violence; intergroup violence and political instability like civil wars, riots, ethnic

violence, and land invasions; and instructional breakdowns like abrupt and major

changes in governing institutions or the collapse of entire civilizations.

The studies found that aggression aggravates as high as 16% in anything hostile from horn-

honking to domestic violence, assault, rape, and murder during periods of hotter climates. A

temperature rise of just 2°F, in fact, could increase intergroup conflicts, such as

civil wars, by over 50%.

How did the researchers discern that heat makes us angrier, especially in designed

studies?

In one of the studies, researchers deliberately caused traffic at a high temperature at a

crossing in Phoenix in order to see whether drivers without air conditioning were more likely

to honk angrily than drivers in climate-controlled vehicles. Results showed that, indeed,

those that were hotter honked more.

France to reduce Rafale order, programme depends upon Indian defense deal August 6th, 2013

France government has decided to cut back its orders for Rafale fighter

jets from the current 11 per year to just 26 over the next six years. The move is likely to

de-stabilize the entire Rafale programme unless Dassault Aviation is able to ink

the India contract for the sale of 126 fighters for over €10 billion.

How the French decision to reduce the order can impact the Rafael programme?

France, in its new Defence Review, known in French as the Draft Military Programme

(LPM),for French forces from 2014 to 2019, has announced to make savings

particularly through a Reduction in Force (RIF) exercise, through the sale of immovable

assets belonging to the country‘s armed services and by limiting its orders for the

Rafale. Earlier, Dassault Aviation, who is running the Rafael programme, had obtained the

purchase by the military of 11 jets a year from the French government. But now the

government has decided to cut back the order to 26 fighters in next six years creating a

shortfall of €4 billion for Dassault. Now, the position is such that Dassault Aviation should

count only on exports to support the production of the multirole combat aircraft. Dassault

Aviation will have to sell some 40 planes to France‘s commercial partners if it is to juggle

production costs, the army‘s requirements and the minimum number of aircraft it must

build to maintain the commercial validity of the Rafale programme.

However, the French government is still optimistic that the planes would be sold abroad.

India is yet to sign the order for the purchase of 126 fighters for over €10 billion and

beyond October 2013, with elections looming large on the horizon, it is difficult to think of a

quick signature on the biggest defence tender ever floated by India.

Sugathakumari conferred with Saraswati Samman 2013 August 6th, 2013

Noted Malayalam poetess Sugathakumari has been conferred with the

prestigious Saraswati Samman 2012 for Manalezhuthu (the Writings on the Sand), a

collection of poems in Malayalam.

About Saraswati Samman Award

Saraswati Samman Award was instituted by KK Birla Foundation in 1991 to honor

outstanding literary work in any Indian language which is the part of Eighth Schedule of the

Constitution. The Award is recognized as the most prestigious and the highest literary honor

in the country. The award carries cash prize of 10 lakh Rupees, a plaque as well as a

citation.

Note: Ismat Chughtai was the first person to receive Saraswati Samman for his work in

Urdu Literature.

CCEA approves dilution of safeguards for FDI in multi-brand retail August 4th, 2013

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its nod for the ―dilution‖

of certain safeguards including relaxing the 30% sourcing norm and doing away with the

mandatory 50% condition for backend infrastructure investment which were approved by

Parliament while allowing 49% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in multibrand retail

announced in 2012. Though the changes were strongly opposed by theMinistry of

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) but they were ignored by the CCEA while

approving the new norms seeking to attract much needed FDI investments by global retail

chains in Multi-brand Retail Trade (MBRT).

What are the changes in the FDI in multibrand approved by the CCEA?

As per the CCEA:

The norm of 30% mandatory sourcing from small scale industries clause has been waived

off.

Under the new policy, medium scale industries with total investment not exceeding $2

million would also be made eligible for sourcing of manufactured/processed to products.

This requirement would be reckoned only at the time of first engagement with the retailer

and such industry shall continue to qualify for this purpose even if it outgrows the

investment of $2 million during the course of its relationship with the said retailer.

The number of cities to be covered under the MBRT policy has also been increased by

amending the clause of permitting cities or States with less than 10 lakh population also

to open front end stores with the permission of the States or Union Territories.

The clause that makes it mandatory for retail companies to invest at least 50% of total

FDI brought in the backend infrastructure has also been diluted. Under the new policy,

the 50% of total FDI investment would only apply to the first tranche of $100 million to

be invested in backend infrastructure within 3 years.

Hikes in FDI caps in many sectors — from 74 % to 100 % in the telecom sector, from

26% to 49% in the insurance sector- have been approved.

The Cabinet Committee on Security has been allowed to go beyond 26% in defence on a

case-to-case basis. It also raised sectoral caps and altered the approval route in

petroleum and natural gas, single-brand retail, power and commodity exchanges in

certain other sectors.

RBI‘s cash-tightening measures to stay until Forex market stabilizes: Subbarao August 4th, 2013

RBI Governor D Subbarao has defended the central bank‘s stance on choosing

inflation over growth, saying that when the ―inflation threshold limit is crossed, it becomes

difficult to make a trade-off.‖

He explained that there is a threshold level of inflation. If the inflation is below that level,

then RBI can make that trade-off. But if it isn‘t, then it can‘t afford to do the same as

inflation hurts the poor section of the country the most and for this reason some sacrifice of

growth is inevitable to curb inflation. He said that this sacrifice in growth is only for the

short-term. In the long-term, curbing inflation will be supportive of growth.

He refused to give any time-frame of the current cash-tightening measures taken by the

central bank and indicated that these measures will stay until volatility in the foreign

exchange market is curbed.

India to launch indigenous Aircraft Carrier project August 4th, 2013

India will launch its biggest ever Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC)project, in terms of

size and complexity of design, on August 12 at Kochi.

Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) project:

It will be India‘s biggest Indigenous Aircraft Carrier warship with a displacement of

40,000-tonne.

The project will render India to join the select club of nations like

the U.S., France, Russia and the U.K., who are capable of designing and building

40,000-tonne aircraft carriers.

Being built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)

It has a length of 260 metres and a maximum breadth of 60 metres.

Propelled by two shafts to attain speeds in excess of 28 knots.

Two take off runways and a landing strip with three arrester wires.

Very high degree of automation for machinery operation, navigation and survivability.

With the launch of the project, the warship will be fitted withLong Range Surface to Air

Missile (LR SAM) system with multi-function radar and Close-in Weapon System

(CIWS), MiG 29K fighter jets, the naval version of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA),

helicopters, early air warning radar and direction finding systems.

After extensive sea trials in 2016, IAC will be commissioned by 2018, the time when

Viraat who is currently serving as India‘s aircraft carrier, would have clocked the time for

its decommissioning.

CCEA approves 10% stake sell of IOC August 3rd, 2013

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the proposal for sale of 10%

of government stake in country‘s largest refiner Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), which is likely

to generate around Rs.3,840 crore to the exchequer.

The selling will be carried out through the offer for sale route. Currently, the government

controls 78.92% stake in IOC. IOC has a market capitalisation of Rs.54,519 crore. It posted

a net profit of Rs.5,005 crore in 2012-13, up from Rs.3,954 crore in the 2012. The

government has set the disinvestment target of Rs.40,000 crore through the stake sale of

public sector undertakings. So far, it has fetched Rs.929 crore through stake sale in MMTC,

Hindustan Copper and National Fertiliser.

Pacific Marshall Islands under threat of climate catastrophe August 3rd, 2013

The Marshall Islands has sought support to ward-off a future

Pacific ―climate catastrophe‖ that, it says, will expunge it from the map without critical

action on global warming.

The government of the Marshall Island has called for decisive action on climate change and

has insisted US Secretary of State John Kerry to attend the 16-member Pacific Islands

Forum to be hosted by Australia in September 2013 where a major climate declaration is

likely to be made.

Marshall Island seeks to present Majuro Declaration to the United Nations General Assembly

to help renew global efforts on emissions reduction as the Pacific region battles rising seas

and growing numbers of so-called climate refugees.

The tiny Pacific atoll of 55,000 people, which is located at an average of just two metres

above sea level, was already feeling the heat of global warming with an unprecedented

seven-month drought in the north and a devastating king tide earlier this year triggering

disaster declarations.

The Marshalls government was already ferrying food and drinking water to 13 outer island

communities due to drought-linked shortages that were threatening the export of copra, the

dried-out flesh of coconuts from which oil is extracted, which underpinned its economy.

The island is also facing immigration as climate refugees from neighbouring Kiribati and

Tuvalu are taking refuge in the island. The government fears a two-metre sea level rise

predicted by the World Bankbefore the end of the century.

Where are the Marshall Islands?

The Marshall Islands, officially the Republic of the Marshall Islands, is an island country

located in the northern Pacific Ocean. Geographically, the country is part of the larger island

group of Micronesia, with the population of 68,480 people spread out over 34 low-lying

coral atolls, comprising 1,156 individual islands and islets. The islands share maritime

boundaries with the Federated States of Micronesia to the west, Wake Island to the north,

Kiribati to the south-east, and Nauru to the south. The most populous atoll

is Majuro, which also acts as the capital.

Govt. approves draft amendments to keep parties outside the purview of RTI Act August 3rd, 2013

Draft amendments to the Right To Information Act (RTI) have been approved by the

Union Cabinet in order to nullify an order of the Central Information Commission (CIC)

bringing the 6 national political parties under the ambit of the Act. There is a consensus

among almost all major political parties to the proposed amendments as they feel that the

CIC has exceeded its jurisdiction by passing such an order.

What was the order passed by CIC regarding RTI Act?

Responding to the petitions by several RTI activists, the CIC had ruled that the national

parties have to share details with RTI petitioners on issues related to their funding and

the criteria on which they have selected candidates for fighting elections.

Why there is opposition to the CIC order?

As per the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on the CIC order which also echoes the

sentiments of most of the parties on this issue, to apply the Right to Information Act and

demand access to the internal deliberations of the party whether it be on policy matters,

organisational decisions or selection of candidates will constitute a serious infringement of

inner-party functioning, confidentiality of discussions and undermine the political party

system itself. On the concerns of transparency of the funding and finances of political

parties, laws already exists under which all political parties are required to submit their

accounts to the Income Tax department and the Election Commission. Already under the

RTI, the statement of accounts and the finances of the parties are accessible to anyone from

the Election Commission.

Telangana sparks more Statehood demands across the country August 3rd, 2013

With the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Coordination Committee giving nod to the

divide Andhra Pradesh and create Telangana, demands for statehood from several regions

of the country backed by political parties have re-emerged, and reluctant State

governments are battling new fires.

From where are the demands of separate state coming in India?

The country is witnessing protests demanding creation of separate States from various

regions which include:

West Bengal: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), fighting for a Gorkhaland state.

Assam: Karbi Anglong state demands have resurfaced. The demand for Bodoland has

also re-emerged.

Uttar Pradesh: Previous government of UP under Mayawati had proposed splitting Uttar

Pradesh into Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Awadh Pradesh, and Paschim

Pradesh, and this was ratified by the Assembly.

Maharashtra: Creation of Vidarbha state is being supported by the BJP. The proposed

state corresponds to the eastern 11 districts of the state of Maharashtra.

Semaandhra people to search for fourth capital in 60 years August 3rd, 2013

In case the division of Andhra Pradesh goes through, the people of the newly created

Andhra state, which will include the Rayalseema region, will have to search for their fourth

capital city in the last 60 years. The creation of the new capital will cost government dearly

as according to rough estimates, the government will have to spend a minimum of Rs. 3

lakh crore for creating and developing the State headquarters.

Which places have been the capital of Andhra in past?

Till 1953: Madras was the capital of Telugu-speaking areas of Andhra and Rayalaseema

under the integrated Madras Presidency.

On October 1, 1953: The State of Andhra was constituted as per the recommendations of

the States Reorganisation Commission and Kurnool (now in Rayalaseema) was

declared its capital.

On November 1, 1956: Hyderabad was declared the capital of the present Andhara

Pradesh formed by the merger of State of Andhra and the State of Hyderabad (Telugu

speaking areas under the Nizam rule).

Now, with the declaration made for forming Telangana State, the Seemandhra people will

have no choice but again to search for a new capital city and the names/cities doing rounds

include Ongole, Guntur, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. As proposed, Hyderabad

would be joint capital for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for only 10 years and after that it

would go to Telangana.

Earth‘s runaway heating easy to trigger than earlier believed August 3rd, 2013

A study headed by Colin Goldblatt from the University of Victoria, Canadahas found that it

may be possible for a planet to experience a runaway greenhouse effect even if it does not

receive a higher amount of solar radiation that is considered necessary to trigger the event.

What is Runaway Greenhouse Effect and how it can impact Earth?

A runaway greenhouse effect is the uncontrolled heating up of a planet‘s surface resulting in

the rapid evaporation of its water bodies such as oceans, which get converted to steam and

make the planet inhospitable.

What can cause Runaway Greenhouse Effect?

Runaway Greenhouse Effect is caused when the solar radiation absorbed by the planet

exceeds the thermal radiation released by it. In ideal conditions, such as in the case of

Earth, the absorption and radiation levels are balanced resulting in a temperate climate.

What did the Goldblatt‘s study on Runaway Greenhouse Effect find?

Dr. Goldblatt‘s study has found that a runaway greenhouse effect can be triggered, under

specific conditions, even on a planet like Earth receiving normal levels of solar radiation.

As per this study, for any given planet (like Earth) there is a fixed upper limit of thermal

radiation that helps balance the amount of solar radiation absorbed. The study, conducted

using specific computer modeling techniques which have analyzed runaway greenhouse

effects at different temperatures, has found that the threshold level for thermal

radiation is lower than previously thought. Likewise, the solar radiation levels have

been found to be higher than previous estimates. This lower level of thermal radiation can

help cause a runaway greenhouse effect easily on Earth than believed earlier.

The study compares the findings with planets such as Venus and says that Venus might

have experienced a runaway greenhouse effect in the past and that ―Earth‘s future is

analogous to Venus‘s past‖. But, it may happen only after a million years or more. It further

adds that such an effect is unlikely to happen due to human-induced factors.

Union Govt. launches National Teeka Express August 3rd, 2013

The National Teeka Express was launched by Union

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It has been launched to protect children from life-

threatening childhood diseases.

What is the key motive behind National Teeka Express?

Under Routine Immunization Programme, ANMs collect vaccines from storage point (cold

chain point) and transport them to session sites, i.e. either Sub-centre or Anganwari

centre for carrying out vaccination. Govt of India provides support for distribution of

vaccine from last storage point to outreach immunization session sites at Sub-

centres/Anganwaris, known as Alternate Vaccine Delivery (AVD)under NRHM.

However, gaps in the implementation of Alternate Vaccine Delivery in difficult areas with low

access to healthcare services have been noticed. This gap may compromise the cold

chain maintenance and possible loss of potency of vaccine. Improper storage could

also lead to Adverse Events Following Immunization. This is the key reason behind

of Teeka Express.

What programme is planned under ‗National Teeka Express‘?

Govt. of India (GoI) has planned Teeka Express to be piloted in 69 high priority districts

with difficult areas and low immunization coverage. For these districts, 1,850 vehicles are

planned to be procured with GoI assistance. Designated vehicles under the brand name

of ‗National Teeka Express‘ will help in:

Distribution of the vaccines and complementary logistics from last cold chain point to

immunization session sites.

Ensure holding of sessions at the mobile vaccination centre.

In order to reduce vaccine wastage and ensure better utilization of vaccines, including

costly vaccines like Pentavalent vaccine ‗Teeka Express‘ will be used with reverse cold

chain to bring back the open and un-used vaccines for use in subsequent sessions.

Serve as a mobile healthcare delivery unit for the areas where there is no healthcare

facility or health worker.

Collect immunization related bio-medical waste for safe disposal at vaccine storage

points.

Collect the coverage and immunization performance reports of the session for compilation

and preparation of report at PHC.

The programme will be implemented in a Phased manner. In the first phase the 120

vehicles of ―Teeka Express‖ are planned in 6 districts of 5 states namely Rajasthan –

Alwar; Uttar Pradesh – Sharaswati; Haryana– Mewat; Jammu and Kashmir – Doda and

Poonch and Madhya Pradesh – Tikamgarh.

India, China play key role to break potash cartel August 3rd, 2013

India and China together played a significant role in busting a giantRussia-Belarus potash

cartel. This move will benefit the importers of potash and ultimately the cultivators as it is

likely to bring down its prices significantly.

How did India and China bring down the Russia-Belarus potash cartel?

The giant Belarusian Potash Company (BPC) venture, a cartel of Russia‘s Uralkali and

Belarus Belaruskali, accounted for 40% of global potash sales. The BPC had exclusive right

to export Belarusian potash. Due to a significant control over the potash market, the cartel

used to keep the prices higher by reducing the supplies in the event of fall in demands. Both

the Russian and Belarus potash producers are now running at about 60% capacity

utilisation.

In December 2012, the exclusive right of BPC was cancelled through a decree signed by

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenka. Following this move, the cartel collapsed after

the Russian partner walked out of the marketing venture.

It was Indian and Chinese potash importers that prevailed upon the Belarus leader to sign

the fateful degree. The Indian and Chinese importers convinced Mr. Lukashenka that

Belarus could earn more if it marketed its potash on its own, rather than through the joint

arrangement with Russians. Potash exports in Belarus contribute 6-10% to budget

revenues, and Mr. Lukashenka wanted to increase the share at a time when the Belarus is

struggling in deep crisis.

How would the busting of Belarusian Potash Company (BPC) venture help?

The breaking of Russia-Belarus potash cartel is likely to push the Uralkali to switch to

volume-over-price strategy, which could lead to a 25% drop in world prices. It is expected

that the potash price will fall below $300 a tonne after the change in company‘s trading

policy. The price now stands at about $400 a tonne. At the same time, India and China, the

two world‘s largest importers of potash, stand to reap benefits from the price fall.

Researchers develop CNT-Cu (Carbon Nanotubes and Copper) material using carbon nanotubes for next-gen conductors August 3rd, 2013

Researchers from the National Institute of Advanced IndustrialScience and

Technology (AIST), Japan, have developed a new material called CNT-Cu (Carbon

Nanotubes and Copper) which makes possible lighter conductors that can carry larger

currents.

Researchers, led by Indian chemist Dr. Subramaniam Chandramouli, have created this

material by embedding carbon nanotubes in copper. It resulted into a new material ―CNT-

Cu‖ with boosted ampacity to a massive 10,000%, with an electrical conductivity

comparable to that of copper.

What is Ampacity?

Ampacity is the maximum amount of current a conductor can carry before losing its

electrical properties. The larger the ampacity the better is the performance.

Why do we need materials with high ampacity?

A material with higher ampacity and which is simultaneously conductive is required to

withstand, handle and transport the increasing current densities of modern electronics.

What is special with CNT-Cu (Carbon Nanotubes and Copper) ?

CNT-Cu consists of 45% CNTs by volume, and is less dense than a pure copper conductor

by 42%. An advantage of the material is that it reduces the amount of copper required and

provides 100 times higher performance.

How CNT-Cu (Carbon Nanotubes and Copper) is better than copper?

CNT-Cu conductors has an edge over copper conductors in a way that the CNT-Cu achieves

higher ampacity by suppressing electromigration that occurs in copper wires, where

electrons are scattered off their path by copper atoms. As electrons move inside the

conductor, they are often scattered by atoms in their path. As the current density increases,

scattering also increases until, at a threshold called the conductor‘s rating, the material

can no longer conduct the electrons, resulting in electro-migration.

In case of CNT-Cu, the negatively charged particles are channelled to move through a

continuous mesh-like network formed by the nanotubes, averting scattering.

Bhim Sain Bassi is the new Delhi Police Commissioner August 3rd, 2013

Bhim Sain Bassi, the 1977-batch IPS officer of AGMU (Arunachal Pradesh-

Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories) cadre has taken over the charge as the 20th DelhiPolice

Commissioner as he succeeded Neeraj Kumar, the outgoing Delhi Police Chief. Bassi will

hold the office till February 2016.

He was conferred the President‘s Police Medal for distinguished service and the Police Medal

for meritorious service.

Nationwide survey shows 44 top Indian cities below global median of doctors August 3rd, 2013

The IMS Health Physician and Chemist survey on the state of healthcare in the country

disclosed that 44 of the top 120 Indian (metro and non-metro) cities are below the global

median of 1.2 doctors per 1000 population, while 76 cities are above this benchmark. The

survey points out that there is an alarmingly low doctor density in rural areas.

As per IMS Health Physician and Chemist survey:

Amongst the metro cities, the density of doctors to 1,000 population is more than double

compared to the national average of 0.65.

Delhi has the highest density at 2.05 doctors due to the fact that it has the highest

numbers of doctors in India(33,5000).

Mumbai has one of the lowest density of doctors, 1.52 per 1,000 population, due to the

fact that it‘s the most populous city.

Amongst states, Haryana has the highest doctor density.

Some cities are over-served by the healthcare system like cities of North India account

for 31% of doctors in the country, but only 28% of the country‘s population lives there.

As compared to this, east and south India have a considerably lower density of GPs (non-

MBBS) compared to the Indian average.

When compared across the chemist population similar unevenness was found.

Around 42% of chemists in India are concentrated in the top nine most populated cities,

and 29% of chemist sales are performed without any prescription.

37% of chemist outlets are attached to doctor clinics, polyclinics, hospital facilities, and

nursing homes.

RBI lowers GDP growth to 5.7% August 3rd, 2013

The GDP growth for the current fiscal has been fixed lower by the Reserve Bank of India‘s

professional forecaster‘s survey. From the earlier estimation of 6% it has now been fixed as

5.7%.

Forecast by RBI:

The growth is expected to rise further to 6.5% in 2014-15.

The bank credit growth forecast for 2013-14 has also been revised downward to 15 %

from 16 %.

For money supply has been revised downwards in 2013-14 to 13% from 14.6 %.

Agricultural prospects for 2013-14 are encouraging given the good monsoon so far.

Revival in mining and manufacturing will take some more time but some improvement

can be seen.

Inflation and Risk:

RBI revised the inflation target to 5.3 % from the earlier target of 6.5 %.

Average WPI inflation is expected to moderate to 5.3 % during 2013-14.

The rupee depreciation of about 9 % in Q1 of 2013-14 is likely to put pressure on

domestic inflation.

Fuel under-recoveries have raised sharply due to the exchange rate depreciation and

domestic price rigidities.

Businesses have weakened but signs are there that the downturn can be contained.

Mechanism behind brains ability to pay attention unveiled August 3rd, 2013

Researchers from Dartmouth‘s Geisel School of Medicine and the University of California

Davis have decoded the cellular mechanisms behind human brain‘s ability to pay attention

to relevant information while ignoring distractions. Despite much study of attention in the

brain, the cellular mechanisms responsible for the effects of attention have remained a

mystery until now.

What has been revealed by the study by Dartmouth‘s Geisel School of Medicine and the

University of California Davis?

Researchers studied communications between synaptically connected neurons under

conditions where subjects shifted their attention toward or away from visual stimuli that

activated the recorded neurons, sharpen the precision of these signals, and selectively boost

the transmission of attention-grabbing information while reducing the level of noisy or

attention-disrupting information.

In this study, scientist found a new mechanism by which attention shapes perception by

selectively altering presynaptic weights to highlight sensory features among all

the noisy sensory input.

How would the findings by by Dartmouth‘s Geisel School of Medicine and the University of

California Davis help?

Besides expanding our understanding of brain, this study would help people with attention

deficits resulting from brain injury or disease, possibly leading to improved screening and

new treatments.

Government agrees to share classified hydrological data at a cost August 3rd, 2013

The government has decided to share classified hydrological data at a cost only if the user is

able to convince a panel about the requirement. The classified data can be availed by both

Indian and foreign users by applying for it.

Why the government has agreed to share hydrological data?

There has been increased demand by the community that statistics collected using public

funds should be made more readily available to all for facilitating rational debate, better

decision making and in meeting society‘s needs.

As per Hydro-meteorological Data Dissemination Policy 2013:

The classified data will be released for a specific purpose or study and will be non-

transferable.

There is a ban on reproduction of the classified data in any report or publication or

detailed project report.

Only result of analysis and inferences drawn thereof should be published.

How to get access to hydrological data?

Those who want to use the data will have to approach a designated chief engineer of the

Central Water Commission (CWC) with a secrecy undertaking. The official would first verify

the authenticity of the user, the purpose for which the data has been requested and the

minimum amount of data required for the purpose. He will forward the request along with

his recommendations to theClassified Data Release Committee which will take a final

call on the issue.

Indian commercial and foreign users will be provided the classified hydro data at a cost

of Rs 75,000 per site, per annum while the Indian non-commercial users will be

provided with the information free of cost.

India divided into 3 regions regarding data dissemination:

1. Region-I: Indus basin and other rivers and their tributaries discharging into Pakistan

2. Region-II: Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin and other rivers and their tributaries

discharging into Bangladesh/Myanmar

3. Region-III: Remaining other rivers and their tributaries.

According to the policy, while the data of Region-I and II are classified, the data of Region-

III is unclassified.

The reservoir water level, live storage position, water quality, groundwater and

meteorological data for all regions are also unclassified.

Google India introduces ―Start Searching India‖ campaign August 3rd, 2013

Google India introduced ‗Start Searching India‘ campaign to help internet users get the

most out of the web with its search tool.

Objective of ―Start Searching India‖: To help Indian users save time, by showing how

they can get instant and to the point answers to their most common queries

According to Google e-governance is doing well in Madhya

Pradesh with mponline.comand vyapam.com figuring in the top five web searches.

Weakening rupee is biggest risk to inflation: Subbarao August 3rd, 2013

Duvvuri Subbarao, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, stated that the declining of

the rupee is the biggest risk to inflation.

RBI left interest rates unchanged as it supports a battered rupee but it would roll back

recent liquidity tightening measures when stability returns to the currency market enabling

it to resume supporting growth.

RBI also has reservations on issuing sovereign bonds and as it feels that sovereign bond

issue would compromise financial stability. As per RBI, the cost of a sovereign bond issue

outweighs the benefits at current juncture.

BrahMos receives orders worth Rs 25,000 crore August 3rd, 2013

Indo-Russian (49.5 % stake) joint venture, BrahMos Aerospace developed the world‘s first

supersonic cruise missile and has already bagged orders worth Rs 25,000 crore from the

Indian defence forces.

The deliveries to the Indian Army and Navy have started and the joint venture will begin

deliveries of a slightly modified version to the Indian Air Force from 2015.

Export opportunities and issues with BrahMos:

The 290-km-range BrahMos having multiple platforms to launch and its low cost has also

attracted the world. There is lot of export opportunity with about 14 countries showing

interest. However, there are issues like the country‘s security interests and what model (of

the missile) that can be exported. The production order for BrahMos would rise from $7

billion to $10 billion by 2015.

Upcoming Modified version of BahMos:

The slight modification of the version of the missile is being done to suit the needs of the

Indian Air Force. It is being fitted to the Air Force‘s deep-strike Sukoi aircraft. In the mid of

2014, the live flight trials will be done and it will be ready for induction with the Air Force by

2015. The joint venture will later start work on new versions of the missile such as a

hypersonic model.

CCEA to consider new definition of ―Control‖ in FDI policy August 3rd, 2013

The existing clause in the FDI policy states that a company owned and controlled by

resident Indian citizens has the power to appoint majority of its directors in that company.

Now the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has decided to consider new

definition for ―control‖ in FDI policy.

Aim of the new Definition of ―control‖ in FDI policy:

To provide better mechanism for calculating direct and indirect investment in a company.

The new definition will include the right to appoint majority of directors.

It will provide control in the management by virtue of shareholding or management right

or shareholder agreement or voting agreement.

The CCEA may also look into revising norms related to sourcing from small industries and

investment in back-end by multi-brand retailers.

There will be no change in 30% sourcing limit from small industries and small industries will

be defined as those having a total investment in plant and machinery not exceeding $2

million. At present this limit stands at $1 million. The small industry status will be valid for

only 3 years after the breach of the $2-million investment limit.

ICC World Cup 2015 to be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand August 3rd, 2013

Defending champion India will take on Pakistan in its opening match of the

ICC cricket World Cup, 2015 on February 15, 2015 which is to be jointly hosted

by Australia and New Zealand from February 14 to March 29, 2015. India has never lost to

Pakistan in any of its five World Cup clashes so far.

India to play against the following teams in the group stage

Pakistan at Adelaide on February 15, 2015

Zimbabwe at Eden Park, Auckland on March 14, 2015

South Africa in Melbourne on February 22, 2015

Qualifier 4 in Perth on February 28, 2015

West Indies in Perth on March 6, 2015

Ireland in Hamilton on March 10, 2015

Competing Groups:

Pool A: England, Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, New Zealand co-host, Qualifier 2

(TBD), Qualifier 3 (TBD)

Pool B: South Africa, India, Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Qualifier 1 (Ireland),

Qualifier 4 (TBD)

RBI leaves key rates unchanged to curb the depreciation of Rupee August 3rd, 2013

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the indicative policy (repo) rate unchanged at 7. 25 %

and the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 4% in order to suppress the instability in the foreign

exchange market.

The RBI had brought down the repo rate from a peak of 8.50% by 125 basis points in 2012-

13 and CRR from a high of 6 % in the last one-and-a-half years by 200 basis points.

RBI‘s revised Growth Projection:

The RBI revised its growth projection for the current financial year from 5.7 % to 5.5 %.

The depressed global conditions were undermining export performance, even as the

heightened instability in capital flows had raised external funding risks. In advanced

economies, activity has weakened. Emerging and developing economies are slowing, and

are also experiencing sell-offs in their financial markets.

DD Direct Plus to telecast Australia‘s ABC International Channel August 3rd, 2013

An agreement was signed between Prasar Bharati and Australian channel

ABC International which will make available the ABC International channel to the viewers of

Doordarshan‘s Direct to Home (DTH) platform.

The channel is the international service of the Australian public service broadcaster and is

telecasted to more than 40 countries in Asia and the Pacific. The channel service will be

available on DD Direct Plus from November 1 along with 59 other channels on

Doordarshan‘s DTH platform. The partnership between Prasar Bharati and the Australian

broadcaster would extend into other areas like co-production activities, exchange of TV

programmes, exchange of radio programmes and aspects.

―Bharat Mobile Scheme‖ August 3rd, 2013

Union govt to proceed with ‖Bharat Mobile Scheme‖

The Union government is going ahead with Bharat Mobile Scheme to give mobile phones to

6 million families that live Below Poverty Line (BPL). The plan is being seen as similar to

freebies like laptops and television sets distributed by several other regional.

What is the aim of Bharat Mobile Scheme?

As per the government, it is planning its Bharat Mobile Scheme with the aim to provide

unconnected citizens access to benefits of welfare programmes. Besides communication,

mobile is to act as a device identity of the members of a household for transfer of benefits

of different government programmes.

The phone number may act as the first level of authentication for the user and can be

utilized to access information, including land records and details of payments made to a

family. To get subsidies and other government benefits, people will still need the Aadhaar

Unique Identification Number.

Who will be given the mobile phones under ―Bharat Mobile Scheme‖ ?

As per DoT, every rural household that has at least one member who completed 100 days of

work under the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) in

2012 will be given a mobile phone.

How would the Bharat Mobile Scheme be implemented?

To carry out the scheme operators will be selected through competitive biddings or

nominated state-run operators. The operators will be responsible for providing the devices,

accessories, connectivity as well as warranty for 3 years.

The mobile phones will have customized embedded opening screens displaying details of the

scheme and the allocated number will act as a level of authentication to provide access

to health records, land records and payment transfers.

The scheme will be accomplished in 3 years and follow lists of eligible citizens prepared by

state governments. Women will be given preference to receive the mobile phones.

Political views against ―Bharat Mobile Scheme‖:

Many a political analysts view this scheme as a political gimmick to woo the voters ahead of

the general elections in 2014, much like the various states giving out laptops and such.

Similar Antecedents to ‖Bharat Mobile Scheme‖

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav distributing laptops and tablet computers to

students who pass class 12 examinations.

In Tamil Nadu, local political parties have been known to promise laptops, food grinders and

television sets apart from subsidized food grain as part of their election mandates.

Status of Teledensity in India

As per Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) figures, India ended April with 867.02

million mobile connections. This included 345.85 million rural connections, a 40.59% rural

teledensity.

SAFF U-16 football title: India defeats Nepal August 3rd, 2013

India beat Nepal 1-0 to in the final match lift the South

Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-16 Championships title played at the Dasharath

Stadium in Nepal. India returned unbeaten in the biennial tournament.

SAFF U-16 Championship

Annual international football competition

First edition: Nepal (August 2011)

Contestants: National teams of the members of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF)

Member Associations:

Bangladesh 1997

India 1997

Maldives 1997

Nepal 1997

Pakistan 1997

Sri Lanka 1997

Bhutan 2000

Afghanistan 2005

India‘s first DNA Forensic Laboratory established in Gurgaon August 3rd, 2013

Global biotechnology company ‗Life Technologies‘ has launched India‘s first private

DNA forensics laboratory which is expected to accelerate sampling process thereby

reducing the burden on existing forensic laboratories. The technology based on DNA testing

has widely been accepted as the most effective crime fighting tool among law enforcement

agencies for a variety of applications, including assaults, missing persons and disaster

victim identification.

Benefits of the DNA Forensic Lab:

The lab will reduce the burden on existing forensic system and address the requirements

of DNA database generation for unidentified dead bodies or other crime investigations.

It will facilitate a broad range of DNA testing including paternity testing, kinship testing,

DNA profiling for database generation, and forensic DNA analysis.

The lab will meet international standards for DNA testing.

Indian Grand Prix 2014 dropped August 3rd, 2013

Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone has dropped India from the 2014 as the racing

calendar for the coming year has been modified. The race

organizers Jaypee Sports International Ltd. stated that the India will hold the Grand Prix

in March 2015.

Telangana will be India‘s 29th State August 2nd, 2013

The UPA Coordination Committee agreed for the division of the state of Andhra Pradesh.

The Congress Working Committee pronounced in a common resolution

that Telangana will be the new state.

Process to be followed for the formation of Telangana:

· The Centre will send the CWC resolution to the State Assembly to seek its views after

which it will go to the Union Cabinet.

· Group of Ministers, to address all the issues of Telangana and Seemandhra i.e. the

sharing of waters, revenue, land, power, assets and liabilities — will then be set up.

· The Union Cabinet will then ask the Union Law Ministry to draft a bill that will be sent

to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly.

· The Union Home Ministry will make adequate provisions, incorporating the

suggestions and then the government-approved draft bill will be sent to the President.

· Parliament will then have to pass the bill in both the Houses by a simple majority.

· Finally it will go back to the President for notification.

As per Article 371 (D) which provides special provisions for the State Andhra Pradesh, the

Union Cabinet would examine whether it would remain relevant after the creation of

Telangana.

The proposed Telangana structure:

· The inclusion of two districts of Rayalaseema — Anantapur and Kurnool in

Telangana has yet not been finalised. If over the next few months there are demands for

their inclusion an appeal could be made to the GoM.

· The new State will have 10 districts, while the remaining Andhra and

Rayalaseema regions will together constitute Seemandhra.

· Hyderabad would be the common capital for the two States for 10 years and by that

time Seemandhra will have a new capital built with Central assistance.

Abortion Law passed in Ireland August 2nd, 2013

Ireland adopted the law to allow abortion under limited circumstances after President

Michael D. Higgins signed the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill passed by

Parliament.

How will the Abortion law of Ireland help women?

The law will allow women in the country to have an abortion in case of fatal foetal

abnormality. The new law would permit abortion if the mother‘s life is in danger. It would

also extend to women who are deemed suicidal if refused abortion.

Background:

The law has been drafted after the widespread anger over the death of Savita

Halappanavar, a young Indian dentist, in an Irish hospital after being refused abortion

despite apparent risk to her life. Her husband claimed that the University College Hospital

Galway where she was admitted denied her an abortion because a fetal heartbeat was

present, despite the fetus being declared nonviable. This led to septicemia (blood

poisoning), multiple organ failure and her death.

Why Savita Halappanavar was denied abortion at the right time when she needed it?

Under Irish law on abortion, and Offences against the Person Act 1861 abortion is illegal

in Ireland. As a result Irish women have to travel to UK each year to undergo

abortion. Abortion in the Republic of Ireland is illegal unless it occurs as the result

of a medical intervention performed to save the life of the mother. However, the

availability of abortion services can be even more restricted in the absence of a readily

available method of determining the circumstances in which an abortion might be lawfully

obtained. However, a judgment of the Irish Supreme Court in 1992, commonly known as

the ―X case‖, permits abortions where the life of the mother is at risk, including from

suicide. Abortion is a controversial issue in Irish politics and five national

referendums have been held on the topic in the last 30 years.

ISRO, Tata Motors develop India‘s first Hydrogen powered cell bus July 31st, 2013

A hydrogen-powered automobile bus has been developed

by the collaboration of Tata Motors Limited (TML) and ISRO. The two organisations have

developed fuel cell bus for the first time in India.

Hydrogen in bottles at high pressure is stored at the top of the bus and in this vehicle there

will be zero pollution since the product of cold combustion is water. The hydrogen cells were

a spin-off of the cryogenic technology. ISRO has developed a rich technology in

producing, storing and handling gaseous and liquid hydrogen in the last three decades and

which is quite safe indeed.

Bollywood‘s Cop Jagdish Raj passed away July 31st, 2013

Jagdish Raj (85), a noted veteran actor passed away. Raj had the record ofplaying a

police officer 144 times in various Bollywood films. He was an ideal police officer for

generations in Indian films.

About Jagdish Raj – The Bollywood‘s Cop:

Born on 1928 in Sargodha, Pakistan. Acted in films from 1960 till retirement in 1992. He

was best known for being cast a record 144 times as a police officer. Some of his popular

movies include ―Deewar”, “Don”, “Shakti”, “Mazdoor”, “Imaan Dharam”,

“Gopichand Jasoos”, “Silsila”, “Aaina” and ―Besharam―.

Only 19% countries follow Breastfeeding Code July 31st, 2013

As per World Health Organisation (WHO), only 19%

countries of 199 countries, subscribing to theInternational Code of Marketing of

Breast Milk Substitutes have passed laws incorporating all Code‘s recommendations.

In India 46 % of infants are exclusively breastfed in their first six months and there are

stringent laws against marketing of breast milk substitutes.

Mothers are often misled to believe their children are better nourished with commercial

substitutesand they are often misguided with incorrect and biased information both directly

through advertising, health claims, information packs and sales representatives and

indirectly through the public health system

Key statistics(of 199 countries):

69 countries (35 %) fully prohibit advertising of breast-milk substitutes.

62 countries (31 %) completely prohibit free samples or low cost supplies for health

services.

64 countries (32 %) completely prohibit gifts of any kind from relevant manufacturers to

health workers.

83 countries (42 %) require a message about the superiority of breastfeeding on breast

milk substitute labels.

Only 45 countries (23%) report having a functioning implementation and monitoring

system.

How breast feeding is crucial for both Mother and her baby?

Breast milk gives infants all the nutrients they need for a healthy development.

The breastfed babies are less likely to be become overweight and they may also be less

prone to diabetes.

It is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood

illnesses.

Breastfeeding also benefits mothers as it reduces risks of breast and ovarian cancer.

What is ―International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes‖?

International health policy framework for breastfeeding promotion adopted by the World

Health Assembly (WHA) of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1981.

Developed as a global public health strategy and recommends restrictions on the

marketing of breastmilk substitutes viz. infant formula.

Covers ethical considerations and regulations for the marketing of feeding bottles and

teats.

What is covered under International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes?

All breastmilk substitutes. These are products which are marketed in a way which suggests

they should replace breastfeeding, even if the product is not suitable for that purpose. They

may include:

Infant formula

Follow-on formula

Baby foods

Gruels

Teas and juices

Bottles

Teats/nipples and related equipment

What is the aim of the ―International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitute‖?

To ensure that mothers are not discouraged from breastfeeding and that substitutes are

used safely if needed.

To shield breastfeeding from commercial promotion that affects mothers, health workers ,

health care systems and Labelling.

What is the concern over ―International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitute‖ ?

The baby food industry has been the subject of pointed criticism from NGOs, international

agencies and campaign groups for inability to abide by the International Code of

Marketing of Breast-milk Substitute.

On its own, the International Code is not legally enforceable.

Companies are only subject to legal sanctions for failing to abide by the Code where it has

been incorporated into the legislature of a nation state.

Many countries have fully or partially adopted the Code as law. Other countries have no

legislation on baby food marketing at all.

Code violations by baby food manufacturers are still widespread, especially (but not

exclusively) in countries that have not implemented the Code as a national measure or

where monitoring and enforcement is not strong.

How is ‖International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes‖ monitored?

The WHO, International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN),UNICEF, Save the

Children and other international organizations perform monitoring of implementation of

the Code across the world both independently and with governments.

Jet-Etihad deal approved by FIPB with condition July 31st, 2013

The government gave a conditional clearance to Jet

Airways to sell 24% stake to Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways for Rs. 2,058 crore after

Etihad submitted an amendedShareholders Agreement (SHA)and Commercial Co-

operation Agreement (CCA). Now, Jet-Etihad will have to submit new articles of

association before the deal is put before Finance Minister P. Chidambaram for approval and

then brought before the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

What are the Terms and Conditions (T&C) in Jet-Etihad deal?

As per the T&C, Jet Airways need to seek prior approval of the government for any changes

to be made in the Shareholders‘ Agreement (SHA) with Etihad and also for any change in

shareholding pattern of the company. The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB)

clearance also came with a rider that all shareholder disputes and disputes under the SHA

would have to be adjudicated under Indian law.

As per the latest clarifications, Etihad will take 2 seats on the 12 member board instead of

three as previously proposed. The Indian partner, Naresh Goyal, besides appointing four

board members, will have the right to nominate the chairman, whereas Etihad will appoint a

vice-chairman. Jet has also dropped a clause from its earlier application of shifting revenue

management to Abu Dhabi.

What was the issue with the Jet-Etihad deal?

Indian carrier Jet Airways had recently announced that it

intends to sell its 24% shares to UAE operator Etihad Airways to attract the $379-

million investment rising form the deal. But the deal was stuck afterthe Foreign

Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) and stock market regulator SEBI raised questions

about ownership and effective control of the Indian airline passing into foreign hands. There

were apprehensions from Indian side that the deal would give the key controls of Jet to

Etihad. SEBI had highlighted some clauses of the CCA that might give an upper hand to

Etihad. In this regard, SEBI had sought clarification from Jet on some matters of the

prospective deal including choosing candidates for senior management positions,

consolidation of sales office and general sales arrangements to support sales for Jet in the

UAE. Also the right of Etihad to appoint a vice-chairman will not have any significant impact

on the issue of control. Indian government wanted to ensure that the ownership and major

control of the carrier remains with Jet Airways.

Why Jet-Etihad deal is important for Jet?

The deal is important to Jet, which is facing significant financial challenges. The deal will

also help the Indian civil aviation industry by enhancing capacity, increasing competition

and bringing down airfares.

India offers Vietnam credit for military ware July 31st, 2013

India has offered $ 100 million credit line to Vietnamfor the purchase

military equipment. It will be used for purchasing four patrol boats.

India‘s interests in Vietnam

India aims to remain involved in oil exploration activity in the Phu Kanh basin of the

South China Sea. But China has to claim that it is its zone of influence. Earlier, Vietnam and

India have focused on strategic ties that include cooperation in the civil nuclear sector,

training slots for Vietnamese military officers and frequent exchange of visits.

India seeks to expand its defence ties with Vietnam to military hardware and Brahmos

missile is one of the key items on Vietnam‘s wish-list. India has co-produced the missile

with Russia, which, however, has close ties with both Vietnam and China. Indian wants to

enhance security ties with all countries beyond its eastern end as a key component to

its East Look Policy.

British government to go ahead with Rs 2.7 lakh visa bond July 31st, 2013

The British government decided to go ahead with Rs 2.7 lakh Visa

bond despite Prime Minister David Cameron‘s gave assurance to exempt India from the

controversial visa bond scheme though the Home Office insisted that it was meant to target

only high risk applicants.

What is Pilot scheme by UK Govt. for the Rs 2.7 Lakh Visa bond?

Under this scheme that is to be introduced in November, 2013 for the first time visitors

from six Commonwealth countries including India,Pakistan and Bangladesh, Sri

Lanka, Ghana and Nigeria will need to deposit a cash bond of £3,000 for a British visa. It

will apply only to those seeking a six-month visitors‘ visa.

Why this Visa Bond Scheme by UK?

As per the UK government, the citizens of these six countries pose the major risk of abuse

of visas. So they are interested in a system of bonds that deters overstaying and recovers

costs if a foreign national has used their public services.

British traders‘ ire for the UK‘s Pilot visa bond Scheme:

Britain‘s business circles stated that with the Pilot scheme wealthy tourists from countries

like India and Nigeria would be put off and would damage their business who were

otherwise a boost for their business.

India and France concur to expand defence ties July 31st, 2013

India and France discussed about the ongoing military cooperation and

future cooperation in the areas of defence equipment and technology. This will be a mutual

benefit for both the countries. The cooperation fields will include high technology joint

research and development and transfer of technology.

Key outcomes of the discussion between India and France:

Negotiations have been made for Rs. 50,000 crore for procuring 126 Rafale

combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

Rs. 30,000 crore project for co-developing the Maitri surface-to-air missile

defence system.

A deal was done for building six Scorpene submarines for the Navy.

Both nations agreed to enhance exchanges between their defence institutions and armed

forces including in the areas of military educationand training and through the conduct of

military exercises.

Navies of both countries are working towards finalizing the schedule for the conduct of

Exercise ‗Varuna‘ off the coast of India and the nextAir Force exercise ‗Garuda‘ to be

held during the first half of 2014.

ISRO mulls to modify transponder allocation norms- the guidelines of SatCom Policy July 31st, 2013

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is cogitating to modify the guidelines

of SatCom Policy related to allocation and pricing of satellite transponders for public and

non-government users.

The guidelines are being revised after consulting ISRO‘s stakeholder departments and the

multi-ministry ICC (Insat Coordination Committee) chaired by DoS Secretary. Typically

the ICC allocates satellite transponders to user groups depending on their availability and

urgency of use.

After the approval by the government ISRO will be able to allocate to different users

by percentages and charge for capacity on its INSAT/GSAT satellites in a much

more rational way than now.

The SatCom Policy threw open the INSAT capacity to non-government users and allowed

lease of capacity on foreign satellites where needed.

Who are the main domestic users of INSAT/GSATs transponders?

ISRO leases 95 of the 263 transponders used by domestic operators. The main users

are:

Doordarshan and All India Radio under the Ministry of Information and

Broadcasting

Private TV channels and commercial Direct-To-Home (DTH) operators

Department of Telecommunications and BSNL for telephone services

Over a lakh VSATs (Very Small Aperture Terminals) that enable Internet broadband

services of large public and private organizations and drive ATMs and stock exchanges.

India Meteorological Department and social sectors such as distance education,

telemedicine and disaster management also ride their services on Insat/GSATs.

The Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces and its various agencies have also taken on

new dimensions and are demanding bigger, serious and exclusive allocations.

INSAT-3D to enhance the weather observation July 31st, 2013

India‘s newest satellite INSAT-3D which was put in orbit on a European rocket is

expected to increase the weather observation and forecasting, disaster warning

systems and also enhance land and sea surface monitoring over the sub-continent

and the Indian Ocean region.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has planned to switch on the

meteorology instruments on the satellite and test them extensively before starting the

operations. The satellite will then have a period matching the Earth‘s 24-hour rotation and

will begeosynchronous over the sub-continent. Prior to it the scientists will start the first

of four ‗orbit manoeuvres‘ from the Master Control Facility at Hassan, Karnataka. They

will push the spacecraft‘s initial elliptical orbit into a circular one that will be nearly 36,000

km abovethe ground at 82 degrees East longitude.

About INSAT-3D:

ISRO spent around Rs. 200 crore to build the satellite and around Rs. 350 crore on its

launch and insurance costs.

The metsat supplements the decade-old and fading Kalpana-1and INSAT-3A with four

sophisticated payloads.

The six-channel imager takes weather pictures of the Earth with better resolution.

The 19-channel sounder gives layered vertical profiles of temperature, humidity and

integrated ozone.

The data relay transponder picks and relays met, moisture and sea related information

from automatic data collection platforms placed at remote uninhabited locations on to a

processing centre for generating accurate forecasts.

SAR device: The Search And Rescue device picks up and relays distress alert signals

from users on sea, land and air to an ISRO centre in Bangalore and enables speedy

detection and rescue of such people.

New ―National Antibiotics Policy‖ to handle increasing antibiotics resistance July 31st, 2013

The Union Health Ministry is considering a new ―National Antibiotics Policy‖ to handle

increasing antibiotics resistance. The policy is on anvil at a time when India has failed to

respond to the urgent need to regulate the sale and use of antibiotics, track the incidence of

resistance or improve sanitation.

Key points on the proposed National Antibiotics Policy:

Intends to ban on the counter sale of antibiotics and to use high end antibiotics only in

tertiary care centres.

It will aim to prevent the further development of resistant strains.

It ideates to establish a national antibiotic resistance surveillance system will be

established with representation from all regions in the country, government and private

hospitals.

MPA signed for the construction of Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) July 31st, 2013

Five countries participating in the project TMT- Canada, China, India,Japan and the U.S.

have inked Master Partnership Agreement (MPA) for the construction of the Thirty Meter

Telescope (TMT) costing $1.5 billion.

Main promoters of Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project:

The main promoters of the international project are Caltech and the University of

California in the U.S. and the Association of Canadian Universities for Research in

Astronomy (ACURA), with China, India and Japan providing additional financial and

technical support. The telescope is expected to become operational in 2022.

Major Participating Institutes in the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project from India:

Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)

Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCCA), Pune

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital

India‘s Contribution in the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project:

India has 10% share in the project, which implies a financial assurance of about Rs.

1,000 core. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department

of Atomic Energy (DAE) will jointly fund the Indian component.

Indian astronomers will get observational time in proportion to India‘s share in the total

project cost

India‘s contributions will include fabrication of edge sensors, which sense relative

displacement of segments due to gravity and temperature while tracking objects in the

sky.

India has the responsibility to build the entire actuator systemto provide the best

possible image of objects in the sky.

Godrej and Avasarala companies have taken up segment support assembly, a very

complicated system on which the primary mirror segments sit.

India is also designing a mirror coating system and exploring the possibilities of setting

up a unit to polish 100 segments to the project .India may also provide a part of the 492

mirror segments.

About the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project:

What is so special about

Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project?

It will be world‘s largest optical and infrared telescope which is proposed to

be located just below the summit at Mauna Keaat a height of 4,050 m in Hawaii.

It will be 81 times more sensitive than the current telescopes of its kind and resolve

objects by a factor of 3 times better than the largest ground-based telescopes that are

available at present across the world.

It will be the first ground-based telescope to incorporate the technology of Adaptive

Optics (AO) as an integral component of the telescope.

What is Adaptive Optics?

AO is the system designed to sense atmospheric turbulence in real time, make the

appropriate corrections to the beam and enable true image on the ground limited only by

optical diffraction.

Provision for Clinical trial of untested drugs: Supreme Court July 31st, 2013

The Centre has been asked by the Supreme Court to organize a meeting of Chief

Secretaries or Health Secretaries of all the states to frame a law for regulation of clinical

trials of drugs by multinational pharmaceutical companies. The court wants certain

standards and protocol to be followed while conducting clinical trials of drugs on

humans. The court asserted that the clinical trial of drugs should be monitored so that these

drugs do not result in death and to ensure that there are no side effects and for this there

should be proper compensation also.

As per the Supreme Court uncontrolled clinical trial of drugs by multinational

companies caused deaths because of the various fake rackets running. All the drug

trials will be done under the supervision of the Union Health Secretary.

India‘s K. Jennitha Anto wins IPCA World Women‘s Chess Championship July 31st, 2013

India‘s K Jennitha Anto won the 13th IPCA World Women‘s

Individual Chess Championship title organised by the Interntional Physically Disabled

Chess Association, at Velke Losiny in the Czech Republic.

She bagged the Woman International Master title. The WIM title would allow her direct

entry in many of the National events for women except the premier. 49 physically

challenged players of from 15 countries competed in the IPCA event.

EU barred funding settlements for Israel July 31st, 2013

European Union (EU) has issued an instruction that will bar all 28 member states from

funding projects connected to Jewish settlements in the occupied territories, including

annexed east Jerusalem.

From 2014 the guiding principle adopted by the European Commision (EC) will affect all

EU grants, prizes and funding, with no further funding available to Israeli entities beyond

the 1967 Green Line.

As per the new rules, a clear distinction will be made in all signed agreements

between Israel and the territories it occupied in the 1967 Middle East war including the

Golan Heights as well as the Gaza Strip and the West Bank including east Jerusalem. Israel

was not ready to sign any agreements with the EU which included the ―territorial

clause‖ which stated that any funding would not apply to territories beyond the Green

Line.

What is Green Line?

Green Line refers to the demarcation lines set out in the 1949 Armistice

Agreements between Israel and its neighbours (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria) after

the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

The Green Line is also used to mark the line between Israel and the territories captured in

the Six-Day War, including the West Bank,Gaza Strip, Golan Heights and Sinai

Peninsula. The name derives from the green ink used to draw the line on the map.

By 2016, India to be the 3rd largest automobile market: IHS July 31st, 2013

As per IHS Automotive, a global market information

provider India will become the 3rd largest automotive market in the world by

2016 ahead ofJapan, Germany and Brazil with its domestic automotive sales. China,

the US and Japan were the top three global automotive markets and India was

ranked 6th after Brazil and Germany in the 4thand 5th positions respectively in 2012. India is

expected to recover strong growth trend from 2014 onwards.

Expectations in the coming Years:

With enhanced growth Indian citizens will acquire wealth and demand for automobiles will

increase as the need of personal transportation rises.

The growth of auto-mobile sales will not be restricted only to mass market vehicles and

India light vehicle production is expected to reach 7 million by 2020.

In terms of production volume, India would move to fourth position in 2020 ahead of

Germany and Brazil from its current 6th spot.

India to restore kerosene and LPG subsidy to Bhutan July 31st, 2013

Giving a significant relief , especially its 12 % poor, India has

decided to restore the subsidy on cooking gas and kerosene by the first week of August

2013. The Ministry of External Affairsclaimed that the Petroleum Ministry misinterpreted the

Foreign Office‘s request for review of subsidies and there was no political consideration

behind this.

How to Political Analysts see India‘s move to restore kerosene and LPG subsidy to Bhutan?

Many political analysts see this as a step taken to affect the outcome of the recently held

polls in Bhutan. India was not happy with Bhutan under the rule of Druk Phuensum

Tshogpa (DPT) and its Prime Minister Jigmey Thinley who was seeking Chinese support for

a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Bhutan without taking

India into confidence held two rounds of talks with the Chinese once in Thimphu and then a

summit in Rio in order to settle its border.

India‘s withdrawal of the subsidy led to substantial increase in the prices of LPG and

kerosene. With the People‘s Democratic Party (PDP) winning the elections it was

claimed that India was successful in making high LPG and kerosene prices a poll issue as it

added to the charges of economic mismanagement.

Bradley Manning faces 130 years of imprisonment July 31st, 2013

Bradley Manning has been prosecuted by the U.S. government for being the whistleblower

behind Wikileak‘s publication of confidential State Department cables and video

evidence of U.S. military attacks in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In the U.S. government‘s case against him he was found guilty on 17 out of 22 charges that

were brought against him.

Although the court did not find him guilty of the most serious charge of aiding the enemy,

he was found guilty of passing on information website WikiLeaks which was equivalent to

passing it on to the enemy.

For this, he faces 130 years or more in prison owing to the remainder of the charges of

which he was found to be guilty.

Other charges that he was found guilty off were wrongful and wanton publication of

intelligence acts punishable under the Espionage and Computer Fraud and Abuse Acts and

stealing U.S. government property.

Who is Bradley Manning?

Bradley Manning is a United States Army soldier who was arrested in May 2010 in Iraq on

suspicion of having passed classified material to the website WikiLeaks. He was ultimately

charged with 22 offenses, including communicating national defense information to an

unauthorized source and aiding the enemy. He was convicted in July 2013 of most of the

charges, including several violations of the Espionage Act, but was acquitted of aiding the

enemy, the most serious charge.

Those who spend Rs. 3,000/month in a village are among top 5% in the country July 31st, 2013

As per the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), an individual who spends

over Rs. 2,886 per month in a rural area or Rs. 6,383 per month in an urban area is

in the top 5% of the country. The top 10% of the country includes anyone who spends

over Rs. 2296 per month in a rural area and Rs. 4610 per month in an urban area.

Some key Inter-state Comparisons:

Presently there is enormous inter-state differences as a person spending over Rs.

1995 per head will be into the top 5% of rural Bihar, but more than half of Kerala is

spending at that level.

A person in rural Jharkhand spending Rs. 1710 per month would be in top 5% of the

State but over 60% of Punjab is spending at that level.

In urban India, spending a person spending Rs. 3400 per month in urban Bihar would be

among the top 5% of that State, but only the top 30% of Delhi.

30% of urban Chhattisgarh lives on a monthly per capita expenditure of Rs. 1046, while

less than 5% of Kerala lives at that level of expenditure.

Absolute spending on food increases with increasing level of incomes in both rural and

urban India, even as its proportion in total expenditure falls.

E-surveillance to monitor various tiger habitats July 31st, 2013

India plans to start electronic surveillance of some of the tiger habitats using high definition

cameras as the tiger deaths each year are increasing mainly due to poaching and poisoning.

With the E-surveillance the pilot study in the Kalagarh range of the Corbett National

Park was quite satisfactory so the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has

decided to expand E-surveillance to Assam‘s Kaziranga Natonal Park, Madhya

Pradesh‘s Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ramnagar division surrounding

Corbett.

How will tiger E-surveillance help?

The surveillance involves putting into use high resolution thermal and infrared cameras

mounted on towers to capture image of objects weighing more than 20 kg in a range of 3-5

km and generate alerts if the boundary is crossed. It will also keep an eye on unauthorized

people entering into the tiger habitat areas and tigers straying into human habitat. It is a

fool-proof anti-poaching system that gathers information, does processing, filtering and

then sends alerts.

Significant decline in percentage of poverty in Odisha and Bihar July 31st, 2013

As per the recent data, in Odisha the proportion of people below the poverty line (BPL)

declined from 57.2% in 2004-05 to 32.6% in 2011-12 which resulted in a decline of

24.6%. In Bihar the proportion of people below the poverty line (BPL) declined to 33.7%

in 2011-12 as compared to 54.4% in 2004-05 i.e. a reduction by 20.7%.

Key statistics:

All over India the BPL population is estimated to be 21.9% i.e. around 270 million. This

means that roughly every fifth Indian lives below the poverty line.

Anyone earning Rs 27.20 or less in rural areas is BPL, while those earning up to Rs

33.30 a day in urban areas are classified as poor which varies from state to state.

Uttar Pradesh has just less than 30% of its population in the BPL group i.e. around 60

million people.

Even after the improvement Bihar still has 35.8 million poor and ranks second followed

by Madhya Pradesh where 31.6% of the population is BPL.

Among the BIMARU states only Rajasthan has managed to do better than the

national average with the share of BPL in total population estimated at 14.7% in 2011-12,

compared to 34.4% in 2004-05 and is now a better performer than Gujaratwith respect

to its rapid growth and good infrastructure.

Gujarat has 16.6% people below the poverty line.

The decline in poverty is much steep in rural areas as BPL population came down to

25.8% (2011-12) from 42% (2004-05), around 17%, as against around 12% points in

urban areas.

K.D. Singh is the new President for the IHF July 31st, 2013

K.D. Singh who is presently one of the vice-presidents

of Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) will now be its president. He will take the charge

from Dinesh Reddy who stepped down as the president of the due to his inability to continue

with the responsibility.

IMF approves 1.7 billion euro bail out to Greece July 31st, 2013

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved 1.72 billion Euros bail out

to Greece after reviewing the country‘s performance under the international rescue

program.

This payout means Greece has received around 8.24 billion Euros from the IMF under the

bailout coordinated with the European Union and the European Central Bank in March 2012.

The IMF Executive Board is about to complete the fourth review of Greece‘s performance

and has also altered some of the criteria for the troubled nation.

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde noticed the commendable progress of Greek

authorities in reducing fiscal and external imbalances. Greece still needs to work towards

bringing more institutional and structural reforms in the public sector.

RBI eases curbs on payment gateways July 31st, 2013

The central bank decided to allow all payment gateways like PayPal and other such online

payment gateway service providers to substantially increase their export-related transaction

value limits.

The Indian merchants that use PayPal will now be able to receive up to $10,000 per

transaction as compared to the previous $3,000. As per PayPal, in order to receive export

related payments merchants must confirm their email address, and add a Permanent

Account Number (PAN), purpose code and local bank account to their account.

Why there were strict regulations on payment gateways by RBI?

As per RBI, initially a strict regulation was made as several service providers had allowed

exporters to retain the export proceeds abroad without repatriation resulting in violation of

the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 1999.

Mamnoon Hussain is Pakistan‘s new President July 31st, 2013

Mamnoon Hussain, the candidate of Pakistan Muslim League-

Nawaz (PML-N) has been elected as the 12th President of Pakistan. Members of the

national Parliament and provincial assemblies in Pakistan voted for the country‘s new

President.

Hussain, born in Agra, India, is also a textile businessman. He also tenured as

theGovernor of Sindh for a very short period when his appointment was dismissed by

a military coup d‘état in 1999. He will take over the President office on September 8, 2013

succeeding Asif Ali Zardari who did not seek re-election and is retiring.

Variations in structure of brain arteries cause Migraine July 31st, 2013

Researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania have

discovered that variations in arterial anatomy of brain lead to the asymmetries in cerebral

blood flow which in turn leads to ‗Migraine‘. Previously, it was believed that the root cause

of migraine was dilation of blood vessels in head.

What are the Causes of Migraine?

The structural alterations of the blood supply to brain can increase the vulnerability to

alterations in the cerebral blood flow which leads to the abnormal neuronal activity

starting migraine.

The arterial supply of blood to brain receives protection from series of the connections

between major arteries called ―Circle of Willis‖. People suffering from migraine and the

migraine with aura will mostly have missing circle of Willis.

People suffering from migraine have difference in the blood vessels structure. These

differences attribute to changes in blood flow in brain. It is because of these changes that

the migraine triggers.

What are the effects of Migraine?

The networks of arteries which supply the blood flow to brain are incomplete in people

suffering from migraines.

Some people also feel dehydrated as a result of their severe headaches.

People suffering from migraines with aura have visual symptoms like seeing wavy lines,

spots or distortions.

In last 8 years, Poverty level is down by 15% : NSSO July 31st, 2013

As per the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), the poverty line declined

from 37% in 2004-05 to 22% in 2011-12. A significant reduction in poverty levels is a result

of high economic growth rates. Between 2005 and 2010, the country‘s GDP grew at an

average of 8.5 % and the poverty rate showed an average annual decline of 1.48%.

Major statistics:

Rural poverty has declined faster than urban poverty during this period.

The total number of people below the poverty line in the country is 26.89 crore as against

40.73 crore in 2004-05. In rural areas, the number has reduced from 32.58 crore to

21.72 crore.

Bihar, Orissa, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have witnessed a sharp decline.

Bihar shows the biggest decline coming down 55% in 2004-05 to around 35% in 2011-

12.

Gujarat was 31% in 2004-05 and 16% in 2011-12.

In Rajasthan 0.6 crore were lifted out of poverty in the same period.

Andhra Pradesh showed a decline in urban poverty from 23 % in 2004-05 to 6% in

2011-12.

Judicial Commission appointed by the Supreme Court highlights the misuse of AFSPA July 31st, 2013

A Judicial Commission appointed by Supreme Court has noted the misuse of the Armed

Forces Special Powers Act or AFSPA as the armed forces were indulging in gross

violation of human rights by operating under the shield of the controversial law.

The Commission was formed by the apex court to investigate alleged cases of extra judicial

killings in Manipur. In September 2012, theExtrajudicial Execution Victim Families

Association (EEVFAM))along with Human Rights Alert (HRA) submitted a list of 1,528

cases of killings in Manipur since 1979 before the Supreme Court and demanded

investigation into the deaths.

What were the findings of the Judicial Commission appointed by the Supreme Court on

cases of extra judicial killings in Manipur?

The Commission stated that the six sample cases of encounters it investigated were not

genuine and that maximum force was used to kill people. It held that the reason for the

outcome was the fact that the Act gives comprehensive powers to security forces even to

extend of killing a suspect with protection against prosecution, it does not provide any

protection to the citizens against its possible misuse.

Only 1% of students opted for research Programmes: UGC July 31st, 2013

As per the higher education figures released by the University Grants Commission

(UGC), in 2011-12 only 1% of students enrolled for research programmes as compared to

86% who received graduation degree in 2012. As per statistics, just 12% received post

graduation degree and only 1% went for PhD degrees. Diploma and certificate holders also

constituted just 1%.

Key Statistical findings of UGC in regards to PhD programmes:

Out of the total PhD degrees awarded in 2010-11

5,232 (32.5%) received it for research in science subjects. Science included

ayurveda, dentistry, homoeopathy, nursing, pharmacy, public health or social preventive

medicine, unani, tibiya, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and siddha.

5,037 (31.3%) for arts subjects including humanities, social sciences and languages.

Engineering and technology subjects were the next most popular field for pursuing

research, with 10% completing it.

Medicine, agriculture and law had about 3% of the total research degree holders.

Library and information sciences, fine arts, journalism and mass communication, physical

education and social work, comprised the remaining 4% degree awardees.

TRPs give way to Television Viewership in Thousands (TVTs) July 31st, 2013

Broadcasters, advertisers, ad agencies and Television Audience Measurement

(TAM) Media Research — the sole agency which measures viewership, negotiated in terms

of Television viewership. Television viewership will now be measured not on the basis

of points but on absolute numbers with Television Rating Points (TRPs) giving way

to Television Viewership in Thousands (TVTs).

Earlier Big television networks planned to move out of the Television Audience Measurement

(TAM) system and either unsubscribe or not renewing their subscriptions. After that

repetitive negotiations led to a deal between big networks and TAM on providing data on a

monthly basis.

What are the issues regarding Television Audience Measurement (TAM) rating system?

As per Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) problems with the TAM

system included:

A non-transparent methodology

Limited sample size

Cross-holdings b/w rating agencies and broadcasters and advertising agencies

Lack of a credible complaint mechanism.

Why these new Viewership Norms as per Television Viewership in Thousands (TVTs)?

In order to address the complaints of television networks that stated TRPs measured in

relative terms in points do not accurately present the growth in viewership. TVTs will be the

sole measuring standard in the public domain. TVT rolling average will be provided every

week. This isstatistically more stable data. But for internal evaluation, the percentage of

television viewership rating weekly will be provided to advertisers and agencies. All future

changes in audience measurement will be made based on inputs by a joint technical

committee of the industry body, the Broadcasting Audience Research Council.

About Television Audience Measurement (TAM) :

TAM Media Research is one of the two Television Audience

Measurement analysis firms of India (the other being aMap). Appointed by the Joint

Industry stakeholders of Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA), Indian Broadcast

Foundation (IBF) and Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) in 1998, the

reason for being for TAM is to be the central Industry provider of Media and Consumer

Insights to the various stakeholders of the Indian Media and Entertainment Industry –

Advertisers & Marketers, Media Owners, Media Agencies and the Academia.

Besides measuring TV Viewership, since the year 2000, TAM has been monitoring

Advertising Expenditure of various Advertisers, Brands and Product Categories across

Television Channels, Print & Radio through its division AdEx India.

10 Asian nations take initiative to ban smokeless tobacco products July 31st, 2013

10 South and Southeast Asian countries

including India, Nepal,Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka have come

forward to ban smokeless tobacco products. Smokeless forms of tobacco including use of

areca nuts cause serious health problems. The countries decided to introduce strong

legislation for the purpose at the regional meeting of the World Health Organization‘s

Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

The meeting was organized by India‘s health ministry in collaboration with WHO

SEAR (South-East Asian Region) who reviewed the implementation of the WHO and

major developments related to the treaty in the region and internationally. It reviewed

instruments available for implementation of the convention, particularly the guidelines and

the reporting system. It also decided to raise awareness of the newly adopted protocol to

eliminate illegal trade in tobacco products.

Parliament to approve ―1974 Indira-Mujib pact‖ July 31st, 2013

The government will bring a constitutional amendment Bill in

Parliament during the forthcoming session for implementation of theIndo-Bangla land

boundary agreement. Indiaintends to ratify the 1974 Indira-Mujib

pact fordemarcation of boundaries and for exchange of 161 adversely held

enclaves with a population of about 50,000 people.

Both the countries have discussed the modalities for implementation of the extradition

treaty signed that will give the way for deportation of ULFA general secretary Anup

Chetia, currently lodged in a Bangladeshi jail.

India has also conveyed Bangladesh to ensure the release the remaining six Indians who

were abducted by different Indian insurgent groups like NSCN, PLA and NDFB to that

country. The six are part of 13 people whom the insurgents had kidnapped and taken to

Bangladesh.

Urdu Ghazals penned by Veer Savarkar during his Jail Term in Andaman discovered July 31st, 2013

A notebook containing two patriotic Ghazals written by legendary patriot Veer Savarkar has

been discovered by a Dadar based institute. The Ghazals in Urdu were written by the

freedom fighter during his 11-year imprisonment in the Andaman Cellular Jail.

About Veer Savarkar:

Born on 28 May, 1883 in village Bhagur, near Nashik,Maharashtra , Vinayak

Damodar Savarkar commonly known as Swatantryaveer Savarkar was a freedom

fighter.

Renowned social reformer, writer, dramatist, poet, historian, political leader and

philosopher.

Pioneer of the movement for religious reform in Hindu culture by doing away the

caste system prevalent within it. He coined the term Hindutva.

He was the founder of the student societies that includedAbhinav Bharat

Society and the Free India Society.

His published work the Indian War of Independence about the Indian rebellion of 1857

was banned by British authorities.

Simons Investigators Awards 2013 to four Indian-Americans July 31st, 2013

Four Indian American Professors Kannan Soundararajan, Rajeev Alur, Salil P Vadhan

and Senthil Todadri are among the 13 mathematicians, theoretical physicists and

theoretical computer scientists who have won2013 Simons Investigators Awards.

People Awarded with their field of Study:

Physics

Victor Galitski from The University of Maryland, Randall Kamien from University of

Pennsylvania, Joel Moore from University of California, Berkeley, Dam Thanh Son from

the University of Chicago, Senthil Todadri from Massachusetts Institute of Technology

and Xi Yin from Harvard University.

Computer Science

Rajeev Alur from University of Pennsylvania, Piotr Indyk from Massachusetts Institute of

Technology and Salil P. Vadhan from Harvard University

Mathematics

Ngô Bao Châu from the University of Chicago, Maryam Mirzakhanifrom Stanford

University and Kannan Soundararajan from Stanford University and Daniel Tataru from

University of California, Berkeley

Why Simons Investigators Awards are given?

Simons Investigators Awards 2013 were announced by the New York-based Simons

Foundation, which is a non-profit organisation. The foundation was incorporated in

1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons.

Its aim is to advance the lines of research in mathematics and basic sciences. The Simons

Investigators program provides a stable base of support for outstanding scientists, enabling

them to undertake long-term study of fundamental questions.

About Simons Investigators:

Simons Investigators are outstanding theoretical scientists who receive long-term research

support from the Simons Foundation. A Simons Investigator is appointed for an initial period

of five years with possible renewal for a further five years. An Investigator will receive

research support of $100,000 per year, with an additional $10,000 per year provided to the

Investigator‘s department. The Investigator‘s institution will receive 20% for indirect costs.

Biologist Prof. Obaid Siddiqi who revealed ―Stop Codons‖ passed away July 31st, 2013

The renowned biologist, Prof. Obaid Siddiqi (81) died due to injuries after meeting an

accident. He was known for his pioneer work of identifying the process that how taste and

smell are detected and coded in Brain.

About Prof. Obaid Siddiqui:

Born in 1932 in UP, received his education at Aligarh Muslim University.

He did his Ph.D. from University of Glasgow, where he worked on microbial genetics with

Harbor Pontecorvo.

He was the National Research Professor at the National Centre for Biological Sciences,

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, in Bangalore.

In 1961, Siddiqi and Alan Garen discovered suppressor of nonsense mutations in the gene

for alkaline phosphatase. This work led to the elucidation of the stop codons in the

genetic code and the mechanism of chain termination during protein synthesis.

What are Stop Codons?

In the genetic code, a Stop Codon (or Termination Codon) is a nucleotide triplet within

messenger RNA that signals a termination of translation. Proteins are based on

polypeptides, which are unique sequences of amino acids. Most codons in messenger RNA

(from DNA) correspond to the addition of an amino acid to a growing polypeptide chain,

which may ultimately become a protein. Stop codons signal the termination of this process

by binding release factors, which cause the ribosomal subunits to disassociate, releasing the

amino acid chain.

In the standard genetic code, there are several stop codons:

In RNA:

UAG (―amber‖)

UAA (―ochre‖)

UGA (―opal‖)

In DNA:

TAG (―amber‖)

TAA (―ochre‖)

TGA (―opal‖ or ―umber‖)

Only 1% of students opt for research Programmes: UGC

July 31st, 2013

As per the higher education figures released by the University Grants Commission

(UGC), in 2011-12 only 1% of students enrolled for research programmes as compared to

86% who received graduation degree in 2012. As per statistics, just 12% received post

graduation degree and only 1% went for PhD degrees. Diploma and certificate holders also

constituted just 1%.

Key Statistical findings:

Out of the total PhD degrees awarded in 2010-11

5,232 (32.5%) received it for research in Science subjects. Science included

ayurveda, dentistry, homoeopathy, nursing, pharmacy, public health or social preventive

medicine, unani, tibiya, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and siddha.

5,037 (31.3%) for arts subjects including humanities, social sciences and languages.

Engineering and Technology subjects were the next most popular field for pursuing

research, with 10% completing it.

Medicine, Agriculture and Law had about 3% of the total research degree holders.

Library and information sciences, fine arts, journalism and mass communication, physical

education and social work, comprised the remaining 4% degree awardees.

Supreme Court rejects PIL on food security regulation July 31st, 2013

The Supreme Court refused to entertain a PIL challenging the food security regulation

declared by the government. The court declined to hear the PIL on the ground that there is

political aspect behind it and directed the petitioner to approach the high court.

What was the PIL on food security regulation about?

The petition filed by advocate M L Sharma alleging that the Centre has brought the

regulation for political purposes and the court should examine its validity. It stated

that Article 123 of the Constitution that deals with the power of the President to declare

a regulation during the recess of Parliament has been misused as there was no emergency

situation and constitutional provision has been misused for pre-election propaganda and

political gains.

President Pranab Mukherjee signed the regulation on food security to give the

nation‘s two-third population the right to get 5 kgs of food grains every month at

highly subsidised rates of Rs 1-3 per kg.

What does Article 123 of the Constitution of India say?

The Article 123 of the Constitution of India empowers the President to promulgate

Ordinances during recess of Parliament. It says:

(1) If at any time, except when both Houses of Parliament are in session, the President is

satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary for him to take immediate

action, he may promulgate such Ordinance as the circumstances appear to him to require.

(2) An Ordinance promulgated under this article shall have the same force and effect as an

Act of Parliament, but every such Ordinance

(a) shall be laid before both House of Parliament and shall cease to operate at the

expiration of six weeks from the reassemble of Parliament, or, if before the expiration of

that period resolutions disapproving it are passed by both Houses, upon the passing of the

second of those resolutions; and

(b) may be withdrawn at any time by the President Explanation Where the Houses of

Parliament are summoned to reassemble on different dates, the period of six weeks shall be

reckoned from the later of those dates for the purposes of this clause

(3) If and so far as an Ordinance under this article makes any provision which Parliament

would not under this Constitution be competent to enact, it shall be void CHAPTER IV THE

UNION JUDICIARY

L&T wins Rs 8,250 cr Riyadh metro project order July 31st, 2013

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and its associated partners have received an order valued at Rs

8,250 crore to develop a metro project in Saudi Arabia. The contract is a part of Rs 35,000

crore-project which is to be completed in 4 years. Larsen & Toubro won its biggest ever

overseas order in Saudi.

The contract includes construction of bridges, tunnels, elevated and underground stations,

depots, roads, systems for closed circuit television and public announcements, SCADA with

allied systems for the first-of-its-kind project in the Kingdom.

Lokayukta courts cannot act on private complaints: Karnataka HC July 31st, 2013

The Karnataka High Court has clarified that the Special Lokayukta Courts in the State

cannot entertain private complaints, alleging offences under Sections 7, 10, 11, 13

and 15 of the Prevention ofCorruption (PC) Act unless the complaint is accompanied

with the sanction for prosecution of public servants concerned under Section 19 (1) of the

PC Act. The court further stated that the Special Lokayukta Courts had no jurisdiction in

law even to take notice of such complaints if the complainant had not obtained sanction

from the competent authority for prosecuting public servants against whom the allegations

were made.

What did the Karnataka High Court say regarding the Special Courts established under PC

Act?

The High Court stated that the Special Courts established under PC Act cannot even direct

the Lokayukta police to conduct an investigation under Section 156 (3) of the Code of

Criminal Procedure (Cr. PC) on the allegations made in the complaint without sanction. It

pointed out that in the absence of sanction the complaint cannot be taken notice of. The

requirement of sanction is a pre-requisite in respect of a private complaint filed under

Section 200 of the Cr. PC in respect of a public servant who is alleged to have committed an

offence in discharge of a public servant.

Indonesia‘s Corruption Eradication Commission wins ―Ramon Magsaysay Award‖ July 30th, 2013

Indonesia‘s Corruption Eradication Commission has been conferred with the Ramon

Magsaysay Award for its successful campaign against corruption in Indonesia.

What is the special achievement of the Corruption Eradication Commission of Indonesia?

The Corruption Eradication Commission or KPK as it is generally known in

Indonesia, has prosecuted nearly 100 government officials and others since its first

investigations in 2003 and has a perfect conviction record.

Other Magsaysay Award winners for 2013:

Ernesto Domingo: A pioneering doctor from the Philippines

Lahpai Seng Raw: Aid worker in Myanmar

Habiba Sarabi: Afghanistan‘s only female governor

Shakti Samuha: Anti-trafficking organization in Nepal.

About Ramon Magsaysay Award:

The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation was named after third president of

the Philippines and an Asian equivalent of the Nobel Prize. The

Magsaysay awards have been granted annually since 1958 to people and organizations

for excellent public service and integrity.

WikiLeaks party launched by Julian Assange to contest Australia polls July 30th, 2013

Julian Assange (42), an Australian citizen and founder of WikiLeaks has

launched his Australian political party WikiLeaks via a video link from the Ecuadorian

embassy in London. The party was created in part to support Julian Assange‘s bid for a

Senate seat in Australia in the 2013 election.

The Constitution of the WikiLeaks Party lists its objectives which include the protection of

human rights and freedoms; transparency of governmental and corporate action, policy and

information; recognition of the need for equality between generations; and support of

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination.

Who is Julian Assange?

Julian Assange was born in Townsville, Queensland and is a sixth-generation

Australian. Assange is an Australian editor, activist, political talk show host, computer

programmer, publisher and a journalist. He is famous as editor-in-chief and founder of

Wikileaks.

What is WikiLeaks?

It is a media website which is an international, self-described, not-for-profit organization

publishing submissions of private, secret, and classified media from anonymous news

sources, news leaks, and whistle-blowers.

It made grabbed international attention when it released some of the confidential

information of the US linked to Afghanistan war including equipment expenditure and

holdings.

In 2010 it revealed U.S. State department diplomatic cables.

Why Sweden wants to extradite Julian Assange?

Sweden alleged Assange of committing molestation of two women during his visit to the

country. A European Arrest Warrant and an Interpol red notice was released against him. He

is currently hiding in British Embassy. His request to Britain for political asylum was denied.

Recently, Ecuadorhas granted political asylum to Assange which has resulted into a stand-

off between the two countries.

Why Assange wants to contest poll?

Assange will be a candidate for a Victorian seat in the Australian governing body in the

national elections later this year.

The WikiLeaks Party will focus on seven fields among them academics; journalists and

human rights activists will be included.

Assange aims to field candidates from New South Wales and Western Australia. The

party‘s main agenda is to make sure that the government in power does their

job and therebyscrutinizing the government‘s activity.

WikiLeaks Party‘s major values of transparency, accountability and justice will help

them examine any crucial issues for Australians: tax reform, asylum seekers, climate

change policy and other fields.

Ford becomes the first automaker to join India Greenhouse Gas Reporting

(GHG) Program July 30th, 2013

Detroit giant Ford has became the first automaker to join a voluntary greenhouse gas

reporting program (a carbon reporting programme) newly established in India. The

company already participates in similar programs in the United

States, China, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.

Voluntary reporting provides overall transparency regarding the company‘s CO2 emissions

and the company hold importance to reduce CO2 emissions at its global facilities, including

two in Chennai, by 30% per vehicle by 2025. Ford‘s role in this programme will be to assist

in the establishment of credible and verifiable greenhouse gas inventories.

What is ―India Greenhouse Gas Program (India GHG Program)‖:

It is the joint effort between the World Resources

Institute(WRI), The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Confederation of Indian

Industry (CII). A voluntary initiative to standardize measurement and management of GHG

emissions in India.

Program Partners for India Greenhouse Gas Program (India GHG Program)

1. CII – Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

2. TERI – The Energy and Resources Institute

3. WRI – World Resources Institute

Founding Members for India Greenhouse Gas Program (India GHG Program)

1. Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd.

2. Hindustan Construction Co. Limited (HCC Limited)

3. ACC Cement

4. Ford Motor Company (Ford India)

5. Jet Airways (India) Limited

6. Mahindra Sanyo Steel

7. Tata Teleservices Limited

8. Bayer Group of Companies – India

9. Akzo Nobel

10. Shree Cements

11. United Technologies

12. Tata Chemicals

13. National Thermal Power Company (NTPC) Limited

14. Infosys Technologies

15. Ambuja Cement

16. ITC Limited

17. Cummins India

18. Yes Bank

19. National Peroxide Limited

20. Forbes Marshall

21. JK Tyres

22. Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL)

23. Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL)

Key Objectives of India Greenhouse Gas Reporting Programme :

To help companies in the country monitor their progress towards voluntary reduction

goals consistently and credibly.

Aimed at promoting profitable, sustainable, and competitivebusiness.

Under this programme, companies will be provided with tools and technical assistance to

build inventories, identify reduction opportunities, establish annual and long-term

reduction goals, and track their progress based on the most widely used emissions

accounting and reporting standard in the world, the GHG (Green House Gases)

Protocol.

The India GHG Program will also facilitate engagement of the business sector with policy

makers, supporting progress and advancement towards national goals on carbon intensity

and GHG emissions mitigation.

The program will build a pool of trained and certified GHG practitioners and GHG

measurement and management professionals.

What is : The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol)?

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is a global

collaboration led by WBCSD and WRI. It is the most widely used international accounting

tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse

gas emissions.

GHG Protocol provides the foundation for sustainable climate strategies and more

efficient, resilient and profitable organizations.

GHG Protocol standards are the most widely used accounting tools to measure, manage

and report on greenhouse gas emissions.

It serves as the foundation for nearly every GHG standard and program in the world –

from the International Standards Organization to The Climate Registry – as well as

hundreds of GHG inventories prepared by individual companies.

Offers developing countries an internationally accepted management tool to help their

businesses to compete in the global marketplace and their governments to make

informed decisions about climate change.

Who Uses The GHG Protocol?

Since the publication of the first edition of The Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Corporate

Accounting and Reporting Standard (Corporate Standard) in 2001, more than 1,000

businesses and organizations worldwide have developed their GHG inventories using the

GHG Protocol.

o Some of the world‘s largest companies are using the GHG Protocol‘s Corporate

Standard.

o The 2007 Corporate Climate Communications Report of the Fortune 500 companies by

corporateregister.com reported 63 percent of companies use the GHG Protocol.

o GHG Protocol is considered the second most important climate program after

Kyoto Protocol in the successful measurement and management of climate change.

Suresh Chandra Mohanty – The new president of Institute of Cost Accountants

of India (ICAI) July 30th, 2013

Suresh Chandra Mohanty will succeed Rakesh Singh to become the new

President of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) for the year 2013-14.

Mr. A. S. Durga Prasad has been elected as the vice president of ICAI.

What is Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) ?

Established on May, 28, 1959 under the Cost and Works Accountants Act, 1959 enacted

by the Parliament to regulate the profession of Cost and Management Accountancy in

India.

It is a professional management accounting institute of India

It is governed by a council of 20 members of whom 15 persons are elected from

among the members of the Institute and 5 persons are nominated by the

Government of India.

It is a member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), The Confederation

of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA) and The South Asian Federation of Accountants

(SAFA).

Kumar Mangalam Birla steps down from RBI Board July 30th, 2013

Kumar Mangalam Birla who was nominated as a member of the directors

of the Central Board of the RBI in 2006 stepped down from RBI Board.

Why did K.M.Birla stepped down from the RBI Board?

To avoid any conflict of interest as few weeks back his group firm applied for a bank license.

Among the 26 entities his group firm ―Aditya Birla Nuvo‖ is one of the entities which

have applied for a bank license.

The RBI is expected to grant new licenses by March 2014 as the last date for applying for

a bank license expired on July 1, 2013.

Froome wins the 100th Tour de France title July 30th, 2013

Britain‘s Christopher Froome who belongs to Team Sky (28) has

clinched the 100th edition of Tour deFrance title of 2013. Colombian Nairo Quintana

of Movistar bagged the second place.

Christopher Froome has became the second successive Briton to win the race after

teammate and compatriot Bradley Wiggins Froome who made history as Britain‘s first

winner in 2012, when Froome finished runner-up.

Results of Tour de France:

Froome won his first ever yellow jersey with a winning

Nairo Quintana, who stood at second position, secured the white jersey for the best

young rider and the best climber‘s polka dot jersey.

Slovakian Peter Sagan of Cannondale won the point‘s competition‘s green jersey for the

second successive year.

India, Nigeria ink Solar Power Plant Agreement July 30th, 2013

India and Nigeria inked a Solar Power plant pact to locate sites

for solar power plants in Niger state. This would provide additional energy for the

African country‘s national grid. With this agreement Bharat Heavy Electricals will

begin first round of studies of siting independent solar powered plants in selected locations

in Niger.

India expressed its interest in the provision of funds in various forms for the development of

Nigeria‘s power sector.

India, Belarus sign a deal to enhance trade ties July 30th, 2013

India and Belarus signed a deal to enhance the trade ties during the

sixth session of the Inter-Governmental Commission.

Sectors to be focused in deal between India and Belarus:

The major focus will be on the following sectors i.e. Trade, Economic, Scientific,

Technological and Cultural Cooperation.

Also sectors like pharmaceutical, fertilizers, information technology and research

and development will offer tremendous potential for cooperation between India and

Belarus.

India is looking for long term contracts for supply of potash to meet its growing

requirements as far as fertilizer sector is concerned and Indian companies can look for

setting up joint ventures in Belarus for production of potash based fertilizers.

MoU will also be signed between the Ministry of Textiles, India and the Belarusian State

Concern for Manufacturing and Marketing of Light Industry Goods in the Field of Textiles,

Clothing and Fashion Industries.

RBI decreases realization period for exporters from 12 to 9 months July 30th, 2013

Responding further to the increasing pressure on Current Account Deficit (CAD) due

reduced exports and depreciation of rupee against dollar, the Reserve

Bank of India has brought down the period of realization and repatriation for

exporters of goods and software from 12 to 9 months with a view

to increase foreign exchangeinflows.

The period of realization and repatriation to India of the full export value of goods or

software exported by a unit situated in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as well as

exports made to warehouses established outside India remains unaltered.

India‘s exports reduced by 4.6% for the 2nd consecutive month to USD 23.79 billion in June

2013 compared to year ago interval.

The rupee has depreciated by over 12% against the dollar since the beginning of the fiscal.

Central bank and capital markets regulator SEBI had to take unconventional measures to

control the market.

Record Pulses produced by India in 2012-13 July 30th, 2013

The country has achieved a record pulses production of 18.45 million tonnes (MT) in

the 2012-13 crop year(June) compared with 18 MT in the third estimates released in

May 2013, while food grain output declined by 1.5% to 255.36 MT due to drought in

some states in 2012.

Pulses output has been revised upward to record 18.45 MT in 2012-13 as compared with

the 2011-12 output which stood at 17.09 MT.

How would record pulses production will affect?

Higher supply will reduce imports and also prices. Higher support price prompted farmers

to grow pulses and so the output has been good this time.

Various food grains Input/ Output:

India has produced 255.36 MT of food grains during the 2012-13. The food grains output

is same as it was in the 3rd estimate, but it is lower than the record 259.29 MT achieved

in the 2011-12 crop year (July-June).

Rice production has been revised upward to 104.4 MT from 104.22 MT in the third

estimates but the rice output is lower at 105.3 MT compared with 2011-12.

Coarse cereals production estimates has also been revised upward at 40.06 MT

in 2012-13 from 39.52 MT in the third estimate, but it is still lower than 42.01 MT in

2012.

Wheat output has been revised downward to 92.46 MT from 93.62 MT in the

third estimate. Production stood at record 94.88 MT in 2011-12.

Future prospects: The production is expected to bounce back this year as the country is

presently receiving good monsoon and sowing area has exceeded last year‘s level so far.

Research proves that: ‗Dolphins can call each other by names‘ July 30th, 2013

Researchers at Scotland‘s University of St Andrews have shown that marine mammals

develop a unique whistle that they use to identify them and show their location to

others. Scientists have found that dolphins call each other by distinctive whistles as humans

use names. Every dolphin only responds to the unique whistle related to each of the

dolphins.

How did the researchers prove that ‗Dolphins can call each other by names‘?

The researchers followed pods of dolphins and recorded individual whistles and played them

back. They found the animals would react to their distinctive whistles. With speakers

installed underwater they played back either the whistle of a dolphin from the pod, or one

from an unfamiliar animal. The results showed that dolphins did not react to the unfamiliar

sounds, but individual members responded when they heard their own sound or name and

responded by sending that same whistle back.

RealVNC is the winner of MacRobert Award July 30th, 2013

RealVNC was awarded the Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert

Award for outstanding innovation, commercial success and contribution to society.

About MacRobert Award:

The MacRobert Award is the UK‘s longest running and most prestigious national prize for

engineering innovation.

About RealVNC:

RealVNC is the most widely ported software application which is remote access software.

RealVNC‘s technology allows a computer screen to be remotely accessed and controlled

from another device.

It is officially part of the internet including web and email protocols.

RealVNC collaborates with leading players in the technology industry, including Intel to

integrate VNC on chips for PCs and laptops; and Google, who license VNC technology and

expertise to enable remote access functionality from its Chrome products.

It is also recognized as the standard for integrating smartphones with in-vehicle

infotainment systems.

―George Alexander Louis‖- Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to baby boy July 28th, 2013

Britain has a new future king after the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to a baby boy.

Britain‘s Prince William and his wife Kate have named their son as ―George Alexander

Louis‖. He will be known as Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge. Britain is likely to

be ruled by kings for 80 years or more when the Prince of Wales succeeds the Queen.

Prince Philippe is Belgium‘s 7th King July 28th, 2013

Belgium‘s King Albert after a 20-year reign stepped down the throne

which has been overtaken by his son Philippe who took the oath before parliament to

become Belgium‘s seventh king at the royal palace in the presence of Prime Minister

Elio Di Rupo who holds the political power in the 183-year old parliamentary democracy.

Indian woman scientist Sunetra Gupta‘s portrait to be displayed in UK July 28th, 2013

Kolkata (India) born chemist and physicist Sunetra Guptahas joined leading

female scientists like Marie Curie at the art exhibition at the prestigious Royal Society.

The exhibition titled ―Does it Make a Difference?― displays drawings made by few great

artists to celebrate the leading women in the field of science.

About Sunetra Gupta:

Born in 1965 in Kolkata, completed her education from University of London, Princeton

University.

She is now a professor at Oxford University.

Her major area of work is the evolution of diversity in pathogens with a major

focus on the infectious disease agents that are responsible for malaria, influenza

and bacterial meningitis.

The writer scientist has a simultaneous career as a novelist as well and has written five

highly praised novels. In 1970s and 80s and wrote her first works of fiction in

Bengali. She was highly praised for her works such as ―Moonlight into Marzipan‖,

―The Glassblower‘s Breath‖ and ―So Good in Black‖.

She won the Royal Society Rosalind Franklin Award for her scientific achievements.

INSAT-3D and Alphasat satellites launched successfully July 28th, 2013

European space consortium Arianespace‘s Ariane 5 rocket launchedINSAT-

3D and Alphasat satellites from the spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana, giving

a boost to weather forecasting and disaster warning services.

About INSAT-3D:

Designed to provide meteorological observation and monitoring of land and ocean

surfaces.

INSAT-3D also carried the newly developed 19 ‗Channel Sounder‘, the first such

payload to be flown on an ISRO satellite mission. It will perform weather monitoring

through its atmospheric sounding system, which provides vertical profiles of temperature,

humidity and integrated ozone from surface to top of the atmosphere.

It will provide continuity to earlier missions and further augment the capability to provide

various meteorological as well as search and rescue services.

The Data Relay Transponder (DRT) will be used to receive meteorological, hydrological

and oceanographic data from remote, uninhabited locations over the coverage area

from Data Collection Platforms (DCPs) like automatic weather station, automatic rain

gauge and agro met stations.

It is equipped with a Search and Rescue payload that picks up and relays the alert signals

originating from the distress beacons of maritime, aviation and land based users to the

Indian Mission Control Centre located at Isro Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network

here.

Who will be the major users of Satellite Aided Search and Rescue service in India?

The major users of Satellite Aided Search and Rescue service inIndia are Indian Coast

Guard, Airports Authority of India, directorate general of shipping, defence services and

fishermen.

What will be the expanse of service region of INSAT-3D?

The Indian service region includes a large part of the Indian Ocean region covering

India, Bangladesh, Bhutan,Maldives, Nepal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania for

rendering distress alert services.

What are Alphasat satellites?

Alphasat is Europe‘s largest telecommunication satellite-ever manufactured and

results from a large-scale public-private partnership between the European Space

Agency and Inmarsat.

Campaign Clean India adopts Taj Mahal July 28th, 2013

The World Heritage Site, Taj Mahal has been adopted by ONGC as part of its corporate

social responsibilities through the ‖Campaign CleanIndia‖ being run under Ministry of

Tourism.

Taj Mahal a world heritage site and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is the

Crown Jewel among the tourist destinations in India and naturally is a priority destination

under the Campaign Clean India programme.

Background of Campaign Clean India:

At the initiative of Ministry of Tourism, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has agreed

to the initiative for permitting ONGC for adopting six monuments under Campaign Clean

India. The six monuments/tourist destinations are: Taj Mahal at Agra, Ellora Caves

in Maharashtra, Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra, Red Fort in Delhi, Golkonda

Fort Hyderabad and Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu.

ONGC is adopting these monuments as part of their corporate social responsibilities and it is

the endeavor of Ministry of Tourism that Campaign Clean India is carried out for maximum

number of monuments/tourist destinations so that tourists instill the feelings and spirit of

cleanliness and respect for such monuments.

What is ―Campaign Clean India‖?

The ―Campaign Clean India‖ is a programme being run by the Ministry of Tourism aimed at

undertaking both sensitization and action at field level on bringing our tourism destinations

and their surroundings to an acceptable level of cleanliness and hygiene. The Campaign will

ensure that these levels are sustained through ownership and involvement of private and

public sector stakeholders. The campaign will be part of Government‘s strategy of the

12th five year plan for improving the quality of services and environs in and around tourist

destinations across India.

Free Trade LPG (FTL) scheme gets Govt‘s nod July 28th, 2013

The Government has approved Free Trade LPG (FTL) Scheme for selling 5 kg LPG

cylinders through Company Owned Retail Outlets (COCO)PSU Oil Marketing Companies

(OMCs).

The scheme will be launched on pilot basis in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and

Bangalore for selling 5 kg LPG cylinders with/without Domestic Pressure Regulator (DPR) at

COCO retail outlets. The OMCs have COCO retail outlets which are accessible to all and are

open for longer hours.

Why the government wants to introduce Free Trade LPG scheme? What is Free Trade LPG

(FTL)?

The government sensed that a new category of consumers have emerged especially in big

cities who are mobile and thus do not want a permanent LPG connection but still require

LPG for their needs. Such customers need flexibility for availing the LPG cylinders as per

their convenience and their needs can also be fulfilled by smaller quantities of LPG.

The LPG sold under the scheme will be called Free Trade LPG (FTL). At the time of first

sale cost of equipment (DPR plus cylinder), cost of product at prevailing Non- domestic 5kg

cylinders price and administrative charges will be payable. At the time of subsequent refill

only the cost of product will be payable. The scheme is a step towards beginning of free

trade of LPG and would make LPG available for wider use especially for those citizens who

are always on the move due to their professional needs.

What are the conditions for availing the facility of Free Trade LPG (FTL) Scheme?

The prospective customer at the time of first sale would only be required to give a copy of

Voter I-Card, Driving license, Pan Card, Aadhaar Card, Bank Pass book, Employees ID,

Passport, Student ID or any other such document that can act as a proof of identity.

It would be customer‘s responsibility to use the equipment as per the safety instructions.

The company would not be responsible for any losses/damages arising in case of accident

during transit or usage. OMCs will offer, on request, an insurance policy which will provide

cover for loss of life and property in the event of an LPG accident occurring at the

customer‘s premises. In transit insurance cover will not be available. On the request of the

customer, the COCO RO through the supplying distributor shall also provide the installation

of equipment at customer‘s premises and will also provide after sales services on chargeable

basis.

‗Major Port of the Year‘ award goes to Paradip July 28th, 2013

Paradip port has been honored with the ‗Major

Port of the Year‘ award in recognition of its excellent performance in 2012-13. In 2012-13,

PPT handled a total of 56.55 million tonnes of traffic, up from 54.25 mt in 2011-12. Also,

during the year, the port added 22 mt of capacity bringing the total to 102 mt.

Where is Paradip Port?

Paradip is a major seaport town and a designated notified area in Jagatsinghpur

district of Odisha, India. Paradip Port is one of the Major Ports of India serving the

Eastern and Central parts of the country. Its hinterland extends to the States of

Odisha, Jharkhand,Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. The Port mainly

deals with bulk cargo apart from other clean cargoes.

Which are the Major Ports of India?

Following are the major Ports in India along with their specialities.

Western Coast Eastern Coast

Kandla (child of partition) Kolkata-Haldia (riverine port)

Mumbai (busiest and biggest) Paradip (exports raw iron to Japan)

Jawahar Lal Nehru (fastest growing) Vishakjapatnam (deepest port)

Marmugao (naval base also) Chennai (oldest and artifical)

Mangalore (exports Kudremukh iron-ore) Ennore (most modern-in private hands)

Cochin (natural Harbour) Tuticorin (southernmost )

Poverty in India decreases to 21.9% in 2011-12: Planning Commission July 28th, 2013

As per Planning Commission, poverty ratio in the country has dropped to 21.9% in 2011-12

from 37.2% in 2004-05 on account of increase in per capita consumption.

Planning Commission on Poverty:

Using the Tendulkar methodology for determining the poverty line, the national poverty

line in rural areas has been estimated at Rs 816 per capita per month in villages and Rs

1,000 per capita per month in urban areas in 2011-12.

It implies that persons whose consumption of goods and services exceed Rs 33.33 in

cities and Rs 27.20 per capita per day in villages are not poor.

For a family of five, the all India poverty line in terms of consumption expenditure would

amount of Rs 4,080 per month in rural areas and Rs 5,000 per month in urban areas. The

poverty line however will vary from state to state.

In 2011-12, the percentage of BPL (Below Poverty Line) people is estimated at 25.7% in

rural areas, 13.7% in urban areas and 21.9% for the country as a whole.

It shows an improvement in poverty figures if compared to those in 2004-05 when it was

41.8% in rural areas, 25.7% in cities and 37.2% in the country as a whole.

In terms of numbers, there were 26.93 crore people below poverty line in 2011-12 as

compared to 40.71 crore in 2004-05.

How the estimates of poverty level in India have been made?

This ratio for 2011-12 is based on the methodology suggested by Suresh Tendulkar

Committee which takes into consideration the money spent

on health and education besides calorie intake to fix a poverty line. As per the Commission,

the decrease in poverty is mainly on account of rising real per capita consumption figures

which made the 68th round of National Sample Survey on Household Consumer Expenditure

in India in 2011-12 the basis for tabulating poverty.

Note: A separate committee under Prime Minister‘s Economic Advisory Council

(PMEAC) chairman C. Rangarajan will revisit the Tendulkar Committee

methodology for estimating poverty. The Committee is expected to submit its report by

mid 2014.

India, Saudi Arabia decided to establish Saudi-Indian Business Network July 27th, 2013

India and Saudi Arabia have decided to create a Saudi-

India Business Network (SIBN) separately in Riyadh and Dammam.

What will be the focus of SIBN?

SIBN would catalyze the promotion of India-Saudi bilateral commerce and trade relations,

investment, Business-to-Business interactions and exchanges. The proposed network would

comprise of both Indian and Saudi businessmen, entrepreneurs, industrialists and members

of business Chambers. Membership of SIBN would be open to all Indian and Saudi

businessmen and entrepreneurs.

Salient facts about India-Saudi Arabia Trade:

Saudi Arabia is the 4th largest trade partner of India.

Bilateral trade stood at 43.19 billion dollars in 2012-13.

India imports 17% of its crude oil needs from the Kingdom which makes it largest

supplier of petroleum.

It is also one of the major markets for Indian exports and the destination for more than

1.86% of India‘s global exports.

India is the 5th largest export market for Saudi Arabia, accounting for 7.55% of its global

exports.

Both the nations have an established framework of cooperation which includes Joint

Commission Meetings (JCM), India-Saudi Business Council.

Several companies from both countries are collaborating in the spheres of designing,

consultancy, financial services and software development.

Saudi Arabia is also emerging as a big investor in India.

Educomp ties up with HCL Infosystems for its ‗Life Cycle‘ Services July 27th, 2013

HCL Infosystems Ltd and Educomp Solutions Ltd. have signed an agreement. As per the

agreement, HCL Infosystems will provide life cycle services for existing and new Educomp

classrooms across India. Life Cycle services include providing break-fix support and field

repair services along with managing new installations in the Educomp Classrooms.

About Educomp Solutions Ltd:

Educomp is one the leading providers of technology enabled educationsolutions and services

for K-12 (from Kindergarten to to Class 12) institutions. The company was set up in 1994

by Mr. Shantanu Prakash and was initially engaged in setting up and maintaining of

computer labs in private schools and in government schools on contract basis.

EducompSmartclass has reached to around 15,000 schools and 7 million students. HCL

Learning will continue to focus on growing its business of providing IT solutions and content

to the Indian Education segment. Currently, HCL Learning has over 12000 classrooms, 60

career development centres and offers content as well as innovative products such as

DigiSchool and Xcelerate.

First Textile Park inaugurated at Bagru near Jaipur July 27th, 2013

First Textile Park devoted to hand block printing and craft was inaugurated

at Bagru near Jaipur. The textile park would generate new opportunities for exporters and

artisans, as the textile sector holds tremendous potential of employment. The park has been

named Jaipur Integrated Texcraft Park Pvt. Ltd. (JITPPL) and is also known as is also

known as Jaipur Bloc.

What is the significance of ―Bagru‖? What is ―Bagru (Rajasthan) known for?

Bagru is famous for its traditional textiles, various styles of hand block printing and related

skills. This is the first park in India dedicated to the segment of hand block printing. The

textile park is installed with state-of-the-art technology to conserve and preserve water.

This park will aid in continuing and encouraging the craft in a cleaner way and act as a role

model for craft based industry. The park will generate employment to about 16000 people,

directly and indirectly. It is projected that the park in its first year of operation will do

a business of more than Rs 100 crore.

German ‗Whistleblower Prize‘ to Edward Snowden July 27th, 2013

Former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, who uncovered the most extensive US global

electronic surveillance programmes, has been awarded German ―Whistleblower Prize‖ for

year 2013 worth $3,900 in absentia.

The prize jury recognized Snowden‘s great public service exposing the massive and

unsuspecting monitoring and storage of communication data by US and other western

intelligence agencies, which cannot be accepted in democratic societies. The jury

acknowledged that Snowden took great personal risks in leaking the documents on the

operations of the US and other western intelligence agencies, aware of the current criminal

prosecution of whistleblowers in security areas.

About German Whistleblower Prize:

The Whistleblower Prize was instituted in 1999 by the German section of

the International Association of Lawyers Against Nuclear Arms (IALANA) and the Association

of German Scientists. It is awarded once in two years to honor persons, who ―expose in

public interest grave social injustices and dangerous developments for individuals and the

society, democracy, peace and environment―.

Curiosity rover confirms Martian air mostly contains CO2 July 25th, 2013

The Curiosity rover sent by NASA which landed on Mars on August 6, 2012 with the aim to

explore the Red Planet has confirmed that its air is made mostly of carbon dioxide with

hints of other gases.

This observation is very close to what the twin Viking Landers in the late 1970s detected

from Martian meteorites the rock fragments that fell to Earth. The scientist were stunned as

Viking found nitrogen to be the second most abundant gas in the Martian air but Curiosity‘s

measurements discovered a nearly equal abundance of nitrogen and argon which is a stable

noble gas. The difference in the observation might be because of the different tools used.

Quest to resolve Mars‘ Methane gas mystery

Scientists have not been able to solve the puzzle of methane gas on Mars. Several years

ago, telescopes on Earth detected a surprising belch of methane in three regions in the

Martian western hemisphere. However, the Curiosity team had not reported any definitive

smell of methane near the landing site. Since then, the rover has taken several more air

samples. To solve this mystery NASA is set to launch a Mars-orbiting spacecraft called

Maven. The craft will target the Martian atmosphere to determine if it exists and the

abundance and whether that varies by year or location.

Aussie Spinner Shane Warne included in ICC Hall of Fame July 25th, 2013

Legendary leg spinner, Australia‘s Shane Warne was inducted

into the International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame at Lord‘s, England.

Shane Warne‘s Achievements:

He represented Australia in 145 tests between 1992 and 2007.

He took 708 test wickets at an average of 25.41.

Shane Warne also took 293 wickets in 194 one-day internationals at an average of 25.73

He was in the playing Australian side that beat Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup final at

Lord‘s and was named man-of-the-match.

Note: Shane Warne is the 69th member to be included in the Hall of Fame and the

18th from Australia.

Hezbollah‘s military wing added terrorist list by EU July 25th, 2013

The EU has decided to put the armed wing of Hezbollah on its list of terrorist

organizations. It was made clear that it would maintain contact with all political parties

in Lebanon, including the Hezbollah party, which is part of the country‘s government.

Why Hezbollah has been added to terrorist list?

EU ministers took the decision at a foreign affairs council after a few EU countries with

troops in Lebanon or with sizeable communities there felt reassured by the proposed

wording, which also includes a review of sanctions against Hezbollah‘s military wing in six

months time.

Britain has led the efforts to impose sanctions on Hezbollah, saying it has evidence that

the group was involved in the terrorist attack in the coastal Bulgarian city of Burgas a

year ago.

Information regarding a foiled terrorist attack in Cyprus similar to the one perpetrated in

Bulgaria also added to the pressure to blacklist Hezbollah.

The governments of the US, Netherlands, France, Gulf Cooperation Council,

U.K., Australia, Canada, the European Union and Israel classify Hezbollah as a

terrorist organization.

About Hezbolla :

It is a Shi‘a Islamic militant group and political party

based in Lebanon. The organization has been called a state within a state.

It was conceived by Muslim clerics and funded by Iran following the Israeli invasion of

Lebanon and was primarily formed to offer resistance to the Israeli occupation.

It receives military training, weapons, and financial support from Iran, and political

support from Syria.

It has now grown to an organization with seats in the Lebanese government, a

radio and a satellite television-station, and programs for social development.

Its leaders were followers of Ayatollah Khomeini, and its forces were trained and

organized by a contingent of 1,500 Iranian Revolutionary Guards that arrived from Iran with

permission from the Syrian Government.Its paramilitary wing is regarded as a

resistance movement throughout the Arab and Muslim worlds and is considered more

powerful than the Lebanese Army.

It has taken the side of the government in the Syrian civil war and in May–June 2013

successfully assisted in the recapture of the strategic town of Qusayr.

Hezbollah‘s four main goals:

Israel‘s final departure from Lebanon as a prelude to its final obliteration.

Ending any imperialist power in Lebanon.

Submission of the Phalangists to just rule and bringing them to trial for their crimes

Giving the people the chance to choose with full freedom the system of government they

want while not hiding its commitment to the rule of Islam.

Archery World Cup: India finished 4th July 25th, 2013

India finishes fourth in the Archery World Cup Stage 3 held in

Medellin, Colombia.

Deepika Kumari‘s gold and bronze medal performances on the concluding day helped

India finished fourth in the Archery World Cup Stage 3 in Medellin, Colombia.

Key Achievements during the Archery World Cup:

Deepika Kumari won gold by beating China and bronze medal in mixed event paired with

Atanu Das by beating Mexico.

This was India‘s first World Cup team gold since Shanghai 2011.

India finished fourth with one gold and two bronze.

US topped the medal tally with 9 medals (2-5-2), while China (2-1-2) and Colombia (1-1-

0) were second and third respectively.

Maiden ATP Tour title win for Divij Sharan and Purav Raja July 25th, 2013

Divij Sharan and Purav Raja beat Edouard Roger-Vasselin

of France and Igor Sijsling of theNetherlands to clinch their maiden ATP Tour doubles

title in the final of the Claro Open in Bogota, Colombia. Divij, who was ranked No. 5 in

junior doubles, has won four Challenger doubles titles and 19 Futures titles. Purav who did

not play the junior circuit, has four Challenger and 14 Futures titles.

―Incheon‖: The World Book Capital for 2015 July 25th, 2013

International committee of

experts representing the book industry and theUnited Nations Educational, Scientific

and CulturalOrganization (UNESCO) named the city of Incheonin the Republic of

Koreaas the World Book Capital for the year 2015.

The committee attributes the title to a city which has devoted itself to promote books and

reading and also to highlight the vitality of literary creativity.

Ever year UNESCO and the international organizations represent the three major

sectors of the book industry:

International Publishers Association (IPA)

International Booksellers Federation (IBF)

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)

Why Incheon was chosen?

Incheon was chosen on the basis of the quality of its programme and the impact it will

have on improving good integration of all stakeholders in the promotion of books.

There will be promotion of reading, access to books and writing in all formats to the

citizens of Incheon and the Korean Peninsula.

The title is an acknowledgement of the best programme dedicated to books and reading and

doesn‘t involve any financial prize.

Incheon is the 15th city to be chosen as World Book Capital. Yerevan, Bangkok and Port

Harcourt which are the World Book Capital for the year 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively.

Two US Jets drops bombs on Great Barrier Reef Marine Park July 25th, 2013

The two AV-8B Harrier jets launched from aircraft carrier USS Bonhomme

Richard dropped four unarmed bomb in the World Heritage listed Marine Park off the

coast of Queensland state when the training exercise went wrong. The four bombs were

dropped in more than 50 meters of water away from coral to diminish possible damage to

the reef.

Originally, the jets were to drop the ordnances on the Townshend Island bombing range but

they cut off the mission as controllers stated that the area was not clear of hazards. The

pilots did the emergency jettison as they were low on fuel and could not land with their

bomb loaded.

About The Great Barrier Reef:

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is the world‘s largest coral reef system composed of over

2,900 individual reef sand 900 islands spanned over 2,600 kilometers over an area of

approximately 344,400 square kilometers. The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast

of Queensland, Australia.

Importance of GBR:

It has the world‘s biggest single structure made by billions of tiny living organisms known

as coral polyps. It is a rich ecosystem bearing a great diversity of life.

A major part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which helps to

limit the impact of human use, such as fishing and tourism.

The reef ecosystem faces threat from other environmental pressures which include runoff,

climate change accompanied by mass coral bleaching, and cyclic population outbreaks of

the crown of thorns starfish.

It is a very popular destination for tourists, especially in the Whitsunday

Islands and Cairns regions. Tourism is an important economic activity for the region

generating over $3 billion annually and is a significant part of local groups‘ cultures and

spirituality.

It was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981.

India emerges as the 2nd largest investor in London July 25th, 2013

India has come up as the 2nd largest investor in the city of London with Indian

companies led by software major Infosys with the investment eagerness generated by the

2012 Olympic Games in the British capital.

Infosys leads the inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) made by a total of 28

Indian companies, which generated 429 additional jobs for the British economy in

2012.

Major sectors of growth:

India has registered exceptional growth in the common areas of interest, such as

transport and city planning.

India brought in a large amount of additional 2.5 billion-pound foreign investment

into the UK since the Games and Indian FDI projects in 2012-13 are estimated

to generate 24 million pounds in gross value added for London‘s economy over the

next 3 years.

Information and communications technology (ICT) was the key sector in terms of

Indian FDI into London, followed by financial services and retail.

In the financial services sector Axis Bank stood out for setting up its global operations

in London as it has the right mix of potential wholesale and retail business to make it the

ideal location for their first international subsidiary.

The latest figures were released as part of an overall estimate of the economic

impact of the Olympic Games on London‘s economy. British government research

indicated that the UK economy has seen a 9.9 billion-pound boost in trade and

investment from hosting the Games.

P Sathasivam is the Chief Justice of India July 25th, 2013

Justice Palanisamy Sathasivam took over the post from Justice

Altamas Kabir who served as the Chief Justice of India for over 9 months. Justice

Sathasivam was elevated to the Supreme Court in August, 2007 and would renounce office

on April 26, 2014.

Brief introduction about Justice Sathasivam:

Started off as an advocate at Madras. There after he was appointed as a permanent Judge

of the Madras High Court in January, 1996. Later transferred to

the Punjab andHaryana High Court in April, 2007.

Major Judgements by Justice Sathasivam :

A bench of Justice Sathasivam and Justice B S Chauhan had upheld the conviction of

actor Sanjay Dutt and several others in the Mumbai blasts case.

The bench had castigated Pakistan and its intelligence agency ISI for training the

perpetrators of the 1993 blasts and unable to discharge its obligation

under international law to prevent terrorist attacks emanating from its territory.

Another Bench led by Justice Sathasivam had set aside the conviction of Pakistani

scientist Mohammed Khalil Chisti.

Rajat Gupta fined $13.9 million for Insider Trading July 24th, 2013

Rajat Gupta fined $13.9 million for Insider Trading. The former Goldman Sachs Director

Rajat Gupta has been fined a penalty of $13.9 million for one of the biggest insider trading

case and has been eternally expelled from acting as an officer or director of a public

company for leaking out boardroom secrets. He has been permanently barred from acting

as an officer or director of a public company and from associating with any broker, dealer or

investment adviser.

He is simultaneously appealing for his June, 2012, conviction in which he was given a two-

year prison term and fined $5 million. The Securities and Exchange Commission

(SEC) obtained $13.9 million penalty against Mr. Gupta for illegally spilling corporate

secrets to his friend and former hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam.

The Securities and Exchange Commission earlier obtained a record $92.8 million penalty

against Mr. Rajaratnam for prior insider trading charges. The SEC filed a complaint against

Mr. Gupta in late 2011 for disclosing confidential information to Mr. Rajaratnam about

Berkshire Hathaway Inc‘s $5 billion investment in Goldman Sachs as well as non-public

details about Goldman Sachs‘ financial results for the second and fourth quarters of 2008.

Mr. Gupta was sentenced on October 24, 2012, to a term of imprisonment of two years

followed by one year of supervised release and ordered to pay a $5 million criminal fine. On

December 26, 2012, the SEC obtained a final judgement ordering Mr. Rajaratnam to

surrender his share of the profits gained and losses avoided as a result of the insider trading

based on Mr. Gupta‘s provided secrets and prejudgement interest.

FDI hike in 13 sectors, 100% in telecom as per Government July 24th, 2013

FDI in multi-brand retail sector is allowed after the agreement from theForeign

Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). With the growing demands from the overseas

retails the government decided to liberalise Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limits in 13

sectors including telecom, insurance, retail and defence. The government also cleared the

much awaited 100 % FDI in the telecom sector from the existing 74%. Commerce and

Industry Minister Anand Sharma stated that the foreign direct investment limit in insurance

sector will be increased to 49% from the existing 26%. In multi-brand retail, up to 49%

overseas investment would now be allowed through automatic route. There is no decision

yet taken on Foreign Direct Investment in media.

Key points in FDI stated by Anand Sharma

Petroleum and Natural Gas the sectoral cap remains unchanged at 49%

Power exchanges route changed to automatic; cap remains same as 49%

In insurance sector FDI cap will be 49% through automatic route

Asset reconstruction companies: FDI cap upto 49% through automatic route. From 49%

to 100 % it will be through FIPB route

In tea sector, condition of divestment to Indian partners deleted

In single brand retail, FDI upto 49% it will be under automatic route; beyond 49% it will

be through FIPB route

No change of route in civil aviation sector for now

In defence sector, 26% through FIPB route stays; for state-of-art technologies, FDI beyond

this to be approved through CCS.

China lifts control on Bank lending rates July 24th, 2013

In a move toward creating a market oriented financial system to support economic growth,

the People‘s Bank of China and its Central Bankpromulgated to lift the controls on bank

lending rates.

Background for why China lifted the control on Bank lending rates:

Beijing has long used its banks to subsidize state industry with low-interest loans.

Depositors who put their money were paid low rates on deposits in recent years.

Families failed to keep up with inflation and lost money by leaving it in the bank.

The household spending was suppressed which is among the lowest in the world as a

percentage of the economy and efforts were made for domestic sustenance rather than

China‘s growth from exports and investment to more self-sustained domestic

consumption.

Chinese families looking for a better return on their savings invested into stocks and real

estate. They have also shifted money into wealth management products which are indeed

too risky for household investors.

How China‘s lifting of control on bank lending rates will affect its economy?

A change in the China‘s interest rate policy will be one of the major changes required to

keep its growth strong.

Allowing banks to negotiate their own rates with borrowers could bring in more credit to

private enterprise. Until now, banks were lending generally to state industry instead of

entrepreneurs who create China‘s new jobs and wealth so this can bring a change.

This will be a noteworthy development for China‘s financial sector in the direction of

having interest rates determined by market forces rather than government.

This reform is to further develop the basic role of market allocation of resources to

promote financial support for the development of the real economy.

It will allow banks to charge lower rates to more valuable borrowers, cutting down costs

for healthy businesses and strong growth. Till now the lower limit on lending rates was

set at 0.7 times the state-set interest rate.

Private sector borrowers may get more access to credit by paying more and this could

help to reduce their dependence on a vast, unregulated credit market.

Uttar Pradesh Plan for 2013-14 finalized by Planning Commission July 24th, 2013

The Planning Commission and the Uttar Pradesh govt together finalized Annual Plan

for Uttar Pradesh of Rs 69200 crore for the financial year 2013-14.

The Funding Process is bifurcated in 2 parts:

The Plan funding from the Central Government to the State of Uttar Pradesh from all

sources is expected to be over Rs.30000 crore during 2013-14.

This includes central assistance to the State Plan of about Rs 11225 crore.

An amount of about Rs 18000 crore is likely to flow from the Centre to U.P. through

various Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

Performance of the Uttar Pradesh (UP) during 11th Five Year Plan:

In the financial year 2012-13, growth rate of Uttar Pradesh was better than the

national growth. The national average growth was 5%, whereas, average growth

rate of Uttar Pradesh was 5.4 %

Industry and Service sector achieved the growth rate of 2.8and 7.6 % respectively.

Growth rate in agriculture achieved by the state was 2.6 %

The social indicators of Uttar Pradesh during the 11th Five Year Plan were positive.

The state was successful in establishing the economic activity by focusing on

the development of social and physicalinfrastructure.

During the 12th Five Year Plan, the state needs to get rid of its dependency on the

ground water for irrigation purposes. It needs to improve on the share of industry sector.

The latest industrial policy is an initiative to get out of these impediments.

Uttar Pradesh 12th Five Year plan focus:

Development of economic infrastructure and more than 20% of the outlay would be used

for this sector.

Time bound implementation of national flagship programs and effective implementation of

agriculture policy.

Encourage private participation by creating an atmosphere conducive to investment.

The infrastructure and industrial policy is being implemented to attract private investment

and all district headquarters are being connected by 4 lane roads by the end of the plan

while all 500 plus habitations will be connected with all-weather roads in two years.

Optimum utilization of limited water resources while planning for five per cent growth in

agriculture.

Education & Health should be given priority while working out development strategy

Construction of 300 bridges and 100 ROB in the State with the help of PPP mode for these

projects so that they could avail the benefits under Viability Gap Funding Scheme.

Huawei Technologies working on Fifth Generation (5G) Technology July 24th, 2013

Chinese equipment maker Huawei Technologies is working on the Fifth Generation (5G)

which will be probably available for use by 2020. Samsung has also promulgated that it has

tested 5G technology and it will be ready for commercial use by 2020.

Advantages of 5G Technology :

Expansion of connectivity by providing possibilities for billions of connections.

Offer people to have a fibre network like they experience on a wireless connection.

It can provide speed of 10 GBps, which is 100 times faster than the mobile technology

used these days.

President announces Securities Laws Amendment, 2013 July 24th, 2013

President Pranab Mukherjee has announced the Securities Laws Amendment regulation,

2013. The ordinance was promulgated by the President following the powers granted to him

by Clause 1 of Article 123 of Constitution.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) will now have more powers to deal with

the deceptive investment schemes and to monitor call data records of people or companies

alleged for any offence.

Objective: to amend Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Act and related Acts for

providing more powers to the capital markets regulator for enforcement against illegal

Collective Investment Schemes and to curb insider trading.

Why the need for Securities Laws Amendment, 2013?

Owing to new and innovative methods of raising funds from investors, such as art funds,

timeshare funds, emu /goat farming schemes, there has been regulatory gap /overlap

regarding types of instruments / fund raising. At the same time, SEBI receives complaints

against unapproved fund raising activities of certain companies that claim that they do not

come under the purview of SEBI Collective Investment Scheme regulations. With the

amendments in force now, SEBI would have powers to regulate any pooling of funds under

an investment contract involving a corpus of Rs.100 Crore or more, attach assets in case of

non-compliance and Chairman SEBI would have powers to authorize the carrying out of

search and seizure operations, as part of efforts to crack down on ponzi schemes.

Besides, SEBI would have powers to seek information, such as telephone call data records,

from any persons or entities in respect to any securities transaction being investigated by it.

Establishment of Special Courts enabled by this Ordinance would fast-track the resolution of

pending SEBI related cases.

The promulgation of the Ordinance demonstrates the firm commitment and resolve of the

Government to act with speed and alacrity to curb irregularities and frauds in securities

market.

Swiss tennis legend Martina Hingis included in Tennis Hall of Fame July 24th, 2013

Swiss tennis legend Martina Hingis (32) was inducted in Tennis Hall of Fame. She has

become the fourth youngest member to be inducted in the Tennis Hall of Fame

after Tracy Austin (30), Bjorn Borg (31) and Hana Mandlikova (32).

Martina Hingis Career & Achievements:

She came into limelight after clinching the 1993 Roland Garros junior title at just 12

year of age.

Won three Australian Open titles (1997, 1998, 1999), one Wimbledon (1997) and

a US Open title (1997).

Stood at the number one ranking for 209 weeks.

She also won nine grand slam doubles titles and a mixed doubles title.

In 1997, Hingis became the undisputed World No. 1 women‘s tennis player.

In 1998, Hingis won all four of the Grand Slam women‘s doubles titles, only the

fourth in women‘s tennis history to do so.

In 2001, Switzerland, with Hingis and Roger Federer as mixed doubles won the Hopman

Cup.

In 2003, at the age of 22, Hingis announced her retirement from tennis, due to her

injuries and being in pain.

In 2005, Martina Hingis made a return at an event in Pattaya,Thailand, where she lost

to Germany‘s Marlene Weingärtner in the first round.

In 2011, she was named one of the ―30 Legends of Women‘s Tennis: Past, Present

and Future―.

She is counted as the most successful player to play theToray Pan-Pacific

Tournament with 5 wins in 1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2007, and reached 8 finals in

the years1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007.

Goods and Services Tax report finalized by PSC July 24th, 2013

Goods and Services Tax (GST) report was finalized by the Parliamentary Standing

Committee (PSC) on Finance which will be tabled in Lok Sabhain August 2013 session. The

GST Bill introduced in Parliament in 2010 is being examined by the Standing Committee on

Finance. The states and the Centre now jointly would finalize the draft and bring it back to

Parliament.

What is the issue over GST?

The GST roll-out missed many deadlines due to differences between the states and the

Centre over controversial issues of central sales tax, compensation to states and design

of GST structure.

What are the suggestions about Goods and Services Tax (GST) from the panel

of Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) on Finance?

The panel has suggested that the government should look into the issue in case of

higher resource mobilizing statesbearing revenue loss due to implementation of GST

regime.

It also suggested that the Centre should prepare a framework for the GST regime in

which the revenue generating states should be adequately compensated.

About GST

Goods and Service Tax is a tax on goods and services, which will be levied at each point of

sale or provision of service, in which at the time of sale of goods or providing the services

the seller or service provider can claim the input credit of tax which he has paid while

purchasing the goods or procuring the service.

On most of the goods and services the rate of tax remains the same but as per the

necessity of the nation some goods or services can be declared as ―exempted‖ or ―Zero

rated‖. The whole system is developed in such a way that it avoids the cascading effect and

the final consumer bears the burden of all the tax.

Generally, in such a system Exports are zero rated and all the taxes paid while purchasing

and manufacturing the goods including the taxes paid on raw material and services are

returned to the exporter to make the exports competitive.

The sellers or service providers collect the tax from their customer, who may or may not be

the ultimate customer, and before depositing the same to the exchequer, they deduct the

tax they have already paid.

This is simply very similar to VAT which is at present applicable in most of the states and

can be termed as National level VAT on Goods and Services with only one difference that in

this system not only goods but also services are involved and the rate of tax on goods and

services are generally the same.

Key advantages of GST

It is proposed to bring in a common tax rule for goods and services by considering most

indirect taxes.

It will also help to increase the revenue collections.

India and ADB Sign an Agreement for Gujarat Solar Power Transmission System July 24th, 2013

With the rapid growing electricity demand, and increasing reliance on imported

sources of fossil fuel the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank

(ADB) signed an agreement for a $100 million ADB loan (A LIBOR based loan from

ADB‘s Ordinary Capital Resources which has a term of 25 years including 5 years of grace

period) to develop a transmission system that will distribute 500 megawatts of

solar power from the Charanka Solar Park in Gujarat.

ADB is committed to generating 3,000 MW of solar power by 2013 under its Asia

Solar Energy Initiative.

Key Objectives of the Project:

Using an inventive Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, the project will create job

opportunities, improve social services and contribute to poverty reduction locally.

It will also support power distribution companies in Gujarat and other Indian power

utilities to meet part of their energy needs through solar energy.

It will not only benefit Gujarat, but will also help develop the PPP solar park

model under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission.

An associated Technical Assistance (TA) funded by theDepartment

for International Development of the United Kingdom and administered by ADB will

provide professional training in energy-related skills and livelihood opportunities

to local people. At least half of the participants will be women.

Note: The Indian Government is aiming to generate 20,000 MW of solar power by

2022. It has launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) in 2010,

which is expected to generate 1,000 MW by 2013 by expanding grid-connected solar

power generation.

Supreme Court issues notice to Centre, States on disaster management July 24th, 2013

After the devastating tragedy that struck upon Uttarakhand and which resulted in numerous

deaths the Supreme Court issued notice to Uttarakhand and six other states for their

alleged failure in implementing the Disaster Management Act in order to handle natural

calamities.

The court has sought response from the Centre, the states and the Union Territory of

Andaman & Nicobar Islands on a PIL alleging that governments have failed to implement

the Disaster Management Act that was passed in 2005.

Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal andGujarat are the six

other states who have received this notice.

The court held that it was extremely pathetic that even after 8 years of the act, the Centre

and the various state governments had failed to implement its provisions and presently

there is no uniform policy in the country for granting compensation to the victims of

disaster.

World‘s first ever mission to Moon‘s South Pole Planned for 2016 July 24th, 2013

The International Lunar Observatory Association and Moon Expressannounced first

mission to the south pole of the moon in 2016 at NASA Lunar Science Institute conference

at NASA ‗s Ames Research Center.

Objective of the Mission:

It will be a scientific as well as commercial mission.

To install a permanent telescope on the lunar surface to assist professional research.

To deliver the International Lunar Observatory (ILO) aboard a Moon Express

Robotic Lander.

Moon Express is aiming to discover the moon‘s South Polefor mineral resources

and water. Lunar probes have provided substantial indication of mineral and volatile

deposits in the Moon‘s southern polar region where energy and resources may be

plentiful.

International Lunar Observatory Instrument and its use:

ILOA and Space Age Publishing Company have been founded by Steve Durst.

ILO which is a 2 meter dish antenna will help in carrying outInternational

astrophysical observations and communications from the lunar surface thus

providing commercial broadcasting, scientific research and enabling Galaxy 21st

Century education and ―citizen science‖ on the Moon.

ILO will display the scientific study of the galaxy, moon, earth, sun and stars The ILO

and its originator will have an internet based access and control system.

Space Age Publishing Company

It aims to broadcast its Lunar Enterprise Daily and Space Calendar weekly via the ILO.

This mission would help in humanity‘s growth as a multi-world species.

Moon Express will send a sequence of robotic missions to the Moon in support of

commerce science and exploration starting in 2015.

July 22: World observes Pi Approximation Day July 22nd, 2013

Pi Approximation Day was celebrated worldwide on July 22 (as the date is written 22/7). As

we know that the value of Pi is 22/7 and it is said to be the common approximation of Pi

(π).

Background:

The Pi Day started in the year 1988 when Larry Shaw, a physicist at the Exploratorium, the

San Francisco science museum disclosed that the date was March 14 (as the day is 3/14

which represents the value 3.14).

Pi Approximation Day is quite closely related to the Pi Day which iscelebrated on

March 14 every year (representing the value 3.14)

Pi Approximation Day is celebrated in order to mark the Pi orapproximation of EMBED

Equation 22/7.

Supreme Court: No acid sale without ID July 22nd, 2013

The Supreme Court gave an interim direction and has totally banned the counter sale of the

chemical taking into the account acid attacks. AStandard Operating Procedure

(SOP) should also be laid down for management and handling of acids.

Objective: To prevent acid attacks.

As per the directions of Supreme Court:

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) should also be laid down for management and

handling of acids.

The seller needs to maintain a log/register recording the address and other details of the

buyer.

All dealers should sell the chemical only after the buyer shows a government issued photo

identity card and specifies the purpose of purchase.

The seller should submit the details of sale to the local police within three days of the

transaction and no acid should be sold to any person under the age of 18 years.

All the stocks must be confirmed with the local Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in 15

days.

If the stocks are not declared with the SDM then all the stocks could be confiscated and

the defaulter will be fined up to Rs.50, 000.

The proper rules and guidelines are yet to be framed by States and Union Territories.

Raise compensation to acid attack victims to Rs. 3 lakhs

The Supreme Court has directed all States to pay acid attack victims Rs. 3 lakh towards

medical treatment and after-care rehabilitation — Rs. 1 lakh within 15 days of an incident

and the balance within two months thereafter.

Department of Food & Public Distribution Launches Electronic fund transfer July 22nd, 2013

Department of Food & Public Distribution launched the Electronic Transfer of Funds.

Objective:

To ensure quick and direct transfer of funds to the beneficiaries.

This protected mode of making the payments on-line, would be time saving and eliminate

physical cheques and their manual processing.

This in turn would help in bringing more efficiency in the financial working of the

department. The Department of Food and Public Distribution has a key role in terms of the

payment of subsidies mainly for Food and Sugar covering a significant amount of Budget

outflow.

Implementation & features of the Electronic Fund Transfer System:

The Department of Food & Public Distribution and RBI have implemented the electronic

payment system of the computerized accounting in joint venture with the National

Informatics Centre.

The STQC Directorate of IT department has certified the electronic payment system as

fully secured.

This system will serve as the middleware between the COMPACT (the accounting

application) for processing of bill and CoreBanking Solutions (CBS) for the bank as

well as the RBI.

―Janani Suraksha Yojna (JSY)‖ – Government to Provide Pre-natal Health Care

Facilities to Pregnant Women July 22nd, 2013

Under the Janani Suraksha Yojna (JSY) scheme, the government would provide free pre-

natal health care and ambulance facilities to pregnant women across the country.

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)

A safe motherhood intervention under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

Objective: Decrease the neo-natal and maternal deaths happening in the country by

promoting institutional delivery of babies.

100% centrally sponsored scheme

Integrates cash assistance with delivery and post-delivery care.

Key Points under the scheme:

The Pregnant women will be given free medical and ambulance facilities from conception

to delivery and post natal care.

Free treatment and transport facility would be provided during the entire pregnancy

period. And the baby born would be given free treatment for 1 year.

The women will also be able to avail free consultation from doctors at government

hospitals for 45 days from delivery and infants will be given free treatment at the

hospitals for one year.

The adolescent children will be provided weekly supplements ofIron and Folic Acid to

prevent anaemic diseases in the children.

Supreme Court refuses to reduce juvenile age from 18 to 16 years July 22nd, 2013

A bench lead by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir dismissed a batch of PILs which were filed in

the apex court demanding that the Act should be amended and a minor involved in

atrocious crimes should not be protected under the law. These pleas in the apex court were

opposed by various child activists, including former Chairman of Delhi Commission for

Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) Amod Kanth.

As per Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, person is

treated as a minor till he attains the age of 18 years.

The petition had opposed that sections 2(k), 10 and 17 of the Act which deal with the

issue were illogical in context of the Constitution.

The petitions had also submitted that the Act needs amendment as it does not talk about

the physical or mental maturity of a juvenile.

In one of the other petition it was mentioned that appointment of a criminal psychologist

to resolve through clinical and medical examination if the juvenile accused in a case

would be a threat to the society.

After 7 years of ban dance bars in Maharashtra all set to run July 22nd, 2013

Supreme Court stayed with the Bombay High Court‘s verdict to repress the State

Government‘s order to close the dance bars, 7 years after they were banned dance bars can

again run in Maharashtra. In 2005 the Maharashtra Government brought in an amendment

in the Bombay Police Act which was challenged in the High Court by an association

representing restaurants and bars.

The High Court in 2006 had repressed the Government‘s decision. The State Government

had moved to the apex court against the High Court‘s order the same year. The Supreme

Court while accepting the Government‘s plea had stayed with the High Court‘s verdict.

As per the Government there were only 345 licensed dance bars and about 2,500

unlicensed bars were doing business in the State. As many as 72% of the bar girls being

married and 68% being the sole bread earners of their family, the State Government‘s order

had rendered them jobless and thus High Court struck down it as illogical and

unconstitutional.

Bhim Sain Bassi, the next Police Commissioner of Delhi July 22nd, 2013

Neeraj Kumar who will be retiring on this month end will be replaced by

Bhim Sain Bassi, a 1977 batch Indian Police Service officer as the next Police Commissioner

of Delhi.

Mr. Bassi & his Achievements :

He cleared the Union Public Service Commission examination at the age of 21 and was

appointed as an Assistant Superintendant of Police in Pondicherry in 1980.

Served in various capacities in Delhi and other parts of the country, including Chandigarh,

Goa and Arunachal Pradesh,.

Mr. Bassi, who is a Commerce graduate from the Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi

University, also has a Law degree.

Conferred the President‘s Police Medal for distinguished service and the Police Medal for

meritorious service.

Centre to launch Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation Programme July 22nd, 2013

With the substantial increase of adolescent anaemia, the Centre decided to launch the

Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation Programme among the age group of 10 to 19 years.

Additional Secretary in the Ministry ofHealth and Family Welfare Anuradha Gupta pointed

out that almost 50 % of nutritional deficiency related anaemia is Iron .

Cause of Anaemia : It is a result of under-nutrition and reduced dietary intake of iron.

The problem is not only among adolescents but also pregnant women, infants and young

children.

Effects of Anaemia: Anaemia in adolescents results in poor physical growth, reduced

and minimal concentration in daily tasks thereby impacting work capacity and work

output.

The programme will be implemented across the country covering 13 crore adolescents. The

Health Ministry has recommended to the States that IFA tablet is will be provided to

adolescents one day in a week, preferably Monday.

Marriage law amendment approved by Union Cabinet July 22nd, 2013

Union Cabinet approved the amendments to the marriage law. The Bill is expected to come

in the August 2013 Session of Parliament .

Objective :

To enable a married woman to get a share of her husband‘s ancestral property as

compensation in case of a divorce. As per the bill in case the ancestral property cannot be

divided the woman would get adequate compensation by calculating the husband‘s share.

The Group of Ministers (GoM) have been asked to take an idea on whether a judge can

exercise the judgement in granting divorce if one of the partners don‘t move a second joint

application for divorce with common consent. The GoM also had discussion over the issue of

allowing courts to decide on doing away with the compulsory 6 month waiting period for

couples seeking divorce through a joint appeal by common consent.

Benefit for Coconut Sector as Tapping Unfermented Sap or ―Neera‖ from

Coconut approved by Kerala Government July 21st, 2013

Tapping unfermented sap or Neera from the coconut was approved by the Government

of Kerala all over the state. As a part of the pilot project Neera tapping will take place in

each and every district all over Kerala in units of 1500 coconut trees. The federations as

well as the companies that are associated to Coconut Development Board will be permitted

to produce Neera. Packaging of Neera will be totally free from the alcoholic content, this will

be ensured via technological advances. For the purpose of production of neera, Abkari Laws

will also be amended.

What is Neera or Pandaneer or Sweet Toddy?

Neera (padaneer in Tamil Nadu) also called sweet toddy is the non-alcoholic drink which

would benefit coconut sector. Neera is refrigerated, stored and distributed by semi-

government agencies. It contains many nutrients including potash. It is a

delicious health drink and a rich source of sugars, minerals and vitamins.

Palm sap begins fermenting instantly after collecting, because of natural yeasts in the pores

of pot and air (ofttimes spurred by residual yeast left in the collecting container). In two

hours, fermentation yields an aromatic wine of up to 4% alcohol content, gently intoxicating

and sweet. The wine may be left to ferment longer, up to a day, to produce a stronger,

more sour and acidic taste, which some individuals favour.

Longer fermentation yields vinegar instead of stronger wine.

Bengaluru International Airport renamed as ―Kempe Gowda International Airport‖ July 21st, 2013

Union Cabinet approved the new name for Bangalore‘s BengaluruInternational Airport (BIA)

to Kempe Gowda International Airport

Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) is the one and the only airport serving the Bangalore

region. It is owned by Bengaluru International Airport Pvt. Limited (BIAL) a majority of

74% held by GVK Group, Zurich Airport and Siemens Projects, along with two government

bodies,Infrastructure Development Corporation KSIIDC and the Karnataka State Industrial.

Who was Hiriya Kempe Gowda or Bengalooru Kempe Gowda?

Hiriya Kempe Gowda (also Kempe Gowda I or Bengalooru Kempe Gowda)

was a ruler under the Vijayanagara Empire.

Considered to be the founder of the metropolis of Bangalore, the capital of the Indian state

of Karnataka.

Kempe Gowda was a well educated and successful ruler.

Famous for his reformist thinking, he led the foundations of a modern city with successful

planning and building the present city building many temples and water reservoirs in

Bangalore.

One of his social reforms was to disallow the custom of cutting-off the last two fingers of the

left hand of the married women during ―Bandi Devaru‖, an important custom of Morasu

Vokkaligas.

‗Tears You Apart‘ – Launch of National Tobacco Control Campaign July 21st, 2013

A nation-wide National Tobacco Control Campaign called ―Tears you apart‖ has been

launched by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

Objective: To raise awareness about the danger to the life of tens of millions of Indians

who consume smokeless tobacco every day.

As per the survey conducted by Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), 21 crore

Indians make use of smokeless tobacco.

Smokeless tobacco includes: paan masala, gutkha, zarda, khaini and paan with

tobacco.

Concerned authorities need to take action immediately else the death toll could increase to

more than eighty lakh by 2030. Around 90% of the oral cancers are caused by smokeless

tobacco. As per the estimation nearly 8-9 lakh people die every year due to diseases caused

by tobacco. Implementation of the stated regulation which prohibit production, storage and

sale of pan masala and gutkha containing tobacco have been issued by 33 states/UTs.

Plan scheme ‗Development Communication and Information Dissemination‘ approved for 12th five-year plan July 21st, 2013

The plan scheme ‘Development Communication and Information Dissemination‘ with an

expenditure of Rs.630 Crore.

Objective: To raise awareness among the people of the benefits in a variety of

Government schemes.

The media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will implement this

scheme through different modes of i.e. Public Information Campaigns, people to people

contact , outdoor publicity, press tours, electronic and print media, conducted tours, live art

andculture shows, special outreach programmes etc.

―An Uncertain Glory: India and its Contradiction‖ – A book by Jean Dreze and

Amartya Sen released July 21st, 2013

In their book ―An Uncertain Glory: India and its Contradiction‖, Amratya Sen along with

Jean Drèze, have presented a view of the conditions of contemporary India with a collection

of the wealth of revealing data. The book presents the booming maintenance of the world‘s

largest democracy and achievements of India since independence. They have also discussed

about the prevalent flaws in the development strategy of the nation. Major focus is over the

role of human capabilities as an end in them and as a means of further progress.

About the Authors

Jean Drèze

An Indian citizen since 2002 and lives in India since then

Taught at the London School of Economics (LSE) and the DelhiSchool of Economics

(DSE).

Currently a visiting Professor at Allahabad University.

Co-authored Amartya Sen in books named ―Hunger and Public Action‖ and ―India:

Development and Participation‖

Co-author of the Public Report on Basic Education in India

Amaryta Sen

An Indian economist and philosopher

Wn Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences in 1998 for making contribution to welfare

economics and social choice theory

A professor at Thomas W. Lamont University

A Professor of Philosophy and Economics, at Harvard University.

Some of the books authored by him include:

The Argumentative IndianInequality reexamined

The Idea of Justice

Poverty and Famines

Commodities and Capabilities

Hunger and Republic Action

Development as Freedom

Choice, Welfare and Measurement

Rationality and Freedom

Identity and Violence the illusion of Destiny

Rs 25,000 crore window opened by RBI to help Mutual Fund industry July 21st, 2013

A special borrowing window of Rs 25,000 crore was opened by the RBI to help mutual

funds industry over liquidity problems. The crisis occurred due to different merger schemes

in the industry and profit booking. This facility will be made available for a brief period only.

A special 3-day REPO auction was decided to be conducted by RBI under which banks can

raise funds upto to Rs 25,000 crore at 10.25 per cent for on lending to the mutual funds. In

2012-13 the mutual fund industry lost more than 36 lakh investors. During the last 3

financial years, the mutual fund industry had lost over 15 lakh new investor accounts. In

April-June 2013-14 as per the latest SEBI data, Mutual Funds lost 10 lakh investors in terms

of individual accounts or folios.

Midday Meal to be monitored by a Committee formed by HRD Ministry July 21st, 2013

A committee has been set up by the centre to review the accomplishment of its flagship

midday meal scheme and supervise better quality of food served, effectiveness of the

supply chain and guaranteed hygienic standards.

A programme headed by HRD Ministry had alerted 12 Bihar districts after flaws were found

in executing the scheme. The committee would comprise of minister and 20 members from

the government side and as well as from the civil society group.

―Helicopter Shot‖ discoverer Santosh Lal, a friend of M.S.Dhoni dies July 21st, 2013

Mahendra Singh Dhoni‘s childhood friend Santosh Lal , a first-class cricketer who

invented helicopter shot passed away.

What is the ―Helicopter Shot‖?

It is an unorthodox cricket shot played by a batsman. The shot was popularized by Indian

skipper M.S. Dhoni. While attempting this shot, the batsman digs a yorker ferociously with

the bat forming a whipping arc in the follow through. With the passage of time players have

developed different cricketing techniques to score runs. By a successful Helicopter Shot a

batsman can hit a Six on a yorker.

NSE embarks to top slot as largest bourse globally for equity trades July 21st, 2013

As per World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) the National Stock Exchange (NSE) has again

embarked its position as the world‘s largest bourse in terms of volumes in equity trades.

Even after a fall of 9.7% in its equity trades last month NSE registered a total of 112 million

trades and thus now making it the world‘s top exchange on this parameter among the 50

bourses listed with WFE. NSE was also ranked first in terms of equity trades for the first

half of 2013 with a total of 711.8 mn trades.

BSE, stood at the 8th place with 24.4 mn trades on its platform. Although the total number

of listed companies is much larger in case of the BSE, the exchange lags behind NSE

significantly in terms of volume and value of trades.

RBI calibrates MSF to ease rupee volatility July 21st, 2013

In the wake of continuing depreciation of rupee disturbing the monetary and fiscal

calculations, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), fine-tuned the Marginal Standing Facility

(MSF) rate to 10.5% from previous 8.25%. This will be 300 basis points above the policy

repo rate under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF). The increase comes into effect with

immediate effect. As a consequence of the increase in the MSF rate, the Bank Rate also

stands adjusted to 10.25%.

As per RBI, the overall allocation of funds under the LAF would be limited to 1% of the net

demand and time liabilities of the banking system. This is estimated to be around Rs.75,000

crore.

What is MSF?

Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) allows banks to borrow funds from the RBI at a rate which

is 100 basis points above the LAF (or the repo rate), against pledging the approved

government securities.

How will RBI‘s caliberation of MST to ease Rupee volatility impact the market?

The increase in MSF is expected to make the loans costlier.

RBI penalizes 22 banks for violating KYC norms July 21st, 2013

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has fined 22 banks by imposing penalty for violating Know-

Your-Customer (KYC) norms and anti-money laundering guidelines. The banks who have

been fined include SBI, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank and some other banks all of whom

have been fined Rs.3 crore each. The central bank also issued ―cautionary letters‖ to seven

other banks including Citibank, Standard Chartered and Barclays as no violation of serious

nature by them was established.

The violations by the public sector banks were revealed in a sting operation by online

portal, Cobrapost.

As per the RBI, the investigation against the fined banks did not reveal any prima facie

evidence of money laundering.

The banks who have been penalized for violating Know Your Customer (KYC)/Anti-Money

Laundering norms includes the country‘s largest bank, State Bank of India, and other public

sector banks such as PunjabNational Bank, Bank of India and Canara Bank. Earlier, three

‗new generation‘ private banks were slapped with stiff fines by the central bank whose

investigations followed an expose by online portal Cobrapost. The latest list includes the

relatively new Yes Bank as well as some old private banks such as Lakshmi Vilas Bank.

Scientist engineer ―Functional‖ blood vessels in mice made from stem cells July 21st, 2013

Scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and Harvard Stem Institute,

Harvard University have been able to engineer ―stable and functional‖ blood vessels in mice

using induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells taken from skin of healthy people and those

with Type I diabetes. The blood vessels lasted for 280 days in the brain of the mice.

How was the functional blood vessel created?

Scientist used induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells taken from skin of healthy people

and those with Type I diabetes. These cells produced vascular precursor cells —

endothelial precursor cells and mesenchymal precursor cells from iPS cells. While

endothelial cells form the inner lining of blood vessels, mesenchymal cells provide structural

stability. Then they were grown in a dish in a medium which provided the nutriments and

suitable environment. After the cells attained a certain optimum growth stage forming

an ―engineered construct‖, it was then transferred onto the brain and dorsal skin of the

mice and visualized with a microscope. It was also subcutaneously injected into the backs of

the animals. The mice with subcutaneously injected construct were sacrificed (killed) after

two weeks. Even within this short period, it had formed blood vessels and connected with

the animals‘ vessels. The presence of mouse RBCs in the engineered vessels is proof that

blood had flowed through them.

How would it help in future?

This work is proof of concept demonstration that vascular precursor cells — endothelial

precursor cells and mesenchymal precursor cells from iPS cells — can be used to engineer

blood vessel. This study holds great promise to restore blood flow, especially in the case of

Type II diabetic patients with ischemia in the foot.

British Government decorates Krishna Menon‘s London home with blue plaque July 20th, 2013

In commemoration to V.K. Krishna Menon‘s long and eventful association with

London, the British government has decided to put up an English Heritage blue plaque at

the house where he lived when he first moved to the city. Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal

Nehru and Sardar Patel are among the other Indian leaders previously honoured by English

Heritage.

Who was V.K. Krishna Menon?

(Born: May 3, 1896, died October 6, 1974)

Vengalil Krishnan Krishna Menon was an Indian nationalist, diplomat and statesman. He

was India‘s first High Commissioner to the UK and later became Defence Minister of India

from 1957 to 1962.

Menon in the UK

While his stay in the UK, he served as a Labour councillor for the Borough of St.

Pancras in 1930s, and is still remembered for introducing travelling libraries and children‘s

corners. During the Second World War, he served as an air warden around Camden Square,

where he lived at the time, and in 1955 St. Pancras conferred on him the Freedom of the

Borough, the only other person so honoured being George Bernard Shaw. He was

described by the former Labour Prime Minister, James Callaghan as ―the embodiment of the

movement within Britain for India‘s freedom.‖

Menon in India:

Menon was noted for his eloquence, brilliance, and forceful, highly abrasive persona. He

inspired widespread adulation and fervent detraction in both India and the West; to his

supporters, he was an unapologetic champion of India in the face of Western imperialism.

Returning to India, he was repeatedly elected to both houses of the Indian parliament from

constituencies as varied as Bombay, Bengal, and his native Kerala, and served as Minister of

Defense, overseeing the modernization of the Indian military and development of the Indian

military-industrial complex, and spearheading the Indian annexation of Goa. He resigned in

the wake of the Sino-Indian war, following allegations of India‘s military unpreparedness,

but remained counselor to Nehru, Member of Parliament and elder statesman until his

death.

As as Minister of Defense, overseeing the modernisation of the Indian military and

development of the Indian military-industrial complex, and spearheading the Indian

annexation of Goa. He resigned in the wake of the Sino-Indian war, following allegations of

India‘s military unpreparedness, but remained counselor to Nehru, member of parliament

and elder statesman until his death.

Who are the other Indian leaders honored with Blue Plaque previously?

Other Indian leaders namely Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Jawaharlal Nehru

and Sardar Patel have been honoured by this English Heritage, previously.

Why is the significance of blue plaque?

The Blue Plaque Scheme of London was founded in 1866 is run by the William Ewart MP and

the Royal Society of Arts to commemorates the association between the notable figures of

past and Britain‘s famous residents. More than 760 plaques have been placed across London

by now. It is a uniquely successful means of connecting people and place. The Royal Society

launched the scheme in 1867 with the unveiling of a commemorative tablet for Lord Byron.

harkhand: Hemant Soren government wins trust vote July 19th, 2013

Hemant Soren (37) has been sworn in as Chief Minister of the coalition

government led by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. Soren, son of JMM chief Shibu Soren,

was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Syed Ahmed after President

Pranab Mukherjee revoked the nearly six-month-long Central rule in the State.

The President had imposed the rule exercising the power from Article 356 (1) of the

Constitution after the resignation of Chief Minister Arjun Munda (BJP) in January 2013 when

the party was reduced to minority after the JMM had withdrew its support.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren won the vote on confidence motion in the state

Assembly

President launches ―Kisaan Portal‖- aimed at reaching Information, Advisories, Services to 12 Crore Farmers July 19th, 2013

President Pranab Mukherjee launched a ‗Kisaan Portal‘ for sending SMS through mobile

phones to the farmers across the nation. This initiative will enable the farmers to take

informed decision pertaining to different aspects of farming and weather forecasts. It has

been set up to spread information, advisories and services through SMS to more than 12o

million farmers across the country. To access the service, farmers will have to register

themselves by calling Kisaan Call Centre on the toll free number 1800-180-1551 or

through the web portal.

What are the key benefits of the SMS Advisories from Kisaan Portal?

The key advantages include:

It will help farmers in taking informed decisions relating to different aspects of farming

including crop production and marketing, animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries.

The farmers can customize the SMS service to get advisories relevant to their specific

requirements.

Weather forecast SMS and alerts will enable farmers in planning, farming operations

effectively and taking the best suited action to deal with adverse weather conditions.

Advisories on disease/pest outbreak will also assist the farmers to take quick actions to

safeguard their crops and animals.

Advisories on best practices, such as selection of better suited crop variety/ animal breed,

will lead to better farm productivity and enhanced income to the farmers.

Farmers will be informed about the market which will give the farmer better bargaining

power which in turn help farmers in taking better decisions about sale of his produce.

The SMS service will also include soil test results, selection of fertilizer and its dosage,

and also information on various programmes so that farmers can make the best use of

assistance and know-how being made available by the Government.

―Zc(3900)‖: Scientists find evidence of existence of a new four-quark particle July 19th, 2013

Particle physicists performing

experiments at the Belle particle detector in Japanand in BESIII detector in Chinahave found

evidence of the existence of a four-quark particle namedZc(3900).

About Zc(3900):

Composed of two quarks and two antiquarks.

A hadron, a type of subatomic particle made of quarks, believed to be the first tetraquark

that has been observed experimentally.

A decay product of the previously observed anomalous Y(4260) particle.

In turn decays into a charged pion (π±) and a J/ψ meson. This is consistent with the

Zc(3900) containing four or more quarks.

What are Quarks?

A quark is an elementary particle and a fundamental constituent of matter. Quarks combine

to form composite particles called hadrons, the most stable of which

are protons and neutrons, the components of atomic nuclei. Due to a phenomenon known

as color confinement, quarks are never directly observed or found in isolation; they can

be found only within hadrons, such as baryons (of which protons and neutrons are

examples), and mesons.For this reason, much of what is known about quarks has been

drawn from observations of the hadrons themselves.

What are the differnt types of Quarks?

There are six types of quarksflavors: up, down, strange, charm, bottom, and top.

Up and down quarks have the lowest masses of all quarks. The heavier quarks rapidly

change into up and down quarks through a process of particle decay. Because of this, up

and down quarks are generally stable and the most common in the universe,

whereas strange, charm, top, and bottom quarks can only be produced in high

energy collisions (such as those involving cosmic rays and in particle accelerators).

Quarks have various intrinsic properties, including electric charge, color charge, mass, and

spin. Quarks are the only elementary particles in the Standard Model of particle physics to

experience all four fundamental interactions, also known as fundamental

forces(electromagnetism, gravitation, strong interaction, and weak interaction), as well as

the only known particles whose electric charges are not integer multiples of the elementary

charge.

Quarks have three kinds of charges which are characterized by a quantum number

called colour (as three kinds of primary colours exist).

What is Quantum Chromodynamics or QCD?

The theory describing the strong interaction of quarks is calledQuantum

Chromodynamics or QCD.

What is antiquark?

For every quark flavor there is a corresponding type of antiparticle, known as

anantiquark, that differs from the quark only in that some of its properties have equal

magnitude but opposite sign.

40% of global population is online: ITU July 19th, 2013

As per the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), nearly 40% of the global

population or 2.7 billion people are already online in 2013 whileIndia still stands far with

around 13% Internet penetration with roughly 160 million users.

As per ITU:

The percentage of people online in developing and developed world is 31% and 77%

respectively.

Europe, with 75% Internet penetration, is the region with the highest Internet

penetration rate.

The US, with 61% penetration, is positioned at the second spot amongst regions.

Africa has nearly 16% of its citizens online — only half the penetration rate of Asia-

Pacific, where one out of every three (33%) citizens has access to the Internet.

More men than women have access to the Internet, but the distinction is not sharp.

Globally, 37% of all women are online, compared with 41% of all men.

The gender gap is more marked in the developing world, where 16% less women than

men use the Internet, compared with only 2% less women than men in the developed

world.

41% or nearly 750 million households are connected to the Net by 2013.

Nearly half of these households are in the developing world, where household Internet

penetration is close to 28%.

78% of households in the developed world are online.

In 2013, around 1.1 billion homes globally, of which 90% are in the developing world, are

yet to be connected to the Internet.

Europe and Africa are the regions with the highest and lowest household Internet

penetrations respectively.

About 77% households in Europe in contrast to extreme low of 7% in Africa.

With an annual growth rate of 27%, Africa‘s Internet penetration grew fastest between

2009 and 2013.

India is expected to double its Internet users from 160 million to 330 million by 2015.

India‘s National Telecom Policy ideates for 175 million broadband subscribers by 2017

and 600 million by 2020.

Panel on manufacturing takes measures to boost the sector July 19th, 2013

A high-level panel on manufacturing has cleared the Rs.7,555-crore project to build 90-

seater aircraft.

It also decided to increase steel production capacity to 300 million tones through Special

Purpose Vehicles of Central Public Sector Enterprises with states. It was also decided to

enhance export of textiles by 30% in 2013. In fiscal 2012-13, textiles exports stood at

about $34 billion. The panel focused on giving a fillip to creating domestic manufacturing

capabilities in advanced materials, alloys and composites.

India‘s 90-seater aircraft project (Joint effort of: HAL + CSIR + DRDO):

The project to build indigenous 90-seater aircraft has been on anvil for years. The design

and development of the aircraft is estimated to cost Rs.4,355 crore, and series production

would entail a further Rs.3,200 crore. The aircraft is to be built through a collaborative

venture of state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), National Aerospace

Laboratories (NAL), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and DRDO.

Eminent Carnatic vocalist Nookala passed away July 19th, 2013

Eminent Carnatic vocalist Nookala Chinna Satyanarayana, a recipient of

Padma Bhushan, passed away.

About Nookala Chinna Satyanarayana:

Born: 1923 at Anakapalle in Andhra Pradesh, he was famously called

―Mahamahopadhyaya‖ by his students and music lovers.

As a child he was a prodigy with theatrical tastes.

Learned to play violin from renowned musician Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu.

Later, he was influenced with Pinakapani and took up Carnatic vocal.

Honors for Nookala Chinna Satyanarayana:

Padma Bhushan

‗Asthana Vidwan‘ for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Kanchi Kamakoti, Sringeri

Sankara, Pushapagiri Peetham and the Ganapati Sachidananda Ashram.

‗Sangeetha Kala Acharya‘ by the Madras Music Academy after his demonstration

of ‗Pancharatna Kirtanas‘ of Thyagaraja.

Indian oil companies considering Iran‘s gas offer July 19th, 2013

India is thinking over Iran‘s offer of Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) in the energy

sector, including one for developing the prolificFarzad B gasfield in the Farsi block of the

Persian Gulf.

This is the first time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that Iran has offered three Indian oil

companies — ONGC Videsh Limited, Oil India Limited and Indian Oil Corporation — PSCs at

a time of diminishing crude purchases by India.

The offer marks a departure from Iran‘s earlier practice of offering Indian companies 15%

fixed returns under a buy-back arrangement with the national oil company of Iran and also

indicates towards Iran‘s intention of improving ties with India. The PSCs offer the Indian

companies a guaranteed share of production. However, India would have to analyse the

advantages and disadvantages before accepting the offer, because of the sanctions the U.S.

and the European Union imposed on Iran, primarily aiming its oil industry, to pressurize

Tehran to give up its nuclear programme.

In past:

2011: Indian companies opened talks with Iran for developing the gas field. But a

subsequent meeting did not materialise because India was apprehensive of the impact of

the sanctions on its companies. The impact of sanctions led to cut down in Iran‘s crude

supplies to India in the past few years.

May 2013: Iran had offered the Indian firms PSCs to increase investment in the

upstream sector. As a matter of fact, Iran offered to ship gas to India in liquefied form

through Oman. Iran does not have the technology to liquefy gas, so it agreed to do the

process in Oman.

During 2012-13, India‘s import plummeted by over 26.5% to 13.3 million tonnes from

18.1 million tonnes the year before. In 2012-13, Iranian share was 7.2% of India‘s oil

imports, down from 10.5% the previous year.

Farzad B Gas Field - Indian exploration in Iran

Since 2009, the Indian companies are negotiating with Iran for developing the Farzad B

gasfield. As per initial estimates, it contains 21.68 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas, with

recoverable reserves of 12.8 tcf. The investment in exploration is put at $5.5 billion, with an

extra $8 billion-$9 billion for developing the field and building a liquefied natural gas (LNG)

terminal, and for transport. This gas could go directly to India as LNG.

Supreme Court: Persons in lawful custody not entitled to vote/contest elections July 19th, 2013

Upholding a 2004 judgement of Patna High court, the Supreme Court has held that persons

in lawful custody – whether convicted in a criminal case or otherwise – cannot contest

polls. However, the ruling does not apply to those on bail.

What is the matter?

The Chief Election Commissioner and others had filed a appeals against a Patna High Court

judgement that in 2004 had held that when a person in custody is disqualified from voting

he or she must be disqualified from contesting in elections too. Calling the High Court‘s

decision right the apex court held that a person who has no right to vote by virtue of the

provisions of Section 62 (5) of the Representation of the People Act 1951 is not an

elector and is therefore not qualified to contest the election to the House of the People or

the Legislative Assembly of a State. Besides, the court said ―A right to vote is a statutory

right, the Law gives it, the Law takes it away. Persons convicted of crime are kept away

from elections to the Legislature, whether to State Legislature or Parliament and all other

public elections. The Law temporarily takes away the power of such persons to participate in

elections. To vote is a statutory right. It is a privilege to vote, which privilege may be taken

away. In that case, the elector would not be qualified, even if his name is on the electoral

rolls.

Prominent gastroenterologist Rangabashyam passed away July 19th, 2013

Renowned surgical gastroenterologist, surgeon and teacher, N. Rangabashyam, passed

away.

About Dr. Rangabashyam

Dr. Rangabashyam was a groundbreaker in the field of surgical

gastroenterology and proctology — that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of

disorders affecting the colon, rectum, and anus— in India. Celebrated for his

achievements by reputed institutions across the world, Dr. Rangabashyam started his

distinguished career with a brief work in general surgery at Thanjavur. He joined Madras

Medical College where he was appointed Professor of Gastroenterology.

Unique Achievements of Dr. Rangabashyam:

He was the first person to start a separate department for Surgical

Gastroenterology in Thanjavur, and later became its head.

He also started the first M.Ch. (Surgical Gastroenterology) degree course in India.

He was the first to start ostomy department at MMC, enterostomal therapy diploma for

nurses.

He was the first to introduce staplers in surgery in the country, perform

laparostomies, and one of the pioneers of hepatobiliary surgery in the country.

He made major contributions in the field of colitis, bowel cancer and other gastro-

intestinal cancers, portal hypertension and bowel disease in the tropics.

He contributed chapters to the Oxford Textbook of Surgery and in the Recent Advances in

Surgery series.

―IOE3-Kanban‖: 100-megapixel camera developed by China July 19th, 2013

What is ―IOE3-Kanban‖?

IOE3-Kanban, is the name of the camera developed by the Institute of Optics and

Electronics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAC). Developers claim that it has a

100-megapixel resolution which makes itChina‘s highest pixel camera.

What are the unique features of IOE3-Kanban?

The camera is capable of producing images with 10,240 x 10,240 pixels camera and can

used to produce high-resolution imaging in the fields of aerial mapping, disaster monitoring

and intelligent transportation systems. Intelligent transportation system is aimed at

providing innovative services relating to different modes of transport and traffic

management. The camera is small and light, with its widest part measuring only 19.3 cm

and it can be used at temperatures ranging from minus 20 degree C to 55 degree C.

What is a ―megapixel‖ ?

1 megapixel = 1,000,000 pixels.

Megapixel is a term used not only for the number of pixels in an image, but also to

express the number of image sensor elements of digital cameras or the number of display

elements of digital displays.

PDP victorious in Bhutan General Assembly polls July 19th, 2013

Led by Tshering Tobgay, the People‘s Democratic Party (PDP) has registered their

victory in the polls to the General Assembly of Bhutan. It won 32 out of 47 seats, while the

outgoing party, the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), managed to retain the remaining seats

in the election.

The focus of the PDP‘s election campaign in the last few days was the―strained India-

Bhutan relations‖- where it laid the blame for withdrawal of subsidy on LPG and kerosene

among other things, on the mishandling by the DPT.

Founder of Bose Corporation, Amar Bose passed away July 19th, 2013

Amar Gopal Bose (83), Indian-American founder, Chairman and

academic behind the revolutionary sound systems of Bose Corporation, passed away in

Wayland, Massachusetts.

About Amar Gopal Bose:

Born on November 2, 1929, in Philadelphia, to an American schoolteacher and Noni Gopal

Bose, a freedom fighter and Calcutta University physicist who fled to the U.S. in 1920 after

being imprisoned for protesting British rule in India.

Did his bachelor‘s, master‘s and doctorate degrees in electrical engineering at the

Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Founded Bose Corporation which brought sound systems with high-end acoustic

features.

Invented stereo loudspeakers that would reproduce, in a domestic setting, the dominantly

reflected sound field that characterizes the listening space of the audience in a concert

hall.

Later psychoacoustics became the hallmark of his company.

Was an Indian American academic and entrepreneur, an electrical engineer and sound

engineer.

Was a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

What is Psychoacoustics ?

Psychoacoustics is the scientific study of sound perception i.e. a branch of science studying

the psychological and physiological responses associated with sound (including speech and

music).

Union govt approves proposal for Guwahati metro July 18th, 2013

The Union government has approved the proposal for the Guwahati metro rail proposal. The

Centre has sanctioned Rs. 25 crore for performing feasibility studies for the proposed

project. The project, to be carried out in three phases and covering a total distance of 65

km, is estimated to cost Rs.14,000 crore.

Veteran actor Pran passed away July 18th, 2013

Legendary Bollywood actor and Dadasaheb Phalake Award winner

Pran Krishan Sikand (83), popularly known as Pran, passed away.

About Pran Krishan Sikand:

Born: February 12, 1920 in Ballimaran, Kotgarh Old Delhi, into a wealthy Punjabi family.

He won his first role in Dalsukh M. Pancholi‘s Punjabi film Yamla Jat (1940).

Did hits such as as Half Ticket , Ram aur Shyam , Zanjeer ,Johny Mera Naam and Karz.

Played roles in more than 350 films from 1942 – 2007 and was popular as a movie villain

and character actor in Hindi cinema.

Won the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award in 1967, 1969 and 1972.

Honored with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.

Awarded as the ‗Villain of the Millennium‘ by Stardust in 2000.

The Government of India conferred on him the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and

the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in2013 for his contributions towards Indian cinema.

In News: Solar Impulse July 17th, 2013

Solar Impulse has been in news recently

for completing a transcontinental trip across the US, despite a rip in the fabric of one wing.

Solar Impulse is a Swiss long-range solar powered aircraft project developed at

the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. The aircraft took off from Mountain

View, California on May 3, 2013 and took a coast-to-coast journey across the domestic

United States before touching down at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New

York on July 6, 2013.

Who were the pilots for Solar Impulse?

Swiss pilot Andre Borschberg and fellow pilot Bertrand Piccard piloted the aircraft. The men

had taken turns flying the spindly, long-winged plane across the country.

Features of Solar Impulse:

Powered by 12,000 solar cells

Flies in the dark by reaching high altitudes during the day and gliding downward over

long distances by night

Uses no fossil fuels

Flying speed of around 70 kilometers per hour

Runs on 4 electric propellers powered by solar cells mounted on the plane‘s 63-meter

wingspan

Drawbacks of Solar Impulse:

Tiny cockpit

Vulnerability to turbulence

Lack of a toilet

Future Plans for Solar Impulse:

The current aircraft model, the HB-SIA, is soon to be phased out as the Swiss team

prepares test flights in 2014 of the second-generation aircraft, the HB-SIB. The next plane

is expected to be 10% larger, with more power, reliability, an auto-pilot function and a toilet

so that pilots can make the four to six-day long trips that will be part of its journey across

the world in 2015.

Ireland passes legislation allowing abortion July 17th, 2013

After intense two-day debate, the Irish Parliament passed a watered-down legislation

allowing abortion under limited circumstances. It would now need the approval from the

Upper House.

The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013, Ireland:

The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013 would permit abortion if the mother‘s life

is in danger. It would also extend to women who are deemed suicidal if refused abortion. In

effect, the bill simply gives effect to a 1992 Supreme Court ruling allowing doctors to

perform abortion to save a mother‘s life. Successive governments failed to legislate on it

because of stiff opposition from the aggressive pro-life lobby.

Background:

It can be recalled that due to lack of such provisions Savita Halappanavar, a young Indian

dentist, died in an Irish hospital last October after being refused abortion despite apparent

risk to her life. An inquiry found that she could have been saved if doctors had agreed to

her request for termination. The incident was followed by widespread outrage and protest.

About Savita Halappanavar:

Savita Halappanavar‘s death has led to a widespread protests in Ireland and a call to re-

look at the abortion laws.

She was 31 year old dentist originally from Belgaum,India who moved to Ireland in 2008.

She died on October 28, 2012 in Galway, Ireland.

Her death led to widespread protests, in Ireland, India, Englandand other countries and a

call to re-look at the abortion laws.

She suffered miscarriage when she was 17 weeks pregnant.

Her husband claimed that the University College Hospital Galway where she was

admitted denied her an abortion because a fetal heartbeat was present, despite the fetus

being declared nonviable. This led to septicemia (blood poisoning), multiple organ failure

and her death. The fetal remains were eventually removed but too much time had passed.

Why Savita Halappanavar was denied abortion at the right time when she needed it?

Under Irish law on abortion, and Offences against the Person Act 1861 abortion is

illegal in Ireland.

As a result Irish women have to travel to UK each year to undergo abortion.

Abortion in the Republic of Ireland is illegal unless it occurs as the result of a

medical intervention performed to save the life of the mother.

However, the availability of abortion services can be even more restricted in the absence

of a readily available method of determining the circumstances in which an abortion

might be lawfully obtained.

However, a judgment of the Irish Supreme Court in 1992, commonly known as the ―X

case‖, permits abortions where the life of the mother is at risk, including from suicide.

Abortion is a controversial issue in Irish politics and five national referendums

have been held on the topic in the last 30 years.

Reactions over Death of Savita Halappanavar:

Her death led to protests by local community, and Indian community in particular.

In India, the Ministry of External Affairs of India summoned the Irish ambassador over

the issue.

Human rights group Amnesty observed that the death of the Indian Dentist ―illustrates

gap in Irish law‖ and asked Irish government to amend its law on abortion in the

with internationalhuman rights law.

India, Japan to strengthen defense relationship July 17th, 2013

In a recent meeting between India‘s National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon and

visiting Japanese Senior Vice-Minister of DefenceAkinori Eto, both the nations discussed on

the possibilities of expanding the defence ties, which will include joint development and

production of defence equipment.

It must be noted that Japan, which normally has strict rules prohibitinginternational trade in

defence equipment, has offered to sell India the ShinMaywa US-2, a highly sophisticated

amphibious plane.

Current defence ties between India and Japan:

The current defence collaboration between the India and Japan primarily involves joint

exercises, innumerable rounds between the Coast Guards and plans for an expanded

second-ever interaction between the navies later this year.

Why Japan is strict on defence equipment trade?

In 1967 Japan voluntarily gave up international trade in defence equipment under

the ―Three Principles on Arms Exports.‖

These principles are:

1. No exports of arms to communist countries

2. No exports of arms to countries under U.N. sanctions

3. No exports of arms to countries engaged in international conflicts.

Nine years later, Japan added a ban on arms-related facilities and technologies to the list.

What are the changes in Japanese defence equipment sales policy now?

Now, Japan has relaxed some of the defence equipment sale norms. India intends to take

the advantage of this opportunity and could become the second country after the U.S. to

gain from this. Australia and some European countries are already serenading Japan after it

announced some exemptions in overseas transfer of defence equipment in 2011.

Instead of simply buying the finished product, both sides will be looking at transfer of

technology of some of the parts to Indian companies. The intention is to replicate a Maruti-

Suzuki kind of venture. India feels the move to provide some of the inputs from India would

benefit both sides because costs are high in Japan.

AERB gives not to Kudankulam first Unit July 17th, 2013

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has given green signal for controlled

fission process or ―First Approach to Criticality‖ (FAC) for the first unit of the

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu.

The FAC is a significant step towards the starting of power generation. The approval was

given after a thorough review of associated safety aspects. This clearance for the FAC,

however, does not mean the commissioning of the plant. Many low-power tests will have to

be done to verify the conformance of the reactor‘s characteristics to design objectives. The

AERB would review the results of the tests before giving a go-ahead for the next stage of

commissioning, which would follow a phased increase in the power level of the reactor.

Survey to study voter behavior in LS elections in Tamil Nadu July 17th, 2013

The Election Commission of India will conduct KABP (Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviour

and Practice of Voters) Baseline Survey in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in all the

39 Lok Sabha constituencies ofTamil Nadu.

The survey which will be conducted by the State Elections Department will seek to

determine what motivates electors to exercise their franchise and what deters them. It will

In each constituency, one Assembly segment will be chosen through random sampling. One

hundred and twenty five electors will be interviewed. Totally, 4,875 persons will be covered.

The baseline survey is part of the national programme of the Election Commission and the

findings of the proposed survey will be useful in designing and planning the Commission‘s

campaign of information,education and communication (IEC) at the time of the polls, due

for 2014.

Baseline and endline surveys are part of the Commission‘s programme of Voters‘ Education

and Electoral Participation (SVEEP), which is being given greater thrust after the 2009 Lok

Sabha elections.

One of the major reasons behind the launch of the programme was thatat the all-India

level, 30 crore electors did not cast votes in 2009.[However, in Tamil Nadu, the

turnout was high with about 73%].

RBI directs oil firms to buy dollar from single PSU bank July 17th, 2013

In the current scenario of continuous down slide of the rupee against the dollar, the Reserve

Bank of India, in a bid to cub this volatility, has ordered state-owned oil companies to

purchase their dollar requirement from a single public sector bank for every daily

transaction. State oil refiners, who are the biggest buyers of dollars, agreed to implement

the RBI order with immediate effect.

The RBI issued orders to Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, Bharat

Petroleum Corporation and Mangalore Refinery to stop seeking quotes from several banks

for their $8-8.5 billion of monthly transactional requirement of U.S. dollar.

Why RBI doesn‘t want oil firms to seek multiple quotes for their dollar

requirements?

As felt by the RBI, Oil firms seeking multiple quotes for their dollar requirement adds to

speculation on demand for the dollar and volatility in the local unit. The RBI has, therefore,

asked oil firms to buy dollars from a single bank at their published reference rate.

India, Maldives and Sri Lanka ink Indian Ocean security agreement July 17th, 2013

India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have signed a tripartite pact on maritime cooperation to

secure sea routes in the Indian Ocean region. The three nations will share capacities and

information to address threats to maritime security — such as piracy, terrorism and

gunrunning —in the Indian Ocean and to pursue sustainable development of

maritimeenvironment. The agreement was signed at a meeting on Trilateral Cooperation on

Maritime Security held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Egypt issue arrest warrant against Muslim Brotherhood leader July 17th, 2013

Egypt‘s current leadership has issued a warrant for the arrest of the supreme leader of

Muslim Brotherhood, Mohammed Badie and nine other leading Islamists on the charger of

instigating violence in the opposition of the military coup which led ouster of President

Mohamed Morsy. The violence killed 54 people of which most were Morsy‘s supporters. The

military already has jailed five Brotherhood leaders, including Mr. Badie‘s powerful deputy,

Khairat el-Shaiter, and shut down its media outlets.

Members of the Brotherhood and other Islamists have denounced the overthrow of Mr.

Morsy and have refused offers by the military-backed interim leadership to join any

transition plan for a new government. They are demanding reinstatement of Mr. Morsy‘s

regime.

The military-backed interim President, Adly Mansour, issued a fast-track timetable for the

transition. His declaration set out a seven-month timetable for elections but also a

shortened, temporary constitution laying out the division of powers in the meantime.

Reactions from other Gulf nations over ouster of Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt:

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have welcomed the development in Egypt. The

two nations, both antagonists of Mr. Morsy‘s Brotherhood, celebrated his ouster by lavishing

the cash-strapped Egyptian government with promises of $8 billion in grants, loans and

urgently needed gas and oil. Kuwait also promised to offer an aid package worth $4 billion.

The donations effectively step in for Mr. Morsy‘s Gulf ally, Qatar, a supporter of the

Brotherhood that gave his government several billion in aid during his year in office.

Latvia gets approval to join Eurozone July 15th, 2013

The small Baltic nation of Latvia has been given approval from its European partners to

become the 18th member of the eurozone from 2014.

The ECOFIN council which is composed of the Economics and Finance Ministers of the

European Union‘s 28 member states has given nod to the country‘s euro membership. It

had been a long journey for the former Soviet state since it entered the EU in 2004.

Why Latvia intends to join Eurozone?

Latvia is hopeful that entering the eurozone will bring with it the country a number of

benefits like lowere interest rates, lower currency conversion costs and increased foreign

investment.

What are the challenges ahead for Latvia for joining Eurozone?

Latvia came out from a crisis in 2008-09 to become the EU‘s fastest-growing economy,

having recorded GDP growth of more than 5% consecutively in both 2011 and

2012. However, Latvian leadership has a major challenge of convincing the people of the

benefits of joining the eurozone. There is a widespread skepticism and distrust in the public

on the positives of Euro as their new currency as they have witnessed the crisis

of Greece and Cyprus and not long ago the Euro was also on the verge of disintegrating.

Hazem el-Beblawi is Egypt interim Premier July 15th, 2013

Liberal economist Hazem el-Beblawi has been appointed as Egypt‘s interim Prime Minister

by Egypt‘s interim President Adly Mansour. The President has also appointed Nobel-laureate

Mohamed ElBaradei as Deputy President with responsibility for foreign affairs.

Mr. Mansour who was appointed to the post after a recent military coup overthrew President

Mohamed Morsy has declared that changes would be made to the Constitution, which would

be put to referendum, paving the way for parliamentary elections early in 2014.

India clarifies views to Sri Lanka on 13th Amendment July 15th, 2013

Indian National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon has clearly voicedIndia‘s view on the

13th Amendment of Sri Lanka‘s Constitution emphasizing on the need for Colombo to fulfill

its commitment to India and the international community regarding the same.

Sri Lanka has also shared the development being taking place towards the implementation

of the 13th Amendment. It has formed a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to reach a

consensus on the implementation of the 13th Amendment. The PSC, which was constituted

in June 2013, presently has 19 members, all from the ruling coalition — United People‘s

Freedom Alliance — led by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

Sri Lankan President has explained the practical problems in devolving land and police

powers to the provinces of a small country such as Sri Lanka and stressed that the structure

that is implemented should apply and be acceptable to all parts of the country. The

President also urged India to encourage the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to participate in

the PSC and said the government was committed to taking the process forward despite

obstacles.

Challenges before PSC:

Despite all efforts of the PSC, there is still a cynicism as some politicians doubt over the

PSC‘s ability to arrive at a fair decision on the 13th Amendment. The United National Party

(UNP), the main Opposition led by Ranil Wikremesinghe, has not nominated its

representative to the PSC as yet. The TNA, an amalgam of Tamil parties which has

significant support base in the primarily Tamil-speaking north of Sri Lanka, has opposed the

PSC. The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) in the ruling alliance, which has been in favor

of implementing the 13th Amendment in its original form, is not part of the PSC, either.

What is the 13th Amendment of Sri Lanka‘s Constitution?

The Thirteenth Amendment (13A) to the Constitution of Sri Lanka is amendment to

the Constitution of Sri Lanka which created Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka.This also

made Sinhala and Tamil as the official language of the country and English as link language.

Background:

Signed on July 29, 1987 b/w India and Sri Lanka.

The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord is also known as the Rajiv-Jayewardene Accord, after its

architects — Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and President J.R. Jayewardene.

On November 14, 1987 the Sri Lankan Parliament passed the 13thAmendment to the

1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka and the Provincial Councils Act No 42 of 1987 to establish

provincial councils.

EC mulls over to deploy EVMs with VVPAT July 15th, 2013

The Election Commission (EC) is cogitating on the option of deployingElectronic Voting

Machines (EVMs) with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in some

constituencies as it will deal with the herculean task of conducting Legislative Assembly polls

in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Mizoram before the end of 2013. To

implement this, the EC will have to amend the rules relating to EVMs and this has to be

done by the Law and Justice Ministry based on the recommendations of the Commission.

What is Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) or Verified Paper Record (VPR)?

Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) or Verified Paper Record (VPR) is a

method of providing feedback to voters using a ballotless voting system. A VVPAT is

intended as an independent verification system for voting machines designed to allow voters

to verify that their vote was cast correctly, to detect possible election fraud or malfunction,

and to provide a means to audit the stored electronic results. VVPAT was jointly developed

by Electronics Corporation of IndiaLimited (ECIL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and

the model had already undergone field trials twice. After the improvement made in the

VVPAT, a voter who exercises his vote through the ballot unit of the EVM can physically see

the printout of the vote cast by him. The name of the candidate, his/her election symbol

and his/her serial number in the ballot will be displayed in the printout, although this cannot

be taken home by the voter.

Telegram services in India come to an end July 14th, 2013

July 14, 2013 was the last day for the legendary 163-year old Telegram service in India.

BSNL who had been providing this service terminated it on the account of losses in

sustaining the service which had become redundant in the age of mobile phones and

internet.

Important point in the history of Telegram:

It was Sir William Brooke O‘Shaughnessy, a physician at the Calcutta Medical College, who

went to Lord Dalhousie and spoke about the necessity of telegram services in 1848. The

work to lay telegraph lines began in November 1850 b/w Alipore Telecom Factory in

Calcutta (now Kolkata) and the Diamond Harbour Post Office. The service was declared

open for general public in February 1955.

Study reveals congenital anomalies linked to consanguine marriages July 12th, 2013

A study conducted in the U.K. throws light over the suspicion those marriages b/w blood

relations might lead to health issues for the child. The study, in a detailed analysis of the

issue involving over 11,000 children, born out of consanguineous marriages, revealed

congenital anomalies in 386 of them. This figure of 3% is in contrasts with the 1.6% in

children born of out of non-blood-relations unions. The researchers termed the babies

analyzed under the study as ―Born in Bradford‖ to obtain these results. Bradford is a small

area in the UK where Pakistani Muslims constitute 16.8 per cent of the population. A close

knit group, they practice consanguinity; 75% of them marry first cousins.

What can be the possible defects in babies born through consanguine marriages?

These babies could have a multiplicity of congenital problems. Heart problems top the list,

followed by nervous disorders, limb anomalies and so forth.

Why problems occur in babies born through consanguine marriages ?

The problem in such close relative marriages surfaces when one of the partners carries a

defect in any of the genes associated with some form of illness. When a person marries

within the community with one who may also have such a family defect, the child inherits

two copies of this faulty gene, and thus has the defect. But when a person marries outside

the community, he/she bring in genes from a much larger gene pool, and the odds that the

child will inherit the problem reduce remarkably.

Scientists identify molecular mechanisms causing glaucoma July 12th, 2013

In an important finding, scientists have identified two molecular level mechanisms that lead

to glaucoma.

What is Glaucoma?

It is often referred to as a silent eye disease is the second most common cause of blindness

in the world. It is an eye disease that causes progressive damage to the optic nerve at the

point where it leaves the eye to deliver information to the brain.

Causes of Glaucoma:

Besides old age, several risk factors cause it — family history, ethnic background, high

intra-ocular pressure and high blood pressure. Long-term usage of steroids could also cause

the disease.

Ocular hypertension (increased pressure within the eye) is the most important risk factor in

most glaucomas.

Why Glaucoma is a more serious disease than Cataract?

Unlike in cataract, which is the leading cause for blindness, loss of vision caused by

glaucoma cannot be regained by therapeutic intervention.

What are the findings for Glaucoma?

Scientists at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), who studied the

molecular mechanism of glaucoma in collaboration with L.V. Prasad Eye

Institute, Hyderabad, found that mutations in certain genes are primarily responsible for

glaucoma. Besides, environmental factors too contribute. One of the mutated genes causing

glaucoma was OPTN which codes for protein optineurin. OPTN was one of the genes

associated with glaucoma where intra-ocular pressure was not involved. An alteration in this

gene (M98K) was earlier associated with glaucoma only in South Asian population. This

alteration induces cell death in retinal ganglion cells.

Scientists have also enhanced the understanding of the process of autophagy, which was

essential to maintain healthy cells. For instance, they were able to check cell death by

blocking the enhanced activity of autophagy using chemical inhibitors.

How the findings on Glaucoma can help?

Understanding the molecular mechanism would go a long way in devising strategies for

treating and preventing further damage. Scientists believe that by arresting ganglion cell

death, further damage can be arrested and residual vision saved even after the onset of

glaucoma.

Note: While Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in India, Glaucoma is fourth

main cause.

TAPI project: Countries agree on setting up a Company for its execution July 12th, 2013

Countries involved in the TAPI pipeline project-

India, Pakistan,Afghanistan and Turkmenistan have agreed to establish a company for

execution of the proposed project. They are expected to give it shape to by September

2013.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been appointed as legal-technical consultant, and it will

soon identify a company which will drive the project. The company will be from a neutral

country.

A protocol has also been inked in which the parties fixed the decision on the need to prepare

founding documents and the registration of the TAPI Ltd. India has already approved setting

up of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to build the TAPI gas pipeline as the multinational

firms did not come forward to build the project.

Great Barrier Reef in ‗poor‘ health, admits Australia July 12th, 2013

As per the report released by the Environment Ministry of Australia, the conditions at the

Great Barrier Reef were ―poor‖ as it faces UNESCOthreats to downgrade its heritage status

over concerns about pollution and development.

What has been the major cause of decline in Great Barrier Reef‘s health?

The report shows that the reef‘s health has declined since 2009 due to cyclones and floods,

despite progress on reducing agricultural runoff.

Despite decrease in nitrogen (by 7%); pesticides (by 15%); sediment (by 6%); and

pollutants key to outbreaks of devastating crown-of-thorns starfish that prey on corals (by

13%), the reef is in trouble.

As per the report, intense flooding in 2010-2011 followed by powerful cyclone Yasi had

badly damaged the world‘s largest coral reef, degrading water quality and depleting overall

cover by 15% and full recovery of the reef will take decades.

A study published in 2012 had revealed that coral cover had more than halved due to

storms, predatory starfish outbreaks and bleaching linked to climate change over the past

27 years. Intense tropical cyclones were responsible for much of the damage, accounting for

48%, with the coral-feeding starfish linked to 42%.

It is noticeable that UNESCO has warned to downgrade the reef‘s world heritage status to

declare it at-risk in 2014 if there is no significant action on rampant coastal and resources

development seen as a danger to its survival.

Experts highlight potential of cassava as biofuel crop July 12th, 2013

Experts participating in the International Conference on Tropical Roots and Tubers organized

by the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) and the Indian Society for

Root Crops (ISRC) have highlighted the evolving potential of cassava as feedstock for the

production of bioethanol as fuel.

What is Cassava?

Cassava is a crop cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for

its edible starchy, tuberous root, a major source of carbohydrates. It is the third-

largest source of food carbohydrates in the tropics, after rice and maize. Cassava is a

major staple food in the developing world, providing a basic diet for over half a billion

people. It is one of the most drought-tolerant crops, capable of growing on marginal

soils. Nigeria is the world‘s largest producer of cassava.

How ―Cassava‖ can be used as a bio-fuel?

Cassava has a high energy content, low maintenance and ability to grow under a wide range

of climatic conditions, cassava. All these qualities render it a potential for production of bio-

ethanol. The technology for cassava alcohol, patented by the CTCRI in the 1980s, requires

refinement for commercial scale production.

Bioethanol based on the lignocellulosic residue of cassava and sweet potato could be

combined with starch-based options to make biofuel production cost effective. The high

productivity of cassava crop in Indiawould make production of bioethanol cost- competitive.

The step to bring comparatively less fertile land in the semi-arid areas

ofMaharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and high rainfall regions in the north-eastern region under

cassava cultivation would ensure supply of raw material for ethanol production.

Tagore Award to be conferred on Zubin Mehta

July 12th, 2013

Zubin Mehta, western classical music conductor of Indian-Parsi origin, will be

honored with the Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony 2013 in recognition of his

outstanding contribution to cultural harmony. He has been unanimously chosen for this by a

four-member jury — led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and comprising Chief Justice

ofIndia Justice Altamas Kabir, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and

former Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi.

Membership of MPs, MLAs to be disqualified on date of criminal conviction:

Supreme Court July 12th, 2013

In a major ruling the Supreme Court held that charge-sheeted Members of Parliament and

MLAs, on conviction for the offences, will be immediately disqualified from holding

membership of the House without being given three months time for appeal, as was the

case before.

The court struck down as ultra vires Section 8 (4) of the Representation of the People Act

that allows convicted law makers a three-month period for filing their appeal to the higher

court and to get a stay of the conviction and the sentence. However, the court clarified, the

ruling will be prospective and those who had already filed appeals in various High Courts or

the Supreme Court against their convictions would be exempt from it.

What does ―Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act‖ say?

Section 8 of the RP Act deals with disqualification on conviction for certain offence: A person

convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for varying terms under Sections 8

(1) (2) and (3) shall be disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to

be disqualified for a further period of 6 years since his release. But Section 8 (4) of the RP

Act gives protection to MPs and MLAs as they can continue in office even after conviction if

an appeal is filed within 3 months.

Why this ruling?

The order is a result of three PILs filed by Lily Thomas, the organization Lok Prahari and SN

Shukla, saying Section 8(4) of RPA was leading to criminalization of politics.

Australia starts operating MWA telescope to explore universe origins July 12th, 2013

Taking a major step towards the ambitious Square Kilometre Array (SKA) astronomy

project, Australia has switched on a test telescope named Murchison Widefield Array

(MWA) to explore the origins of the universe.

What is Murchison Widefield Array (MWA)?

Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) is a low-frequency radio telescope operating at the

remote outback site that will host the SKA. The array will help in exploring the origins of the

universe, in understanding the interaction b/w the Earth and the Sun, give early warning of

destructive solar flares and study our galaxy and other galaxies. The telescope consists of

2,048 dipole antennae, arranged into 128 ―tile‖ clusters, about 100 km west of Meekathara

in the deep radio silence of Australia‘s remote red-sand desert.

What is Square Kilometre Array (SKA)?

Click here for more about SKA

IOR countries to pursue open regionalism to stimulate growth July 10th, 2013

Trade and industry ministers of Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation

(IORARC) member nations agreed to promote trade within the grouping to encourage

economic cooperation and development in the strategic Indian Ocean

region. India (Gurgaon) and Mauritius co-hosted the first economic

and business conference under the theme of ―Deepening Economic Linkages for

Balanced, Inclusive & Sustainable Growth‖.

They decided to encourage ―open regionalism‖ and reconcile trade practices in line

with international norms and lower trade barriers. The group also agreed to build on the

complementarities and identify key growth sectors.

The members also expressed concern over the debilitating global

economic environment and how low rates of growth in advanced economies have affected

developing economies through slower international trade and lesser FDI inflows and urged

member nations to adopt measures, consistent with their WTO obligations to boost growth

and development in the region.

What is IORARC?

IORARC is Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC) is an

association of 20 member countries. The group came into being in March 1995 in Mauritius.

Through it pass some of the most important energy transport routes from Middle East to

South-East and East Asia, and securing these routes has become a global priority.

Who are the 20 members?

The IOR-ARC, which is the only pan-Indian ocean grouping, has 20 members,

namely Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, India, Indonesia,

Iran,Kenya, Malaysia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman,Seychelles,Singapore,

South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

And there are six dialogue partners, namely China, Egypt,France,Japan, and Britain,

and the United States, and two observers, namely, the Indian Ocean Research Group and

the Indian Ocean Tourism Organization.

Objectives of IORARC:

1. To promote sustainable growth and balanced development of the region and Member

States

2. To focus on those areas of economic cooperation which provide maximum opportunities

for development, shared interest and mutual benefits

3. To promote liberalization, remove impediments and lower barriers towards a freer and

enhanced flow of goods, services, investment, and technology within the Indian Ocean rim.

What was India‘s point at this conference?

India called for a common maritime security enforcement regime and liberal visa regimes to

boost trade and investment. India looked for deeper relationships with the member nations

and intends to play an enhanced role on the high seas to boost trade without militarising the

region.

RBI allows asset financing NBFCs to access ECB market July 10th, 2013

As per a notification by the Reserve Bank of India which reviewed theExternal Commercial

Borrowing (ECB) policy, Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) categorized

as Asset Financing Companies (AFCs) by the RBI have been allowed to access the ECB

market.

The access is subject to certain conditions, including availing of ECB under the automatic

route with minimum average maturity of 5 years to finance import

of infrastructure equipment for leasing to infrastructure projects. Besides, NBFC-AFCs

availing of ECB through Foreign Currency Bonds (FCB) will be allowed to raise capital

only from markets, subject to regulations by the host country complaint with Financial

Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines. Such ECBs can be availed up to 75% of owned funds of

NBFC-AFCs, subject to a maximum of $200 million or its equivalent per financial year.

ECBs by AFCs above 75% of their owned funds will be considered under the approval route

and currency risk of such ECBs is required to be fully hedged. NBFC-Infrastructure Finance

Companies (IFCs) are allowed to access ECB for on-lending to infrastructure sector both

under automatic and approval routes.

First IVF baby born using NGS technique July 10th, 2013

The first IVF baby named Connor Levy was born in the US who has undergone an embryo

selection using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technique, which was developed to

read whole genomes quickly and cheaply to select healthy embryos having no chromosomal

abnormalities.

Though on this occasion scientists only looked at chromosomes — the structures that hold

genes — the falling cost of whole-genome sequencing means doctors could soon read all the

DNA of IVF embryos before choosing which to implant.

How this technology can help?

The chances of an embryo having the wrong number of chromosomes rise with the mother‘s

age, and potentially with the father‘s. Most of the time, embryos with abnormal

chromosomes fail to implant. Those that do are usually miscarried. The portion that survive

are born with genetic disorders, such as Down‘s syndrome. Next-generation sequencing

could enable IVF clinics to determine the chances of children developingdiseases. This

technology can prevent this by reading the genome of the embryo and telling which are with

defective chromosomes or possessing the risk of future genetic diseases thus aiding in

selection of healthy embryo for further development through IVF.

Government notifies Food Security Ordinance 2013 July 10th, 2013

The National Food Security Ordinance, 2013, which entitles 67% of the population to

receive subsidized grains from the government every month, has been notified by the Union

Government.

The Ordinance has been introduced to implement the Food Security Bill which envisages

providing 5 kg of rice, wheat and coarse grains at Rs 3, Rs 2, Rs 1 per kg, respectively,

every month to three-fourths of rural population and half the urban population in the

country.

The scheme would require more than 61 million tonnes of foodgrain and is expected to cost

the government about Rs 1,25,000 crore. The plan proposes to continue the Antyodaya

Anna Yojna through which government provides poor households 35 kg foodgrain per

household per month at subsidized prices of Rs 1-3 per kg. The ordinance puts the

responsibility of implementation and monitoring of the scheme under the Targeted Public

Distribution System on the States. It gives them 6 months to set up the systems to

implement the scheme.

IIFA Awards 2013 Winners July 10th, 2013

The winners of the 14th IIFA Awards 2013 (International Indian Film

Academy) under various categories were declared at an event held at Macau. The award

winners and their respective categories are as follows:

· Best Actress: Vidya Balan for Kahaani

· Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor for Barfi.

· Best Film: Barfi and the film also bagged 9 awards in technical category- Best

Cinematography (Ravi Varman I.S.C.), Best Background Score (Pritam), Best Screenplay

(Anurag Basu and Tani Basu), Best Production Design (Rajat Poddar), Best Song Recording

(Eric Pillai), Best Sound Design (Shajith Koyeri), Best Sound Mixing (Debajit Changmai),

Best Costume Designing (Aki Narula and Shefalina) and Best Make-Up (Uday Serali).

· Best Action and Best Dialogue: Gangs of Wasseypur

Best Editing: Kahaani (Namrata Rao)

· Best Choreography: Ganesh Acharya for Agneepath.

· Best Special Effects : Ek Tha Tiger

Mohamed ElBaradei is the interim PM of Egypt July 10th, 2013

Former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei

who is also the liberal opposition leader in Egypt has been named as Egypt‘s new Prime

Minister to head a caretaker government. ElBaradei leads an alliance of liberal and left-wing

parties, the National Salvation Front.

Baradei and the IAEA were jointly honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005. ElBaradei

also played a key role in recent politics in Egypt, particularly the 2011 uprising which

dethroned President Hosni Mubarak, and in the 2013 revolution that ousted President

Mohamed Morsi.

Andy Murray becomes the first Briton in 77 Years to clinch Wimbledon Men‘s Single title July 10th, 2013

Andy Murray of Britain created history when he defeated Serbian star player Novak Djokovic

at Center Court of London to become the first Briton in 77 years to win the Men‘s Singles

Title at Wimbledon 2013. Earlier he was Fred Perry, who won his last Championship in

1936.

Winners of other formats at Wimbledon:

· Mixed Doubles – Final: Daniel Nestor of Canada and Kristina Mladenovic

of France.

· Girls‘ Doubles – Championship – Final : Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina

Siniakova of the Czech Republic

· Boys‘ Singles Championship – Final: Gianluigi Quinzi of Italy

· Boys‘ Doubles Title – Final: Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia.

· Wheelchair Gentlemen‘s Doubles Title – Final: Shingo Kunieda of Japan and

Stephane Houdet of France.

· Wheelchair Ladies‘ Doubles Title – Final: J. Griffioen and A. Van Koot

of Netherlands.

· Sr. Gents Invitation Doubles – Final: Pat Cash and Mark Woodforde of Australia.

· Ladies‘ Invitation Doubles – Final: L. Davenport of USA and Martina Hingis

of Switzerland.

· Gentlemen‘s Invitation Doubles – Final: Thomas Enqvist ofSweden and Mark

Philippoussis of Australia.

RBI defines term ‗control‘, notifies FDI guidelines July 7th, 2013

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has notified Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) guidelines

pending for past four years as Press notes 2 and 3 of the Department of Industrial Policy

and Promotion will be used to ensure that foreign direct investments comply with FDI

ceilings and other norms.

The Press note also defines the term ‗control‘ or ‗ownership‘ of a company. As per

the notification:

A company is considered as ‗controlled‘ by resident Indian citizens if the power to appoint

a majority of the directors on its board is held by Indian companies and citizens.

A company is considered as ‗owned‘ by resident Indians if more than 50 per cent of the

equity is held by the entities in India.

If over 50% of the equity of a company is held by a non-resident Similarly, it would be a

foreign company.

As regards investments made b/w February 13, 2009 and the date of publication of the

notification, Indian companies are required to intimate, within 3 months, the detailed

position where the issue of shares or downstream investment is not in conformity with

the regulatory framework now being prescribed.

Note: The recent notification by the RBI has come amidst debate over control of Jet

Airways post-UAE‘s Etihad buying stake. Various ministries and department including the

market regulators Securities and Exchange Board of India have raised concerns about the

ultimate control of Jet once the deal with Etihad goes through.

Two HIV infected show no sign of disease after Bone marrow transplants July 7th, 2013

In an exciting development for the scientists and people living with AIDS/HIV, two men

became free of HIV infection after bone marrow transplants and are not under Aids drugs

treatments for several months without any sign of the virus returning. The two men, who

had longstanding HIV infections, were given bone marrow transplants in Boston because

they were suffering from cancers of the blood. Tests showed that as their own cells were

replaced by cells from the bone marrow donor, the virus in their blood steadily dropped to

undetectable levels.

Although the results are sanguine for all, scientists are not calling it completely cured case

as the virus is notorious to hide itself and remain at low levels but remain capable of

becoming active. To be sure of anything, scientists will have to follow-up the cases for at

least one year to understand the full impact of bone marrow transplant.

What if the idea works?

Even if the bone marrow transplant shows positive results there will be challenges in making

it available for everyone in need. Besides, this method also has a high mortality rate of 15-

20% and the patient has to take drugs to suppress their immune system thereafter. But the

experiences of the two men will teach scientists a great deal more about how to combat the

virus.

Saudi Arabia extends ‗Nitaqat‘ deadline to November 3, 2013 July 7th, 2013

Giving some relief to Indians in Saudi Arabia who are facing trouble in adjusting to the

changes in the employment opportunities introduced by the ongoing ―Nitaqat‖

(naturalisation) legislation being implemented by the Labour Ministry of the Kingdom,

King Abdullah has extended the deadline for implementing the legislation from July 3

to November 3, 2013. This decision would give some more time to Indian expatriates to

either find a new employment or return home.

The extension of time limit would help the Indian workers — most of them who would

become jobless as employers now have to compulsorily implement 10% reservation in jobs

for locals — return to their homeland hassle-free without getting arrested or penalized.

What is Nitaqat?

The Nitaqat is a new policy being placed by the Saudi government in order to reduce the

unemployment rate among Saudi citizens. This policy makes it mandatory for Saudi

Companies to reserve 10 percent of jobs for Saudi nationals.

Why Saudi Arabia is implementing such a policy?

Saudi Arabia‘s economy depends heavily on the existence of a large proportion of

expatriates working for various establishments in the private and public sector.

However, unlike the other states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Saudi Arabia has

large number of unemployed citizens, which creates a state of resentment among those

citizens.

As per estimates, the unemployment rate among Saudi nationals has reached 12%. More

than 6.5 million non-Saudis are working in the private sector of the Kingdom compared to

7,00,000 Saudis.

―Joint Sea-2013‖: China-Russia‘s largest-ever naval drill July 7th, 2013

China and Russia are together conducting their largest-ever joint naval exercise

named ―Joint Sea-2013‖ in the Sea of Japan, a further sign of the broad-based progress

in relations b/w the former Cold War era rivals. Those participating in the drill include

eighteen surface ships, one submarine, three airplanes, five ship-launched helicopters and

two commando units. The drills will cover anti-submarine warfare, close manoeuvring, and

the simulated take-over of an enemy ship.

China has long been a key customer for Russian military equipments, but only in the last

decade have their militaries started training jointly. The naval drills are to be followed by

another round of anti-terrorism joint drills in Russia‘s Ural Mountain region of Chelyabinsk.

Edward Snowden gets asylum offer from Venezuela, Nicaragua July 7th, 2013

Defying the US warnings to countries to not extend asylum to Snowden arguing that he is

wanted on charges of espionage and leaking classified information, two Latin American

countries – Venezuela and Nicaragua – offered asylum to Edward Snowden who disclosed

the US clandestine electronic surveillance programme.

Snowden, who first fled to Hong Kong, is currently stranded at the Moscow airport transit.

The CIA whistleblower Snowden had applied for asylum in more than two dozen countries,

including India. The request was denied by India and majority of the countries.

But announcements by presidents of Nicaragua and Venezuela offering asylum could be

viewed as a big disappointment for the US, which had been asking countries not to grant

Snowden an asylum and he be returned to the country.

R. Chandrasekhar appointed as NASSCOM President July 7th, 2013

The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), has

appointed R. Chandrasekhar (60), the former Secretary Department of

Telecommunications (DoT), as its president. Chandrashekhar will take over current

Nasscom President Som Mittal, whose tenure ends in January 2014. Mr. Chandrasekhar is a

1975 batch IAS officer from Andhra Pradesh and as the Secretary of DoT drew policies

around licensing, spectrum management, National Broadband Plan and the National

Telecom Policy 2012, among others.

Military coup in Egypt removes Morsy July 7th, 2013

The recently elected Islamist President of Egypt Mohamed Morsy has been removed from

power in a military coup staged under the leadership of General Abdel Fattah al-

Sisi, head of Egypt‘s armed forces who issued a declaration suspending the Constitution

and appointing the head of the constitutional court as interim head of state.

Gen. al-Sisi called for presidential and parliamentary elections, a panel to review the

Constitution and a national reconciliation committee that would include youth movements.

The road map had been agreed to by a range of political groups. Earlier, the top generals

summoned civilian political leaders to an emergency meeting to discuss a new interim

government while moving tanks toward the presidential palace and restricting Morsy‘s

travel. The military‘s intelligence service had banned any travel by Morsy and senior

Islamist aides, including the Muslim Brotherhood‘s supreme guide, Mohamed Badie, and his

influential deputy, Khairat el-Shater.

This move from army has led to violent protests by the supporters of Muslim Brotherhood

and Mohamed Morsy.

Chief Justice Adly Mansour declared interim President of Egypt July 7th, 2013

The Chief Justice of Egypt‘s Supreme Constitutional Court, Adly Mansour has taken over as

the interim President of the nation‘s hours after the military ousted Islamist President

Mohammed Morsy and launched a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood, the group from

which Mr. Morsy belongs.

The supreme leader of the Brotherhood, Mohammed Badie has also been arrested. Mr.

Morsy who a year ago became Egypt‘s first freely elected President, has been held in an

unknown location since the generals removed him.

The Brotherhood has announced it would boycott the new military-sponsored political

process and called on its supporter to restrain themselves and not to use violence.

Parveez Rasool is the first J&K cricketer in Team India July 7th, 2013

Parveez Rasool (24) created history by becoming the first cricketer fromJammu and

Kashmir to be named in the Indian team as the selectors chose to rest captain Mahendra

Singh Dhoni and four other key players for the upcoming ODI tour of Zimbabwe. The all-

rounder has got the nod in the 15-member squad for the five-match ODI series to be held

from July 24 to August 3 at Harare and Bulawayo.

Cabinet passed Ordinance to implement Food Security Bill July 7th, 2013

In order to implement the Food Security Bill, the cabinet unanimously approved

an ordinance regarding the same. The Food Security Bill guarantees food entitlements to

two-thirds (67%) at highly subsidized rates.

The bill envisages providing 5 kg of rice, wheat and coarse grains at Rs 3, Rs 2, Rs 1 per kg,

respectively, every month to three-fourths of rural population and half the urban population

in the country.

The scheme would require more than 61 million tonnes of foodgrain and is expected to cost

the government about Rs 1,25,000 crore. The plan proposes to continue the Antyodaya

Anna Yojna through which government provides poor households 35 kg foodgrain per

household per month at subsidized prices of Rs 1-3 per kg.

Many are of the view that the programme will burn a hole in government‘s pocket whereas

research agency Crisil estimates that the Food Security Bill could generate additional

savings of around Rs 4,400 this year for each below-poverty-line (BPL) household, which

begins to purchase subsidised food. As per the agency, these savings equals around 8% and

5% of the annual expenditure of a rural and urban household.

Himachal Pradesh becomes country‘s first ‗smoke-free‘ State July 6th, 2013

Himachal Pradesh has been declared the first ―smoke-free‖ State in the country in

compliance with Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA),

2003. The State has achieved 85.45% compliance with the relevant parameters. The State

government intends to eliminate tobacco products and has hiked taxes on bidis and

cigarettes from 11 and 18% to 22 and 36%, respectively in the 2013-14 Budget.

What is the scope COTPA 2003?

The Act is applicable to all products containing tobacco in any form i.e. cigarettes, cigars,

cheroots, bidis, gutka, pan masala (containing tobacco) khaini, mawa, mishri, snuff etc.

as detailed in the Schedule to the Act.

The Act extends to the whole of India including the state ofJammu and Kashmir.

What does Section 4 of COTPA provide for?

Section 4: Prohibition Of Smoking In Public Places

The Government of India passed new rules on May 30, 2008 for effective realization of the

objectives of smoke free environments as stipulated under the Indian law.

No person shall smoke in any public place

―Public Place‖ means any place to which the public have access, whether as of right or

not, and includes auditorium, hospital buildings, railway waiting room, amusement

centres, restaurants, public offices, court buildings, work places, shopping malls, cinema

halls, educational institutions, libraries, public conveyances and the like which are visited

by general public but does not include any open space.

Mandates display of board containing the warning ―No Smoking Area- Smoking Here is an

Offence‖

Hotels & Restaurants should ensure physical segregation of smoking and non-smoking

area. Hotels having thirty rooms or a restaurant having seating capacity of thirty persons

or more and in the airports, a separate provision for smoking area or space may be

made.

FIIs withdraw $5.6 billion from debt market in June 2013 July 6th, 2013

Past June 2013 was quite unfortunate for Indian currency and Indian debt market as it saw

a historic outflow of FIIs to the tune of $5.6 billion which was the highest ever withdrawal in

the market‘s history. A weak rupee diminishes the returns earned by FIIs. The exit meant

net FII investment in the Indian debt market turned negative in the first half of calendar

2013, with outflows of $1.8 billion.

The pull out shattered the inflow trend of the first five months of this year when FIIs had

pumped in $3.9 billion. The net inflow in calendar 2012 was $5.9 billion. It was not only the

debt market which plunged, FIIs also pulled out $1.8 billion from the equity market. Their

net investment in equities, however, remained positive at $13.5 billion. Markets worldwide

have been affected by the US Federal Reserve‘s announcement that it will gradually

withdraw its quantitative easing strategy, which has served its purpose.

What is the current status?

Indian investors fear that foreign inflows into the market will be hit if the US stimulus comes

to an end. At the end of June, the cumulative FII investment in India‘s debt market was at

$31.7 billion, while the equity exposure was $139.5 billion. A total of 1,753 FIIs are

registered with market regulator SEBI for transacting in the country‘s market, with the

number of registered sub-accounts pegged at 6,404.

Telefonica launched world‘s first Firefox OS smartphone July 6th, 2013

Spanish broadband and telecommunications provider Telefonica has launched the world‘s

first smartphone with the Firefox Operating System (OS) to compete with devices running

Google‘s Android and Apple‘s iOS.

The ZTE Open smartphone are being offered in Spain for 69 euros (about $90) and will

soon be available in several Latin American countries.

Features:

The ZTE Open smartphone is equipped with a 3.5-inch 480x320p touchscreen, a 3.2MP

camera, 256MB RAM and 512MB flash memory enhanced with a 4GB microSD card that

comes as part of the package. It is fully integrated with Facebook and the Spain-based

social network Tuenti.

Ghaziabad, Allahabad most polluted in Uttar Pradesh: Survey July 6th, 2013

In a recent survey conducted by Delhi-based Centre for Science

andEnvironment (CSE) it was found that Ghaziabad and Allahabad are the two most air

polluted cities in Uttar Pradesh. As per the survey:

Pollutants of the size of 10 micron was found in Ghaziabad, Allahabad, Kanpur and

Bareilly, which was four times the acceptable size of particulates in urban areas.

Air pollution levels were thrice as high as the prescribed limits in Lucknow, Firozabad,

Agra, Mathura, Khurja, Saharanpur, Moradabad and Gajraula.

Unnao has come out as the cleanest air quality despite a heavy presence of tanneries in

the town.

Nitrogen-di-oxide pollutant is found to be increasing dangerously in Meerut, Gorakhpur,

Ghaziabad and Kanpur. It is the highest in Meerut and lowest in Rae Bareilly.

Khurja and Ghaziabad have dangerous levels of sulphur-di-oxide mixed in the air.

The presence of multi-pollutants was found in cities like Mathura, Khurja and Ghaziabad.

The leading cause of pollution was found to be the manifold increase in the number of

vehicles.

The growing use of diesel was a major contributor to the growing air pollution levels. The

emissions were leading to serious ailments and diseases like cancer.

India establishes IPv6 Test Lab July 6th, 2013

Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) which is the technical arm of Department

of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications & IT has set up an Internet Protocol

Version 6 (IPv6) Lab which has been approved by the IPv6 Ready Logo Committee

under IPv6 Forum, an International body. By doing this, India has entered the club of

select group of nations which include Europe, USA, Japan, China and Taiwanhaving IPv6

Ready Logo test lab facilities. Other

What will IPv6 test lab do?

As the world has moved on from addressing scheme IPv4 to the new IPv6 scheme it was

imperative to have such a lab to encourage service providers, content providers and the

customer premises equipment vendors to move to IPv6 address implementation.

Establishing a testinginfrastructure was also stipulated in the National

Telecommunication Policy -2012. TEC will play an instrumental role in the

Interoperability and testing of IPv6 products as a major piece of the India IPv6 Strategy

roadmap announced by the India Government in building the New Internet infrastructure as

inter-operability creates genuine end-user confidence in new technologies.

Father of Mouse: Douglas Engelbart passed July 6th, 2013

Douglas C. Engelbart, a technologist who ideated the computer mouse and laid out a

vision of an Internet decades before others brought those ideas to the mass market,

passed away.

It was in 1968 when he first showcased his idea to an audience of 1,000 leading

technologists in San Francisco, Engelbart, a computer scientist at the Stanford Research

Institute, demonstrated a cubic device with two rolling discs called an ―X-Y position

indicator for a display system.‖

Engelbart also displayed, in real-time, the image and voice of a colleague 30 miles away.

That was the first videoconference. And he explained a theory of how pages of information

could be tied together using text-based links, an idea that would later form the bedrock of

the Web‘s architecture.

In 2000, Engelbart was given prestigious accolades including the National Medal of

Technology and the Turing Award. At the same time, he grappled with his fade into

obscurity even as technology entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates built fortunes off

of the personal computer and became celebrity billionaires by realizing some of his early

ideas.

Engelbart worked at teaching position at the University of California, Berkeley. He later took

a job at SRI and during this period developed the design for a desktop mouse. SRI later

licensed the technology for $40,000 to Apple, which released the first commercial mouse

with its Lisa computer in 1983.

Man-made factors to blame Uttarakhand Floods: Environmentalists July 6th, 2013

The devastating floods of Uttarakhand which ravaged the region by killing thousands and

leaving hundreds of other stranded has more man-made factors and less natural cause

behind it. As per Environmentalists the uncontrolled development and poor disaster

planning has aggravated flood damage.

How is it a man-made disaster?

As per experts indiscriminate development in hill towns and along rivers has blocked the

natural flow of water and exacerbated flood damage. They place the blame on successive

governments who have prioritized large scale infrastructure construction and neglected

disaster prevention. The unbridled growth of tourism accompanied with proliferation of

roads, hotels, shops and multistory housing in ecologically fragile areas and above all

mushrooming hydroelectricity dams that disrupt water balances are the underlying causes

of this catastrophe. It was not unprecedented that Uttarakhand region witnessed such

heavy rainfalls as the records show that Uttarakhand has recorded single-day rainfall in

excess of 400mm several times, including 450mm in 1995 and 900mm in 1965.

Cloudbursts, floods and rapid swelling of fast-flowing rivers aren‘t uncommon. But this time

the floodwaters, loaded with tens of thousands of tonnes of silt, boulders and debris from

dam construction, found no outlet. The routes they took in the past, including ravines and

streams, were blocked with sand and rocks. The waters deluged towns and villages,

submerging some buildings under several feet of mud, asphyxiating life.

It is highly probable that the floods were exacerbated by Glacier Lake Outbursts Floods

(GLOFs) which inundated the Kedarnath temple. GLOFs, or the explosive bursting of glacier

lakes, are thought to be a result of human-induced climate change, which is causing rapid

melting of glaciers in the Himalayas, themselves warming at twice the global rate.

Lack of an early warning system, effective evacuation plans and a responsive disaster

management system added to the calamity. Modestly priced radar-based technology to

forecast cloudbursts would have saved lives. But it wasn‘t installed.

There was failure on the level of local governance too. Sloppy, unregulated construction of

roads and bridges was permitted on crumbling, landslide-prone ridges and steep slopes,

overlooking the region‘s delicate geology and high earthquake vulnerability. Large scale

deforestation and construction of hundreds of buildings in the flood plains of rivers have

taken place. Riverbeds were recklessly mined for sand. As construction debris accumulated,

land contours and flows of streams and rivers changed.

Indiscriminate construction of hydroelectric dams was the biggest mistake. These involve

drilling huge tunnels in the hills by blasting rocks, placing enormous turbines in the tunnels,

destroying soil-binding vegetation to build water channels and other infrastructure, laying

transmission lines and carelessly dumping excavated muck. Many dams have been built on

the same river so close to one another that they leave no scope for its regeneration.

Russia to send Olympic torch to space July 6th, 2013

Russia who will be hosting 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi has announced to send an

unlit Olympic torch into space.

The Russian Federal Space Agency will take the torch to the Soyuz TMA-11M manned

spaceship in early November 2013 as part of the four-month torch relay. Once it reaches

space, Russian cosmonauts Sergei Ryazansky and Oleg Kotov will take the Olympic torch on

a spacewalk. It will be first event of its kind.

Marion Bartoli clinches Wimbledon 2013Women‘s Singles title July 6th, 2013

French tennis player Marion Bartoli defeated German Sabine Lasicki to win the women‘s

Singles category of Wimbledon tournament played in London.

Marion Bartoli is a top-10 French professional tennis player. She has won one singles major;

seven other Women‘s Tennis Association singles titles and three doubles titles.

Fact Box: National Cyber Security Policy (NSCP) 2013 Of India July 5th, 2013

India launches National Cyber Security Policy 2013 to secure cyber space

The government has announced a National Cyber Security Policy 2013 which aims to

address the threats emanating from the cyber world. The Policy proposes to:

Set up different bodies to tackle various levels of threats, along with a national nodal

agency, to coordinate all matters related to cyber security.

Create a National Critical Information InfrastructureProtection Centre (NCIIPC),

which will act as a 24×7 centre to battle cyber security threats in strategic areas such as

air control, nuclear and space. It will function under the National Technical Research

Organisation (NTRO), a technical intelligence gathering agency controlled directly by

the National Security Adviser in the Prime Minister‘s Office.

The current agency, Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), will deal with all

public and private infrastructure.

Create a workforce of around 500,000 trained in cyber security.

Provide fiscal benefits to businesses to adopt best security practices.

Set up testing labs to regularly check the safety of equipment being used in the country.

Create a cyber ecosystem in the country, developing effective public-private partnerships

and collaborative engagements through technical and operational cooperation.

Building indigenous security technologies through research.

Curb sale of adulterated milk: Supreme Court to State govts July 5th, 2013

Expressing concern over the sale of adulterated milk in the country, theSupreme Court has

directed the governments of Haryana, Rajasthan,Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Delhi to

file their response stating what action they are taking to curb the menace of milk

adulteration, after the Centre submitted that it is for the state governments to take action

on the issue.

The direction from the court came during a hearing on a PIL filed by a group of citizens led

by Swami Achyutanand Tirth of Uttarakhand, who have alleged that synthetic and

adulterated milk and milk products are prepared using urea, detergent, refined oil, caustic

soda and white paint, which, according to studies, are ―very hazardous‖ to human life and

can cause diseases like cancer.

The court would later on expand the ambit of the PIL to include all the states in the country

on the issue.

According to a survey conducted by Food Safety and Standards Authority

of India (FSSAI):

Over 68% of milk in the country does not conform to the standards set by the FSSAI.

Over 68% of the ―non-conforming‖ milk was found in urban areas, 66% of which was

loose milk.

Most common ways of adulteration was found to be the addition of water, and the main

reason for deviation from the standards was addition of glucose and skimmed milk

powder. It had also found that some samples contained detergent.

Over 83% of the non-conforming milk in rural areas was found to be loose milk.

Bhiwani, Bharatpur and Mahendragarh are now part of NCR July 5th, 2013

The Union Urban Development Ministry has announced that the National Capital

Region has been expanded by including Bhiwani and Mahendragarh districts

of Haryanaand Bharatpur district of Rajasthan in the NCR. There is also a proposal to

include Jind and Karnal of Haryana in the NCR.

How would the inclusion in NCR benefit?

The included regions can expect better infrastructure, improved connectivity with Delhi and

other regions, and more development. The NCR Planning Board provides loans on lower

rates of interest for the development of the constituents of the region. Property prices are

also expected to rise with their inclusion in the NCR.

Note: The NCR region now extends to a total of 11 districts in Haryana, 6 in Uttar

Pradesh and 2 in Rajasthan.

India-China trade deficit expands to $12 billion July 5th, 2013

There is a 34% surge in the trade deficit b/w India-China that reached $ 12 billion in the

first five months of 2013, portraying a grim picture for Indian exports as bilateral

trade continued to decrease, discouraging hopes of attaining a trade volume of $ 100 billion

by 2015.

Some key facts:

The India-China bilateral trade touched $ 26.5 billion till May 2013. The trade deficit

for India has expanded year-on-year to $ 12 billion, up by 34%. The trade volume was

lowered by over $ 2 billion compared to 2012.

While the Chinese exports registered marginal increase the bilateral trade numbers are

falling. Exports have declined substantially while imports have risen marginally.

Adding to the concerns, India‘s main export items like cotton, iron ore and copper have

continued their downward slide. Iron ore plunged by 76% to $ 595.42 million. Cotton and

copper declined by 40% to $ 1.39 billion and 24% to $ 688.53 million respectively.

India‘s overall share in Chinese exports has dropped to under 1% from 1.33%. Cotton

yarn and diamonds are the other two exports that rounded off the top five. Cotton yarn is

the only item which is showing a jump of 115% to reach a value of $ 740 million.

Diamonds have increased by 14% to record $ 562.1 million. The Chinese exports to India

were increasing by 2.7% year-on-year.

Taj Mahal placed among top three landmarks in the world July 5th, 2013

As per leading travel website TripAdvisor‘s 2013 Travellers Choice

Attractions Awards, India‘s Taj Mahal is among the top three landmarks in the world. Taj

Mahal was ranked third in the list of Top 25 landmarks.

The top two ranks were bagged by Machu Picchu in Peru and Angkor

Wat in Cambodia respectively. Taj Mahal, listed among the new seven-wonders of the

world, is world-famous for its architecture and aesthetic beauty.

Taj Mahal which was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late

wife Mumtaz Mahal, is situated in the northern Indian city of Agra. It

received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1983. It attracts 2-4 million visitors

annually, with more than 200,000 from overseas.

Petra World Heritage Site in Jordan and Bayon Temple in Cambodia are ranked 4th and

5th respectively in the list of 25 top landmarks in the world.

Brazil wins Confederations Cup 2013 July 5th, 2013

Brazil vanquished world and European champions Spain by registering a 3-0 win in

the Confederations Cup final. Brazil who will be hosting the next World Cup has clinched the

cup for a third time in a row.

FIFA Confederations Cup

International football tournament for national teams

Held every four years by FIFA

8 Teams contest - holders of each of the 6 FIFA confederation championships (UEFA,

CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, CAF, AFC, OFC), along with the FIFA World Cup holder and the

host nation.

2013 FIFA Confederations Cup was the 9th FIFA Confederations Cup, and was held in

Brazil.

Treaty inked in Marrakesh (Morocco) giving blind, visually impaired better

access to books July 5th, 2013

Treaty to help visually impaired get access to books signed in Marrakesh

(Morocco)

A significant treaty was signed in Marrakesh, Morocco, that will make access to books for

the visually impaired, blind and print disabled easier.

The negotiations were facilitated by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) for

the ‗Marrakesh Treaty‘ to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are

Blind, Visually Impaired, or otherwise Print Disabled.

How will the treaty help the visually impaired?

The treaty will provide access to books for the visually impaired by requiring its contracting

parties to adopt national law provisions that permit the reproduction, distribution and

making available of published works in accessible formats through limitations and

exceptions to the rights of copyright right holders. The issue of copyright was playing a

hindrance in providing the visually impaired access to knowledge. The treaty allows the

waiver of copyright restrictions in order for books to be available in formats such as formats

such as Braille, large print text and audio books.

The treaty also provides assurances to authors and publishers that that system will not

expose their published works to misuse or distribution to anyone other than the intended

beneficiaries.

Why do we need this treaty?

There are an estimated 285 million blind and partially-sighted people in the world, of which

the largest percentage lives in India. Only 1 to 7% of all books published are available in

formats accessible to them. India‘s key campaigner for the treaty, the late Rahul

Cherian of Inclusive Planet had anticipated the possibility of such a treaty.

Ms Sujata Singh will be next Foreign Secretary of India July 5th, 2013

Ms Sujata Singh (59), envoy to Germany, will be India‘s next foreign secretary after an

approval of her appointment by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Sujata Singh is a 1976

batch IFS officer who will succeed the current Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai who set to

retire on July 31, 2013. She will be the third woman to head the services after Chokila Iyer

and Nirupama Rao.

India rejects Snowden‘s request seeking political asylum July 5th, 2013

India turned down USA whistleblower Edward Snowden‘s request seeking political asylum.

The Indian Embassy in Moscow had received a communication containing a request for

asylum.

Earlier, Snowden, currently sheltered in the transit zone of Moscow airport, has sought

asylum in 20 countries, including India. These asylum requests have been filed by Sarah

Harrison, legal advisor of WikiLeaks in the matter of Snowden.

The requests were made to a number of countries

including Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Finland, France, Germany,

India, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Poland,Spain, Swiss

Confederation, Venezuela.

Snowden is wanted in the US on the charges of espionage and leaking classified

documents. Documents leaked by him last month revealed a systematic and large-

scale surveillance of phone and internet communications by the NSA around the

world.

India is close to completing Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor July 5th, 2013

India‘s first commercial fast breeder reactor — the 500 MWe Prototype Fast

Breeder Reactor (PFBR) — is in an advanced stage of completion at Kalpakkam, Tamil

Nadu.

Indigenously developed mixed-oxide type fuel pins for the PFBR‘s first core were under

manufacture and delivery. 95% of the PFBR construction had been completed and is

expected to go critical by September 2014. The Nuclear Fuel Complex, Hyderabad, is

manufacturing the reactor‘s fuel bundles and they are being assembled in a workshop at the

Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research at Kalpakkam.

The Centre had sanctioned Rs. 5,677 crore for building the PFBR. Electricity generated from

the PFBR would be sold to the State Electricity Boards at Rs. 4.44 a unit. The responsibility

of developing PFBR is with Bhartiya Nabhkiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI).

Election Commission directs all State district collectors to set up district level panels to monitor paid news July 3rd, 2013

In the wake of increasing incidence of paid news and upcoming RajasthanAssembly polls,

the Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed all State district collectors to set up

district-level Media Certification and Monitoring Committee. ECI has also

recommended an amendment to the Representation of People‘s Act, 1951, to include paid

news as a corrupt practice.

What will be the role of the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee?

The Media Certification and Monitoring Committee is part of a three-tier apparatus — at the

District, State and Central level. The Committee will be engaged in suo motu as well as

complaint-based monitoring of paid news. If it is established that a candidate has paid for

news, the amount paid will be included in his/her election expenditure and he/she will have

to furnish this expenditure to the returning officer within 30 days of the elections.

India-Russia talks cut no ice on nuclear liability July 3rd, 2013

No progress could be made b/w India and Russia on the issue of nuclear liability. The talks

were held b/w Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chief R.K. Sinha and Russia‘s nuclear

corporation Rosatom head, Sergei Kiriyenko.

What is the issue?

Russia is building nuclear reactors in India at Kudankulam. India wants Russia to place the

new reactors under its Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act, 2010, which holds

the operator wholly liable in the event of an accident, gives it a right of recourse

against suppliers if the accident is caused by defective equipment. Whereas, Russians

refer to the Indo-Russia inter-government agreement of 2008, which makes the operator

alone liable for possible damages at Units 3-6 to be built at Kudankulam. This issue has

stalled signing of contract for the construction of Units 3 and 4 at the Kudankulam nuclear

power project.

India to host 2016 World T20 and 2023 ODI World Cup July 3rd, 2013

As per the announcement made by the International Cricket Council (ICC), India will host

the World T20 in 2016 and the 50-over World Cup in 2023.

The Champions Trophy, the last edition of which was won by India recently has been

replaced with World Test Championship,the first edition of which will be held

in England and Wales in June-July 2017. India will host its 2nd edition in February-March

2021.

ICC agreed on the following:

Full members of the ICC will play a minimum of 16 tests over a four-year period.

In order to ensure that all ODIs player over the four-year cycle b/w World Cups count

towards a team‘s ranking, the ODIs ranking period will be changed from three years to

four years.

In order to bring consistency, the calculations of the T20 ranking will be changed to cover

the same period.

The date of the annual ICC Rankings update will be changed to May 1 rather than August

1.

Najeeb Jung appointed as new Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi July 3rd, 2013

President Pranab Mukherjee appointed Najeeb Jung (62), former Vice-Chancellor of Jamia

Millia Islamia, as the new Lieutenant-Governor ofDelhi. He will replace Tejendra Khanna.

Mr. Jung had joined the Indian Administrative Services in 1973 and served at various

positions at the Centre and Madhya Pradesh. He had quit IAS after serving as Joint

Secretary (Exploration) in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Other Key Appointments:

Former Delhi Police commissioner K K Paul appointed asMeghalaya governor replacing

Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary.

Punjab Congress chief Virendra Kataria has been appointed as LG

of Puducherry succeeding Iqbal Singh.

Lt Gen (retired) A K Singh replaced Lt Gen (retired) Bhopinder Singh as LG of

Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

U.N. peacekeeping forces to take over from French troops in Mali July 3rd, 2013

United Nations peacekeeping force will take over from African troops in conflict-scarred Mali.

A 12,600-strong force will take over security duties from French troops who entered Mali

in January 2013. France had sent troops to the country to recapture two key towns from al-

Qaeda linked Islamists holding Mali‘s north. The move was backed by the UN.

The majority of his soldiers will be Africans already stationed in Mali butChina has offered to

supply more than 500 troops, its biggest contribution to U.N. peacekeeping. Other nations

including Sweden,Bangladesh and Norway will also contribute their troops in the UN forces.

The U.N. mission is due to play a significant role in presidential polls announced for July 28,

2013.

Supreme Court: If a cheque from joint a/c bounces, liability is on person signing cheque July 3rd, 2013

The Supreme Court has held that in case of issuance of cheque from joint accounts, only the

person who signs the cheque can be prosecuted in a cheque bouncing case under Section

138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The other joint account members cannot be

held culpable unless the cheque has been signed by them also. As per the apex court, the

proceedings filed under Section 138 cannot be used as an arm twisting tactics to recover

the amount allegedly due from the appellant.

The court clarified that the culpability attached to dishonour of a cheque can, in no case

except in case of Section 141 of the N.I. Act (offences by companies), be extended to

those on whose behalf the cheque is issued. This Court reiterates that it is only the drawer

of the cheque who can be made an accused in any proceeding under Section 138 of the Act.

Distinguishing Individual and Company:

The court distinguished b/w individuals and companies and held that Section 141 of the N.I.

Act is an instance of specific provision that in case an offence under Section 138 is

committed by a company, the criminal liability for dishonor of a cheque will extend to the

officers of the company. In case of the company, the officers of the company, who are

accountable for the acts done in the name of the company, can be made accused for the

acts which result in criminal action being taken against the company.

Fact Box: IRNSS-1A July 3rd, 2013

ISRO successfully launches IRNSS-1A: India‘s first navigation satellite

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully launched IRNSS-1A on PSLV

C 22 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. It was for the first

time ISRO has launched an India satellite at almost midnight taking into account the orbit

and inclination at which the satellite will be injected into the space and the season of

launch. Total seven satellites of the IRNSS constellation will be launched and the full

constellation will be up during 2014 timeframe. The entire IRNSS satellite constellation will

compromise of three satellites geostationary orbits and four in inclined geosynchronous

orbits, of which IRNSS-1A is the first one.

Factbox: IRNSS-1A

IRNSS expands to Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System.

India‘s first dedicated Indian Navigation Satellite System and has a life span of around 10

years.

Placed in an inclined geosynchronous orbit at 55 degree East longitude with an inclined

orbit of 29 degrees with respect to the equator.

Positioned at 36,000 Kms altitude.

It is intended to provide terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation services and help in

disaster and fleet management.

To provide accurate position information service for terrestrial (cars, goods transport,

buses) aerial (flights) and maritime (shipping) navigation for users in India as well as

neighbouring regions extending up to 1,500 km from India‘s borders/boundaries, which

will be its primary service area.

It will provide two types of services:

1. Standard Positioning Service (SPS) for all users

2. Restricted Service (RS), an encrypted service provided only to authorized users.

Applications of IRNSS:

Terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation, disaster management, vehicle tracking and fleet

management, integration with mobile phones, precise timing, mapping and geodetic data

capture, terrestrial navigation aid for hikers and travelers, and visual and voice navigation

for drivers.

Fact Box: INS Trikand (F51) July 3rd, 2013

Indian Navy inducts INS Trikand (F51)

Indian Navy has further expanded it arsenal by inducting Russian built guided-missile

stealth frigate INS Trikand. It is the last of the six stealth frigates ordered from Russia. The

Navy had earlier inducted three 4,000-tonne Talwar-class stealth frigates ( Talwar,

Trishul and Tabar) from Russia in 2003-2004. India went on to buy another three (Teg,

Tarkash and Trikand) under a $1.15 billion contract inked in 2006.

Factbox: INS Trikand

INS Trikand (F51) is a Talwar class frigate of the Indian Navy.

The Talwar class – A class of frigates designed and built by Russia for the Indian Navy.

Equipped with state-of-the-art combat suite: Supersonic 290-km BrahMos missile

system, Shtil advanced surface-to-air missiles, upgraded A-190 medium range

gun, electro-optical 30-mm close-in weapon system and anti-submarine weapons such as

torpedoes and rockets and advanced electronic warfare system.

‗Trebovanie-M‗:

A combat management system which integrates weapons and sensors to enable the ship

to simultaneously neutralize multiple surface, sub-surface and air threats.

Innovative features to reduce its radar, magnetic and acoustic ―signatures‖ to ensure it is

relatively difficult to detect by enemy radars.

Capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots

Note: India is also building its own stealth frigates. Three Shivalik-class frigates, built at

Mazagon Docks (MDL), have already been inducted by the Navy. There is a programme

called Project-17A of over Rs 50,000 crore which is under consideration which plans to

construct seven advanced stealth frigates, with all weapon and missile systems under the

hull for a lower radar ―signature‖. The project will be shared b/w MDL at Mumbai and

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) at Kolkata.

India imposes ban on testing of cosmetics on animals July 2nd, 2013

In a remarkable decision intended to prevent cruelty to animals, India has decided to ban

the testing of cosmetics and its ingredients on animals. This has made India the first

country in South Asia to impose such a ban.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

Cosmetics Sectional Committee, chaired by the Drugs Controller General of

India and is in line with the European Union‘s stand. The step follows appeals from various

quarters, including that from the National Advisory Council Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and

campaigner for animal rights Maneka Gandhi and the People for the Ethical Treatment of

Animals (PETA), to prevent cruelty to animals.

What is the ban?

Any cosmetic product which performs animal testing will face action as per provisions of

the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Animal Cruelty Act. Infringement of the Drugs

and Cosmetics Act by any person or corporate manager or owner is liable for punishment

for a term which may extend from 3-10 years and shall also be liable to fine which could be

Rs.500 to Rs.10,000, or with both.

The law also makes it mandatory to use modern non-animal alternative tests, replacing

invasive tests on animals. It implies that any manufacturer interested in testing new

cosmetic ingredients or finished products must first get the approval from India‘s

regulator Central Drug Standards Control Organization. A manufacturer will be given

approval to test only after complying with the BIS non-animal standards.

Animal Testing Status:

Companies around the world are switching to effective, modern non-animal tests and more

than 1,200 companies have already given up animal-testing methods. But many still are

carrying out with the same old procedures of subjecting animals to painful tests.

Railway launches SMS facility for ticket booking July 2nd, 2013

Indian Railway has launched a new pilot service which makes it possible for the 80% of the

population that owns mobile phones. The service doesn‘t even involves any use of Internet

by the customer.

IRCTC has INTRODUCED a number of options to buy tickets without having to access the

Internet. Besides the short code 5676714, one can even send an SMS to 139 or the Airtel

Money system *400# or the system powered by Pyro where one needs to have a BSNL SIM

card enabled with Java computer language.

It will not be necessary to carry a hard copy of the ticket while travelling — the SMS

confirmation will be valid proof. The facility allows for ticket cancellation as well. To make

use of any of these options, you have to get your mobile number registered with IRCTC.

Each SMS will cost Rs. 3 and as the project is being launched on a pilot basis, mobile service

providers have dispensed with agent charges for now. These charges as and when imposed

would be the same one pays to other agents, including online charges.

The new technology will also ease the pressure on Internet ticketing as 45% of tickets are

booked through Internet. It would also put an end to fleecing by touts.

Government to set up 51 low-cost airports July 2nd, 2013

The Union government has decided to construct 51 new low-cost airports to provide fillip to

civil aviation sector and enhance air connectivity to Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Apart from the

low-cost airports, the government has decided grant new international airport

status to Bhubaneswar and Imphal at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore.

The 51 cities which have been chosen for the project are:

Andhra Pradesh: Vijayawada, Nellore, Kurnool, Kadapa, Nizamabad, Tirupati, Anantapur and

Karimnagar

1. Jharkhand: Dhanbad, Bokaro and Hazaribagh

2. Bihar: Muzaffarpur, Chapra and Sasaram

3. Punjab: Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Firozpur

4. Uttar Pradesh: Agra, Allahabad, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Meerut, Aligarh, Bijnor,

Muzaffarnagar and Azamgarh

5. Arunachal Pradesh: Tezu, Bomdila and Along

6. Assam: Silchar, Jorhat and Tezpur

7. Madhya Pradesh: Gwalior, Singrauli, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Jabalpur, Sidhi and Shahdol

8. Rajasthan: Ajmer, Kota, Bhilwada and Alwar

9. Maharashtra: Kolhapur, Nasik, Jalgaon, Solapur and Amarawati

10. Odisha: Brahmpur, Rourkela and Kendujhar

Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS): NASA launches satellite to study Sun‘s atmosphere July 2nd, 2013

The U.S. space agency NASA launched a satellite to uncover the secrets of the Sun‘s lower

atmosphere. NASA‘s Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) was launched

aboard an Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL rocket off the California coast.

About IRIS mission:

Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) is a $182 million mission which will

continue for two years.

It aims to observe the movement of solar material. It will try to know how it gathers energy

and heats up as it makes its way through a mysterious region in the sun‘s lower

atmosphere. IRIS will help in knowing not only the causes the ejection of solar material,

including solar wind, but also solar eruptions that can disrupt human technology.

What is this mysterious region?

This is a region b/w the sun‘s photosphere and corona where most of the sun‘s ultraviolet

emission is generated, which impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth‘s climate.

British Government gives go ahead to ‗three-parent baby‘ July 2nd, 2013

The UK government has given approval to the controversial IVF technique that would lead

to the creation of babies with three parents. If the proposal is passed by its parliament then

Britain would become first country to allow this technique. The decision has invited criticism

from different calling it unethical, unnecessary and unsafe.

What is a ‗Three-Parent Baby?

It is a baby born with the genetic contribution (DNA) from three people. It is done through

IVF technique which involves taking the nucleus of one egg (first female) and inserting it

into the cytoplasm of another egg (second female) which has had its nucleus removed, but

still contains mitochondrial DNA, and then fertilizing the hybrid egg with a sperm (third

person). The purpose of the procedure is to remove a nucleus from a cell with defective

mitochondria and place it in a donor cell with healthy mitochondria, which after fertilisation

will contain a nucleus with genetic material from only the two parents.

How would this technique help?

As per experts, this method will give a choice to women with mitochondria disorders to bear

children free from such diseases. These are caused by mutated mitochondria — tiny

structures that supply power to human cells — and are passed from a mother, through the

egg, to her child. It is said to affect one in every 6,500 babies. The technique will help

combat genetic problems that can cause rare and debilitating conditions affecting the heart,

muscles and brain.

Multidrug-resistant TB stock declines to alarming level July 2nd, 2013

Even as the government is trying to tackle the stock-out situation for anti-tuberculosis

paediatric drugs, a new problem has surfaced. Stocks of second-line medicines

like Kanamycin, an injectible drug used for treating multi-drug resistant (MDR)

TB have dipped alarmingly. Currently, there is stock only for two and a half months. Indiais

among the few countries with a high burden of MDR TB.

The Prime Minister‘s Office has asked the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

(MoHFW) for clarification on the availability of drugs.

The Central TB Division (CTD) called an emergency meeting to find the way forward to

extenuate the crisis. Manufacturers of paediatric drugs, prolongation pouches and

streptomycin have been identified and the ministry is hopeful of getting supplies to states

by the end of July. States with a lower disease burden have been asked to transfer drugs to

those with a higher burden facing extreme shortage of drugs.

Why this lapse?

The shortage of drugs was due to procurement failures and delays at the level of the

government of India. It also confirmed stock-out of paediatric doses, Rifampicin (the key

drug to treat TB), streptomycin injection as well as diminishing stockpiles of Kanamycin

injections and other first line drugs. The emergency procurement of paediatric drugs was

delayed by six months and the orders had just been placed.

As for Kanamycin, emergency procurement of over 400,000 vials, done with the support of

the Geneva-based Global Drug Facility (GDF) through WHO‘s intervention had not reached

the country because of delays in processing orders, payments and the ministry not issuing

the necessary customs duty clearance on time.

Surge in the cases of Leptospirosis July 2nd, 2013

A rise in the number of cases of leptospirosis has been reported in Thiruananthapuram even

as the district is focusing its efforts on curbing the dengue fever. Dengue has eclipsed the

fact that the incidence of leptospirosis has been on the rise in all districts of the state after

the rain began.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by bacteria Leptospira that affects both humans

and animals. Humans become infected through direct contact with the urine of infected

animals or with a urine-contaminated environment. The bacteria enter the body through

cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and

eyes. Person-to-person transmission is rare. The disease has also been known to trigger

abortions in cattle.

How does the transmission take place?

Leptospirosis is transmitted by the urine of an infected animal and is contagious as long as

it is still moist. Although rats, mice, and moles are important primary hosts, a wide range of

other mammals including dogs, deer, rabbits, hedgehogs, cows, sheep, raccoons,

opossums, skunks, and certain marine mammals are able to carry and transmit the disease

as secondary hosts.

What are the symptoms?

In the early stages of the disease, symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle

pain, chills, redness of the eyes, abdominal pain, jaundice, haemorrhages in the skin and

mucous membranes, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash.

Who are most vulnerable?

Although the disease can occur to anyone who comes in contact with the urine of infected

with Leptospira, its prevalence is seen in cleaning workers, manual labourers and farm

workers are most vulnerable. The number of infection increases in rainy season as people

wade through waters contaminated with garbage and animal excreta which contain the

bacteria.

How is it controlled?

To counter leptospirosis vulnerable sections are put on Doxycycline prophylactic treatment.

Care is taken to distinguish the disease from other diseases like Malaria and Dengue as

these too show similar symptoms and spread in the same season.

EU agrees talk to Serbia for open membership July 2nd, 2013

The leaders of the European Union have agreed to open membership negotiations

with Serbia by January at the latest, in acknowledgment of its efforts to improve ties with

seceded Kosovo. The step indicates EU inclination toward embracing once-troubled

countries in the Balkans.

Presidents and Prime Ministers from the 27 EU nations also welcomed Croatia‘s upcoming

accession as the bloc‘s 28th member. In the two-day summit held in Brussels the EU

agreed on seven-year, €960-billion budget. The EU leaders also announced negotiations for

closer relations with Kosovo, a possible step on the way to membership talks.

Serbia and Kosovo:

Kosovo, a former province of Serbia, declared independence in 2008. Serbia has never

recognized the sovereignty of Kosovo, which is considered by Serbia‘s nationalists to be the

cradle of the country‘s medieval statehood and religion. However, Kosovo has been

recognised by over 90 countries including the U.S. and 22 of the EU‘s 27 members. In April

2013 a vital agreement was reached b/w Serbia and Kosovo when they decided to

normalize relations and end years of acrimony.

Croatia enters European Union July 2nd, 2013

Croatia was added into the European Union (EU) on July 1, 2013 making the total number

of member states in the EU to 28. Croatia is the second country from the once war-torn

former Yugoslavia to enter the bloc. It negotiated with the EU for more than 6 years after

the bloc agreed to embrace it.

Croatia which is struggling with its economic woes has joined the EU amid concerns whether

the country is fully prepared to face the fierce competition of the open market.

The economy has been battered by the ongoing financial crisis and owing to structural

weaknesses that yet need to be addressed by reforms.

From this event Croatia is hopeful that it will help to lift many people out of poverty and

modernzse the economy. Croatia will also receive funds from the EU to build roads, clean up

the environment and increase research and development.

However, there are concerns that tough EU competition will shut down or buy out parts of

the national economy. There is concern about whether EU membership will lure immigrants

seeking work, which could put the reeling labour market under even more pressure.

India-UK decide to develop Economic Corridor together July 2nd, 2013

India and United Kingdom have decided to collaborate to develop the Bangalore-

Mumbai Economic Corridor (BMEC)project in close association with private companies

from Britain.

Both sides have agreed to examine and evolve the modalities and content of this project

through mutual discussions and work out a roadmap for a possible partnership in this area.

In addition to this, India has also offered to UK, investment or partnership opportunities in

the National Manufacturing and Investment Zones (NIMZs). . NIMZs are proposed to be

developed as green field industrial townships and benchmarked against the best

manufacturing hubs in the world.

The new National Manufacturing Policy aims to create 100 million jobs and increase the

share of manufacturing in India‘s Gross Domestic Product from 16% now to 25% by 2022.

Port Pipavav retains top spot in seafood exports July 1st, 2013

Pipavav port located in Saurashtra (Gujarat), has retained

the top position for the second consecutive year in seafood exports in FY13 in terms of

quantity. The port has recorded an increase of 6% over the previous fiscal.

As per Marine Products Export Development Authority, the port had handled 2,33,738

tonnes of marine exports as against 2,19,801 tonnes in FY12. However, in value

terms, both Vizag and Kochi maintained an almost equal share in earnings of Rs 3,344.97

crore and Rs 3,265.64 crore respectively in FY13. Kochi port has come up as No.2 in

quantity-wise exports, touching 1,62,109 tonnes. South-east Asia maintained the

position as the largest buyer of marine products, followed by the EU, the

US, Japan, China and the Middle East.