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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Preface
Jagranjoshs IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current) eBook has been prepared for
aspirants preparing to score high in IBPS PO Written Examination 2014. This eBook is a perfect
blend of current topics from banking and economics section. IBPS PO Exam 2014: General
Awareness (Current) eBook is prepared by a team of experts at Jagranjosh. Banking experts
have put their best to come up with this complete preparation package for General Awareness
(Current) section of IBPS PO Exam. This eBook is a perfect amalgamation of all the current
topics taken from January 2014 to 20 September 2014 in a chapter-wise format. The IBPS PO
Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current) eBook will allow aspirants to prepare for the section
within the time limit set officially by the examination board.
The IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current) eBook includes:
Comprehensive Coverage on all Exam oriented Current Topics from January 2014 to 20
September 2014
Special Focus on Economy & Banking News
Important Dates & Abbreviation Terms
Jagranjoshs IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current) eBook is a remarkable edition
that helps students preparing for the IBPS PO Exam 2014. With this book, aspirants will feel
more convinced on their preparation skills as it will enhance their overall performance in
General Awareness Section at the time of the examination. This eBook is equally useful in all
banking exams having a section of General Awareness. Our team at Jagranjosh.com wishes all
the very best to the aspirants of IBPS PO Exam 2014.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Contents
PREFACE ............................................................................................................................................. 2
ECONOMY AND BUSINESS ............................................................................................................ 29
Infosys Ltd signed agreements with Microsoft Corp, Hitachi Data Systems and Huawei .................................... 29
Indian Air Force gifted vintage Dakota aircraft to Bangladesh Air Force ............................................................ 29
Union Textiles Ministry approved setting up of 13 textile parks ........................................................................ 29
Nepal government cleared GMR Company proposal to build 900 MW Upper Karnali HEP in Nepal ................... 29
IndiGo signed agreement with ICBC to purchase over 30 A320 aircrafts............................................................ 30
India-China signed sixteen agreements during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jingping to India ...................... 30
China fined British drug maker firm GSK Plc 489 million US dollars for paying bribes ......................................... 30
Infosys BPO Poland signed largest office lease deal with Skanska Property in Poland ........................................ 30
Puma India appointed Abhishek Ganguly as Managing Director ........................................................................ 31
Cognizant acquired healthcare software company TriZetto .............................................................................. 31
Microsoft Corp acquired Minecraft game maker Mojang .................................................................................. 31
Croma and Snapdeal tied up to sell electronic items online .............................................................................. 31
SEBI extended deadline by six months to appoint atleast one women director on board .................................. 32
CCEA approved 4754 crore for power transmission scheme in Arunachal and Sikkim ........................................ 32
FICCIs Economic Outlook Survey estimated Indias GDP growth rate at 5.6 percent in 2014-15 ........................ 32
Raya Power to set up 50 MW solar park in Andhra Pradesh .............................................................................. 32
Union government decided to wind up HMT Watches ...................................................................................... 32
Apple Inc launched iWatch designed to work with iPhone 6 ............................................................................. 33
BlackBerry acquired UK mobile technology start-up Movirtu ............................................................................ 33
Tata Technologies Ltd appointed Warren Harris as MD and CEO....................................................................... 33
Union Government launched New Payment Gateway Integrated to e-Filing System ......................................... 33
Union Government launched RVC service for smooth transportation of perishable goods ................................ 33
Highest percentage of hired workers in India is in Arunachal Pradesh: 6th Economic Census ............................ 34
CCEA approved stake sale in CIL, ONGC abd NHPC............................................................................................ 34
Intel launched new range of Processors Xeon E5-v3 for Data Centres ............................................................... 34
Uttarakhand Government declared 9 September as Himalaya Diwas ................................................................ 34
Assam government withdrew Assamese as official language from Barak Valley ................................................ 34
India and Germany agreed to cooperate in skill development and solid waste management ............................ 35
Bharti Airtel announced agreement with Eaton Towers to divest 3500 towers in Africa .................................... 35
Cipla announced commercial tie-up with UK firm S&D Pharma ......................................................................... 35
Electrolux agreed to buy GE Appliances for 3.3 billion US dollars ...................................................................... 35
Snapdeal signed joint venture with Den Networks............................................................................................ 35
V Nagarajan joined IGL as a new director ......................................................................................................... 36
Government approved 7% hike in Dearness Allowance .................................................................................... 36
India slipped to 71st rank in WEF's annual Global Competitiveness List 2014-2015 ........................................... 36
Union Government relaxed onion import norms .............................................................................................. 36
Union Government to SC: It wants re-auction of all 218 coal blocks .................................................................. 36
USFDA granted QIDP status to Indian pharmaceutical firm Wockhardt ............................................................. 37
Baba Kalyani re-nominated as Co-Chairman of IJBLF......................................................................................... 37
Adani bought Carmichael Australia coal mine royalty rights from Linc Energy ................................................... 37
ONGC board approved 5219 crore rupees investment in Daman gas fields ....................................................... 37

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

India Signed agreement with World Bank for MSRPII project ............................................................................ 38
Tata Value Homes and Snapdeal tied up to sell homes online ........................................................................... 38
SC ordered DLF to pay 630 crore rupees fine imposed by CCI ........................................................................... 38
Union Cabinet announced to lift the restriction of one LPG cylinder per month ................................................ 38
Cox & Kings Ltd got the outsourcing contract of Deccan Odyssey for five years................................................. 39
Reliance Jio Infocomm signed tower sharing deal with BSNL ............................................................................ 39
C.S.Verma elected as First President of Indian Steel Association ....................................................................... 39
Union Finance Ministry ordered forensic audit of Dena bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce.......................... 39
T M Bhasin elected as Chairman of Indian Banks Association ............................................................................ 40
India to be the launch-pad for Amazon's plan to deliver packages using drones ................................................ 40
CCEA approved sale of 10 million tonnes of wheat in Open Market to Check Prices .......................................... 40
Union Government revised Investment target for DFC to 80000 crore rupees .................................................. 40
India decided against signing WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement ................................................................... 41
TCS became first Indian Company to achieve Market Capitalization of 5 lakh crore rupees ............................... 41
Google announced to launch Hindi version of Google Maps on Android and PC................................................ 41
ADB released Asian Development Outlook 2014 Supplement ........................................................................... 41
SEBI barred Satyam founder Ramalinga Raju and 4 others from accessing capital markets................................ 42
Per Student Cooking Cost under Mid Day Meal Scheme Enhanced ................................................................... 42
Retail inflation fell to 30-month low of 7.31 percent in June 2014 .................................................................... 42
Air India formally joined global airline group Star Alliance ................................................................................ 42
Railways register 9.48 percent increase in its earning ....................................................................................... 42
Union Budget 2014-15: Weaker Sections.......................................................................................................... 42
Union Budget 2104-15: Financial Sector ........................................................................................................... 43
Union Budget 2014-15: Infrastructure .............................................................................................................. 43
Union Budget 2014-15: Industry, MSME & Textiles........................................................................................... 43
Union Budget 2014-15: Employment and Skill development............................................................................. 43
Union Budget 2014-15: Energy Sector .............................................................................................................. 43
Union Budget 2014-15: Women and Child Development .................................................................................. 44
Railway Budget 2014-15: New Initiatives .......................................................................................................... 44
TCS and Bharti Foundation announced to spend 200 crore rupees for Clean India Campaign ............................ 44
Government re-launched Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana ................................................................................ 44
TATA-SIA Airlines brand name to be called Vistara; to start operations from October 2014............................... 45
New Trains announced in Rail Budget 2014-15 ................................................................................................. 45
APSEZ formed JV with French shipping company CMA CGM to build a container terminal ................................ 45
ADB to provide equity investment of 50 million US dollars to ReNew Power ..................................................... 45
Google launched Project Android One to build ultra cheap Smartphones ......................................................... 45
HSBC Bank sold its Swiss private banking assets to LGT Bank for 12.5 billion dollar ........................................... 46
Indian Patent office refused to grant patent on anti-cancer drug Abraxane of US firm ...................................... 46
GMR won arbitration award against Maldivian government ............................................................................. 46
Nita Ambani became first woman director on Reliance board .......................................................................... 46
N.S.Raghavan, co-founder of Infosys, acquired Paladion Networks ................................................................... 46
DLF became first real estate developer to receive ISO Quality Certification ....................................................... 47
BHEL commissioned 68 MW Unit at Rampur Hydro Electric Project in Himachal Pradesh .................................. 47
Google purchased Satellite Firm Skybox Imaging for 500 million US dollar ........................................................ 47
Sunil Dutt appointed as President of Reliance Infocomm .................................................................................. 47
EU lifted ban imposed on drug exports from Ranbaxys Toansa Plant ............................................................... 47
CAPL became Indias First NABL accredited Aquaculture Pathology Lab ............................................................ 48
RBI tightened acquisition & merger rules for Non-Banking Financial Companies ............................................... 48
Foreign Exchange Reserves increased by 15.5 billion US dollar in 2014: RBI ...................................................... 48
Singapore became the top source of FDI into India replacing Mauritius: DIPP ................................................... 48

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

RBI directed all banks to install disabled friendly new ATMs ............................................................................. 49
Bharatiya Mahila Bank included in Second Schedule of RBI Act, 1934 ............................................................... 49
Plastic currency notes to be launched in 2015: Raghuram Ranjan ..................................................................... 49
India to become the third largest oil consumer by 2025: US EIA ....................................................................... 50
RBI allowed bank branches abroad to sell structured products ......................................................................... 50
RBI allowed the minors of age above 10 years to open Savings bank accounts .................................................. 50
Deadline ended for non-CTS cheques ............................................................................................................... 50
DGCA allowed Portable Electronic Device including cellphones during Flights ................................................... 51
RBI issued uniform accounting norms for Asset Reconstruction Companies ...................................................... 51
RBI will decide NPA guidelines rules: Gujarat High Court .................................................................................. 51
IFFCO got permission from Quebec Provincial Government to set up Urea plant .............................................. 51
Union Government decided to continue export subsidy of 3300 rupees per tonne on raw sugar export ........... 52
SEBI issued detailed Corporate Governance Norms .......................................................................................... 52
CAG empowered to audit private telecom companies: SC ................................................................................ 52
Securities of 7 firms to be moved from restricted to normal trading category: SEBI .......................................... 52
World Trade to grow by 4.7 percent in 2014: WTO ........................................................................................... 53
WB projected economic growth rate of 5.7% for India in 2014-15 fiscal............................................................ 53
India ranked 102 out of 132 countries on Social Progress Index ........................................................................ 53
Reserve Bank of India adopted CPI as new measure of Inflation ....................................................................... 53
Asian Development Outlook 2014 released ...................................................................................................... 54
RBI capped WMA limit for central government at 35000 crore rupees for 2015 first half .................................. 54
Repo Rate kept unchanged by RBI in First Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement 2014-15 .............................. 54
Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs notified rules for ten more chapters in the new Company Act ................... 54
India GDP rises to 5.5 percent in 2014-15: Asian Development Outlook 2014 ................................................... 55
President cleared the re-promulgation of SEBI Ordinance 2013 ........................................................................ 55
BHEL signed contract of 125crore rupees of hydro power in Uttarakhand ........................................................ 55
RBI extended the timeline for full implementation of Basel III norms by 2019................................................... 55
SEBI to release FATCA compliance norms in the fiscal year 2014-15.................................................................. 56
EPFO announced to provide Universal Account Number from October 2014 .................................................... 56
Bank of India launched Instant Money Transfer Scheme ................................................................................... 56
Government of India divested its 9 percent stake in Axis Bank.......................................................................... 56
FDI inflow grew in January 2014 by 1.5 percent: DIPP ....................................................................................... 57
RBI hiked trade related remittance from 2 to 5 lakh rupees per transaction...................................................... 57
IOC sold 10% government stake to OIL and ONGC ............................................................................................ 57
Union Finance Ministry and SEBI finalized the norms for setting up CPSE-ETF ................................................... 57
Indias exports contracted 3.67 percent to 25.7 billion dollar in February 2014 ................................................. 57
Union Government announced to build 200 low cost airports .......................................................................... 58
Current Account Deficit declined to 0.9 percent of GDP in Quarter 3 of 2013-14............................................... 58
Interest rate on Post Office Fixed deposits hiked by 0.2% ................................................................................. 58
Workdays for tribals under MNREGA raised from 100 to 150............................................................................ 58
RBI issued guidelines to deal with distressed assets .......................................................................................... 59
NABARD formed Joint Liability Group to finance Small Farmers ........................................................................ 59
Union Cabinet approved Coal Regulatory Authority.......................................................................................... 59
IMF projected 5.4 percent economic growth for India in 2014-15 ..................................................................... 59
Second AE put Foodgrain production at 263.2 MT in 2013-14 ........................................................................... 60
SEBI approved the new Corporate Governance norms...................................................................................... 60
Indias Economy to grow by 4.9 percent in 2013-14: CSO ................................................................................. 60
NABARD under RIDF has sanctioned loans worth over 19100 crore rupees ....................................................... 61
RBI released draft Report on Enabling PKI in Payment System Applications ...................................................... 61
Economic growth for 2012-13 lowered to 4.5 percent from 5 percent estimated earlier ................................... 61

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

EGoM approved SUC of 5 percent of annual Gross Revenue on all new airwaves .............................................. 61
RBI raised Repo Rate by 25 basis points to 8 percent ........................................................................................ 62
RBI issued new guidelines for loan restructuring in NBFCs ................................................................................ 62
Finance Ministry nod for 1000 rupees minimum monthly pension plan ............................................................ 62
Currency notes issued before 2005 to be withdrawn: RBI ................................................................................. 62
Indian economy to grow by 6 percent: CRISIL ................................................................................................... 63
RBI appointed a Committee to Review Governance of Boards of Banks in India ................................................ 63
Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs Signed MoUs with FICCI ............................................................................ 63
Sunanda Pushkar, wife of Union Minister Shashi Tharoor found dead in a Delhi hotel....................................... 63
IIFCL signed MoU with EXIM Bank of Korea ...................................................................................................... 63
EGoM approved the sale of 10% stake in IOC to ONGC and OIL ........................................................................ 64
RBI included Hong Kong and Macau in the sensitive list .................................................................................... 64
Wholesale Inflation declined to five-month low of 6.16 percent in December 2013 .......................................... 64
Coal India Ltd declared dividend of 290 percent for 2013-14 ............................................................................ 64
Sudan offered two oil and gas blocks to ONGC at Petrotech 2014 ..................................................................... 64
Consumer Retail Inflation declined to 9.87 percent in December 2013 ............................................................. 65
NABARD reduced refinance rate for banks ....................................................................................................... 65
Indian Economy GDP growth rate to be revised for 2011-................................................................................. 65
Bank of Japan and RBI concluded an agreement to raise BSA to 50 billion dollar ............................................... 65
SEBI notified stricter Settlement System for serious offences ........................................................................... 65
SEBI Barred Cash Transactions In Collective Investment Schemes To Check Laundering .................................... 66
India's trade deficit narrowed to 10.1 billion dollar in December 2013.............................................................. 66
Government notified new natural Gas Pricing Formula..................................................................................... 66
RBI relaxed Gold loan norms to lend up to 75 percent loan .............................................................................. 66
China to be become a partner in the proposed NIMZ in Andhra Pradesh .......................................................... 67
Reserve Bank of India selected CCIL as Legal Entity Identifier ............................................................................ 67
Mergers & Acquisitions declined by 11.5 percent in 2013 ................................................................................. 67
Price of the Non-subsidized LPG hiked by 220 rupees per cylinder .................................................................... 67

BANKING, MONEY & FINANCE..................................................................................................... 68

RBI closed six UCBs suspected of money laundering ......................................................................................... 68
SBI celebrated 150 years of its operations in Sri Lanka ...................................................................................... 68
ICICI launched Cardless Cash Withdrawal service ............................................................................................. 68
United Bank of India declared Vijay Mallya as wilful defaulter .......................................................................... 68
ICICI Bank became the first bank in India to launch EMI facility on Debit Card ................................................... 68
RBI penalised 12 Banks in Deccan Chronicle Holdings case ............................................................................... 69
RBI released Draft Guidelines for Licensing of Payments Banks and Small Banks ............................................... 69
RBI issued drafted guidelines for implementation of Bharat Bill Payment System ............................................. 69
NABARD and SFAC signed a MoU for development of Small Farm Producers .................................................... 69
Udhampur-Katra rail line inaugurated by the Prime Minister ............................................................................ 69
Indian Railways successfully conducted test run of Delhi-Agra semi-high speed train ........................................ 70
Union Government upgraded NIC-1987 to NIC-2008 to make it more investor friendly..................................... 70
Union Government delicensed manufacturing of defence items ....................................................................... 70
Union Government granted Navratna Status to EIL and NBCC .......................................................................... 70
UNCTAD released World Investment Report 2014 ............................................................................................ 70
World Bank released a report on power sector reforms in India ....................................................................... 70
RBI permitted NBFCs-ND to work as BCs for banks ........................................................................................... 71
RBI directed Banks and FIs to provide information to SIT .................................................................................. 71
Union Government decided to provide interest free loans of 4400 crore to cash-starved sugar ........................ 71
Switzerland prepared list of Indians with suspected black money in its banks ................................................... 71

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Railway passenger fares increased by 14.2 percent and freight charges by 6.5 percent ..................................... 71
RBI asked banks to disclose sector-wise advances in financial statements......................................................... 71
SEBI issued new norms for public issuance of debt securities ........................................................................... 72
Union MSME Ministry launched Online Finance Facilitation Centre for SMEs .................................................... 72
World Bank lowered growth forecast for developing world to 4.8 percent ....................................................... 72
NABARD reduced rates of refinance to boost investment credit ....................................................................... 72
IICA signed MoU with Grant Thornton to implement CSR Rules of Companies Act 2013 .................................... 72
India became the second largest exporter of textiles in the world: UN Comtrade ............................................. 73
RBI announced second Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement ........................................................................ 73
DGCA for the first time issued Standards of Services Document ....................................................................... 73
UK based Marks & Spencer announced to open 100 stores in India .................................................................. 73
Competition Appellate Tribunal upheld 630 crore rupees penalty on DLF ......................................................... 73
Sistema Shyam Teleservices launched messaging app MBuddy for feature phones ........................................... 74
Amul to set up five lakh litres per day capacity dairy plant in Varanasi .............................................................. 74
Apple and Google settled Smartphone patent war ........................................................................................... 74
Sundaram BNP Paribas received ISAE recognition............................................................................................. 74
MTS announced to provide free Wi-Fi in Gurgaon Rapid Metro Rail.................................................................. 74
Cipla announced to invest in Chase Pharmaceuticals to develop Alzheimer's drug ............................................ 75
SEBI exempted Etihad from making open offer in Jet deal ................................................................................ 75
Indias Punj Llyond won Expressway project in Yemen...................................................................................... 75
Kuwait renewed crude supply contracts with BPCL ........................................................................................... 75
Air India will join Star Alliance in July 2014 ....................................................................................................... 75
Microsoft acquired Nokia handset business ..................................................................................................... 76
Vic Gundotra head of Google+ resigned ........................................................................................................... 76
IRCON signed MoU with Transparency International India ................................................................................ 76
Cognizant acquired itaas, a US-based Digital Video Solutions Company ............................................................ 76
Cadbury India changed its name to Mondelez India Foods Limited ................................................................... 76
GSK announced to slash the price of Crocin Advance by 50 percent .................................................................. 76
TCS joined top 10 global IT services companies club: HfS Research Survey ........................................................ 77
Hero MotoCorp formed JV with Nitol Nilloy of Bangladesh ............................................................................... 78
BMB signed an agreement with Trends to promote Women Entreprenuership ................................................. 78
HDFC Bank set World Record for Blood collection in a single day ...................................................................... 78
Piramal Enterprises Ltd decided to acquire 20 percent stake in Shriram Capital ................................................ 79
Union Cabinet approved the appointment of Narendra Kothari as Chairman of NMDC ..................................... 79
Google bought Drone maker Titan Aerospace to deliver internet across the globe............................................ 79
SBI launched financing scheme for women fashion boutique owners ............................................................... 80
SBI launched financing scheme for women fashion boutique owners ............................................................... 80
LIC reduced its stake in Infosys ......................................................................................................................... 80
SBI launched Twitter handle account ............................................................................................................... 80
USFDA approved Lupin to sell Pioglitazone tablets in America .......................................................................... 80
Piramal sold its 11 percent stake in Vodafone India for 8900 crore rupees........................................................ 80
Sun Pharma announced to acquire Ranbaxy Laboratories for 3.2 billion dollars ................................................ 81
USFDA banned imports from Indian plant of Apotex Pharma Co ....................................................................... 81
Qatar based Doha Bank announced its First branch in Mumbai ....................................................................... 81
Amazon launched set-top box named Fire TV ................................................................................................... 81
Union Ministry of Civil Aviation approved the Tata and Singapore airlines JV .................................................... 81
CCI imposed a fine of 1 crore rupees on Google ............................................................................................... 81
Tata Teleservices launched Wi-Fi business in Chennai ...................................................................................... 82
Facebook to acquire virtual reality technology firm Oculus VR .......................................................................... 82
IBM unveiled SMAC solutions for telecom operators ........................................................................................ 82

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

GE Healthcare and CTSI announced to set up 25 cancer detection and treatment centres in India .................... 82
CEO of Marico Saugata Gupta promoted as Managing Director ........................................................................ 83
TCPSL launched white Label Automated Teller Machines ................................................................................. 83
e-Commerce firm ibiboGroup acquired Bangalore-based bus tracking service YourBus ..................................... 83
NTPC approved 14366-crore rupees investment for Jharkhand plant ................................................................ 83
US lifted contract ban on BP............................................................................................................................. 83
Spice jet and Boeing signed a deal worth 4.4 billion dollar ................................................................................ 84
SBI Life to appeal against the order of IRDA to refund 275 crore rupees ........................................................... 84
Local assembly of S-Class started by Mercedes in India..................................................................................... 84
Tech Mahindra and Alstom Transport announced to set up a global development centre ................................. 84
Airbus launched subsidiary Airbus India ........................................................................................................... 85
Tata Motors to set up assembly units in Southeast Asia and Africa ................................................................... 85
New India Assurance announced Asha Kiran a health insurance cover for girl child ........................................... 86
Tom Albanese appointed as CEO of Vedanta Resources.................................................................................... 86
Mahindra entered Bhutan with the launch of electric car e2o .......................................................................... 87
Venom GT, worlds fastest car recorded 435 kilometer per hour ...................................................................... 87
LinkedIn announced to launch Chinese version ................................................................................................ 88
Mahila Bank signed three health insurance Pacts with New India ..................................................................... 88
Facebook acquired WhatsApp for 19 billion dollar............................................................................................ 89
Production of Maruti 800 stopped by Maruti Suzuki India ................................................................................ 90
Google agreed to negotiate with EU over Anti-trust case.................................................................................. 90
Six PSUs signed MoU to set up Worlds largest Solar Power Project .................................................................. 91
Google purchased DeepMind Technologies of UK............................................................................................. 92
Samsung and Google signed Global Patent Agreement ..................................................................................... 92
SBI launch Youtube channel ............................................................................................................................. 92
AirAsia aimed to start India operations by April ................................................................................................ 93
Google acquired cyber security firm Impermium for 9 million dollar ................................................................. 93
Etihad Airways demonstrated flight with Biofuel mix........................................................................................ 94
RBI allowed Foreign Investors to invest in South Indian Bank............................................................................ 94
Facebook acquired Little Eye Labs for 90 crore rupees...................................................................................... 95
TCS to set up world's largest corporate learning centre in Thiruvananthapuram ............................................... 95

NATIONAL ........................................................................................................................................ 97
Union I&B Ministry launched News SMS Service in 5 Indian languages ............................................................. 97
Union Cabinet approved the launching of National AYUSH Mission .................................................................. 97
Union Government announced to fund Swachh Vidyalaya campaign ................................................................ 97
SC ruled 3 percent quota for disabled persons in all government jobs .............................................................. 97
SC asked Union government to respond on Delhi Government Formation by October 10 ................................. 98
PMO constituted committee to facilitate utilization of Mineral resources in Meghalaya ................................... 98
Union Government mandated scientists to undertake lectures in Public schools & colleges .............................. 98
Union Government approved 28 road projects in Ladakh region in J & K .......................................................... 98
Union Health Minister Launched First National Anti-TB Drug Resistance Survey of India ................................... 99
Union Civil Aviation Ministry launched no-frills airport in five cities .................................................................. 99
Union Government extended deadline for employees to file details of assets ................................................... 99
Union Government approved Task Force to monitor Citizenship, Long Term Visas ............................................ 99
SC upheld Uttar Pradesh Government decision to use Urdu as second official language ................................... 99
SC asked Union Government to clarify its stand on citizenship of surrogate children ...................................... 100
Union MHA approved forest land diversion to fight Maoists ........................................................................... 100
Congress party secured chairmanship of five DRSCs of the Parliament............................................................ 100
Union Health Ministry launched revised strategy to eradicate Kala azar by 2015 in Patna ............................... 100

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

J & K Legislative Council passed a resolution urging Union to resume Indo-Pak talks ....................................... 100
Union Government launched Dot Bharat domain ........................................................................................... 101
Union Finance Ministry ordered the forensic audit of UCO bank ..................................................................... 101
SC put on hold the implementation of its 1983 Judgement till 2024................................................................ 101
President appointed Governors for Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa ........................................... 101
SC issued notice to Union Government over Uttarakhand's Governor Plea ..................................................... 102
SC expresses concern over LoP issue; asked government to respond by 9 September ..................................... 102
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Pradhan Mantri Krishi Seenchayi Yojana ...................................... 102
SC fined 14 states and 1 UT for not responding to Law Commission's report ................................................... 102
SC issued notice to government seeking response on amendment of Article 348 of Constitution .................... 103
Prime Minister dedicated indigenously built largest warship INS Kolkata to the nation ................................... 103
Union Government launched Rashtriya Gokul Mission ................................................................................... 103
Finance Ministry approved setting up of rape crisis centres in all districts ....................................................... 103
Union Government decided to intensify war against Japanese Encephalitis .................................................... 104
Union Government proposed to set up three Low Cost Airports for Bihar ....................................................... 104
Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo won Indonesian presidential election ............................................................. 104
Union Government notified Public Servants Rules, 2014 ................................................................................ 104
PM Narendra Modi paid first visit to BARC ..................................................................................................... 105
PM Narendra Modi suggested qualitative changes in PMNRF functioning ....................................................... 105
Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan released National Health Profile 2013 ............................................ 105
President rejected mercy petitions of Nithari killer Surinder Koli and 5 others ................................................ 105
SC asked State governments and UTs to submit responses over Euthanasia ................................................... 105
National Centre for R & D in Bulk Drugs to be set up in NIPER Hyderabad ....................................................... 106
SC ordered Union Government to bring MGNREGS's wage rates on par with minimum wages ........................ 106
Union Ministry of Railways launched Social Media Platform for Indian Railways ............................................. 106
Union Budget 2014-15: Banking and Insurance Sector .................................................................................... 106
Law Commission submitted a report titled Manpower Planning in Judiciary: A Blue Print to Union Govt ......... 106
SC issued notice to Union Government and States on PIL seeking cigarette and bidi ban ................................ 107
SC gave 2-week time to Union Government for Ganga clean-up roadmap ...................................................... 107
Union Government introduced Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, 2014 in Lok Sabha ............................. 107
Union Government introduced two Labour Reform Bills in Lok Sabha............................................................. 107
President Pranab Mukherjee appointed Governor for Mizoram and Nagaland................................................ 107
Supreme Court ruled no automatic arrest of accused in dowry cases.............................................................. 108
Union Government introduced four new vaccines as a part of UIP.................................................................. 108
India became the first Country to Ratify the Marrakesh Treaty ....................................................................... 108
Union Government extended the deadline for implementing NFSA by three months...................................... 108
Union Cabinet approved pact with China for setting up industrial park ........................................................... 108
Union Home Ministry decided not to allow visa free entry to Bangladeshi nationals ....................................... 109
Union Ministry of Culture launched project Mausam to explore multi-faceted Indian Ocean .......................... 109
Union Government reconstituted 6 Cabinet Committees ............................................................................... 109
Union Cabinet appointed Ex-CJI R C Lahoti as arbitrator in Vodafone tax dispute case .................................... 109
Indias first One Stop Crisis Centre named Gauravi launched in Bhopal ........................................................... 109
India became permanent signatory to Washington Accord ............................................................................. 110
Narendra Modi scrapped four Standing Committees of Cabinet ..................................................................... 110
Union MoRTH & Union MoHFW signed MoU to provide HIV preventive services ............................................ 110
West Bengal and Maharashtra government inked pact on victims of trafficking .............................................. 110
Telangana became the 29th state of India on 2 June 2014 .............................................................................. 110
Narendra Modi took oath as 15th Prime Minister of India .............................................................................. 111
Dhubri Constituency in Assam registered highest Voter Turnout in General Election 2014 .............................. 111
15th Lok Sabha dissolved by the President of India......................................................................................... 111

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SC upheld validity of Right to Education Act ................................................................................................... 111

IIT Guwahati ranked at 87th spot among world's top 100 varsities ................................................................. 112
Michael Hudson McHugh, the ex-Australian judge appointed as arbitrator by SC ............................................ 112
SC lifted 19 month old ban on mining in Goa .................................................................................................. 112
SC recognized Transgenders as third category of sex ...................................................................................... 112
SSB to induct Women as Combat Officers ...................................................................................................... 112
Supreme Court ordered sacking of incumbent BCCI chief N Srinivasan............................................................ 113
SC uphold the age of juvenile to 18 years ....................................................................................................... 113
Supreme Court directed all States and UTs to implement Manual Scavengers Act .......................................... 113
WHO certified India as Polio Free country ...................................................................................................... 113
Supreme Court directed Centre not to make Aadhaar mandatory for citizens ................................................. 114
DoT issued new guidelines to tackle the threats of Cyber attack ..................................................................... 114
Nagaland and Assam first states to get Plastic Photo Identity Card ................................................................. 114
Election Commission set up multi agency grid to curb Black Money ................................................................ 114
Medical Visa not required in cases of Surrogacy for OCIs & PIOs ..................................................................... 115
Lok Sabha elections to held from 7 April 2014 in 9-phases .............................................................................. 115
K.T.Thomas refused to head Lokpal Committee Search Panel ......................................................................... 115
Union Cabinet approved a new rail coach manufacturing unit in Kolar............................................................ 115
Union Ministry of H & FW inaugurated AIIMS Bhubaneswar ........................................................................... 116
Largest Solar Power Plant of India launched in Madhya Pradesh ..................................................................... 116
AERA abolished User Development Fee at Hyderabad Airport ........................................................................ 117
Union Government inaugurated the National Centre for Good Governance ................................................... 117
Bezbaruah Committee Constituted for the protection of rights of North Eastern people ................................. 117
CCEA approved National Mission for Green India ........................................................................................... 118
Telengana Bill passed in Lok Sabha ................................................................................................................. 118
Parliament passed Street Vendors Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending Bill................... 118
Death sentence of 3 convicts in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case commuted to life imprisonment ................... 119
Quadricycle to run from 1 Oct 2014 across the country .................................................................................. 119
Union Government approved two plant to manufacture Semiconductor chips ............................................... 119
CCSD approved revision of VSHSE Scheme in 12th FYP ................................................................................... 120
Assam became the First State to legally ban smokeless tobacco ..................................................................... 120
ADB and Government of India signed for a 275 million dollar loan under RCIP ................................................ 121
Union Government made it mandatory to install GPS devices in public transport ........................................... 121
Sikkim became first state to achieve 100 percent sanitation coverage ............................................................ 122
Cabinet approved Amendment to Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill 2014 ................................................ 122
Implement recommendations of Majithia Wage Board: SC ............................................................................. 122
CCEA approved 5 Port projects worth 17630 crore Rupees ............................................................................. 123
Indias Visa-on-arrival facility extended for tourists of 180 nations, except eight............................................. 123
CCEA approved implementation of National Mission Agricultural Extension and Technology .......................... 124
Mother and Child Tracking Facilitation Centre Inaugurated ............................................................................ 124
Union Ministry of Culture launched National Mission on Libraries .................................................................. 125
Indias first Mono rail inaugurated ................................................................................................................. 125
India Post to install 3000 ATM & 1.35 lakh micro-ATM by September 2015 .................................................... 126
Union Civil Aviation Ministry removed restrictions on Airbus A-380 in India.................................................... 126
Union Government launched National Waterway-4 project in Tamil Nadu ..................................................... 127
NALSA launched free legal service clinics across the country .......................................................................... 128
Viscera test must in death due to poisoning: SC ............................................................................................. 128
Union Government of India extended the implementation of NFSA to Karnataka and Chhattisgarh ................ 129
Union Cabinet approved to set up Rail Tariff Authority ................................................................................... 129
Union Cabinet granted minority status to Jain community across India........................................................... 130

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

India registered an increase of five years in life expectancy rate ..................................................................... 130
Forest STs to get additional 50 days wage employment under MGNREGA ...................................................... 131
Government gave nod to Guidelines for transparent TV ratings...................................................................... 131
Delhi High Court ruled CAG can audit telecom companies .............................................................................. 131
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved MSP for Jute .................................................................... 132
Supercomputer, PARAM Yuva-II ranked 1 in India .......................................................................................... 132
Centre sanctioned over 1000 buses for 13 cities under JNNURM .................................................................... 133
India scraped 3600 crore rupees VVIP Chopper Deal with AgustaWestland ..................................................... 133
Government issued food safety guidelines for Integrated Child Development Services scheme ...................... 134

INTERNATIONAL ......................................................................................................................... 136

Scotland rejected the referendum for independence ..................................................................................... 136
Lockdown in Sierra Leone to fight Ebola ......................................................................................................... 136
India-China agreed for Joint Working group on films meet in Goa................................................................... 136
France joined US air strikes against ISIS in Iraq ............................................................................................... 136
India and China signed three MoUs for cooperation ....................................................................................... 136
French Parliament approved Anti-terror Bill aimed at travel ban of jihadists ................................................... 137
Barack Obama authorised air strikes against ISIS militants in Syria .................................................................. 137
EU imposed new economic sanctions on Russia over Ukraine ......................................................................... 137
45 Fijian UN peacekeepers released in Syria ................................................................................................... 137
Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels signed ceasefire agreement called Minsk agreement..................................... 137
India and Bangladesh signed MoU in the field of traditional medicines ........................................................... 138
JNRA gave safety approval to restart two reactors of Sendai nuclear plant ..................................................... 138
Wales Declaration of NATO Summit 2014....................................................................................................... 138
India, Australia signed pact on Civil Nuclear Energy deal ................................................................................. 138
Japan PM named five women for his new cabinet .......................................................................................... 138
Israel to take over West Bank land ................................................................................................................. 139
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated TCS Japan Technology and Culture Academy in Japan ................. 139
Sint Martin General Election 2014 .................................................................................................................. 139
Japan removed six Indian space and defence entities from foreign end users list ............................................ 139
Lesotho Prime Minister Tom Thabane deposed by Coup Leader Kamoli .......................................................... 140
Libyan parliament reappointed Abdullah al-Thinni as Prime Minister.............................................................. 140
Pak Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif appointed as mediator to defuse political crisis .......................................... 140
Recep Tayyip Erdogan sworn in as 12th President of Turkey ........................................................................... 140
Seven countries joined United States in arming Iraqi Kurds against ISIS .......................................................... 141
US Army destroyed experimental test of its Advanced Hypersonic weapon for public safety........................... 141
US President authorised surveillance flights over Syria ................................................................................... 141
Afghanistan celebrated 95th Independence Day ............................................................................................ 141
Chinese authority arrested thousand members of Quannengshen religious cult ............................................. 142
Iraqi Parliament elected Fuad Masum as the seventh President of Iraq .......................................................... 142
Indian mission in Tripoli advised all Indian nationals to leave strife torn Libya................................................. 142
EU extended sanctions on Russia in wake of MH-17 incident .......................................................................... 142
India voted in favour of the UNHRC resolution on Israel's offensive in Gaza .................................................... 143
UNSC adopted the resolution for an international probe into MH-17 plane crash ........................................... 143
Deadline for reaching an agreement on Iran's Nuclear Programme extended till November 24....................... 143
Bolivia legalised Child Labour for Kids from Age 10 ......................................................................................... 143
Fortaleza Declaration issued at the 6th BRICS Summit .................................................................................... 144
India and Brazil signed three agreements to strengthen the bilateral relation ................................................. 144
Bashar al-Assad sworn in as President of Syria................................................................................................ 144
PM Narendra Modi met Russian President Putin in Fortaleza ......................................................................... 144

11

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Japan nuclear regulator gave nod to restart work at Sendai nuclear plant ...................................................... 144
BRICS to create 100 billion dollar development bank and emergency reserve fund ......................................... 145
PM Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Fortaleza................................................................... 145
15-member UNSC adopted resolution to allow cross-border aid to Syrians..................................................... 145
India & Sri Lanka signed MoU to set up Engineering & Agricultural faculty for University of Jaffna .................. 145
Afghanistan's presidential candidates agreed on the audit of votes casted in June 2014 election .................... 145
India-Canada Audiovisual Co-production Treaty Signed .................................................................................. 146
UN Tribunal ruled Indo-Bangladesh Maritime border dispute ......................................................................... 146
India and UK to launch civil nuclear cooperation ............................................................................................ 146
Indo-Pak Foreign Secretary level talks called-off ............................................................................................. 146
UNHRC appointed members of Commission of Inquiry to probe human rights violations in Gaza .................... 146
72-hour ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into effect in Gaza ......................................... 147
Haider al-Abadi named as New Iraqi Prime Minister ....................................................................................... 147
Switzerland amended Federal Act on International Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters ......................... 147
US launched air strike against Islamic militants in Iraq .................................................................................... 148
UK destroyed Syrian chemical weapon at Ellesmere Port................................................................................ 148
German Cabinet Approved Dual Citizenship for Children of Immigrants .......................................................... 148
Senegal President Macky Sall sacked Prime Minister Aminata Toure .............................................................. 148
Japanese Cabinet adopted resolution to end 60 years of pacifism .................................................................. 148
China South Korea bilateral summit held in Seoul ........................................................................................ 148
Japan issued multiple entry visas to Indians ................................................................................................... 149
Four-party meet in Berlin agreed to resume ceasefire in eastern Ukraine ....................................................... 149
National Assembly of Pakistan approved Protection of Pakistan Bill 2014 ....................................................... 149
Pakistan Army launched Phase-II of the Operation Zarb-e-Azb against militants ............................................. 149
India announced new liberal visa policy for Afghanistan nationals .................................................................. 149
Jean-Claude Juncker named as the next president of the European Commission ............................................ 149
Kim Jong-Un replaced Defence Minister of North Korea ................................................................................. 150
Sri Lankas Parliament voted against the UNHRC probe into human rights violations ...................................... 150
Dmitry O Rogozin, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister visited India ................................................................ 150
337 person died in West Africa due to Ebola virus disease: WHO .................................................................... 150
Militants captured Iraq's largest oil refinery Baiji refinery ............................................................................... 150
Russia cut off gas supply to Ukraine over the due payment ............................................................................ 151
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bhutan................................................................................................ 151
Juan Manuel Santos re-elected as President of Colombia ............................................................................... 151
Uganda's Sam Kahamba Kutesa elected President for the 69th Session of UNGA ............................................ 151
Emergency declared in Iraq after militants seized Mosul ................................................................................ 151
Reuven Ruby Rivlin elected as 10th president of Israel ................................................................................... 151
Britain published Europes first Modern Slavery Bill to address slavery in 21st century ................................... 152
Miss Nevada Nia Sanchez won the Miss USA title for the year 2014................................................................ 152
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi sworn-in as President of Egypt ......................................................................................... 152
Pope Francis replaced an all Italian board of Financial Information Authority ................................................. 152
Petro Poroshenko sworn-in as President of Ukraine ....................................................................................... 152
UN General Assembly announced an award in honour of Nelson Mandela ..................................................... 153
Lithuania to become 19th country to adopt Euro as currency from 1 January 2015 ......................................... 153
Quebec became first province of Canada to adopt Right-to-Die Legislation .................................................... 153
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad won Presidential election for third time ...................................................... 153
Pakistan hiked defence budget by 11 percent ................................................................................................ 153
Obama proposed 1 billion dollar US Security Plan for Eastern Europe ............................................................. 154
Palestinian Unity Government of Hamas and Fatah sworn-in by President Mahmoud Abbas .......................... 154
King of Spain Juan Carlos I decided to abdicate the throne ............................................................................. 154

12

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Peter Mutharika sworn-in as President of Malawi .......................................................................................... 154

Mauritius decided to provide automatic tax information exchange to India .................................................... 154
PM of India Narendra Modi held talks with PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif ........................................................ 155
Royal Thai Army announced military coup in Thailand .................................................................................... 155
Dalia Grybauskaite won the Presidential election of Lithuania ........................................................................ 155
Russia and China vetoed UN resolution against Syria ...................................................................................... 156
Russia and China signed 30 Year Deal on Natural Gas worth of 400 Billion Dollars .......................................... 156
PEMRA suspended three Geo TV Channels for leveling allegations against ISI ................................................. 156
China Set up 1.6 Billion Dollars Fund to Support Maritime Silk Road Development ......................................... 156
Thailand Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha Declared to Impose Martial Law.......................................... 157
Qatar decided to abolish Sponsorship System for foreign workers .................................................................. 157
Moldova & Georgia to sign EU Association Agreement on 27 June 2014 ......................................................... 157
Google Must Amend Search Results on Request: European Court................................................................... 157
Imperial War Museum of UK launched online database of World War-I .......................................................... 158
South Sudan Government and Rebel army signed a peace deal ...................................................................... 158
Five Nuclear Powers signed a protocol on Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone Treaty........................... 159
Pakistan test-fired Hataf-III Ghaznavi missile .................................................................................................. 159
US to induct Chinese railroad workers into Hall of Honour ............................................................................. 159
Worlds highest tunnel for high-speed train opened in China.......................................................................... 160
India-made EVMs to be used in Namibias Presidential polls........................................................................... 160
Petition Filed in Court of Pakistan to Prove Bhagat Singh's Innocence ............................................................. 160
Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana scheme launched in UAE .............................................................. 160
George Clooney stepped down from UN role ................................................................................................. 161
The US and Japan issued a Joint Statement emphasizing robust trilateral relation with India .......................... 161
India launched educational outreach programme for unemployed South African youth ................................. 161
Asia-Pacific navies of 22 countries including India signed Maritime Communication Agreement ..................... 162
India and Bhutan signed agreement on development of hydropower projects................................................ 162
Russia, Ukraine and West signed Deal to ease Ukrainian crisis ........................................................................ 162
Abdelaziz Bouteflika won fourth time as the President of Algeria ................................................................... 163
PGCIL & PGCB to conduct joint feasibility study to export 100 MW power to Bangladesh ............................... 163
UK legalised sale of self-testing kits for HIV .................................................................................................... 163
China dug the 7 km deep borehole over Tibetan Plateau ................................................................................ 163
South Korea developed ballistic Missile to counter North Korea ..................................................................... 163
Bangladesh to provide transit facility for Indian power transmission line ........................................................ 164
NASA suspended ties with Russia except on International Space Station ........................................................ 164
World Bank to double lending to India, China, Brazil, Mexico and Indonesia ................................................... 164
India increased the scholarships for Omani Students ...................................................................................... 165
Japan announced 15000 crore loan for 5 Indian Projects ................................................................................ 165
IMF agreed to provide 18 billion dollar loan to Ukraine .................................................................................. 166
UN passed non-binding resolution de-recognising Russian annexation of Crimea ........................................... 166
Deny access to websites infringing copyright: EU court to ISPs ....................................................................... 166
UNHRC passed a changed draft resolution on Sri Lanka .................................................................................. 167
Third Nuclear Security Summit 2014 held in The Hague .................................................................................. 167
Five Indian languages reinstated as official subjects in South African schools .................................................. 167
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation sued 16 world largest banks .............................................................. 168
European Parliament passed a law to introduce a Universal Mobile Device Charger ....................................... 168
Russian President signed decree, recognised Crimea as Sovereign State ......................................................... 169
India and United States Energy Dialogue held in New Delhi ............................................................................ 169
Michelle Bachelet sworn-in as President of Chile for second term .................................................................. 169
India pledged to provide 4500 crore rupees Assistance Package to Bhutan ..................................................... 169

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

India emerged as the largest non oil trading partner for Dubai in 2013-14 ...................................................... 170
Saudi Arabia declared Muslim Brotherhood a Terrorist Organisation .............................................................. 170
China announced biggest hike of 12.2 percent in defence budget ................................................................... 170
National Security Advisor-level meet on Maritime Security Cooperation held in New Delhi............................. 170
India decided to block the US investigations over trade policies and patents laws of India .............................. 171
India and Saudi Arabia signed MoU on defence cooperation .......................................................................... 171
India signed Public and Homeland security agreement with Israel .................................................................. 171
FNCII and CII agreed to organise Nepal-India Economic Summit annually ....................................................... 172
British Army unmanned aircraft The Watchkeeper to start flying over Wiltshire ............................................. 172
India and Canada signed three MoUs ............................................................................................................. 172
G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meet ............................................................................. 173
Radioactive water leaked at Fukushima Plant ................................................................................................. 173
India and Bahrain signed Agreements to expand Cooperation in Key Areas .................................................... 173
India and Kyrgyz Republic signed two agreements.......................................................................................... 173
Hillary R Clinton launched a new global review of data on women empowerment .......................................... 174
Belgium became second country to allow Mercy Killing for Children ............................................................... 174
Canada announced to open Consulate General in Bangalore .......................................................................... 174
Domestic Content requirement of Indias Solar Mission challenged by US ...................................................... 175
US Navy ANM66 bomb, the largest ever WWII bomb was successfully dismantled ......................................... 175
India and Germany signed 2 pacts for financial and tech co-operation............................................................ 176
Nepal and India amended bilateral transit treaty............................................................................................ 176
Indian Rupee to be a legal tender in Zimbabwe .............................................................................................. 176
India and Japan inked MoUs to strengthen cooperation in tourism and power generation ............................. 177
Russia and China to conduct war games in the Mediterranean Sea ................................................................. 177
USA allowed Sikh military men to wear turban ............................................................................................... 177
Cumbria University of UK became the first public university to accept fees in Bitcoin ..................................... 178
GDP of China decelerated to 7.7 Percent in 2013-14 ...................................................................................... 178
India and UAE agreed to Promote Cooperation in Renewable Energy ............................................................. 178
Obama established Af-Pak strategic partnership office ................................................................................... 178
Peshawar, largest reservoir of polio in world: WHO ........................................................................................ 179
Hery Rajaonarimampianina declared as the President of Madagascar ............................................................ 179
India & UK Signed MOU to Enhance the Collaboration within the framework of UKIERI .................................. 179
India and South Korea inked pacts in different areas including trade and commerce ...................................... 180
British PM ordered enquiry into Thatchers role in Operation Bluestar ........................................................... 180
India-Japan conducted joint maritime exercise along Kochi Coast ................................................................... 180
Malaysian Government to introduce high-tech ID cards ................................................................................. 181
India and Canada signed Letter of Intent for co-operation in Iron and Steel Sector ......................................... 181
Sheikh Hasina sworn-in as Bangladesh Prime Minister.................................................................................... 181
Malaysia invited IITs to open its centre .......................................................................................................... 181
Al-Qaida linked forces declared Fallujah as new State..................................................................................... 182
National Archives of India collaborated with Archives of Turkey and Oman .................................................... 182
Polio vaccination for Pakistan travellers to be implemented from 14 February ............................................... 182
Pakistan has planned 7 Nuclear Plants for 8900 MW of electricity by 2030 ..................................................... 182
India & Saudi Arabia signed pact to protect interests of Indian domestic sector workers ................................ 183
Latvia became the 18th member of Euro Zone ............................................................................................... 183
Japan's population dipped to record low in 2013............................................................................................ 183

ENVIRONMENT ECOLOGY ......................................................................................................... 184

BNP Paribas launched equity index linked green bond to mitigate climate change .......................................... 184
Scientists warned Climate change will exacerbate the threat of Megadroughts .............................................. 184

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Tea Board of India postponed the implementation of Plant Protection Code .................................................. 184
Union Government constituted a panel to review environment laws .............................................................. 184
Supreme Court rejected the plea of the Gujarat government on moving Gir lions ........................................... 185
Union Tourism Ministry launched comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria .............................................. 185
Landslides struck Japan's Hiroshima prefecture .............................................................................................. 185
South Africa announced to evacuate 500 rhinos from Kruger National Park to curb illegal poaching ............... 185
Sneha, a White tigress, gave birth to a black cub ............................................................................................ 186
3rd Phase of Science Express Biodiversity Special flagged off from Safdarjung Railway Station........................ 186
SC permitted UP government to cut 697 trees of protected forests in the Taj Trapezium zone........................ 186
Typhoon Matmo struck east of Taiwan........................................................................................................... 186
Nagoya Protocol on Biodiversity Received Necessary Ratifications ................................................................. 187
Typhoon Rammasun struck large parts of the Philippines ............................................................................... 187
Australias Senate voted to repeal Carbon tax ................................................................................................ 187
Halong typhoon stuck south-west Japan ........................................................................................................ 187
Hurricane Arthur hit the coast of North Carolina ............................................................................................ 187
Bor Wildlife Sanctuary of Maharashtra to be the country's 47th Tiger Reserve ............................................... 188
Tsunami warning issued after quake measuring 8 on Richter scale hits off coast of Alaska .............................. 188
Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area inscribed in World Heritage List ........................................ 188
367 exotic new species discovered in greater Mekong region in S-E Asia ........................................................ 188
US President Barack Obama announced to create the worlds biggest MPA in Pacific ..................................... 188
Japan killed 30 Minke whales in hunt since the ICJ ruling in March 2014 ......................................................... 189
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species released ................................................................................................ 189
Union Ministry of Environment and Forest launched online Environment clearance ....................................... 189
TERI Environment Survey 2014 claimed worsening of Environment ................................................................ 189
Revised NCR norms restrict tourism in Green zones ....................................................................................... 189
Chances of El Nino would exceed 65 percent this year: US Climate Prediction Center ..................................... 190
New dancing frog species found in Western Ghats ......................................................................................... 190
New species of snake Himalayanus discovered in Himalayas .......................................................................... 191
Climate Change effecting nutrient content of staple crops: Study ................................................................... 191
The only Gorilla of India, Polo died in Mysore Zoo .......................................................................................... 191
Neighbourhood Trees Campaign launched on International Mother Earth Day ............................................... 192
Cherrapunji regained the World record for highest rainfall in 48 hours ........................................................... 192
Air pollution over Asian countries strengthened Pacific storms: PNAS Study ................................................... 193
Union MoEF cleared expansion of coal mine project in Odisha ....................................................................... 193
45-day long fishing ban imposed in East Coast................................................................................................ 193
The Asiatic Wild dog spotted in West Bengal for the first time ........................................................................ 193
ICJ ordered the Japanese Government to stop its Whaling Programme Jarpa II............................................... 194
IPCC released Fifth Assessment Report on climate impacts on human and natural systems ............................ 194
GEAC revalidated 10-GM crops for field trails ................................................................................................. 194
Panasonic announced pollution compensation for China workers................................................................... 195
Union MoEF accepted the Kerala Governments recommendations on ESA ..................................................... 195
100 tons of radioactive water leaked at Fukushima Power Plant..................................................................... 195
Study found that Fertilization destabilizes Global Grassland Ecosystems......................................................... 196
Countrys first wild dog breeding centre to be created IGZP in Vizag............................................................... 196
Japan snowstorm left 19 dead and injured more than 1600 people ................................................................ 197
US snowstorm that has left 7 lakh homes powerless has been termed as Snowmaggedon.............................. 197
Volcano Mount Kelud of Indonesia erupted ................................................................................................... 197
Scientists discovered new River Dolphin Species in Amazon; this is first discovery in 100 years ....................... 197
Ban on burning tyres in Public Places: National Green Tribunal....................................................................... 198
Oldest tigress Machli found in Ranthambore National Park ............................................................................ 198

15

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

First online Global Freshwater Biodiversity Atlas launched ............................................................................. 198

Worlds oldest flamingo died at Adelaide Zoo of Australia .............................................................................. 199
Saving Asias Vultures from Extinction Project for Asian Vultures .................................................................... 199
India ranked 155th in global Environment Performance Index ........................................................................ 199
2013 is fourth warmest year on record for the planet: Reports ....................................................................... 200
Chilika lagoon named Destination Flyways by UNWTO ................................................................................... 200
Beijing got severe new law to control hazardous Smog and Air Pollution ........................................................ 200
First Climate Change theatre opened in India ................................................................................................. 201
Air pollution of Beijing 25 times above WHO safe mark .................................................................................. 201
Level of greenhouse gases rising rapidly: Leaked UN report ............................................................................ 201
Parliament of European Union approved CO2 emission restrictions for commercial vans................................ 202
Dinosaurs footprints spotted in Jaisalmer: Scientists ...................................................................................... 202
Exceptionally Rare Conjoined Whales discovered ........................................................................................... 202
Indian Pittas, endemic bird spotted in Delhi ................................................................................................... 202

SPORTS .......................................................................................................................................... 204

Union Sports Ministry finally agreed to honour Boxer Manoj Kumar with Arjuna Award ................................. 204
Hockey India inducted Hockey Village India as an academy member .............................................................. 204
Sardar Singh became India's flag bearer at 17th Asian Games opening ........................................................... 204
17th Asian Games began in Incheon, South Korea .......................................................................................... 204
AIBA permitted Indian boxers to take part in Asian Games under Tricolour .................................................... 205
Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council organised 3rd Ladakh Marathon at Leh .................................. 205
Boxing India earned Official Recognition from AIBA ........................................................................................ 205
USA won FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014...................................................................................................... 205
HS Prannoy won Indonesian masters title ...................................................................................................... 206
Chitresh Tatha is the youngest sailor at the Asian Games 2014 ....................................................................... 206
ICC suspended Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal for illegal bowling action..................................................................... 206
Pankaj Advani announced to retire from professional snooker ....................................................................... 206
Mike and Bob Bryan won fifth U.S. Tennis Open men's doubles title............................................................... 207
IOC and Interpol meet to combat match fixing & illegal betting ...................................................................... 207
Marin Cilic won Men's Singles title of US open ............................................................................................... 207
Ritu Rani to lead Indian Womens Hockey team in Asian Games 2014............................................................. 207
Saina Nehwal decided to train under new Coach Vimal Kumar ....................................................................... 207
World Badminton championships 2014 .......................................................................................................... 208
Zimbabwe defeated Australia in one-day cricket match for first time in 31 years ............................................ 208
Anita Wlodarczyk of Poland set world record in womens hammer throw ....................................................... 208
Jaipur Pink Panthers won the inaugural title of Pro Kabaddi League ............................................................... 208
Yohann Diniz broke 50km Walk World Record at the European Athletics Championship ................................. 209
Samsung unveiled 12 Sports Ratnas for the Incheon Asian Games .................................................................. 209
Weightlifter Ragala Venkat Rahul won first medal for India at 2nd Youth Olympics ......................................... 209
Hockey Madhya Pradesh became 23rd Associate Member of Hockey India .................................................... 210
Dutch teenager Max Verstappen to become youngest Formula One driver ..................................................... 210
CSF agreed to reinstate shooting Pair events in 2018 CWG on Indias request................................................. 210
Cycling: Italian Vincenzo Nibali won 101st edition of Tour de France .............................................................. 210
Abhinav Bindra won Gold medal in Men's 10m Air Rifle at the 2014 Commonwealth Games .......................... 211
Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014 got off at the Celtic Park in Glasgow in Scotland .................................. 211
Indian tennis star Sania Mirza appointed as Brand Ambassador of Telangana ................................................. 211
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg won 2014 German Grand Prix ......................................................................... 211
Irishman Rory McIlroy won British Golf Open 2014 ........................................................................................ 212
Germanys football team captain Philipp Lahm announced retirement ........................................................... 212

16

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Germany ranked number One in FIFA's world rankings................................................................................... 212

Rahul Dravid elected as member of Laureus World Sports Academy............................................................... 212
127th edition of Durand Cup football tournament to be held in Goa in October 2014 ..................................... 212
Brazil Football Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari resigned............................................................................................ 213
Jayawardene announced retirement from Test Cricket................................................................................... 213
Sim Bhullar became first Indian-origin basketball player to join NBA............................................................... 213
Germany won the 2014 FIFA Football World Cup beating Argentina 1-0 ......................................................... 213
FIFA suspended Nigerias team from International football competitions ....................................................... 213
F-Cube Technology to promote Football at ground level launched.................................................................. 214
Sania Mirza ranked career-best fifth in WTA doubles rankings ........................................................................ 214
Jammu and Kashmir to host Football Federation Cup in August 2015 ............................................................. 214
England won the Pataudi Trophy test-series 3-1 against India......................................................................... 214
Adille Sumariwala appointed as the Chef-de-Mission for 2014 Asian Games ................................................... 214
Ravi Shastri appointed as the Director of Indian Cricket Team ........................................................................ 215
Roger Federer won Cincinnati Tennis Open .................................................................................................... 215
Sri Lankan Batsman Mahela Jayawardene retired from Test Cricket................................................................ 215
Kush Kumar became first Indian player to reach semi final of World Junior Squash Championship .................. 215
Jo Pavey of Great Britain became oldest-ever woman to win Gold in European Championships ...................... 215
Real Madrid won UEFA Super Cup in Cardiff ................................................................................................... 216
No Nomination for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award 2014 ................................................................................ 216
Miroslav Klose of Germany announced retirement from International Football .............................................. 216
R Ashwin ranked no. 1 Test all-rounder; India slipped to 4th position: ICC Test Ranking .................................. 216
Indian Womens Recurve team won Gold medal at Archery World Cup Stage IV ............................................. 217
Indian Mens Hockey team defeated Bangladesh to clinch hockey series, 3-0 ................................................. 217
Didier Drogba, the striker of Ivory Coast announced retirement from International football ........................... 217
Former Hockey Captain Ajitpal Singh to head Dronacharya Award Selection Committee................................. 217
Kapil Dev to head Arjuna Awards Selection Committee .................................................................................. 218
India equaled world record of maximum number of 6 ducks in a Test innings ................................................. 218
Kvitova won the Womens Wimbledon Tennis Open ...................................................................................... 218
Novak Djokovic won the Mens Wimbledon Tennis Open defeating Roger Federer ......................................... 218
MCC XI won the match played to celebrate 200 years of Lords Cricket Ground .............................................. 218
Sania Mirza ranked career-best fifth in WTA doubles rankings ........................................................................ 219
Pankaj Advani won IBSF 6-Red World Snooker title in Egypt ........................................................................... 219
Saina Nehwal won Australian Open Super Series title ..................................................................................... 219
35th National Games to be held in Kerala from 31 January to 14 February 2015 ............................................. 219
Jitu Rai became first Indian shooter to win three medals in successive ISSF Shooting World C......................... 219
N Srinivasan unanimously elected as chief of TNCA ........................................................................................ 220
AB de Villiers of South Africa replaced Virat Kohli as No. 1 batsman in ICC ODI batsman rankings ................... 220
Magnus Carlsen bagged FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship ..................................................................... 220
India won three ODI series against Bangladesh 2-0......................................................................................... 220
Former Captain of Bangladesh Mohammad Ashraful banned for eight years .................................................. 220
Murli Kartik announced his retirement from all forms of cricket ..................................................................... 221
Jitu Rai won Silver medal in 10m air pistol at Munich Shooting World Cup ...................................................... 221
Commemorative postage stamps on 2014 FIFA World Cup released by PM Narendra Modi ............................ 221
Rafael Nadal won French Open Title for the ninth time .................................................................................. 221
Sourav Ganguly joined Mudgal Committee on IPL spot-fixing ......................................................................... 221
India slipped to 3rd position in ICC ODI rankings............................................................................................. 221
Amla appointed as test cricket captain of South Africa ................................................................................... 222
Wrestlers Yogeshwar Dutt and Sushil Kumar won Gold and Silver................................................................... 222
Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Kings XI Punjab to win IPL 2014 for second time ............................................. 222

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

China won Uber Cup 2014 of badminton ........................................................................................................ 222

Japan won the Thomas Cup 2014 of badminton ............................................................................................. 222
Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 4-1 to win 10th UEFA Champions League Football title ........................ 223
Japan won AFC Womens Asian Football Cup 2014 ......................................................................................... 223
Snooker Champion Chitra nominated for Arjuna Awards 2014 ....................................................................... 223
Novak Djokovic won the Men's Italian Tennis Open 2014 for the third time.................................................... 223
Serena Williams won the Women's Italian Tennis Open 2014 for the third time ............................................. 224
Sir Jack Brabham, three-time F-1 champion died in Australia .......................................................................... 224
Pankaj Advani won CCI Biliards title................................................................................................................ 224
Hockey India honoured heroes of 1975 World Cup team ................................................................................ 225
Grant Flower named as Pakistan batting coach .............................................................................................. 225
Manipur won Senior National Women's Football Champions title................................................................... 225
Maria Sharapova defeated Simona Halep to win Madrid Open title ................................................................ 226
Rafael Nadal won Madrid Open Title .............................................................................................................. 226
OSullivan named as Snookers Player of the Year........................................................................................... 226
Waqar Younis appointed as head coach of Pakistan cricket team ................................................................... 227
Virat Kohli ranked no 1 in ICC One Day International rankings ........................................................................ 227
Mark Selby won World Snooker Championship 2014 ...................................................................................... 228
Sania Mirza and Cara Black won WTA Portugal Open 2014 ............................................................................. 229
India ranked no 1 in Twenty20 International Team ranking ............................................................................ 229
Adhiban won silver at Asian Continental Chess Championship ........................................................................ 229
Indian Squash Player Saurav Ghosal won Dato Alex Lee Award 2013 .............................................................. 230
Real Madrid won the Copa del Ray Football tournament of Spain ................................................................... 230
Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter, the US boxer died ................................................................................................... 230
Joshna Chinappa won inaugural Richmond Open of Squash............................................................................ 230
Stanislas Wawrinka won Monte Carlo Masters Tennis title by defeating Roger Federer .................................. 231
CBI established Sport Integrity Unit to investigate sports fraud cases ............................................................. 231
Eight franchisees of Indian Super League of AIFF announced .......................................................................... 231
Wilson Kipsang won London Marathon .......................................................................................................... 232
Santoso won OUE Singapore Open 2014 ........................................................................................................ 232
Shikhar Dhawan named among Wisdens Five Cricketers of the Year .............................................................. 232
Sachin became 1st Indian cricketer on cover page of Wisden Cricketers Almanack ........................................ 232
India's Heena Sidhu clinched World's No. 1 spot in 10 mts air pistol event ...................................................... 233
Dhoni named captain of ICC World T20 team ................................................................................................. 233
Lee Chong Wei & Shixian Wang won India Super Series Badminton titles........................................................ 233
Australian cricket team won Women's T20 World Cup 2014 ........................................................................... 233
Punjab won Junior National Hockey Title 2014 ............................................................................................... 234
Sri Lanka won its maiden ICC Twenty20 World Cup title ................................................................................. 234
FIFA imposed transfer ban on Barcelona ........................................................................................................ 235
India ranked as No. 1 cricket team in ICC T20 rankings ................................................................................... 235
Viswanathan Anand raises to No. 3 in FIDE world chess rankings .................................................................... 235
Djokovic defeated Nadal to win fourth Miami Masters crown ........................................................................ 236
Lewis Hamilton Won Malaysian Grand Prix .................................................................................................... 236
Simon Santoso, Indonesian Shuttler won Malaysia Grand Prix gold................................................................. 236
West Zone won cricket's Deodhar Trophy 2014 .............................................................................................. 237
Rusi Dinshaw, Pakistans only Parsi cricketer died........................................................................................... 237
RSPB won senior women hockey National Title .............................................................................................. 237
Stuart Oliver won 1st-ever Indian truck-racing championship ......................................................................... 238
Sachin Tendulkar voted Cricketer of the Generation ....................................................................................... 238
Asian Grand Prix Archery Championship: Indian archers won 2 gold & silver in team events ........................... 238

18

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

IPL 2014 to be held in UAE, Bangladesh and India........................................................................................... 238

Heena Sidhu and Chain Singh won Gold at 7th Asian Air Gun Championship ................................................... 239
Mizoram won 68th Santosh Trophy of football by defeating Railways............................................................. 239
Australia replaced India in second position in ICC Test Team rankings ............................................................ 240
Tamil Nadu and Railways won Federation Cup 2014 ....................................................................................... 240
64th National Basketball Championship concluded ........................................................................................ 240
Sourav Kothari won the National Billiard Championship title .......................................................................... 240
Somdev Devvarman won ATP men's singles tennis title .................................................................................. 241
Delhi Waveriders won the 2nd edition of Hockey India League cup 2014 ........................................................ 241
Cheteshwar Pujara named as brand ambassador of Gujarat Election Commission .......................................... 242
P V Sindhu ranked 9th in BWF womens Singles ranking ................................................................................. 242
Renaud Lavillenie broke 21-year pole vault record of Sergey Bubka ................................................................ 243
New Zealand won two-Cricket Test series against India 1-0 ............................................................................ 244
Peng Shuai of China ranked World No. 1 in WTA Doubles Ranking .................................................................. 244
Li Na of China ranked World No. 2 in WTA Singles Ranking ............................................................................. 245
Cancer awareness programme launched by Yuvraj Singh................................................................................ 246
Justice Mudgal committee submitted its report on IPL spot fixing scandal ...................................................... 246
Yulia Lipnitskaya is the youngest Russian to win gold medal in Winter Olympics ............................................. 246
Bindra became 1st person to win three gold medals in Tri-series shooting ..................................................... 247
Srinivasan elected as the new Chairman of ICC from July 2014 onwards ......................................................... 247
Sangakkara became second cricketer to hit triple century and a century in same match ................................. 248
Abhinav Bindra won second gold medal in Inter Shoot Tri series Shooting ...................................................... 248
Karnataka defeated Maharashtra to win the Ranji Trophy 2014 ..................................................................... 248
India suffered 4-0 loss in 5 match ODI series against New Zealand.................................................................. 249
Sumit Malik stripped off gold medal for anti-doping violation......................................................................... 250
ICC approved introduction of International Womens Championship .............................................................. 250
Saina won Syed Modi International India Grand Prix title ............................................................................... 250
MS Dhoni became first captain to play in four tied ODIs ................................................................................. 251
India Women Cricket team won one day series against Sri Lanka 3-0 .............................................................. 252
OCA recognized Russian martial art Sambo and is now a part of Asian Games ................................................ 252
Mahesh Bhupathi launched IPTL in Melbourne............................................................................................... 252
Anju Bobby George declared winner of World Athletics Final, 2005 ................................................................ 253
Nikhat Zareen won gold medal at the third Nations Cup International Boxing Tournament ............................. 253
75th National Table Tennis Championship...................................................................................................... 254
ONGC Men & Chhattisgarh Women won Federation Cup National Basketball Championship .......................... 254
Under-19 Asia Cup: India defeated Pakistan by 40 runs. ................................................................................. 254
Aditya Joshi became world no. 1 junior shuttler ............................................................................................. 254
Serena Williams won the Brisbane International Title 2014 ............................................................................ 255
Ronaldinho got South American footballer of the year award ......................................................................... 255

ART & CULTURE .......................................................................................................................... 256

Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy released Unicode version of Tulu Script....................................................... 256
Release of Punjabi film Kaum de Heere based on Indira Gandhi's assassination stalled ................................... 256
Doordarshan's Naad Bhed-The Mystery of Sound to be featured in Limca Book of Records ............................ 256
Ramayana month started in Kerala temples ................................................................................................... 256
Burra Katha, a Folk Art form of Storytelling .................................................................................................... 257
Kawa Music Group of Jaipur to perform at XX Commonwealth Games 2014 ................................................... 257
India elected to Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage ........................ 257
Three Ancient Hindu temple statues returned to Cambodia ........................................................................... 257
Spain suspended the 12th bull fight festival after matadors got injured by bulls ............................................. 257

19

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Brazil honoured 100 years of Indian cinema by releasing two postage stamps ................................................ 258
Largest diamond of World and Mughal necklace to be auctioned in Geneva ................................................... 258
Union Ministry of Culture launched Logo of Festival of India in China ............................................................. 258
'Gulabi Gang' documentary to be screened at New York India film festival ..................................................... 259
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag screened at seventh Asian Film Festival 2014 in Saudi Arabia ......................................... 259
India nominated Rani-ki-Vav and GHNP for UNESCOs World Heritage Site Status........................................... 259
Film Black was screened at Fakel Theatre in Moscow ..................................................................................... 260
Surajkund International crafts Mela began in Haryana.................................................................................... 260

AWARDS | HONOURS .................................................................................................................. 262

The President of Taiwan presented the first Tang Prizes in Taipei ................................................................... 262
President of India presented Indira Gandhi Rajbhasa Awards ......................................................................... 262
WHO honoured Bangladesh and Timor-Leste for Excellence in Public Health .................................................. 262
Bhartendu Harishchandra Awards conferred .................................................................................................. 262
Indian institutions IARI and NAAS awarded Doctor Honoris Causa to FAO Director-General ............................ 263
President Pranab Mukherjee presented Saakshar Bharat Awards 2014........................................................... 263
Dr. Kamal Bawa won MIDORI Prize in Biodiversity 2014.................................................................................. 263
Indian movie Court won best debut award at Venice Film Festival .................................................................. 263
Vinod Mehta selected for G K Reddy Memorial Award 2014 ........................................................................... 263
Hockey Player Manpreet Singh named Junior Men Player of the Year by AHF ................................................. 264
US actor Harry Belafonte to receive Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Oscar Award ............................................... 264
President Pranab Mukherjee presented National Sports Awards to eminent sportsperson ............................. 264
President presented Hindi Sevi Samman ........................................................................................................ 264
Rajiv Gandhi National Quality Awards of BIS announced................................................................................. 264
Guru Hanuman Akhara chosen for 2014 Rashtritya Khel Protsahan Puraskar .................................................. 265
Faisalabad Agriculture University conferred M S Swaminathan with honorary degree .................................... 265
Filmmaker Muzaffar Ali presented with 22nd Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award................................. 265
Environmentalist Chandi Prasad Bhatt won the Gandhi Peace prize 2013 ....................................................... 265
Delhi University professor Dr. Sunil Kumar received Global South Award of IPSA ............................................ 266
Fields Medal for the year 2014 awarded ........................................................................................................ 266
Jaitley, Karan Singh, Sharad Yadav felicitated with Outstanding Parliamentarian Awards ................................ 266
AIMA Managing India Awards 2014 awards announced.................................................................................. 267
Four Indian Americans honoured on the eve of US Independence Day ........................................................... 267
President conferred National, Shilp Guru and Sant Kabir Awards for 2011 ...................................................... 267
Malala Yousafzai won Liberty Medal for the year 2014 ................................................................................... 267
Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik won prize at World Cup of Sand Sculpting-2014 ..................................... 267
France announced to honour Shahrukh Khan with Legion of Honour .............................................................. 268
Noted Hindi poet Kedar Nath Singh selected for Jnanpith Award 2013 ........................................................... 268
Inaugural Tang Prize winners for 2014 announced ......................................................................................... 268
Indian origin physicist Tejinder Virdee honoured knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II ........................................ 268
C Radhakrishnan selected for Moortidevi Award ............................................................................................ 268
Swraj Paul honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award by a UK-based business association.......................... 268
Irish Author Eimear McBride won Baileys Prize for fiction ............................................................................... 269
IGI Airport second best airport in Service Quality category ............................................................................. 269
Anand Mahindra became first Indian to receive Harvard Medal ..................................................................... 269
Edinburgh University awarded honorary degree to Former President APJ Abdul Kalam .................................. 269
Ravi Dhariwal, CEO of BCCL, awarded with Silver Shovel Award of INMA ........................................................ 270
President conferred National Florence Nightingale Awards on 35 nursing personnel ...................................... 270
Vikaram Sunderam won Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic of James Beard Awards 2014....................................... 270
Caparo Group won International Business of the Year award 2014 ................................................................. 271

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Two Indian-Americans Manjusha P. Kulkarni and Ranjana P. selected for Champions of Change ..................... 271
Indian-American Mitul Kadakia won 2014 Gregory Bradeb Memorial Fellow of the Year Award ...................... 272
IAA received International Arch of Europe Award ........................................................................................... 272
India honoured New Frontiers Award 2014 .................................................................................................... 272
Project Mobile Seva under DeitY won the 2014 United Nations Public Service Award ..................................... 273
The 15th International Indian Film Academy Awards 2014 ............................................................................. 273
John Travolta honoured the Most Popular All Time International Star in India at IIFA awards ......................... 274
Time Magazine released The 100 Most Influential People in the World list ..................................................... 275
Mathangi Sathyamurthy to receive M S Subbulakshmi Award 2014 ................................................................ 275
61st National Film Awards: Ship of Theseus won Best Feature Film ................................................................ 276
India born poet Vijay Seshadri won 2014 Pulitzer Prize in poetry category ...................................................... 277
President conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi fellowships 2013 ....................................................................... 278
Ratan Tata received Knight Grand Cross award by UK Government ................................................................ 278
Legendary Poet Gulzar selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2013.......................................................... 279
Stuart Parkin won Millennium Technology Prize 2014 .................................................................................... 279
Jhumpa Lahiri's "Lowland" shortlisted for 2014 Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction .......................................... 280
Koyal Rana won the Miss India 2014 title ....................................................................................................... 280
MS Dhoni won United Kingdoms 2014 Asian award for outstanding achievement in sports ........................... 281
HAL received the Most Efficient Navratna Award 2013 ................................................................................... 281
Zubin Mehta won special jury award of Times Now NRI Awards 2014 ............................................................. 281
Indian-Origin student Gopal Rao won UK Twitter Prize ................................................................................... 282
Govind Mishra, the Hindi writer selected for Saraswati Samman 2013............................................................ 282
President conferred Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards .................................................................... 283
Physicist Rajesh Gopakumar selected for G D Birla Award 2013 ...................................................................... 283
Indian Journalist Shubranshu Choudhary won digital Activism Award 2014 .................................................... 284
President presented the Standard and Colours Award .................................................................................... 284
Indian acid attack victim, Laxmi won International Women of Courage Award................................................ 284
Chandi Prasad Bhatt won Gandhi Peace Prize for 2013 ................................................................................... 285
Madan Babu won Protein Science Young Investigator Award for 2014 ............................................................ 285
The 67th BAFTA Awards ................................................................................................................................. 285
Killa, a Marathi film bagged Crystal Bear award at 64th Berlin International Film Festival ............................... 287
President Pranab Mukherjee conferred Award of Honour of Rotary International .......................................... 288
Krishi Karman Awards for 2012-13 ................................................................................................................. 288
Sachin Tendulkar and CNR Rao conferred with Bharat Ratna .......................................................................... 288
Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station awarded a Gold Shield............................................................................. 289
Anand Kumar, the founder of Super30 got Ramanujan Mathematics award 2014 ........................................... 289
56th annual Grammy Awards for 2014 announced ......................................................................................... 289
Cyrus Mistry won the DSC prize 2014 ............................................................................................................. 290
Yushi, Taiwanese poet awarded Thiruvalluvar award...................................................................................... 291
Deepika and Farhan won best actors at Screen Awards .................................................................................. 291
President presented Sunil Gangopadhyay Award 2012 & 2013 ....................................................................... 291
Andhra Pradesh bagged Oil and Gas Conservation Award, 2013 ..................................................................... 292
71st Golden Globe Awards 2014 announced .................................................................................................. 292
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards conferred by the President....................................................................... 293

PERSON IN NEWS ........................................................................................................................ 295

Padmini Prakash became the first transgender television news anchor in India .............................................. 295
Miss Kira Kazantsev won the Miss America pageant ....................................................................................... 295
SC asked Union Government to reinstate Rajeshwar singh as Deputy Director of ED....................................... 295
Suresh Kumar became first Indian to visit Stratosphere .................................................................................. 295

21

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

South Africa denied visa to Dalai Lama for Nobel Summit ............................................................................... 296
Taslima received one year Visa to stay in India ............................................................................................... 296
Tessy Thomas and V. Ravindranath became first Women directors in IIT council ............................................ 296
A Nageswara Rao became first Indian actor to be honoured by US post service .............................................. 296
Shah Rukh Khan became Ambassador of Turn Back Crime campaign of Interpol ............................................. 297
Om Prakash Kohli sworn in as the Governor of Gujarat................................................................................... 297
Veteran actress Suchitra Sen's house to be converted into a museum ............................................................ 297
Maryam Mirzakhani became the first woman to bag Fields Medal ................................................................. 297
Edward Snowden granted three-year residence in Russia ............................................................................... 297
Former French President Sarkozy charged with corruption & influence peddling ............................................ 298
Sujit Choudhry became the first Indian-American dean of Berkeley Law School .............................................. 298
US named a mountain in Antarctica after an Indian-American scientist, Akhouri Sinha ................................... 298
Indian-origin judge V K Rajah appointed as 8th Attorney-General of Singapore............................................... 298
Chung Hung Won retained as PM of S Korea .................................................................................................. 298
Founder of Himalayan Natural Mineral Water Brand Dadi Balsara died at 81 .................................................. 299
Gro Harlem Brundtland awarded Tang Prize in sustainable development ....................................................... 299
India-born Pratishtha Khanna honoured with Champions of Change............................................................... 299
India-born Mexican citizen Sanjaya Rajaram to be honoured with World Food Prize of 2014 .......................... 299
Johann Breyer arrested in US on Nazi death camp charges ............................................................................. 299
Supreme Court judge Justice Vikramajit Sen recused from hearing Ansal plea ................................................ 299
Kathleen Stephens took charge as US interim Ambassador ............................................................................. 300
Anil Chopra took over as Commander-in-Chief of Western Naval Command ................................................... 300
Retired Indian Army Officer Abhijit Guha appointed member of UN expert panel on peacekeep..................... 300
Sushma Swaraj became the first woman External Affairs Minister of India...................................................... 300
Indian-American student Akhil Rekulapelli won National Geographic Bee Championship ................................ 300
EC confirmed Amir Khan as its National Icon for Lok Sabha election 2014 ....................................................... 301
Mexico celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of late Nobel Laureate Octavio Paz ........................................ 301
India based American Dr. Sumit Chugh chosen for Prestigious Simon Dack Award .......................................... 301
Sheila Dikshit took oath as Kerala Governor ................................................................................................... 301
Spicejet appointed R. Neelakantan new CFO .................................................................................................. 302
Dr. Tej Vir Singh won the UNWTO Ulysses Prize .............................................................................................. 302
Anand Sinha, the Deputy Governor of RBI retired ........................................................................................... 302
Qamar Ahmed, third cricket journalist, to cover 400 Test Matches ................................................................. 302
MS Dhir elected as Speaker of Delhi Assembly ............................................................................................... 303

PERSON APPOINTED .................................................................................................................. 304

US President Barack Obama nominated Richard Rahul Verma as new US envoy to India ................................. 304
Lalitha Kumaramangalam appointed as chairperson of National Commission for Women ............................... 304
Chinese President appointed Le Yucheng as China's New Ambassador to India ............................................... 304
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio appointed as UN Messenger of Peace...................................................................... 304
International Economic Association appointed Kaushik Basu as President-Elect.............................................. 305
Antara Haldar of India became first non-European law lecturer at Cambridge ................................................ 305
Krishan Kant Paul sworn-in as Governor of Manipur ....................................................................................... 305
Narendra Ambwani elected as chairman of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASC ........................... 305
Subhash Chandra Garg appointed as Executive Director of World Bank .......................................................... 305
Ravindra Nath took charge as CMD of NSIC .................................................................................................... 306
Chandrakala Padia appointed as first women chairperson of IIAS ................................................................... 306
Former CJI P Sathasivam appointed as Governor of Kerala ............................................................................. 306
President cleared the appointment of Justice H.L. Dattu as 42nd CJI ............................................................... 306
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha took over as the Chairman of COSC .................................................................... 307

22

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Amitabh Bachchan named as Maharashtra's horticulture ambassador ........................................................... 307

Veteran BJP Leader Kaptan Singh Solanki Appointed Governor Of Haryana .................................................... 307
CAG Of India, Shashi Kant Sharma took charge as member of UN Board Of Auditors ...................................... 307
KN Tripathi sworn in as 22nd Governor of West Bengal .................................................................................. 307
SC appointed R S Cheema as special public prosecutor in coal scam ............................................................... 308
Ram Naik sworn in as 27th Governor of Uttar Pradesh ................................................................................... 308
Y Sudharshan Rao appointed as Chairman of ICHR ......................................................................................... 308
B Ashok took charge as Chairman of IOC ........................................................................................................ 308
President appointed Governors of five states ................................................................................................. 309
Emma Watson appointed as UN Goodwill Ambassador .................................................................................. 309
Supreme Court appointed three judges .......................................................................................................... 309
K.V. Chowdary appointed as new Chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes.................................................. 309
Qaraqosh, Iraq's largest Christian town seized by ISIS militants ...................................................................... 309
Emma Watson appointed as UN Goodwill Ambassador .................................................................................. 309
Supreme Court appointed three judges .......................................................................................................... 310
M S Mehta appointed as CEO of Reliance Infrastructure ................................................................................. 310
Supreme Court appointed three judges .......................................................................................................... 310
Bihar Governor DY Patil took additional charge of West Bengal ...................................................................... 310
A.K. Dubey appointed as Chairman of Coal India Limited ................................................................................ 310
Rajeev Topno appointed as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ............................................. 311
UNGA approved the name of Zeid al-Hussein to head OHCHR ........................................................................ 311
Lt Gen Amit Sharma appointed as Commander-in-Chief of Strategic Forces Command ................................... 311
Vishal Sikka appointed as CEO of Infosys ........................................................................................................ 311
PK Mishra appointed as Additional Principal Secretary to Prime Minister ....................................................... 311
Madhuri Dixit appointed as brand ambassador of health campaign, Mamta Abhiyan...................................... 311
Sanjay Kapoor appointed as Micromax Chairman ........................................................................................... 312
Indian-American Shefali Duggal appointed as member of Holocaust Memorial Council ................................... 312
Kavery Banerjee appointed as Secretary, Department of Posts ....................................................................... 312
Chandrashekhar Rao sworn-in as the First Chief Minister of Telengana .......................................................... 312
Salvador Sanchez Ceren sworn-in as the President of El Salvador ................................................................... 312
Ahmed Maitiq sworn-in as the new Prime Minister of Libya ........................................................................... 312
Former IB chief Rajiv Mathur became new CIC ............................................................................................... 313
Anandiben sworn-in as first woman Chief Minister of Gujarat ........................................................................ 313
International Day for Biological Diversity 2014 observed across the world ...................................................... 313
President appointed Narendra Modi as Prime Minister, Oath on May 26........................................................ 314
Naveen Patnaik sworn-in as Chief Minister of Odisha for fourth consecutive term .......................................... 314
Pawan Chamling sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Sikkim for record 5th term ................................................ 314
Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Resigned ............................................. 315
Jitan Ram Manjhi took oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar .............................................................................. 315
Nabam Tuki sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh................................................................... 315
A.B. Pandya appointed as the Chairman of Central Water Commission ........................................................... 316
Kristin Lund of Norway became first-ever woman to head a UN Peacekeeping Force ...................................... 316
Suresh Kumar Reddy appointed as the First ambassador to ASEAN................................................................. 316
Economic Affairs Secretary Arvind Mayaram designated as new Finance Secretary ........................................ 317
Justice G Rohini appointed as the first women Chief Justice of Delhi High Court ............................................. 317
Justice R.M.Lodha appointed as Next Chief Justice of India............................................................................. 317
Ratan Tata appointed member of China-backed Board of Boao Forum for Asia............................................... 318
SAP appointed Ravi Chauhan as MD for India ................................................................................................. 318
Marie-Lousie Coleiro Preca sworn-in as President of Malta ............................................................................ 318
R Gandhi appointed as Deputy Governor of RBI.............................................................................................. 318

23

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

D K Pathak appointed as the new Director General of BSF .............................................................................. 319

French President Hollande names Valls as new PM ........................................................................................ 319
Sunil Gavaskar appointed as Interim President of BCCI ................................................................................... 319
Jens Stoltenberg appointed as Secretary General of NATO ............................................................................. 320
Soma Mondal appointed first Women director of NALCO ............................................................................... 320
Rakesh Sethi appointed as CMD of Allahabad Bank ........................................................................................ 320
FPSB appointed former SC Judge Srikrishna as its Chairman ........................................................................... 320
Avaya appointed Priyadarshi Mohapatra as Managing Director for India and SAARC ...................................... 321
Sheila Dikshit appointed as the new Governor of Kerala ................................................................................. 321
Dinesh Sarraf appointed next ONGC chief ...................................................................................................... 321
Ibrahim Mahlab sworn in as Prime Minister of Egypt ...................................................................................... 322
Matteo Renzi sworn-in as PM of Italy ............................................................................................................. 322
Abdul Basit appointed high commissioner of Pakistan to India ....................................................................... 323
Justice Mukul Mudgal appointed as Chief of BCCC .......................................................................................... 323
Jatinder Bir Singh appointed CMD of Punjab and Sind Bank ............................................................................ 323
R.K.Tiwari appointed new Chairman of CBDT ................................................................................................. 324
N Ramachandran elected President of IOA ..................................................................................................... 324
Marco Lambertini appointed Director-General of WWF International............................................................. 325
Satya Nadella appointed as CEO of Microsoft ................................................................................................. 325
Justice Ashok Kumar Mathur appointed to head 7th Central Pay Commission ................................................ 326
Poonam Khetrapal Singh took charge as Regional Director of SEARO .............................................................. 327
Manoj Vaish took charge as MD & CEO of MCX .............................................................................................. 327
Harish Rawat appointed 8th Chief Minister of Uttrakhand.............................................................................. 328
Michel Rogers nominated as Director of NSA ................................................................................................. 328
Professor Rakesh Khurana of Indian origin appointed as Dean of Harvard College .......................................... 328
Aruna Bahuguna first woman to be appointed chief of National Police Academy ............................................ 329
Jamila Bayaz, first women to be appointed police chief of Kabul province ...................................................... 329
Sirajuddin Qureshi elected as the President of IICC......................................................................................... 330
Uninor appointed Morten Sorby as new CEO ................................................................................................. 330
US Senate confirmed Janet Yellen as next Chairperson of Federal Reserve ..................................................... 330
Chandrashekhar appointed the President of NASSCOM .................................................................................. 331
Srinivas and Pravin Rao appointed Infosys Presidents ..................................................................................... 331

PERSON DIED ............................................................................................................................... 333

Pakistans Liberal religious scholar Dr. Shakeel Auj shot dead in Karachi ......................................................... 333
Mandolin maestro Uppalapu Srinivas died ..................................................................................................... 333
Ex-Assam DGP Shankar Baruah accused in Saradha chit fund scam died ......................................................... 333
Japan actress Yoshiko Yamaguchi died ........................................................................................................... 333
Educationist Kireet Joshi died ......................................................................................................................... 334
ISIS beheaded British Citizen, David Haines; David Cameron vows to hunt down killers .................................. 334
Freedom Fighter and Journalist Jitendra Chandra Paul died ............................................................................ 334
Legendary Nazrul singer Firoza Begum Died ................................................................................................... 334
James Bond villain Richard Kiel died ............................................................................................................... 334
Habib Wali Mohammad died at 90 ................................................................................................................. 335
Former NASA Scientist Dr. Noel W. Hinners died ............................................................................................ 335
US comedian and talk-show host Joan Rivers died .......................................................................................... 335
Sri Lankas trade unionist, Bala Thampoe died ................................................................................................ 335
World's Oldest Test cricketer Norman Gordon died ........................................................................................ 335
Former Attorney General of India Goolam Essaji Vahanvati died .................................................................... 336
Former Foreign Secretary A.P. Venkateswaran died ....................................................................................... 336

24

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Renowned Kathak dancer Maya Rao died....................................................................................................... 336

Renowned Telugu filmmaker Sattiraju Lakshminarayana died ........................................................................ 336
Noted Historian Bipan Chandra died .............................................................................................................. 336
Thai coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha elected as Prime Minister of Thailand .................................................... 337
Senior MP KV Thomas appointed as Chairman of PAC .................................................................................... 337
Eminent Kannada writer UR Ananthamurthy died at 82.................................................................................. 337
Veteran CPI-M leader Amitava Nandy died at 71 ............................................................................................ 337
Squash Legend of Pakistan Hashim Khan died ................................................................................................ 337
Iranian Poet Simin Behbahani died ................................................................................................................. 338
Eminent Hindi litterateur Madhukar Singh died at 87 ..................................................................................... 338
Sushilarani Patel, a Classical singer died at 96................................................................................................. 338
Bangladesh freedom fighter Bir Bikrom UK Ching Marma died ....................................................................... 338
Veteran journalist Sundaram Sankaran died at 87 .......................................................................................... 339
American actor James Garner died at 86 ........................................................................................................ 339
South African Nobel-prize winning author Nadine Gordimer died ................................................................... 339
Senior VHP leader Giriraj Kishore died at 94 ................................................................................................... 339
World-renowned conductor Lorin Maazel died at 84 ...................................................................................... 339
Veteran actress Zohra Sehgal died at 102 ....................................................................................................... 340
Eduard Shevardnadze, the ex-President of Georgia died at 86 ........................................................................ 340
Alfredo Di Stefano, the Real Madrid FC legend died........................................................................................ 340
Granville Austin, the scholar of Indian constitution died ................................................................................. 340
Founder of Delhi Gymkhana Club Dilbagh Singh died at 81 ............................................................................. 340
Brazilian presidential candidate Eduardo Campos died ................................................................................... 340
Goalkeeping great Vladimir Beara of Croatia died at 85 .................................................................................. 341
Legendary Burra Katha exponent Daroji Eramma died .................................................................................... 341
Oscar Winning Actor Robin Williams died....................................................................................................... 341
Reshamlal Jangade, the member of First Lok Sabha, Died ............................................................................... 341
Sir Peter Geoffrey Hall, the Urban Town Planner died at 82 ............................................................................ 341
Jeet Bahadur, the godson of PM Narendra Modi, reunited with his family in Nepal ........................................ 342
Eduard Shevardnadze, the ex-President of Georgia died at 86 ........................................................................ 342
Alfredo Di Stefano, the Real Madrid FC legend died........................................................................................ 342
Granville Austin, the scholar of Indian constitution died ................................................................................. 342
Olympian and WW II veteran Louis Zamperini died ........................................................................................ 342
Former Haitian President Leslie Manigat died at 83 ........................................................................................ 342
Ramanarayanan, Tamil film director and producer, died at 65 ........................................................................ 343
Gary Gilmour, former cricketer of Australia died ............................................................................................ 343
Chester Nez, the last of World War II Navajo code talker died ........................................................................ 343
Union Rural Development Minister Gopitnath Munde died ............................................................................ 343
N Srinivasan, the veteran nuclear scientist died.............................................................................................. 343
Russi Mody, the former Tata Steels Chairman died......................................................................................... 344
Founder of Leela Group Hotels Krishnan Nair died ......................................................................................... 344
British actor Bob Hoskins died at 71 ............................................................................................................... 344
Arturo Licata, the World's oldest man died in Italy at age 111 ........................................................................ 345
Canadian Author Alistair Macleod died .......................................................................................................... 345
Nobel laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez died at 87 ......................................................................................... 346
Khushwant Singh, the renowned author and journalist died ........................................................................... 346
Former Sierra Leone President, Ahmad Tejan Kabbah died ............................................................................. 346
Eminent painter Prokash Karmakar died ........................................................................................................ 347
Hindi writer and Jnanpith Award winner Amar Kant died................................................................................ 347
Famous Bengali Actress Suchitra Sen died ...................................................................................................... 347

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Famous Marathi writer Namdeo Dhasal died.................................................................................................. 348

Israels Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon died ............................................................................................ 348

REPORT | SURVEY ....................................................................................................................... 350

Wealth-X and UBS Billionaire Census 2014 released ....................................................................................... 350
20th Asian Junior & cadet table tennis Championships 2014 .......................................................................... 350
WHO released first global report on suicide prevention.................................................................................. 350
KPMG-FICCI study ranked India among top three medical tourism destinations in Asia ................................... 350
Global Innovation Index 2014 released........................................................................................................... 351
Earthquakes in Oklahoma due to wastewater disposal wells: Cornell University ............................................. 351
UN released World Urbanization Prospects Report 2014 ................................................................................ 351
India State of Forest Report 2013 released by Union Environment Minister .................................................... 351
Google polluted internet with classified material: Survey of India ................................................................... 352
India has over 1 million children out of school: UNESCO ................................................................................. 352
Angela Merkel topped Forbes Most Powerful Women List 2014 ..................................................................... 352
World Gold Council Gold Demand Trends Report released ............................................................................. 352
Forbes 11th annual Global 2000 list released ................................................................................................. 352
WHO declared outbreak of Polio as World Health Emergency ........................................................................ 353
Improve the Business Environment in India report released ........................................................................... 354
Internet to have 3 billion users by end of 2014: ITU report ............................................................................. 354
India dropped to 78 in latest Freedom of the press 2014 ................................................................................ 355
WEF released Global Information Technology Report 2014 ............................................................................ 355
Amnesty International report on death penalty worldwide released .............................................................. 356
Wipro and Tata Power among world's most ethical firms ............................................................................... 357
India ranked 4th in spam e-mails export: Microsoft Report............................................................................. 357
India is the worlds largest arms importer: SIPRI ............................................................................................. 358
World Economic Forum released Young Global Leaders 2014 list.................................................................... 359
Indian migrants among top Migrant Entrepreneurs in UK: Report ................................................................... 361
Bimal Jalan Committee on New Bank Licences submitted its report to RBI ...................................................... 361
MGI released the report From Poverty to Empowerment ............................................................................... 362
India ranked 8th in demand for digital governance ......................................................................................... 362
UNESCO released 11th EFA Global Monitoring Report 2013-14 ...................................................................... 363
Pakistan only polio-endemic nation with more cases...................................................................................... 363

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES ................................................................................................... 365

G-20 Labour and Employment Ministerial meet ............................................................................................. 365
OSCE-Japan Conference held in Tokyo............................................................................................................ 365
Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict launched in London ............................................................ 365
6th International Nuclear Energy Forum ATOMEXPO-2014 held in Moscow.................................................... 365
40th G-7 summit 2014 held at Brussels .......................................................................................................... 365
Union Government launched anti-tobacco advertisement, The Price We Pay ................................................. 366
3rd Nuclear Security Summit 2014 ................................................................................................................. 366
Wharton India Economic Forum to be held in Pennsylvania ............................................................................ 366
G-4 Director Generals for UN Affairs met in New Delhi ................................................................................... 367
Third World Congress on Agro-Forestry.......................................................................................................... 367
ASSOCHAM organized Seventh Global Insurance Summit at Hyderabad ......................................................... 369

IMPORTANT DATES .................................................................................................................... 370

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

India observed Hindi Divas on 14 September.................................................................................................. 370

World Humanitarian Day observed across the world on 19 August ................................................................. 370
India celebrated 68th Independence Day on 15 August 2014.......................................................................... 370
International Tiger Day 2014 observed across the world ................................................................................ 370
World Hepatitis Day observed across the world on 28 July ............................................................................. 371
World Elephant Day observed across the world on 12 August ........................................................................ 371
National Doctors Day observed across India on 1 July .................................................................................... 371
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed on 26 June ............................................ 371
International Seafarer's day observed across the world on 25 June ................................................................ 372
World Vitiligo Day observed on 25 June ......................................................................................................... 372
United Nations Public Service Day celebrated on 23 June ............................................................................... 372
World Refugee Day observed across the world on 20 June ............................................................................. 372
World Day to Combat Desertification observed on 17 June ............................................................................ 373
World Blood Donor Day observed on 14 June................................................................................................. 373
World Day Against Child Labour observed on 12 June .................................................................................... 373
Global Day of Parents observed on 1 June ...................................................................................................... 373
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers observed across the world ............................................... 373
Anti-Terrorism Day Observed across India on 21 May..................................................................................... 374
World Turtle Day observed across the world on 23 May ................................................................................. 374
International Day for Biological Diversity 2014 observed across the world ...................................................... 374
International Museum Day 2014 celebrated across the world ........................................................................ 375
World Migratory Bird Day observed across the world ..................................................................................... 375
World Malaria Day Observed across the world ............................................................................................... 376
International Mother Earth Day observed across the world on 22 April 2014 .................................................. 376
World Health Day 2014 observed across the world ........................................................................................ 376
World Autism Awareness Day celebrated across the world............................................................................. 376
Earth Hour observed across the world............................................................................................................ 376
World Water Day observed across the World ................................................................................................. 377
World Poetry Day observed across the world ................................................................................................. 377
UN observed International Day of Forest........................................................................................................ 377
World Sparrow Day observed across the world .............................................................................................. 378
World Kidney Day observed across the World ................................................................................................ 378
International Women Day observed across the world .................................................................................... 378
World Dentist Day observed across the World ............................................................................................... 378
National Science Day observed across India on 28 February ........................................................................... 379
International Mother Language Day observed across the world on 21 February 2014 ..................................... 379
National Women's Day of India observed on 13 February ............................................................................... 379
World Radio celebrated across the globe ....................................................................................................... 380
World Cancer Day 2014 observed across the world on 4 February .................................................................. 380
World Wetland Day celebrated across the globe ............................................................................................ 380
The Election Commission of India celebrated the 4th National voters Day: 25 January .................................... 380
National Girl Child Day observed on 24 January .............................................................................................. 381

MISCELLANEOUS ......................................................................................................................... 382

Skeleton of giant water-living Dinosaur unveiled in Morocco.......................................................................... 382
Australian PM Tony Abbott returned 11th century stolen idols to India .......................................................... 382
Revived Nalanda University started its first session on 1 September 2014 ...................................................... 382
Worlds first Hindu eco-temple Shree Swaminarayan Mandir opened in UK.................................................... 383
Prime Minister launched web platform MyGov to get citizens' ideas for governance ...................................... 383
India's President inaugurated Bank and Post Office in President Estate's new buildings .................................. 383

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Logo Design Competition launched for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign .................................................... 383
National Geographic launched magazine Explorer for schoolchildren in India ................................................. 384
Operation to refloat wrecked Italian ship Costa Concordia launched .............................................................. 384
President joined on Twitter with @RashtrapatiBhvn ...................................................................................... 384
First Aid Post inaugurated at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi ................................................................................ 384
UK firm East India Company issued legal tender gold coin in honour of Sachin Tendulkar ............................... 384
Malavath Poorna of Andhra became youngest woman to climb Mount Everest .............................................. 385
Travel planning Portal Tripigator.com launched in Partnership with Incredible India ....................................... 385
Arch to be built over Chernobyl to safeguard citizens from radioactive dust ................................................... 385
Two former Popes John XXIII and John Paul II declared as Saints by Pope Francis............................................ 385
US President Barack Obama nominated three Indian-Americans to AAPI ........................................................ 386
A new robot, Borewell Robot, developed to rescue kids who fall into borewells ............................................. 386
Comic book icon Archie to die in July's final issue ........................................................................................... 386
Portal RAILSAVER launched to Improve Energy Efficiency in Indian Railways ................................................. 386
Ernesto Gainza set a new Guinness record of skydiving using smallest parachute ........................................... 387
Three statues belonged to Napatan civilisation were stolen from Northern Sudan.......................................... 387
University of Chicago opened an academic centre in Connaught Place, Delhi .................................................. 387
Nirbheek, a lightweight revolver for protection of women launched .............................................................. 387
UK decided to honour the Indian heroes of World War I................................................................................. 387
National Campaign titled U & Me Against Dengue launched ........................................................................... 388
World Longest aircraft Airlander unveiled in Britain ....................................................................................... 388
Election Commission of India organized Election Awakening for Women and Youth campaign........................ 388
Music album, Raunaq written by Sibal and composed by AR Rahman launched .............................................. 388
Indira Paryavaran Bhawan inaugurated by Prime Minister .............................................................................. 389
IRCTC launched E-wallet Scheme to make payment process fast .................................................................... 389
First Braille-signage coach in India to be attached with Purushottam Express ................................................. 389
South Africa launched commemorative silver stamp of Nelson Mandela ........................................................ 389
Garuda Vasudha Advanced Light Helicopter of Geological Survey of India launched ....................................... 389
Lewis Clarke youngest person to reach South Pole ......................................................................................... 390
RBI issued 5 rupees and 10 rupees coins bearing Goddess Vaishno Devi ......................................................... 390
151st Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda celebrated worldwide............................................................ 390
British Guianas 1-cent postage stamp of 1856 sold for record 9.5 million US dollar ........................................ 390

FEEDBACK ..................................................................................................................................... 391

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Economy and Business

INFOSYS LTD SIGNED AGREEMENTS WITH MICROSOFT CORP,
HITACHI DATA SYSTEMS AND HUAWEI
Infosys Ltd on 18 September 2014 signed three partnership agreements with Microsoft
Corporation, Hitachi Data Systems (HDS) and China-based telecom vendor Huawei individually.
The agreement is signed for cloud, big data and Hitachi Data Systems. Infosys was already in
partnership with Microsoft Corporation and Hitachi Data Systems (HDS).

INDIAN AIR FORCE GIFTED VINTAGE DAKOTA AIRCRAFT TO

BANGLADESH AIR FORCE
Indian Air Force on 18 September 2014 gifted a vintage Dakota aircraft from its museum to
Bangladesh Air Force. The Dakota aircraft was given on a formal request from Bangladesh Air
Force to review and revive the historic ties between the two countries.
The aircraft was handed over to Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari, Chief of Bangladesh Air
Force by Air Marshal SS Soman, Air Officer Commanding in Chief (AOC-in-C), Western Air
Command of Indian Air Force in a ceremony at Air Force Station Palam, New Delhi.

UNION TEXTILES MINISTRY APPROVED SETTING UP OF 13

TEXTILE PARKS
Union Textiles Ministry on 18 September 2014 approved setting up of 13 textile parks. This
move will help generate thousands of jobs in the country.
The investment proposal of minimum 100 crore rupees will be considered for each park.
However, the subsidy amount of 40 crore rupees for each park will be provided by the Ministry.

NEPAL GOVERNMENT CLEARED GMR COMPANY PROPOSAL TO

BUILD 900 MW UPPER KARNALI HEP IN NEPAL
Nepal government cleared GMR Company proposal to build 900 MW Upper Karnali
hydroelectric power plant (HEP) in North-West Nepal. The proposal approved by Nepal Cabinet
on 18 September 2014 is a part of foreign investment scheme in Nepal aimed at exporting
electricity to India.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

INDIGO SIGNED AGREEMENT WITH ICBC TO PURCHASE OVER 30

A320 AIRCRAFTS
Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo on 17 September 2014 signed an agreement with Industrial and
Commercial Bank of China Ltd (ICBC) for purchasing 30 A320 aircrafts worth 2.6 billion US
dollars.
The agreement was signed at an India-China business meeting. The meeting was organised by
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at New Delhi.

INDIA-CHINA SIGNED SIXTEEN AGREEMENTS DURING THE VISIT

OF CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINGPING TO INDIA
India and China signed sixteen agreements to strengthen the strategic and bilateral relations
between the two countries. Of these sixteen, thirteen were signed on 18 September 2014 in
New Delhi and the three others were signed in Gujarat on 17 September 2014.

CHINA FINED BRITISH DRUG MAKER FIRM GSK PLC 489 MILLION
US DOLLARS FOR PAYING BRIBES
China on 19 September 2014 fined GlaxoSmithKline Placement (GSK Plc) a record 489 million US
dollars (3 billion Yuan) for paying bribes to doctors to use its drugs. The fine was imposed by
Changsha Intermediate People's Court of China.
Along with fine, Chinese Court also sanctioned jail sentence to former head of GSK Mark Reilly
and 4 other GSK executives Zhang Guowei, Liang Hong, Zhao Hongyan and Huang Hong for two
to four years.

INFOSYS BPO POLAND SIGNED LARGEST OFFICE LEASE DEAL

WITH SKANSKA PROPERTY IN POLAND
Infosys BPO Poland on 19 September 2014 signed a contract with commercial real estate
developer Skanska Property in Poland for leasing its office space for 10 years.
This agreement is the largest deal in the office market of Lodz so far and the biggest lease
transaction in Poland in 2014.

30

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

PUMA INDIA APPOINTED ABHISHEK GANGULY AS MANAGING

DIRECTOR
Sportswear retailer Puma India Pvt. Ltd on 19 September 2014 appointed sales and retail head
Abhishek Ganguly as the new Managing Director (MD).
His appointment came at a time when the brand is taking bold steps to be the fastest brand in
the world. The brand recently launched the Forever Faster campaign.

COGNIZANT ACQUIRED HEALTHCARE SOFTWARE COMPANY

TRIZETTO
Nasdaq-listed Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp on 15 September 2014 acquired healthcare
IT services provider TriZetto Corp for 2.7 billion US dollars. The acquisition is aimed at boosting
the healthcare business of Cognizant.
Cognizant acquired TriZetto from London-based private equity firm Apax Partners LLP. Apax
Partners acquired TriZetto in 2008 and was exploring a sale of the company.

MICROSOFT
MOJANG

CORP

ACQUIRED

MINECRAFT

GAME

MAKER

Microsoft Corp on 15 September 2014 acquired the Swedish video game company Mojang for
2.5 billion US dollars. With this acquisition, Microsoft aims to lure young audience into its
mobile world.
Microsoft is primarily known for business software like Word and Outlook. But the acquisition
of Mojang will help Microsoft expand its gaming division which also includes game franchises
such as the Halo shooter game and Forza racing game.

CROMA AND SNAPDEAL TIED UP TO SELL ELECTRONIC ITEMS

ONLINE
Tata Group company Croma and Snapdeal.com on 16 September 2014 tied up to sell electronic
goods online. This omni-channel retail association will enable Croma and Snapdeal to leverage
from each other's strengths.
Croma and Snapdeal already launched Lenovo tablets exclusively on the platform and
announced special offers on the Karbonn Titanium S10 mobile phone.

31

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SEBI EXTENDED DEADLINE BY SIX MONTHS TO APPOINT

ATLEAST ONE WOMEN DIRECTOR ON BOARD
Market regulator Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 15 September 2014 extended
deadline by six months to appoint atleast one women director on board. SEBI has extended the
deadline till 31 March 2015.

CCEA APPROVED 4754 CRORE FOR POWER TRANSMISSION

SCHEME IN ARUNACHAL AND SIKKIM
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 15 September 2014 approved 4754.42
crore rupees Comprehensive Scheme for Strengthening of Transmission & Distribution (T&D)
Systems (CSST&DS) in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Of the total 4754.42 crore rupees,
3199.45 crore rupees is for Arunachal Pradesh and 1544.99 crore rupees is for Sikkim. This
decision will help in significantly reduce electricity losses while being supplied.

FICCIS ECONOMIC OUTLOOK SURVEY ESTIMATED INDIAS GDP

GROWTH RATE AT 5.6 PERCENT IN 2014-15
Economic Outlook Survey of FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry)
was released on 13 September 2014. The Survey estimated that Indias Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) is expected to expand by 5.6 percent during financial year 2014-15.

RAYA POWER TO SET UP 50 MW SOLAR PARK IN ANDHRA

PRADESH
Rays Power Experts on 11 September 2014 announced to set up 50 mw Solar Power Generation
Park in Andhra Pradesh. The total cost of the project is 300 crore ruppes and it will be
completed by January 2015.
The project includes the complete infrastructure designing of the project, its technical and
engineering ground work, installation and commissioning.

UNION GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO WIND UP HMT WATCHES

Union government on 11 September 2014 decided to wind up HMT Watches in a phased
manner. HMT Watches is a wholly owned subsidiary of HMT limited.
The Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises (BRPSE) recommended closing the
unit as it has been incurring losses since 2000.
32

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

APPLE INC LAUNCHED IWATCH DESIGNED TO WORK WITH

IPHONE 6
Apple Inc unveiled its iWatch on 9 September 2014 in United States. This customisable
smartwatch is designed to work with the iPhone 6.
The watch allows you to connect and communicate directly from your wrist.

BLACKBERRY ACQUIRED UK MOBILE TECHNOLOGY START-UP

MOVIRTU
BlackBerry acquired a U.K-based mobile technology start-up Movirtu on 11 September 2014.
Movirtu's software allows users to have multiple phone numbers on the same device.
The acquisition of Movirtu will help BlackBerry in ramping up its portfolio of services to cater to
the needs of its corporate and government clients.

TATA TECHNOLOGIES LTD APPOINTED WARREN HARRIS AS MD

AND CEO
Engineering and information technology company Tata Technologies Ltd on 9 September 2014
appointed Warren Harris as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of the
company.
Warren Harris replaced Patrick McGoldrick who has retired from his position as CEO and
Managing Director of Tata Technologies after 20 years in the company. However, McGoldrick
will continue to provide counsel to the company board in retirement.

UNION GOVERNMENT LAUNCHED NEW PAYMENT GATEWAY

INTEGRATED TO E-FILING SYSTEM
Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry on 8 September 2014 launched a New Payment
Gateway Integrated to e-Filing System of the Intellectual Property Office of India (IPOI). It was
launched by Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).

UNION GOVERNMENT LAUNCHED RVC SERVICE FOR SMOOTH

TRANSPORTATION OF PERISHABLE GOODS
Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh on 11 September 2014 launched the Reefer
Vehicle Call-in-Centre (RVC) for smooth transportation of perishable goods. The RVC will
33

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

facilitate in creation of a database of bottlenecks and their types experienced during the
transportation of goods on the national highways.

HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF HIRED WORKERS IN INDIA IS IN

ARUNACHAL PRADESH: 6TH ECONOMIC CENSUS
Highest percentages of hired workers in India are present in Arunachal Pradesh. This was
revealed by the provisional results of the 6th Economic Census All India Report 2013 released
on 9 September 2014.

CCEA APPROVED STAKE SALE IN CIL, ONGC ABD NHPC

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on 10 September 2014 approved the disinvestment of the stake of Coal Indian Limited
(CIL), Oil and Natural Gas Company (ONGC) and National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC). The
stakes of the three organisations will be sold to garner a combined 43 thousand crore rupees.

INTEL LAUNCHED NEW RANGE OF PROCESSORS XEON E5-V3

FOR DATA CENTRES
California-based chipmaker Intel on 9 September 2014 launched a new range of processors
Xeon E5-v3 to speed up performance in data centres.
The new range of processors is Xeon E5-2600/1600 v3 product families.

UTTARAKHAND GOVERNMENT DECLARED 9 SEPTEMBER AS

HIMALAYA DIWAS
Uttarakhand Government officially declared 9 September as Himalaya Diwas. The state will
celebrate Himalaya Diwas to spread the message of conservation of the Himalayan
ecosystems.

ASSAM GOVERNMENT WITHDREW ASSAMESE AS OFFICIAL

LANGUAGE FROM BARAK VALLEY
The state government of Assam on 9 September 2014 withdrew the controversial circular
regarding the use of Assamese as official language in Barak Valley.
However, a fresh circular was issued by the Government of Assam stating that Bengali will
continue to be the official language of Barak valley.
34

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

INDIA AND GERMANY AGREED TO COOPERATE IN SKILL

DEVELOPMENT AND SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
India and Germany on 8 September 2014 agreed to cooperate and prepare a roadmap in skill
development, solid waste management and cleaning of rivers.
This was agreed during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in New Delhi.

BHARTI AIRTEL ANNOUNCED AGREEMENT

TOWERS TO DIVEST 3500 TOWERS IN AFRICA

WITH

EATON

Bharti Airtel on 8 September 2014 announced an agreement with Eaton Towers to divest 3500
towers in 6 African nations. Under the agreement, Bharti Airel signed a 10-year contract to sell
and lease back these towers to Eaton.

CIPLA ANNOUNCED COMMERCIAL TIE-UP WITH UK FIRM S&D

PHARMA
Indian pharmaceutical major Cipla on 8 September 2014 announced a commercial collaboration
with UK-based S&D Pharma to distribute its products in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

ELECTROLUX AGREED TO BUY GE APPLIANCES FOR 3.3 BILLION

US DOLLARS
The Swedish company Electrolux agreed to buy a home-appliances unit of General Electric
Company of Louisville for 3.3 billion US dollars in cash. The agreement was done on 8
September 2014. This acquisition would enable Electrolux to compete with Whirlpool in US
Market.

SNAPDEAL SIGNED JOINT VENTURE WITH DEN NETWORKS

Snapdeal on 4 September 2014 signed 50:50 Joint Venture with Den Networks. The deal was
aimed to extend its reach to television home shopping audiences.
The venture will leverage the robust distribution network of Den Networks and Snapdeals wide
product range and more than 30000 vendors.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

V NAGARAJAN JOINED IGL AS A NEW DIRECTOR

V Nagarajan on 4 September 2014 took over as Director (Commercial) of Indraprastha Gas Ltd.
(IGL).
Before joining the new assignment at IGL, he was serving as Senior Vice President in-charge of
Bina dispatch terminal at Bharat Oman Refineries Limited in Bina

GOVERNMENT APPROVED 7% HIKE IN DEARNESS ALLOWANCE

Union Government on 4 September 2014 approved 7 percent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA)
to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners. The notification of
DA and DR will be effective from 1 July 2014.

INDIA SLIPPED TO 71ST RANK IN WEF'S ANNUAL GLOBAL

COMPETITIVENESS LIST 2014-2015
India slipped to 71st position out of 144 countries by losing 11 places in the global
competitiveness list of Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF) that came on 3 September
2014.
India stood at the lowest position among the BRICS countries. Among BRICS countries, China
stood at one place with 28th spot, Russia stood at 2nd place with rank at 53rd position followed
by South Africa (56th rank) and Brazil (57th rank).

UNION GOVERNMENT RELAXED ONION IMPORT NORMS

Union Government on 1 September 2014 relaxed the import norms of Onion by allowing
fumigation in India. The fumigation has been allowed up to 30 November 2014. The norms
were relaxed in light of public concern over high prices of onion in the market.

UNION GOVERNMENT TO SC: IT WANTS RE-AUCTION OF ALL

218 COAL BLOCKS
Union Government on 1 September 2014 informed to the Supreme Court that it wants reauction of all 218 the coal blocks that was declared illegal by it. But it also urged the Apex Court
to spare 46 coal blocks of which 40 are functional and 6 are ready to start operations, out of the
218 those were declared illegal by it on 25 August 2014.

36

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

USFDA GRANTED QIDP STATUS TO INDIAN PHARMACEUTICAL

FIRM WOCKHARDT
US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) on 31 August 2014 granted Qualified Infectious
Disease Product (QIDP) status to two drugs of Wockhardt, an Indian firm. The two drugs that
received the QIDP are WCK 771 and WCK 2349. With this, Wockhardt became the first Indian
Pharmaceutical company whose drugs have received the QIDP status.

BABA KALYANI RE-NOMINATED AS CO-CHAIRMAN OF IJBLF

Baba Kalyani was re-nominated as the Co-Chairman of the India-Japan Business Leaders Forum
(IJBLF.) The Ministry of Commerce and Industry appointed Kalyani as chairman of IJBLF on 26
August 2014. He is Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd.
The IJBLF members have accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his first visit to Japan.
The five-day visit to Japan is scheduled to take place from 30 August to 3 September 2014

ADANI BOUGHT CARMICHAEL AUSTRALIA COAL MINE ROYALTY

RIGHTS FROM LINC ENERGY
Adani Enterprises on 29 August 2014 agreed to pay 145 million US dollar to Singapore-listed
Linc Energy to buy the royalty rights of the Australian firm Carmichael coal project.
The royalty will cost Adani Enterprises 2 Australian dollar per tonne, indexed to inflation, for the
first 20 years of production from the coal mine.
Australian government had cleared the proposed Carmichael coal mine project of the Indian
conglomerate Adani in the Galilee Basin in central Queensland in July 2014.

ONGC BOARD APPROVED 5219 CRORE RUPEES INVESTMENT IN

DAMAN GAS FIELDS
State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) on 29 August 2014 announced to invest 5219
crore rupees for the production of Daman gas fields in the Arabian Sea.
The investment will be made towards Daman Development project to enhance production of
natural gas and condensate in its Tapti Daman Block in Arabian Sea by the mid of 2016.

37

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

INDIA SIGNED AGREEMENT WITH WORLD BANK FOR MSRPII

PROJECT
India on 29 August 2014 signed loan agreement with World Bank for Mizoram State Roads
Project (MSRP II). As per the agreement, soft loan window of World Bank, International
Development Agency (IDA) will provide assistance of 107 million US dollars for the Project.
The agreement was signed by Nilaya Mitash, Joint Secretary (MI), Department of Economic
Affairs and Onno Ruhl, Country Director, World Bank, India.

TATA VALUE HOMES AND SNAPDEAL TIED UP TO SELL HOMES

ONLINE
Tata Value Homes tied up with e-commerce major Snapdeal on 26 August 2014 to sell houses
online through the online marketplace model. There are 1000 apartments across Mumbai,
Talegaon, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata.
For the launch period, Tata Value Homes would offer a benefit to the customers who book the
home through Snapdeal. In this, customers would get 10000 rupees per month for one year as
assured rent after the possession of the home. It is left on customers to stay on premise or
lease it out.

SC ORDERED DLF TO PAY 630 CRORE RUPEES FINE IMPOSED BY

CCI
The Supreme Court of India on 27 August 2014 directed the real estate developer DLF Ltd to
pay a fine of 630 crore rupees that was imposed on it by the Competition Commission of India
(CCI). CCI had imposed a fine on DLF for alleged unfair business practices.

UNION CABINET ANNOUNCED TO LIFT THE RESTRICTION OF

ONE LPG CYLINDER PER MONTH
Union Cabinet on 27 August 2014 announced to lift the restriction of one LPG cylinder per
month per household.
However, the Union Cabinet did not change the overall cap of 12 subsidised cylinders per year.
Cooking gas consumers will now get 12 cylinders of 14.2-kg at subsidised rate in a year, even if
they dont consume one bottle/month.

38

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

COX & KINGS LTD GOT THE OUTSOURCING CONTRACT OF

DECCAN ODYSSEY FOR FIVE YEARS
Travel Company Cox & Kings Limited on 26 August 2014 got the outsourcing contract of Deccan
Odyssey for five years. Deccan odyssey is the luxury train service of the Maharashtra Tourism
Development Corporation (MTDC).
CKL will launch the first train service of the Deccan Odyssey from 4 October 2014 and will
operate the train for nine months.

RELIANCE JIO INFOCOMM SIGNED TOWER SHARING DEAL WITH

BSNL
Reliance Jio Infocomm (RJIL) on 26 August 2014 signed a deal with Bharat Sanchar Nigam
Limited (BSNL) for sharing around 4000 mobile towers.
Along with tower sharing deal, Reliance Jio signed Infrastructure sharing deal with Bharti Airtel,
Viom Network, Ascend Telecom Infrastructure, Reliance Communications and American Tower
Company to utilise their infrastructure.

C.S.VERMA ELECTED AS FIRST PRESIDENT OF INDIAN STEEL

ASSOCIATION
C.S.Verma on 26 August 2014 was elected as First President of Indian Steel Association (ISA).
Other members of the ISA were Sajjan Jindal, Chairman & Managing Director, JSW, Mr. TV
Narendran, MD, Tata Steel, , P Madhusudan, CMD, RINL.
C.S.Verma is currently working as the head of SAIL.

UNION FINANCE MINISTRY ORDERED FORENSIC AUDIT OF DENA

BANK AND ORIENTAL BANK OF COMMERCE
Union Finance Ministry on 20 August 2014 ordered a forensic audit of the state-run Oriental
Bank of Commerce (OBC) and Dena Bank. The audit was ordered following reports that some
Mumbai-based branches of the two banks OBC and Dena Bank had siphoned off 180 crore
rupees and 256 crore rupees respectively, from their fixed deposit customers.

39

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

T M BHASIN ELECTED AS CHAIRMAN OF INDIAN BANKS

ASSOCIATION
T M Bhasin was elected as Chairman of Indian Banks Association (IBA) on 20 August 2014. He
will be the Chairman of IBA for 2014-15.T M Bhasin is the chairman and managing director of
Indian Bank.
K R Kamath, who is the chairman and managing director of Punjab National Bank, was the
previous chairman of this Association. K R Kamath was chairman for two consecutive tenures,
that is, 2012-13 and 2013-14.

INDIA TO BE THE LAUNCH-PAD FOR AMAZON'S PLAN TO

DELIVER PACKAGES USING DRONES
India would be the first launch-pad for Amazons plan to deliver packages using drones or
unmanned aerial vehicles. Amazon, the e-retailer based in the US will start its drone delivery
services from Mumbai and Bangalore, the two cities where it has its warehouse. It seems that
the services will be started by Diwali 2014.

CCEA APPROVED SALE OF 10 MILLION TONNES OF WHEAT IN

OPEN MARKET TO CHECK PRICES
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 24 July 2014 approved the sale of 10
million tonnes of wheat from the FCI stock in the open market in order to boost domestic
supply and check prices. The CCEA was headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

UNION GOVERNMENT REVISED INVESTMENT TARGET FOR DFC

TO 80000 CRORE RUPEES
The Union Government on 25 July 2014 revised investment target for Dedicated Freight
Corridor (DFC) from 27000 crore rupees to 80000 crore rupees. The announcement was made
by the Railway Board Chairman, Arunendra Kumar during the ASSOCHAM conference in New
Delhi.

40

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

INDIA DECIDED AGAINST SIGNING WTO'S TRADE FACILITATION

AGREEMENT
India on 24 July 2014 decided against signing Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of the World
Trade Organisation (WTO). The decision was taken at the meeting of the General Council of the
160-member WTO Geneva, Switzerland.

TCS BECAME FIRST INDIAN COMPANY TO ACHIEVE MARKET

CAPITALIZATION OF 5 LAKH CRORE RUPEES
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on 23 July 2014 became the first Indian company to achieve a
market capitalization of 5 lakh crore rupees. This feat was achieved by the company on the back
of Quarter 1 results.
In terms of market capitalisation, TCS is followed by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) at
3.5 lakh crore rupees and Reliance Industries at 3.3 lakh crore rupees.

GOOGLE ANNOUNCED TO LAUNCH HINDI VERSION OF GOOGLE

MAPS ON ANDROID AND PC
Internet search engine giant Google on 22 July 2014 announced to launch its Hindi version of
Google Maps.
The Hindi language service will be available both on Android and Desktop platforms, and not on
Apple's iOS format. On Android, a user can use Google Maps only he/she has Android version
4.3 (Jelly Bean) and upwards.

ADB RELEASED
SUPPLEMENT

ASIAN

DEVELOPMENT

OUTLOOK

2014

Asian Development Bank released the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2014 Supplement on
18 July 2014. In the outlook, ADB forecasted a stable outlook for developing Asia in 2014
despite slower-than-expected growth in the United States (US) in the first quarter.
It maintains ADBs April 2014 forecast of 6.2 percent growth in 2014 and 6.4 percent in 2015 for
the regions 45 developing economies.

41

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SEBI BARRED SATYAM FOUNDER RAMALINGA RAJU AND 4

OTHERS FROM ACCESSING CAPITAL MARKETS
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 15 July 2014 barred founder of Satyam
Computers, B Ramalinga Raju and four other top executives from accessing the capital markets
for 14 years.

PER STUDENT COOKING COST UNDER MID DAY MEAL SCHEME

ENHANCED
Union Government of India enhanced the per student cooking cost under the Mid Day Meal
Scheme (MDMS). The enhancement of the budget came into effect from 1 July 2014. The
cooking cost per student has been enhanced by 7.5 percent every year since 2010-11.

RETAIL INFLATION FELL TO 30-MONTH LOW OF 7.31 PERCENT IN

JUNE 2014
Retail inflation fell to a 30-month low of 7.31 percent in June 2014 from 8.28 pecent in May
2014. The retail inflation went down mainly on account of lower prices of food items that
includes vegetables, cereals, and meat.

AIR INDIA FORMALLY JOINED GLOBAL AIRLINE GROUP STAR

ALLIANCE
Air India on 11 July 2014 formally joined the airline group Star Alliance as its 27th member. By
formally joining the group, public carrier became the first Indian airline to become a member
airlines club operating over 18500 flights a day in 192 countries.

RAILWAYS REGISTER 9.48 PERCENT INCREASE IN ITS EARNING

Indian Railways has registered an increase of 9.48 percent in its earning during the first quarter
of the fiscal year 2014-15. Total approximate earnings was 36674 crore rupees against 33500
crore rupees during the same period of fiscal year 2013-14.

UNION BUDGET 2014-15: WEAKER SECTIONS

Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley on 10 July 2014 presented Union Budget 2014-15. the
Union Budget introduced new scheme Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojna for tribals, National level
42

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

institutes for Universal Inclusive Design, Mental Health Rehabilitation and a Centre for Disability
Sports to be established.

UNION BUDGET 2104-15: FINANCIAL SECTOR

Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley on 10 July 2014 presented Union Budget 2014-15. the
union budget to energize capital markets introduced uniform KYC norms and inter-usability of
the KYC records across the financial sector, one single operating demat account and Uniform
tax treatment for pension fund and mutual fund.

UNION BUDGET 2014-15: INFRASTRUCTURE

Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley on 10 July 2014 presented Union Budget 2014-15. The
Union Budget provided finances to set up an institute which provides support to mainstream
the 4PIndia, Comprehensive policy will be announced, to develop Jal Marg Vikas (project on
Ganges) and encouraging Tier I and Tier II airports.

UNION BUDGET 2014-15: INDUSTRY, MSME & TEXTILES

Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley on 10 July 2014 presented Union Budget 2014-15. The
Union Budget 2014-15 provided new initiatives like National Industrial Corridor Authority and
preparing master planning of industrial corridors and economic corridors to increase the
industrial growth. It also proposed for Export promotion Mission to bring different stake
holders under one umbrella.

UNION
BUDGET
DEVELOPMENT

2014-15:

EMPLOYMENT

AND

SKILL

Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley on 10 July 2014 presented Union Budget 2014-15. In his
maiden budget, the Union Finance Minister announced certain major plans for employment
generation and Skill development in the budget.

UNION BUDGET 2014-15: ENERGY SECTOR

Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley on 10 July 2014 presented Union Budget 2014-15. In his
maiden budget, the Union Finance Minister announced certain major plans related to Energy
sector.

43

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

UNION BUDGET 2014-15: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley on 10 July 2014 presented Union Budget 2014-15. The
Union Budget allocated finance for safety for women in transport in large cities. A new scheme
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Yojana launched to create awareness and improve the efficiency of
delivery of welfare services for women.

RAILWAY BUDGET 2014-15: NEW INITIATIVES

Union Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda on 8 July 2014 presented the Railway Budget 201415 in the Parliament. In the budget he announced introduction of several trains on different
routes pan India. Apart from this, the budget also saw certain new initiatives for Railways, the
lifeline of India.

TCS AND BHARTI FOUNDATION ANNOUNCED TO SPEND 200

CRORE RUPEES FOR CLEAN INDIA CAMPAIGN
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Bharti Foundation on 18 August 2014 announce to spend
200 crore rupees for Clean India Campaign.
TCS has decided to provide hygienic sanitation facilities in 10000 schools for girl students. On
the other hand, Bharti Foundation (development arm of Bharti Enterprises) decided to build
toilets in Ludhiana in next three years covering every rural household.

GOVERNMENT
YOJANA

RE-LAUNCHED

VARISHTHA

PENSION

BIMA

The Union Government on 14 August 2014 re-launched the Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana
(VPBY) for the benefit of citizens aged 60 years and above. This re-launched scheme would
provide financial security to almost half a million people by ensuring regular income during
their advancing year.
The scheme was re-launched in New Delhi by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely. The Scheme
will be administrated by the Life Insurance Corporation, LIC. The scheme will be open between
15 August 2014 and 14 August 2015 (1 year period).

44

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

TATA-SIA AIRLINES BRAND NAME TO BE CALLED VISTARA; TO

START OPERATIONS FROM OCTOBER 2014
Tata-Singapore Airlines (SIA) named its upcoming joint venture airline as Vistara and will start
its operation from October 2014. SIA on 11 August 2014 disclosed the name of their airline.
Vistara is an inspiration from Sanskrit word, Vistaar that means limitless expanse. It has drawn
inspiration from the brands domain the limitless sky.

NEW TRAINS ANNOUNCED IN RAIL BUDGET 2014-15

Sadananda Gowda, the Union Railway Minister on 8 July 2014 presented his maiden Rail Budget
2014-15 in the Lok Sabha. This was also the first rail budget of the Narendra Modi led NDA
government.

APSEZ FORMED JV WITH FRENCH SHIPPING COMPANY CMA

CGM TO BUILD A CONTAINER TERMINAL
Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd (APSEZ) on 4 July 2014 formed a joint venture (JV) with French shipping
company CMA CGM to build a container terminal. The container terminal will be built at
Mundra in Gujarat.

ADB TO PROVIDE EQUITY INVESTMENT OF 50 MILLION US

DOLLARS TO RENEW POWER
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 3 July 2014 announced to provide 50 million US dollars
of equity investment into an Indian company, ReNew Power Ventures Private Limited.
The investment will help the companys growing pipeline of wind power projects which are at
various stages of development across India with a total capacity of 1000 megawatts (MW).

GOOGLE LAUNCHED PROJECT ANDROID ONE TO BUILD ULTRA

CHEAP SMARTPHONES
Google on 25 June 2014 launched Project Android One to build ultra cheap Smartphone at
Google I/O 2014 in San Francisco. Google I/O is Google's annual developer conference.

45

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

HSBC BANK SOLD ITS SWISS PRIVATE BANKING ASSETS TO LGT

BANK FOR 12.5 BILLION DOLLAR
Global giant HSBC Bank on 24 June 2014 sold its Swiss private banking assets worth 12.5 billion
dollars to Liechtensteins LGT Bank. Under the transaction, LGT Bank will acquire over 10 billion
Swiss francs in Assets under Management and around 70 staff.

INDIAN PATENT OFFICE REFUSED TO GRANT PATENT ON ANTICANCER DRUG ABRAXANE OF US FIRM
The Indian Patent Office on 23 June 2014 refused to grant a patent on anti-cancer drug
Abraxane of US firm Abraxis BioSciences.
The application was refused on the grounds that US firm's claims lacked inventive step, not
being patentable and insufficient.

GMR WON ARBITRATION

GOVERNMENT

AWARD

AGAINST

MALDIVIAN

GMR, the Indian infrastructure giant on 19 June 2014 won the arbitration award against
Maldivian government for wrongful termination of Airport project contract.

NITA AMBANI BECAME FIRST WOMAN DIRECTOR ON RELIANCE

BOARD
Nita Ambani on 18 June 2014 was appointed as the Director of Reliance Industries. With this
appointment she became the first woman to be appointed on the board of the RIL.

N.S.RAGHAVAN, CO-FOUNDER
PALADION NETWORKS

OF

INFOSYS,

ACQUIRED

Nadathur Sarangapani Raghavan, co-founder of Infosys on 17 June 2014 acquired Paladion

Networks. Paladion Networks is a Bangalore-based information security services company.
N S Raghavan acquired the controlling stake through his 1 billion US dollar family office
Nadathur Holdings.

46

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

DLF BECAME FIRST REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER TO RECEIVE ISO

QUALITY CERTIFICATION
DLF Home Developers Ltd on 16 June 2014 became the first real estate developer in the
country to receive ISO Quality Certification. The ISO Quality Certification was given by British
Standard Institute (BSI).
BSI is an organization whose standards inspire excellence across the globe in multiple sectors
like aerospace, construction, energy, engineering, finance, healthcare, IT and retail.

BHEL COMMISSIONED 68 MW UNIT AT RAMPUR HYDRO

ELECTRIC PROJECT IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) on 13 June 2014 commissioned 68 MW Unit at the
Rampur Hydro Electric Project in Himachal Pradesh.

GOOGLE PURCHASED SATELLITE FIRM SKYBOX IMAGING FOR

500 MILLION US DOLLAR
Google on 10 June 2014 confirmed the purchase of Satellite Firm Skybox Imaging for 500 million
US dollar.

SUNIL DUTT
INFOCOMM

APPOINTED

AS

PRESIDENT

OF

RELIANCE

Sunil Dutt was appointed as President of Reliance Jio Infocomm on 10 June 2014. At the time of
appointment, he was working as an independent consultant and has an experience of 30 years
in Technology Industry.

EU LIFTED BAN IMPOSED ON DRUG EXPORTS FROM RANBAXYS

TOANSA PLANT
The European health regulator on 5 June 2014 lifted suspension imposed on export of drugs
produced at the Ranbaxys Toansa plant in Punjab in India. The imposed ban was lifted by
terming that the medicines produced at the site dont pose any threat to public health despite
having number of manufacturing deficiencies.

47

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

CAPL BECAME INDIAS FIRST NABL ACCREDITED AQUACULTURE

PATHOLOGY LAB
The Central Aquaculture Pathology Laboratory (CAPL) of Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture
(RGCA) on 30 May 2014 became Indias first aquaculture pathology laboratory to be accredited
by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).

RBI TIGHTENED ACQUISITION & MERGER RULES FOR NONBANKING FINANCIAL COMPANIES
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI,) tightened merger rules for non-bank finance companies
(NBFCs) to ensure fit and proper character of the management of NBFC.
The RBI on 26 May 2014 notified the Non-Banking Financial Companies (Approval of Acquisition
or Transfer of Control) Directions, 2014. The directions will come into force with immediate
effect.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES INCREASED BY 15.5 BILLION US

DOLLAR IN 2014: RBI
Foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 15.5 billion in the financial year ended March
2014. This was revealed by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data on the sources of variation in
foreign exchange reserves during 2013-14 released on 26 May 2014.

SINGAPORE BECAME THE TOP SOURCE OF FDI INTO INDIA

REPLACING MAURITIUS: DIPP
Singapore became the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India. Singapore
replaced Mauritius to become the number one source of FDI. This was revealed by the FDI data
for March 2014 of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) under the Union
Ministry of Commerce Industry and Textiles.
Top ten countries investing in India
1. Singapore
2. Mauritius
3. United Kingdom
4. Netherlands
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

5. Japan
6. Germany
7. U.S.A
8. Cyprus
9. Switzerland
10. France

RBI DIRECTED ALL BANKS TO INSTALL DISABLED FRIENDLY NEW

ATMS
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 21 May 2014 directed all banks to install disabled friendly new
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). All the new ATMs that are to be installed after 1 July 2014
needs to provide audible instructions and Braille keypads to customers.

BHARATIYA MAHILA BANK INCLUDED IN SECOND SCHEDULE OF

RBI ACT, 1934
Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) was included in the second schedule of the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) Act, 1934. The inclusion of the BMB in the second schedule was announced by RBI in a
notification issued in Mumbai on 21 May 2014.
With the inclusion of BMB, total number of scheduled commercial banks in India now stands at
90. As on 2 May 2014, there were 89 Scheduled commercial banks in India. The inclusion of
BMB in the second schedule of the RBI Act, 1934 means that now it will be eligible for loans
from RBI on bank rate and also acquired membership of clearing houses.
Chairman and Managing Director - Usha Ananthasubramanian

PLASTIC CURRENCY
RAGHURAM RANJAN

NOTES

TO BE

LAUNCHED IN 2015:

Raghuram Rajan, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 15 May 2014 announced
that plastic currency notes will be launched in 2015 after field trials. He said it after the Central
Board of Directors of the RBI Meet in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
Earlier in February 2013, Union Government had informed Parliament that it will introduce one
billion plastic currency notes in five cities in later half of 2014 on a pilot basis. The five selected
cities for pilot testing are Shimla, Kochi, Mysore, Jaipur, and Bhubaneswar.
49

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

INDIA TO BECOME THE THIRD LARGEST OIL CONSUMER BY

2025: US EIA
India will become the worlds third largest oil consumer by 2025 according to the US Energy
Information Administration (EIA). The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its
annual Energy Outlook on 7 May 2014.
Indian companies are not permitted to raise External Commercial Borrowings: RBI
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 9 May 2014 barred Indian companies from raising the External
Commercial Borrowings (ECB) from overseas branches and subsidiaries of Indian banks for
refinance or repayment of the Rupee loans raised from domestic banking system. The
notification of the central bank for changes in the ECB policy comes into force with immediate
effect.

RBI ALLOWED BANK BRANCHES ABROAD TO SELL STRUCTURED

PRODUCTS
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 12 May 2014 notified that foreign branches or subsidiaries of
Indian banks are allowed to offer structured financial and derivative products that are not
specifically permitted by it in the domestic market.
These activities are permitted only at the established financial centers outside India like New
York, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Dubai and others.

RBI ALLOWED THE MINORS OF AGE ABOVE 10 YEARS TO OPEN

SAVINGS BANK ACCOUNTS
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 6 May 2014 issued the guidelines to allow the minors of age
above 10 years to independently open and operate savings bank accounts and use other
facilities like ATM and cheque books.

DEADLINE ENDED FOR NON-CTS CHEQUES

The deadline for switching to new format bank cheques under the Cheque Truncation System
(CTS) ended on 30 April 2014. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) started the process of migration
to CTS cheques in New Delhi and Chennai from 24 September 2011.

50

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

DGCA ALLOWED PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING

CELLPHONES DURING FLIGHTS
The Directorate General Civil Aviation (DGCA) on 23 April 2014 decided to allow the use of
Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) including cellphones during flights. DGCA amended CAR
Section 5 Series X Part I relating to air safety.
PEDs can now be used freely on flight mode, allowing passengers to play games, watch movies
or even catch up with work on their smart phones in all phases of a flight.

RBI ISSUED UNIFORM ACCOUNTING NORMS FOR

RECONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

ASSET

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 23 April 2014 issued uniform accounting standards for Asset
Reconstruction Companies (ARCs). The norms were issued with regard to acquiring nonperforming loans, recognising revenue and management fees to ensure common treatment for
firms.
RBI issued guidelines on uniform accounting standard for ARCs are as under

RBI WILL DECIDE NPA GUIDELINES RULES: GUJARAT HIGH

COURT
The High Court of Gujarat on 2 April 2014 restored the power of the Reserve Bank of India to
decide the period after which the bad loan can be called as a non-performing asset (NPA). The
bench of the High Court of Chief Justice Bhaskar Bhattachrya and Justice J B Pardiwala said that
the Section 2(1)(o) of Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of
Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act is held unconstitutional.

IFFCO GOT PERMISSION FROM

GOVERNMENT TO SET UP UREA PLANT

QUEBEC

PROVINCIAL

Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co-operative Ltd (IFFCO), India's leading fertiliser cooperative, got
permission from the Quebec Provincial Government to set up a 1.6 billion US dollar Urea plant.
Quebec province, Canada's largest, is located in the east-central region of the country.
A decision in this regard was taken on 26 March 2014 by the cabinet of the Quebec Provincial
Government and was notified in the official gazette of Quebec on 19 April 2014.
51

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

UNION GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO CONTINUE EXPORT SUBSIDY

OF 3300 RUPEES PER TONNE ON RAW SUGAR EXPORT
Union Government of India on 20 April 2014 decided to continue the export subsidy of 3300
rupees per tonne on raw sugar shipments for April - May 2014 period.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in February 2014 had approved an
incentive for export of four million tonnes of raw sugar for two years. The incentive would help
the cash starved industry to pay arrears to sugarcane farmers.

SEBI ISSUED DETAILED CORPORATE GOVERNANCE NORMS

Capital market regulator of India, the Security and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 17 April
2014 issued detailed corporate governance norms for listed companies. The norms have been
launched for stricter disclosures and protection of investor rights, including equitable treatment
for minority and foreign shareholders.
SEBI has amended clauses 35B and 49 of the listing agreement and the new rules will be
effective from 1 October 2014.

CAG EMPOWERED TO AUDIT PRIVATE TELECOM COMPANIES: SC

Supreme Court (SC) of India on 17 April 2014 said that the national auditor, the Comptroller and
Auditor General (CAG) is empowered to audit the revenues of private telecom companies.
The judgement was given by the SC bench of Justice K S Radhakrishnan and Justice Vikramjit
Sen. The bench upheld the January 2014 decision of the Delhi High Court which ruled that CAG
within the meaning of the law is empowered to conduct revenue audits of private telecom
firms.

SECURITIES OF 7 FIRMS TO BE MOVED FROM RESTRICTED TO

NORMAL TRADING CATEGORY: SEBI
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the market watchdog on 15 April 2014 said that
stock exchange may consider shifting securities of seven companies to normal trading category
from restricted segment.
The seven companies that could be shifted includes

52

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Panorama Capital Market

Noble Polymers
Adarsh Mercantile
Panafic Industrials
Classic Global Finance and Capital
Appu Marketing and Manufacturing
Jackson Investments

WORLD TRADE TO GROW BY 4.7 PERCENT IN 2014: WTO

World Trade Organisation (WTO) on 14 April 2014 projected that the world trade will grow by
4.7 percent in 2014. It also projected that the growth in 2015 will slightly be faster at 5.3
percent, which is 20 year average growth rate.

WB PROJECTED ECONOMIC GROWTH RATE OF 5.7% FOR INDIA

IN 2014-15 FISCAL
The World Bank on 9 April 2014 projected that the economic growth rate of India for the fiscal
year 2014-2015 will be 5.7 percent. In its forecast the World Bank said that the growth would
be backed on the more competitive exchange rate and many large investments going forward.

INDIA RANKED 102 OUT OF 132 COUNTRIES ON SOCIAL

PROGRESS INDEX
India was ranked 102 out of 132 countries on the Social Progress Index (SPI) published by the
US-based non-profit organisation Social Progress Imperative on 3 April 2014. This is the second
publication of the SPI. The first SPI was published in 2013 taking into account the social
progress in 50 countries.

RESERVE BANK OF INDIA ADOPTED CPI AS NEW MEASURE OF

INFLATION
The Reserve Bank of India on 1 April 2014 adopted the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as the key
measure of Inflation. It was adopted in the first bi-monthly monetary policy statement for
2014-15.
It was adopted on the basis of recommendations of Urjit R Patel Committee report on Revising
and Strengthening the Monetary Policy Framework.
53

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

RBI approved banking licences to IDFC Ltd and Bandhan financial services
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 2 April 2014 granted in-principle approvals to IDFC Ltd and
Bandhan Financial Services Pvt. Ltd to start new banks in India. These approvals have been
granted under the guidelines on licensing of new banks in the private sector. The two have
been granted the permission to set-up banks from a field of 25 aspirants.

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK 2014 RELEASED

Asian Development Outlook 2014 was released on 1 April 2014 by the Asian Development
Bank. According to the ADB Outlook 2014, developing Asia is expected to extend its steady
growth from 6.1 percent in 2013 to 6.2 percent in 2014 and 6.4 percent in 2015.

RBI CAPPED WMA LIMIT FOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AT 35000

CRORE RUPEES FOR 2015 FIRST HALF
RBI in consultation with Union Government on 1 April 2014 capped the Ways and Means
Advances (WMA) limits for the first half of the new financial year 2014-15 (April 2014-Sep 2014)
at 35000 crore rupees.
This notification of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is aimed at triggering fresh flotation of market
loans when the government utilises 75 percent of the WMA limit. The second half of the limit
would be fixed in September 2014.

REPO RATE KEPT UNCHANGED BY RBI IN FIRST BI-MONTHLY

MONETARY POLICY STATEMENT 2014-15
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its first Bi-monthly Monetary Policy statement 2014-15
announced on 1 April 2014, has kept the policy repo rate unchanged at 8.0%.

UNION MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS NOTIFIED RULES FOR

TEN MORE CHAPTERS IN THE NEW COMPANY ACT
Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs notified rules for ten more chapters in the new Companies
Act, 2013. The new Companies Act, 2013 that was passed by the Parliament in August 2013
came into effect on 1 April 2014. The new companies act includes 29 chapters, 7 Schedules and
470 Sections.

54

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

INDIA GDP RISES TO 5.5 PERCENT IN 2014-15: ASIAN

DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK 2014
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of India was forecasted to rise to 5.5 percent in 2014-15. This
was revealed by the Asian Development Outlook 2014. The report was released on 1 April 2014 by the Asian Development Bank.

PRESIDENT CLEARED
ORDINANCE 2013

THE

RE-PROMULGATION

OF

SEBI

President Pranab Mukherjee on 30 March 2014 cleared the re-promulgation of the SEBI
Ordinance Securities Laws (Amendment) Bill 2013. The ordinance aims to give powers to
Securities and Exchanges Board of India (SEBI) to act against Ponzi scheme.
The Ordinance empowers the SEBI to order search and seizure and crack down on Ponzi
schemes and to demand information such as phone calls data records for aiding its securities
transactions investigations

BHEL SIGNED CONTRACT OF 125CRORE RUPEES OF HYDRO

POWER IN UTTARAKHAND
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) signed a contract of 125 crore rupees from Uttarakhand
Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited on 31 March 2014. The contract is for setting up a 120 MW Hydro
Electric Project in Uttarakhand on 31 March 2014.
BHEL has increased its manufacturing capacity to 20000 MW per annum. The hydro power
project, Vyasi Project is a run-of-the-river scheme on the Yamuna.

RBI EXTENDED THE TIMELINE FOR FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF

BASEL III NORMS BY 2019
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) extended the timeline for full implementation of the Basel III
capital regulations by a year. Now the banks are required to comply with the Basel III norms by
31 March 2019 instead of 31 March 2018.

55

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SEBI TO RELEASE FATCA COMPLIANCE NORMS IN THE FISCAL

YEAR 2014-15
SEBI announced on 25 March 2014 to release the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA)
compliance norms in the fiscal year 2014-15. The FATCA compliance norms will help combat
possible tax evasion by Americans through Indian entities.
FATCA is a law that aims to check and impose withholding tax on illicit activities of some
wealthy individuals who use offshore accounts to evade millions of dollars in taxes.

EPFO ANNOUNCED TO PROVIDE UNIVERSAL ACCOUNT NUMBER

FROM OCTOBER 2014
Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on 24 March 2014 announced to provide
Universal Account Number (UAN) to its five crore subscribers from 1 October 2014.
Permanent or Universal Account Number (UAN) will facilitate subscribers to avoid filing
Provident Fund (PF) account transfer claims on changing jobs. After getting UAN, a subscriber
would not be issued new PF account number on joining new employer.

BANK OF INDIA LAUNCHED INSTANT MONEY TRANSFER SCHEME

Bank of India (BoI) on 24 March 2014 launched Instant Money Transfer (IMT) scheme in
Mumbai. IMT scheme allows customers to withdraw cash without using either debt card or
credit card at BoI's IMT-enabled ATMs. This is the first-of-its-kind initiative launched by a public
sector bank.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DIVESTED ITS 9 PERCENT STAKE IN

AXIS BANK
The Government of India divested its 9 percent stake in Axis Bank on 21 March 2014. The
divestment resulted into generation of 5500 crore rupees.
Through a trust fund called Specified Undertaking of the Unit Trust of India (SUUTI),
Government of India disposed 42.26 million shares or 9 percent of Axis Banks share capital.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

FDI INFLOW GREW IN JANUARY 2014 BY 1.5 PERCENT: DIPP

The foreign direct investment (FDI) grew in January 2014 by 1.5 per cent to 2.18 billion US
dollar compared to 2.15 billion US dollar in January 2013. This was revealed by the data on FDI
released by department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP) on 20 March 2014.
However, during April 2013 to January 2014 FDI inflow declined by 2 per cent to 18.74 billion
US dollar from 19.10 billion US dollar.

RBI HIKED TRADE RELATED REMITTANCE FROM 2 TO 5 LAKH

RUPEES PER TRANSACTION
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 13 March 2014 hiked the trade related remittance limit from 2
lakh rupees to 5 lakh rupees per transaction with immediate effect. It also increased the
number of transaction handled by exchange houses.

IOC SOLD 10% GOVERNMENT STAKE TO OIL AND ONGC

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) sold 10 percent of government stake (for 5340 crore rupees) to the
Oil India Limited (OIL) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) on 14 March 2014. Earlier,
government shareholding in IOC was 78.92% which has now reduced to 68.92 percent.

UNION FINANCE MINISTRY AND SEBI FINALIZED THE NORMS

FOR SETTING UP CPSE-ETF
Union Finance Ministry and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 11 March 2014
jointly finalized the norms of investment for setting up Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) Exchange Traded Fund (ETF). The Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) headed by Finance
Minister P. Chidambaram had approved floating the CPSE ETF.

INDIAS EXPORTS CONTRACTED 3.67 PERCENT TO 25.7 BILLION

DOLLAR IN FEBRUARY 2014
Indias exports have contracted by 3.67 percent in February 2014 to 25.7 billion dollars
(159858.16 crore rupees). This contraction is the first in past eight months. Imports of the
country also have fell by 17.09 percent to 33.8 billion dollars (210451.11 crore rupees) during
the month. This fall in imports and exports has resulted in narrowing the trade deficit to a divemonth low of 8.1 billion dollars.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

UNION GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TO BUILD 200 LOW COST

AIRPORTS
Union Government on 10 March 2014 announced to build 200 low cost airports in the next 20
years. The move is aimed at expanding connectivity to Tier-II and Tier-III cities. The
development of low-frills airports will significantly reduce the cost of operations.
The announcement is expected to trigger a sharp increase in the aircraft fleet and the MRO
(maintenance, repair and overhaul) business. India is expected to add 370 aircraft worth 27
billion US dollar by 2017.

CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT DECLINED TO 0.9 PERCENT OF GDP

IN QUARTER 3 OF 2013-14
Current Account Deficit (CAD) declined to 0.9 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in
Quarter 3 (October - December) of 2013-14.
This was revealed by the Report on Developments in Indias Balance of Payments released by
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 5 March 2014. Also, as per the report CAD reached to its lowest
in the past eight years.

INTEREST RATE ON POST OFFICE FIXED DEPOSITS HIKED BY

0.2%
Government of India on 4 March 2014 hiked the interest rates on fixed deposit scheme that is
offered by post offices by up to 0.2 percent. The new interest rates on the small savings
schemes will come into effect from 1 April 2014.

WORKDAYS FOR TRIBALS UNDER MNREGA RAISED FROM 100

TO 150
Union Government of India on 28 February 2014 raised the number of workdays under
MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005) from 100 days to
150 days. This hike in the workdays will benefit 14 lakh families in India and the decision Union
Cabinet will come into effect from April 2014.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

RBI ISSUED GUIDELINES TO DEAL WITH DISTRESSED ASSETS

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued guidelines for revitalising distressed assets on 26
February 2014. The guidelines suggested the forming of Joint Lenders Forum (JLF) and adoption
of Corrective Action Plan (CAP) for operationalising the framework.

NABARD FORMED JOINT LIABILITY GROUP TO FINANCE SMALL

FARMERS
Rural development agency National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
announced to form a new concept called Joint Liability Group (JLG) on 24 February 2014.
JLG aimed to provide institutional credit to small farmers like share croppers, oral lessees and
agricultural labourers.
JLG scheme will be highly beneficial for states like Punjab and Haryana where average land
holdings are shrinking and strength of such farmers is large in these states.
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of NABARD is H K Bhanwala.

UNION CABINET APPROVED COAL REGULATORY AUTHORITY

The Union Cabinet approved the setting up of Coal Regulatory Authority (CRA) on 20 February
2014. The proposal for setting up CRA was made by the Union Coal Ministry.
The regulator is a non-statutory entity. Its orders will be advisory and not mandatory in nature.
It will be empowered to specify the principles and methodology to determine the price of raw
and washed coal and any other by-product generated during washing.

IMF PROJECTED 5.4 PERCENT ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR INDIA

IN 2014-15
International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 20 February 2014 released its annual report on the state
of the Indian economy and projected that Indias economic growth for 2014-15 will be 5.4
percent. In its release it said that India has restored macroeconomic and financial stability but
structural impediments to growth and persistently high inflation is the major areas of concern.
It has also suggested India to strengthen its inflation management policies and do away with
supply bottlenecks for better GDP.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

India Economic Growth projected to be 4.5 percent by IMF

Indias Economy to grow by 4.9 percent in 2013-14: CSO
India ranked lowest in International Intellectual Property Index
Economic growth for 2012-13 lowered to 4.5 percent from 5 percent estimated earlier

SECOND AE PUT FOODGRAIN PRODUCTION AT 263.2 MT IN

2013-14
Union Agriculture Ministry released the Second advance estimates of Crop Production on 14
February 2014. As per the estimate, Foodgrain production is likely to touch a record of 263.2
million tonnes in 2013-14, as against the benchmark high of 259 million tonnes achieved in
2011-12. This would be the highest foodgrain production ever achieved in the country.
The estimated foodgrain production of 263.2 for 2013-14 million tonnes is higher than the
foodgrain production of 257.13 million tonnes in 2012-13. This is 6 million tonnes higher than
the production in 2012-13.

SEBI APPROVED THE NEW CORPORATE GOVERNANCE NORMS

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) board approved the new corporate governance
norms in a meeting held in New Delhi on 13 February 2014. The new corporate governance
norms would become applicable for all listed companies with effect from 1 October 2014.
The new corporate governance norms issued are in line with the global practices and in
accordance with the Companies Act, 2013.

INDIAS ECONOMY TO GROW BY 4.9 PERCENT IN 2013-14: CSO

Central Statistics Office (CSO) in its release on 8 February 2014 estimated that India's economic
growth in the current (2013-14) fiscal will be 4.9 percent as compared to the growth rate of 4.5
percent in 2012-13. In its release, CSO said that the growth rate in the manufacturing and
mining sectors will continue to remain a cause of concern.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

NABARD UNDER RIDF HAS SANCTIONED LOANS WORTH OVER

19100 CRORE RUPEES
Chairman of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), H K Bhanwala on
9 February 2014 said that the organisation has sanctioned loans worth over 19100 crore rupees
under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to states for agriculture and allied
activities. The loans were sanctioned till last week, which was a part of 20000 crore rupees
allocated to it for 2013-14 in the Budget.

RBI RELEASED DRAFT REPORT ON ENABLING PKI IN PAYMENT

SYSTEM APPLICATIONS
A draft technical report on making payment system effective was released by Reserve Bank of
India on 7 February 2014. RBI in its report of the Technical Committee on Enabling Public Key
Infrastructure (PKI) in Payment System Applications said that the objective of an effective
payment system is to ensure a safe, secure, efficient, robust and sound payment system in the
country.

ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR 2012-13 LOWERED TO 4.5 PERCENT

FROM 5 PERCENT ESTIMATED EARLIER
The Union Government of India on 31 January 2014 announced that economy might have
expanded by 4.5 percent in fiscal year 2012-13 when compared to the previous estimate of 5
percent in account of subdued performance in agriculture, mining and manufacturing.
However, as per the estimates of National Income, Consumption Expenditure, Saving and
Capital Formation, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2011-12 has been revised
upwards to 6.7 percent from 6.2 percent. Growth in 2012-13 is the lowest of the decade with
previous low of 4 percent that was recorded in 2002-03.

EGOM APPROVED SUC OF 5 PERCENT OF ANNUAL GROSS

REVENUE ON ALL NEW AIRWAVES
The Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on 27 January 2014 approved a Spectrum Usage
Charge (SUC) of 5 percent of the annual gross revenue on all new airwaves acquired in auction.

61

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

RBI RAISED REPO RATE BY 25 BASIS POINTS TO 8 PERCENT

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the Repo rate under Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) by 25
basis points from 7.75 percent to 8 percent. Besides, it kept the cash reserve ratio (CRR) of
scheduled banks unchanged at 4 percent of net demand and time liability (NDTL). The decision
to raise the repo rate and keep the CRR unchanged was announced by the RBI in its Third
Quarter Monetary Policy Review on 28 January 2014.

RBI ISSUED NEW GUIDELINES FOR LOAN RESTRUCTURING IN

NBFCS
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued guidelines for loans restructured by non-banking finance
companies (NBFCs) on 23 January 2014. The new guidelines are intended to create a levelplaying field between NBFCs and other commercial banks.
The guidelines issued on loan restructuring for NBFCs were based upon the recommendations
of Mahapatra Committee. Mahapatra Committee headed by B Mahapatra, Executive Director
at RBI, was appointed by the RBI in October 2013.

FINANCE MINISTRY NOD

MONTHLY PENSION PLAN

FOR

1000

RUPEES

MINIMUM

Union Finance Ministry on 23 January 2014 approved a proposal to provide minimum monthly
pension of 1000 rupees to workers of organised sector, under the Employees Pension Scheme
1995 (EPS-95). The proposal will be in effect from 1 April 2014 and will benefit around 27 lakh
pensioners. The government will provide an additional contribution of over 1200 crore rupees
to ensure minimum monthly pension.

CURRENCY NOTES ISSUED BEFORE 2005 TO BE WITHDRAWN:

RBI
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to withdraw all currency notes issued prior to 2005
from circulation on 21 January 2014.
From 1 April 2014, Banks will provide exchange facility to the general public for exchanging the
pre-2005 issued bank notes. The notes issued before 2005 do not have the year of printing on
the reverse side.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

INDIAN ECONOMY TO GROW BY 6 PERCENT: CRISIL

Ratings and Research firm CRISIL released its Indian Economic Forecast for 2014-15 on 21
January 2014.
The CRISIL projected that Indian economy will grow at 6 percent in 2014-15, which is
significantly higher than the 4.8 percent CRISIL has forecast for financial year 2013-14.

RBI APPOINTED A COMMITTEE TO REVIEW GOVERNANCE OF

BOARDS OF BANKS IN INDIA
Reserve Bank of India on 20 January 2014 constituted an Expert Committee to Review
Governance of Boards in India. The expert committee will be chaired by PJ Nayak, the former
Chairman and CEO of Axis Bank and includes other eight members namely S. Raman,
Shubhalakshmi Panse, Pratip Kar, Joydeep Sengupta, Harsh Vardhan, Somasekhar Sundaresan,
J. Sagar and Krishnamurthy Subramanian.

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS SIGNED MOUS

WITH FICCI
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) signed MoUs with FICCI on 17 January 2014.
MoUs were signed to collaborate in the areas of Corporate Social Responsibility Competition
Law, Corporate Laws, Corporate Governance, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development of
the industry and the economy.

SUNANDA PUSHKAR, WIFE OF UNION MINISTER SHASHI

THAROOR FOUND DEAD IN A DELHI HOTEL
Sunanda Pushkar, the wife of the Union Minister Sashi Tharoor on 17 January 2014 was found
dead in a luxury Leela Palace hotel room in Delhi. Her body was found by Tharoor after his
return from the AICC meet.

IIFCL SIGNED MOU WITH EXIM BANK OF KOREA

India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL) on 17 January 2014 signed an agreement with
the Export-Import Bank of Korea (K-EXIM) for infrastructure finance. As per the IIFCs statement

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

the signed MoU covers cooperation in project and investment financing related to
infrastructure as well as other finance areas of mutual interest.

EGOM APPROVED THE SALE OF 10% STAKE IN IOC TO ONGC

AND OIL
Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) headed by Union Minister of Finance P Chidambram
approved on 16 January 2014, the sale of 10 percent government stake in Indian Oil
Corporation (IOC) to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Limited (OIL).

RBI INCLUDED HONG KONG AND MACAU IN THE SENSITIVE LIST

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) included Hong Kong and Macau in the sensitive list of countries
along with Pakistan and China on 15 January 2014. Macau and Hong Kong are two Special
Administrative Regions controlled by China.

WHOLESALE INFLATION DECLINED TO FIVE-MONTH LOW OF

6.16 PERCENT IN DECEMBER 2013
The Wholesale inflation declined to a five-month low of 6.16 percent in the month of December
2013. This was revealed by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) data released by the Office of
Economic Adviser, Union Ministry of Commerce, on 14 January 2014.

COAL INDIA LTD DECLARED DIVIDEND OF 290 PERCENT FOR

2013-14
Coal India Ltd (CIL) board declared a dividend of 290 percent to its shareholders for the financial
year 2013-14 on 14 January 2014. The declared dividend of 290 percent effectively translates
into a payout of 18317 crore rupees at 29 rupees per share.

SUDAN OFFERED TWO OIL AND GAS BLOCKS TO ONGC AT

PETROTECH 2014
Oil-rich Sudan offered two oil and gas blocks to ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) on the sidelines of
Petrotech 2014 on 14 January 2014. The offer by Sudan will help India strengthen its energy ties
with the African nations.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

CONSUMER RETAIL INFLATION DECLINED TO 9.87 PERCENT IN

DECEMBER 2013
Consumer Retail Inflation came down in December 2013 to 9.87percent as against 11.16
percent in November 2013.The data related to consumer inflation was released by the Central
Statistics Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on13 January 2014.

NABARD REDUCED REFINANCE RATE FOR BANKS

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) on 11 January 2014 reduced
the refinance rates for the banks and other lending agencies by 0.20 percent. This has been
done with an aim to promote rural credit and rural infrastructure. The new rates will be in
effect from 7 January 2014.
The revised rate of interest on refinance will be for a period of five years for commercial, state
cooperative, regional rural and primary urban cooperative banks will be 9.70 percent, which
has been decreased from 9.90 percent.

INDIAN ECONOMY GDP GROWTH RATE TO BE REVISED FOR

2011The GDP growth rate of Indian economy for 2011-12 will be revised from 6.2 to about 7
percent. This was done to correct a miscalculation due to faulty data produced earlier. Earlier
data underestimated industrial output by about 7 percentage points.

BANK OF JAPAN AND RBI CONCLUDED AN AGREEMENT TO

RAISE BSA TO 50 BILLION DOLLAR
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 11 January 2014 agreed to
expand the maximum amount of the Bilateral Swap Agreement (BSA) to 50 billion dollars
between the two countries. The agreement was signed by Raghuram Rajan, the Governor of RBI
and Haruhiko Kurodo, the Governor of BOJ. The agreement came into force from the day of the
signing of the agreement.

SEBI NOTIFIED STRICTER SETTLEMENT SYSTEM FOR SERIOUS

OFFENCES
SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) on 9 January 2014 launched (Settlement of
Administrative and Civil Proceedings) Regulations, 2014 that provides guiding factors for
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

dealing with settlement processes. As per the new notifications the serious offences such as
illegal money pooling, insider trading and fraudulent trades are excluded from the scope of
settlement.

SEBI BARRED CASH TRANSACTIONS IN COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT

SCHEMES TO CHECK LAUNDERING
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 9 January 2014 made it compulsory for all
investments into Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) funds to be made through banking
channels and not in cash. SEBI has raised the step to prevent money laundering activities
through such scheme. The norms came into effect from 9 January 2014.

INDIA'S TRADE DEFICIT NARROWED TO 10.1 BILLION DOLLAR IN

DECEMBER 2013
The export of India has grown 3.49 percent to 26.3 billion dollars and the imports dipped 15.25
percent to 36.4 billion dollar in December 2013. SR Rao, the Commerce Secretary informed that
the export growth slowed because of the drop in petroleum exports.

GOVERNMENT
FORMULA

NOTIFIED

NEW

NATURAL

GAS

PRICING

The Government of India on 10 January 2014 notified the new natural gas pricing formulae,
which will be in effect from 1 April 2014. As per the newly issued notification, the rate of all
domestically produced fuel will be almost doubled to 8.2 to 8.4 dollar per unit

RBI RELAXED GOLD LOAN NORMS TO LEND UP TO 75 PERCENT

LOAN
The Reserve Bank of India on 8 January 2014 allowed the Non-Banking Financial Companies
(NBFCs) to lend up to 75 percent of the value of gold. With this order of the central bank, the
people seeking loan against gold can now borrow more. Earlier, the limitation of loan on gold
was 60 percent.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

CHINA TO BE BECOME A PARTNER IN THE PROPOSED NIMZ IN

ANDHRA PRADESH
China decided to be one of the partners in the proposed National Investment and
Manufacturing Zones (NIMZ) in Andhra Pradesh on 6 January 2014. Chittor, Medak and
Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh will be the centre of the NIMZ.

RESERVE BANK OF INDIA SELECTED CCIL AS LEGAL ENTITY

IDENTIFIER
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) selected the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL) for issuing
globally compatible legal entity identifiers (LEIs) on 6 January 2014. CCIL will act as a local
operating unit for issuing globally compatible legal entity identifiers (LEIs )in India.

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS DECLINED BY 11.5 PERCENT IN 2013

Merger & Acquisitions (M & A) in the India economy declined by 11.5% in the year 2013. This
was revealed by the data compiled by Thomson Reuters on 3 January 2014.

PRICE OF THE NON-SUBSIDIZED LPG HIKED BY 220 RUPEES PER

CYLINDER
The price of non-subsidized LPG was hiked on 1 January 2014 by 220 rupees per cylinder. The
LPG cylinder of 14.2 kg that a consumer buys beyond entitled nine cylinders at subsidized rates
will have to pay 1241 rupees per cylinder now in Delhi. A subsidized, 14.2-kg cylinder of LPG
costs Rs 414 in Delhi.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Banking, Money & Finance

RBI CLOSED SIX UCBS SUSPECTED OF MONEY LAUNDERING
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 14 September 2014 closed down six Urban Cooperative
Banks (UCBs). These UCBs were suspected of being used to route illegal money, but RBI did not
disclose the names of these six UCBs.
Besides, the RBI also asked the state governments to take stringent action against the erring
UCBs.

SBI CELEBRATED 150 YEARS OF ITS OPERATIONS IN SRI LANKA

State Bank of India (SBI) on 13 September 2014 celebrated 150 years of its operations in Sri
Lanka.
SBI Managing Director Krishna Kumar reaffirmed the bank's commitment to partner in Sri
Lankas efforts in developing its economy.

ICICI LAUNCHED CARDLESS CASH WITHDRAWAL SERVICE

ICICI (Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India) launched a Cardless Cash
Withdrawal service on 10 September 2014. The service allows its customers to transfer money
from their account to anyone in India with a mobile number. The recipient can withdraw
without a debit card or even a bank account.

UNITED BANK OF INDIA DECLARED VIJAY MALLYA AS WILFUL

DEFAULTER
United Bank of India on 1 September 2014 declared debt-ridden Kingfisher Airlines and its
owner Vijay Mallya as wilful defaulters. Three Kingfisher Airlines Ltd directors A.K. Ganguly,
Subhash Gupte and Ravi Nedungadi were also declared as wilful defaulters.

ICICI BANK BECAME THE FIRST BANK IN INDIA TO LAUNCH EMI

FACILITY ON DEBIT CARD
Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI) Bank on 19 August 2014 launched
EMI (equated monthly installments) facility on debit cards.
With this, ICICI bank became the first bank in India to provide such facility on debit card. This
was so far available only for credit cardholders.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

RBI PENALISED 12 BANKS IN DECCAN CHRONICLE HOLDINGS

CASE
The Reserve Bank of India on 25 July 2014 penalised 12 banks in Deccan Chronicle Holdings
Limited case. The penalty imposed on these banks was of order 1.5 crore rupees.
These 12 banks are Andhra Bank; Axis Bank; Canara Bank; Corporation Bank; HDFC Bank; ICICI
Bank; IDBI Bank; IndusInd Bank; Kotak Mahindra Bank; Ratnakar Bank; State Bank of
Hyderabad; Yes Bank

RBI RELEASED DRAFT GUIDELINES

PAYMENTS BANKS AND SMALL BANKS

FOR

LICENSING

OF

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 17 July 2014 issued draft guidelines for licensing of payments
banks and small banks. Both these banks will be created with a common objective of furthering
financial inclusion by adding value through adapting technological solutions to lowers costs.

RBI ISSUED DRAFTED GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF

BHARAT BILL PAYMENT SYSTEM
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 7 August 2014 issued draft guidelines for implementation of
Bharat Bill Payment System (BPPS), an anytime anywhere bill payment system. The proposed
guidelines describe the basic requirements of operating the BBPS.

NABARD AND SFAC SIGNED A MOU FOR DEVELOPMENT OF

SMALL FARM PRODUCERS
National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and Small Farmers Agribusiness
Consortium (SFAC) on 4 July 2014 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the
development of Small Farm Producers.

UDHAMPUR-KATRA RAIL LINE INAUGURATED BY THE PRIME

MINISTER
Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, on 4 July 2014 dedicated 25 km-long KatraUdhampur railway line of Jammu to the nation. He was on his first visit to the State after
becoming the Prime Minister.
He inaugurated the first train from Katra railway station and named it as Shree Shakti Express.
This train will facilitate pilgrims to visit Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

INDIAN RAILWAYS SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCTED TEST RUN OF

DELHI-AGRA SEMI-HIGH SPEED TRAIN
Indian Railways on 3 July 2014 successfully conducted a trial run of a semi-high-speed train to
make travel faster between Delhi and Agra. This train is equipped with an electronic locomotive
of WAP 5400 horse power from the Ghaziabad Loco Shed. It is the countrys fastest train.

UNION GOVERNMENT UPGRADED NIC-1987 TO NIC-2008 TO

MAKE IT MORE INVESTOR FRIENDLY
Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry on 27 June 2014 upgraded the National Industrial
Classification -1987 (NIC-1987) to National Industrial Classification-2008 (NIC-2008).

UNION GOVERNMENT
DEFENCE ITEMS

DELICENSED

MANUFACTURING

OF

Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry on 26 June 2014 delicensed manufacturing of

defence items. Almost 55 percent of the defence items have been removed from the
compulsory licensing list.

UNION GOVERNMENT GRANTED NAVRATNA STATUS TO EIL

AND NBCC
The Union Government on 24 June 2014 granted Navratna status to Engineers India Ltd (EIL)
and National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC).

UNCTAD RELEASED WORLD INVESTMENT REPORT 2014

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on 24 June 2014 released its
World Investment Report 2014.
The Report reveals an encouraging trend: after a decline in 2012, global foreign direct
investment flows rose by 9 per cent in 2013, with growth expected to continue in the years to
come.

WORLD BANK RELEASED A REPORT ON POWER SECTOR

REFORMS IN INDIA
World Bank on 24 June 2014 released a report on power sector reforms in India. The report
titled More Power to India: The Challenge of Distribution was released in New Delhi.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

RBI PERMITTED NBFCS-ND TO WORK AS BCS FOR BANKS

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 24 June 2014 permitted the non-deposit taking Non-Banking
Finance Companies (NBFCs-ND) to act as Business Correspondents (BCs) for commercial banks.
This was done with an aim of spread financial inclusion.

RBI DIRECTED BANKS AND FIS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO

SIT
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 23 June 2014 directed all banks and financial institutions to
provide information and documents to the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

UNION GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO PROVIDE INTEREST FREE

LOANS OF 4400 CRORE TO CASH-STARVED SUGAR
Union Government of India on 23 June 2014 decided to provide additional interest-free loan of
up to 4400 crore rupees to sugar mills. The decision is aimed at enabling the cash-starved
industry to pay their huge arrears to the farmers of sugarcane.

SWITZERLAND PREPARED LIST OF INDIANS WITH SUSPECTED

BLACK MONEY IN ITS BANKS
Switzerland in third week of June 2014 prepared a list of Indians suspected to have stashed untaxed wealth in various Swiss banks. This can be considered as a major boost to Indias fight
against black money.

RAILWAY PASSENGER FARES INCREASED BY 14.2 PERCENT AND

FREIGHT CHARGES BY 6.5 PERCENT
Indian Railways on 20 June 2014 increased the passenger fare by 14.2 percent in all classes and
freight charges by 6.5 percent. The revised rates will be effective from 25 June 2014.

RBI ASKED BANKS TO DISCLOSE SECTOR-WISE ADVANCES IN

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Reserve Bank of India on 18 June 2014 asked banks to disclose sector-wise advances in the
Notes to Accounts to the financial statements from financial year 2014-15 onwards.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SEBI ISSUED NEW NORMS FOR PUBLIC ISSUANCE OF DEBT

SECURITIES
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 17 June 2014 issued new norms for public
issuance of debt securities. The new norms were issued with a view to tighten the norms
governing the public issue of debt securities.

UNION MSME MINISTRY LAUNCHED

FACILITATION CENTRE FOR SMES

ONLINE

FINANCE

Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Kalraj Mishra on 16 June
2014 launched Online Finance Facilitation Centre (OFFC) for Small and Medium Enterprises
(SMEs). OFFC is an initiative of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The Centre was
launched with an objective to facilitate access to finance and credit for SMEs.

WORLD BANK LOWERED GROWTH FORECAST FOR DEVELOPING

WORLD TO 4.8 PERCENT
The World Bank on 11 June 2014 released Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report and revised
down the economic growth forecast for developing world in 2014 to 4.8 percent from 5.3
percent estimated in January 2014. It also highlighted that the growth in 2015 and 2016 at 5.4
and 5.5 percent, respectively.

NABARD REDUCED
INVESTMENT CREDIT

RATES

OF

REFINANCE

TO

BOOST

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) on 9 June 2014 reduced
the rate of interest by 20 basis points (bps) on long-term refinance facility to banks with an
objective to promote farm sector investments. The decision was taken in response of growing
demand by farmers and banks and the rates are applicable from 6 June 2014.

IICA SIGNED MOU WITH GRANT THORNTON TO IMPLEMENT CSR

RULES OF COMPANIES ACT 2013
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and Grant Thornton India LLP on 3 June 2014
signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Delhi. The MoU was signed to develop
capacity of the Indian companies for effective implementation of the CSR (Corporate Social
Responsibility) Rules laid in Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The MoU was signed by Bhaskar Chatterjee, DG & CEO of IICA and Vikesh Harish Mehta, partner
of Grant Thornton Indian LLP.

INDIA BECAME THE SECOND LARGEST EXPORTER OF TEXTILES IN

THE WORLD: UN COMTRADE
India became the second largest exporter of textiles in the world. This was revealed by the
recent data released by UN Comtrade in Global Textiles as well as Apparel Exports.

RBI ANNOUNCED SECOND BI-MONTHLY MONETARY POLICY

STATEMENT
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced second Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement on 3
June 2014. RBI in its second bi-monthly monetary policy statement has kept the policy rates
unchanged.

DGCA FOR THE FIRST TIME ISSUED STANDARDS OF SERVICES

DOCUMENT
Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) on 22 May 2014 for the first time issued the Standards of
Services Document. The document enlists services and transactions offered by it to the public,
operators and others.

UK BASED MARKS & SPENCER ANNOUNCED TO OPEN 100

STORES IN INDIA
UK based Marks & Spencer on 20 May 2014 announced that the company will open 100 stores
in India by 2016. Earlier it had planned to open 86 stores in India.
At present, Marks & Spencer (clothing retailer) operates 40 stores in India and it same-storesales grew 13 percent in the fiscal year 2013-14.

COMPETITION APPELLATE
RUPEES PENALTY ON DLF

TRIBUNAL UPHELD

630 CRORE

The Competition Appellate Tribunal (Compat) on 19 May 2014 upheld a penalty of 630 crore
rupees imposed on real estate firm DLF by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). DLF, as a
result, will have to pay the penalty of 630 crore rupees levied by the CCI along with 9 per cent
interest.
73

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SISTEMA SHYAM TELESERVICES LAUNCHED MESSAGING APP

MBUDDY FOR FEATURE PHONES
Sistema Shyam Teleservices in the second week of May 2014 launched a messaging app for
low-end CDMA devices called MBuddy. The company will charge 15 rupees per month for the
service for MBuddy that is capable of sending unlimited messages. MBUddy also can be used
for sharing pictures and audio files.

AMUL TO SET UP FIVE LAKH LITRES PER DAY CAPACITY DAIRY

PLANT IN VARANASI
Asia's biggest milk brand Amul on 14 May 2014 announced to set up a dairy processing plant in
Varanasi. The plant will initially process five lakh litres per day with the capacity to double the
production.
Palanpur based Banas Dairy will set up the plant with the investment of 200 crore rupees.

APPLE AND GOOGLE SETTLED SMARTPHONE PATENT WAR

Mobile phone industry giants Apple and Google on 16 May 2014 agreed to settle Smartphone
Patent war. Both the companies have agreed to work together in some areas of patent reform.

SUNDARAM BNP PARIBAS RECEIVED ISAE RECOGNITION

Sundaram BNP Paribas Fund Services in third week of May 2014 was awarded with
International Standards for Assurance Engagements (ISAE) Type II certification for maintaining
high quality operating model and having effective control systems.
With this Sundaram BNP Paribas became the only RTA (Registrar and Transfer Agent) of the
country to be awarded with the ISAE Type II certification.
Its assessment for ISAE Type I certificate was completed in 2013.

MTS ANNOUNCED TO PROVIDE FREE WI-FI IN GURGAON RAPID

METRO RAIL
MTS announced on 14 May 2014 that it will provide free Wi-Fi in Gurgaon Rapid Metro Rail for
six months. The service will be experienced by 30000 daily commuters.

74

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

CIPLA ANNOUNCED TO INVEST IN CHASE PHARMACEUTICALS TO

DEVELOP ALZHEIMER'S DRUG
Indian Pharma major Cipla Limited on 11 May 2014 announced to invest in US based Chase
Pharmaceuticals to develop Alzheimer's drug.
The investment of 21 million US dollar will be made through Cipla (EU) Limited, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Cipla. Cipla will acquire 14.6 percent stake in Chase Pharmaceuticals.

SEBI EXEMPTED ETIHAD FROM MAKING OPEN OFFER IN JET

DEAL
The market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 8 May 2014 exempted
Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways from making an open offer in the Jet deal. In its decision, the
market regulator termed that purchase of 24% stake of Jet Airways by Etihad Airways doesnt
amount to a change in ownership in Jet Airways.

INDIAS PUNJ LLYOND WON EXPRESSWAY PROJECT IN YEMEN

Indian construction major, Punj Llyod won a 211 million US dollar expressway project in Yemen
on 6 May 2014. The Ministry of Public Works and Highways of Yemen confirmed the
construction of a 42 km, 2*3 lane dual carriageway projects between Doraigh and Noubat
Dokaim. The project is funded by Saudi Development Fund.

KUWAIT RENEWED CRUDE SUPPLY CONTRACTS WITH BPCL

Kuwait on 7 May 2014 renewed the crude supply contracts with Indias Bharat Petroleum
Corporation Ltd (BPCL) worth up to 3.7 billion dollars a year.
In the process or renewal of the contract the State-owned Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC)
has signed one contract with the BPCL and another with its subsidiary Bharat Oman Refineries
Ltd (BORL).

AIR INDIA WILL JOIN STAR ALLIANCE IN JULY 2014

Air India announced on 1 May 2014 to join largest global airlines network Star Alliance in July
2014. Air India became the first airline from India to be part of a global chain of carriers.

75

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

MICROSOFT ACQUIRED NOKIA HANDSET BUSINESS

Microsoft, the US software giant on 25 April 2014 completed acquisition of Nokias mobile
handset business, excluding the Nokias Chennai factory from the over 7.2 billion US dollar deal
due to tax issues.

VIC GUNDOTRA HEAD OF GOOGLE+ RESIGNED

Vic Gundotra on 24 April 2014 resigned from the Internet Company Google. He was working as
a head of Google+. He was serving the company from 2007. Google Plus is a social network site
that was launched in 2011.

IRCON SIGNED MOU WITH TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

INDIA
Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Ircon International Limited (IRCON) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Transparency International India (TII) on 22 April 2014. It signed the
MoU for implementing Integrity Pact.

COGNIZANT ACQUIRED ITAAS, A US-BASED DIGITAL VIDEO

SOLUTIONS COMPANY
Cognizant, the IT services firm on 22 April 2014 announced that it has entered into a definitive
agreement with itaas to acquire it. Itaas is a US-based digital video solutions firm
headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

CADBURY INDIA CHANGED ITS NAME TO MONDELEZ INDIA

FOODS LIMITED
Cadbury India Limited on 22 April 2014 announced to change its name to Mondelez India Foods
Limited. Cadbury India Limited is a subsidiary of Mondelez International Inc.

GSK ANNOUNCED TO SLASH THE PRICE OF CROCIN ADVANCE BY

50 PERCENT
Drug maker GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) on 21 April 2014 announced to slash the price of the widelyused fever and pain-relief pill Crocin Advance by 50%.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The announcement was made after the National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority (NPPA)
rejected the application of GSK seeking an exemption from price control. NPAA is the drug
pricing regulator of the country.

TCS JOINED TOP 10 GLOBAL IT SERVICES COMPANIES CLUB: HFS

RESEARCH SURVEY
The largest IT services provider of India, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), on 21 April 2014
joined the league of top 10 global IT services companies. TCS moved from the 13th position in
2012 to the 10th spot in 2013. This was revealed by the HfS Research Survey on competitive
landscape for IT Services in 2013.
According to the Survey, IBM leads the list and is followed by Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard,
Accenture and NTT.
India-based companies Cognizant, Infosys, Wipro and HCL are at the 15th, 18th, 20th and 25th
positions, respectively, all of them rising by one to three spots compared to 2012.

77

2013 Rank

Services Provider

Marked Share (%)

IBM

8.6

Fujitsu

5.1

HP

4.6

Accenture

4.0

NTT

2.6

SAP

2.4

Oracle

2.1

Capgemini

2.1

CSC

2.0

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

10

TCS

1.7

15

Cognizant

1.2

18

Infosys

0.9

20

Wipro

0.7

25

HCL

0.6

HERO MOTOCORP FORMED

BANGLADESH

JV WITH NITOL NILLOY

OF

Hero MotoCorp on 21 April 2014 announced that it has entered Bangladesh in two wheeler
segment. Hero MotoCorp will enter the market of Bangladesh through a joint venture of 55:45
with Bangladeshs Nitol Niloy and will invest 40 million US dollar in the country in next five
years.

BMB SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH TRENDS TO PROMOTE

WOMEN ENTREPRENUERSHIP
Trends in Vogue on 19 April 2014 entered into an agreement with Bhartiya Mahila Bank (BMB)
to promote women entrepreneurship. Trends in Vogue is a CavinKare initiative that manages
hair saloons under Green Trends.
Under the agreement, Green Trends plans to have 500 salons nationally set up by women
entrepreneurs by the end of 2014-15. Green Trends has also introduced mobile and online
check- in service for customers

HDFC BANK SET WORLD RECORD FOR BLOOD COLLECTION IN A

SINGLE DAY
Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) Bank set World record for Blood collection
in a single day. The blood donation camp organised by HDFC Bank on 6 December 2013 was
recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The camp involved 61902 participants with 1115 blood donation camps held across 709
locations in the country. The camp has found a place in Guinness Book of Records as the largest
such drive on a single day.

PIRAMAL ENTERPRISES LTD DECIDED TO ACQUIRE 20 PERCENT

STAKE IN SHRIRAM CAPITAL
Piramal Enterprises Ltd decided on 17 April 2014 to acquire 20 percent stake in Shriram Capital
Ltd for 20.14 billion rupees. The new acquisition will make Piramal presence in financial services
sector and will create a long-term shareholder value-creation of partnership with Shriram
Capital.

UNION CABINET APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF NARENDRA

KOTHARI AS CHAIRMAN OF NMDC
Union Cabinet on 16 April 2014 approved the appointment of Narendra Kothari as full time
Chairman of the state-run miner National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC).
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
approved the appointment.

GOOGLE BOUGHT DRONE MAKER TITAN AEROSPACE TO

DELIVER INTERNET ACROSS THE GLOBE
Google on 14 April 2014 bought Titan Aerospace, a maker of high-altitude solar-powered
drones. It has acquired the drone making company to bring internet access to the remotest
parts of the world and also to solve problems related to it.
Some of the important Mergers and acquisition by Google in 2014
Green Throttle a Gadgets company on 12 March 2014
Spider.io an Anti ad-fraud firm on 21 February 2014
SlickLogin and internet Security Company on 16 February 2014
DeepMind Technologies an Artificial Intelligence company on 26 January 2014
Impermium an Internet security company on 15 January 2014

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SBI LAUNCHED FINANCING SCHEME FOR WOMEN FASHION

BOUTIQUE OWNERS
State Bank of India (SBI) on 15 April 2014 launched a financing scheme for women fashion
boutique owners. SBI is the largest lender of India. The scheme is known as Boutique Financing.

SBI LAUNCHED FINANCING SCHEME FOR WOMEN FASHION

BOUTIQUE OWNERS
State Bank of India (SBI) on 15 April 2014 launched a financing scheme for women fashion
boutique owners. SBI is the largest lender of India. The scheme is known as Boutique Financing.

LIC REDUCED ITS STAKE IN INFOSYS

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) reduced its stake in Infosys by 3.25% by selling its
shares worth 850 crore rupees. During the October-December quarter 2013, it held 3.71% stake
in Infosys. Domestic institutional investors also trimmed their exposure in Infosys from 15.35
percent to 13.66 percent in January-March, 2014. However, foreign institutional investors (FII)
increased their stake in Infosys to 42.10 per cent from 40.65 percent.

SBI LAUNCHED TWITTER HANDLE ACCOUNT

State Bank of India (SBI) on 11 April 2014 launched its Twitter handle account. SBI aims to
strengthen its social media presence with this launch.

USFDA APPROVED LUPIN TO SELL PIOGLITAZONE TABLETS IN

AMERICA
US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) on 10 April 2014 approved Lupin to sell generic
diabetes management drug Pioglitazone tablets in the American market. USFDAs approval has
been granted for the tablets in strengths of 15 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg. The company will shortly
commence marketing the product in US.

PIRAMAL SOLD ITS 11 PERCENT STAKE IN VODAFONE INDIA FOR

8900 CRORE RUPEES
Piramal Enterprises announced on 10 April 2014 to sold its equity stake to Vodafone India for
8900 crore rupees. The deal values Vodafone India at Rs 1960 per share.
80

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Equity stake comprised of 45425328 shares i.e. around 11%.

SUN
PHARMA
ANNOUNCED
TO
ACQUIRE
LABORATORIES FOR 3.2 BILLION DOLLARS

RANBAXY

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd on 7 April 2014 announced to acquire troubled Ranbaxy
Laboratories Ltd. Sun Pharma will acquire 100 percent of Ranbaxy in an all stock deal for 3.2
billion dollars.

USFDA BANNED IMPORTS FROM INDIAN PLANT OF APOTEX

PHARMA CO
The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) on 2 April 2014 banned imports from Apotex
Incs manufacturing plant in India because of not meeting the quality standards.

QATAR BASED DOHA BANK ANNOUNCED ITS FIRST BRANCH IN

MUMBAI
Qatar based Doha Bank announced on 3 April 2014 that it will be opening its first branch at
Nariman Point in Mumbai in India. The branch in Mumbai will be opened as a full-fledged bank
in May 2014.

AMAZON LAUNCHED SET-TOP BOX NAMED FIRE TV

Amazon launched an internet-connected TV set-top box or video streaming device called Fire
TV on 2 April 2014. It costs 99 dollars and it is used for gaming.

UNION MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION APPROVED THE TATA AND

SINGAPORE AIRLINES JV
Union Ministry of Civil Aviation on 2 April 2014 approved the Tata and Singapore Airlines (SIA)
joint venture. The Aviation Ministry also issued no-objection certificate (NOC) to the new airline
JV called Tata SIA Airlines Ltd.

CCI IMPOSED A FINE OF 1 CRORE RUPEES ON GOOGLE

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on 27 March 2014 imposed a fine of 1 crore rupees
on Google under Section 43 for its non cooperation.
81

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

It also directed Google to give its full cooperation during the pending investigation. Google had
refused to supply information and documents demanded by the Director General.

TATA TELESERVICES LAUNCHED WI-FI BUSINESS IN CHENNAI

Tata Teleservices limited (TTL) on 27 March 2014 launched new Wi-Fi business in Chennai. The
company plans to connect everything from India Incs employee buses to educational
institutions. Apart from the usual sectors like airport, hospitality and malls, the company plans
roping in sectors such as education and transit busses.

FACEBOOK TO ACQUIRE VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGY FIRM

OCULUS VR
Facebook on 26 March 2014 decided to acquire two year old virtual reality technology firm
Oculus VR for 2 billion dollar. As per the analyst, virtual reality technology could be a new way
for people to communicate, learn or be entertained.

IBM UNVEILED SMAC SOLUTIONS FOR TELECOM OPERATORS

IBM on 26 March 2014 unveiled Social, Mobile, Cloud and Analytics (SMAC) solutions for
telecom operators in India. SMAC solutions will enable telecom operators in India derive more
value from enhanced customer engagement.

GE HEALTHCARE AND CTSI ANNOUNCED TO SET UP 25 CANCER

DETECTION AND TREATMENT CENTRES IN INDIA
GE Healthcare and US-based Cancer Treatment Services International (CTSI) announced on 25
March 2014 to set up a chain of 25 cancer detection and treatment centres in India. The two
companies will be jointly investing 720 crore rupees over the next five years.
The partnership was a part of GEs 1 billion dollar commitment to Research and Development
to diagnose cancer. The main focus was to make detection and treatment of cancer timely,
affordable and easy to get treated anywhere in the world.

82

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

CEO OF MARICO SAUGATA GUPTA PROMOTED AS MANAGING

DIRECTOR
Saugata Gupta chief executive officer (CEO) of Marico on 25 March 2014 was promoted as
Managing Director (MD). Harsh Mariwala will step down from the post of MD and will remain
Chairman of the company.

TCPSL LAUNCHED WHITE LABEL AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES

Tata Communications Payment Solutions Ltd. (TCPSL) launched the white label Automated
Teller Machines (ATMs) network on 20 March 2014 under the brand name of Indicash. The first
Indicash ATM was inaugurated at Chandrapada in Thane district.

E-COMMERCE FIRM IBIBOGROUP ACQUIRED

BASED BUS TRACKING SERVICE YOURBUS

BANGALORE-

e-Commerce firm & online travel company ibiboGroup on 20 March 2014 announced to acquire
Bangalore-based startup YourBus.in to strengthen the offers in the bus travel space. The
companies did not disclose the value of the deal.

NTPC APPROVED 14366-CRORE RUPEES INVESTMENT FOR

JHARKHAND PLANT
NTPC on 15 March 2014 approved an investment of 14366.58 crore rupees for its Karanpura
thermal power project in Jharkhand. This investment has been planned after the company in
2013 was reallocated coal blocks in the state.

US LIFTED CONTRACT BAN ON BP

United States on 13 March 2014 lifted the ban on oil giant BP that prevented it from winning
new government contracts. This ban has been lifted following a commitment of the firm that it
will implement a set of safety and operations, ethics and compliance and corporate governance
requirements.

83

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SPICE JET AND BOEING SIGNED A DEAL WORTH 4.4 BILLION

DOLLAR
Spice Jet and Boeing Company signed a deal worth 4.4 billion dollar (26000 crore rupees) on 12
March 2014. The deal was signed at the inauguration of India Aviation 2014 in Hyderabad.

SBI LIFE TO APPEAL AGAINST THE ORDER OF IRDA TO REFUND

275 CRORE RUPEES
SBI Life Insurance Company on 12 March 2014 announced that it will appeal against the order
of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) to refund 275.29 crore rupees to
the policy holders of Dhanaraksha Plus Limited Premium Paying Term (LPPT).
IRDA on 12 March 2014 charged SBI Life of violation of various norms by mis-selling the policy
and payment of higher commission to agents. SBI Life has been asked to refund the amount
within six months (i.e. September 2014).

LOCAL ASSEMBLY OF S-CLASS STARTED BY MERCEDES IN INDIA

Mercedes Benz, the luxury car maker of Germany on 13 March 2014 announced that it had
commenced assembling the S-Class sedan in India at Chakan near Pune. This action has helped
the company to slash the price of the car by 18 lakh rupees and this reduction has been done to
enhance the position of the company in India.
The company will roll out locally produced top-end model S 500 from its Pune manufacturing
facility. Car rolled out from the Pune facility will be priced 1.39 crore rupees (ex-showroom,
Delhi)

TECH MAHINDRA AND ALSTOM TRANSPORT ANNOUNCED TO

SET UP A GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
Tech Mahindra in partnership with Alstom Transport announced a new global development
centre located in Bangalore on 12 March 2014.
The two companies signed a three-year partnership contract for the development of centre.
The global development centre will cover primarily engineering activities focused on concept to
prototype build.

84

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The centre will also focus on the growing need for efficient vertical integration capabilities from
engineering to manufacturing on rising stock interior field. It also enables both companies to
accelerate joint development of integrated engineering solutions that deliver unique value to
our customers.
The partnership will further increase the flexibility and competitiveness and also a further step
of our engineering ramp-up in India.

AIRBUS LAUNCHED SUBSIDIARY AIRBUS INDIA

The French company Airbus launched its wholly owned subsidiary in India called Airbus India on
11 March 2014. The move is aimed at restructuring the Airbus operations in India and
consolidate it to tap the growing Indian aviation market.
Recognising India as a strategic hub Airbus appointed Srinivasan Dwarakanath as Airbus India
CEO and Charles Champion as Chairman. Charles Champion is member of the Airbus Executive
Committee.
Airbus India will manage all the Airbus activities in India spread across several Indian cities.
With this view it will also set up customer centres in Delhi and Mumbai.
The Indian entity of Airbus will include strategy, customer services and procurement teams
under one organisation. Airbus also planned to set up a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul
(MRO) capability.
Airbus India is the fifth country subsidiary outside Europe for the Airbus. The Indian subsidiary
will build upon the success of the Airbus Engineering Centre India (AECI) in Bangalore.

TATA MOTORS TO SET UP ASSEMBLY UNITS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

AND AFRICA
Tata Motors on 10 March 2014 announced its plan to set up assembly units and sales offices in
Southeast Asia and Africa.
As per the plan, the company will sell commercial as well as passenger vehicles through its
recently formed subsidiary in Indonesia. The subsidiary will also help the company export to
other countries in Southeast Asia.
In Africa, the Tata Motors plan to set up assembly units in Nigeria and Kenya for its commercial
vehicles.

85

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The company already has a subsidiary in South Africa that had expanded its range in 2013. It
plans to increase the sale of passenger and light commercial vehicles nearly four-fold by 2018.
The company's announcement is seen by analyst as a move to overcome cyclicality in the Indian
subcontinent. Also its decision to expand comes at a time when the commercial vehicle sector
is in the grip of a prolonged slump. Total sales of commercial vehicles declined 25.53 per cent to
46757 units in 2013 from 62786 units in 2012.

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE ANNOUNCED ASHA KIRAN A HEALTH

INSURANCE COVER FOR GIRL CHILD
Public sector general insurer New India Assurance announced an exclusive health insurance
cover New India Asha Kiran for girl child on 7 March 2014. New India Assurance cut health
insurance rate for 50 per cent for the girl child.
The discount is restricted to the families with only girl child.
Besides being cheaper, the girl child policy also provides a personal accident cover for parents.
On occurrence of any accident to parent, the sum insured would be placed as a fixed deposit in
the names of the girl child.
The ASHA KIRAN policy has daily cash benefit on hospitalization, critical care benefit up to 10
per cent sum insured and emergency ambulance charges.
New India also announced health policies with added benefits for the women customer of
bank. General Insurance had its tie up with Bhartiya Mahila Bank.

TOM ALBANESE APPOINTED AS CEO OF VEDANTA RESOURCES

Tom Albanese is appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vedanta Resources on 6
March 2014. Tom will take over as the charges of CEO and join the Vedanta board with effect
from 1 April 2014.
He will also be appointed as CEO of Sesa Sterlite, main operating entity of Vedanta from 1 April
2014.
Tom will replace Mahendra Singh Mehta, the CEO for both Vedanta Resources and Sesa Sterlite
who is retiring on 31 March 2014.
Tom joined the Vedanta Group in September 2013 as Chairman of Vendanta Resources Holding
Ltd, the holding company of Sesa Sterlite and Konkola Copper Mines.
86

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Earlier Tom served as head of an Anglo-Australian company, Rio Tinto for six years and resigned
in January 2013.
Tom holds a Bachelor's degree in Mineral Economics and a Master's degree in Mining
Engineering from the University of Alaska.

MAHINDRA ENTERED BHUTAN WITH THE LAUNCH OF ELECTRIC

CAR E2O
Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd on 27 February 2014 launched electric car e2o in Thimphu, Bhutan.
The company has also signed an MoU with the Government of Bhutan for a strategic
partnership to promote the usage of electric vehicles in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
The e2o has is the future ready all electric zero emission urban mobility solution and its launch
in the country is a part of the commitment of the company with Bhutan to partner with its
vision to create a sustainable, clean and green society.
As per the signed MoU, Mahindra will establish infrastructure including set-up of a service
stations for swappable batteries for the customers of the car.
The e2o Mahindra will be available in three variants
Base model it will be priced for at 6.99 Ngultrum ex-showrooms Bhutan
7.99 Ngultrum (ex-showroom Bhutan) for the premium variant
8.39 Ngultrum (ex-showroom Bhutan) for the premium variant with Quick2Charge

VENOM GT, WORLDS FASTEST CAR RECORDED 435 KILOMETER

PER HOUR
Engineers of US firm Hennessey have developed the worlds fastest car Venom GT with a top
speed of a speed of 435 kilometers per hour. The firm set a new record for the fastest car in the
world during a test run at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on 25 February 2014 by beating
the previous best record of 431 kilometer per hour set by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.
Venom GT has been stretched of
Lotus Exige with 7 liter
927 kW twin-turbo V8 that is wedged between its axles

87

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

During the test run, the driver Brain Smith broke the record and stopped on 5.1 kilometer
stretch of tarmac rather than using a high-speed oval to give the car a running start.
Although, Venom GT has broken the record of fastest car of Bugatti but the place in the
Guinness book of records will be retained by Bugatti only. The record of Venom will not be
entered into the record book because Hennessey has verified the speed independently and the
car can only be driven on the NASA landing strip.
To replace the record of Bugatti the book requires cars that run in two directions to account for
variables including gradients and wind direction.

LINKEDIN ANNOUNCED TO LAUNCH CHINESE VERSION

LinkedIn announced to launch of Chinese version of its site on 25 February 2014. The Chinese
language website will be a beta or test version of the site.
China will give a license to the company but the company will have to locate its servers in China
and allow the local government to control content in the manner it does with Chinese social
media sites.
LinkedIn seeing a potential market of 140 professionals for its Chinese language version
accepted Chinas condition on censoring content.
LinkedIn already has more than 4 million users in China who use its English language website,
but the company has signaled that it is interested in making a broader expansion in the country.
China has the world's largest online community with more than 618 million users. However,
Great Firewall of China Government blocks any online forums or content deemed to be
sensitive. For instance, China had barred access to Facebook and Twitter for several years.
Even China's Supreme Court ruled in October 2013 that Internet users could face three years in
jail if slanderous information spread online was viewed more than 5000 times or forwarded
more than 500 times.

MAHILA BANK SIGNED THREE HEALTH INSURANCE PACTS WITH

NEW INDIA
Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) signed Pact with New India Assurance Company on 21 February
2014. The pact aims to deliver three unique innovative health insurance policies for women
account holders of the bank. The policies named as BMB-Sakhee, BMB-Nirbhaya and BMBParivar Suraksha.

88

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The policies will provide customised health insurance package for women. This was the first
launch of women centric insurance policies.
The policies are:
The BMB-Sakhee aimed at rural women and those in the unorganised sector. It will offer
a cover up to 50000 rupees a year.
The Nirbhaya scheme aimed particularly for working women. It offer cover limit up to 5
lakh rupees. It will include insurance for accidental situations unique to women.
The BMB-Parivar Suraksha aimed to cover the family of the woman account holder of
the bank.
All the three policies cover all women whether in the unorganised sector with no maternity
benefits, or working and even their families.
All the three products would be available soon on the portals of the branches of the bank and
mobile applications as part of the women empowerment process.

FACEBOOK ACQUIRED WHATSAPP FOR 19 BILLION DOLLAR

Social media giant Facebook Inc acquired WhatsApp for 19 billion dollars in a cash and stock
deal on 19 February 2014. Whatsapp is a mobile messaging company.
Under the Agreement
WhatsApp co-founder and CEO Jan Koum will join Facebook Board of Directors.
Also, the acquisition will not impact the WhatsApp's brand, which will be maintained
and the company's headquarters will remain in California's Mountain View.
WhatsApp's core messaging product and Facebook's existing messenger app will
continue to operate as standalone applications.
The acquisition price included 4 billion dollars in cash, about 12 billion dollars worth of
Facebook shares and 3 billion dollars in restricted stock units to be granted to WhatsApp's
founders and employees.
The deal would give WhatsApp the flexibility to grow and expand and noted that users of the
service will not experience any change in usage.
About WhatsApp
WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange
messages without having to pay for SMS.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Jan Koum co-founded WhatsApp with Brian Acton in 2009, both former Yahoo executives.

PRODUCTION OF MARUTI 800 STOPPED BY MARUTI SUZUKI

INDIA
Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) on 7 February 2014 announced that it has stopped the
production of the iconic car brand Maruti 800 that had been carrier for millions of middle class
Indian families. The company in its announcement claimed the production was the car was
stopped in 18 January 2014.
Executive Director of MSIL, CV Raman in the announcement said that the spare parts of the car
will be available in the market for next 8 to 10 years as per the rules, even after the production
was stopped.
The sale of the car was stopped in 13-cities in April 2010 including Bangalore, Hyderabad,
Kanpur and Pune. It was launched in India in early 1980s and the time of its launch it was priced
50000 rupees only and at the time of closure of production it was priced at 2.35 lakh rupees.

GOOGLE AGREED TO NEGOTIATE WITH EU OVER ANTI-TRUST

CASE
Google Inc agreed to negotiate with European Union (EU) over Anti-trust case on 5 February
2014. The agreement was announced by the Federal Trade commission of the US.
Under a tentative deal with European Commission regulators, Google agreed to tweak the way
it presents search results in Europe. The deal reached will help address concerns in EU that
Google is abusing its dominance in online search to favour its own services at the expense of
rivals. However, Google would not pay a fine under the agreement.
Google used a strategy of accommodation to resolve a potential anti-trust lawsuit in the U.S.
Google agreed to bring small changes to its search practices to avoid formal charges by the
Federal Trade Commission in 2013.
Google faced the allegation that when users search for products, Google features results from
Google Shopping and relegates products featured on rival sites lower, where they may not be
seen.
Under the deal, Google agreed to reserve space near the top of its European search pages for
competitors to serve specialized search results for things like hotel rooms alongside Google
services that do the same thing.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SIX PSUS SIGNED MOU TO SET UP WORLDS LARGEST SOLAR

POWER PROJECT
Six Public Sector Units (PSUs) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 29
January 2014 to set up the Worlds largest 4000 MW ultra solar power project in Rajasthan.
The joint venture company will develop the project with equity participation of
Name of PSU
BHEL

Percent of participation
26

SECI (Solar Energy Corporation 23

of India)
SSL (Sambhar Salt Ltd)
16
Power Grid
16
SJVNL (Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam) 16
REIL (Rajasthan Electronics & 3
Instruments Ltd)
The project will be the largest single location solar plant spread across 19000 acres at Sambhar
in Rajasthan. The project will be developed in two phases in 7 to 8 years.
In the first phase of the project 1000 MW will be made operational within three years and the
remaining 3000 MW will be covered in the next subsequent phases. The First phase will require
an investment of 7500 crore rupees. The department of heavy industry will set up a Special
Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the investment.
The equipment will be supplied by BHEL
Power evacuation infrastructure will be put up by PGICL
Sale of electricity will be done by SECI
Operation and maintenance by REIL and
Project management by SJVNL
The solar photo-voltaic power plant will use PV modules based on crystalline silicon technology.
The plant life is estimated to be 25 years and is expected to supply 6400 million units of energy
per year. The plant will help to reduce CO2 emissions by over 4 million tonnes per year.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

GOOGLE PURCHASED DEEPMIND TECHNOLOGIES OF UK

Google purchased the British start-up DeepMind Technologies an artificial intelligence
company on 27 January 2014. The American tech giant Google confirmed the deal in its
London office. This deal represents Googles biggest ever single acquisition in Europe.
The acquisition of DeepMind would prove to be helpful for Google in further developing its
most recent Hummingbird search update. The Hummingbird search update was created to
make Google more human and searches which can now understand context like a human brain.

SAMSUNG AND GOOGLE SIGNED GLOBAL PATENT AGREEMENT

Google Inc and Samsung Electronics Co signed an agreement to cross-licence their global
patents. This agreement was signed to reduce the risk of costly legal disputes over intellectual
property on 26 January 2014. This agreement would also foster greater collaboration between
the two technique giants.
As per Samsung, the Seoul-based company the deal between the two giants also covers the
patents to be filed over the next 10 years as well as existing patents. The deal does not cover
every patents held by both the companies. Samsung and Google work closely as Googles
Android mobile operating system is used by Samsung.

SBI LAUNCH YOUTUBE CHANNEL

State Bank of India launched its channel on Youtube on 24 January 2014. SBI aim to
strengthened its social media presence with this launch.
YouTube is a popular video sharing website. YouTube is a platform that will enable SBI to
connect with their customers.
The YouTube channel will initially have information about the bank's products and services and
its legacy to begin with and will gradually include philanthropic initiatives. The You Tube
channel will help the bank to connect with the young and technologically savvy customers.
Soon SBI will be launching its micro blogging site on Twitter.
About State Bank of India (SBI)
SBI is one of the oldest financial institutions in the country with an over 200 years of history. It
is the largest lender bank of India. SBI controls around a fourth of the deposits in the country. It
has over 15,000 branches and over 43,000 ATMs.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Its current Chairman is Arundhatti Bhattacharya. She is the first woman to head the 206 year
old State Bank of India.

AIRASIA AIMED TO START INDIA OPERATIONS BY APRIL

Tony Fernandes, the chief of the Malaysian carrier AirAsia on 22 January 2014 announced that
its India operations will start from April 2014. The decision came during Fernandes India visit to
attend the World Economic Forums (WEFs) annual meeting.
AirAsia has set up a joint venture with Tata and Mittu Chandilya is the CEO of the Indian
venture of AirAsia. The stakeholders also include Telstra Tradeplace.
Earleir, AirAsia India got a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Civil Aviation Ministry on 20
September 2013 to start its airline operations in the country. The permission was given after
AirAsia applied to the aviation regulator for a permit. As per the decision, it has planned to
operate fleet of Airbus A320-200 aircraft to start with 4 to 5 planes, which will be expanded to
ten within 12 months.

GOOGLE ACQUIRED CYBER SECURITY FIRM IMPERMIUM FOR 9

MILLION DOLLAR
Google acquired Bengaluru based Impermium for 9 million dollar on 20 January 2014. The
acquisition will help Google improve its abuse monitoring efforts and make internet a safer
place.
Bengaluru based Impermium is a three year old startup. The startup focused on building
security products for websites.
Impermium was founded by two Indians, Vish Ramarao and Naveen Jamal and American Mark
Risher. Mark Risher is the CEO of the company.
Prior to Impermium, all three co-founders were in Yahoo Mail, where they dealt with problems
of spam, web security and fraudulent account creation.
Impermium has 300000 clients, including Tumblr, Pinterest, CNN, ESPN, Typepad and
Washington Post.
The company had built a number of services that worked as a risk-determination system, which
could help identify when an account had been compromised.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Earlier, Facebook had acquired Bangalore based Little eye Labs. Acquisitions of India-based
startups by the likes of Google and Facebook are expected to provide a big boost to the startup
ecosystem.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS DEMONSTRATED FLIGHT WITH BIOFUEL MIX

Ethihad Airways on 19 January 2014 flew a Boeing 777 plane on a 45-minutes demonstration
flight that was powered in part by biofuel. The biofuel was developed in collaboration with a
French firm Total. With this exercise, UAE has turned among the countries that have produced
and flown on their own aviation biofuel. The biofuel driven flights emits about 50 percent less
carbon dioxide that the fossil fuel over its lifecycle.
The initiative to support a sustainable aviation biofuled industry in United Arab Emirates, the
Abu-Dhabi based carrier teamed up with Total, US-manufacturer Boeing local refiner Takreer
and Masdar research institute.
The biofuel amounted to 10 percent of the fuel in the demonstration flight was also used in the
past in similar flight during the Paris airshow. Total partially converted the biofuel from plants
which was refined into a jet fuel by government-owned Takreer (a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.).
At present, a sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium is being hosted by Masdar Institute in
Abu Dhabi, of which Boeing and Etihad Airways are among the founding partners. The team is
researching and developing salt-tolerant plants that will act as the raw material for refining
processes, which will be used in production of renewable fuel for the flights of Etihad Airways.
The initiative focuses on research and development as well as investments in feedstock
production and refining capability in UAE and across the world.

RBI ALLOWED FOREIGN INVESTORS TO INVEST IN SOUTH

INDIAN BANK
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed the foreign investors to buy the shares of South
Indian Bank. The permission has been given as the foreign shareholding in the bank has gone
below the prescribed limit that is stipulated under the extant FDI policy.
RBI said that the FIIs (Foreign Institutional Investors), PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) and NRIs
(Non-Resident Indians) have been allowed to make investments in the primary as well as
secondary markets in India through the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS). It also said that the
South Indian Banks equity can also be purchased through primary market and stock
exchanges.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The ceilings on FII, NRI and PIO investments are monitored by RBI in Indian companies on a
daily basis. The foreign investment ceiling limits that has fixed by RBI for effective monitoring is
two percent points lower than the actual ceilings.
About South Indian Bank
South Indian Bank is one of the earliest launched banks of South India. It came into being during
the Swadeshi Movement that happened in 1905 and continued till 1911. It was created with
the aim for service oriented repository of savings of the community on one hand and to free
the business community from the clutches of money lenders on the other by providing need
based credit at reasonable rates of interest.
South Indian Bank is among the private banks in Kerala to become a scheduled bank in
1946 under the RBI Act
It is the first bank in the private sector in India to open a Currency Chest on behalf of the
RBI in April 1992
It is the first private sector bank to open a NRI branch in November 1992
It is the first bank in the private sector to start an Industrial Finance Branch in March
1993

FACEBOOK ACQUIRED LITTLE EYE LABS FOR 90 CRORE RUPEES

Facebook acquired Bengaluru-based Little Eye Labs for 90 crore rupees on 7 January 2014. It
has become the first Indian and the third Asian company to be acquired by Facebook. Facebook
is the world's largest social networking site.
Little Eye Labs was founded in May 2012 by Giridhar Murthy, Kumar Rangarajan, Satyam
Kandula, and Lakshman Kakkirala.
Kumar Rangarajan is the current CEO of Little Eye Labs.
Little Eye Labs, a company that develops a tool to helps Android app developers to measure,
analyse and optimise Facebook apps.

TCS TO SET UP WORLD'S LARGEST CORPORATE LEARNING

CENTRE IN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
Country's largest software services firm Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) decided to set up the
world's largest corporate learning and development centre in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

corporate learning centre will have a total capacity to train 50,000 professionals every year. The
foundation stone for the corporate learning centre was laid by the Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh on 4 January 2014. The learning facility will be built over area of 6.1 million square feet
and will have the capacity to train 15,000 professionals at one time and 50,000 professionals
annually. The learning centre is located on a 97-acre property in the Technopark area of the
city. The campus will also have residential accommodation for professionals and faculty at the
centre. The project will provide direct employment to over 2000 skilled and unskilled local
people for a period of 4 years. An integral part of the project will be the skill development
programmes run by TCS to upgrade the skills of local youth and facilitate opportunities to work
in the construction project, through contractors. If you have any Question/Point on the above
information, please ask/discuss it in the Current Affairs Group.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

National
UNION I&B MINISTRY LAUNCHED NEWS SMS SERVICE IN 5
INDIAN LANGUAGES
Union Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry on 19 September 2014 launched free news
SMS service of All India Radio (AIR) in five Indian languages. These five languages are Hindi,
Marathi, Sanskrit, Dogri and Nepali.
The SMS service is aimed at providing important news to the subscribers in their preferred
language on their mobile phones.

UNION CABINET APPROVED THE LAUNCHING OF NATIONAL

AYUSH MISSION
The Union Cabinet on 15 September 2014 approved the launching of National AYUSH Mission
(NAM). The word AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and
Homoeopathy.
NAM is aimed at addressing the gaps in health services particularly in vulnerable and far-off
areas.

UNION GOVERNMENT
VIDYALAYA CAMPAIGN

ANNOUNCED

TO

FUND

SWACHH

Union Human Resource Development Ministry on 11 September 2014 announced to fund

Swachh Vidyalaya campaign.
Funding of the campaign will be through Swachh Bharat Kosh that the Union Government has
announced to set up to fund the Swachh Bharat Campaign.

SC RULED 3 PERCENT QUOTA FOR DISABLED PERSONS IN ALL

GOVERNMENT JOBS
The Supreme Court on 12 September 2014 ruled 3 percent quota for disabled persons in all
government jobs.
A bench headed by Chief Justice R M Lodha said that the disabled people have not got their due
in the last 19 years. Despite the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Rights and Full Participation) Act was passed in 1995. The bench also comprised Justices Kurian
Joseph and Rohinton F Nariman.

SC ASKED UNION GOVERNMENT TO RESPOND ON DELHI

GOVERNMENT FORMATION BY OCTOBER 10
Supreme Court on 10 September 2014 asked the Union government to respond on the process
undertaken by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung on Delhi government formation by 10 October 2014.
Setting a new time line the Supreme Court said that lack of clarity over the government
formation will lead to alleged horse-trading.

PMO CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE TO FACILITATE UTILIZATION OF

MINERAL RESOURCES IN MEGHALAYA
Prime Ministers Office on 11 September 2014 constituted a six-member committee to facilitate
systemic, scientific and planned utilisation of mineral resources in Meghalaya to prevent
environmental degradation.
The Committee will be chaired by the cabinet secretary and other members are Home
secretary, Coal ministry secretary, Mines secretary and Meghalaya chief secretary.

UNION GOVERNMENT MANDATED SCIENTISTS TO UNDERTAKE

LECTURES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS & COLLEGES
Union Government mandated the scientists to formally take classes in schools and colleges in
an academic year. It was announced by the Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra
Singh on 8 September 2014.
Scientists working in different central agencies including the Council for Scientific and Industrial
Research (CSIR) will undertake 12 hours of lecture classes in an academic year in public-funded
schools and colleges across the country.

UNION GOVERNMENT APPROVED 28 ROAD PROJECTS IN

LADAKH REGION IN J & K
Union Government on 10 September 2014 approved 28 rural road projects worth 438 crores
rupees for building roads in Leh and Kargil districts of Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir. It
was announced by Union Minister for Rural Development, Sanitation, Drinking Water &
Panchayat Raj, Nitin Gadkari.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

UNION HEALTH MINISTER LAUNCHED FIRST NATIONAL ANTI-TB

DRUG RESISTANCE SURVEY OF INDIA
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan on 6 September 2014 launched
the first anti-Tuberculosis Drug Resistance Survey of India for the year 2014-15.
This is the first of its kind of survey in India and is supported by the World Health Organization
(WHO).

UNION CIVIL AVIATION

AIRPORT IN FIVE CITIES

MINISTRY

LAUNCHED

NO-FRILLS

Union Civil Aviation Minister Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju on 9 September 2014 announced
that the Union Government has identified five locations for development of no-frills airports in
India. The selected locations where the no-frills airports will be developed are Tezu in
Arunachal Pradesh, Kishangarh in Rajasthan, Jharsuguda in Odisha, Hubli and Belgaum in
Karnataka.

UNION GOVERNMENT EXTENDED DEADLINE FOR EMPLOYEES TO

FILE DETAILS OF ASSETS
Union Government on 8 September 2014 extended the deadline for Central Government
employees to file the details of their assets and liabilities till 31 December 2014. The previous
date for filing the details was 15 September 2014.

UNION GOVERNMENT APPROVED TASK FORCE TO MONITOR

CITIZENSHIP, LONG TERM VISAS
Union Home Ministry on 5 September 2014 approved setting up of a task force to monitor and
expedite the processing of citizenship and Long Term Visa (LTV) applications. The task force will
be headed by a Joint Secretary level officer and will start its operation in next two weeks.

SC UPHELD UTTAR PRADESH GOVERNMENT DECISION TO USE

URDU AS SECOND OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Supreme Court on 4 September 2014 upheld the Uttar Pradesh government decision to use
Urdu as second official language in the State.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The judgement was given by a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India, R
M Lodha. The other judges were Justices Dipak Misra, Madan B. Lokur, Kurien Joseph and S.A.
Bobde.

SC ASKED UNION GOVERNMENT TO CLARIFY ITS STAND ON

CITIZENSHIP OF SURROGATE CHILDREN
The Supreme Court of India on 4 September 2014 asked the Union Government to clarify its
stand on granting dual citizenship of children who are born in India via an Indian surrogate
mother, while the biological mother of children is a foreign national.

UNION MHA APPROVED FOREST LAND DIVERSION TO FIGHT

MAOISTS
Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on 2 September 2014 approved diversion of forest land
to fight Maoists. The forest land under the Forest Conservation (FC) Act of 1980 will be diverted
to construct all categories of public roads.

CONGRESS PARTY SECURED CHAIRMANSHIP OF FIVE DRSCS OF

THE PARLIAMENT
In a major boost to Indian National Congress party, five of its members secured the
chairmanship of Department Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) of the Parliament.

UNION HEALTH MINISTRY LAUNCHED REVISED STRATEGY TO

ERADICATE KALA AZAR BY 2015 IN PATNA
Union Health Ministry launched the revised strategy to eradicate Kala azar from India by 2015
on 2 September 2014.
The new strategy has been developed by a core group comprising experts and officials of the
Health Ministry. The roadmap document focused on efforts at the national, state, district and
sub-district levels.

J & K LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PASSED A RESOLUTION URGING

UNION TO RESUME INDO-PAK TALKS
Jammu & Kashmir legislative council on 28 August 2014 passed a resolution urging Union to
resume Indo-Pak talks. The resolution called upon the Centre to ensure prevention of cross100

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

border firing besides peace and stability in the subcontinent and Jammu & Kashmir in
particular.

UNION GOVERNMENT LAUNCHED DOT BHARAT DOMAIN

Union Government on 27 August 2014 launched a new domain, Dot Bharat (.) in
Devanagari script in New Delhi. Initially the domain will cover eight languages like Hindi, Bodo,
Dogri, Konkani, Maithili, Marathi, Nepali and Sindhi. The included languages are from the list
of 22 languages that has been included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India.

UNION FINANCE MINISTRY ORDERED THE FORENSIC AUDIT OF

UCO BANK
The Union Finance Ministry ordered limited forensic audit of Kolkata-based UCO Bank. The
motive behind this audit is to find out irregularities in some non-performing accounts during
sanction of loans. Some complaints were filed with regards to some accounts that have turned
non-performing.

SC PUT ON HOLD THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS 1983

JUDGEMENT TILL 2024
Supreme Court on 26 August 2014 put on hold the implementation of its 1983 Judgement till
2024. The judgement was made by the Bench of the judges of Supreme Court comprising Chief
Justice of India (CJI) R.M.Lodha, Justices Kurian Joseph and R F Nariman.
SC bench thought it prudent to again defer implementation of the judgment by another 10
years. The reason behind this is the bench of SC does not want to provide the spark to a
religious conflagration that has been tamed by time, at least for the last decade.

PRESIDENT APPOINTED GOVERNORS

KARNATAKA, MAHARASHTRA AND GOA

FOR

RAJASTHAN,

President Pranab Mukherjee on 26 August 2014 appointed Governors for four states. These
States are Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa. The four Governors were appointed in
accordance with the Article 155 of the Constitution.

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SC ISSUED NOTICE TO UNION

UTTARAKHAND'S GOVERNOR PLEA

GOVERNMENT

OVER

Supreme Court of India on 21 August 2014 issued notice to Union Government to respond it on
the issue of asking Governors to quit or face dismissal. The apex court has given six weeks time
to the Government to respond on the issue.
The Court also said that interpretation of Article 156 of the Constitution of India says that
Governor shall hold the office during the pleasure of the President and the power of his
removal lies with the President only.

SC EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER LOP ISSUE; ASKED GOVERNMENT

TO RESPOND BY 9 SEPTEMBER
The Supreme Court of India on 22 August 2014 asked the Union Government to decide
the status of the Leader of Opposition (LoOP) in the Lok Sabha. It asked the government to
respond on the issue by 9 September 2014.

PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI ANNOUNCED PRADHAN

MANTRI KRISHI SEENCHAYI YOJANA
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Seenchayi Yojana was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
19 August 2014. The Yojna has been announced to meet the irrigation needs of all farmers
across the country. Sum of 1000 crore rupees has been allocated for implementation of the
scheme.

SC FINED 14 STATES AND 1 UT FOR NOT RESPONDING TO LAW

COMMISSION'S REPORT
The Supreme Court fined 14 state governments and 1 Union Territory (UT) on 20 August 2014
for not responding to Law Commission's 245th Report on Arrears and Backlogs in Judiciary. The
fine of 25000 rupees was imposed on each state government and Union Territory.
The Supreme Court bench headed by T S Thakur asked the states to give their opinion on Law
Commission's Report by November 2014, the date of next hearing in Supreme Court.

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SC ISSUED NOTICE TO GOVERNMENT SEEKING RESPONSE ON

AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE 348 OF CONSTITUTION
The Supreme Court of India on 19 August 2014 issued notice to the Union Government seeking
its response to amend Article 348 of the Constitution of India. Article 348 states that all
proceedings in the Supreme Court and all the High Court shall be done in English.
The notice was issued to the government by a Supreme Court bench comprising of Justice HL
Dattu and Justice SA Bobde.

PRIME MINISTER DEDICATED INDIGENOUSLY BUILT LARGEST

WARSHIP INS KOLKATA TO THE NATION
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi on 16 August 2014 dedicated Indias indigenously
designed warship INS Kolkata (D63) to the nation. With this, INS Kolkata was commissioned in
Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
It has all-round capabilities against enemy submarines, surface warships, anti-ship missiles and
fighter aircraft. The warship has been commissioned without its main air defence weapon
which protects the vessel from aerial attacks.

UNION GOVERNMENT LAUNCHED RASHTRIYA GOKUL MISSION

Union Government of India on 28 July 2014 launched the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (a nationwide
scheme) to promote conservation and developments of indigenous breeds of cows in a focused
and scientific manner. The Mission is a focused project under National Programme for Bovine
Breeding and Dairy Development.
The mission was launched in New Delhi by Union Agriculture Minister Radhamohan Singh.

FINANCE MINISTRY APPROVED SETTING UP OF RAPE CRISIS

CENTRES IN ALL DISTRICTS
Union Finance Ministry on 28 July 2014 gave its nod to the proposal to set up rape crisis centres
in all district of the country. The proposal was made by the Union Ministry of Women and
Children Development.
The proposal has been made in wake of increasing crime against women.

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UNION GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO INTENSIFY WAR AGAINST

JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare decided to intensify major war against Japanese
Encephalitis (JE) in the fourth week of July 2014.
This decision was taken in light of outbreak of JE and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) across
17 States of India with more Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam in the month of June
and July 2014. The outbreak of the disease in these States have claimed hundreds of lives
mostly children.

UNION GOVERNMENT PROPOSED TO SET UP THREE LOW COST

AIRPORTS FOR BIHAR
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, G.M. Siddeshwara on 22 July 2014 proposed to set up
three new low-cost airports in Bihar at Muzaffarpur, Raxaul and Gaya. While Gaya will is an
operational custom airport, Raxaul will be a non-operational airport.
The development of airports would depends upon availability of land, availability of mandatory
clearances, environmental clearances, traffic projections, and provision of support services by
the State Government. The support services include access road to the airport, water supply,
power supply, services of State Police and State Fire Staff.

JAKARTA GOVERNOR JOKO

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

WIDODO

WON

INDONESIAN

Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo won the Indonesian presidential elections on 22 July 2014. He
won the election with 53 percent of the vote
Final result released was released by General Elections Commission, known as the KPU, in
Jakarta. The results showed that Widodo won 70997859 votes, or 53.15 per cent of the nearly
133 million valid ballots cast. On the other hand, Subianto won 62576444 votes, or 46.85 per
cent. Voter turnout was 70.7 per cent.

UNION GOVERNMENT NOTIFIED PUBLIC SERVANTS RULES, 2014

The Union Government in the third week of July 2014 notified Public Servants (Furnishing of
Information and Annual Return of Assets and Liabilities and the Limits for Exemption of Assets
in Filing Returns) Rules, 2014.

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PM NARENDRA MODI PAID FIRST VISIT TO BARC

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) under
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in Mumbai on 21 July 2014. This was his first visit to the
DAE after becoming the Prime Minister of India in May 2014.

PM NARENDRA MODI SUGGESTED QUALITATIVE CHANGES IN

PMNRF FUNCTIONING
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19 July 2014 suggested certain qualitative changes in the
functioning of Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The suggested qualitative
changes would be on the lines of Gujarat Model.
The suggested changes will target the selection of beneficiaries and will give priority to the poor
and children.

UNION HEALTH MINISTER DR. HARSH VARDHAN RELEASED

NATIONAL HEALTH PROFILE 2013
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan on 17 July 2014 released the
National Health Profile 2013.
The National Health Profile 2013 called for creating comprehensive database for all sectors in
healthcare for sound planning and effective implementation

PRESIDENT REJECTED MERCY PETITIONS OF NITHARI KILLER

SURINDER KOLI AND 5 OTHERS
Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India on 18 July 2014 rejected the mercy petitions of
Nithari serial killer Surinder Koli and five other death row convicts. These five death row
convicts are Renukabai and Seema (Maharashtra), Koli (Uttar Pradesh), Rajendra Pralhadrao
Wasnik (Mahasrashtra), Jagdish (Madhya Pradesh) and Holiram Bordoloi (Assam).

SC ASKED STATE GOVERNMENTS AND UTS TO SUBMIT

RESPONSES OVER EUTHANASIA
The five-judge Constitution bench of Supreme Court on 16 July 2014 issued notice to the State
governments and Union Territories (UTs) to submit their responses over legalising passive
euthanasia. State Government and UTs have to submit their responses to the notice till the 17
September 2014.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

However, the Attorney General said this was a matter to be considered by the legislature,
because it raised multiple issues, aside from coming with the possibility of misuse.

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR R & D IN BULK DRUGS TO BE SET UP IN

NIPER HYDERABAD
Union Ministry of Chemical and Fertilisers decided on 14 July 2014 to set up National Centre for
Research & Development in Bulk Drugs (NCRDBD) at National Institute of Pharmaceutical
Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad.

SC ORDERED UNION GOVERNMENT TO BRING MGNREGS'S

WAGE RATES ON PAR WITH MINIMUM WAGES
Supreme Court ordered Union government to bring wages under Mahatma Gandhi National
Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) on par with minimum wages existing under
different States. The order was passed by the SC on 11 July 2014.

UNION MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LAUNCHED SOCIAL MEDIA

PLATFORM FOR INDIAN RAILWAYS
Union Ministry of Railways launched Social Media Platform for the Indian Railways on 7 July
2014.
With this, customers can connect with the Railways through Facebook and Twitter. Besides, all
the important announcements of Railways starting with Rail Budget 2014-15 will be available to
the customers on 247 basis.

UNION BUDGET 2014-15: BANKING AND INSURANCE SECTOR

Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley on 10 July 2014 presented Union Budget 2014-15. The
Union Budget introduced many new initiatives like Financial Inclusion Mission, Debt Recovery
Tribunals to improve the economic system in India and also introduced National Savings
Certificate, a new insurance cover to provide additional benefits for the small saver.

LAW COMMISSION SUBMITTED A REPORT TITLED MANPOWER

PLANNING IN JUDICIARY: A BLUE PRINT TO UNION GOVT
Law Commission of India on 7 July 2014 a report titled Manpower Planning in Judiciary: A Blue
Print was submitted to the Union Government. Chairman of Law Commission Former Justice, A
P Shah submitted the report to the Union Minister of Law & Justice and Communications & IT
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Ravi Shankar Prasad. The Commission recommended recruitment of judges to dispose the
backlog, special evening and morning courts and additional courts to ensure timely justice.

SC ISSUED NOTICE TO UNION GOVERNMENT AND STATES ON

PIL SEEKING CIGARETTE AND BIDI BAN
The Supreme Court of India on 14 August 2014 issued notice to the Union Government and the
States to ban cigarettes and bidis in the country. The notice was issued on a PIL (public interest
litigation) that sought ban on cigarettes and bidis in India. The notice was issued by a Supreme
Court bench that was headed by the Chief Justice RM Lodha.

SC GAVE 2-WEEK TIME TO UNION GOVERNMENT FOR GANGA

CLEAN-UP ROADMAP
Supreme Court of India on 13 August 2014 asked the Union Government to come up with a
road-map to make river Ganga pollution free. It asked the government to submit its road-map
within two-week. The road-map was asked by the Supreme Court bench headed by Justice TS
Thakur.

UNION GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS

COMMISSION BILL, 2014 IN LOK SABHA
The Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on 11 August 2014 introduced The National
Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, 2014, and the 121st Constitution Amendment Bill in
the Lok Sabha.

UNION GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED TWO LABOUR REFORM

BILLS IN LOK SABHA
Union Labour and Employment Minister Narendra Singh Tomar tabled two Labour Reform Bills
in the Lok Sabha on 7 August 2014. The two bills are The Factories (Amendment) Bill 2014 and
the Apprentices (Amendment) Bill 2014.

PRESIDENT PRANAB MUKHERJEE APPOINTED GOVERNOR FOR

MIZORAM AND NAGALAND
President Pranab Mukherjee on 6 July 2014 appointed Governor for Mizoram and Nagaland.
Governor of Gujarat, Kamla Beniwal was transferred and appointed as Governor of Mizoram for
the remainder of her term.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SUPREME COURT RULED NO AUTOMATIC ARREST OF ACCUSED

IN DOWRY CASES
The Supreme Court on 2 July 2014 ruled that the police cannot automatically arrest the
accused in dowry cases and police must give reasons for taking such steps, which will be
judicially examined.

UNION GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED FOUR NEW VACCINES AS A

PART OF UIP
Union Government on 3 July 2014 introduced four new vaccines as part of Indias Universal
Immunization Programme (UIP). These include vaccines against rotavirus, rubella and polio
(injectable), along with an adult vaccine against Japanese encephalitis. The adult vaccine
against Japanese encephalitis will be introduced in districts with high levels of the disease (in
179 endemic districts in 9 states).

INDIA BECAME THE

MARRAKESH TREATY

FIRST

COUNTRY

TO

RATIFY

THE

India on 30 June 2014 became the first country to ratify the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate
access to published works for persons who are blind and visually impaired

UNION GOVERNMENT EXTENDED THE

IMPLEMENTING NFSA BY THREE MONTHS

DEADLINE

FOR

Union Government on 26 June 2014 extended the deadline for implementing National Food
Security Act by three more months. Food Security Act seeks to provide the right to highly
subsidised foodgrain to nearly two-third of the population

UNION CABINET APPROVED PACT WITH CHINA FOR SETTING UP

INDUSTRIAL PARK
The Union Cabinet on 25 June 2014 approved an in principle memorandum of understanding
(MoU) between India and China for setting up industrial parks in the country.
The approval came during a Cabinet meet that was headed by Narendra Modi, the Prime
Minister of India. But, the details of the agreement will be available after the agreement is
signed.

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UNION HOME MINISTRY DECIDED NOT TO ALLOW VISA FREE

ENTRY TO BANGLADESHI NATIONALS
Union Home Ministry on 23 June 2014 decided not to allow visa-free entry to Bangladeshi
nationals. The proposal to grant visa-free entry was mooted by Ministry of External Affairs. As
per the proposal, MEA mooted to grant visa-on-arrival facility and visa-free entry to
Bangladeshi nationals who are below 18 years of age and above 65.

UNION MINISTRY OF CULTURE LAUNCHED PROJECT MAUSAM

TO EXPLORE MULTI-FACETED INDIAN OCEAN
Union Ministry of Culture on 20 June 2014 launched the Project Mausam at the 38th session of
the World Heritage Committee held in Doha, Qatar.
The aim of the Project is to explore the multi-faceted Indian Ocean world and collate
archaeological and historical research in order to document the diversity of cultural,
commercial and religious interactions in the Indian Ocean

UNION GOVERNMENT RECONSTITUTED 6 CABINET COMMITTEES

Union Government on 19 June 2014 reconstituted six important Cabinet Committees of these
four will be headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and remaining two by Home Minister
Rajnath Singh. The six Cabinet Committees include Security, Political Affairs, Parliamentary
Affairs, Economic Affairs, Accommodation and Appointments.
Of these six, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will head four Cabinet Committees namely
Security, Political Affairs, Economic Affairs and Appointment Committee of the Cabinet.

UNION CABINET APPOINTED EX-CJI R C LAHOTI AS ARBITRATOR

IN VODAFONE TAX DISPUTE CASE
Union Cabinet on 17 June 2014 appointed Ex-Chief Justice of India (CJI) R C Lahoti as arbitrator
in Vodafone tax disputes case.

INDIAS FIRST ONE STOP CRISIS CENTRE NAMED GAURAVI

LAUNCHED IN BHOPAL
Indias first One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) named Gauravi was launched in Bhopal, Madhya
Pradesh on 16 June 2014. It was launched by the Bollywood actor Amir Khan.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The centre is first of its kind in India for women who are victims of violence. It will provide help
and assistance to rape survivors and victims of dowry harassment, domestic violence and other
atrocities on women, all under one roof.

INDIA BECAME PERMANENT SIGNATORY TO WASHINGTON

ACCORD
India on 13 June 2014 became a permanent signatory to Washington Accord. The Accord was
signed by National Board of Accreditation at a meet of International Engineering Alliance of WA
member countries held in Wellington, New Zealand.

NARENDRA MODI SCRAPPED FOUR STANDING COMMITTEES OF

CABINET
Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India on 10 June 2014 decided to discontinue four
Standing Committees of the Cabinet. The discontinued standing committees included Cabinet
Committee on Management of Natural Calamities, Cabinet Committee on Prices, Cabinet
Committee on World Trade Organisation Matters and Cabinet Committee on Unique
Identification Authority of India related issues.

UNION MORTH & UNION MOHFW SIGNED MOU TO PROVIDE

HIV PREVENTIVE SERVICES
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and Union Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare (MoHFW) on 9 June 2014 signed a MoU to provide HIV preventive services to
transport sector workers.

WEST BENGAL AND MAHARASHTRA GOVERNMENT INKED PACT

ON VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING
State governments of West Bengal and Maharashtra in last week of May 2014 signed a
memorandum of understanding (MoU) on victims of trafficking. As per the MoU, the
governments will identify and repatriate women and children, who are victims of trafficking.

TELANGANA BECAME THE 29TH STATE OF INDIA ON 2 JUNE

2014

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Telangana became the 29th State of India with Hyderabad as its capital on 2 June 2014. With
this formation, ten districts of the then Andhra Pradesh will now become a part of the
Telangana.

NARENDRA MODI TOOK OATH AS 15TH PRIME MINISTER OF

INDIA
Narendra Damodardas Modi was sworn-in as the 15th Prime Minister of India on 26 May 2014.
Along with him, 45-member Council of Ministers that includes 23 Ministers with Cabinet rank,
10 Ministers of State with independent charges and 12 Ministers of State also took oath of their
offices. President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka

DHUBRI CONSTITUENCY IN ASSAM REGISTERED HIGHEST VOTER

TURNOUT IN GENERAL ELECTION 2014
Dhubri Parliamentary constituency in Assam registered the highest voter turnout in the General
Election 2014 while Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir saw the lowest voter turnout in the Election
2014.

15TH LOK SABHA DISSOLVED BY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA

President of India, Pranab Mukherjee on 18 May 2014 dissolved the 15th Lok Sabha. He
dissolved the Lok Sabha on the advice of the outgoing Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh who resigned on 17 May 2014.

SC UPHELD VALIDITY OF RIGHT TO EDUCATION ACT

The Constitution Bench of Supreme Court of India on 6 May 2014 upheld the Constitutional
validity of the Right to Education (RTE) Act. In its decision, the apex court said that the Act is not
applied to unaided minority institutions.
The five-judge Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court in its decision also upheld the
provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 and the Right of
Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2010.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

IIT GUWAHATI RANKED AT 87TH SPOT AMONG WORLD'S TOP

100 VARSITIES
Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati was ranked at the 87th position among the top 100
world universities under 50 years of age published by London-based Times Higher Eductaion
(THE) magazine on 30 April 2014.

MICHAEL HUDSON MCHUGH, THE EX-AUSTRALIAN JUDGE

APPOINTED AS ARBITRATOR BY SC
The Supreme Court of India on 29 April 2014 appointed former judge of the High Court of
Australia, Michael Hudson McHugh as the third arbitrator to resolve the dispute between the
Central government and Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) on KG basin.

SC LIFTED 19 MONTH OLD BAN ON MINING IN GOA

The Supreme Court (SC) on 21 April 2014 lifted a 19 month old ban on mining in Goa. The ban
was imposed in September 2012 as part of a drive to curb illegal mining in Goa.
The ban was lifted on the recommendation of a panel appointed by the Supreme Court under
Justice M.B.Shah to look into the mining industry.

SC RECOGNIZED TRANSGENDERS AS THIRD CATEGORY OF SEX

Supreme Court of India in its landmark judgment on 15 April 2014 recognised transgender as
the third category of sex. In its judgment the Apex Court claimed transgender as socially and
economically backward.
A bench of Supreme Court comprising Justice KS Radhakrishnan and AK Sikri in its decision had
directed the center and state governments to take essential steps for bringing the community
into the mainstream by providing adequate healthcare, education and employment.

SSB TO INDUCT WOMEN AS COMBAT OFFICERS

The Union Home Ministry on 13 April 2014 for the first time approved the recruitment of young
women as combat officers in Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). SSB is the second largest border
guarding force.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Young women under and up to the age of 25 years will be recruited as direct entry officers in
the rank of assistant commandants (ACs). The women officers will have an opportunity to serve
in far-flung border of Indian Territory like Nepal and Bhutan.

SUPREME COURT ORDERED SACKING OF INCUMBENT BCCI

CHIEF N SRINIVASAN
The Suporeme Court ordered the sacking of incumbent Chairman of Board of Cricket of India
(BCCI) while delivering a series of judgments on 28 March 2014 to overhaul the BCCI. The order
was given against the backdrop of Mudgal Committee Report on IPL spot fixing during IPL 2013.

SC UPHOLD THE AGE OF JUVENILE TO 18 YEARS

The Supreme Court on 30 March 2014 uphold the age of juvenile to 18 years. SC cited that the
legislature has fixed the age which is constitutionally permissible.
Two petitions were filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy challenging the constitutional
validity of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000.
The petitioners had sought fresh interpretation of the term juvenile in the statute and leaving
it to the criminal court, instead of Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), to determine the juvenility of an
offender in heinous crimes.

SUPREME COURT DIRECTED ALL STATES

IMPLEMENT MANUAL SCAVENGERS ACT

AND

UTS

TO

Supreme Court on 27 March 2014 directed all the States and Union Territories to implement
Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.
The three-judge Bench comprised of Chief Justice P Sathasivam, Justice Ranjan Gogoi and
Justice N V Ramana ordered a series of directions to abolish the practice of manual scavenging
and to prevent future generations from this inhuman practice. The Apex court also deprecated
the practice of manually removing night soil with bare hands, brooms or metal scrappers.

WHO CERTIFIED INDIA AS POLIO FREE COUNTRY

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on 27 March 2014 certified India as a Polio Free country.
This action of WHO made India one of the 11 countries of South-East Region to be free from
polio virus.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SUPREME COURT DIRECTED CENTRE NOT TO MAKE AADHAAR

MANDATORY FOR CITIZENS
The Supreme Court directed the Centre on 24 March 2014 to withdraw the instruction issued
by centre for making Aadhaar card mandatory for citizens to benefit government services.
A Bench of Justices B S Chauhan and J Chelameswar directed that if there are any instructions
that Aadhaar is mandatory, it should be withdrawn immediately. The judgement was given in
light of Supreme Court receiving lot of letters which say that Aadhaar card is mandatory in spite
of court orders.

DOT ISSUED NEW GUIDELINES TO TACKLE THE THREATS OF

CYBER ATTACK
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Union Ministry of Communications and
Information Technology on 17 March 2014 released guidelines to tackle the threats of cyber
attacks and hacking of websites.
DoT issued guidelines to all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to adopt new security measures to
advise customers to take necessary precautions to protect modems from malware attacks and
hacking attempts. Modem is an instrument that connects a computer to the Internet.
DoT had written to all ISPs to assist customers to change the password of ADSL (asymmetric
digital subscriber line) modem to avoid unauthorised access to modem. The password was
normally installed by broadband service providers. The ADSL modems are presently supplied by
vendors with default set up of user ID and password as admin.

NAGALAND AND ASSAM FIRST STATES TO GET PLASTIC PHOTO

IDENTITY CARD
Nagaland and Assam became the first two states to be issued with Plastic Photo Identity Card
for elections in India. It was announced by the Deputy Election commissioner Sudhir Tripathi in
Kohima on 12 March 2014.

ELECTION COMMISSION SET UP MULTI AGENCY GRID TO CURB

BLACK MONEY
The Election Commission on 11 March 2014 created a multi-agency grid of revenue and security
intelligence agencies. The aim is to curb the use of black money in Lok Sabha and assembly
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

polls. The intelligence agency will regularly update Election Commission about suspected
financial movements.

MEDICAL VISA NOT REQUIRED IN CASES OF SURROGACY FOR

OCIS & PIOS
Union Home Ministry issued an order on 6 March 2014 saying that an Overseas Citizens of India
(OCIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) can visit India without a medical visa for
commissioning surrogacy. This facility will be applicable for those couples who are married for
at least two years and will only require permission only from the Foreigners Regional
Registration Office (FRRO) or the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO).

LOK SABHA ELECTIONS TO HELD FROM 7 APRIL 2014 IN 9PHASES

The 16th Lok Sabha Elections in India was held from 7 April 2014 to 12 May 2014 and the
counting took place on 16 May 2014. The Lok Sabha elections spread over nine phases. The Lok
Sabha elections held as the five year term of the 15th Lok Sabha was due to expire on 31 May
2014.

K.T.THOMAS REFUSED TO HEAD LOKPAL COMMITTEE SEARCH

PANEL
Retired Supreme Court judge K.T.Thomas refused to head the Lokpal Committee Search panel
on 3 March 2014. He was unanimously chosen to head the Search Panel by the Lokpal Selection
Committee on 21 February 2014.
Thomas refused on the ground that Lokpal Search panel will not be able to conduct an
independent eminent Lawyer Fali Nariman had also refused to become the part of the Lokpal
Search Panel.

UNION
CABINET
APPROVED
MANUFACTURING UNIT IN KOLAR

NEW

RAIL

COACH

The Union Cabinet on 28 February 2014 approved setting up of a new rail coach manufacturing
unit at Kolar, Karnataka. The unit will manufacture 500 coaches per annum at an estimated cost
of 1460.92 crore rupees with active participation of State Government.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The Ministry of Railways will finance 50 percent of the cost. The government of Karnataka will
provide the remaining 50 percent of the project cost with escalation and required land to the
extent of about 1118.38 acres, free of cost.
The proposed plant shall help Indian Railways in ensuring timely availability of passenger
coaches to meet the increasing demands of passenger transportation.

UNION MINISTRY
BHUBANESWAR

OF

&

FW

INAUGURATED

AIIMS

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Gulam Nabi Azad inaugurated the All India Institute
of Medical Science (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar on 26 February 2014. During inauguration an e-Card
system was also introduced. e-Card system (also known as health card) will help the patients to
know about the disease, doctor assigned and treatment.
After the allocation of land by the state government, a satellite Centre of the AIIMS,
Bhubaneswar will be established at Balasore.
Under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Sahayata Yojana (PMSSY), the Union Government has already
approved establishing of four medical colleges at Balasore, Balangir, Koraput and Baripada in
Odisha. Further, two medical collages, at Berhampur and Burla will be upgraded.
Including aforementioned and some other projects Union government has planned an
investment of 1250 crore rupees for the health sector of Odisha.

LARGEST SOLAR POWER PLANT OF INDIA LAUNCHED IN

MADHYA PRADESH
The largest 130-MW Solar Power Plant of India Welspun Solar MP Project was launched at
Bhagwanpur in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh on 26 February 2014. It is also the Asia's Largest
Solar Power Plant.
The Welspun Solar MP project was constructed at a cost of 1100 crore rupees on 305 hectares
of land. It will supply power at 8.05 rupees a kWh.
This Project will raise Indian solar capacity by 7 percent.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

AERA ABOLISHED USER DEVELOPMENT FEE AT HYDERABAD

AIRPORT
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) abolished the user development fee at the
Hyderabad airport on 25 February 2014.
AERA concluded the decision after considering various aspects of the airports operations,
including the investments made by the airport operator, land allocation, traffic trends and
earnings.

UNION GOVERNMENT INAUGURATED THE NATIONAL CENTRE

FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE
Union Government inaugurated the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) on 24
February 2014. NCGS is an apex think tank of the country in guiding and implementing good
Governance reforms.
National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) has been set up by upgrading the National
Institute of Administrative Research (NIAR), Mussorrie.
The focus of the NCGG will be action oriented research in good Governance. The Centre will
function as a national repository on information on best practices, initiatives and
methodologies that promote good Governance, e-Governance initiatives, change management
and capacity building within the Government.
The NCGG would work towards resolution of key issues in Governance, analyse policy and
programme implementation, develop action plans, support governance reforms and help in
developing synergy across various sectors and Ministries or Departments.

BEZBARUAH COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED FOR THE PROTECTION

OF RIGHTS OF NORTH EASTERN PEOPLE
A committee was constituted under the chairmanship of M.P. Bezbaruah on 21 February 2014.
The committee was constituted to look into the various kinds of concerns of the persons hailing
from the North Eastern States.
The committee was constituted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. M.P.Bezbaruah is a
Member of North Eastern Council.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

CCEA APPROVED NATIONAL MISSION FOR GREEN INDIA

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a National Mission for a Green
India on 20 February 2014. The Green India Mission (GIM) aims to improve and increase Indias
diminishing forest cover.
The GIM scheme envisages a total cost of 46000 crore rupees over the next 10 years. The GIM
is one of eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

TELENGANA BILL PASSED IN LOK SABHA

The Telengana bill dividing Andhra Pradesh was passed in the Lok Sabha on 18 February 2014.
The Lok Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Bill 2014 that aims to create the
29th State of India.
The Bill saw the light of the day in the Lok Sabha due to support from the main opposition party
in the Lok Sabha Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP).
Moving the bill for consideration and passage, the Centre announced that the Union
Government will give special financial package to Seemandhra, residual part of Andhra Pradesh,
to address the grievances of the people of Seemandhra region.

PARLIAMENT PASSED STREET VENDORS PROTECTION

LIVELIHOOD AND REGULATION OF STREET VENDING BILL

OF

Parliament on 19 February 2014 passed the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and
Regulation of Street Vending) bill-2014. The Bill provides protection of livelihoods rights, social
security of street vendors, regulation of urban street vending in the country and for matters
connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Rajya Sabha adopted the bill by a voice vote and
without discussion and earlier it was adopted by Lok Sabha on 6 September 2013.
The Street Vendors Bill aims at protect the rights of the urban street vendors and regulating
street vending activities. It also aims towards creation of a conducive atmosphere where street
vendors will be eligible to carry out their business in a fair and transparent manner, without
fear of eviction and harassment.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

DEATH SENTENCE OF 3 CONVICTS IN RAJIV GANDHI

ASSASSINATION CASE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT
The Supreme Court of India on 18 February 2014 commuted the death sentence of three
convicts in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case to life imprisonment. The decision was made by the
apex court following the delay of 11 years in deciding their mercy plea by the central
government.
The decision was made by the three-judge bench of Supreme Court that was headed by the
Chief Justice of India, P Sathasivam and included Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice SK Singh.

QUADRICYCLE TO RUN FROM 1 OCT 2014 ACROSS THE

COUNTRY
A new category of four-wheelers - Quadricycle - will be allowed to run in cities across the
country from 1 October 2014. The objective is to largely replace the auto-rickshaws. The
emission norms of these vehicles will be better than auto-rickshaws.
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will issue the gazette notification with
respect to this shortly as the proposal has been vetted by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.
Quadricycle is more efficient on security and safety concerns as it had introduced the provision
of seatbelts and braking system like that of cars, which falls under M1 category of vehicles.
As a safety measure, it will be mandatory for such vehicles to have seatbelts for both the
occupants in the front and two in the rear seat.

UNION
GOVERNMENT
APPROVED
MANUFACTURE SEMICONDUCTOR CHIPS

TWO

PLANT

TO

The Union Government approved the setting up of two plants to manufacture semiconductor
chips in India on 14 February 2014. The plants will be set up by two business consortia,
including Israel's Tower Jazz-IBM and STMicroelectronics at a cost of around 63412 crore
Rupees.
One of the business consortiums consists of India's Jaiprakash Associates, IBM and Tower Jazz.
It plans to set up a plant at a cost of 34399 crore Rupees near the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar
Pradesh.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The other, which consists of France-based STMicroelectronics, HSMC Technologies (Hindustan

Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation) and Malaysia's Silterra, will set up a plant in Prantij
in Gujarat at a cost of 29013 crore Rupees.

CCSD APPROVED REVISION OF VSHSE SCHEME IN 12TH FYP

The Cabinet Committee on Skill Development (CCSD) approved for continuation and revision of
Vocationalisation of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (VSHSE) Scheme in the 12th
Five Year Plan (FYP) on 12 February 2014.
The objectives of the scheme are
To enhance the employability of youth through competency based modular vocational
courses.
To maintain their competitiveness through provisions of multi-entry multi-exit learning
opportunities and vertical mobility.
To fill the gap between the educated and the employable.
To decrease pressure on academic higher education.
Further, skills and employability of the youth will be enhanced through industry and
demand driven vocational courses.

ASSAM BECAME THE FIRST STATE TO LEGALLY BAN SMOKELESS

TOBACCO
Assam became the first state to legally ban the consumption of all forms of smokeless tobacco
including pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine within the State on 13 February 2014.
Taking note of the fact that smokeless tobacco accounts for 90% of oral cancers, the Act also
bans the manufacture, advertisement, trade, storage, distribution and sale of the substances.
Assams Governor Janaki Ballav Patnaik gave his assent to the Assam Health (Prohibition of
manufacturing, advertisement, trade, storage, distribution, sale and consumption of zarda,
gutkha, pan masala, etc, containing tobacco and nicotine) Bill 2013 on 11 February 2014. As a
result, the Bill became an Act with effect from 13 February 2014.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

ADB AND GOVERNMENT OF INDIA SIGNED FOR A 275 MILLION

DOLLAR LOAN UNDER RCIP
Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Government of India signed for a 275 million dollar loan for
improving rural road connectivity in five states on 12 February 2014. The states include Assam,
Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal.
A Joint secretary of Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Country Director
of ADB signed the pact.
The loan is the second tranche of 800 million dollar under the Rural Connectivity Investment
Programme (RCIP). The second tranche of loan will help construct 3693 km of all-weather rural
roads in these five States benefiting nearly 1800 rural habitations. It is expected to be
completed in June 2017.
This loan will invest in physical infrastructure, improve road design, road safety and asset
management.

UNION GOVERNMENT MADE IT MANDATORY TO INSTALL GPS

DEVICES IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways made it mandatory for public transport
vehicles running in major cities to install GPS. The announcement was made on 9 February
2014.
As per the directions of Union Ministry, All the owners of public transport are required to install
Global Positioning System (GPS) by 20 February 2014.
The project is a part of Nirbhaya Fund. The project involves setting up of closed circuit
television (CCTV) and using global positioning system (GPS) to ensure safety and security of
women and girls in distress.
In the first phase, the vehicles running in cities which had a population of more than 10 Lakh
should install GPS facility.
The road ministry had earlier asked passenger vehicle owners to install these devices by
September 30, 2013.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SIKKIM BECAME FIRST STATE TO ACHIEVE 100 PERCENT

SANITATION COVERAGE
Sikkim became the first State in India to achieve 100 percent sanitation coverage under the
Nirmal Bharat Abhiyaan Scheme on 9 February 2014. Sikkim achieved 100 per cent sanitation in
rural and urban households, schools, sanitary complexes and Aanganwadi centres.
As per the latest progress report card released by the Union Ministry of Drinking Water &
Sanitation, all 610577 inhabitants in Sikkim have latrines with high sanitation and hygiene

CABINET APPROVED AMENDMENT TO RIGHTS OF PERSONS

WITH DISABILITIES BILL 2014
Union Cabinet on 7 February 2014 approved the proposal of the Department of Disability
Affairs to incorporate amendments in the proposed Rights of the Persons with Disabilities Bill
2014.

IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS OF MAJITHIA WAGE BOARD:

SC
The Supreme Court of India on 7 February 2014 ordered to implement the recommendations of
the Majithia Wage Board for journalists and non-journalists in newspapers and news agencies.
Supreme Court in its decision upheld the recommendations of Majithia Wage Board on the pay
structure and has directed for revised salaried to be granted to the employees.
As per the decision, the revised wages have been made payable from 11 November 2011 the
day the centre in its notification notified the recommendations. The Court in its decision ruled
that all the arrears will be paid in four installments within a year and the recommendations
should be implemented from April 2014.
The Apex court ordered this after dismissing the petitions of various newspapers that
challenged the recommendations of the wage board and its constitution.
The Supreme Court bench that passed the decision was headed by P Sathasivam, the Chief
Justice of India. In its decision the bench of the apex court said that the wage Board followed
proper procedures in giving the recommendations and the allegations leveled against it and its
constitution are not right.

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CCEA APPROVED 5 PORT PROJECTS WORTH 17630 CRORE

RUPEES
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved 5 Port projects worth 17630 crore
rupees on 5 February 2014. The projects are aimed at augmenting the capacity of major ports
by about 151 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
Out of 5 Port projects approved, four are container terminals and one is a multi-purpose cargo
berth project in Mumbai port.
The four container terminals proposed to be built at the major ports are Kandla Port in Gujarat,
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, Kolkata Port in West Bengal and
Ennore Port in Tamil Nadu.
India has 12 major ports: Mumbai, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (Navi Mumbai), Kolkata,
Chennai, Visakhapatanam, Cochin, Paradip, New Mangalore, Mormugao (Goa), Ennore,
Tuticorin and Kandla.

INDIAS VISA-ON-ARRIVAL FACILITY EXTENDED FOR TOURISTS

OF 180 NATIONS, EXCEPT EIGHT
India on 5 February 2014 extended the facility of visa-on-arrival for the tourists of 180 nations
after barring tourists of eight nations. The decision has extended the facility to 180 countries
from 11 nation tourists available at present including Finland, the Philippines, Singapore and
Japan. The decision was made in order to boost tourism activity in the country.
This decision was disclosed by Rajeev Shukla, the Minister for State for Planning in New Delhi
on 5 February 2014 after a high-level meeting with representatives from various ministries. In
the communication, Rajeev Shukla said that the facility will be implemented from next tourist
season that will begin in October 2014.
The electronic Visa offered to the tourists would be valid for a period of 30 days from the date
of their visit to India. To receive the electronic version of the Visa, the tourists will have to apply
in the designated website along the required fees, which would be granted within three days.
The countries, who have been barred from the facility includes
Pakistan
Sudan
Afghanistan
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Iran
Iraq
Nigeria
Sri Lanka
Somalia
The decision of the high-level meeting to offer visa on arrival can be treated as ironing on the
objections raised by the Union Home Ministry for extension of the facility to nationals of 40
more countries that included US, UK and Germany. Home Ministry nod was a prerequisite for
extending the facility.

CCEA APPROVED IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL MISSION

AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND TECHNOLOGY
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved on 4 February 2014 the
implementation of the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET)
during the 12th Plan period.
The extension of NMAET and its components will be expanded and up-scaled appropriately and
implemented in a more coordinated and convergent manner.
The Mission will have a total outlay of 13073.08 crore rupees with Government of Indias share
of Rs. 11390.68 crore and State share of 1682.40 crore rupees.
NMAET consists of 4 Sub Missions
Sub Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE)
Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP)
Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine (SMPP)

MOTHER AND
INAUGURATED

CHILD

TRACKING

FACILITATION

CENTRE

Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare inaugurated the Mother and Child Tracking
Facilitation Centre at the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare in New Delhi on 31
January 2014.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Mother and Child Tracking System (MCTS) initiative was launched under National Rural Health
Mission (NRHM) in December 2009.

UNION MINISTRY OF CULTURE LAUNCHED NATIONAL MISSION

ON LIBRARIES
President of India Pranab Mukherjee launched the National Mission on Libraries (NML) on 3
February 2014. The mission was launched by Union Ministry of Culture.
National Mission on Libraries has following features:
Creation of National Virtual Library of India
Setting up of NML model Libraries
Quantitative and Qualitative survey of Libraries
Capacity Building
The creation of a National Virtual Library of India (NVLI) is one of the major component
schemes of the National Mission on Libraries.

INDIAS FIRST MONO RAIL INAUGURATED

Indias first monorail service was inaugurated by the Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj
Chavan on 1 February 2014 in Mumbai.
The First phase of Mumbai Monorail is comprised of 8.9 km long Wadala-Chembur section. The
first phase was constructed at the cost of 1900 crore rupees which have seven stations.
It will operate between 7 am and 3 pm at an interval of 15 minutes initially. The fully airconditioned monorails minimum fare will be five rupees while maximum fare will be twenty
rupees.
The monorail service will have four coaches, which will ferry about 2500 passengers .The
traveling time between Wadala and Chembur will be reduced from 40 minutes to nearly 21
minutes at present.
Mumbai Mono rail will display itself in three colours green, pink and sky blue. Monorail will
have a smart card facility available like Delhi Metro.
About Mumbai Mono rail
The Mumbai Mono rail project has been implemented in two phases. The first phase comprise
the Wadala- Chembur where as the second phase will be extended to Sant Gadge Maharaj
Chowk in South Mumbai.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The Project is implemented by Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority with an

association of Larsen and Toubro and a Malaysian infrastructure firm Scomi Engineering.

INDIA POST TO INSTALL 3000 ATM & 1.35 LAKH MICRO-ATM BY

SEPTEMBER 2015
India Post announced to install as many as 3000 Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and 1.35 lakh
micro-ATMs by September 2015 on 27 January 2014. The facility will be available for savings
account holders of post offices across the country.
Initially, three ATMs were to be installed in New Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore by 5 February
2014.
After six months of launch of the service, India Post might get interoperability permission from
Reserve Bank of India (RBI). After that India Post will join the National Financial Switch, which
will benefit India Post account holders to transact at the banks' ATMs and vice versa.
The ATMs can be used only by 26 crore savings account-holders who save with the postal
department.
India Post is working with software major Infosys on this project.
The micro ATMs will be handheld devices to be operated at the post office level while the ATM
will be similar to the one operated by any commercial bank.
Postal savings are worth around 6.05 trillion rupees, which is half the savings in the largest
lender SBI and more than double that of the largest private sector lender ICICI Bank.
The postal department, which has 1.55 lakh post offices over 90% of which are in villages, offers
the savings account to people across the country and pays an interest of 4% per annum for such
deposits. The account offers cheque facility at present.

UNION CIVIL AVIATION MINISTRY REMOVED RESTRICTIONS ON

AIRBUS A-380 IN INDIA
Civil Aviation Ministry decided to remove restrictions on flights of Airbus A-380 to India on 27
January 2014. Now, flights of A-380 to India will be allowed to airports which are equipped to
handle them.
The decision was taken after due consultations with the Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA),
Air India and Airports Authority of India.
**About Airbus A-380
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, wide-body, four-engine jet airliner manufactured by Airbus of
France.
It is the world's largest passenger airliner, and provides seating for 525 people in a typical
three-class configuration or up to 853 people in an all-economy class configuration.
The A380 made its first flight on 27 April 2005 and entered commercial service in October 2007
with Singapore Airlines.
Airbus headquartered in Toulouse designed the aircraft to challenge Boeing's monopoly in the
large-aircraft market.

UNION GOVERNMENT LAUNCHED NATIONAL WATERWAY-4

PROJECT IN TAMIL NADU
Union Government launched the project for the development of the stretch of 37 Kilometer of
the National Waterway-four (NW-4) between Sholinganallur to Kalpakkam in South Buckingham
Canal in Tamil Nadu. The project was launched on 24 January 2014.
NW-4 covers a total length of 1078 Km consisting of Kakinada-Puducherry canal systems
integrated with Godavari and Krishna Rivers.
Main components of the project include dredging and excavation to develop navigational
channel, construction of three terminals and navigational locks, replacement of one existing
bridge at Kelambakkam, and installation of navigational aids.
The project is expected to be completed in two years with 123 crore rupees.
National Waterway
National Waterway 1: will starts from Allahabad to Haldia with a distance of 1620 km. The NW
1 runs through the Ganges, Bhagirathi and Hooghly river system. It will be the longest National
Waterway in India.
National Waterway 2: a stretch on Brahmaputra River from Sadiya to Dhubri in Assam state.
National Waterway 3: run from Kollam to Kottapuram. The 205 km long West Coast Canal is
Indias first waterway with all time navigation facility.
National Waterway 4: connect Kakinada to Pondicherry through Canals, Tank and River
Godavari along with Krishna River.
National Waterway 5: connects Orissa to West Bengal using the stretch on Brahmani River,
East Coast Canal, Matai River and Mahanadi River Delta.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

National Waterway 6: It is the proposed waterway in Assam state and will connect Lakhipur to
Bhanga in river Barak.

NALSA LAUNCHED FREE LEGAL SERVICE CLINICS ACROSS THE

COUNTRY
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) launched the 2648 village legal service clinics across
the country on 24 January 2014. The move aims to bring legal services to the doorsteps of the
weakest section of the country.
Chief Justice of India P.Sathasivam open free legal clinics in New Delhi. As per the regulation,
NALSA will set up village legal services clinics in one village in each Taluk of the country.
On the lines of health centres in villages, these legal services will provide legal care to villagers
who are not aware about laws and their rights.
With the help of Para-legal volunteers and empanelled lawyers, clinics will also assist villagers in
getting BPL card, Election ID, Aadhaar Card, gas connection and other government welfare
schemes.
**About NALSA
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has been constituted under the Legal Services
Authorities Act, 1987 to provide free Legal Services to the weaker sections of the society and to
organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes.

VISCERA TEST MUST IN DEATH DUE TO POISONING: SC

Supreme Court made it mandatory for the investigating agency to seek viscera test in death due
to poisoning on 21 January 2014.
A bench of Justices Ranjana P Desai and J Chelameswar ruled that in all the cases where
poisoning is suspected, immediately after the post-mortem, the viscera should be sent to the
forensic science laboratories (FSL).
**About Viscera test
In the Viscera test the internal organs of the body, specifically those within the chest (as the
heart or lungs) or abdomen (as the liver, pancreas or intestines) are tested thoroughly.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The Forensic Science Laboratories provide scientific assistance in crime investigation by way of
examination of blood, semen, stains thereof and other.

UNION
GOVERNMENT
IMPLEMENTATION
OF
CHHATTISGARH

OF
NFSA

INDIA
EXTENDED
TO
KARNATAKA

THE
AND

Union Government of India extended the implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA),
2013 to the States of Karnataka and Chhattisgarh on 18 January 2014. With this the
implementation of National Food Security Act has taken off now in seven States/ Union
Territories. These are Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Karnataka and
Chhattisgarh. Uttrakhand and Chandigarh are also expected to join NFSA soon.
Accordingly, the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution allocated
foodgrains to these seven States/UTs. The allocation of foodgrains was made as per
requirements projected by these States/UTs to implement the Act.
**National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013
The Union Government of India notified the National Food Security Act, 2013 on 10 September
2013 to further strengthen the efforts to address the food security of the people. The Act
provides for coverage of up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban
population for receiving subsidized foodgrains under Targeted Public Distribution System
(TPDS), thus covering about two-thirds of the population.

UNION CABINET APPROVED TO SET UP RAIL TARIFF AUTHORITY

The Union Cabinet approved to set up Rail Tariff Authority on 20 January 2014. Rail Tariff
Authority will be an advisory body which will advise the Railway Ministry on fares. RTA will
comprise of a chairperson and four members at the apex level.
At present railway fare and freight rates are set by the Railway Board in accordance with the
Railway Act, 1989.
The Rail Tariff Authority functions include
It will recommend fare revision from time to time taking into account input cost and
market condition.
It will aim to develop an integrated, transparent and dynamic pricing mechanism for the
passenger and freight segments of the Indian Railways business.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

It will help the government to generate requisite surpluses for growth in the future.
RTA will be the first external pricing regulatory body for the countrys rail sector. The RTA will
be given mandatory powers only after the amendment of the Railway Act, 1989 by the
Parliament.
The RTA will make recommendations to the Railway Ministry which usually will have to accept
it. If in case Railway Ministry disagrees, the ministry will send the recommendations back to the
RTA to review its decision.

UNION CABINET GRANTED

COMMUNITY ACROSS INDIA

MINORITY

STATUS

TO

JAIN

Jain community has been granted the minority status by Union Cabinet on 20 January 2014.
This nod has enabled the community to avail the benefits in government schemes and
programmes. With this nod of the Union Community, Jain community became the sixth
community to attain minority status. Other five communities that has been granted the status
of minority are
Muslims
Christians
Sikhs
Buddhists
Parsis

INDIA REGISTERED AN INCREASE OF FIVE YEARS IN LIFE

EXPECTANCY RATE
India registered an increase of five years in the average life expectancy rate. The average life
expectancy rate increased from 63.9 years in 2004 to 69.6 years in 2014. The increase in the life
expectancy was the result of consistent investments in public health sector by the government.
Life expectancy is defined as the average number of years a person born in a given country
would live if mortality rates at each age were to remain constant in the future.
As per the census of 2011, the life expectancy in India was 65.48 years as compared to the
global average life expectancy of 67.88 years. Japan, Switzerland, San Marino are the countries
with highest average life expectancy of 83 years. On the other hand, poor countries of Africa
like Somalia, Lesotho have an average life expectancy of 50 years with Sierra Leone having the
least life expectancy at 47 years.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

FOREST STS TO GET ADDITIONAL 50 DAYS WAGE EMPLOYMENT

UNDER MGNREGA
The Union Ministry of Rural Development on 14 January 2014 decided to provide an additional
wage employment of 50 days beyond the stipulated 100 days under Mahatma Gandhi National
Rural Employment Guarantee Act, MGNREGA for Scheduled Tribe (ST) households in forest
areas. This means that the ST households in forest areas will receive the wages of 150 days.
As per Jairam Ramesh, the Rural Development Minister those tribals who have received the
land rights under the Forest Rights Act 2006 will be eligible for the additional benefit. The
additional man-day payment through MGNREGA also allows the households to undertake work
on their land.
Under the Forest Rights Act 2006, about 14 lakh individuals and community titles were
distributed and of them about 8 lakh titles as individuals were given in Jharkhand, Orissa,
Chhattishgarh and Andhra Pradesh. The Forest Rights Act has been included under the Indira
Awaas Yojana for assistance.

GOVERNMENT GAVE NOD TO GUIDELINES FOR TRANSPARENT

TV RATINGS
Union Cabinet on 9 January 2014 approved a comprehensive regulatory framework in the form
of guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India. The guidelines have been launched with an
aim to make television ratings transparent, credible and accountable.
This was a long-awaited proposal for bringing out a comprehensive regulatory framework
which has been done to streamline the way TV channels are rated in the country. The
framework will cover a detailed procedure for registration of rating agencies, eligibility norms,
terms and conditions of registration, methodology for audience measurement, cross-holdings,
complaint redressal mechanism, audit, disclosure, sale and use of ratings, reporting
requirements and action on non-compliance of guidelines.

DELHI HIGH
COMPANIES

COURT

RULED

CAG

CAN

AUDIT

TELECOM

The Delhi High Court ruled that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) can audit the books
of accounts of private sector telecom companies on 6 January 2014.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The court has ruled that the CAG has powers and jurisdiction to audit telecom companies
accounts. Companies that are operating in power, telecom sectors provide that services to the
common man. License fee is paid for spectrum and the profit generated by companies is a
public resource. The people have right to know whether the income goes into public exchequer
is proper or not.

CABINET COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AFFAIRS APPROVED MSP

FOR JUTE
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved on 2 January 2014 the Minimum
Support Price (MSP) of Jute for 2014-15.
The government announced Jute MSP of TD-5 variety at 2400 rupees per quintal with an
increase of 100 rupees from previous year.
The increase in the MSP of raw jute is expected to encourage farmers to step up investment in
jute cultivation and thereby production and productivity of jute in the country.
The premium for TD-3 and TD-4 varieties of raw jute will be maintained at 20 percent and 8
percent respectively in relation to the price of TD-5 to encourage farmers for the production of
higher grades.

SUPERCOMPUTER, PARAM YUVA-II RANKED 1 IN INDIA

PARAM Yuva-II supercomputer rated 1st in India, 9th in the Asia Pacific Region and 44th in the
world among the most power efficient computer systems as per the Green500 List.
It was announced at the Super computer Conference (SC 2013) in Denver, Colorado, US.
PARAM Yuva-II was developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
C-DAC is the second organization worldwide to have carried out the Level 3 measurement of
Power versus Performance for the Green500 List
PARAM Yuva II uses hybrid technology, processor, co-processor and hardware accelerators.
PARAM uses hybrid technology to provide the peak compute power of 520.4 Teraflop/s using
210 kilowatt power.
The interconnect network comprises of homegrown PARAMNet-III and Infiniband FDR System
Area Network.
This system is designed to solve large and complex computational problems.
The system has 200 Terabytes of high performance storage, and requisite system software and
utilities for parallel applications development.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

CENTRE SANCTIONED OVER 1000 BUSES FOR 13 CITIES UNDER

JNNURM
The Centre has sanctioned 1080 buses to thirteen cities of seven states under its Jawaharlal
Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme on 1 January 2014.
These states are Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim and Tripura. An
official release said that these cities have also been sanctioned projects relating to ancillary
infrastructure like depots and workshops for urban transport.
Under the JNNURM phase-II, the Centre had sanctioned 1021 buses to Andhra Pradesh State
Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), out of which 737 are for four mission cities Hyderabad,
Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati. The Corporation got 1540 buses to the mission cities
under phase-I in 2009.
The low floor buses facilitate easy boarding by women, old aged and differently-abled persons
without having to take to two or three steps as in the conventional buses.

INDIA SCRAPED 3600 CRORE RUPEES VVIP CHOPPER DEAL WITH

AGUSTAWESTLAND
India scrapped the 3600 crore rupees deal of supplying 12 VVIP helicopter with the AngloItalian firm AgustaWestland on 1 January 2014. It was scrapped following the alleged payment
of kickbacks to the tune of 360 crore rupees paid in the deal. It has been done nearly a year
after the scam that surfaced creating a political storm in India.
The deal was scrapped on the grounds of the breach of the pre-contract Integrity Pact and the
agreement with the firm. The bribes were paid to win the contract by two executives of
AugustaWestland, a unit of Italian defence contractor Finmeccanica to supply a dozen AW101
helicopters, which will be used by Indian Air Force for carrying the VVIPs and ministers.
**List of some defence scandals of India
Jeeps Scandal in 1948: It was alleged that irregularities happened in the acquisition of the jeeps
from England, which was used as army jeeps. The deal was signed by VK Menon, the Indian
High Commissioner in Britain at that time. He bypassed a protocol to sign a deal of 80 lakh
rupees. The case was closed in 1955 as t5he judicial inquiry ignored the suggestion of the
Inquiry Committee led by Ananthsayanam Ayyangar. It was first major corruption of
Independent India.
Bofors Scandal in 1987: It is alleged that the Swedish arms maker, Bofors bribed to get the deal
of the 155 mm Howitzers. Rajiv Gandi, the then Prime Minister of India was involved in the
scandal, which was closed after 21 years of probe in 2011. It was signed between India and
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Swedish metals and armaments major to replace the old field guns and artillery available with
Indian army. The government of India decided the induction of the Calibre 155 mm howitzers.
AB bofors of Sweden manufactured the FH-77 gun, which was owned by Alfred Nobel one.
Scorpene Submarine Scandal of 2005: It alleges bribery of 500 crore rupees by Thales, a
defence company of France to purchase the submarine of Scorpene for Indian Navy. No
evidence was found by CBI in its preliminary enquiry. Pranab Mukherjee the then Union
Defence Minister approved a deal worth 19000 crore rupees in October 2005. These
submarines are being in India at present under a technology transfer agreement. The
technology transfer agreement was a part of the agreement signed.
Barack Missiles Scandal in 2000: RK Jain, the treasurer of Samata Party was arrested and
former Defence Minister of India George Fernandes was named for the allegations of bribery
for acquisition of Barack missile by Israel. In 2006 a case was lodged by CBI and the case was
closed in 2011.
Tatra Trucks Scandal of 2012: The former chief of Army General VK Singh alleged that he was
offered a bribe to clear the purchase of these trucks. Questions were raised on the quality of
the heavy duty trucks made by Tatra.

GOVERNMENT ISSUED FOOD SAFETY GUIDELINES

INTEGRATED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES SCHEME

FOR

The Government of India on 31 December 2013 issued food safety and hygiene guidelines to
prevent contamination of supplementary nutrition provided to pregnant women and children.
The guidelines were issued under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme.
The guidelines were issued by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development.
The issued guidelines have barred the anganwadi workers and helpers from wearing nail polish,
and artificial nails. The anganwadi workers and helpers have been asked to trim their nails and
should keep them clean while washing the hands. It has also banned them from wearing wrist
watches and rings and bangles or any type of jewellery item, while cooking and serving food.
These have been banned as these jewellery items may carry foreign bodied and compromise
with the hygiene standard.
The Operational Guidelines for Food Safety and Hygiene of ICDS has also mentions that the
workers and helpers should tie their hairs neatly and it should be covered. It also mentions that
any type of glass should not be allowed in the cooking areas.
As per the issued guidelines, an adequate precaution for cleanliness has been issued for the
staffs to prevent the food from getting contaminated during cleaning of rooms, utensils or any
other equipment. It has also mentioned that before using any equipment, while cooking food
should be washed with water.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

It has also mentioned that toilets should be cleaned all the times to make safe disposal of stool
and wastes. It has said that the activity rooms, should be well ventilated and also be spacious,
which should be cleaned every day before the start of the functions in the morning.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

International
SCOTLAND REJECTED THE REFERENDUM FOR INDEPENDENCE
People of Scotland on 19 September 2014 rejected the historic referendum for independence
from United Kingdom. In the referendum asking simple question, Should Scotland be an
independent country? 55.3 percent of the Scots voted No whereas 44.7 percent of the Scots
voted Yes. In effect the referendum was rejected by a huge margin of 10.6 percent.

LOCKDOWN IN SIERRA LEONE TO FIGHT EBOLA

The three day lockdown began in Sierra Leone to fight Ebola. During the lockdown, 30000
volunteers will look for people infected with Ebola, or bodies, which are especially contagious.
They will hand out bars of soap and information on preventing infection.

INDIA-CHINA AGREED FOR JOINT WORKING GROUP ON FILMS

MEET IN GOA
India and China on 18 September 2014 agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to promote
facilitation in the film sector. The group will meet for the first time in November 2014 on the
sidelines of the International Film Festival India 2014 at Goa.

FRANCE JOINED US AIR STRIKES AGAINST ISIS IN IRAQ

France on 19 September 2014 joined US air strikes against ISIS in Iraq. French jets have carried
out their first strikes on IS depot in north-east Iraq.
Four Rafale planes hit the town of Zumar, killing dozens of militants.

INDIA AND CHINA SIGNED THREE MOUS FOR COOPERATION

The President of China, Xi Jinping arrived in India at Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 17 September
2014. He is on a three-day official visit to India. On the very first day of his visit, he signed three
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

FRENCH PARLIAMENT APPROVED ANTI-TERROR BILL AIMED AT

TRAVEL BAN OF JIHADISTS
French Parliament on 16 September 2014 approved a new anti-terror bill aimed at preventing
jihadists from travelling to Iraq, Syria or elsewhere by confiscating their passports.
The bill also targets messages posted on the Internet. The bill will undergo a single-round
formal vote on 17 September 2014.

BARACK OBAMA AUTHORISED AIR STRIKES AGAINST ISIS

MILITANTS IN SYRIA
The US President, Barack Obama on 11 September 2014 authorised US air strikes against
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants in Syria for the first time. He also asked to escalate
the airstrikes in Iraq. The aggressive offensive to combat ISIS, announcement came on the eve
of the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attack of World Trade Center.
This will be the first open-ended bombing campaign of the US against jihadist ISIS militants in
Syria. As per the plan, the airstrikes will be a systematic campaign of against the group.

EU IMPOSED NEW ECONOMIC SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA OVER

UKRAINE
The European Union on 12 September 2014 imposed new economic sanctions on Russia over
Ukraine. The restrictions include financing for some Russian state-owned companies and asset
freezes on leading Russian politicians.

45 FIJIAN UN PEACEKEEPERS RELEASED IN SYRIA

Al-Qaeda-affiliated rebel group, named Jabhat al-Nusra Front on 11 September 2014 released
forty five captured Fijian UN peacekeepers. The peacekeepers were handed over to UN
Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) Personnel.

UKRAINE AND PRO-RUSSIAN REBELS

AGREEMENT CALLED MINSK AGREEMENT

SIGNED

CEASEFIRE

Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels agreed on a ceasefire agreement in Minsk, Belarus on 5

September 2014. The deal is also known as Minsk agreement. The agreement was brokered by
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The agreement will end almost
five months of fighting between Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

INDIA AND BANGLADESH SIGNED MOU IN THE FIELD OF

TRADITIONAL MEDICINES
India and Bangladesh on 9 September 2014 signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in
the field of traditional medicines and homeopathy. The MoU aims to enhance cooperation
between the two countries in the health sector.

JNRA GAVE SAFETY APPROVAL TO RESTART TWO REACTORS OF

SENDAI NUCLEAR PLANT
Japan Nuclear Regulation Authority (JNRA) on 10 September 2014 gave its final safety approval
to restart two reactors of Sendai nuclear plant located in south-west Kyushu, Japan. The
permission to restart Sendai nuclear plant's two reactors was given after it met new standards
that were introduced following the Fukushima disaster in 2011.

WALES DECLARATION OF NATO SUMMIT 2014

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Summit 2014 was held in Wales, UK from 4 to 5
September 2014. This was the first summit held in the United Kingdom since Margaret Thatcher
welcomed NATO leaders to London in 1990.

INDIA, AUSTRALIA SIGNED PACT ON CIVIL NUCLEAR ENERGY

DEAL
Tony Abbott, the Prime Minister of Australia launched New Colombo Plan
Australian Government's New Colombo Plan for India was launched at Mumbai University on 4
September 2014 by Prime Minister of Australia, Tony Abbott. The plan was launched and the
MoUs were signed at the time when Australian Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott is on a
two day visit to India. He was on a two day visit of India from 4 September to 5 September
2014.

JAPAN PM NAMED FIVE WOMEN FOR HIS NEW CABINET

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on 3 September 2014 named five women for his new
cabinet. These five women make up the quarter of the cabinet that comprises 18 members.
As estimated by the Japanese Government, only 11 percent of managerial jobs are occupied by
women in Japan. Abe emphasized the need to get more women into the workforce to stop the

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growing gap in the labour market. He aimed to recruit women for 30 percent of senior business
and political positions by 2020.

ISRAEL TO TAKE OVER WEST BANK LAND

Israel on 31 August 2014 announced to take over West Bank land. The area will be named as
Gevaot.
The land portion is located south of Bethlehem. The seizure of the land is said to be the largest
seizure by Israel in last 30 years.
Israel will expropriate 4 sq km (1.5 sq miles) of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank.
Israel Government planned to build on the land, while Palestinian officials claimed that the land
include many olive groves.

PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI INAUGURATED TCS JAPAN

TECHNOLOGY AND CULTURE ACADEMY IN JAPAN
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the TCS Japan Technology and Culture Academy in
Japan on 2 September 2014. The Academy was opened during Narendra Modi's five-day visit to
Japan.
The TCS Japan Technology and Culture Academy is a Joint Venture of Tata Consultancy Services
and Mitsubishi Corporation and the aim of establishing this academy is to enhance the
technological and cultural knowledge between Indian and Japanese IT professionals.

SINT MARTIN GENERAL ELECTION 2014

The General election of Sint Marteen was held on 29 August 2014. The United People's Party
won the election with seven of the 15 seats in the Estates.
They were the first elections since Sint Maarten became a constituent country within the
Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010.

JAPAN REMOVED SIX INDIAN SPACE AND DEFENCE ENTITIES

FROM FOREIGN END USERS LIST
Japan on 1 September 2014 removed six Indian space and defence entities from the foreign end
users list, which will help in defence technology cooperation. This decision was taken during the
meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Japans PM Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. PM Narendra Modi
is on a five-day visit to Japan.
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LESOTHO PRIME MINISTER TOM THABANE DEPOSED BY COUP

LEADER KAMOLI
Lesotho Prime Minister Tom Thabane was deposed on 30 August 2014 by the military coup led
by army commander Lieutenant-General Tlali Kamoli.
The chief reason behind the coup seems to be the decision of Thabane to suspend parliament
in June 2014 to prevent it from passing a motion of no confidence against him which could have
brought down his government. It is widely believed that Lesotho Deputy Prime Minister
Mothetjoa Metsing was behind the coup.
In a further development on 31 August 2014 Thabane was escorted by the South African
security forces from

LIBYAN PARLIAMENT REAPPOINTED ABDULLAH AL-THINNI AS

PRIME MINISTER
Libyan parliament reappointed Abdullah al-Thinni as the Prime Minister on 1 September 2014
as the government lost control over the ministries in Tripoli which had been taken over by
armed groups. Thinni, a former defence minister, had been the prime minister of Libya since
March 2014.

PAK ARMY CHIEF GEN RAHEEL SHARIF

MEDIATOR TO DEFUSE POLITICAL CRISIS

APPOINTED

AS

Pakistan Government on 29 August 2014 appointed Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif's
as mediator to defuse political crisis.
The decision to seek Army chief General Raheel Sharif's help was taken after both Imran Khan,
chief of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Tahir-ul-Qadri, the chief of Pakistan Awami Tehreek
(PAT) refused to budge from their demand asking Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to quit.

RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN SWORN IN AS 12TH PRESIDENT OF

TURKEY
Recep Tayyip Erdogan was sworn in on 28 August 2014 as 12th President of Turkey. He was
sworn-in a ceremony held at Parliament of Turkey in Ankarra. The ceremony was attended by
Heads of state from a dozen nations in Eastern Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East.

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SEVEN COUNTRIES JOINED UNITED STATES IN ARMING IRAQI

KURDS AGAINST ISIS
Seven countries joined the United States (US) in arming the Peshmerga Kurdish forces in
Northern Iraq against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) on 26 August 2014. These seven
countries are Albania, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom. This
was announced by US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel.
The announcement comes two weeks after Hagel commissioned a U.S.-led working group to
accelerate resupply efforts to Kurdish forces.

US ARMY DESTROYED EXPERIMENTAL TEST OF ITS ADVANCED

HYPERSONIC WEAPON FOR PUBLIC SAFETY
The U.S. Army on 25 August 2014 destroyed Falcon Hypersonic Technology Vehicle 2 during a
test launch at its remote Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska. The termination was done to ensure
public safety.
The advanced hypersonic weapon, named Falcon Hypersonic Technology Vehicle 2 (HTV-2), is a
DARPA project that has been in testing for nearly five years.

US PRESIDENT AUTHORISED SURVEILLANCE FLIGHTS OVER

SYRIA
US President Barack Obama on 26 August 2014 authorised surveillance flights over Syria. The
surveillance flights was planned in order to gain intelligence on the activities of ISIS militants.
The authorisation was given after the beheading of the US journalist James Foley by ISIS group a
week ago.

AFGHANISTAN CELEBRATED 95TH INDEPENDENCE DAY

Afghanistan celebrated its 95th Independence Day on 19 August 2014. It is celebrated to mark
the signing of the 1919 Anglo-Afghan treaty, which gave the country complete independence
from British Empire.
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this eve greeted Afghanistans President Hamid
Karzai on behalf the Government and people of India.

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CHINESE AUTHORITY ARRESTED THOUSAND MEMBERS OF

QUANNENGSHEN RELIGIOUS CULT
Chinese authority on 19 August 2014 arrested thousand members of banned Quannengshen or
the Church of Almighty God religious cult. China had outlawed Quannengshen as illegal cult.
Further China had sentenced dozens of followers of Quannengshen movement since the
murder of a woman at a fast food restaurant by suspected members of the group in June 2014
which sparked a national outcry.

IRAQI PARLIAMENT ELECTED FUAD MASUM AS THE SEVENTH

PRESIDENT OF IRAQ
Muhammad Fuad Masum of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) party was elected as the
seventh President of Iraq on 24 July 2014. He was elected with overwhelming majority by the
Council of Representatives of Iraq (Iraqi Parliament) in Baghdad. He won 211 votes as against
17 votes won by Judge Hussein al-Musawi in the second round of voting.

INDIAN MISSION IN TRIPOLI ADVISED ALL INDIAN NATIONALS

TO LEAVE STRIFE TORN LIBYA
Indias mission in Tripoli on 28 July 2014 advised all its nationals to leave strife-torn Libya using
all available means for exiting Libya. It also asked its citizens not to travel to the Libya till the
situation improves. The mission asked Indians to move to safer places and avoid the conflict
zones that include Benghazi and Tripoli.

EU EXTENDED SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA IN WAKE OF MH-17

INCIDENT
European Union on 25 July 2014 extended the sanctions on Russia in wake of the Malaysian
Airplane MH-17 crash that happened over eastern Ukraine in third week of July 2014.
The sanctions were approved by the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the European
Union (EU) at a meet in Brussels, Belgium.

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INDIA VOTED IN FAVOUR OF THE UNHRC RESOLUTION ON

ISRAEL'S OFFENSIVE IN GAZA
India on 23 July 2014 voted in favour of United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
resolution for a probe on Israel's offensive in Gaza.
The resolution titled Ensuring Respect for international law in The Occupied Palestinian
Territories, including East Jersusalem saw 29 countries voting in favour of resolution while 17
countries including European countries abstained from the voting. In the 47-member UNHRC
the US was the only nation to vote against the resolution.

UNSC ADOPTED THE RESOLUTION FOR AN INTERNATIONAL

PROBE INTO MH-17 PLANE CRASH
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 21 July 2014 adopted a resolution demanding an
international probe into the shooting down of Malaysian airplane MH-17 in eastern Ukraine on
17 July 2014.
The resolution was adopted by the 15-member UNSC unanimously and it condemned the
shooting down of MH-17 in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine in the strongest terms. The incident
resulted in the tragic loss of 298 lives.

DEADLINE FOR REACHING AN AGREEMENT ON IRAN'S NUCLEAR

PROGRAMME EXTENDED TILL NOVEMBER 24
The deadline for reaching an agreement on Iran's Nuclear Programme was extended till 24
November 2014 on 20 July 2014. The decision to extend the deadline was announced by the
high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy Catherine
Ashton and the Iranian foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif.
The decision was taken after the negotiations between P5+1 countries and Iran along with
European Union held in Vienna, Austria failed.

BOLIVIA LEGALISED CHILD LABOUR FOR KIDS FROM AGE 10

Bolivia on 18 July 2014 passed a law to legalise child labour for kids from age 10. The bill was
approved by Bolivian Congress in June 2014. The bill was signed into law by the Vice President
of Bolivia.

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FORTALEZA DECLARATION ISSUED AT THE 6TH BRICS SUMMIT

6th BRICS Summit was held in Fortaleza, Brazil on 15 July and 16 July 2014. The theme of the
Summit was Inclusive Growth: Sustainable Solutions.
During the plenary session on 15 July 2014, the participating countries Brazil, Russia, India,
China and South Africa jointly issued the Fortaleza Declaration.

INDIA AND BRAZIL SIGNED THREE

STRENGTHEN THE BILATERAL RELATION

AGREEMENTS

TO

India and Brazil on 16 July 2014 signed three agreements during the sixth BRICS Summit in
Fortaleza, Brazil. The agreement was signed by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff at the Brazilian President official residence the Itamaraty
Palace.
Narendra Modi was on a visit to Brazil to attend 6th BRICS Summit being held in Fortaleza,
Brazil form 15 July to 16 July 2014.

BASHAR AL-ASSAD SWORN IN AS PRESIDENT OF SYRIA

Bashar al-Assad was sworn in as Syrias President in Damascus for a seven-year term on 16 July
2014. With this he became the President for the third consecutive term. He was re-elected after
a presidential election that was held in June 2014.

PM NARENDRA MODI MET RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PUTIN IN

FORTALEZA
The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Fortaleza,
Brazil on 15 July 2014. He met the Russian President Putin on the sidelines of Sixth BRICS
Summit being held in Fortaleza. The meeting was the first-summit level interaction of PM
Narendra Modi with Russian President.

JAPAN NUCLEAR REGULATOR GAVE NOD TO RESTART WORK AT

SENDAI NUCLEAR PLANT
Two nuclear reactors of Sendai plant on 15 July 2014 got a preliminary approval from Japans
nuclear regulator to restart. The decision to restart the Sendai nuclear plant was given after it
met the new standards set by Japans Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) after Fukushima
disaster.
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BRICS TO CREATE 100 BILLION DOLLAR DEVELOPMENT BANK

AND EMERGENCY RESERVE FUND
BRICS nations on 15 July 2014 signed a deal to create a new 100 billion US dollar development
bank and emergency reserve fund. The deal to from the bank was signed during the 6th BRICS
Summit being held in Fortaleza, Brazil form 15 July to 16 July 2014). BRICS group includes Brazil,
Russia, India, China and South Africa.

PM NARENDRA MODI MET CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING IN

FORTALEZA
The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Fortaleza, Brazil
on 15 July 2014. He met the Chinese President on the sidelines of Sixth BRIC Summit being held
in Fortaleza. The meeting was the first-summit level interaction of PM Narendra Modi with
Chinese President.

15-MEMBER UNSC ADOPTED RESOLUTION TO ALLOW CROSSBORDER AID TO SYRIANS

15-member United Nations Security Council (UNSC) uanimously adopted the resolution 2165 in
New York on 14 July 2014. The resolution 2165 sought to allow cross-border aid to three million
Syrians.

INDIA & SRI LANKA SIGNED MOU TO SET UP ENGINEERING &

AGRICULTURAL FACULTY FOR UNIVERSITY OF JAFFNA
India on 14 July 2014 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sri Lanka for setting
up a Faculty of Agriculture and a Faculty of Engineering for the University of Jaffna at
Kilinochchi.

AFGHANISTAN'S PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES AGREED ON THE

AUDIT OF VOTES CASTED IN JUNE 2014 ELECTION
The two presidential candidates agreed on 13 July 2014 for an audit of every vote cast in June
2014 presidential election. The deal was brokered by US Secretary of State John Kerry in an
effort to end a bitter standoff that raised fears of violence and ethnic unrest.
The two presidential candidates agreed to the deal Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah after
two days of negotiations held in Kabul.
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INDIA-CANADA AUDIOVISUAL CO-PRODUCTION TREATY SIGNED

India and Canada has signed an India-Canada Audiovisual Co-production Treaty with an aim to
create jobs in both countries and boost tourism. This audiovisual treaty is the first of its kind for
India and was signed in Delhi. The treaty came into force on 1 July 2014 but the announcement
was made on 9 July 2014.

UN TRIBUNAL RULED INDO-BANGLADESH MARITIME BORDER

DISPUTE
UN Tribunal, Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) on 8 July 2014 ruled on the Indo-Bangladesh
maritime border dispute of the Bay of Bengal.
The court has awarded 19467 square kilometers, a major part of disputed area to Bangladesh
from a total disputed area of 25602 square kilometers.

INDIA AND UK TO LAUNCH CIVIL NUCLEAR COOPERATION

India and United Kingdom on 8 July 2014 decided to launch negotiations for civil nuclear
cooperation. The decision was taken during the visit of UK foreign secretary of state William
Hague to India. He visited India on 7- 8 July 2014.
The Union External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj and UK foreign secretary of state William
Hague had discussions on variety of issues related to bilateral, regional and global issues of
mutual interest.

INDO-PAK FOREIGN SECRETARY LEVEL TALKS CALLED-OFF

India on 18 August 2014 called-off the Foreign Secretary-level bilateral talks with Pakistan. The
decision was taken by the Union government after Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit
invited Kashmiri separatist Hurriyat leaders in Delhi for a meet.
The high-level talk between the Foreign Secretaries of the two nations was supposed to be held
on 25 August 2014 in Islamabad. This Foreign Secretary meet was supposed to be the first
meeting in 18 months.

UNHRC APPOINTED MEMBERS OF COMMISSION OF INQUIRY TO

PROBE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN GAZA
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 12 August 2014 appointed three member to
its Commission of Inquiry to probe possible war crimes and human rights violations during a
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month long conflict in Gaza. The panel will also investigate human rights violations in the
Occupied Palestinian Territory including Jerusalem. The conflict on the Gaza strip began on 13
June 2014.
The commission will be headed by William Schabas a Canadian international criminal law and
human rights professor at Middlesex University in London. The other two members
include Amal Alamuddin of United Kingdom (British-Lebanese lawyer, specialising in
international law and human rights) and Doudou Diene of Senegal (was the United Nations
Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance from
2002 to 2008).

72-HOUR CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT

HAMAS CAME INTO EFFECT IN GAZA

BETWEEN

ISRAEL

AND

The fresh 72-hour ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into effect in Gaza one
minute after midnight on 11 August 2014. The ceasefire will pave the way for talks in Egypt
aimed at a durable end to a month-long conflict.

HAIDER AL-ABADI NAMED AS NEW IRAQI PRIME MINISTER

Iraqi President Mohammed Fuad Masum named Haider al-Abadi as the new Iraqi Prime
Minister on 11 August 2014. Masum has given thirty days to Haider al-Abadi to form the next
government and present it for the approval of parliament.
Before being nominated for the post of Iraqi Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi was deputy
parliament speaker. He was nominated for the post by the Iraqi National Alliance, a coalition of
Shia parties.

SWITZERLAND AMENDED FEDERAL ACT ON INTERNATIONAL

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE IN TAX MATTERS
Switzerland amended Federal Act on International Administrative Assistance in Tax
Matters and made key changes in its local laws on information exchange with foreign countries.
The amendment will assist foreign countries including India in their pursuit of black money
allegedly stashed in Swiss Banks. The revised Federal Act on International Administrative
Assistance in Tax Matters entered into force on 1 August 2014.

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US LAUNCHED AIR STRIKE AGAINST ISLAMIC MILITANTS IN IRAQ

Two F/A-18 aircraft of US on 8 August 2014 dropped 500-pound laser-guided bombs on mobile
artillery near Erbil in northern Iraq. This artillery was being used by the militants against Kurdish
forces of Iraq who were defending the city of Erbil.

UK DESTROYED SYRIAN CHEMICAL WEAPON AT ELLESMERE

PORT
United Kingdoms Foreign & Commonwealth Office on 7 August 2014 announced that it has
destroyed entire chemical stockpile of 190 metric tonnes of Syrian Arab Republic that was
transported to the country. The destruction of the stockpile comprised was carried out at a
commercial facility in Ellesmere Port.

GERMAN CABINET APPROVED DUAL CITIZENSHIP FOR CHILDREN

OF IMMIGRANTS
German Cabinet headed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel on 3 July 2014 approved a new
law that allows dual citizenship for the children of immigrants on 3 July 2014.

SENEGAL PRESIDENT MACKY SALL SACKED PRIME MINISTER

AMINATA TOURE
Senegal President Macky Sall on 4 July 2014 sacked Prime Minister Ms Aminata Toure. She was
sacked due to her failure to win a seat from Dakar in the 2014 local elections.

JAPANESE CABINET ADOPTED RESOLUTION TO END 60 YEARS

OF PACIFISM
Japan on 1 July 2014 ended the 60 years of pacifism giving Army the option to exercise force.
The resolution towards this was adopted by Japanese Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Shizo
Abe.

CHINA SOUTH KOREA BILATERAL SUMMIT HELD IN SEOUL

China South Korea bilateral summit was held in Seoul on 3 July 2014. The summit was held
between South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Chinese President Xi Jinping. It was held
during the Chinese President Xis first visit to South Korea since he became the President in
2013.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

JAPAN ISSUED MULTIPLE ENTRY VISAS TO INDIANS

Japan on 3 July 2014 issued multiple entry visas for short term stay to Indians. The visas will
allow Indian visitors to spend up to 15 days on a visit and the visas are likely to be valid for
three years.

FOUR-PARTY MEET IN BERLIN AGREED TO RESUME CEASEFIRE

IN EASTERN UKRAINE
Four-party meet held in Berlin on 2 July 2014 agreed on a series of step to resume the ceasefire
in eastern Ukraine. The four-party meet was held between Foreign Ministers of Russia, Ukraine,
Germany and France.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF PAKISTAN APPROVED PROTECTION OF

PAKISTAN BILL 2014
National Assembly of Pakistan on 2 July 2014 approved Protection of Pakistan Bill 2014 amid
military offensive against the Taliban in North Waziristan. This Bill will remain in force for two
years.

PAKISTAN ARMY LAUNCHED PHASE-II OF THE OPERATION

ZARB-E-AZB AGAINST MILITANTS
Pakistan Army launched the Phase-II of the Operation Zarb-e-Azb or Strike of the Prophets
Sword on 30 June 2014. The Phase-II of the Operation will be in the form of ground offensive
against Taliban militants in North Waziristan.

INDIA ANNOUNCED NEW

AFGHANISTAN NATIONALS

LIBERAL

VISA

POLICY

FOR

India on 30 June 2014 announced a new liberal visa policy for nationals of Afghanistan on
humanitarian grounds. The Policy was released by Union Home Ministry and will be effective
from 1 July 2014.

JEAN-CLAUDE JUNCKER NAMED AS THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Jean-Claude Juncker on 26 June 2014 was named as the next president of the European
Commission. He was backed by all EU member states, except Britain and Hungary.
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KIM JONG-UN REPLACED DEFENCE MINISTER OF NORTH KOREA

Kim Jong-Un, the North Korean leader on 25 June 2014 replaced his defence minister Jang JongNam. General Hyon Yong-Chol replaced Jang Jong-Nam as Minister of the Peoples Armed
Forces.

SRI LANKAS PARLIAMENT VOTED AGAINST THE UNHRC PROBE

INTO HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
Sri Lankas Parliament on 18 June 2014 voted a motion against the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHRC) probe.

DMITRY O ROGOZIN, THE RUSSIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

VISITED INDIA
Dmitry O Rogozin, the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia was on a two-day visit to India. He was
on a visit to India from 18 June to 19 June 2014. During the visit, he met Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

337 PERSON DIED IN WEST AFRICA DUE TO EBOLA VIRUS

DISEASE: WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) on 18 June 2014 declared that number of people killed
by the deadly Ebola virus in West Africa has risen to 337. It also said that in the second week of
June 2014 14 deaths and 47 new cases were reported across the region.

MILITANTS CAPTURED IRAQ'S LARGEST OIL REFINERY BAIJI

REFINERY
Baiji Oil Refinery: Captured by Militants
Militants on 17 June 2014 captured Iraq's largest oil refinery Baiji refinery. The Baiji refinery is
located in Salaheddin province, north of Baghdad in Iraq. Militants attacked refinery with
machine gun fire and mortars.

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RUSSIA CUT OFF GAS SUPPLY TO UKRAINE OVER THE DUE

PAYMENT
Russia on 16 June 2014 cut off all gas supplies to Ukraine over the due payment. Energy
Minister of Ukraine Yuri Prodan confirmed that the Gas supplies to Ukraine have been reduced
to zero.

PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI VISITED BHUTAN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 June 2014- 16 June 2014 made his first official visit to
Bhutan.

JUAN MANUEL
COLOMBIA

SANTOS

RE-ELECTED

AS

PRESIDENT

OF

Juan Manuel Santos of Social National Party was re-elected as the President of Colombia on 15
June 2014. He won the Presidential election with 51 percent of votes against Right Wing
candidate, Oscar Ivan Zuluaga with 45 percent of polled votes.

UGANDA'S SAM KAHAMBA KUTESA ELECTED PRESIDENT FOR

THE 69TH SESSION OF UNGA
Ugandas Foreign Affairs Minister, Sam Kahamba Kutesa on 11 June 2014 was elected as the
President of 69th Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The theme for the 69th
session is Delivering on and Implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda.

EMERGENCY DECLARED IN IRAQ AFTER MILITANTS SEIZED

MOSUL
Nuri al-Maliki, the Prime Minister of Iraq has declared a state of emergency in Iraq on 10 June
2014 after jihadist militants of al Qaida-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant captured
the city of Mosul and much of its province of Nineveh. State of emergency has broadened
arrest powers and allows curfews to be imposed and a general mobilization of civilians.

REUVEN RUBY RIVLIN ELECTED AS 10TH PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL

Reuven Ruby Rivlin on 10 June 2014 was elected as 10th president of Israel. Reuven Ruby Rivlin
is a member of Likud party.

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BRITAIN PUBLISHED EUROPES FIRST MODERN SLAVERY BILL TO

ADDRESS SLAVERY IN 21ST CENTURY
Britain on 10 June 2014 published the world's first Modern Slavery Bill. The Bill was published
by the Home Secretary Theresa May in the House of Commons. The Bill provides for life
imprisonment if a person was involved in the heinous crime of trade in human beings.

MISS NEVADA NIA SANCHEZ WON THE MISS USA TITLE FOR THE
YEAR 2014
Miss Nevada Nia Sanchez on 8 June 2014 was crowned as Miss USA 2014. She is the 63rd
winner of the Miss USA beauty contest. The ceremony was held at the Baton Rouge Civic Center
in Louisiana.

ABDEL FATTAH EL-SISI SWORN-IN AS PRESIDENT OF EGYPT

Former army chief Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was sworn-in as the President of Egypt in Cairo on 8 June
2014. He is the fifth Egyptian President to come from Army and will be the president for four
years.

POPE FRANCIS REPLACED AN ALL ITALIAN BOARD OF FINANCIAL

INFORMATION AUTHORITY
Pope Francis on 5 June 2014 has replaced an all Italian board of Financial Information Authority
which is Vatican's financial watchdog agency. The move was taken following repeated clashes
between the board and the agency's director.
The four new board members were appointed from Italy, Switzerland, Singapore and the
United States on 5 June 2014. The board for first time includes a woman.

PETRO POROSHENKO SWORN-IN AS PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE

Petro Poroshenko was sworn-in as the President of Ukraine in Kiev on 7 June 2014. He was
elected as President on 25 May 2014 with more than 54 percent of the vote.

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UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY ANNOUNCED AN AWARD IN HONOUR

OF NELSON MANDELA
UN General Assembly on 7 June 2014 announced an award in honour of Nelson Mandela. The
award was announced to pay tribute to the achievements and contribution of anti-apartheid
icon Nelson Mandela.

LITHUANIA TO BECOME 19TH COUNTRY TO ADOPT EURO AS

CURRENCY FROM 1 JANUARY 2015
Lithuania will become the 19th country to adopt Euro as a Single currency from 1 January 2015.
This was revealed by the European Union Commission's Convergence Report released on 4 June
2014. Convergence Report examined whether Member States satisfy the conditions for
adopting the single currency Euro.

QUEBEC BECAME FIRST PROVINCE OF CANADA TO ADOPT

RIGHT-TO-DIE LEGISLATION
Quebec province of Canada on 5 June 2014 adopted legislation Right-to-Die that allows
terminally ill patients to kill themselves with a doctors help. The legislation was adopted in a
historic vote in the National Assembly with 94-22 majority.
With legalizing the legislation so called Dying with Dignity or Bill 52, Quebec became first
province of the country to legalize doctor-assisted death.

SYRIAN PRESIDENT BASHAR AL-ASSAD WON PRESIDENTIAL

ELECTION FOR THIRD TIME
President Bashar al-Assad of Syria won the Presidential election for the third time. The
Presidential Election result was announced by the Parliament Speaker Jihad Laham on 4 June
2014.
Basher winning the elections means that he will stay as the President of Syria for seven more
years.

PAKISTAN HIKED DEFENCE BUDGET BY 11 PERCENT

Pakistan on 4 June 2014 hiked its defence budget by 11 percent from 627.2 billion rupees to
700.2 billion rupees for the fiscal year 2014-15 that starts on 1 July 2014. The defence budget
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was hiked amid surge in Taliban insurgency in the country and volatile security environment of
the country.

OBAMA PROPOSED 1 BILLION DOLLAR US SECURITY PLAN FOR

EASTERN EUROPE
The US President Barack Obama on 3 June 2014 proposed a 1 billion US dollar (about 730
million Euros) US security plan for Eastern Europe to finance extra US troop and military
deployments to new allies in Eastern Europe.

PALESTINIAN UNITY GOVERNMENT OF HAMAS AND FATAH

SWORN-IN BY PRESIDENT MAHMOUD ABBAS
The Palestinian National Unity Government of Hamas and Fatah was sworn-in on 2 June 2014
by the Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas in West Bank City of Ramallah. With
the formation of new government, the Hamas government in Gaza strip resigned.

KING OF SPAIN JUAN CARLOS I DECIDED TO ABDICATE THE

THRONE
King of Spain Juan Carlos I announced on 2 June 2014 to abdicate the throne due to health
problems. The decision to abdicate was announced in the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid. The
abdication of throne by Carlos will pave the way for his son Crown Prince Felipe to become the
successor of King Juan Carlos I.

PETER MUTHARIKA SWORN-IN AS PRESIDENT OF MALAWI

Peter Mutharika was sworn-in as President of Malawi on 31 May 2014. He won the presidential
election of Malawi by defeating previous President Joyce Banda. The result was announced by
the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on 30 May 2014.

MAURITIUS DECIDED TO
PROVIDE
INFORMATION EXCHANGE TO INDIA

AUTOMATIC

TAX

Mauritius on 27 May 2014 decided to provide automatic tax information exchange to India. The
decision was announced by the Prime Minister of Mauritius Navin Ramgoolam after his meeting
with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.
Navin Ramgoolam was in India to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as 15th
PM of India.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The decision was taken by Mauritius because during last few months the Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) inflows from Mauritius have started drying up on the fears of the impact of
General Anti Avoidance Rules (GAAR) and possible re-negotiation of the tax avoidance treaty.
**Automatic Tax Information Exchange
Automatic exchange of information involves the systematic and periodic transmission of bulk
taxpayer information by the source country to the residence country concerning various
categories of income. The categories of income include dividends, interest, royalties, salaries,
pensions, etc.

PM OF INDIA NARENDRA MODI HELD TALKS WITH PM OF

PAKISTAN NAWAZ SHARIF
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi held talks with Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif
in New Delhi on 27 May 2014.
Nawaz Sharif visited India as part of swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as the Prime
Minister of India along with other SAARC leaders.
During the meeting of the two leaders following issues were discussed
Mutual concern over the terrorism and commitment to fight terrorism
Mumbai terror attack in 2008 and expediting the legal process on 26/11 trial

ROYAL THAI ARMY ANNOUNCED MILITARY COUP IN THAILAND

The Royal Thai Army led by Commander-in-Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha in fourth week of
May 2014 announced military coup in Thailand. Earlier on 20 May 2014, the army declared
imposition of martial law in Thailand.
This is the second military coup in Thailand after the 2006 military coup in which the then Prime
Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinatwara was toppled on account of corruption charges.

DALIA GRYBAUSKAITE WON THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF

LITHUANIA
Dalia Grybauskaite, the Iron Lady of Lithuania, on 25 May 2014 won the Presidential elections
of Lithuania. As a result she became the first person to serve as the President of Lithuania for
consecutive second term. She served the first term as President from 2009 to 2014 as the term
of President of Lithuania is five years.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

RUSSIA AND CHINA VETOED UN RESOLUTION AGAINST SYRIA

Russia and China on 22 May 2014 exercised their veto power against a draft resolution which
was intended to refer the Syrian civil war to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The
resolution was double vetoed by the Russia and China for the fourth time.
The draft resolution was proposed by the France which at the 15-nation UN body. It received 13
votes in favour and 2 against.

RUSSIA AND CHINA SIGNED 30 YEAR DEAL ON NATURAL GAS

WORTH OF 400 BILLION DOLLARS
China on 21 May 2014 signed a 30-year deal to buy Russian natural gas worth 400 billion US
dollars in a financial year. The deal was signed during the Russian President Vladimir Putin visit
to China.
Gasport firm of Russia and China National Petroleum Corp signed the agreement. As per the
agreement, Gasport will supply 38 billion cubic metres of gas annually to China National
Petroleum Corp. The contract is worth a total of 400 billion US dollars.

PEMRA SUSPENDED THREE GEO TV CHANNELS FOR LEVELING

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST ISI
Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on 20 May 2014 suspended three
television channels of Geo TV network. Geo TV network is the country's largest and most
influential.
These were suspended for leveling allegations against the Inter Service Intelligence (ISI) and
showing blasphemous morning show on its entertainment channel.
The three channels that have been suspended by the five-member Pakistani electronic media
watchdog are Geo News, Geo Entertainment and Geo Tez.

CHINA SET UP 1.6 BILLION DOLLARS FUND TO SUPPORT

MARITIME SILK ROAD DEVELOPMENT
China on 19 May 2014 set up a 1.6 billion dollars (10 billion Yuan) fund that will support
projects related to maritime Silk Road development of China.
The agreement to set up the fund was signed by the city government of Fuzhou, capital of
Fujian Province of China with the China Africa Development Fund (CAD Fund) and the Fujian
branch of the China Development Bank.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The agreement was signed at the ongoing 16th Cross-Straits Fair for Economy and Trade in
Fuzhou.

THAILAND ARMY CHIEF GENERAL

DECLARED TO IMPOSE MARTIAL LAW

PRAYUTH

CHAN-OCHA

Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Army, General Prayuth Chan-ocha declared to impose

martial law in Thailand on 20 May 2014.
The decision to impose martial law was taken after caretaker government headed by Prime
Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan refused to step down.
The Army chief signed the military statement imposing the martial law in accordance with the
1914 law that allowed military to intervene during crisis time.

QATAR DECIDED TO ABOLISH SPONSORSHIP SYSTEM FOR

FOREIGN WORKERS
Qatar on 14 May 2014 announced about its decision to abolish it controversial sponsorship
system for foreign workers. The sponsorship system (Kafala system) will be replaced with a
system based on employment contracts as part of a package of labour reforms.

MOLDOVA & GEORGIA TO SIGN EU ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT

ON 27 JUNE 2014
Moldova and Georgia on 13 May 2014 agreed to sign European Union (EU) Association
Agreement on 27 June 2014. The President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy
revealed this in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
The signing of the Association Agreement will help strengthen the trade and political ties
between the EU and the two countries.
Besides, it will also help expedite the process of full membership for Moldova and Georgia to
the 28-EU bloc which is the original foreign policy objective of both the countries.

GOOGLE MUST AMEND

EUROPEAN COURT

SEARCH

RESULTS

ON

REQUEST:

The European Court on 13 May 2014 ruled that Google must amend some of its search results
at the request of ordinary people when they show links to outdated, irrelevant information.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The court decision will allow individuals the right to ask internet search engines to remove links
to information about them that they do not want to be known. This is because such availability
of irrelevant and outdated information would be an attack on free speech and right to privacy.
The Court said that Google and other search engines do have control of private information of
individual, given that they sometimes compile and present links to it in a systematic way.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM OF UK LAUNCHED ONLINE DATABASE

OF WORLD WAR-I
Imperial War Museum of the United Kingdom (UK) on 11 May 2014 launched an ambitious
online database of the World War-I (WW-I). The website was launched to mark the 100th
anniversary of WW-I. The online database will help remember the lives of the millions of men
and women who served in WW-I.
The online database titled Lives of the First World War so far features records for 4.5 million
people who served with Britain's army overseas. The records have been pulled together from
existing archives and family collections.
The museum aims to add millions more records over the next months to include people who
served with forces from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and India, as well as conscientious
objectors and home front workers.

SOUTH SUDAN GOVERNMENT AND REBEL ARMY SIGNED A

PEACE DEAL
The South Sudan President Salva Kiir and rebel army leader Riek Machar on 9 May 2014 signed
a peace deal in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The deal calls for immediate peace and end of the ongoing conflict in Jonglei state between the
two parties. The deal also calls for the formation of a transitional government ahead of the
drafting of a new constitution and new elections.
The general principles agreed by the parties were that will be in line with the constitution of
South Sudan includes
Creation of joint military technical committee,
Establishment of Greater Pibor administrative areas
Funds for Greater Pibor areas

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn hosted the talks and he also signed the deal.
Bishop Paride Taban is the chief mediator of the peace process between the government and
rebels.

FIVE NUCLEAR POWERS SIGNED A PROTOCOL ON CENTRAL

ASIAN NUCLEAR-WEAPON-FREE-ZONE TREATY
The Five Nuclear Powers and UN Security Council members (United States, Russia, China,
Britain and France) on 6 May 2014 signed a new protocol on existing Central Asian NuclearWeapon-Free-Zone (CANWFZ) Treaty in New York. The agenda of singing the protocol was
creation of a nuclear free zone in five central Asian countries namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
**Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone (CANWFZ) Treaty
The CANWFZ treaty is a legally binding commitment of Central Asian states (Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) that demands not to manufacture,
acquire, test, or possess nuclear weapons.
The treaty was signed on 8 September 2006 at Semipalatinsk (a major Soviet nuclear site),
Kazakhstan. Hence it is also known as Treaty of Semipalatinsk, Treaty of Semei or Treaty of
Semey.

PAKISTAN TEST-FIRED HATAF-III GHAZNAVI MISSILE

Pakistan on 8 May 2014 successfully test-fired Hataf-III Ghaznavi missile during war exercises of
Armys Strategic Force Command. Hataf-III Ghaznavi missile is a short range surface-to-surface
Ballistic Missile and is capable of carrying nuclear and conventional weapons up to 290
kilometers.
The field training exercise was performed with an aim to test the operational readiness of a
Strategic Missile Group besides up gradation of various capabilities of Weapon Systems.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan is General Raheel Sharif.

US TO INDUCT CHINESE RAILROAD WORKERS INTO HALL OF

HONOUR
US on 7 May 2014 announced that it will induct about 12000 Chinese workers into Hall of
Honour. The honour came in the wake of building trans-pacific railroad between 1865 and
1869. This will be the first time for the Asian-Americans to receive such a tribute since the Hall
was established in 1988.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

US President Barack Obama designated May 2014 as Asian-American and Pacific Islander
Heritage Month. May was choosen as the month because the Trans-continental Railroad was
completed on 10 May 1869.
The national theme of AAPI Heritage Month 2014 is I Am Beyond.

WORLDS HIGHEST TUNNEL FOR HIGH-SPEED TRAIN OPENED IN

CHINA
The worlds highest tunnel for high-speed train in northwest China at an altitude of 3607.4
metres became operational on 1 May 2014. The 16.3 km long tunnel links Gansu province and
Xinjiang provinces. The tunnel passes through the Qilian Mountains with two sections and
bridge.

INDIA-MADE EVMS TO BE USED IN NAMIBIAS PRESIDENTIAL

POLLS
Namibian government on 30 April 2014 purchased 3400 India-made Electronic Voting Machines
(EVMs) for use in the countries Presidential Election, scheduled in November 2014. With this
Namibia became the first African country that will use such machines in any of its Polls.
The 3400 EVMs were purchased by Namibia at a cost of Namibian 10 million dollar (Dh3.4
million/approx $948,000) from a public sector unit, Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) based in
Bangaluru.

PETITION FILED IN COURT OF PAKISTAN TO PROVE BHAGAT

SINGH'S INNOCENCE
Imtiaz Rashid Qureshi, the chairman of the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation in April 2014
registered a FIR in Pakistan to prove innocence of the legendary freedom fighter, Bhagat Singh
in the murder case of the Lahore SSP, John P Saunders in 1928.
Imtiaz Rashid Qureshi has filed the petition seeking attested copy of the FIR registered against
Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru for allegedly killing the then SSP.

MAHATMA GANDHI PRAVASI SURAKSHA YOJANA SCHEME

LAUNCHED IN UAE
Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY) was launched in the UAE in the fourth week
of April 2014. A leading Indian financial and health care service player has tied up with the UAE
Exchange to offer Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana Scheme in the Gulf country.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

**About Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY)

Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY) Scheme is a pension and life insurance
scheme and is recognised by the Indian government. It is a special social security scheme for
overseas Indian workers on temporary work permit in 17 Emigration Check Required (ECR)
countries.

GEORGE CLOONEY STEPPED DOWN FROM UN ROLE

George Clooney on 29 April 2014 stepped down from his role as UNs Messenger of Peace amid
the reports of his engagement with the human rights lawyer, Amal Alamuddin (36-year-old). He
has served UN as Messenger of Peace since January 2008.
George Clooneys role as the messenger of peace ended after six years and he was a vocal
activist for the UN work in Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
George Clooney is an American actor, film director, producer and screenwriter and was born on
6 May 1961.

THE US AND JAPAN ISSUED A JOINT STATEMENT EMPHASIZING

ROBUST TRILATERAL RELATION WITH INDIA
US President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe issued a Joint Statement
in Tokyo, Japan on 25 April 2014. The US President Barack Obama is currently on a four-nation
trip to Asia, his fifth as the US President.

INDIA LAUNCHED EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAMME FOR

UNEMPLOYED SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTH
India on 25 April 2014 launched an educational outreach programme in Pretoria, South Africa
under which unemployed South African youths can benefit themselves from internships in
India. The new academic programme was launched by the Indian High Commissioner Virendra
Gupta.
It has established a new academic bridge between the two countries. It has been launched
under a partnership between Siva Sivani Institute of Management of Hyderabad and Ubuntu
Institute of South Africa.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

ASIA-PACIFIC NAVIES OF 22 COUNTRIES INCLUDING INDIA

SIGNED MARITIME COMMUNICATION AGREEMENT
Asia-Pacific navies of 22 countries including India signed Maritime Communication Agreement
on 22 April 2014. The agreement was reached by the Naval Chiefs of these countries at the
biennial conference of the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS). The symposium is being
held from 21 - 25 April 2014 in Quingdao, the Eastern port city of China.
The agreement was aimed at ensuring that miscommunication between naval vessels does not
develop into conflict in the Pacific Ocean.
**About Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS)
The origins of the WPNS lie in the 1987 International Seapower Symposium. The WPNS aims to
increase cooperation and the ability to operate together, as well as to build trust and
confidence between Navies by providing a framework to enable the discussion of maritime
issues of mutual interest, the exchange of information, the practice and demonstration of
capabilities, and the exchange of personnel.
21 member states of WPNS are: Australia; Brunei;Cambodia; Canada; Chile; China; France;
Indonesia; Japan; Malaysia; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; The Philippines; Republic of
Korea; Russia; Singapore; Thailand; Tonga; The US; and Vietnam.

INDIA AND BHUTAN SIGNED AGREEMENT ON DEVELOPMENT OF

HYDROPOWER PROJECTS
India and Bhutan signed an agreement for the development of hydropower projects in
Thimphu, Bhutan on 22 April 2014. The inter-governmental agreement provides framework for
implementing four hydro-electric projects (HEP) totaling 2120 MW on a joint venture model
between public sector undertakings (PSU) of India and Bhutan.

RUSSIA, UKRAINE AND WEST SIGNED DEAL TO EASE UKRAINIAN

CRISIS
Russia, Ukraine and West (US and European Union) signed a surprise deal to ease Ukrainian
Crisis. The deal was signed in Geneva on 17 April 2014.
The deal among the four parties agreed to restore security for all citizens. Besides to disarm
illegal armed groups who seized buildings in Ukraine and return the buildings to their rightful
owners.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

ABDELAZIZ BOUTEFLIKA WON FOURTH TIME AS THE PRESIDENT

OF ALGERIA
Abdelaziz Bouteflika won the Presidency for the fourth time consecutively in Algeria on 18 April
2014. He belongs to National Liberation Front party.
He won the presidential election with a huge 81 percent of the vote. In 2008, he won the
elections with 90 percent of the vote.

PGCIL & PGCB TO CONDUCT JOINT FEASIBILITY STUDY TO

EXPORT 100 MW POWER TO BANGLADESH
Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PCIL) and Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) on
16 April 2014 decided to conduct a joint feasibility study for exporting 100 MW power to
Bangladesh from gas-fired Palatana power plant in Tripura.

UK LEGALISED SALE OF SELF-TESTING KITS FOR HIV

A new law legalizing sale of self-testing kits for HIV came into force in United Kingdom (UK) on 6
April 2014. The new law allows individuals to buy the self-testing kits available on shops and
self-diagnose for HIV at home itself. The new law was approved by the UK Government in
September 2013.
Testing could involve taking a small drop of blood from a finger, or a swab from the inside of
the mouth which can be easily read by people with no medical knowledge or training.

CHINA DUG THE 7 KM DEEP BOREHOLE OVER TIBETAN PLATEAU

Chinese exploration teams on 7 April 2014 drilled a seven-kilometre-deep borehole in the
resource-rich Himalayan region of Tibet. The drilling aimed to tap the oil and natural gas
resources of the region.
Chinas energy giants Sinopec and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) carried out
exploration projects on the Tibetan plateau.

SOUTH KOREA DEVELOPED BALLISTIC MISSILE TO COUNTER

NORTH KOREA
South Korea on 4 April 2014 developed a ballistic missile capable of striking most of North
Korea. The missile was launched from a test site in Taean, a coastal town southwest of Seoul.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The test came a day after North Korea raised tensions by test-firing 30 short-range rockets off
its east coast on 22 March 2014.
The new missile with a range of 310 miles (500 Km) is able to carry a warhead of up to onetonnes.

BANGLADESH TO PROVIDE TRANSIT FACILITY FOR INDIAN

POWER TRANSMISSION LINE
Bangladesh agreed to provide transit facility for a 6000 megawatt Indian power transmission
line. This decision was taken in a joint steering committee meeting on India-Bangladesh power
sector cooperation held on 3 April 2014.
In October 2013, the two countries simultaneously launched a joint transmission line to export
250 Megawatt power to Bangladesh under separate arrangements.

NASA SUSPENDED TIES

WITH
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

RUSSIA

EXCEPT

ON

US Space agency, NASA on 2 April 2014 announced that it had suspended majority of its
ongoing engagement and ties with Russia, except the cooperation aboard the International
Space Station. The suspension of the ties has happened due to the crisis in Ukraine that has
been caused due to the violation of the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity.

WORLD BANK TO DOUBLE LENDING TO INDIA, CHINA, BRAZIL,

MEXICO AND INDONESIA
Jim Yong Kim, the President of World Bank on 1 March 2014 announced that the bank would
nearly double its lending capacity to boost support for middle countries like India, Brazil, China,
Mexico and Indonesia. The announcement was made at the Council on Foreign Relations in
Washington because the bank thinks that these countries would provide an insight to poorer
countries in solving their problems like poverty.
**About World Bank Group and its work
The World Bank is a financial and technical assistance institution for developing counties
around the world. The World Bank was established in 1944 and at present have more than 120
offices worldwide. World Bank is headquartered in Washington DC. Jim Yong Kim became the
12th president of the World Bank Group on 1 July 2012.
It has set two goals to achieve by 2030 and they are:
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

End extreme poverty by decreasing the percentage of people living on less than $1.25 a
day to no more than 3 percent
Promote shared prosperity by fostering the income growth of the bottom 40% for every
country. It has five institutions that are managed by their member countries and as a
whole it forms the World Bank Group.
The five institutions are
IBRD: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) that lends to
governments of middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries.
IDA: The International Development Association (IDA) that provides interest-free
loanscalled credits and grants to governments of the poorest countries.
IFC: The International Finance Corporation (IFC), is the largest global development
institution focused exclusively on the private sector.
MIGA: The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) was created in 1988 as a
member of the World Bank Group to promote foreign direct investment into developing
countries to support economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve peoples lives.
MIGA fulfills this mandate by offering political risk insurance (guarantees) to investors
and lenders.
ICSID: The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) provides
international facilities for conciliation and arbitration of investment disputes.

INDIA INCREASED THE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OMANI STUDENTS

India increased the scholarships for Omani student from 125 to 150 on 1 April 2014. The
scholarships were increased under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC)
programme. Since the first issuance of 50 scholarships to Omani students in 2011-12 to 150,
the increase has been of 200 percent.

JAPAN ANNOUNCED 15000 CRORE LOAN FOR 5 INDIAN

PROJECTS
Japan announced Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan for more than 15000 crore
rupees for 5 Indian Projects on 31 March 2014. This is the largest amount in the history of the
ODA loans ever signed in the single occasion.
The loan agreement was signed by Rajesh Khullar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic
Affairs in the Union Finance Ministry and Takeshi Yagi, ambassador of Japan to India.
Indian Projects covered under loan are:
New and Renewable energy development Project
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Energy Saving Project

Haryana Distribution System Upgradation Project
Delhi Mass Rapid Transport System Project

IMF AGREED TO PROVIDE 18 BILLION DOLLAR LOAN TO

UKRAINE
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreed on 27 March 2014 to provide loan to Ukraine
worth 18 billion dollars for next two years.
Under the IMF deal Ukraine will have to cut the budget deficit, raise taxes, shift to a flexible
exchange rate and increase retail energy tariffs toward their full cost.
The Ukrainian Parliament needs to pass a set of reforms to accept the package of IMF. Then
IMF board will revive the deal in April 2014. It may also provide an opportunity to receive the
loans from United States and the European Union which brings in total 27 billion dollars for two
years.
Due to financial crisis in Ukraine, the IMF package will have significant impact on the Ukrainian
economy. For instance, inflation will increase up to 14 percent on account of rise in the
household gas prices by 50 percent to meet the full cost recovery condition from May 2014
announced by the Ukraine government. Besides, Income tax rates would rise from 15 to17
percent. The government estimated that it needs about 35 billion over two years to recover
from this economic crisis.

UN PASSED NON-BINDING RESOLUTION

RUSSIAN ANNEXATION OF CRIMEA

DE-RECOGNISING

The UN General Assembly on 27 March 2014 passed the non-binding resolution that refuses
recognition of annexation of Crimean peninsula by Russia from Ukraine. This resolution was
supported by 110 countries, opposed by 11 and abstained by 58 (including India) in the 193nation assembly.

DENY ACCESS TO WEBSITES INFRINGING COPYRIGHT: EU COURT

TO ISPS
European Union Court on 27 March 2014 ruled that Internet Service Providers (ISP) can legally
deny access to websites that infringe copyright to their customers. The ruling is aimed at
limiting online piracy.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

In its directive the Court also said that ISPs must ensure that this blocking activity of the
websites may not deprive users from the possibility of lawfully access to the information
available.

UNHRC PASSED A CHANGED DRAFT RESOLUTION ON SRI LANKA

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) passed a changed draft resolution on Sri Lanka
during the 25th session held in Geneva on 27 March 2014. The resolution seeks to authorize
UNHRC to set up an independent international inquiry in Sri Lanka to probe into human rights
violations during Sri Lankan civil war against LTTE in 2009.

THIRD NUCLEAR SECURITY SUMMIT 2014 HELD IN THE HAGUE

The Third Nuclear Security Summit was held in The Hague, Switzerland from 24 to 25 March
2014. The summit was attended by 58 World leaders. At the summit, the leaders reached an
agreement to prevent terrorists getting their hands on nuclear material that could be used to
make a nuclear weapon. This will further reduce the threat of a nuclear attack.
Japan signed an agreement to hand over nuclear material to the US
Japan and the United States on 24 March 2014 signed an agreement for removal of 315
kilograms of weapon-grade Plutonium and Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) to United States. As
per the deal, the fissile material would be transported from Fast Critical Assembly (FCA) at the
Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) to a secure facility in the United States.
This deal was reached between the two nations during the 2014 International Nuclear security
summit in The Hague, Netherlands.

FIVE INDIAN LANGUAGES REINSTATED AS OFFICIAL SUBJECTS IN

SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLS
Five Indian languages were reinstated as official subjects that will be taught in South African
state schools. The five Indian languages which have been reinstated are Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati,
Telugu and Urdu. These languages were offered as official subjects in schools of South Africa
until 1994.
These languages first will be offered as an optional third language for learners only in KwaZuluNatal province where about 70 percent of the Indian-origin population inhabit.
Further these five Indian languages along with Arabic language will be offered as official
subjects up to matric level (final year of schooling) in South Africa.
UNSC extended mandate of UNAMA till March 2015
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The UN Security Council on 17 March 2014 extended the mandate of the United Nations
Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for another year until 17 March 2015. The mandate
is focused on local ownership and leadership regarding security, governance and development
in Afghanistan.
Russia suspended from G-8 Countries Club over its incursion into Crimea
G-8 nations (Group of the eight Countries) on 18 March 2014 suspended Russia from elite club
of world powers. It has been suspended amid heightened tensions over its incursion in Crimea
of Ukraine. This announcement of suspension of Russia was made by Laurent Fabius, the
Foreign Minister of France.
**G-8 Countries are: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, USA and Russia
(now suspended).

FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION SUED 16 WORLD

LARGEST BANKS
The US regulator, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on 14 March 2014 filed a law-suit on
16 of the worlds largest banks. The regulator accused the banks for allegedly manipulating the
Libor interest rate.
The Banks that has been sued includes Barclays Plc, HSBC, Citigroup and Royal Bank of Scotland,
UBS and British Bankers Association (BBA) and others.

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT PASSED A LAW TO INTRODUCE A

UNIVERSAL MOBILE DEVICE CHARGER
European Parliament on 17 March 2014 passed a law to develop a common charger for all
mobile phones sold in the continent of Europe. European Parliament had amended its radio
equipment laws to develop a common charger for all mobile phones.
The law was approved by 550 votes to 12, with 8 abstentions.
The introduction of a common charger will serve the interests of both consumers and the
environment. It will help to put an end to charger clutter and would reduce 51000 tonnes of
electronic waste annually.
It was expected that the universal charging configuration would come into force by 2017.
As per the Expert estimation there are some 30 different types of charger currently in the
market. Phone makers such as Apple, Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and ALCATEL
have all signed an agreement to make their phones compatible with a single, USB style charger.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT SIGNED DECREE, RECOGNISED CRIMEA AS

SOVEREIGN STATE
Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia on 17 March 2014 signed a decree that recognises
Crimea as a sovereign state. This signing of the decree has paved a way for absorption of
Crimea into Russia.
The signed decree said that Russia has taken into account the referendum of 16 March 2014 of
Crimea in which about 97 percent of the voters backed breaking away from Ukraine. Crimean
residents voted in support of seceding, seeking to join Russia.

INDIA AND UNITED STATES ENERGY DIALOGUE HELD IN NEW

DELHI
India and United States Energy dialogue was held in New Delhi from 5 March 2014 to 11 March
2014. The Dialogue was co-chaired by Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of the
Planning Commission, and Dr. Ernest Moniz, Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy.
At the India-US Energy Dialogue India and United States agreed to promote scientific
cooperation, research & development for greater technological innovation and for deployment
of environmentally friendly technologies and products.
During the Dialogue, U S-India Joint Clean Energy Research and development Centre had also
brought up issues relating to progress on solar energy, advanced bio-fuels and energy efficiency
of buildings under PACE-R.

MICHELLE BACHELET SWORN-IN AS PRESIDENT OF CHILE FOR

SECOND TERM
Michelle Bachelet was sworn-in as the President of Chile in Valparaiso. The 62-year old
Michelle, the socialist leader took the oath of the office on 11 March 2014. She succeeded the
conservative President Sebastian Pinera.

INDIA PLEDGED TO PROVIDE 4500 CRORE RUPEES ASSISTANCE

PACKAGE TO BHUTAN
Government of India (GOI) announced to provide 4500 crore rupees Assistance Package to
Bhutan for its 11th Five Year Plan. The 11th Five Year Plan will cover the period 1 July 2013 to
30 June 2018. The package will help the landlocked country to implement major projects over
the 11th Five Year Plan that will improve the livelihood of its people.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

INDIA EMERGED AS THE LARGEST NON OIL TRADING PARTNER

FOR DUBAI IN 2013-14
Report released by Dubai Department of Economic Development on 10 March 2014 marked
India as the largest non oil trading partner of Dubai in 2013-14. The bilateral trade between the
two countries in 2013-14 crossed 37 billion US dollar, which is 10 percent of the overall trade.
The report also says that the exports and re-exports from India have also marked a significant
rise in the period.

SAUDI ARABIA DECLARED

TERRORIST ORGANISATION

MUSLIM

BROTHERHOOD

Saudi Arabia on 7 March 2014 declared Muslim Brotherhood, al-Nusra Front, Hezbollah and the
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) jihadist group as Terrorist Groups.
The move is expected to curb the activities of terror outfits and prevent the people from taking
part in the conflict directly. The ban was described as a sign of the kingdoms resolve to fight
terrorism and to avoid direct consequence in Saudi Arabia.

CHINA ANNOUNCED BIGGEST HIKE OF 12.2 PERCENT IN

DEFENCE BUDGET
China announced a biggest hike of 12.2 percent in defence budget on 5 March 2014. The hike of
12.2 percent will make the Chinese government spend 808.2 billion Yuan or 130 billion US
dollar in 2014-15 on defence. This is the biggest increase in three years.

NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR-LEVEL MEET ON MARITIME

SECURITY COOPERATION HELD IN NEW DELHI
India, Sri Lanka and Maldives on 6 March 2014 held national security advisor-level meet on
maritime security cooperation in New Delhi. During the meet, the three sides reviewed and
expressed satisfaction over the progress in the implementation of various activities in the
identified areas.
Other major new areas discussed for cooperation in the meet included
Hydrography
Training in search and seizure operations
Exchanges between think tanks
Joint participation in adventure activities
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Training on board Indian Sail Training Ships

INDIA DECIDED TO BLOCK THE US INVESTIGATIONS OVER

TRADE POLICIES AND PATENTS LAWS OF INDIA
India decided to block the investigations by the United States into its trade policies and patent
laws, and prepare for a battle at the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 24 February 2014.
India is furious about a threat of trade sanctions made by the US Trade Representatives (USTR)
office over its protection of intellectual property rights (IPR), preference for domestic producers
and non-trade barriers. India has since hardened its stance, instructing officials not to allow
any request from the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) to examine Indias
trade practices.

INDIA AND SAUDI

COOPERATION

ARABIA

SIGNED

MOU

ON

DEFENCE

India and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation
pact to take their strategic partnership further in areas of security on 26 February 2014.
The pact was signed between India and Saudi during the visit of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince,
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to India (from 26 to 28 February 2014) to discuss bilateral,
regional and other issues of mutual interest.
The defence cooperation pact will allow exchange of defence-related information, military
training and education as well as cooperation in areas varying from hydrography and security to
logistics.

INDIA SIGNED PUBLIC AND HOMELAND SECURITY AGREEMENT

WITH ISRAEL
India and Israel signed an agreement on Cooperation in Public and Homeland security on 27
February 2014.
Besides this, two other agreements were signed. These are:
Agreement on cooperation in legal assistance in criminal matters.
Agreement on protection of classified material.
These agreements were signed by Additional Secretary (Home Ministry) Rajiv Sharma and
Israeli Ambassador Alon Ushpiz.
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FNCII AND CII AGREED TO ORGANISE NEPAL-INDIA ECONOMIC

SUMMIT ANNUALLY
The Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Confederation
of Indian Industry (CII) on 24 February 2014 agreed to organise Nepal-India Economic Summit
every year. This summit will be held alternatively in the two countries.
This decision on Nepal-India Economic Summit was made during a meet of the President of
FNCCI, Suraj Vaidya and incoming President of CII, Ajaya S Shriram at the FNCCI secretariat in
Kathmandu. Shriram is on the official visit to Nepal to take part in the Nepal Economic Summit
2014 has been held from 24 February to 26 February 2014 with the slogan Destination Nepal
for Investment.

BRITISH ARMY UNMANNED AIRCRAFT THE WATCHKEEPER TO

START FLYING OVER WILTSHIRE
The British Army latest unmanned aircraft The Watchkeeper will start flying over Wiltshire on
25 February 2014. The Watchkeeper, unmanned aerial system (UAS), was developed by Thales
for the British army.
The reconnaissance and surveillance drone with a 10.7m wingspan is equipped with a day and
night camera. It will provide 24-hour high-definition coverage and a radar sensor to improve
visibility in bad weather.
**About UAV
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as drone, is an aircraft without a human
pilot aboard. Its flight is controlled either autonomously by onboard computers or by the
remote control of a pilot on the ground or in another vehicle.

INDIA AND CANADA SIGNED THREE MOUS

India and Canada on 24 February 2014 signed three MoUs for cooperation in health sector,
audio-visual co-production and skill development. At present David Johnston, the Governor
General of Canada is on a nine day visit (22 February 2014 to 2 March 2014) to India and this
visit is the first by a Canadian Governor General since 1998.
These MoUs were signed after talks between Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India and
David Johnston in New Delhi.

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G-20 FINANCE MINISTERS AND CENTRAL BANK GOVERNORS

MEET
The official theme of the meeting is restoring global growth.
The G20 nations set the target to increase global growth by at least two percentage points over
the next five years that is by 2019. To achieve the target a clear action plan is yet to endorse.
The ambitious target would translate about 2 trillion dollar in economic activity.
The summit also produced a breakthrough on international tax avoidance, with all nations
agreeing to adopt a common reporting standard for the automatic exchange of tax information
and to detail plans for implementing it by September 2014.

RADIOACTIVE WATER LEAKED AT FUKUSHIMA PLANT

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) on 20 February 2014 said that around 100 tonnes of
highly radioactive water have leaked from a storage tank at Japans Fukushima nuclear plant.
The leakage of the highly contaminated water was discovered on 19 February 2014 and it
happened after a valve was left open.
This is the latest leak reported at the Fukushima Plant that has seen huge volumes of
radioactive water since 2011 quake-tsunami disaster. This leak of the contaminated water will
affect waters across the pacific in the foreseeable future.

INDIA AND BAHRAIN SIGNED AGREEMENTS TO EXPAND

COOPERATION IN KEY AREAS
India and Bahrain on 19 February 2014 signed three agreements in New Delhi during the state
visit of Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Kingdom of Bahrain to India. The two sides signed the
agreements with a decision to expand their cooperation in key areas that includes trade and
business.
The agreements were signed in the presence of Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India
and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

INDIA AND KYRGYZ REPUBLIC SIGNED TWO AGREEMENTS

India on 14 February 2014 signed two agreements with Kyrgyz Republic during the visit of
Abdyldaev Erlan Bekeshovich, Foreign Minister of Kyrgyz to India. The two sides exchanged
documents to facilitate mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and to simplify visa regime
for diplomatic and official passport holders.
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HILLARY R CLINTON LAUNCHED A NEW GLOBAL REVIEW OF

DATA ON WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Hillary R Clinton launched a new global review of data on women empowerment on 14
February 2014. The global review of data will analyse the advancement of women and girls
around the world since the mid 1990s.
Clinton announced the new partnership at New York University between the Clinton
Foundation and the Gates Foundation.
The Project will collect and review data on the progress of women since the 1995 United
Nations Beijing conference. Data is needed to promote female participation in education,
politics and the economy around the world.
The project is part of No Ceilings initiative of Hillary Clinton that aims at empowering women in
the 21st century.

BELGIUM BECAME SECOND COUNTRY TO ALLOW MERCY

KILLING FOR CHILDREN
Parliament of Belgium on 14 February 2014 legalised death to terminally ill children of any age.
The Parliament took the decision despite of opposition from the Church and some
pediatricians. This action of legalizing death for the children came 12 years after the country
legalised euthanasia for adults.
This ground-breaking legislation was adopted by 86 votes in favour. 44 votes were against the
legislation with 12 abstentions. This legislation had given a chance of euthanasia to children in a
hopeless medical situation of constant and unbearable suffering that cannot be eased and
which will cause death on a short-term.
**Other European countries that allows active euthanasia are
Luxembourg, which permits active euthanasia for over 18 years in age
Switzerland lets doctors to help adult patients to commit suicide

CANADA ANNOUNCED TO OPEN CONSULATE GENERAL IN

BANGALORE
Canada announced to open a Consulate General Office in Bangalore on 11 February 2014. The
office of the Consulate General of Canada will be located at the World Trade Centre in the
Bangalore.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The office of Consulate General will work on the supervision of Visa and Immigration services.
The services will be offered for the entire South India. That is, the new office is supposed to
cater to the needs of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Vice President of India launched India-China Year of Friendly Exchanges
The Vice President of India M. Hamid Ansari launched the India-China Year of Friendly
Exchanges on 11 February 2014. The Year 2014 has been designated by the Governments of
India and China as the Year of Friendly Exchanges.
The Year of Friendly Exchanges will help in forging a closer and stronger relationship between
India and China.

DOMESTIC CONTENT REQUIREMENT OF INDIAS SOLAR MISSION

CHALLENGED BY US
Domestic content requirement of India's solar mission on 10 February 2014 was challenged by
the United States, which it alleged as discriminatory and against international norms including
the laws of WTO. It has badly affected the American domestic solar panel manufacturing
industry.

US NAVY ANM66 BOMB, THE LARGEST EVER WWII BOMB WAS

SUCCESSFULLY DISMANTLED
Hong Kong police on 7 February 2014 successfully dismantled the largest ever found World War
II bomb. The bomb was found in the city at the construction site, which was discovered on 6
February 2014. It was unearthed near a Sikh Temple, residential housing and hotels. The police
evacuated 2260 people from the construction site.
The US Navy ANM66 bomb of nearly one tonne in weight was discovered by the building
workers in the Happy Valley District, near the citys famous downtown racing track. The bomb
disposal experts took a time of 15 hours to remove the live explosives from the bomb.
The bomb weighed 900 kilograms and more than five meters long. Its diameter was two feet
and it is believed that the bomb was dropped by US forces in 1945. As per the Police, the time
was taken because the explosives inside the bomb were sensitive and they needed to cut the
shell in a low temperature environment.
Hong Kong was a former colony of British and it saw a fierce fight in December 1941 against the
invasion of Japanese, who occupied it until 1945.

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Earlier, similar type of British shell was detonated in November 2013 in a controlled explosion
at the Peak. Similar unexploded wartime ordnances are routinely found in the southern Chinese
city.

INDIA AND GERMANY SIGNED 2 PACTS FOR FINANCIAL AND

TECH CO-OPERATION
India and Germany on 5 February 2014 signed two umbrella agreements for financial and
technical co-operation under Indo German bilateral Development Cooperation framework. P
Chidambaram, the Union Finance Minister and Gerd Mueller, the German Federal Minister for
Economic Cooperation and Development signed the pacts during their bilateral meeting.
These agreements were signed during an official visit of Joachim Gauck the President of Federal
Republic of Germany is on a six day (4-9 February 2014) State Visit to India. President Joachim
Gauck is being accompanied by a high-level delegation including Ministers, Member of
Parliament and business leaders.

NEPAL AND INDIA AMENDED BILATERAL TRANSIT TREATY

India and Nepal amended a bilateral transit treaty on 2 February 2014. The amendment to the
export procedure in the Memorandum to the Protocol to the Treaty of Transit of 1999 will
facilitate the transit of goods of third country origin exported from Nepal.
This amendment in the provisions of the Treaty of Transit brought into effect a significant
decision which was reached between the two sides during the Nepal-India Inter-Governmental
Committee (IGC) meeting on Trade, Transit and Cooperation to Control Unauthorised Trade
held in Kathmandu, Nepal on 21 22 December 2013
India pledged 44.12 million rupees grant assistance to Nepal Academy Library
India on 30 January 2014 pledged Nepal to grant assistance of 44.12 million rupees for the
construction of Nepal Academys library building in Kathmandu.
Nepal Academy, established in 1957, is a premier national institution devoted to the promotion
of language, literature, culture, philosophy and research activities.

INDIAN RUPEE TO BE A LEGAL TENDER IN ZIMBABWE

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) announced Indian rupee as a legal tender on 29 January
2014.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

RBZ was adding Indian Rupee and three other Asian currencies to the basket of currencies to be
circulated in the country. These include China, Japan and Australia.
The public can now open accounts in Chinese Yuans, Australian Dollars, Indian Rupees and
Japanese Yens.
Till now, Zimbabwe accepted the US dollar and the South African rand as the main legal tender,
which helped the country to stabilize the economy after world-record inflation threw it into a
tailspin.

INDIA AND JAPAN INKED MOUS TO STRENGTHEN

COOPERATION IN TOURISM AND POWER GENERATION
India and Japan inked several pacts during the official visit of the Prime Minister of Japan to
India from 25 to 27 January 2014. Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan was the Chief Guest
of India on the occasion of the Republic Day parade on 26 January 2014.

RUSSIA AND CHINA TO CONDUCT WAR GAMES IN THE

MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Russia and China will conduct their first ever naval war games in the Mediterranean Sea from 1
February 2014.
The joint naval drill, involves Russias heavy nuclear missile cruiser Peter the Great and Chinese
frigate Yancheng.
The main purpose of the drill is to enhance the interoperability of Russian and Chinese combat
ships for joint operation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

USA ALLOWED SIKH MILITARY MEN TO WEAR TURBAN

USA allowed the Sikh military men to wear turbans, head scarfs and other religious clothing
with their uniform. USA updated its policy on 23 January 2014.
This move is likely to improve military job prospects for members of the Sikhs community in
USA.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

CUMBRIA UNIVERSITY OF UK BECAME THE FIRST PUBLIC

UNIVERSITY TO ACCEPT FEES IN BITCOIN
Cumbria University of UK became the first public university to accept fees in digital currency,
Bitcoin. A system for processing the payments is already operational.
The payment of fees through Bitcoin will be only applicable to two new courses on the roles of
complimentary currencies in economic systems, which will be taught from summer this year at
the Institute for Leadership and Sustainability (IFLAS).
**What is Bitcoin
Bitcoin is an online currency and payment system which enables the international transmission
of funds. Though thousands of merchants worldwide accept this cryptocurrency so called
because it uses cryptography to guarantee its security it has often been associated with illicit
activity, most notably with the online illegal drug market called Silk Road.

GDP OF CHINA DECELERATED TO 7.7 PERCENT IN 2013-14

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of China decelerated to 7.7 percent in 2013-14. It is the
slowest GDP growth rate clocked by China in last 14 years. This was revealed by the data
released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China on 20 January 2014.
The deceleration in the GDP growth was on account of poor performance of the Chinese
economy in the final quarter of 2013. In the final quarter of 2013 the Chinese economy grew by
7.7 percent compared to the 7.8 percent in the third quarter of 2013.

INDIA AND UAE AGREED TO PROMOTE COOPERATION IN

RENEWABLE ENERGY
India and UAE on 18 January 2014 agreed to promote cooperation in renewable energy,
especially in areas of solar energy and wind power. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
was signed to this effect in Abu Dhabi by Farooq Abdulla, the Minister of New and Renewable
Energy of India and Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the Minister of State of UAE.

OBAMA ESTABLISHED AF-PAK STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP OFFICE

Ahead of the drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, US President Barack
Obama announced to establish an Af-Pak Strategic Partnership Office (APSPO) on 18 January
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

2014. The objective is to oversee smooth transition and promote normalised diplomatic
presence in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
APSPO has been tasked to perform the specific project of supporting executive departments
and agencies in facilitating a partnership with the two South Asian countries of Afghanistan and
Pakistan.
APSPO will be a temporary office and would be based in Washington, Islamabad and Kabul. It
would promote security and stabilisation and transitioning to a normalised diplomatic presence
in both the countries.

PESHAWAR, LARGEST RESERVOIR OF POLIO IN WORLD: WHO

Peshawar in Pakistan had the largest number of polio cases in the world in 2013. This was
revealed by World Health Organisation (WHO) in a global analysis for polio cases on 17 January
2014.
The analysis by World Health Organisation (WHO) further said that Pakistan is the only polioendemic country which reported more polio cases in 2013 than in 2012. Pakistan reported 83
cases in 2013 compared to 58 cases in 2012. In 2013, 369 cases were reported worldwide.

HERY RAJAONARIMAMPIANINA DECLARED AS THE PRESIDENT

OF MADAGASCAR
Hery Rajaonarimampianina, a former Finance Minister of Madagascar on 17 January 2014 was
declared as the new President of the nation. His election as the President came as the result of
the elections conducted on 20 December 2013 with an aim to restore democracy in the nation.
Hery Rajaonarimampianina was officially declared as the president of the country by Francois
Rakotozafy, the president of the electoral court. He was successful in garnering 53 percent of
votes in the elections.

INDIA & UK SIGNED MOU TO ENHANCE THE COLLABORATION

WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF UKIERI
Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and Ministry of Labour and Employment
(MoLE) on 16 January 2014 signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

collaboration within the framework of UK India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) in
New Delhi.
The signing was done after a bilateral meeting between the delegations led by K Suresh, the
Minister of State of Labour and Employment (MoLE) of Government of India and Matthew
Hancock, the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise of United Kingdom.

INDIA AND SOUTH KOREA INKED PACTS IN DIFFERENT AREAS

INCLUDING TRADE AND COMMERCE
India and South Korea have signed many pacts in different areas on 16 January 2014 to deepen
economic cooperation and bolster defence engagements in New Delhi. The agreements were
signed after delegation level talks between Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India and
Park Geun-hye, the President of South Korea in New Delhi.

BRITISH PM ORDERED ENQUIRY INTO THATCHERS ROLE IN

OPERATION BLUESTAR
British Prime Minister David Cameron ordered an enquiry into the role of former British PM
Margaret Thatcher in Operation Bluestar on 14 January 2014. The enquiry will be conducted by
the Britains cabinet secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood.
The enquiry will look into newly-released documents that suggested Margaret Thatcher
government facilitated the Indian government in 1984 to plan Operation Bluestar against
separatist Sikh militants hiding inside the Golden Temple.
**Operation Bluestar
Operation Blue Star is the name given to a military operation to flush out the terrorists and
recover arms from the Golden Temple. The operation was led by Indian Army at Harmandir
Sahib in Golden Temple complex in 1984.

INDIA-JAPAN CONDUCTED JOINT MARITIME EXERCISE ALONG

KOCHI COAST
India and Japan held joint exercise in Kochi Coast on 14 January 2014. Indian Cost Guard Ship
ICGS Samrat and Japan Coast Guard Ship JCG Mizuho participated in the exercise.
Joint exercises between India and Japan Coast Guards included cross-deck landing, anti-piracy
drills, search and rescue demonstration and a fire fighting demonstration.
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MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE HIGH-TECH ID

CARDS
Malaysian Government announced on 13 January 2014 to introduce high-tech ID cards for
foreign workers. The cards will be introduced by the end of December 2014. These biometric
identity cards are being introduced to control the influx of illegal foreign workers.
The new ID cards, embedded with high-tech chips, would ensure only legal foreign workers are
working in the country. The cards will store identification documents of the holder and could be
examined easily by the security personnel.

INDIA AND CANADA SIGNED LETTER OF INTENT FOR COOPERATION IN IRON AND STEEL SECTOR
India and Canada on 13 January 2014 signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for co-operation in Iron and
Steel Sector. The letters were signed by Beni Prasad Verma, the Union Minister of Steel and
Minister of Natural Resources, Government of Canada, Joe Oliver. The Canadian Minister is
heading a high-level delegation from Canada to India.
As per the signed Letter of Intent (LOI), the two countries has planned to develop and expand
the mutual co-operation through information exchanges in areas of mutual interest, which
includes iron-ore, cooking coal and other steel making raw materials. The two sides has also
planned to encourage bilateral investment opportunities in iron and steel related business. For
taping the new markets, the efforts would be made by both the countries ensuring raw
material security and forge alliances with global entities.

SHEIKH HASINA SWORN-IN AS BANGLADESH PRIME MINISTER

Sheikh Hasina along with her Cabinet of 49 Ministers was sworn-in before President Abdul
Hamid at the Bangabhaban (the Presidents House) on 12 January 2014. Sheikh Hasina was
sworn-in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the third time.

MALAYSIA INVITED IITS TO OPEN ITS CENTRE

Malaysia urged India to open a branch of Indian Institutes of Technology in Kuala Lumpur on 8
January 2014. Datuk Seri G Palanivel, Federal Minister for Natural Resources and Environment
of the Republic of Malaysia made this announcement at ongoing 12th Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas in
the capital.

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AL-QAIDA LINKED FORCES DECLARED FALLUJAH AS NEW STATE

The Iraq government has lost control of the strategic city of Fallujah after being captured by AlQaeda linked forces.
Fallujah was located on the west of Baghdad. Militants now control the south of the city.

NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF INDIA COLLABORATED WITH ARCHIVES

OF TURKEY AND OMAN
The National Archives of India has successfully collaborated with the State Archives of Turkey
and the National Records and Archives Authority of Oman. The collaboration was reached after
a series of meetings in Ankara and Muscat.
National Archives of India, as per the signed protocol allows it to access the ancient Ottoman
Archives record that amounts to 12 million documents. The two sides has recognized the
benefits from the collaboration in the field of archives and agreed on the need to collaborate
deeply in the coming years. The two sides will collaborate in future for development of strong
institutions and improved record management practices.

POLIO VACCINATION FOR PAKISTAN TRAVELLERS TO BE

IMPLEMENTED FROM 14 FEBRUARY
India on 3 January 2014 announced a new rule to vaccinate against polio to the travellers from
Pakistan would be implemented from 14 February 2014. India under the new rule has made it
mandatory for all persons including children travelling to India from Pakistan to furnish a proof
of vaccination against polio from 30 January 2014.
As Pakistan is one among the three countries in the world in which the crippling disease is
endemic and in 2013 the polio cases in Pakistan touched 85.
The step of polio vaccination has been taken to safeguard the polio-free status attained by India
after sustained efforts and investment.

PAKISTAN HAS PLANNED 7 NUCLEAR PLANTS FOR 8900 MW OF

ELECTRICITY BY 2030
Pakistan on 2 January 2014 announced its plan to set up seven functional nuclear plants of 1100
MW each by 2030. The government is set to install 325 MW Chashma-4 (C-4) plant.

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Pakistan took this decision to combat the problem of shortage of power supply in the country.
Nuclear power was set to become a major player in the country's power sector.

INDIA & SAUDI ARABIA SIGNED PACT TO PROTECT INTERESTS

OF INDIAN DOMESTIC SECTOR WORKERS
India and Saudi Arabia on 2 January 2013 signed an agreement to protect the interests and
rights of Indian domestic sector workers in the Gulf Kingdom. The pact was signed by Overseas
Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and the visiting Adel bin Mohammed Fakeih, the Labour
Minister of Saudi Arabia in New Delhi.

LATVIA BECAME THE 18TH MEMBER OF EURO ZONE

Latvia on 2 January 2014 became the 18th member of the Euro zone. The small ex-Soviet state
has been preparing for the switch, since European Union finance ministers formally announced
in July 2013 that Latvia could adopt the Euro.
Both Standard & Poors and Fitch have raised the countrys credit ratings in anticipation of its
euro entry.
Latvia gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and joined the European Union
and NATO in 2004. Latvia became the fourth smallest member of the currency area, ahead of
Cyprus, Estonia and Malta. Estonia joined the euro zone in 2011 and Lithuania aims to do so in
2015.

JAPAN'S POPULATION DIPPED TO RECORD LOW IN 2013

The Health Ministry of Japan on 1 January 2014 estimated that a quarter of the population is
currently aged over 65 and the figure is expected to reach nearly 40 percent by 2060. It has
estimated that the population of the country in 2013 declined by a record 244000 people. It
also says that if in case the same trend persists in future, the population of Japan will lose a
third of its population in next 50 years.

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Environment Ecology
BNP PARIBAS LAUNCHED EQUITY INDEX LINKED GREEN BOND
TO MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE
BNP Paribas on 18 September 2014 launched equity index linked green bond. It was launched in
collaboration with the World Bank which will help raise funds for products seeking to mitigate
climate change. It is the first equity index linked with green bond.

SCIENTISTS WARNED CLIMATE CHANGE WILL EXACERBATE THE

THREAT OF MEGADROUGHTS
Scientists warned that Climate change will exacerbate the threat of Megadroughts. This was
revealed in a report titled Assessing the risk of persistent drought using climate model
simulations and paleoclimate data published in September 2014 issue of American
Meterological Societys Journal of Climate. The lead author of the study is Dr Toby Ault.
The report is the first to scientifically establish that climate change exacerbates the threat of
Megadroughts.

TEA BOARD OF INDIA POSTPONED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF

PLANT PROTECTION CODE
The Tea Board of India decided on 31 August 2014 to postpone the full implementation of the
plant protection code (PPC) which was supposed to be effective from 1 September 2014.
The implementation of PPC has been postponed till January 2015, but some of other provisions
of the code will come into force from September 2014.

UNION GOVERNMENT CONSTITUTED A PANEL TO REVIEW

ENVIRONMENT LAWS
Union Government on 2 September 2014 constituted a high-level committee to review five
environment laws. The Cabinet Secretary T S R Subramanian will head the committee
comprising of four members.
The members of the committee are former Environment Ministry secretary Viswanath Anand,
Justice (Retd) A K Srivastav and senior advocate of Supreme Court K N Bhat.
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SUPREME COURT REJECTED THE PLEA OF THE GUJARAT

GOVERNMENT ON MOVING GIR LIONS
Supreme Court on 15 August 2014 rejected the plea of Gujarat government to relocate the Gir
lions from Gir National Park in Gujarat to Kuno Palpur Wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
The Gujarat government had challenged the Union government decision to relocate Gir lions to
proposed Kuno Palpur wildlife sanctuary as an alternative home for the Asiatic lions.

UNION TOURISM MINISTRY LAUNCHED

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM CRITERIA

COMPREHENSIVE

The Union Minister for Tourism Shripad Naik on 26 August 2014 launched the comprehensive
Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) for Accommodation, Tour Operators and Beaches,
Backwaters, Lakes &Rivers Sectors.
The objective of launching such criteria was to build tourism industry in India on the principles
of sustainability and minimizing the carbon footprints.

LANDSLIDES STRUCK JAPAN'S HIROSHIMA PREFECTURE

Landslides struck Hiroshimas prefecture in western Japan on 20 August 2014 and killed at least
36 people and several are missing. The landslides happened in the residential area of the city's
Asaminami and Asakita wards near a mountain in Hiroshima city outskirts.
The mudslide caused by the landslide buried several houses of the area and swept away some
people. The rescue team is working hard to rescue people affected by the landslides.

SOUTH AFRICA ANNOUNCED TO EVACUATE 500 RHINOS FROM

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK TO CURB ILLEGAL POACHING
Environment Minister of South Africa Edna Molewa on 12 August 2014 announced plan to curb
illegal hunts of rhinos for their horn. Under the plan to save rhinos from the poachers, about
500 rhinos of Kruger National Park would be evacuated to safer places, where the poaching
activity is less.

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SNEHA, A WHITE TIGRESS, GAVE BIRTH TO A BLACK CUB

A white tigress named Sneha on 27 July 2014 gave birth to a melanistic (dark skinned) cub along
with other three white cubs in Nandankanan Biological Park in Odisha. This is the first incident
in the country in which a white tigress has given birth to a black cub that too in captivity. Black
tigers are usually seen in Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.

3RD PHASE OF SCIENCE EXPRESS BIODIVERSITY SPECIAL

FLAGGED OFF FROM SAFDARJUNG RAILWAY STATION
Third phase of Science Express Biodiversity Special (SEBS) was flagged off from Safdarjung
Railway Station in New Delhi on 28 July 2014. The train was flagged off by Union Minister of
State (Independent Charge) Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar along
with Minister of Railways, D. V. Sadananda Gowda and Union Minister of State (Independent
Charge) Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh.

SC PERMITTED UP GOVERNMENT TO CUT 697 TREES OF

PROTECTED FORESTS IN THE TAJ TRAPEZIUM ZONE
The Supreme Court on 23 July 2013 permitted Uttar Pradesh government to cut 697 trees
spread across four hectares of protected forests in theTaj Trapezium zone. The green signal
was given to pave way for the widening and four-laning of Agra-Shamshabad-Rajakhera Road.
The 12-km long stretch serves as a link to Taj Mahal from Yamuna Expressway and connects
the Agra-Gwalior-Mumbai National Highwayor National Highway 3 (NH-3). The four-laning
and widening of the road is estimated at 103.27 crore rupees.

TYPHOON MATMO STRUCK EAST OF TAIWAN

Typhoon Matmo struck east of Taiwan on 22 July 2014. Matmo, with a wind gust of 173
kilometres per hour, was the first tropical storm of 2014 to make landfall on Taiwan.
Due to strong winds and heavy downpour brought by Matmo, roofs were tore off and trees
were uprooted. This resulted into interruption of rail and air service and closure of financial
centres. Besides, the Matmo also left nine people injured.

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NAGOYA PROTOCOL ON BIODIVERSITY RECEIVED NECESSARY

RATIFICATIONS
The Nagoya Protocol, in the third week of July 2014, received the 50th instrument of
ratification which was mandatory for it. The Instrument of Ratification will become effective on
12 October 2014, i.e. 90 days after the completion of formalities required for ratification. The
protocol is meant for creation of incentives for conservation of biodiversity.

TYPHOON RAMMASUN
PHILIPPINES

STRUCK

LARGE

PARTS

OF

THE

Typhoon Rammasun smashed large parts of the Philippines on 15 July 2014. This is the first
major typhoon of the season striking the Philippines.
Churning across the country, it passed through capital Manila and killed at least five people.
The gushing winds at a speed of 250 kilometers per hour ripped down trees, tore roofs off
houses, overturned cars, uprooted electrical posts and brought rain up to 16 cm.

AUSTRALIAS SENATE VOTED TO REPEAL CARBON TAX

Australia's Senate on 17 July 2014 voted to repeal the carbon tax. The Australian Senate voted
by 39 to 32 votes to repeal the tax. With this Australia became the first country in the world to
abolish carbon tax.
The repealing of the carbon tax will now be replaced with Direct Action Plan, if Senate passes it.
Direct Action Plan is a 2.55 billion Australian dollars taxpayer-funded plan under which
industries will be paid to reduce emissions and use cleaner energy.

HALONG TYPHOON STUCK SOUTH-WEST JAPAN

Powerful Typhoon Halong smashed large parts of south-west Japan on 9 August 2014. Halong
killed at least 10 people and injured several. It also forced evacuation of millions from their
homes.

HURRICANE ARTHUR HIT THE COAST OF NORTH CAROLINA

Hurricane Arthur hit the coast of North Carolina on 4 July 2014. It made landfall on the
southern end of the barrier island with a speed of 100 miles per hour.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

BOR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY OF MAHARASHTRA TO BE THE

COUNTRY'S 47TH TIGER RESERVE
Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) on 1 July 2014 notified Bor Wildlife
Sanctuary as Tiger Reserve. With this, Bor Wildlife sanctuary will become the 47th Tiger Reserve
of India and sixth Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra. The approval aimed at strengthening the
conservation efforts of the national animal.

TSUNAMI WARNING ISSUED AFTER QUAKE MEASURING 8 ON

RICHTER SCALE HITS OFF COAST OF ALASKA
National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska on 23 June 2014 issued a tsunami warning
after an earthquake measuring 8.0 on Richter scale struck off the coast of Alaska. The quakes
epicenter was measured 24 kilometer southeast of remote Little Sitkin Island in the western
Aleutians at the depth of about 70 miles (114.4 km).

GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK CONSERVATION AREA

INSCRIBED IN WORLD HERITAGE LIST
The Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (GHNPCA) inscribed in the World
Heritage List by the World Heritage Committee. It was inscribed at the 38th session of the
World Heritage Committee held on 23 June 2014 in Doha, Qatar.

367 EXOTIC NEW SPECIES DISCOVERED IN GREATER MEKONG

REGION IN S-E ASIA
367 exotic new species were discovered in the greater Mekong region in Southeast Asia. These
new discoveries were published in a report titled Mysterious Mekong released by World
Wildlife Fund on 5 June 2014.

US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA ANNOUNCED TO CREATE THE

WORLDS BIGGEST MPA IN PACIFIC
Barack Obama, the US President, on 17 June 2014 announced the plans of creating the worlds
biggest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the middle of Pacific Ocean. Obama used his executive
authority for the creation of the protected area. The area will be finalised after consultations
with scientists, fishing and conservation organisatons.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

JAPAN KILLED 30 MINKE WHALES IN HUNT SINCE THE ICJ

RULING IN MARCH 2014
Japan killed 30 Minke whales during April-June 2014 whaling season as part of its research
hunts in the north-west Pacific Ocean. This action of Japan has been reported despite the
International Court of Justice (ICJ) had ordered a ban on the country from hunting for such
purposes.

IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES RELEASED

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released the Red List of Threatened
Species on 12 June 2014. The Japanese Eel has been listed as Endangered whereas the Brazilian
Three-banded Armadillo (the mascot of the 2014 FIFA World Cup) remained Vulnerable.

UNION MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST LAUNCHED

ONLINE ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCE
Union Ministry of Environment and Forest on 5 June 2014 launched the online environment
clearances for industrial and infrastructure projects.
The online submission for terms of operation (ToR) and environment clearance proposals
became effective from 5 June 2014. However, these processes will be made entirely online
from 1 July 2014 to improve transparency in the system.

TERI ENVIRONMENT SURVEY 2014 CLAIMED WORSENING OF

ENVIRONMENT
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) on 3 June 2014 released TERI Environmental Survey
2014 that said that maximum urban population claims that the climate change is a reality and
has worsened. TERI in its survey also looked into issues of water and waste in addition of overall
environmental concerns and also involved identification of attitude, perception, opinion and
awareness of people about their local environment.
Director General of TERI - RK Pachauri

REVISED NCR NORMS RESTRICT TOURISM IN GREEN ZONES

Revised norms of NCR Planning Board on 14 May 2014 restricted tourism in green zones in NCR.
Tourism activities won't be allowed in the Natural Conservation Zones (NCZs) in NCR.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The board also decided that the sacred Mangar Bani and a 500-metre buffer radius around it
will be earmarked as a no-construction zone.

CHANCES OF EL NINO WOULD EXCEED 65 PERCENT THIS YEAR:

US CLIMATE PREDICTION CENTER
The US Climate Prediction Center on 5 May 2014 said that the chances of weather-altering El
Nino will develop in Pacific Ocean. In its forecast it highlighted that El Nino would exceed from
50 percent to 65 percent.
El Nino is one part of Southern Oscillation and is caused due to an abnormal warming of surface
ocean waters in the eastern tropical Pacific. On the other hand, the Australian Bureau of
Meteorology in the second week of May 2014 also updated that El Nino development would be
up to 70 percent.
**About El Nino and La Nina
El Nino is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific. La
Nina is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific.
El Nino is an oscillation of the ocean-atmosphere system in the tropical Pacific having important
consequences for weather around the globe. These are increased rainfall across the southern
tier of the US and in Peru, which has caused destructive flooding and drought in the West
Pacific, and sometimes associated with devastating brush fires in Australia.

NEW DANCING FROG SPECIES FOUND IN WESTERN GHATS

14 new species of dancing frogs were discovered in the Western Ghats of southern India by the
scientists/biologists. These tiny acrobatic amphibians (frogs) were found by Indian biologists.
The Indian Dancing frogs are scientifically known as Micrixalidae and their family comprises a
single genus Micrixalus. Name of the species has been derived by their style of unusual kicks
used to attract the mates.
The species of other dancing frogs are found in Central America and Southeast Asia. The Indian
family evolved about 85 million years ago.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

NEW SPECIES OF SNAKE

HIMALAYAS

HIMALAYANUS DISCOVERED IN

A new species of brownish pit viper, Himalayanus was discovered by the Chinese scientists. The
genetic analysis identified Protobothrops himalayanus as new species of snake. The discovery
was published in Asian Herpetological Research.
It was first spotted at Jilong valley in Southern Tibet Autonomous Region in 2012. It was named
Himalayanus in honour of its home Himalayas. The local people called the snake as the holy
region of the Himalayas.
The himalayanus with a round head and copper-coloured eyes is about 1.5 metres in length, is
fierce and aggressive reptile. Himalayanus is mostly found on the south flank of the Himalayas.

CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECTING NUTRIENT CONTENT OF STAPLE

CROPS: STUDY
Scientists on 7 May 2014 warned that rise in the level of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) will badly hit the
nutritional value of key cereals like wheat and rice. The warning was issued after conducting
experiments by simulating conditions expected by mid-century.
Researchers at Harvard University in their findings, reported decline of two important nutrients
namely Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) in wheat, rice, soybeans and field peas, which were grown in
open-air fields where the scientists created CO2 concentrations at the level as forecasted for
the Earth by roughly 2050 about 550 parts per million.
Zinc and Iron are two nutrients, received by almost two million people globally eating crops. At
present the Earth's atmospheric CO2 concentration is about 400 parts per million and is
increasing at a fast pace.

THE ONLY GORILLA OF INDIA, POLO DIED IN MYSORE ZOO

Polo, the only Gorilla in Indian Zoo died on 26 April 2014 in Mysore Zoo. It died due to
respiratory infection and age related ailments after being treated for about a month.
Till few years back, 43-year-old male Western Lowland Polo was the Asias lone Gorilla. It was
gifted to the Mysore zoo by Irelands Dublin Zoo on 12 August 1995.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

NEIGHBOURHOOD
TREES
CAMPAIGN
INTERNATIONAL MOTHER EARTH DAY

LAUNCHED

ON

Neighbourhood Trees Campaign was launched on International Mother Earth Day by the India
Biodiversity Portal on 22 April 2014. The Campaign will be organized from 22 April to 27 April
2014.
It is a unique citizen science project that aims to document tree species across the country
through crowd sourcing. The Crowd sourcing is the practice of obtaining needed services, ideas,
or content by soliciting contributions from a large group of online community.
Neighbourhood Trees campaign is probably the first Crowd sourcing project in India. Such
crowd-sourcing projects have been popular in the West.
The campaign is part of the TreesIndia group activity on the India Biodiversity Portal in
association with ATREE, SeasonWatch, Nizhal (Chennai), Keystone Foundation (Kotagiri), Strand
Life Sciences and Azim Premji University.
The aim of the online campaign is to spread awareness on the importance of trees and to
aggregate information on tree diversity across the country. As a part of campaign, volunteers
need to click photographs of trees in their gardens and neighbourhood and sign up at
treesindia.in and upload their observations.

CHERRAPUNJI REGAINED THE WORLD RECORD FOR HIGHEST

RAINFALL IN 48 HOURS
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) panel on 4 April 2014 announced that Cherrapunji
in India regained the world record for highest rainfall in 48 hours with 2493 millimeters. The
previous highest rainfall in Cherrapunji was recorded on 1516 June 1995.
The previous world record for 48-hour rainfall was held by La Reunion Island in the Indian
Ocean. La Reunion Island holds the record with 2467 millimeters from April 1958. L Reunion is
a French island with a population of 840974 inhabitants located in the Indian Ocean, southwest
of Mauritius.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

AIR POLLUTION OVER ASIAN COUNTRIES STRENGTHENED

PACIFIC STORMS: PNAS STUDY
A study tittled Assessing the effects of anthropogenic aerosols on Pacific storm track using a
multiscale global climate model was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences (PNAS) in the US. The lead author of the study was Yuan wang
The study identified a link between increased pollution in Asian countries and changes in
weather systems over the Pacific Ocean.
The study noted that air pollution in China and other Asian countries is having far-reaching
impacts on weather patterns across the Northern Hemisphere.

UNION MOEF CLEARED EXPANSION OF COAL MINE PROJECT IN

ODISHA
The Union Ministry of Environment and Forest accorded environmental clearance (with some
conditions) to the expansion of Bhubaneshwari opencast project in Odisha. This project belongs
to Mahanadi Coalfield Ltd, a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd. The clearance is given for the
expansion from 20 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum) to 25 MTPA of Mahanadi Coalfields
subject to compliance of terms and conditions. The second Expert Appraisal Committee
meeting which held on 3-4 October 2014 considered this proposal initially, then the ninth
Expert Appraisal Committee meeting which held early in 2014 reconsidered it.

45-DAY LONG FISHING BAN IMPOSED IN EAST COAST

The 45-day long annual ban on fishing in the territorial waters along the east coast of the
country started from the midnight on 14 April 2014. This ban is imposed annually to ensure
time and space for the fish and other marine life to breed and multiply. During this period, the
mechanized boats are barred from entering the deep seas for fishing till mid-night of 31 May
2014.

THE ASIATIC WILD DOG SPOTTED IN WEST BENGAL FOR THE

FIRST TIME
Dhole -The Asiatic Wild Dog was spotted for the first time in the Jaldapara National Park (West
Bengal). Three months earlier, they were spotted in the nearby areas such as Buxa and
Mahananda and Neora valley.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Usually they are found throughout in south of River Ganges, southern part of Western Ghats
and Eastern Ghats, Central India Highlands, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya.
Dhole is listed under endangered category in the IUCN Red list. In a group, Dhole can be
dangerous for the tigers too.

ICJ ORDERED THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT TO STOP ITS

WHALING PROGRAMME JARPA II
The UN's International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherland on 31 March 2014 has
ruled that the Japanese government must halt its whaling programme Jarpa II in the Antarctic
Ocean. Japan has agreed to abide by the decision.

IPCC RELEASED FIFTH ASSESSMENT REPORT ON CLIMATE

IMPACTS ON HUMAN AND NATURAL SYSTEMS
UN report released on 30 March 2014 has warned that the increasing magnitude of global
warning will have severe, pervasive and irreversible impact on the climate. The UN backed
panels report was finalised by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
This comprehensive scientific and technical assessment on the impacts of climate change across
the world was published after a weeklong intense discussion of scientists and officials in
Yokohama, Japan. The meeting was held from 25 to 29 March 2014 and this report is based on
more than 12000 peer-reviewed scientific studies.

GEAC REVALIDATED 10-GM CROPS FOR FIELD TRAILS

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) on 21 March 2014 revalidated ten varieties of
Genetically Modified (GM) crops including wheat, rice, maize, cotton and sorghum for field
trails.
Revalidation of GM crops varieties was required due to the lapse of validity period on account
of State governments not allowing field trial. The GEAC had given its clearance in those 10 cases
way back in 2011 and 2012.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

PANASONIC ANNOUNCED POLLUTION COMPENSATION FOR

CHINA WORKERS
Japanese electronics firm Panasonic announced on 12 March 2014 to pay its employees a
pollution premium to workers who are working in China. The move was announced as part of
Panasonic's pay negotiations.
Panasonic became the first firm to explicitly pay more due to China's air quality problems.
Unrelenting smog has become a focus for public discontent particularly in prosperous urban
areas such as Beijing. Urban areas of China are experiencing the worst level on Chinas air
quality index.
The readings of pollution particulates in Beijing soared to 15 times the daily maximum
recommended by the World Health Organisation.

UNION MOEF ACCEPTED

RECOMMENDATIONS ON ESA

THE

KERALA

GOVERNMENTS

Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) accepted the recommendations of the Kerala
Government regarding Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) boundaries on 4 March 2014.
The Kerala government recommended to keep agricultural, plantations and habitations out of
ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) identified by the High-Level Working Group (HLWG) on the
conservation of the Western Ghats.
It has also been decided that the MoEF will consider recommendations of the other States in
Western Ghats region based on similar on-ground exercise. If such, proposals are forwarded to
the MoEF within 60 days of issuance of the draft Notification.

100 TONS OF RADIOACTIVE WATER LEAKED AT FUKUSHIMA

POWER PLANT
100 metric tons of radioactive water leaked from a holding tank at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi
nuclear power plant on 20 February 2014.
The leak of an estimated 100 metric tons of highly contaminated water was discovered by
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO).
The water leak was highly radioactive with a reading of 230 million becquerels per litre of
radioactive isotopes. A becquerel is a unit used to measure radioactivity. WHO guidance advises
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

against drinking water with radioactivity levels higher than 10 becquerels per litre.
The level is about 7.6 million times the governments limit for water allowed to be released into
the ocean.
The leak, according to TEPCO, might have been caused by a faulty valve in the pipes that
transfers water from a decontamination facility to storage tanks.
However, the contaminated water had not reached the Pacific Ocean because the tank is
located several hundred metres away from the sea and there are no spillways near the tank.
The Fukushima nuclear plant was damaged by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011 faced
multiple problems including leaks and power cuts since the disaster.

STUDY FOUND THAT FERTILIZATION DESTABILIZES GLOBAL

GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEMS
A new research study named Nutrient Network (NutNet) published in the third week of
February 2014 says that use of fertilizers in farming and industries have destabilizing effects on
global grassland ecosystems. The study was carried out by an international team of researchers
and scientists from Lancaster University and University of Minnesota, who found that the
natural ecosystem creates more stable ecosystems overtime, because of less synchronized
growth of pants.

COUNTRYS FIRST WILD DOG BREEDING CENTRE TO BE CREATED

IGZP IN VIZAG
Central Zoo Authority on 18 February 2014 selected the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) of
Vizag for creation of a conservation breeding centre for the endangered wild dog Dhole. This
will be the first zoo in India to have a breeding centre for Dholes and it will be created in two to
three months. 50 lakh rupees will be invested to undertake the project.
IUCN has classified Dholes as an endangered species. The population of wild dogs has gone up
from just two to 22 in the country in a series of successful in-breeding of wild dogs in the zoo.
22 is the highest number of wild dogs in captivity in India.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

JAPAN SNOWSTORM LEFT 19 DEAD AND INJURED MORE THAN

1600 PEOPLE
Japan in fourth week of February 2014 faced a severe snowstorm that has killed 19 people and
left more than 1600 people injured. This snowstorm weather has also sparked widespread
transport chaos. People of the country have been trapped in small communities because they
have been cut off by snow-locked roads and railway lines.
To help people in the distressed areas, the members of Japans Self-Defence forces have also
stepped in.

US SNOWSTORM THAT HAS LEFT 7 LAKH HOMES POWERLESS

HAS BEEN TERMED AS SNOWMAGGEDON
Huge snow storm that blanketed the densely North-East of United States in third week of
February 2014 after wreaking havoc with ice in South has been termed as Snowmaggedon. This
snow blanketing has led to power cut in about 7 lakh 50000 houses, mostly in South Carolina
and Georgia. The natural calamity has also led to cancellation of 6500 flights.
Due to this weather calamity at least 18 people have lost their lives and people in about 22
states from Texas to Maine have been affected due to the weather change. The storm has
dumped up to 15 inch of snow in Washington DC region and 8 inch around New York City.

VOLCANO MOUNT KELUD OF INDONESIA ERUPTED

Volcano Mount Kelud of Kediri district (main island of Java) of Indonesia erupted on 13
February 2014 after rumbling for several weeks. Following this eruption, the government of the
country has ordered around 2 lakh people of 36 villages within 10 kilometers of the crater to
evacuate. The eruption spewed ash and sand 17 kilometers into the air.
The volcanic eruption has resulted in the closure of three international airports namely
Jogyakarta, Solo and Surabaya. The closure action was taken because the ash released during
the eruption has darkened the skies across the country, which has reduced visibility. The ashes
can also pose danger to the engines of the aircrafts.

SCIENTISTS DISCOVERED NEW RIVER DOLPHIN SPECIES IN

AMAZON; THIS IS FIRST DISCOVERY IN 100 YEARS
Scientists in January 2014 discovered a new species of river dolphin in the Amazon River
system. This discovery is the first discovery in almost 100 years and it is believed that this
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

species will be enlisted as endangered status of IUCN Red list. The small group of river dolphins
was discovered by a team of experts from Federal University of Amazons in Manaus, Brazil.
This species has been named as botos and were found in the Araguaia basin where they were
separated from other populations by only a narrow canal and series of rapids. Araguaian boto
name was suggested by the team who discovered the fact that this species is distinct after
closer inspection and DNA test.
Scientists say that these Araguaian botos are the closest relatives of Inia geoffrensis and Inia
boliviensis genetically.

BAN ON BURNING TYRES IN PUBLIC PLACES: NATIONAL GREEN

TRIBUNAL
National Green Tribunal (NGT) on 7 February 2014 issued a ban on the process of burning of
tyres at public places like roads and areas surrounded by residential buildings. The order was
passed following the actions of burning tyres during the religious and political possessions by
groups as it cause health hazard.
Burning tyres creates toxic smoke, which is also a serious environmental threat. This ban was
issued by Western Zone Bench of NGT after hearing a petition against the Maharashtra
Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the State of Maharashtra.

OLDEST TIGRESS MACHLI FOUND IN RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL

PARK
Machli, Queen Mother of tiger dynasty was found in the Ranthambhore National Park on 5
February 2014. The tigress was missing from 9 January 2014 from zone 5 of the park.
The 17-year-old Machli is the longest living wild-tigress in the world, besides being the most
photographed big cat. The tigress was identified as T-16.
Machli had survived in the dense forest by hunting her own prey despite her advanced age.

FIRST ONLINE GLOBAL FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY ATLAS

LAUNCHED
A new online Atlas of freshwater biodiversity that presents spatial information and species
distribution patterns was launched on 29 January 2014 at the landmark Water Lives
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

symposium. The symposium (conference) brought together the European Union policy makers
and freshwater scientists.
Delhi Metro awarded GSF certification for efficient energy use
The Delhi Metro was awarded the prestigious Gold Standard Foundation (GSF) certification
standard for using the energy efficiently on 2 February 2014. Delhi Metro became the first ever
Railway system in the world with GSF certification standard.
GSF standard certification is a globally accepted certification standard for carbon mitigation
projects. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) registered for the certification standard for
its energy efficiency measures undertaken in 51 stations in Phase II of the DMRC Project.

WORLDS OLDEST FLAMINGO DIED AT ADELAIDE ZOO OF

AUSTRALIA
Worlds oldest flamingo known as Greater died at the age of 83 on 30 January 2014 at Adelaide
Zoo of Australia. Greater was brought to the zoo in 1933 and lived long with the Chilean
flamingo named Chilly, who is in his 60s. Chilly is the only remaining flamingo in Australia.
The worlds oldest Flamingo was the last Greater flamingo that has resided in Australia. Its
known that the lifespan of the flamingos is of about 25 years in the wild but they can live for
many decades in captivity.

SAVING ASIAS VULTURES FROM EXTINCTION PROJECT FOR

ASIAN VULTURES
A programme named Saving Asias Vultures from Extinction (SAVE) in its plan wants to release
up to 25 birds into the 30000 kilometer square safe zone. The captive-bred birds will be
released into the wild by 2016 under the project would. The project has been planned following
the devastation in the populations due to vetting of drugs named Diclofenac on cattle.

INDIA
RANKED
155TH
PERFORMANCE INDEX

IN

GLOBAL

ENVIRONMENT

The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2014 was released on 25 January 2014. As per the
Index, India was ranked 155 out of 178 countries with an index score of 31.23 points in its
efforts to address environmental challenges.
India was ranked behind neighbouring countries China at 118, Pakistan at 148 and Nepal at 139
respectively.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Among the BRICS countries, South Africa was placed at 72nd position, followed by Russia (73),
Brazil (77) and China (118).
EPI ranks how well countries perform on high-priority environmental issues mainly in the areas
of protection of human health from environmental harm and protection of ecosystems.

2013 IS FOURTH WARMEST YEAR ON RECORD FOR THE PLANET:

REPORTS
Two top American scientific agencies NOAA and NASA in their separate releases have
confirmed the trend of global warming is continuing. The releases were made on 22 January
2014.
Annual climate report of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows that
above-average annual temperature was experienced in most of the planet in 2013. As per the
release, 2013 was the fourth warmest year, since record keeping began in 1880. The
temperature of 2013 tied with the temperature experienced by the world in 2003.

CHILIKA LAGOON NAMED DESTINATION FLYWAYS BY UNWTO

Chilika lagoon in Odisha was named Destination Flyways by the United Nations World Tourism
Organization (UNWTO) on 21 January 2014. The lagoon was named so for its sustainable and
resilient destination for migratory birds.
Chilika is the only site to be selected from Asia by the UNWTO and was included in a list of eight
such sites. The Destination Flyways initiative of UNWTO aims at promotion of sustainable
tourism.

BEIJING GOT SEVERE NEW LAW TO CONTROL HAZARDOUS

SMOG AND AIR POLLUTION
Beijing, the Chinese Capital on 22 January 2014 passed a regulation to curb air pollution
featuring emission controls. The comprehension measure to tackle air pollution also carries
harsher penalties in the citys latest effort to battle its notorious smog. At present the Chinese
capital city is plagued by its dangerous unclean air. This is the first pollution warning of China in
2014.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

FIRST CLIMATE CHANGE THEATRE OPENED IN INDIA

First Climate Change theatre was opened at Pushpa Gujral Science City in Kapurthala, Punjab on
16 January 2014. The theatre will educate people on climate change. This is the second theatre
in the world to be opened after Canada.
The theatre is 18 metre in diameter and it is set up in a dome-shaped building with a seating
capacity of 125 persons. The 25-minute film shows what worst can happen if humans do not
take action on current or impending problems which could threaten civilization.
The film starts by giving a glimpse of future - floods, droughts, earthquakes and other natural
disasters. Then Earth introduces itself and talks to the audience about current situation and
impacts it is experiencing due to global warming.

AIR POLLUTION OF BEIJING 25 TIMES ABOVE WHO SAFE MARK

Air pollution of Beijing, China has reached to dangerous levels on 16 January 2014 and people
of the city have been warned to take precautions. US embassy monitoring post said that the air
pollution of the city was 25 times higher than the mark that is considered safe by the World
Health Organisation (WHO).
Thick smog that has been named as Airpocalypse (impenetrable toxic fog) allowed visibility to
people about a few hundred meters only.
The complete city was covered with dense gray smog. This was the first incident of the season
in which waves carried extremely dangerous pollution that was concentrated with toxic small
particles. Due to these smog commuters of Beijing was supposed to wear industrial strength
face masks.

LEVEL OF GREENHOUSE GASES RISING RAPIDLY: LEAKED UN

REPORT
Leaked draft IPCC UN report on 17 January 2014 warned about rise of the level of greenhouse
gases and it calls for greater global efforts to tackle the issue. The Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) report has also mentioned that if the current situation continues that
hugely expensive technology will be required.
The report has mentioned that during 2000 to 2010, the CO2 has grown by 2.2 percent per year
and this rise is almost twice higher from the growth of the period of 1970 to 2000. It also has
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

asked the global community to cut the emissions without any delay and also suggested to make
a shift towards the clean energy.

PARLIAMENT OF EUROPEAN UNION APPROVED CO2 EMISSION

RESTRICTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL VANS
The Parliament of Europe approved new carbon dioxide restrictions for commercial vans on 14
January 2014 that will slash emissions by 28 percent from 2020.
Under the rules are all new light commercial vehicles sold across the European Union (EU) will
emit a maximum 147 grammes of carbon dioxide per kilometre instead of 203 grammes as per
the level set in 2007. The legislation would be reviewed in 2015.

DINOSAURS FOOTPRINTS SPOTTED IN JAISALMER: SCIENTISTS

An International team of 34 scientists on 13 January 2014 spotted the footprints of Dinosaurs at
Thaiat village in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. At present, the team of scientists from a number
of countries is camping in Jaisalmer to study the fossils of Dinosaurs found in sandy desert
areas.
The research related to fossils is centered on the evolution, extinction and paleo-biogenography of the dinosaurs. The team of scientists also includes scientists from India. It also
includes scientists from France and Germany.

EXCEPTIONALLY RARE CONJOINED WHALES DISCOVERED

Fishermen found a conjoined gray whale calves in the lagoon in Baja California in second week
of January 2014 as per the Mexican officials. The discovery of the conjoined gray whale is
exceptional and rare. This discovery is exceptional because till date any precedent of such a
whale has not been found.
The whale was found alive in the lagoon of Ojo de Liebre, which opens to the Pacific Ocean in
the Baja California peninsula but it died shortly after birth according a government biologist.

INDIAN PITTAS, ENDEMIC BIRD SPOTTED IN DELHI

India Pitta, a small and colourful bird which is endemic was spotted at Aravalli Biodiversity Park
in Delhi after 60 years recently.
A rare butterfly, Striped Blue Crow, was also seen for the first time at Aravalli Biodiversity Park.
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Indian pitta is mainly found in the Himalayan foothills and Western Ghats in winters is mainly
seen in closed canopy forest.
Pittas belong to the family of Pittidate that has 32 species distributed throughout Asia, Africa
and Australia.
The bird is also known as the Blue-Winged Pitta, the Bengal Pitta, the Painted Thrush and
Navaratna in Hindi because of its vibrant colours.
The bird sighting was last reported by ornithologist Usha Ganguli in her book A Guide to the
Birds of Delhi.

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Sports
UNION SPORTS MINISTRY FINALLY AGREED TO HONOUR BOXER
MANOJ KUMAR WITH ARJUNA AWARD
Union Sports Ministry on 17 September 2014 finally agreed to honour Boxer Manoj Kumar with
Arjuna Award.
The decision to give Arjuna Award to Manoj Kumar came after Manoj Kumar approached the
Delhi High Court challenging the Arjuna Awards list prepared by the Kapil Dev led Selection
Committee. The Committee had instead nominated Boxer Jai Bhagwan for the Award.

HOCKEY INDIA INDUCTED HOCKEY VILLAGE INDIA AS AN

ACADEMY MEMBER
Hockey India (HI) on 19 September 2014 inducted Hockey Village India (HVI) as an Academy
Member to reach out to underprivileged children who are keen to make a career in the sport.
At present, Hockey India has 26 permanent Members, 23 associate Members, one Member
through State Olympic Associations, eight Academy Members and one Hoc-Key Member.

SARDAR SINGH BECAME INDIA'S FLAG BEARER AT 17TH ASIAN

GAMES OPENING
Sardar Singh on 19 September 2014 became India's flag bearer at 17th Asian Games opening.
Sardar Singh is the captain of Indian Hockey team.
Sardar singh lead the Indian Contingent of 130 Indian athletes as the organizers had put the
limitations of 130 persons from any country to be participated in the opening ceremony.
The strength of Indian contingent was 679, which included 516 athletes.

17TH ASIAN GAMES BEGAN IN INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA

The 17th Asian Games also known as XVII Asiad commenced at Asiad Main Stadium in Incheon,
South Korea on 19 September 2104. The theme of the 2014 Asian Games is Meet Asias Future.
The games will see participation of about 13000 athletes from 45 nations in different sports
categories for over 1300 medals. In 16 days the games will see the participants competing in
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439 events spread across 36 sports disciplines. The 17th edition of the game will come to an
end on 4 October 2014.

AIBA PERMITTED INDIAN BOXERS TO TAKE PART IN ASIAN

GAMES UNDER TRICOLOUR
International Boxing Association (AIBA) on 16 September 2014 permitted Indian boxers
(pugilists) to take part in the 17th Asian Games 2014 under the national tricolor. This
permission was given by AIBA after it gave provisional recognition to Boxing India on 15
September.
This action of AIBA means that national anthem will be rendered during the medal ceremony
when an Indian wins a gold medal at the Asian Games (Asiad) that will be played from 19
September to 4 October 2014 at Incheon, South Korea.

LADAKH AUTONOMOUS HILL DEVELOPMENT

ORGANISED 3RD LADAKH MARATHON AT LEH

COUNCIL

The third Ladakh Marathon was organised by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council
(LAHDC) on 14 September 2014 at Leh in Jammu and Kashmir. Around 3000 people from across
the world participated in the Marathon.
The Ladakh Marathon was organised with an aim to foster National Spirit and encourage Sports
in Ladakh.

BOXING INDIA EARNED OFFICIAL RECOGNITION FROM AIBA

AIBA Executive Committee Bureau on 15 September 2014 formally recognised Boxing India as
the provisional AIBA National Federation to represent the sport of boxing in India.
The recognition of Boxing India was confirmed through an official letter of the President of the
International Boxing Association (AIBA), Dr Ching-Kuo Wu to the President of Boxing India
Sandeep Jajodia.

USA WON FIBA BASKETBALL WORLD CUP 2014

USA on 14 September 2014 won FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 by defeating Serbia. The
World Cup was held at Madrid, Spain.

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The United States became the third country to win consecutive world titles and extended its
winning streak in international play to 63 games.

HS PRANNOY WON INDONESIAN MASTERS TITLE

HS Prannoy, the young Indian shuttler won Indonesian Badminton Masters Grand Prix Gold on
14 September 2014. He defeated Indonesian Firman Abdul Kholik 21-11, 22-20 to grab his
maiden Grand Prix (GP) title in the finals played at GOR Jakabaring stadium, Indonesia.

CHITRESH TATHA IS THE YOUNGEST SAILOR AT THE ASIAN

GAMES 2014
Chitresh Tatha, 12, is the youngest sailor to represent India at the 2014 Asian Games . He sails
in the Optimist Dinghy category.
The 17th edition Asian Games will be held in Incheon, South Korea from 19 September to 4
October 2014.

ICC SUSPENDED PAKISTAN'S SAEED AJMAL FOR

BOWLING ACTION

ILLEGAL

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on 9 September 2014 suspended Saeed Ajmal, the offspinner of Pakistan, from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect for illegal
bowling action.

PANKAJ ADVANI ANNOUNCED TO RETIRE FROM PROFESSIONAL

SNOOKER
Pankaj Advani on 5 September 2014 announced to retire from the professional snooker tour.
He decided to retire as he was finding it difficult to divide the time between billiards and
snooker. However, he will continue to participate in Billiards.
He will retire after Indian Snooker Open which is scheduled to be held in Pune from 15
September to 19 September 2014 in which he will compete in the wild card qualifying round. If
he qualifies than he will compete in the tournament proper at Mumbai.

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MIKE AND BOB BRYAN WON FIFTH U.S. TENNIS OPEN MEN'S
DOUBLES TITLE
American twin brothers Mike and Bob Bryan on 7 September 2014 won the mens doubles titles
of the US Tennis Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, USA.
They defeated 11th seed Spain's Marc Lopez and Marcel Granollers 6-3 6-4 in the final match of
U.S. Open men's doubles.

IOC AND INTERPOL MEET TO COMBAT MATCH FIXING & ILLEGAL

BETTING
International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Interpol (International Police agency) have
increased their collaboration to combat match-fixing and illegal betting.
To enhance the cooperation between the two bodies, the IOC President Thomas Bach on 9
September 2014 met with secretary general of the international police agency Ronald Noble
and discussed the issue.

MARIN CILIC WON MEN'S SINGLES TITLE OF US OPEN

Croatias Marin Cilic on 8 September 2014 won the Mens Singles title of the US Open of Tennis.
To win his first Grand Slam title, the 14th seed Cilic defeated 10th seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan
in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. The final match of the title was played at Arthur Ashe Stadium in
New York.

RITU RANI TO LEAD INDIAN WOMENS HOCKEY TEAM IN ASIAN

GAMES 2014
Midfielder Ritu Rani was selected to lead Indian women's hockey team in Asian Games 2014. It
was announced by a panel comprising B P Govinda, Harbinder Singh and Surinder Kaur along
with Director High Performance Roelant Oltmans and chief coach Neil Hawgood on 3
September 2014.

SAINA NEHWAL DECIDED TO TRAIN UNDER NEW COACH VIMAL

KUMAR
Saina Nehwal on 1 September 2014 decided to train under new Coach Vimal Kumar. She
decided to split with the national head coach Pullela Gopichand.
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She confirmed that her loss of form and the rise of other players like PV Sindhu and K Srikanth
had made her rethink her coaching options as Gopi was forced to split his time between these
top shuttlers

WORLD BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS 2014

World Badminton Championships was held in Copenhagen, Denmark from 25 - 31 August 2014.
China topped the Championship with a total of 7 medals which includes 3 Gold, 3 Silver and
Bronze medal. South Korea and Spain occupied second and third place respectively.

ZIMBABWE DEFEATED AUSTRALIA IN ONE-DAY CRICKET MATCH

FOR FIRST TIME IN 31 YEARS
Zimbabwe on 31 August 2014 defeated Australia for the first time in 31 years in the one-day
match played at the Harare Sports Club. This was the first win for Zimbabwe since 1983 World
Cup of Cricket in Trent Bridge.
It defeated Australia by 3 wickets in the fourth match of the tri-nation series that also features
South Africa.

ANITA WLODARCZYK OF POLAND SET WORLD RECORD IN

WOMENS HAMMER THROW
Anita Wlodarczyk of Poland on 31 August 2014 set world record in the womens hammer throw
at the Internationales Stadionfest (ISTAF) Berlin Athletics meet at Berlin's Olympic stadium in
Germany.
With a throw of 79.58 meters she improved the world record by 16 centimetres.
She broke the three year old world record of 79.42 meters set by Betty Heidler of Germany in
May 2011 in Halle, Germany.

JAIPUR PINK PANTHERS WON THE INAUGURAL TITLE OF PRO

KABADDI LEAGUE
Jaipur Pink Panther (JPP) owned by Abhisek Bachchan on 31 August 2014 won the inaugural
title of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League. To win its first title of the tournament, Jaipur Pink
Panther defeated U Mumba 35-24 at the NSCI Stadium in Mumbai.

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YOHANN DINIZ BROKE 50KM WALK WORLD RECORD AT THE

EUROPEAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP
Yohann Diniz of France broke the 50-km Walk World Record at the European Athletics
Championship held in Zurich, Switzerland. He broke the record with a timing of 3 Hours 32
Minutes and 33 Seconds.
With the victory, Diniz became the first man to win three successive European titles over the
distance. Earlier he won the European titles in 2006 and 2010.
The previous record of 3:34:14 was set by Russia`s Denis Nizhegorodov in Cheboksary in May
2008.
Matej Toth of Slovakia won the Silver medal and Russian Ivan Noskov won the Bronze medal.

SAMSUNG UNVEILED 12 SPORTS RATNAS FOR THE INCHEON

ASIAN GAMES
Samsung Electronics Company Limited on 27 August 2014 announced the names of 12 Samsung
Sports Ratnas for 17th Asian Games which is scheduled to be held in Incheon, South Korea in
September 2014. The name of the 12 sports ratna was unveiled with underlying theme Our
Games, Our Pride.
The objective of Samsung Sports Ratna program is to nurture and develop Indian sporting
talent.

WEIGHTLIFTER RAGALA VENKAT RAHUL WON FIRST MEDAL FOR

INDIA AT 2ND YOUTH OLYMPICS
Weightlifter Ragala Venkat Rahul on 22 August 2014 bagged Silver medal in the 77 kg category
by lifting 141 kg in Snatch and 175 kg in Clean and Jerk to finish with a total of 316 kg. With this,
Rahul won India's first medal of the second Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China.
Silver medal of Rahul was also India's first medal in Weightlifting in Youth Olympics. It was also
his personal best performance in the total lift, which was six kg more than he did at the 2013
Asian Youth Games held in Nanjing.

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HOCKEY MADHYA PRADESH BECAME 23RD ASSOCIATE MEMBER

OF HOCKEY INDIA
Hockey India on 21 August 2014 added Hockey Madhya Pradesh as its 23rd associate member.
With this, Hockey Madhya Pradesh (HMP) came under the wings of Hockey India.
Hockey Madhya Pradesh (HMP) before addition to Hockey India was formerly known as the
Madhya Pradesh Hockey Association (MPHA).

DUTCH TEENAGER MAX VERSTAPPEN TO BECOME YOUNGEST

FORMULA ONE DRIVER
Max Verstappen of Netherlands will become the youngest Formula One (F1) driver in the F1
history when he will compete for the 2015 season. For the 2015 season he will make the F1
debut with Scuderia Toro Rosso.

CSF AGREED TO REINSTATE SHOOTING PAIR EVENTS IN 2018

CWG ON INDIAS REQUEST
General Assembly of the Commonwealth Shooting Federation (CSF) in its meeting in Glasgow
on 28 July 2014 agreed to reinstate shooting pair events in the 2018 Commonwealth Games
(CWG) to be held in Australia. The CSF agreement came after India pushed for reinstatement of
the shooting pair events.

CYCLING: ITALIAN VINCENZO NIBALI WON 101ST EDITION OF

TOUR DE FRANCE
Vincenzo Nibali of Italy on 27 July 2014 won the 101st edition of the Tour de France in cycling.
To win the cycling championship, he finished the final stage in Paris. Nibali led the race for
eighteen days out of twenty-one.
Nibali is the first Italian in 16 years to accomplish cyclings greatest race. The last Italian to win
the Tour de France was Marco Pantani in 1998. With this win, Nibali became the sixth man to
win all three Grand Tours, the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana.

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ABHINAV BINDRA WON GOLD MEDAL IN MEN'S 10M AIR RIFLE

AT THE 2014 COMMONWEALTH GAMES
Olympic Gold medalist Abhinav Bindra on 25 July 2014 won the Gold medal in Mens 10-m Air
Rifle event at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland He shot 205.3 points to
win the Gold.
The Silver medal was won by Abdullah Baki of Bangladesh and the Bronze medal was won by
Daniel Rivers of England.

GLASGOW COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2014 GOT OFF AT THE

CELTIC PARK IN GLASGOW IN SCOTLAND
The Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014 got off at the Celtic Park in Glasgow in Scotland on
23 July 2014. The 2014 Games are the 20th Commonwealth Games.
The Game was declared open by the British Queen Elizabeth II after more than two hours of
colourful opening ceremony. In the opening ceremony the crowd was enthralled by
performances of singer Rod Stewart, Susan Boyle and violinist Nicola Benedetti

INDIAN TENNIS STAR SANIA MIRZA APPOINTED AS BRAND

AMBASSADOR OF TELANGANA
Indian tennis star Sania Mirza was appointment as Brand Ambassador of Telangana on 22 July
2014. Sania Mirza will promote the new states interests in India and abroad.
The letter of appointment and a cheque of one crore rupees was handed over to Sania Mirza by
the Chief Minister of Telangana K Chandrasekhar Rao in Hyderabad.

MERCEDES DRIVER NICO ROSBERG WON 2014 GERMAN GRAND

PRIX
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany on 20 July 2014 won the German Grand Prix. This is
his first German GP and his fourth win of 2014.The race was held at the Hockenheimring near
Hockenheim in the Germany.
With this, Rosberg became the first German to triumph at Hockenheim since Michael
Schumacher won in 2006.
William-Mercedes driver Valterri Bottas secured second place whereas Mercedes driver Lewis
Hamilton of Britain secured third place.
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IRISHMAN RORY MCILROY WON BRITISH GOLF OPEN 2014

Irishman Rory McIlroy won the British Golf Open Championship 2014 held at Royal Liverpool
Golf course in Holyake, United Kingdom on 20 July 2014.
Spain's Sergio Garcia (L) and US golfer Rickie Fowler finished two strokes behind McIlory to
finish at second position.

GERMANYS FOOTBALL TEAM

ANNOUNCED RETIREMENT

CAPTAIN

PHILIPP

LAHM

Philipp Lahm, the captain of Germanys football team announced his retirement from
international game on 18 July 2014. He announced his retirement just five days after Germany
led by him won its fourth football World Cup beating Argentina 1-0 in the final of the 2014 FIFA
World Cup in Brazil.
The win on 13 July 2014 helped Lahm to be 20th World Cup winning captain.

GERMANY RANKED NUMBER ONE IN FIFA'S WORLD RANKINGS

Germany was ranked number One in the latest release of the FIFA's world rankings released on
17 July 2014. Germany improved its position by one places as it was ranked number two behind
Spain until now.

RAHUL DRAVID ELECTED AS MEMBER OF LAUREUS WORLD

SPORTS ACADEMY
Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid on 16 July 2014 was elected as the member of Laureus
World Sports Academy. He is the 47th member of the Academy.

127TH EDITION OF DURAND CUP FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT TO

BE HELD IN GOA IN OCTOBER 2014
The 127th edition of the Durand Cup Football Tournament will be held in Goa from 28th
October 2014 to 9th November 2014. This was revealed by a Defence press release from
Mumbai on 15 July 2014.

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BRAZIL FOOTBALL COACH LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI RESIGNED

Luiz Felipe Scolari, the football coach of Brazil on 14 July 2014 resigned after Brazil failed to win
the 2014 FIFA World Cup. His resignation was confirmed by the Countrys Football Federation
Confederao Brasileira de Futebol (CBF).

JAYAWARDENE ANNOUNCED RETIREMENT FROM TEST CRICKET

Mahela Jayawardene, the former skipper of Sri Lankan cricket team, announced his retirement
from Test cricket on 14 July 2014. He will retire from Test Cricket after the home series against
Pakistan in August 2014.
The 37-year-old, Lankan batsman, will play two Tests against South Africa on 16 July and 24 July
2014, followed by a two-match series against Pakistan in August 2014.

SIM BHULLAR BECAME FIRST INDIAN-ORIGIN BASKETBALL

PLAYER TO JOIN NBA
Sim Bhullar became the first basketball player of Indian origin to join the National Basketball
Association (NBA). He signed a summer contract in second week of July 2014 with the
Sacramento Kings, a professional basketball team in the US.

GERMANY WON THE 2014 FIFA FOOTBALL WORLD CUP BEATING

ARGENTINA 1-0
Germany on 13 July 2014 became the 2014 FIFA World Cup champion after defeating Argentina
1-0 at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The single goal of the final was made by Mario
Gotze during the extra-time.

FIFA SUSPENDED NIGERIAS TEAM FROM INTERNATIONAL

FOOTBALL COMPETITIONS
FIFA on 9 July 2014 suspended Nigeria from all international football competitions with
immediate effect. Nigeria was suspended on account of government interference in running
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

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F-CUBE TECHNOLOGY TO PROMOTE FOOTBALL AT GROUND

LEVEL LAUNCHED
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and TheFootballLink on 8 July 2014 jointly launched F-Cube,
technology to promote football at the grass-root level. F-Cube technology was launched at the
Weightlifting Auditorium of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

SANIA MIRZA RANKED CAREER-BEST FIFTH IN WTA DOUBLES

RANKINGS
Sania Mirza, the Indian tennis ace, along with her Zimbabwean doubles partner Cara Black on 7
July 2014 were ranked career-best fifth in the latest WTA Doubles rankings.

JAMMU AND KASHMIR TO HOST FOOTBALL FEDERATION CUP IN

AUGUST 2015
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on 18 August 2014 that Jammu and Kashmir
will host Football Federation Cup in August 2015.

ENGLAND WON
AGAINST INDIA

THE

PATAUDI

TROPHY

TEST-SERIES

3-1

England won the 5-match Pataudi Trophy test-series played against India by 3-1. England
achieved the feat after defeating India on 17 August 2014 in the fifth and final Test at The Oval
by an innings and 244 runs.

ADILLE SUMARIWALA APPOINTED AS THE CHEF-DE-MISSION

FOR 2014 ASIAN GAMES
Adille Sumariwala, President of Athletics Federation of India (AFI), was appointed as the Chefde-Mission for Asian Games on 18 August 2014. He was appointed by Indian Olympic
Association to represent India in the Asian Games 2014.
Sumariwala, former National sprint champion, is also the president of Maharashtra Athletics
Association.

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RAVI SHASTRI APPOINTED AS THE DIRECTOR OF INDIAN

CRICKET TEAM
The Board of Cricket Control India (BCCI) appointed Ravishankar Jayadritha Shastri as the
Director of Indian Cricket Team on 19 August 2014. The decision came after seeing defeat of
Indian Cricket Team in Test series against England.

ROGER FEDERER WON CINCINNATI TENNIS OPEN

World number three tennis player, Roger Federer of Switzerland on 17 August 2014 won
Cincinnati Tennis Open, also called Western & Southern Open. He defeated David Ferrer of
Spain 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 in the final played in Cincinnati, US. This was sixth Cincinnati title for 33-yearold Federer and was the first Masters title for Federer since 2012.

SRI LANKAN BATSMAN MAHELA JAYAWARDENE RETIRED FROM

TEST CRICKET
Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lankan batsman and a former captain of the Sri Lankan cricket
team, retired from the Test Cricket on 18 August 2014. He ended his seventeen year career in
Test Cricket after Sri Lanka won the second and final test match against Pakistan by 105 runs at
Colombo. Sri Lanka won the 2-0 series.
However, Jayawardene will play one-day cricket targeting next years World Cup in Australia
and New Zealand.

KUSH KUMAR BECAME FIRST INDIAN PLAYER TO REACH SEMI

FINAL OF WORLD JUNIOR SQUASH CHAMPIONSHIP
Kush Kumar on 13 August 2014 became the first Indian player to reach the semi-final of World
Junior Squash Championship. The championship is being held in Windhoek, Namibia.

JO PAVEY OF GREAT BRITAIN BECAME OLDEST-EVER WOMAN

TO WIN GOLD IN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
Jo Pavey of Great Britain became the oldest-ever woman to win a Gold medal in European
Championships. She achieved this feat when she won Gold medal in 10000 meter running at
European Championship 2014 in Zurich, Switzerland on 12 August 2014.

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REAL MADRID WON UEFA SUPER CUP IN CARDIFF

European champions and Spanish giant Real Madrid football club on 13 August 2014 lifted the
UEFA Football Super Cup, the first European trophy of the season. To lift the trophy, Real
Madrid defeated Sevilla football club, 2-0 in Cardiff, Wales. With this win, Madrid has 14 major
European trophies.

NO NOMINATION FOR RAJIV GANDHI KHEL RATNA AWARD

2014
The selection committee headed by Kapil Dev gave no nominations for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel
Ratna Award 2014 on 12 August 2014. The committee did not find anyone suitable for the
countrys highest sports award.
However, the committee recommended names of fifteen sportsmen for Arjuna Awards. The
nominations include cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, golfer Anirban Lahiri and shooter Heena
Sidhu, boxer Jai Bhagwan, athlete Tintu Luka.

MIROSLAV KLOSE OF GERMANY ANNOUNCED RETIREMENT

FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL
Miroslav Klose of Germany announced his retirement from international football on 11 August
2014. He was the part of Germany team that won the FIFA World Cup 2014 held in Brazil.
During the FIFA World Cup 2014, he scored 2 goals taking his total goals in all the editions of
World Cup to 16. With this he became the leading goal scorer in World Cup overtaking 15 goals
scored by Ronaldo of Brazil.

R ASHWIN RANKED NO. 1 TEST ALL-ROUNDER; INDIA SLIPPED

TO 4TH POSITION: ICC TEST RANKING
Indias Ravichandran Ashwin was ranked number one Test all-rounder in ICC Test team rankings
released on 11 August 2014. He was ranked at the top after his fine show with the bat in the
fourth cricket Test against England played in Manchester.

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INDIAN WOMENS RECURVE TEAM WON GOLD MEDAL AT

ARCHERY WORLD CUP STAGE IV
Indian Womens Recurve team on 10 August 2014 won gold medal at theArchery World Cup
Stage IV in Wroclaw, Poland. The second seeded Indian team led by Deepika Kumari and
included Bombayala Devi Lashram and Lakshmi Rani Manji defeated the Mexican team 6-0.
Overall, India bagged a total of five medals on the last day of Archery World Cup Stage IV in
Wroclaw, Poland.

INDIAN MENS HOCKEY TEAM DEFEATED BANGLADESH TO

CLINCH HOCKEY SERIES, 3-0
Indian Mens Hockey team on 9 August 2014 won the three-match hockey series against
Bangladesh, 3-0. To win the series, the Indian team defeated Bangladesh 3-1 in the third and
final match in Dhaka.
India had taken a winning lead by clinching the second encounter played on Friday by a 5-1
margin.
Indian skipper in the series - Vikram Kanth
Coach of Indian team - Tushar Khandker

DIDIER DROGBA, THE STRIKER OF IVORY COAST ANNOUNCED

RETIREMENT FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL
Didier Drogba, the striker of Ivory Coast announced retirement from international football on 8
August 2014. The 36-year-old Drogba played in three World Cups for his country and made 104
appearances and scored 65 goals, over a 12-year period.
His last appearance was in the 2014 FIFA World Cup concluded in Brazil, where he last time
appeared in the cap for Ivory Coast against a match with Greece on 24 June 2014.

FORMER HOCKEY CAPTAIN AJITPAL SINGH

DRONACHARYA AWARD SELECTION COMMITTEE

TO

HEAD

Three-time Olympian and former Hockey Captain Ajitpal Singh was selected as the Chairman of
the Dronacharya Award Selection Committee on 7 August 2014.

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The committee will have 15 members, including 12 eminent sportspersons and three officials.
The three officials -- Director General of the Sports Authority of India and a joint secretary and
deputy secretary from the ministry -- will also be in the committee.

KAPIL DEV TO HEAD ARJUNA AWARDS SELECTION COMMITTEE

Former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev Nikhanj was selected as the Chairperson of the Arjuna Awards
Selection Committee on 7 August 2014. This Committee will choose outstanding sportspersons
for 2014 of the Country. This Committees will have 15 members which includes12
sportspersons and 3 officials.

INDIA EQUALED WORLD RECORD OF MAXIMUM NUMBER OF 6

DUCKS IN A TEST INNINGS
Indian cricket team on 7 August 2014 equaled the world record of maximum number of 6 ducks
(zero runs) in a Test innings. India equaled the record on the first day of the Manchester Test
played against England.

KVITOVA WON THE WOMENS WIMBLEDON TENNIS OPEN

Petra Kvitova of Czechslovakia on 5 July 2014 won the womens single of Wimbledon Tennis
Open of 2014. To win her second title, she defeated the Canadian Eugenie Bouchard 6-3, 6-0.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC WON THE MENS WIMBLEDON TENNIS OPEN

DEFEATING ROGER FEDERER
Novak Djokovic of Serbia on 6 July 2014 won the Mens Wimbledon Tennis Open defeating
Roger Federer of Switzerland. He defeated Federer 6-7(7), 6-4, 7-6(4), 5-7, 6-4. This is the
second Wimbledon title for 27-year-old, Djokovic and seventh career Grand Slam. Djokovic won
his first Wimbledon title in 2011.

MCC XI WON THE MATCH PLAYED TO CELEBRATE 200 YEARS OF

LORDS CRICKET GROUND
Marylebone Cricket Club XI on 5 July 2014 won the match played to celebrate 200-years (bicentenary) of Lords Cricket Ground the Home of Cricket. Sachin Tendulkar-led MCC XI beat
Shane Warne-led Rest of the World XI in Lords in London, UK.

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SANIA MIRZA RANKED CAREER-BEST FIFTH IN WTA DOUBLES

RANKINGS
Sania Mirza, the Indian tennis ace, along with her Zimbabwean doubles partner Cara Black on 7
July 2014 were ranked career-best fifth in the latest WTA Doubles rankings.

PANKAJ ADVANI WON IBSF 6-RED WORLD SNOOKER TITLE IN

EGYPT
Pankaj Advani, the Indian cueist on 29 June 2014 won his maiden IBSF 6-Red World snooker
title at Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. To win the title, he defeated Kacper Flilpiak of Poland in a
game that lasted for an hour.

SAINA NEHWAL WON AUSTRALIAN OPEN SUPER SERIES TITLE

Saina Nehwal, Indian badminton ace, on 29 June 2014 won 750000 US dollar Australian Open
Super Series by defeating Carolina Marin of Spain in straight-game 21-18, 21-11 in final played
at Sydney.
This is the second title win of the year for sixth-seeded, Saina Nehwal. The previous title for her
was Indian Open Grandprix Gold in Delhi. On the other hand, this was first World Super Series
final for World Number 11, Carolina Marin.

35TH NATIONAL GAMES TO BE HELD IN KERALA FROM 31

JANUARY TO 14 FEBRUARY 2015
35th National Games dates were announced on 26 June 2014 at the Members Lounge of the
Kerala Legislative Assembly complex, Thiruvananthapuram by Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
The games will be held at 32 different venues across seven districts of Kerala from 31 January to
14 February 2015.

JITU RAI BECAME FIRST INDIAN SHOOTER TO WIN THREE

MEDALS IN SUCCESSIVE ISSF SHOOTING WORLD C
Jitu Rai on 19 June 2014 became the first Indian to win three medals in successive ISSF Shooting
World Cup.
Also, by winning his first-ever Gold medal and One Silver at the ongoing ISSF World Cup in
Maribor, Slovenia, he became the first Indian shooter to win two medals at the same World
Cup.
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N SRINIVASAN UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED AS CHIEF OF TNCA

N Srinivasan, the BCCIs president-in-exile was unanimously elected on 23 June 2014 as the
chief of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) for the 14th consecutive year. Apart from
Srinivasan, KS Viswanathan was also re-elected as secretary of TNCA during the 84th annual
general body meeting at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

AB DE VILLIERS OF SOUTH AFRICA REPLACED VIRAT KOHLI AS

NO. 1 BATSMAN IN ICC ODI BATSMAN RANKINGS
AB de Villiers, the South African cricketer, on 21 June 2014 eclipsed Virat Kohli as the number
One batsman in the ICC ODI batsman ranking. With this, de Villiers became the top ranking
batsman in both Test and One day ICC rankings.

MAGNUS CARLSEN
CHAMPIONSHIP

BAGGED

FIDE

WORLD

RAPID

CHESS

Magnus Carlsen, the world number one chess player on 18 June 2014 bagged the FIDE World
Rapid Chess Championship title in Dubai. To win the Gold medal, he scored 11 of 15 points.

INDIA WON THREE ODI SERIES AGAINST BANGLADESH 2-0

Indian cricket team on 19 June 2014 won the three One Day International (ODI) series against
Bangladesh 2-0. With India already having won the first two ODIs, the third and final ODI was
abandoned due to rain at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, Bangladesh.

FORMER CAPTAIN OF BANGLADESH MOHAMMAD ASHRAFUL

BANNED FOR EIGHT YEARS
Former Captain of Bangladesh Mohammad Ashraful on 18 June 2014 was banned for eight
years by the disciplinary panel set up by the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
He was found guilty on four charges of fixing matches in Bangladesh Premier League of 2013.
Ashraful has also been ordered to pay a fine of one million taka (12280 US dollar).

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MURLI KARTIK ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT FROM ALL FORMS

OF CRICKET
Left-arm spinner Murali Kartik on 14 June 2014 announced his retirement from all forms of
cricket. During his career, he had played eight Tests and 37 ODIs for India between 1999 and
2007. Also, Kartik had taken 644 wickets from 203 matches.

JITU RAI WON SILVER MEDAL IN 10M AIR PISTOL AT MUNICH

SHOOTING WORLD CUP
Jitu Rai of India on 11 June 2014 won Silver Medal in mens 10-meter air pistol event at the ISSF
World Cup Shooting in Munich. In the finals, Jitu scored 199.4 after aggregating 583 in the
qualification stage.

COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMPS ON 2014 FIFA WORLD

CUP RELEASED BY PM NARENDRA MODI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12 June 2014 released commemorative postage stamps on
the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The FIFA World Cup is being played in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July
2014 with the slogan All In One Rhytm.

RAFAEL NADAL WON FRENCH OPEN TITLE FOR THE NINTH TIME
Rafael Nadal (rank no. 1) of Spain won the French Open title 2014 for the ninth time on 8 June
2014. He is the first men to win five French Open titles in a row. He won against Novak Djokovic
(rank no. 2) of Yugoslavia with 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, and 6-4 in the final.

SOURAV GANGULY JOINED MUDGAL COMMITTEE ON IPL SPOTFIXING

Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian cricket captain, joined the Mudgal Committee on IPL spotfixing as an expert on cricketing affairs on 8 June 2014.

INDIA SLIPPED TO 3RD POSITION IN ICC ODI RANKINGS

India slipped to third position in the ICC ODI team rankings released on 4 June 2014 in Dubai.
India is ranked after Australia (No. 1) and Sri Lanka (No. 2). Sri Lankan cricket team eclipsed
India with its 3-2 win over England in the latest ODI series.
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AMLA APPOINTED AS TEST CRICKET CAPTAIN OF SOUTH AFRICA

Hashim Amla was appointed as new test captain of South African cricket team on 3 June 2014.
Amla is the successor of Graeme Smith who retired in March 2014 after serving the test side of
South African cricket for more than a decade.

WRESTLERS YOGESHWAR DUTT AND SUSHIL KUMAR WON GOLD

AND SILVER
Wrestlers Yogeshwar Dutt and Sushil Kumar on 1 June 2014 won Gold and Silver respectively at
the International wrestling tournament held in Sassari city of Italy.

KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS DEFEATED KINGS XI PUNJAB TO WIN

IPL 2014 FOR SECOND TIME
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on 1 June 2014 won the seventh edition of Indian Premier
League 2014 by defeating Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by three wickets in the final played at
Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. This is the second title triumph for KKR after their maiden
win back in 2012.

CHINA WON UBER CUP 2014 OF BADMINTON

China won Uber Cup 2014 of badminton on 24 May 2014. China team defeated the Japan team
3-1 in the final held at Siri Fort Complex in New Delhi.
With this, China won the Uber Cup for the 13th time and it was Chinas eighth title from the last
nine editions. China has reached 16 successive finals.

JAPAN WON THE THOMAS CUP 2014 OF BADMINTON

Japan won the Thomas Cup 2014 of badminton on 25 May 2014. Japan team defeated the
Malaysian team 3-2 in the finals held at Siri Fort Complex in New Delhi. This was Japans first
maiden Thomas Cup.
Also, with this win, Japan became the fourth nation to win the Thomas Cup after Indonesia,
China and Malaysia.
Malaysia won the last of their five Thomas Cup titles in 1992 and was runner-up in 1994, 1998
and 2002. Besides, it won three Bronze medals at Thomas Cup in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

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REAL MADRID DEFEATED ATLETICO MADRID 4-1 TO WIN 10TH

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOOTBALL TITLE
Real Madrid on 24 May 2014 defeated Atletico Madrid 4-1 at Lisbon to win their 10th UEFA
Champions League Football title and first since 2002.
The highlight of the match was that all the three winning goals by Real Madrid was done in the
extra-time play after the match was tied 1-1 in the 90-minutes play. The three goals in the
extra-time on part of Real Madrid were done by Gareth Bale, Marcelo goal, and Cristiano
Ronaldo.

JAPAN WON AFC WOMENS ASIAN FOOTBALL CUP 2014

Japan won the AFC Women's Asian Football Cup 2014 on 25 May 2014. In the final held in
Vietnam, Japan football team defeated defending champion Australia 1-0. This is Japans firstever AFC Womens Asian Cup since it started competing in the event in 1977.
In the final, the winning and the only goal was scored by Japanese Azusa Iwashimizu.

SNOOKER CHAMPION
AWARDS 2014

CHITRA

NOMINATED

FOR

ARJUNA

Snooker champion Chitra Magimairaj was nominated for Arjuna awards 2014 announced by the
Billiards and Snooker Association of India (BSFI) on 21 May 2014. Contemporary player Vidhya
Pillai and upcoming player Brijesh Damani were also nominated for the Arjuna awards 2014.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC WON THE MEN'S ITALIAN TENNIS OPEN 2014

FOR THE THIRD TIME
Novak Djokovic won the men's Italian Tennis Open 2014 held in Rome, Italy on 18 May 2014.
Novak of Serbia defeated Rafael Nadal of Spain 4-6, 6-3 and 6-3 in the final. This is Novaks third
Italian Open and his 44th title overall.
The Italian Open won by Novaks was his 19th career Masters Title and his 19th win against
Nadal in 41 meetings.
Rafael Nadal had won the Rome Masters for the maximum number of seven times.
In the womens, Serena Williams of US won the Italian Open 2014 against Sara Errani of Italy.

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The Italian Open 2014 was held in Rome Italy from 11 May 2014 to 18 May 2014. It is red clay
tennis tournament after French Tournament. It is also known as Rome Masters or Italians
Championships.

SERENA WILLIAMS WON THE WOMEN'S ITALIAN TENNIS OPEN

2014 FOR THE THIRD TIME
Serena Williams of US won the Women's Italian Tennis Open 2014 on 18 May 2014. She
defeated World No. 11 Sara Errani of Italy 6-3, 6-0 in the final held in Rome, Italy.
This was the third Italian Open won by Serena. For the first time she won the Italian Open in
2002 and the second Italian Open was won by her in 2013.
Also, the win gave Serena her 60th WTA titles and as a result she moved to Number 7 position
on the all-time list for most WTA titles.
The six highest on the all-time list for most WTA titles are Martina Navratilova (who won 167
WTA titles), Chris Evert (154), Steffi Graf (107), Margaret Court (92), Evonne Goolagong Cawley
(68) and Billie Jean King (67).
Besides, Errani is the first Italian to make to the final of Italian Open since 1985.

SIR JACK BRABHAM, THREE-TIME F-1 CHAMPION DIED IN

AUSTRALIA
Sir Jack Brabham, the three-time Formula One world champion died on 19 May 2014 at his
home in Australia after a long illness. He was 88.
He won the F-1 titles in 1959, 1960 and 1966. In 1966, he won the F-1 title in his own car named
Brabham, which was built by him.

PANKAJ ADVANI WON CCI BILIARDS TITLE

Pankaj Advani on 14 May 2014 won Cricket Club of India (CCI) Classic Billiards and Snooker
tournament. He defeated two-time world runner-up Dhruv Sitwala 1425-447 in the final.
The Bangalore-based Eight-time world champion Pankaj Advani also won the Highest Break
award for the 530, which he scored against Devendra Joshi in the quarterfinals.
At the halfway mark of the four-hour final, Sitwala was trailing 227-787 with the aid of a 95
break. While, Advani had procured breaks of 243, 193, 98, 87 and 78.
About Pankaj Advani
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Pankaj Advani is a 8-time World Champion. He won his first world title when he was just 18. He
is the only Asian to have ever won both the Billiards and Snooker World Championships.
Pankaj Advani is one of the youngest Indian to be honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna
award. He has also been conferred with the Arjuna and Padmashree awards.

HOCKEY INDIA HONOURED HEROES OF 1975 WORLD CUP TEAM

Hockey India (HI) honoured heroes of 1975 World Cup team on 14 May 2014. Hockey India (HI)
felicitated 13 living members of the 1975 World Cup.
Hockey India honoured the team with a cheque of 175000 rupees to each member.
Ajit Pal Singh was the captain of the 1975 team. Other members were Ashok Kumar, Aslam Sher
Khan, Brigadier (retd) Harcharan Singh, Leslie Fernandez, Varinder Singh, Ashok Diwan, Michael
Kindo, BP Govinda, Brigadier (retd) HJS Chimni, VJ Phillips, Onkar Singh and Kaliah PE.
The 1975 World Cup team was felicitated on the eve of announcement of the squad for the
World Cup. The Hockey World Cup will be held in The Hague in May 2014. Till now, India had
won the gold medal in Hockey world Cup only once in 1975.

GRANT FLOWER NAMED AS PAKISTAN BATTING COACH

Grant Flower, the former Zimbabwe batsman on 15 May 2014 was named as the batting coach
of Pakistan cricket team for two years. He will join the Pakistan side on 1 August 2014 just
before the Sri Lanka series of the team.
Grant Flower name was finalised on the recommendation of the coaching committee
comprised of
Moin Khan - Chief Selector
Intikhab Alam - director domestic cricket operations
Haroon Rashid - director game development

MANIPUR WON SENIOR

CHAMPIONS TITLE

NATIONAL

WOMEN'S

FOOTBALL

Manipur on 12 May 2014 won the 20th Senior National Womens Football Championships title
at the Golaghat Stadium in Assam. To clinch the title, Manipur defeated the defending
champions Orissa by 3-1.
Bala Devi of Manipur scored two goals and the third was made by Oinam Benbem (the
AIFF Womens Player of the Year)
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Sakina Nesa of Orissa reduced the margin of goals by scoring a goal in the last minutes
At the end of the tournament, Bala Devi was adjudged as the player of the tournament.
Last time, Manipur won the Championships in 2010.

MARIA SHARAPOVA
MADRID OPEN TITLE

DEFEATED SIMONA

HALEP

TO

WIN

Maria Sharapova of Russia on 11 May 2014 won the Mutua Madrid Open Tennis title. To win
her 1st Madrid Open title, Sharapova defeated the Romanian Simona Halep 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the
finals.
With this win, Sharapova has captured 31st career title. For Halep, this was first appearance in
the finals at one of the WTAs Premier tournament.
Earlier in 2013, Sharapova lost the finals of Madrid to Serena Williams. Since 2011, the eighth
seed Sharapova has lost only three times on the clay and all the defeats by the hand of world
number one Serena Williams.

RAFAEL NADAL WON MADRID OPEN TITLE

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal on 11 May 2014 won his 27th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title at
Mutua Madrid Tennis Open final. He won after Kei Nishikori of Japan was forced to withdraw
with a back injury when was trailing 2-6, 6-4, 3-0 in the final set.
With this win Nadal of Spain became the first player to win four Madrid open tennis titles.
His previous victories were
In 2005 against Ljugicic
In 2010 against Federer
In 2013 against Wawrinka

OSULLIVAN NAMED AS SNOOKERS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Ronnie OSullivan on 8 may 2014 was crowned World Snookers Player of the Year at the sport's
annual awards ceremony in London. Apart from this, OSullivan was also handed the Fans
Player of the Year award after being voted by snooker supporters.
During the 2013/14 season, he won four titles, which included the Masters in January when he
beat Mark Selby 10-4 in the final. He triumphed in the Welsh Open in March 2014 by rounding

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

off a 9-3 defeat of Ding Junhui with a 147 break. This was 12th maximum of his career and a
new record too.
Awards given in the ceremony are
World Snooker Player of the Year: Ronnie O'Sullivan
Snooker Writers Player of the Year: Ding Junhui
Fans Player of the Year: Ronnie O'Sullivan
Rookie of the Year: John Astley
Performance of the Year: Mark Selby
Magic Moment of the Year: Mark Selby
Special award for 100 Centuries: Neil Robertson
147 Club (players making a 147 during the season): Neil Robertson, Judd Trump, Mark
Selby, Dechawat Poomjaeng, Gary Wilson, Shaun Murphy, Ronnie O'Sullivan
Hall of Fame inductees: Dennis Taylor and Cliff Thorburn

WAQAR YOUNIS APPOINTED AS HEAD COACH OF PAKISTAN

CRICKET TEAM
Waqar Younis, the former fast bowler of Pakistan on 6 May 2014 was appointed as the national
coach of the national cricket team of Pakistan for a period of two years. His name was finally
formalised by the Pakistan Cricket Board after his name was declared a week ago by Najam
Sethi, the Chairman of the Board.
His name was selected by a committee constituted by PCB that met in Lahore.
The committee included
Intikhab Alam - Director Domestic Cricket Operations
Haroon Rashid - Director Game Development
Moin Khan the Chief selector

VIRAT KOHLI RANKED NO 1 IN ICC ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL

RANKINGS
Virat Kohli was ranked no 1 in ICC list of One Day International (ODI) rankings released in Dubai
on 4 May 2014. He remained on the top rank in batsmen list with 881 points and is followed by
the AB de Villiers with 872 points.
The other two Indians under top 10 list are Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Shikhar
Dhawan.

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Jadeja remained at fifth position with 676 points and Ravichandran Ashwin (rank 14) in the
bowling list. Jadeja is ranked fourth in the list of the all-rounder.
Top ten ranking of ICC of ODI batsmen
Rank

Name

points

V Kohli

India

A B de Villiers

South Africa

G J Bailey

Australia

H M Amla

South Africa

K C Sangakkara

Sri Lanka

M S Dhoni

India

S Dhawan

India

TM Dilshan

Sri Lanka

Misbah-ul-Haq

Pakistan

10

R L Taylor

Australia

MARK SELBY WON WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP 2014

Mark Selby of England won the World Snooker Championship 2014 in Sheffield, England on 6
May 2014. He won the title against the defending champion Ronnie O Sullivan with 18-14 in the
final. This is his first World title and he was runner-up in 2007. With this win he was ranked
world no 1 in the Snooker.
Mark Selby, 30, won cash prize of 300000 pounds and he is the ninth player to win Triple Crown
(World Championship, the Masters and UK Championship).
Earlier he won three Master titles (2008, 2010 and 2013) and a UK Championship in 2012.
The other titles include the Welsh Open in 2008 and the Shanghai Masters in 2011.
Champion O Sullivan won the World title for five times, ranked 19 and this was the first world
final he lost.
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SANIA MIRZA AND CARA BLACK WON WTA PORTUGAL OPEN

2014
Sania Mirza of India and Cara Black of Zimbabwe on 3 May 2014 won womens doubles title at
the WTA Portugal Open 2014 held in Oeiras, Portugal.
Sania and Cara won the title by defeating the Czech Russian team of Eva Hrdinova and Valeria
Solovyeva 6-4, 6-3 in the final. This is the first title and third final of the season for Sania and
Cara who ended runners-up at Indian Wells in March 2014 and at Stuttgart event in April 2014.
Sania and Cara shared 9919 euro as prize money and earned 280 ranking points each for the
title.
In 2013, Sania and Cara pair won the women doubles title at the China Open 2013 and the
Toray Pan Pacific Open 2013.

INDIA RANKED NO 1 IN TWENTY20 INTERNATIONAL TEAM

RANKING
India ranked no 1 in ICC Twenty20 International Team ranking announced in Dubai on 1 May
2014. India replaced Sri Lanka from the top position. Sri Lanka earned the top position on 8
April 2014 by replacing India after defeating it in the T20 world cup 2014 in Bangladesh.

ADHIBAN WON
CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

AT

ASIAN

CONTINENTAL

CHESS

Grand Master Adhiban won silver medal at the Asian Continental Chess Championship held in
Sharjah on 26 April 2014. With this silver he got an entry in the World Chess Cup 2015 that will
be held at Baku, Azerbaijan.
Adhiban ended up with 6.5 points whereas Yu Yangyi of China won the gold medal ending with
7 points. Ni Hua of China won bronze medal with 6.5 points. Rustam Kasimdzhanov stood at
the fourth place (6 points) and Weng Yan of China at the fifth place (6.5 points).
In the women's championship, Irine Kharisma Sukandar of Indonesia won the gold medal.
Atousa Pourkashiyan of Iran won the silver and Tan Zhongyi of China got bronze.

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INDIAN SQUASH PLAYER SAURAV GHOSAL WON DATO ALEX LEE

AWARD 2013
Indian Squash Player Saurav Ghosal won Dato Alex Lee Award 2013 on 24 April 2014. He was
selected for the award by the Asian Squash Federation (ASF) for being the Outstanding Asian
Men's Player of the Year 2013.
Also, the Indian mens team was awarded the ASF Award for being the Outstanding Mens
Team of The Year 2013. The Indian men's team comprised Ghosal, Harinderpal Sandhu, Ramit
Tandon, Mahesh Mangaonkar along with coaches Cyrus Poncha and Gautam Das.

REAL MADRID WON THE

TOURNAMENT OF SPAIN

COPA

DEL

RAY

FOOTBALL

Real Madrid won the Copa del Rey Cup on 16 April 2014. They defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the
final played at Mestalla in Valencia, Spain.
In the final, it was Gerath Bales second goal that sealed the victory for Real Madrid. The
esteemed Spanish club won the cup for the 19th time.
The highlight of the final match was the Gale Beraths second goal in the 85th minute. The
winger from Wales sprinted from the halfway line into the penalty area before slipping the ball
brilliantly between the legs of Barca goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto.

RUBIN 'HURRICANE' CARTER, THE US BOXER DIED

Former American middleweight boxer, Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter died on 20 April 2014 at his
home in Toronto, Canada following a battle with prostate cancer. He was 76.
He remained in jail for about two decades on the charge of murder of three white people in
New Jersey in 1966. His conviction caused an international outcry.

JOSHNA CHINAPPA WON INAUGURAL RICHMOND OPEN OF

SQUASH
Joshna Chinappa won inaugural Richmond Open of Squash at the Country Club of Virginia, US
on 19 April 2014. Chinappa won against Australian Champion Rachael Grinham. Chinappa
(ranked 21) scored 11-9, 11-5 and 11-8 in the finals and this was her first win in six meetings
over Rachael Grinham (ranked 16).
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

This was Chinappas ninth Women Squash Association (WSA) tour title in Country Club of
Virginia. This was the 16th final of Joshna and 65th for Grinham since her career started in
1998. Joshna was defeated by the Grinham at the Texas Open held from 8 April to 13 April 2014
in US.

STANISLAS WAWRINKA WON MONTE CARLO MASTERS TENNIS

TITLE BY DEFEATING ROGER FEDERER
Stanislas Wawrinka on 20 April 2014 won the men's single Monte Carlo Masters Tennis title by
defeating former world number one Roger Federer, 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-2. With this, the 29-year-old
Wawrinka has won his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title.

CBI ESTABLISHED SPORT INTEGRITY UNIT TO INVESTIGATE

SPORTS FRAUD CASES
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) established a Sport Integrity Unit on 15 April 2014 to
investigate the cases related to fraud in sports. Betting and Match fixing are the most common
cases of sports fraud.
CBI had held discussions with officials of International Cricket Council (ICC) and Federation
Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) before setting up the unit.

EIGHT FRANCHISEES OF INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE OF AIFF

ANNOUNCED
The names of the eight franchisees of All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Indian Super League
(ISL) were announced on 13 April 2014. The names were announced after competitive bidding
was held for the rights to own eight soccer teams in the ISL. The ISL is scheduled to be held in
September-November 2014.
During the competitive bidding each winning bidder paid about 25 million dollar for a 10-year
contract for each of the eight soccer teams. The base price of each time was fixed at 12 crore
rupees and the total money spent on acquiring eight team was 120 crore rupees. The highest
price of 18 crore rupees was paid for Kolkata team.

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WILSON KIPSANG WON LONDON MARATHON

Wilson Kipsang (Kenya) won the 34th London Marathon on 13 April 2014. He completed the
26.2-mile route in 2 hours, 4 minutes, 29 seconds. He won the title for the second time. He
earlier won it in 2012. Stanley Biwott (Kenya) secured second and Tsegaye Kebede secured
third position. London based double Olympic champion Mo Farah got eighth rank.

SANTOSO WON OUE SINGAPORE OPEN 2014

Simon Santoso (Indonesia) won the OUE Singapore Open 2014 for the first time on 13 April
2014. He defeated Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia), badmintons world number one player by 21-15,
21-10 in final match held in Singapore. Santoso won 300000 US Dollars for this victory.

SHIKHAR DHAWAN NAMED AMONG WISDENS FIVE CRICKETERS

OF THE YEAR
Shikhar Dhawan, the Indian cricketer on 9 April 2014 was named as one of the Five Cricketers of
2014 for his performance in 2013. The other four to be named under the list of cricketer of the
year are
Chris Rogers and Ryan Harris of Australia
Joe Root of England
Charlotte Edwards, the captain of womens team of England

SACHIN BECAME 1ST INDIAN CRICKETER ON COVER PAGE OF

WISDEN CRICKETERS ALMANACK
The 151st edition of the Wisden Cricketers Almanack published on 9 April 2014 carries a
picture of Sachin Tendulkar on its cover page. With this Sachin Tendulkar, the Indian cricketer,
who retired from International cricket in November 2013 and ended his glorious 24-year long
career, became the 1st Indian cricketer to be featured on the cover page of the Almanack.
The yellow page of the Wisden Cricketers Almanack had shown Tendulkar walking out of the
Wankhede stadium after completing his last innings against the West Indies in November 2013.
The captured photograph had shown Tendulkar acknowledging the crowd with his bat raised.
The 2014 edition of Wisden Cricketers was published in London. Lawrence Booth is the editor
of the edition that carried Sachin on the cover page.

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INDIA'S HEENA SIDHU CLINCHED WORLD'S NO. 1 SPOT IN 10

MTS AIR PISTOL EVENT
Heena Sindhu, the Indian shooter on 7 April 2014 clinched the Worlds Number One spot in 10
meters air pistol event. By achieving this fete, she became the first Indian pistol shooter to be
ranked at the top position in the list.
Sindhu clinched the first spot in the rankings list by replacing the world champion Zorana
Arunovic of Serbia with total pf 1699 rating points. Zorana is now placed at the second position
in the list with 1514 points. Chinas Wenjun Guo with 1190 points is placed at the third position.

DHONI NAMED CAPTAIN OF ICC WORLD T20 TEAM

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the captain of Indian cricket team on 7 April 2014 was named as the
captain of the ICC World T20 team. The selected team for the ICC World Team includes other
Indians like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin.
The World Team includes four players from India, two from both South Africa and West Indies,
and one representative each from Australia, Netherlands and Sri Lanka. Players selected under
the list of 2014 ICC World Team of the Tournament

LEE CHONG WEI & SHIXIAN WANG WON INDIA SUPER SERIES
BADMINTON TITLES
Defending champion, Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia on 6 March 2014 won the mens singles title
of 250000 US dollar India Super Series Badminton in New Delhi. To retain the mens singles
title, he defeated Chen Long of China in straight-game by 21-13, 21-17. This was the third title
for World Number one badminton player Chong Wei, of the season.

AUSTRALIAN CRICKET TEAM WON WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP

2014
Australian women cricket team on 6 April 2014 won the Womens World Twenty20 Cup 2014
cup defeating England in the final match in Mirpur, Dhaka. It defeated England by six wickets

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

with 29 balls left to be bowled. This was the third successive Womens World Twenty20 title
won by Australian womens cricket team.
Australias captain Meg Lanning (she was the highest scorer of the tournament with
257 runs)
Englands captain Charlotte Edwards
Player of the match SJ Coyte (Australia)
Player of the series A Shrubsole (England) for taking 12 wickets in the tournament
Group stage
Group A: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, Ireland
Group B: England, West Indies, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh

PUNJAB WON JUNIOR NATIONAL HOCKEY TITLE 2014

Punjab on 6 April 2014 won the 4th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2014
(Division A) by defeating Hockey Odisha 6-2 in the finals at Chennai, Tamil Nadu. With this win,
Punjab had retained the championship title.
To gain the third place in the tournament, Haryana defeated the Sports Authority of India (7-3).
Awards
Best Goalkeeper Jugraj of Punjab
Best Deep Defender Nilam Sanjeev Xess of Odisha
Best Midfielder Sumit of Haryana
Best Forward Joseph Toppo of Odisha
Man of the Tournament Harjeet Singh of Punjab

SRI LANKA WON ITS MAIDEN ICC TWENTY20 WORLD CUP TITLE
Sri Lankan cricket team on 6 April 2014 won the ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2014 title after
defeating Indian cricket team by six wickets in the final match at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket
Stadium (SBNCS) in Mirpur, Dhaka.
In the final, India batting first scored 130 runs. In response Sri Lanka achieved the target of 131
runs by losing only 4 wickets in 17.5 overs. From Indian side, once again, Virat Kohli led the
scorecard of Indian team. He made a valiant 77 runs of 58 balls. From the Sri Lankan side, it was
Kumar Sangakkara who led his team to victory by making an unbeaten 52 runs of 38 balls.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Earlier in the semi-finals, India defeated South Africa and Sri Lanka defeated West Indies to
reach to the final of the T20 Cricket World Cup.
Man of the match Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka
Player of the Tournament Virat Kohli for hitting 319 runs in the tournament.
Captain of Sri Lankan cricket team in the final - Lasith Malinga
Capatin of Indian team - MS Dhoni

FIFA IMPOSED TRANSFER BAN ON BARCELONA

International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) imposed a transfer ban at both national
and international level on 2 April 2014 on Spanish club FC Barcelona. The ban prohibited FC
Barcelona from buying and/or selling players for the next two transfer windows (June 2014 and
January 2015).
This ban will last for one year. Apart from this ban, FIFA also imposed financial penalty on FC
Barcelona and Real Madrid.

INDIA RANKED AS NO. 1 CRICKET TEAM IN ICC T20 RANKINGS

The Indian Cricket Team was ranked as number one team in recently released International
Cricket Council (ICC) T20 rankings. ICC T20 ranking was released on 2 April 2014. It replaced Sri
Lanka from the number one position.
India was able to push Sri Lanka to Number two due to its unbeaten run in its group in the
ongoing T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

VISWANATHAN ANAND RAISES TO NO. 3 IN FIDE WORLD CHESS

RANKINGS
Viswanathan Anand ranked World number 3 in the rating list released by FIDE on 1 April 2014.
Anand with the Victory at the Candidates Tournament held in Russia in March 2014 has moved
five places ahead from 8 to 3 with 2785 Elo points.
According the rating list, Magnus Carlsen of Norway with Elo points 2881 ranks no 1 and Levon
Aronian of America with 2812 ranks 2.

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DJOKOVIC DEFEATED NADAL TO WIN FOURTH MIAMI MASTERS

CROWN
Novak Djokovic, the six-time Grand Slam winner won his fourth Miami Masters crown on 30
March 2014 by defeating Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-3. This title was a combination of ATP and WTA
Tour hardcourt tournament. This win has helped him 850430 US dollars as the winners cheque.
Second seed Djokovic, benefitted from two walkovers didnt dropped a set winning his third
Miami title in four years and fourth in total to odd to triumphs in 2007, 2011 and 2012. Nadal
has lost the Miami Masters title in 2008, 2009 and 2011.

LEWIS HAMILTON WON MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX

Lewis Hamilton won the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang (Malaysia) on 30 March 2014. His
teammate Nico Rosberg clinched second position. Lewis Hamilton won the race by 17.3
seconds by taking advantage of his pole position.
This was Hamiltons 23rd victory in Formula One and 1st in Malaysia. It was also the first
Mercedes one-two victory since it returned to Formula One as a works team in 2010.
Top Final Results
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
3. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
4. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
5. Nico Hulkenberg (Force India)

SIMON SANTOSO, INDONESIAN SHUTTLER WON MALAYSIA

GRAND PRIX GOLD
Indonesian Simon Santoso won the Malaysia Grand Prix gold against Sourabh Varma in Mens
Single at Pasir gudang, Malaysia on 30 March 2014. Malaysian Grand Prix gold was held from 25
March to 30 March 2014.
Simon Santoso won the final with score 21-15, 16-21, 19-21 against the Sourabh varma in an
hour and nine minutes. This is Simons second win over Sourabh Varma. Last time Sourabh and
Simon played against each other at the Indonesia Open 2012.

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WEST ZONE WON CRICKET'S DEODHAR TROPHY 2014

West Zone on 27 March 2014 won the cricket's Deodhar Trophy 2014. They lifted the trophy
after defeating North Zone in the Day-Night final at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA
Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam by a margin of 133 runs.
North Zone, while chasing a score of 282 runs to win, was all out on 148 in 37.1 over.
Captain of West Zone Cheteshwar Pujara
Captain of North Zone Harbhajan Singh

India won 3rd South Asian Handball Championship title

India on 26 March 2014 clinched the 3rd South Asian Handball Championship title played at
Genesis Global School in Noida. To win the title, India defeated Pakistan 36-31. The
championship started on 23 March 2014.
Five teams that participated in the championship were
India
Afghanistan
Nepal
Pakistan
Bangladesh

RUSI DINSHAW, PAKISTANS ONLY PARSI CRICKETER DIED

Rusi Dinshaw, the only Parsi Community cricketer of Pakistan died on 24 March 2014 in Karachi.
He was 86 and was suffering from schizophrenia.

RSPB WON SENIOR WOMEN HOCKEY NATIONAL TITLE

Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) on 23 March 2014 won the 4th Hockey India Senior
Women National Championship (Division A) in Bhopal. To clinch the title, it defeated defending
champions Haryana 4-0.
Top Scorer: Navneet Kaur, Haryana
Best Forward: Poonam Balra, Jharkhand
Best Defender: Deepika Railways Sports Promotion Board
Best Goalkeeper: Savite, Haryana
Best Player of the Tournament: Monika Haryana
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Captain of Railway Sports Promotion Board - TH Chanchan

First and second position was claimed by: the winner and runner-up
Third position in the tournament went to: Jharkhand by defeating Punjab 5-0
Fourth position went to: Punjab

STUART OLIVER
CHAMPIONSHIP

WON

1ST-EVER

INDIAN

TRUCK-RACING

Stuart Oliver, the experienced British racer on 23 March 2014 won the inaugural Tata T1 Prima
Truck Racing Championship at Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida. He
represented Castrol Vecton team in the race and took 30:26.848 minutes to complete 15 laps of
the 2.5 km loop on the 5.1 km-long track.
Stuart Oliver (50-year-old), a ten-time British Truck Racing Champion staved off the stiff
challenge from Mathew Summerfield (30:31:522 minutes) of Team Cummins. Summerfield
finished at the second position. David Jenkins, representing Tata Technologies Motorsports
finished third with timings 30:32:413 minutes.

SACHIN TENDULKAR VOTED CRICKETER OF THE GENERATION

Sachin Tendulkar on 14 March 2014 was voted as the Cricketer of the Generation by a 50member jury that comprised current and former cricketers and journalists. To win the award,
Sachin defeated his competitors spin legend Shane Warne and all-rounder Jacques Kallis.

ASIAN GRAND PRIX ARCHERY CHAMPIONSHIP: INDIAN ARCHERS

WON 2 GOLD & SILVER IN TEAM EVENTS
Indian archers on 13 March 2014 bagged 2 gold and a silver in the team events in 1st Asian
Grand Prix Archery Championships at Bangkok. Whereas, in the Compound Womens team
event women team defeated Iran to clinch the first gold, 219 to 204. The women compound
team included Gagandeep Kaur, V Jyothi Surekha and P Lily Chanu.

IPL 2014 TO BE HELD IN UAE, BANGLADESH AND INDIA

Ending the speculation over India Premium League (IPL) 2014, a release of BCCI on 12 March
2014 said that the tournament will be held in United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bangladesh and India
from 16 April to 1 June 2014. The tournament will be played in three different phases and the
first phase at least 16 matches will be played in United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 16 April to 30
April 2014.
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The second phase of the tournament from 1 May to 12 May 2014 will be held in Bangladesh
only if Union Home Ministry doesnt permits to hold the event in India. The BCCI at present is
seeking permission to play IPL matches in Indian cities, where the polling will be concluded in
respective states till then.
The third and the last phase of the tournament will be played in India once the polling will
conclude in all states of the country. As per the decision, the board of BCCI has decided to
conduct the remaining league matches plus the playoffs in India from 13 May 2014 1 June 2014.
It has also decided that no matches will be conducted on the day of counting of the polls on 16
May 2014.

HEENA SIDHU AND CHAIN SINGH WON GOLD AT 7TH ASIAN AIR
GUN CHAMPIONSHIP
Heena Sidhu on 10 March 2014 won the Gold medal in the Womens Air pistol event at the 7th
Asian Air Gun Championship in Kuwait.
Heena topped the qualification stage with 386 and won the Gold medal with a score of 200.3,
Chia Ying Wu of Chinese Taipei won the Silver (198.3) and Wadha Al Balushi from Oman won
the Bronze (177.3).
In Team Event, Heena along with Shweta Chaudhary and Harveen Srao won the Silver medal
with a total score of 1138 (20x). China won the Gold with a score of 1138 (21x) and Chinese
Taipei won the Bronze with a score of 1134.

MIZORAM WON 68TH SANTOSH TROPHY OF FOOTBALL BY

DEFEATING RAILWAYS
Mizoram on 9 March 2014 won the 68th senior National football championship of Santosh
Trophy by defeating Railways 3-0 in the final match played at Kanchenjungha Stadium in
Siliguri, West Bengal. This is the maiden Santosh Trophy for Mizoram and this was also the first
appearance for them in the final match.
Railways for the last time bagged Santosh Trophy in 1966 and since then (48 years) it has never
won a single trophy.

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AUSTRALIA REPLACED INDIA IN SECOND POSITION IN ICC TEST

TEAM RANKINGS
Australia on 5 March 2014 replaced India at the number two position in the Test team rankings
of cricket. This place was achieved by Australia after they defeated South Africa by 245-run in
the third and final Test match in Cape Town.
Australia who replaced India at the second position in test rankings entered the three testmatches series with South Africa at third position.

TAMIL NADU AND RAILWAYS WON FEDERATION CUP 2014

Tamil Nadu (TN) men and Railways women won the XXVII (twenty seventh) Federation Cup
Volleyball titles on 5 March 2014 in the finals at Kizhakkambalam, Ernakulam in Kerala. Tamil
Nadu men defeated services and the Railways women defeated Kerala in the finals. The cup
was held from 26 February to 5 March 2014.
Tamil Nadu defeated services in straight sets 25-21, 25-19, 25-19
Women Railways defeated Kerala women by 25-21, 25-18, 25-16
Bronze Medal of women was won by Tamil Nadu and men by Uttrakhand.

64TH NATIONAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP CONCLUDED

The 64th National Basketball Championship concluded on 5 March 2014 at the Thyagaraj
Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
In the final, Chhattisgarh won the women's title beating Indian Railways 81-77. The men's title
was won by Tamil Nadu. They defeated Punjab 74-57 to win the men's title.

SOURAV
KOTHARI
CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

WON

THE

NATIONAL

BILLIARD

Sourav Kothari won the National Billiard Championships held in Lucknow on 26 February 2014.
He beat Alok Kumar by 5-3. This is the first maiden title for Saurav Kothari since he turned
professional in 2007.
Sourav Kothari and Alok Kumar both play for Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB).
Third position was secured by B. Bhaskar who beat Dhruv Sitwala.
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SOMDEV DEVVARMAN WON ATP MEN'S SINGLES TENNIS TITLE

Somdev Devvarman, the Indias top singles star on 23 February 2014 lifted his third ATP
Challenge Tennis title after beating top seed Aleksandr Nedovyesov 6-3, 6-1 in the final of the
USD 100000 ONGC-GAIL Open in RK Khanna Tennis stadium, New Delhi.
This was the fourth Challenger level final for Somdev and the first since 2010, when he achieved
success in Izmir, Turkey. His first title came in 2008 in Lexington, USA.

DELHI WAVERIDERS WON THE 2ND EDITION OF HOCKEY INDIA

LEAGUE CUP 2014
Delhi Waveriders on 23 February 2014 emerged as the champions of the Hero Hockey India
League 2014 after defeating Jaypee Punjab Warriors at Astroturf Hocket Stadium in Ranchi. In
the final match of the tournament, Delhi scored 3-1 against Punjab in the shoot-out after the
regulation 70 minutes game ended in a 3-3 tie.
With this win, the Delhi team was handed over a trophy and a cash prize of 2.5 crore rupees
and the runner ups were given a sum of 1.25 crore rupees. Apart from the two teams, Ranchi
Rhinos was awarded with a sum of 75 lakh rupees for finishing at third position in the
tournament. To stay at the third place, Ranchi team defeated Uttar Pradesh Wizards 3-2.
Delhi Waveriders was captained by Sardar Singh
Jaypee Punjab Warriors was captained by Jamie Dywer
Delhi Waveriders head Coach - Cedric DSpuza
Jaypee Punjab Warriors head coach - Barry Dancer
FIH President - Leandro Negre
FIH CEO - Kelly Fairweather
Hero Hockey India League Chairman Dr Narinder Batra
YES Bank Garv Award winner Mark Knowles, Jaypee Punjab Warriors
Man of the Match Nicolas Jacobi, Delhi Waveriders
Hero Goal of the Match Award Norris Jones Lloyd, Delhi Waveriders
Other Tournament Awards
Awards

Prize Money / Winner Team / Player

Trophy

Winner Team of 2.5 crore rupees Delhi Waveriders

HHIL 2014
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Runners up team 1.25

of the League
rupees

crore Jaypee Punjab warriors

Team positioned 75 lacs rupees

3rd in the League

Ranchi Rhinos

Ponty
Chadha 20 lacs rupees
Upcoming Player
of
the
Tournament:

Jaypee Punjab warriors

Airtel
goals

Jamie Dwyer, Jaypee

Punjab warriors

Maximum 10 lacs rupees

Star Fair Play

Trophy

Ranchi Rhinos

Hero
Most 25 lacs rupees
Valuable Player of
the League

Jaap Stockmann, Jaypee

Punjab warriors

CHETESHWAR PUJARA NAMED AS BRAND AMBASSADOR OF

GUJARAT ELECTION COMMISSION
Cheteshwar Pujara, the middle order batsman of Indian cricket team on 20 February 2014 was
appointed as the brand ambassador of the Gujarat State Election Commission.
Pujaras name, which has been accepted by the Election Commission of India was sent as a
suggestion to it by Rajendra Kumar, the district collector of Rajkot district. His name was
suggested as he is popular among the cricket lovers and youth of the sate and he would appeal
the people to caste their votes in the general elections.

P V SINDHU RANKED 9TH IN BWF WOMENS SINGLES RANKING

P V Sindhu was ranked ninth in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) womens singles
ranking on 20 February 2014. Sindhu moved to ninth with 55752 points from the eleventh just
one place behind the Sania Nehwal (rank 7th).

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Sindhu, 18 reached the finals of Syed Modi International before winning the All India Open
Senior Ranking in Kochi. Sindhu is just 3928 points behind the Olympic bronze medalist, Saina
Nehwal.
Sindhu and Saina will be playing the All England Open Championships from 4 to 9 March 2014 in
Birmingham, England.
Parupalli Kashyap was ranked 18th place and Sourabh Verma reached the 41st rank in the BWF
mens singles ranking.
The top ten ranks of BWF womens Singles
Ranking

Names

Country

1
2

Li Xuerui
Wang Yihan

China
China

Intanon

Thailand

4
5

Wang Shixian
Sung Ji Hyun

Bae Yeon Ju

Saina Nehwal

China
South
Korea
South
Korea
India

8
9
10

Tai Tzu Ying

P V Sindhu
Porntip
Buranaprasertsuk

Taiwan
India
Thailand

RENAUD LAVILLENIE BROKE 21-YEAR POLE VAULT RECORD OF

SERGEY BUBKA
Renaud Lavillenie, the French Olympic champion on 15 February 2014 broke 21-year-old world
record of pole vault of Sergey Bubka with a leap of 6.16 meter at Donetsk in the Ukraine.
Lavillenie aged 27 cleared the height in his first attempt by going 1 centimeter higher than the
record set indoors by Bubka on 21 February 1993 at the age of 21. Bubka, the former Olympic
champion also holds the world outdoor record of 6.14 meter achieved by him in Sestriere, Italy
in 1994.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Bubka was the pioneer of the sport to become the first man to clear 6 meter and was present in
Donetsk, when Lavillenie eclipsed his world record. Lavillenie is the six-time outdoor world
champion. In pole vault, the world records set indoors or outdoors are accepted.
Sergey Bubka
Sergey Bubka is a former pole vaulter from Ukrain and was born on 4 December 1963
He represented the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991, was twice named Athlete
of the Year by Track & Field News, and in 2012 was one of 24 athletes inducted as
inaugural members of the International Association of Athletics Federations Hall of
Fame
He has been a consecutive IAAD World Championships winner for six times
He is also a gold winner of Olympics
He has broken the world record of mens pole vaulting 35 times of which 18 were
broken indoors and 17 times outdoor
At present Bubka is a key member of the IOC and in 2013 he lost out to Thomas Bach on
the race for President of the organization.

NEW ZEALAND WON TWO-CRICKET TEST SERIES AGAINST INDIA

1-0
New Zealand on 18 February 2014 won the two match Test Series against India 1-0 as the
second match played in Wellington ended in a draw. Brendon McCullum, the skipper of the
team of New Zealand in the second test match created a history by becoming first Kiwi player
to score triple hundred. He scored 302 runs in the second innings.

PENG SHUAI OF CHINA RANKED WORLD NO. 1 IN WTA DOUBLES

RANKING
Peng Shuai of China was ranked World Number 1 in the latest Womens Tennis Association
(WTA) Doubles ranking released on 17 February 2014. Peng Shuai is the first Chinese player to
ascend to the top of the WTA's doubles ranking.
Hsieh Su-Wei of Chinese Taipei was ranked No.2 in WTA Doubles ranking which is the highest
ranking ever for a player from Chinese Taipei.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

LI NA OF CHINA RANKED WORLD NO. 2 IN WTA SINGLES

RANKING
Li Na of China was ranked World Number 2 in the latest Womens Tennis Association (WTA)
singles ranking released on 17 February 2014. Li Na became the first Asian player, Male or
Female, to hold the WTA World No. 2 singles ranking.
She moved to second spot with 6690 points behind the American great Serena Williams, the 17time Grand Slam title-winner, on 12380 points. She was ranked World No. 3 in WTA singles
ranking in 2013.
The previous Asian record was No.4 for Kimiko Date-Krumm of Japan.
The Womens Tennis Association singles ranking
Rank

Player

Serena Williams USA

Li Na

China

Agnieska
Radwanska

Poland

Victoria
Azarenaka

Belarus

Maria
Sharapova

Russia

Petra Kvitova

CZE

Jelena Jankovic

Serbia

Angelique
Kerber

Germany

Simona Halep

Romania

245

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

10

Sara Erranil

Italy

CANCER AWARENESS PROGRAMME LAUNCHED BY YUVRAJ

SINGH
Yuvraj Singh, the Indian cricketer cancer foundation named YouWeCan joined its hand with an
NGO Navbharat Sewa Samiti on 10 February 2014 to roll out a campaign named Cancer Mukt
Purvi Dilli. The aim of joining the hand is to focus on awareness, early detection of the disease
and education.
Yuvraj Singh during the launch of the programme highlighted the need for an early detection of
the dangerous disease to save more lives.
About YouWeCan foundation
The YouWeCan foundation was launched by Yuvraj Singh on 6 July 2012 after he successfully
fought his battle against cancer. This organisation was launched as an initiative dedicated to
raise cancer-awareness.

JUSTICE MUDGAL COMMITTEE SUBMITTED ITS REPORT ON IPL

SPOT FIXING SCANDAL
Mukul Mudgal, the Former Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana led committee on 9 February
2014 submitted its report on IPL spot fixing scandal that involved the son-in-law of BCCI Chief,
Srinivasan. The committee was probing the charges against team owners of Chennai Super
Kings and Rajasthan Royals
The report submitted by justice Mudgal says that the allegations of betting and passing of
information during Indian Premier League 2013 against Gurunath Meiyappan has been proved.
The report also says that more investigation is needed against Rajasthan Royals owner Raj
Kundra, who is facing charges of betting and fixing the match.

YULIA LIPNITSKAYA IS THE YOUNGEST RUSSIAN TO WIN GOLD

MEDAL IN WINTER OLYMPICS
Yulia Lipnitskaya became the youngest Russian athlete to win a gold medal at the Winter
Olympics. Yulia, 15-years-old won this medal in Winter Olympics 2014 at Sochi, Russia on 9
February 2014 in free skating in the team figure skating competition.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Yulia scored 141.51 points and earned a combined total of 214.41 under the International
Judging System. Kim Yuna of South Korea is the current record holder, who scored 150.06 and
combined total of 228.56 in womens single in Winter Olympics 2010.
The youngest athlete is South Korean short track speed skater Kim Yun-mi, who won the medal
at the age of 13 in Winter Olympics, 1994.
About Yulia Lipnitskaya
Yulia was born in the Ural Mountains, Russia.
Yulia won a silver medal at the Russian Senior Championships, 2012 and a gold medal at
the Russian Junior Championships, 2012.
Yulia holds the title of Master of Sport of International Class in Russia.

BINDRA BECAME 1ST PERSON TO WIN THREE GOLD MEDALS IN

TRI-SERIES SHOOTING
Abhinav Bindra, the Indian shooter on 8 February 2014 won his third gold-medal in the InterShoot Tri-series Shooting in the Air Pistol event. With this, he became the first person to win
three gold medals in the event that is being held at the Hague, Netherlands.

SRINIVASAN ELECTED AS THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF ICC FROM

JULY 2014 ONWARDS
Narayanswamy Srinivasan, the President of BCCI on 8 February 2014 was elected as the new
Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). His tenure of the office will begin in July
2014 for a period of 2 years. This decision was taken by the ICC Board during their meet in
Singapore. He will succeed Alan Raymond Isaac.
Apart from the approval on his name, the new model of Governance, finance and competition
was also approved by the voice-vote. The new proposal was voted by eight member countries
of ten member nations. Sri Lanka and Pakistan abstained from voting saying that more time was
needed by them to consult with their boards on the amended resolution.
With this appointment, the ICCs Board will be headed by Srinivasan. ICC Board is the apex
decision making body of the world cricket. Srinivasan will be assisted by a new Executive
Committee that will be chaired by Wally Edwards from Australia. The Finance and Commercial
Affairs Committee chaired by Giles Clarke from the English cricket Board.

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SANGAKKARA BECAME SECOND CRICKETER TO HIT TRIPLE

CENTURY AND A CENTURY IN SAME MATCH
Kumar Sangakkara, the cricketer of Sri Lankan national team on 7 February 2014 became the
second person in the history of Cricket to score a triple century and a century in the same test
match. By performing the rare record, he joined Graham Gooch, the former skipper of England
team.
He achieved this reach by scoring 319 runs in the first inning of the match and 105 runs in the
second innings. He achieved this record, while playing in the second test match against
Bangladesh.
But he failed to break the record of most runs in a Test match of Gooch by 32 runs as in 1990,
Gooch scored 333 and 123 runs in two innings, which on aggregated becomes 456 runs.
Whereas, Sangakkaras total aggregate of the two matches is 424 runs. In the second innings,
he was dismissed by Sohag Gazi.

ABHINAV BINDRA WON SECOND GOLD MEDAL IN INTER SHOOT

TRI SERIES SHOOTING
Abhinav Bindra won his second gold medal at the Inter Shoot Tri Series shooting at The Hague,
Netherlands on 7 February 2014. He won the second gold on 7 February 2014 by scoring 627.7
in the qualification round and then scoring 209 points in the finals of the second match. He
defeated Romanian London Olympic Games Champion, H Moldoveanue Alin George in both the
matches.
The 31-year-old Bindra won his first medal in this Tri Series competition with his qualification
score of 613.7 and by shooting remarkably well in finals score of 209.3 points to win the gold.
He won his first gold on 6 February 2014.

KARNATAKA DEFEATED MAHARASHTRA TO WIN THE RANJI

TROPHY 2014
Karnataka on 2 February 2014 defeated Maharashtra by seven wickets to win the Ranji Trophy
2014 at Hyderabad. Karnataka, while chasing a target of 157 runs on the last and fifth day of
the tournament was successful to clinch winning by losing only three wickets in the second
innings.
Karnataka bowlers R Vinay Kumar and Shreyash Gopal claimed four wickets each. The
remaining two wickets of Maharashtra team were taken by Abhimanyu Mithun.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Man of the match: Lokesh Rahul of Karnataka, who scored highest 131 in the first
innings and 29 in the second.
Brief Score:
Karnataka: 515 and 157 for three
Maharashtra: 305 and 366 all out
Captains of the two teams
Karnataka: R Vinay
Maharashtra: Rohit Motwani
Karnataka's moment of glory arrived after 14 years of wait. This is the seventh title win for
Karnataka; the first trophy was won in 1988-99 season. Captain of Karnataka, R Vinay became
the sixth captain of the state to win the title. The previous captains of the state who have won
the title are
EAS Prasanna (twice)
Brijesh Patel
Anil Kumble
Rahul Dravid
Sunil Joshi

INDIA SUFFERED 4-0 LOSS IN 5 MATCH ODI SERIES AGAINST

NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand on 31 January 2014 won the five ODI Series of 5 matches against India by 4-0 after
defeating India in the fifth match by 87 runs at the Westpac Stadium at Wellington. New
Zealand that batted first gave a score of 304 runs to chase to the visitors, who were all out at
the score of 216.
While chasing the score of 303 runs in the fifth and final match, India lost wickets at regular
intervals apart from Kohli and Dhoni, who scored 82 and 47 respectively, 20 runs was scored by
two players and five batsmen fell for single digits along with one duck. From India Varun Aaron
took 2 wickets by giving 60 runs and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as well as Mohammad Shami took
one wicket each.
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the fifth match became the fourth fastest batsman to
complete 8000 runs in one-day cricket.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SUMIT MALIK STRIPPED OFF GOLD MEDAL FOR ANTI-DOPING

VIOLATION
Sumit Malik, the 400 meter gold medal winner in the mens 400 meter race in Lusofonia Games
2014 has been stripped off from his medal on 28 January 2014. He was stripped for violating
anti-doping rules and illegally participating in the Lusofonia Games in lieu of a provisional
suspension imposed on him by National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). He was a gold medalist of
the Lusofonia Games 400-meter event.

ICC APPROVED INTRODUCTION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMENS

CHAMPIONSHIP
International Cricket Council (ICC) on 29 January 2014 approved the introduction of an
International Womens Championship, which is a part of qualification for the ICC Women's
World Cup. As per the approval, each of the top eight ranked international teams will play the
others in a series of matches between mid-2017 and the end of 2016. The top teams will
automatically qualify for the ICC Women World Cup of 2017 to be played in England.
The team that falls in the bottom sides will fall into the regional qualification structures of ICC
to play in a Womens World Cup qualifier. This qualifier will decide the final list of participants
at the Womens World Cup Cricket Championship.

SAINA WON SYED MODI INTERNATIONAL INDIA GRAND PRIX

TITLE
Saina Nehwal won the Syed Modi International India Grand Prix title 2014 on 26 January 2014.
Sania beat P V Sindhu 21-14, 21-17 in the final held at Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. The win was
Sanias third straight win over sindhu.
Sanias last title was Denmark Open in 2012 against Juliane Schenk of Germany.
At present Saina is ranked ninth whereas P V Sindhu is ranked eleventh in world ranking of
women singles.
Mens Single
Chinas Xue Song won the mens single of the Syed Modi International India Grand Prix title. He
beat K Srikanth of India 21-16, 19-21, 13-21 in the final.
Mixed Doubles
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

In the mixed doubles final Yilv Wang and Huang Yaqiong of China beat compatriot Kaixiang
Huang and Qingchen Chen 21-18, 21-14.
Womens Doubles
In the womens doubles final, Qingchen Chen and Yi Fan Jia of China registered a 22-24, 21-19,
21-11 victory against Yu Xiaohan and Huang Yaqiong of China.
Mens Doubles
In the mens doubles final, Li Junhui and Liu Yuchen of China beat compatriot Kaixiang Huang
and Si Wi Zheng 21-17, 19-21, 22-20.

MS DHONI BECAME FIRST CAPTAIN TO PLAY IN FOUR TIED ODIS

MS Dhoni on 25 January 2014 became the first captain to be involved in four tied One Day
International matches. Indian cricket team captain achieved this feat in Auckland, while playing
third ODI match against New Zealand. The third match of India-New Zealand ODI series that
tied by the end is the first tied game between the two countries in ODI.
The last three tied matches Dhoni has played are
ICC World Cup 2011 match in Bangalore against England
ODI match played on 11 September 2011 at Lords against England
ODI match played in February 2012 at Adelaide against Sri Lanka
Other cricketers who have faced tied matches in three cases are
Richie Richardson of West Indies
Steve Waugh of Australia
Shaun Pollock of South Africa
Australia won ODI series against England by 4-1
Australia on 26 January 2014 won the five matches ODI series against England 4-1. England lost
the fifth match by five runs, while chasing 217 run target score set by Aussies at Adelaide Oval.
Earlier, England won the fourth ODI match in Perth with a margin of 57 runs after losing the
first three matched of the series.

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INDIA WOMEN CRICKET TEAM WON ONE DAY SERIES AGAINST

SRI LANKA 3-0
Indian women team won the three ODI series 3-0 by defeating Sri Lankan women team. In the
last and final ODI played at ACD-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, India defeated the
Lankan team by 95 runs. The ODI series will be followed by three Twenty20 matches to start
from 25 January 2013.
The trophy of the tournament was handed to the Indian team by DV Subba Rao, the president
of the Andhra Cricket Association.
Indian team was captained by Mithali Raj
The Sri Lanka team was captained by Hettimulla Appuhamilage Shashikala Dedunu
Siriwardene

OCA RECOGNIZED RUSSIAN MARTIAL ART SAMBO AND IS NOW

A PART OF ASIAN GAMES
Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has recognised Sambo, the Russian martial art and has become
part of the Asian Games. The decision of recognition to Sambo Union of Asia was taken by the
Executive Board of OCA on 17 January 2014 at Manila, Philippines. The board decided to
include Sambo in the Asian Games was later ratified by the OCA General Assembly.
According to the International Sambo Federation, the board met during the ongoing 32nd
General Assembly of the pan-Asian continental body. With this finalization, Sambo became a
part of the combat sports on the list of OCA like Wrestling, Wushu, Judo and Taekwondo.

MAHESH BHUPATHI LAUNCHED IPTL IN MELBOURNE

Tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi launched the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) in
Melbourne, Australia on 21 January 2014. He also announced the name of the teams during the
launch of IPTL.
The host cities or the teams which will participate in the IPTL are Mumbai, Bangkok, Singapore,
Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. The fifth host city will be from the Middle East.
Mahesh Bhupati linked arms with German tennis legend Boris Becker, and American Justin
Gimelstob, a former pro and member of the ATP board to launch the IPL styles IPTL.

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ANJU BOBBY GEORGE

ATHLETICS FINAL, 2005

DECLARED

WINNER

OF

WORLD

Anju Bobby George was declared winner of the World Athletics Championships final held in
Monte Carlo in 2005. The decision was given by the International Association of Athletics
Federation (IAAF) on 13 January 2014.
The decision of the IAAF came following the disqualification of the Gold Medalist Tatyana
Kotova of Russia for doping.
At the World Athletics Final in 2005, Anju Bobby George won the Silver Medal with a long jump
of 6.75 meter. The Gold Medal was won by Tatyana Kotova with a jump of 6.83 meter and the
Bronze Medal was won by Grace Upshaw of the US.
Following the decision of IAAF to disqualify Kotova, the new rankings now stand as:
1. Anju Bobby George (India, 6.75m)
2. Grace Upshaw (USA, 6.67m)
3. Eunice Barber (France, 6.51m)
Similarly, Anju also moved up one place to fourth in the new long jump results of the 2005
Helsinki World Championships. This happened after the Silver Medalist Tatyana Kotova was
tested positive for doping by the IAAF in 2013.

NIKHAT ZAREEN WON GOLD MEDAL AT THE THIRD NATIONS

CUP INTERNATIONAL BOXING TOURNAMENT
Nikhat Zareen won gold medal at the third Nations Cup International Boxing Tournament held
in Novi Sad, Serbia on 12 January 2014.Zareen defeated Paltceva Ekaterina of Russia in the 51
kg weight category. The boxing tournament was held from 8 January 2014 to 12 January 2014.
She won the silver in the Youth World Boxing Championship held in Bulgaria in 2013.
In 2011 Zareen won the gold medal in flyweight division held at the AIBA Womens Junior and
Youth World Boxing Championship in Turkey

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75TH NATIONAL TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP

Sanil Shetty and Ankita Das won their maiden mens and womens singles championship at the
75th Senior National Table Tennis Championships held on 12 January 2014.
Shetty defeated Harmeet Desai 4-2 in the mens final and won the amount of 2.30 lakh rupees.
Ankita Das defeated Krittwika Sinha 4-0 in the womens final and won the amount of 1.45 lakh
rupees.

ONGC MEN & CHHATTISGARH WOMEN WON FEDERATION CUP

NATIONAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
ONGC on 9 December 2014 won the mens title of the IMG-Reliance 28th Federation Cup
National Basketball Championship. The event was held at YMCA International Centre by
defeating Tamil Nadu 61-53. With this winning the team won the prize amount of 1 lakh and a
title.
Apart from this, Chhattisgarh Women scored a one-point 77-76 victory over Maharashtra in the
final. The points tied at 72 points in the final minute, with two minutes left time for regulation.
The Runners were each awarded Rs 75000

UNDER-19 ASIA CUP: INDIA DEFEATED PAKISTAN BY 40 RUNS.

India defeated Pakistan to win 2014 Under-19 Asia Cup in the final match played at Sharjah
cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on 4 January 2014. The Indian under-19 squad led by Vijay Zol
beat Pakistan side by 40 runs.
Centuries by Vijay Zol and Sanju Samson leads their team to a glorious victory. Batting first the
India team scored 314 runs with the loss of 8 wickets.

ADITYA JOSHI BECAME WORLD NO. 1 JUNIOR SHUTTLER

Young shuttler Aditya Joshi from Madhya Pradesh on 6 January 2014 became the first male
junior badminton player from India to be ranked top in the world. The shuttler, Aditya of 17
years in age is a resident of Dhar town of the state.
He got the number one slot in the January Rankings released by the World Badminton
Federation (WBF).
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SERENA WILLIAMS WON THE BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL TITLE

2014
Serena Williams won the Brisbane International title in Queensland, Australia on 4 January
2014. Serena Williams won over Victoria Azarenka, the Belarusian tennis player, ranked 2.
This was Serenas 14th win in 17 matches played with Victoria Azarenka. Williams is a five-time
champion in Melbourne but has not won the title, since 2010.
Recently Serena Williams won the Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press in
December 2013. Serena Williams won 11 titles and ranked number 1 for the 2013 season.
About Brisbane International title
Brisbane Tournament was held from 29 December 2013 to 5 January 2014 in
Queensland, Australia.
Brisbane Tournament was played on outdoor hard courts.

RONALDINHO GOT SOUTH AMERICAN FOOTBALLER OF THE

YEAR AWARD
Ronaldinho has been elected as the South American footballer of the year in the annual poll
conducted by the Uruguayan daily El Pais on 30 December 2013.
Ronaldinho is a Brazilian football player. Ronaldinho became a key member of the Brazilian
team that won the 2002 World Cup.
He has played for clubs in Brazil, France, Spain and Italy.
Ronaldinho won FIFA World player of the year in 2004 and he won Europes Ballon dOr in
2005.

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Art & Culture

KARNATAKA TULU SAHITYA ACADEMY RELEASED UNICODE
VERSION OF TULU SCRIPT
Tulu script Unicode version was released by the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy on 15
September 2014. The release of the Unicode version will bring the Tulu script on the world
language platform.
The software for Tulu script, so that it can be rendered into Unicode, was prepared by keyboard
and font specialist K.P. Rao and M.J. Thomas of Manipal.

RELEASE OF PUNJABI FILM KAUM DE HEERE BASED ON INDIRA

GANDHI'S ASSASSINATION STALLED
Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry on 21 August 2014 withheld the release of
Punjabi film Kaum de Heere or Diamonds of the Community. The film depicts and glorifies the
act of two Sikh bodyguards Beant Singh and Satwant Singh who assassinated the former Indian
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984.
Kaum de Heere, supposed to be released on 22 August 2014, was barred from release following
a controversy. The objection on the release of the film was raised by Congress and BJP unit of
Punjab asking for a ban on the release of the film.

DOORDARSHAN'S NAAD BHED-THE MYSTERY OF SOUND TO BE

FEATURED IN LIMCA BOOK OF RECORDS
The classical music reality show of Doordarshan Naad Bhed-The Mystery of Sound will be
featured in Limca Book of Records. This was revealed through a statement issued by
Doordarshan on 21 July 2014.
The reality show will be featured under Television Chapter in Limca Book of Records for being
the first ever National level reality show on Classical Music.

RAMAYANA MONTH STARTED IN KERALA TEMPLES

Ramayana month in Kerala temples - Karkkidakam, the last month of the Malayalam Calendar
is observed as Ramayana month
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Kerala on 17 July 2014 started observing Ramayana month in the temples. In Malayalam it is
termed as the Ramayana Masam.

BURRA KATHA, A FOLK ART FORM OF STORYTELLING

Burra Katha was in news because one of the last exponents of Burra Katha passed away on 12
August 2014. Burra Katha or Burrakatha is a Telugu art of oral storytelling. It is performed in
Coastal Andhra region, Rayalaseema and Telangana.

KAWA MUSIC GROUP OF JAIPUR TO PERFORM AT XX

COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2014
Kawa Music Group of Jaipur, Rajasthan is set to perform during the XX Commonwealth Games
(CWG) 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. The CWG 2014 will be held from 23 July to 3 August 2014.

INDIA ELECTED TO INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE FOR

SAFEGUARDING INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE
India has been elected to the Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage for the next four years (2014-18). India won the election to this committee
held on 4 June 2014 at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris by a resounding 135 votes against a total of
142 votes cast by Member States, who were present in the voting.

THREE ANCIENT HINDU TEMPLE STATUES RETURNED TO

CAMBODIA
Three Ancient Hindu temple statues were returned to Cambodia on 3 June 2014. The three
statues were stolen from the Koh Ker temple in Siem Reap province temple in 2004.
Statues were of mythological figures Duryodhana, Balarama and Bhima. The statues were

SPAIN SUSPENDED THE 12TH BULL FIGHT FESTIVAL AFTER

MATADORS GOT INJURED BY BULLS
Spain on 22 May 2014 suspended the 12th bull fight festival (called San Isidro festival in Spain)
after matadors got injured by bulls. The fight was suspended after the bulls injured two
matadors torero, David Mora and Antonio Nazare and tossed a third one, Jimenez Fortes, into
the air.

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It was for the first time that event had been suspended in 35 years.
The two bulls were Deslio, a 532-kilogram animal from the El Ventorrillo breeding ranch, and
the 537-kilogram Feten of the Los Chospes ranch.

BRAZIL HONOURED 100 YEARS OF

RELEASING TWO POSTAGE STAMPS

INDIAN CINEMA BY

To pay tribute to the 100 years of Indian cinema, Brazil on 5 May 2014 released two postage
stamps designed by an Indian graphic designer. The stamp was released in Brasilia to mark the
Indian Cinema Film Festival which is dedicated to contemporary Indian cinemas.
The postage stamps have been designed by Kochi-based graphic designer Satya Raj and were
released by Indias Ambassador to Brazil, Ashok Tomar along with Anand Jyothi and Carina Bini
Palackapilly, the curators and directors of the festival.

LARGEST DIAMOND OF WORLD AND MUGHAL NECKLACE TO BE

AUCTIONED IN GENEVA
The largest flawless blue diamond of World and a rare Mughal necklace were auctioned by
Christie on 14 May 2014 in Geneva. The sale is expected to fetch a total of 80 million US dollar.
Dating back to 17th century, the seven Mughal engraved spinel bead necklace will be sold at
Magnificent Jewels sale. The pendent necklace engraved with names of Mughal emperors
Akbar and Jahangir is expected to fetch well over 2000000 US dollar for Christie.

UNION MINISTRY OF CULTURE LAUNCHED LOGO OF FESTIVAL

OF INDIA IN CHINA
Union Ministry of Culture on 24 April 2014 launched the logo, posters and webpage of the
Festival of India in China. The festival has been organized as the year 2014 was declared as the
India-China Year of Friendly Exchanges. The festival will be celebrated from May 2014 to
March 2015 in 12 cities of China in 4 circuits. The festival is being organized by Union Ministry
of Culture and Union Ministry of External Affairs.
The Colourful logo was made by putting together the face of a Kathakali dancer (left side) and a
Beijing opera mask (right side) and it represents the spirit of cooperation and harmony
underlying the Glimpses of India Festival.

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'GULABI GANG' DOCUMENTARY TO BE SCREENED AT NEW YORK

INDIA FILM FESTIVAL
A documentary entitled Gulabi Gang will be screened at the 14th New York Indian Film Festival.
The documentary is based on the life of an activist Sampat Devi.
The film festival will be held from 5 May to 10 May 2014. During the film festival, overall thirtyfour (23 narrative, 11 documentary) award-wining and critically-acclaimed movies from South
Asia including films from Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be screened.
Films of south Asia to be screened in the festival includes
Four from Pakistan
Two from Sri Lanka
One from Nepal

BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG SCREENED AT SEVENTH ASIAN FILM

FESTIVAL 2014 IN SAUDI ARABIA
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, a 2013 biographical film of Milkha Singh was screened in Saudi Arabia on
25 March 2014. The film was screened as a part of the seventh Asian Film Festival 2014.
The film was screened as a part of the 12 films that was selected by the Asian Consulates
General Club (ACGC) to present the cultural diversity of Asian countries.

INDIA NOMINATED RANI-KI-VAV AND GHNP FOR UNESCOS

WORLD HERITAGE SITE STATUS
India nominated Rani-ki-Vav located in Patan, Gujarat and the Great Himalayan National Park
(GHNP) in Himachal Pradesh for UNESCOs World Heritage Site Status for 2014.
The World Heritage Committee will convene in Doha, Qatar, in June 2014 to review the
nomination and take a final decision.
Process of Confirming the World Heritage status
First step is to create an inventory of important natural and cultural heritage sites also
called as tentative list in the country.
In next step the concern department in particular country submits the nomination to
the World Heritage centre. The centre sends it to the Advisory bodies, the International
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the World Conservation Union (IUCN)
for evaluation mandate by the World Heritage Convention.
The intergovernmental World Heritage Committee meets to decide which sites will be
inscribed on the World Heritage list.

FILM BLACK WAS SCREENED AT FAKEL THEATRE IN MOSCOW

Black, the popular Indian film starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee was screened at
Fakel Theatre, Shosse Enthusiastov in Moscow on 9 February 2014. This screening was done in
Indian Cinema Club in association with the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre in Embassy of India
(JNCCEI), Moscow.
The film was screened after dubbing it into Russian language. Indian Ambassador of India to the
Russian Federation PS Raghvan and Barbara Raghavan were the Guests of Honor at the
inauguration ceremony. This was also attended by Art-Director of Fakel Theatre, Natalia
Gavruk-Gavarlina, General Director of MOSKINO, Vasilisa Orestova and Head of Indian Cinema
Club, Moscow, Anna Abalueva.

SURAJKUND
HARYANA

INTERNATIONAL

CRAFTS

MELA

BEGAN

IN

The 28th Surajkund International crafts Mela began at Surajkund in Faridabad on 1 February
2014. The fortnight long festival of craft will continue till 15 February 2014.The Goa is the
theme state for the 28th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2014.
National and State craftspersons from India and also SAARC nations are participating,
showcasing their ethnic art and crafts in the Surajkund Crafts Mela.
The fortnight long celebrations also come as a food festival, some popular food traditions from
Punjab, South India, Chinese and snack foods have arrived. And also the mela has grown equally
famous for the rhythms of folk theatre.
Dhanu Yatra of Bargarh started in Odisha
The world Famous Dhanu Yatra of Bargarh started on 6 January 2014. The yatra is a 11-day long
festival, which will continue till 16 January 2014.
About Dhanu Yatra
During this Dhanu Yatra celebration, Bargarh town is virtually transformed into Mathuranagar,
the capital of King Kansa, whereas nearby Ambapalli village across river Jeera becomes into
Gopapura, the adobe of Lord Krishna and Jeera river between the two places stands for
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Yamuna river. Dhanu Yatra of Bargarh is considered as worlds biggest open-air theatre. Almost
the entire population of Bargarh town takes part in the festival and it is the biggest assembly of
actors that a play can ever have. It is a conglomeration of several open-air theatres, with the
action taking place simultaneously at different places. Both actors and viewers keep moving
from one place to another as the drama unfolds. The age-old story of Lord Krishna killing the
tyrannical King Kansa of Mathura forms the central theme of the play.
It is believed that, Dhanu Yatra in its present form started in 1948, post-Independence, as a
performance charged with a nationalistic fervour. Kansa, the demon king, symbolizes the
imperialist British government on its way out and Lord Krishna stands for the nationalistic
aspiration of the people.

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Awards | Honours
THE PRESIDENT OF TAIWAN PRESENTED THE FIRST TANG PRIZES
IN TAIPEI
Ma Ying-jeou, The President of Taiwan presented the Tang Prizes in Taiwans capital Taipei on
18 September 2014. This award honours the outstanding contributions to the environment,
human rights, medicine and Sinology. The Tang Prize is treated as Asia's version of the Nobels.

PRESIDENT OF INDIA PRESENTED INDIRA GANDHI RAJBHASA

AWARDS
The President of India Pranab Mukherjee on 14 September 2014 presented Indira Gandhi
Rajbhasa awards on the occasion of National Hindi Divas at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
Indira Gandhi Rajbhasa awards also known as Indira Gandhi Official Language Awards are
celebrated every year on 14 September.

WHO HONOURED BANGLADESH

EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH

AND

TIMOR-LESTE

FOR

The World Health Organisation (WHO) honoured Bangladesh and Timor-Leste with South East
Asia Regional Award for Excellence in Public Health. The newly instituted awards were
presented to Saima Hossain of Bangladesh and National Malaria Control Programme of TimorLeste in Dhaka on 10 September 2014.

BHARTENDU HARISHCHANDRA AWARDS CONFERRED

Union Ministry for Information & Broadcasting on 9 September 2014 conferred the Bhartendu
Harishchandra Awards for the years 2011 and 2012.
The Bharatendu Harishchandra awards were implemented by the Publications Division annually
since 1983.

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INDIAN INSTITUTIONS IARI AND NAAS AWARDED DOCTOR

HONORIS CAUSA TO FAO DIRECTOR-GENERAL
Indian institutions Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and National Academy of
Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) on 9 September 2014 awarded Doctor Honoris Causa to FAO
Director-General Jose Graziano da Silva.
The award was given in recognition of his efforts to promote food security in Brazil through the
Zero Hunger Programme.

PRESIDENT PRANAB MUKHERJEE

BHARAT AWARDS 2014

PRESENTED

SAAKSHAR

President Pranab Mukherjee on 8 September 2014 presented the Saakshar Bharat Awards 2014
at International Literacy Day Celebrations. The function was organized by Union Ministry of
Human Resource Development at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

DR. KAMAL BAWA WON MIDORI PRIZE IN BIODIVERSITY 2014

Dr. Kamal Bawa, an Indian Scientist, on 8 September 2014 won the MIDORI Prize in Biodiversity
2014. Bawa was honoured for his research that included climate change in the Himalayas.

INDIAN MOVIE COURT WON BEST DEBUT AWARD AT VENICE

FILM FESTIVAL
Court, an Indian movie written and directed by Indian writer Chaitanya Tamhane, on 7
September 2014 won the Lion of the Future Luigi De Laurentiis award for a Debut Feature at
the 71st Venice Film Festival. The film that is a multilingual courtroom drama, won the award
for its striking narrative style.
With this award, the film won a monetary prize of 100000 US dollars that was donated by
Filmauro di Aurelio e Luigi De Laurentiis. This amount should be divided between director and
producer.

VINOD MEHTA SELECTED FOR G K REDDY MEMORIAL AWARD

2014
Vinod Mehta, eminent journalist and Editorial Chairman of Outlook group, was selected for G K
Reddy Memorial Award 2014. The award was announced by the TSR Foundation on 2
September 2014 and the award will be presented in New Delhi in December 2014.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

HOCKEY PLAYER MANPREET SINGH NAMED JUNIOR MEN

PLAYER OF THE YEAR BY AHF
Hockey Player Manpreet Singh on 31 August 2014 named Junior Men Player of the Year by
Asian Hockey Federation.
The announcement was made at Asian Hockey Federation in the Congress held at Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia.

US ACTOR HARRY BELAFONTE TO RECEIVE JEAN HERSHOLT

HUMANITARIAN OSCAR AWARD
US actor and singer Harry Belafonte was named for honorary Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Oscar
Award on 29 August 2014. Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Oscar Award is one of the three
Governor's Award given by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for lifetime
achievement.

PRESIDENT PRANAB MUKHERJEE PRESENTED NATIONAL SPORTS

AWARDS TO EMINENT SPORTSPERSON
The President of India Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Sports Awards to eminent
sportsperson on 29 August 2014 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The awards were
presented on the occasion of National Sports Day.
No sportsperson was selected for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2014.

PRESIDENT PRESENTED HINDI SEVI SAMMAN

The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee on 27 August 2014 presented the Hindi Sevi Samman
for the years 2010 and 2011 at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

RAJIV GANDHI
ANNOUNCED

NATIONAL

QUALITY

AWARDS

OF

BIS

The prestigious Rajiv Gandhi National Quality Awards for the year 2012 were announced by
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan on 26
August 2014. The awards are given by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

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GURU HANUMAN AKHARA CHOSEN FOR 2014 RASHTRITYA KHEL

PROTSAHAN PURASKAR
Guru Hanuman Akhara, a Delhi-based wrestling academy was chosen for the 2014 Rashtritya
Khel Protsahan Puraskar (RKPP) on 21 August 2014. The Akhara was chosen in the category of
establishment and management of sports academies of excellence.
Rashtritya Khel Protsahan Puraskar will be given on 29 August 2014 at the National Sports
Awards function by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee along with Arjuna, Dronacharya
and Dhyan Chand awards.

FAISALABAD AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY

SWAMINATHAN WITH HONORARY DEGREE

CONFERRED

Renowned agriculture Scientist M.S. Swaminathan was conferred with an honorary degree of
the Doctor of Science by the University of Agriculture in Faisalabad, Pakistan) on 21 August
2014.
He was honoured for his contribution to farm research and allied areas of plant-breeding,
genetics, biodiversity and ecological studies.

FILMMAKER MUZAFFAR ALI PRESENTED WITH 22ND RAJIV

GANDHI NATIONAL SADBHAVANA AWARD
Muzaffar Ali, renowned filmmaker and poet, was presented the 22nd Rajiv Gandhi National
Sadbhavana award on 20 August 2014 at Jawahar Bhawan in New Delhi. The award was
presented by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi, the president of AllIndia Congress Committee (AICC).
Muzaffar Ali was named for this prestigious award on 31 July 2014 for his contribution in
spreading Communal harmony and peace. Born on 21 October 1944 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh;
Muzaffar Ali had directed some of the most celebrated movies like Umrao Jaan, Gaman and
Khizan. This 69 year old poet had been honoured with Padma Shri Award for his works in 2005.

ENVIRONMENTALIST CHANDI PRASAD BHATT WON THE GANDHI

PEACE PRIZE 2013
Environmentalist and social activist Chandi Prasad Bhatt on 15 July 2014 was awarded with the
prestigious Gandhi Peace prize for 2013. He was awarded by the President of India Pranab
Mukherjee at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

80-year-old Bhatt is a Gandhian, an environmentalist and a social activist. He, after realizing
aspirations of people, dedicated himself to improve lives of villagers. He is the person, who
fought against governments wrong policies on forests through non-violent means

DELHI UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR DR. SUNIL KUMAR RECEIVED

GLOBAL SOUTH AWARD OF IPSA
Delhi University professor Dr. Sunil Kumar on 13 August 2014 received Global South Award
given by International Political Science Association (IPSA). The award was given at the 23rd
world congress of political science held in Montreal, Canada.
Dr. Kumar received the award in recognition of outstanding work on the politics of the
developing world. He was awarded for his paper titled Changing Landscape of Electoral
Democracy and Political Demography: A Study of 2014 General Elections in India.

FIELDS MEDAL FOR THE YEAR 2014 AWARDED

The Fields Medal for the year 2014 was awarded on 13 August 2014 in Seoul, South Korea. The
award recognized contributions of four medallists:
Artur Avila of the Institute of Mathematics of Jussieu, for his contributions in Dynamical
Systems Theory
Manjul Bhargava of Princeton University, for developing new approach in the geometry of
numbers
Martin Hairer of the University of Warwick, for his contributions to the Theory of Stochastic
Partial Differential Equations
Maryam Mirzakhani, an Iranian born mathematician, awarded for her contributions to the
field of geometry particularly in studying the symmetry of curved surfaces such as spheres.

JAITLEY, KARAN SINGH, SHARAD YADAV FELICITATED WITH

OUTSTANDING PARLIAMENTARIAN AWARDS
President Pranab Mukherjee on 12 August 2014 conferred the Outstanding Parliamentarian
Awards on Arun Jaitley, Dr Karan Singh and Sharad Yadav. The awards were given for their
invaluable contribution in discharge of their parliamentary duties. The awards were given at
Balyogi Auditorium in Parliament Library, New Delhi.

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AIMA MANAGING INDIA AWARDS 2014 AWARDS ANNOUNCED

AIMA Managing India Awards 2014 were announced on 6 August 2014 in a function held at
Hotel Taj Palace in New Delhi. The awards were given by Union Home Affairs Minister Rajnath
Singh to distinguished and eminent organization / personality who have made outstanding
contributions.

FOUR INDIAN AMERICANS HONOURED ON THE EVE OF US

INDEPENDENCE DAY
Four India-born Americans were honoured on the eve of US Independence Day on 4 July 2014.
They were honoured for their contributions to the US during annual Great Immigrants tribute
held in New York, US.
The Indian-Americans honoured were Microsoft Corp chief executive Satya Nadella, Comedian
and actor Aasif Mandvi, Carnegie Mellon University president Subra Suresh and former
president of the University of West Georgia, Beheruz Sethna. They were honoured along with
36 others.

PRESIDENT CONFERRED NATIONAL, SHILP GURU AND SANT

KABIR AWARDS FOR 2011
Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India on 1 July 2014 presented the National Awards for
Handicrafts and Handlooms, Shilp Guru Awards and Sant Kabir Awards for the year 2011. The
awards were given to weavers and artisans at a function at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.

MALALA YOUSAFZAI WON LIBERTY MEDAL FOR THE YEAR 2014

Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani education advocate, on 30 June 2014 won the 2014
Liberty Medal given by the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, US.

INDIAN SAND ARTIST SUDARSAN PATTNAIK WON PRIZE AT

WORLD CUP OF SAND SCULPTING-2014
Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik on 27 June 2014 won the People's Choice prize at the
World Cup of Sand Sculpting-2014 held in the Atlantic City of the US. He won prize for his work
Save Tree, Save the Future. This is first sand art world cup at USA 2014.

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FRANCE ANNOUNCED TO HONOUR SHAHRUKH KHAN WITH

LEGION OF HONOUR
France on 25 June 2014 announced to honour Shahrukh Khan with Officer of the Legion of
Honour for his contribution to Cinema.

NOTED HINDI POET KEDAR NATH SINGH SELECTED FOR

JNANPITH AWARD 2013
Noted Hindi poet Kedarnath Singh on 20 June 2014 was chosen for the prestigious Jnanpith
award for 2013. He is the 10th Hindi writer to receive the honour and is the 49th recipient of
Jnanpith award.

INAUGURAL TANG PRIZE WINNERS FOR 2014 ANNOUNCED

Tang Prize Foundation announced the inaugural Tang Prizes on 18 June 2014. The Prize will be
given in four categories of Sustainable Development, Sinology, Biopharmaceutical Science and
The Rule of Law.

INDIAN ORIGIN PHYSICIST TEJINDER

KNIGHTHOOD BY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

VIRDEE

HONOURED

Indian origin physicist Tejinder Virdee on 14 June 2014 was honoured knighthood Bachelor by
Queen Elizabeth II. He was awarded for his work on the Higgs Boson theory.

C RADHAKRISHNAN SELECTED FOR MOORTIDEVI AWARD

C Radhakrishnan, the eminent Malayalam scientist-turned-writer was selected for the
prestigious Moortidevi Award for 2013 on 13 June 2014. He has been selected for his novel
Theekkadal Katanhu Thirumadhuram.

SWRAJ PAUL HONOURED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

AWARD BY A UK-BASED BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Lord Swraj Paul, the leading NRI industrial was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award
by a UK-based business association on 13 June 2014. He was honoured for his outstanding
contribution to the industry, education and Philantrophy.

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IRISH AUTHOR EIMEAR MCBRIDE WON BAILEYS PRIZE FOR

FICTION
Irish author Eimear McBride won the 2014 Bailey's Women's Prize for Fiction on 4 June 2014 for
her first novel A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing.

IGI AIRPORT SECOND BEST AIRPORT IN SERVICE QUALITY

CATEGORY
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) of Delhi was ranked as second best airport in the world
in service quality among airports that handle 25 to 40 million passengers per annum (MPPA).
For this achievement, IGI received Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award by Airport Council
International (ACI) in South Korea on 27 May 2014. IGI received the ASQ award for third time in
row.

ANAND MAHINDRA
HARVARD MEDAL

BECAME

FIRST

INDIAN

TO

RECEIVE

Mahindra Group Chairman Anand G Mahindra on 29 May 2014 became the first Indian to
receive the prestigious Harvard Medal. The award was presented during the Harvard's 363rd
Commencement at the annual meeting of the Harvard Alumni Association.He was chosen for
this award for his dedication, generosity and service to the university

EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY AWARDED HONORARY DEGREE TO

FORMER PRESIDENT APJ ABDUL KALAM
Former President APJ Abdul Kalam was awarded with honorary degree by Edinburgh University
in Scotland. He was awarded for his contribution to science and technology and his
commitment to helping transform India into a developed nation by 2020.
The degree was presented at the inaugural conference of the University's Edinburgh India
Institute on 15 May 2014. The Edinburgh India Institute will help coordinate the work of
Edinburgh academics who are working with a wide range of partners across India. This
university adds new dimensions in its contributions which brings Scotland and India together,
who share a rich past and a glorious heritage of civilization.

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RAVI DHARIWAL, CEO OF BCCL, AWARDED WITH SILVER SHOVEL

AWARD OF INMA
Ravi Dhariwal, the CEO of Bennett, Coleman and Company Limited (BCCL) on 13 May 2014 was
awarded with the Silver Shovel Award. The Silver Shovel Award is the International News Media
Association's (INMA) highest honour given for volunteer service and lifetime achievement in
the media industry.
The Award was given at the 84th Annual INMA World Congress at the Fairmont Hotel in San
Francisco, USA. The award was given by Michael Phelps, former CEO of the Washington
Examiner and the 2013 Silver Shovel Award recipient.

PRESIDENT CONFERRED NATIONAL FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE

AWARDS ON 35 NURSING PERSONNEL
Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India on 12 May 2014 conferred National Florence
Nighangle Awards 2014 on 35 nursing personnel from across the country for their meritorious
services. The awards were conferred at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.
The award is conferred every year on 12 May as the world on this day observes International
Nurses Day. Theme chosen by the International Council of Nurses for this year is Nurses: A
force for change A vital resource for health.
The award was instituted in 1973 by the Union Health Ministry and carries a medal, a certificate
and cash prize of 50000 rupees. National Florence Nighangle Awards is given every year to
recognize the outstanding service of the nursing personnel employed in Central, State, Union
Territories, Non-Government and Voluntary Organisations.

VIKARAM SUNDERAM WON BEST CHEF IN THE MID-ATLANTIC

OF JAMES BEARD AWARDS 2014
Indian-American chef, Vikaram Sunderam won the prestigious James Beard Awards 2014.
Vikaram Sunderam was awarded as the Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic. The awards are
considered as the Oscars of the US food and beverage industry. The award was presented in
New York on 5 May 2014.
Sunderam (47) has opened restaurant Rasika in Washington in 2005. He was a native of
Mumbai, joined the Taj Mahal Hotel group in 1985. He was in London for 14 years at the award
winning Bombay Brasserie.
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CAPARO GROUP WON INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

AWARD 2014
Caparo Group won the International Business of the Year award 2014 at the Asian Business
Awards Midlands in Birmingham on 9 May 2014.
About Caparo Group
The Caparo Group was founded in 1968. It is a diversified global association of
businesses with over a 1.5 billion Euro turnover. It was founded by Indian born British
Industrialist, Lord Paul.
The group involved in the design, manufacture and marketing of value added steel and
niche engineering products.
The group presence in India was first established in 1994 with a joint venture with
Maruti Suzuki. The Caparo India operates from over 25 sites, many of which are a result
of greenfield projects and contain state-of-the-art equipment.

TWO INDIAN-AMERICANS MANJUSHA P. KULKARNI

RANJANA P. SELECTED FOR CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE

AND

Two Indian-Americans Manjusha P. Kulkarni and Ranjana Paintal on 7 May 2014 were selected
for Champions of Change by the White House.
The award was announced in recognition of their work to educate Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders (AAPI) about President Barack Obamas signature healthcare Act.
The award was honoured by the Department of Health & Human Services along with nine other
advocates and community leaders.
Manjusha P. Kulkarni is executive director of South Asian Network (SAN) based in California.
SAN is a community-based organisation dedicated to advancing the health, empowerment and
solidarity of persons of South Asian origin in Southern California.
Ms. Paintal serves as programme manager for the Asian Health Coalitions partnership
consortium around education, outreach and enrolment to underserved AAPIs communities in
Illinois.

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INDIAN-AMERICAN MITUL KADAKIA WON 2014 GREGORY

BRADEB MEMORIAL FELLOW OF THE YEAR AWARD
Indian-American cardiologist Mitul Kadakia won the prestigious 2014 Gregory Bradeb Memorial
Fellow of the Year Award. The Prestigious award was given to him by the Society for
Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) Foundation in US in first week of May
2014.
Mitul Kadakia is currently a fellow in Interventional Cardiology at the Hospital of the University
of Pennsylvania. His clinical and research interests include new devices and therapies for
coronary and valvular heart disease and bleeding reduction in acute coronary syndrome.
Kadakia is a graduate of Harvard College and his medical school degree from Harvard Medical
School. Later, he completed a residency in internal medicine at Brigham & Women's Hospital.

IAA RECEIVED INTERNATIONAL ARCH OF EUROPE AWARD

Indian Aviation Academy (IAA) on 8 May 214 was awarded with the International Arch of
Europe Award for quality and technology in Gold Category. IIA was selected for the award by
the Business Initiative Directives Group (BIDG), Madrid (Spain).
The award was received by Rajiv Goel, Director; IAA from Jose E. Prieto, President & CEO, BID
Group at a function held in Frankfur`t, Germany. Later, this award was presented to Alok Sinha,
Chairman of Airports Authority of India.

INDIA HONOURED NEW FRONTIERS AWARD 2014

Arabian travel Market (ATM) awarded India with New Frontiers Award 2014 on 8 May 2014. It
was awarded at the special roundtable session at annual event of ATM in Dubai.
It was awarded for its outstanding contribution to rebuild physical infrastructure and its rural
tourism economy in the wake of the June 2013 floods, landslides in the northern state of
Uttarakhand, the devastation wreaked by tropical Cyclone Phailin.
The award includes crystal trophy, the New Frontiers Award comprises ATM exhibition space
valued at 10000 US dollars along with additional marketing support in promoting the
outstanding tourism opportunities offered by the India.

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PROJECT MOBILE SEVA UNDER DEITY WON THE 2014 UNITED

NATIONS PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
The project Mobile Seva under Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY)
on 21 May 2014 won second rank in the 2014 United Nations Public Service Award. Department
of Electronics and Information Technology comes under Ministry of Information and
Technology
Mobile Seva has won the Second place in the Asian and Pacific Region in the Category 3:
PROMOTING WHOLE OF GOVERNMENT APPROACHES IN THE INFORMATION AGE. It is the only
project from India selected as the winner in 2014.
The first rank was achieved by Republic of Korea for its initiative Social Security Information
System (SSIS) under Korea Health and Welfare Information Service.
This award is very unique and first of its kind to have been received by C-DAC Mumbai. The
Mobile Seva initiative is lead by Dr. Rajendra Kumar, joint secretary (e-Governance), DeitY.

THE 15TH INTERNATIONAL INDIAN FILM ACADEMY AWARDS

2014
The 15th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2014 was held in Tampa Bay, US from
23 April to 26 April 2014. This was held for the first time in US and Hollywood star John
Travoltas and Kevin Spacey made appearance at the IIFA awards.
IIFA awards in different categories are:
Best Picture - Viacom 18 Motion Pictures & Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra- Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Best Direction - Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra - Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Performance in a Leading Role (Male) - Farhan Akhtar - Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Performance in a Leading Role (Female) - Deepika Padukone - Chennai Express
Performance in a Supporting Role (Male) - Aditya Roy Kapoor - Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Performance in a Supporting Role (Female) - Divya Dutta - Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Performance in a Comic Role - Arshad Warsi - Jolly LLB
Performance in a Negative Role - Rishi Kapoor -D-Day
Music Direction - Mithoon, Ankit Tiwari, Jeet Ganguly - Aashiqui 2
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Best Story - Prasoon Joshi - Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

Lyrics Writer - Mithoon - Song (Tum Hi Ho) - Aashiqui 2
Playback Singer (Male) - Arijit Singh Song (Tum Hi Ho) - Aashiqui 2
Playback Singer (Female) - Shreya Ghoshal- Song (Sunn Raha Hai) - Aashiqui 2
Best Debutant Male Dhanush Raanjhanaa
Best Debutant Female - Vani Kapoor - Shudh Desi Romance
Outstanding Contribution by An Indian in the US - Drs. Kiran & Pallavi Patel
Entertainer of the year - Deepika Padukone
Outstanding Contribution To International Cinema -John Travolta
Lifetime Achievement - Shatrughan Sinha
The IIFA awards are presented by the International Indian Film Academy every year. These were
presented to both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in Bollywood. The awards
have categories like popular awards, technical awards and special awards.

JOHN TRAVOLTA HONOURED THE MOST POPULAR ALL TIME

INTERNATIONAL STAR IN INDIA AT IIFA AWARDS
Hollywood star John Travolta received a special honour, the Most Popular All Time
International Star in India at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards. The 15th IIFA
awards were held in Tampa Bay, Florida from 23 to 26 April 2014.
John Travolta, 60, has seen astounding success as an actor, singer and dancer in the Hollywood.
He starred in several blockbusters films such as Saturday Night Fever, Pulp Fiction, Grease,
Swordfish, Face Off, Broken Arrow and Ladder49.
He has been twice nominated for the Academy Award and nominated for seven Golden Globes.
He won twice the Golden globe including one for his performance in the critically acclaimed film
Get Shorty.

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TIME MAGAZINE RELEASED THE 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

IN THE WORLD LIST
Time Magazine released the 100 most influential people in the world list on 24 April 2014. The
Time Magazine released its annual list without ranking them. The four Indian have made it in to
the list.
The annual list includes US President Barack Obama, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Grammywinning artist Beyonce, US Secretary of State John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, Pope Francis, Russian
President Vladimir Putin, whistleblower Edward Snowden, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
and Pakistani girls educational activist Malala Yousafzai among others.
The Four Indians who made in to the list are
BJPs prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi
Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal
Author Arundhati Roy
Coimbatore-based health activist Arunachalam Muruganantham
The Time has described Modi as a divisive politician poised to lead the worlds largest
democracy. Arvind Kejriwal was described as powerful outsider in Indian politics who is the
antithesis of the modern-day Indian politician and Muruganantham as an unlikely health
crusader, his unique idea to help his wife lead to the invention of a machine that manufactures
low-cost sanitary pads. Arundhati Roy was described as the novelist who is the conscience of
India.

MATHANGI SATHYAMURTHY TO RECEIVE M S SUBBULAKSHMI

AWARD 2014
Mathangi Sathyamurthy, Karnataka musician was selected for M S Subbulakshmi Award 2014. It
was announced by the M S Subbulakshmi Foundation on 19 April 2014. She will receive a cash
award of 10001 rupees and a plaque. The awards will be presented to her on 2 May 2014.
**About M S Subbulakshmi Award
M S Subbulakshmi Awards was instituted in 2005 by Varkala Sreekrishna Natya Sangeeta
Academy and the M S Subbulakshmi Foundation. It was instituted in the memory of Indian
Classical Vocalist M S Subbulakshmi.

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61ST NATIONAL FILM AWARDS: SHIP OF THESEUS WON BEST

FEATURE FILM
The 61st National Film Awards for 2013 was announced in New Delhi on 16 April 2014 by the
Directorate of Film Festivals. Ship of Theseus directed by Anand Gandhi was selected as the
Best feature film.
Best popular film providing wholesome entertainment award was given to Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
that was produced and directed in 2013 by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra on a script written by
Prasoon Joshi. Farhan Akhtar played the role of Milkha Singh in the film.
The artists who gave benchmark performances in acting and film making in the year 2013 were
announced by jury Saeed Akhtar Mirza and Reena Mohan.
The list of winners chosen by the jury in National Film Awards 2013 is as follows
Best Actor Raj Kumar for Shahid in hindi and Suraj Venjaramoodu for Perariyathavar in
Malyalam
Best Actress Geetanjali Thapa for Liars Dance in Hindi
Best Direction Hansal Mehta for film Shahid
Best Film on Social Issues Gulabi Gang directed by Nishtha
Best Supporting Actor Saurabh Shukla for Jolly LLB
Best Supporting Actress Amruta Subhash for Astu in Marathi and Aida El-Kashef for
Ship of Theseus
Best Childrens Film Kaphal (Hindi), directed by Batul Mukhtiar
Best Child Artist Somnath Avghade for Fandy in Marathi and Sadhana for Thanga
Meengal in Tamil
Special Jury Award Yellow in Marathi directed by Mahesh Limaye and Miss Lovely in
Hindi directed by Ashim Ahuwalia
Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director Fandry in Marathi directed by
Nagraj Manjule
Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration Thalaimuraigal (Tamil)
directed by Balu Mahindra
Best Writing on Cinema or Book of the Cinema Cinema Ga Cinema in Telugu authored
by Nandagopal and published by Praga India, Hyderabad
The award ceremony will be held on 3 May 2014.
About National Film Awards
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The National Film Awards are most prominent awards given away to the film fraternity. These
awards were established in 1954. Annually, the national panel is appointed by Government of
India to select the winner in different categories. The awards are presented by the President of
India in the official ceremony.

INDIA BORN POET VIJAY SESHADRI WON 2014 PULITZER PRIZE

IN POETRY CATEGORY
Vijay Seshadri on 14 April 2014 won the prestigious 2014 Pulitzer Prize in the poetry category
for his collection of poems entitled 3 Sections published in 2013. The Pulitzer Committee
described Vijay's (India-born US poet) creation 3 Sections as a compelling collection of poems
that examines human consciousness, from birth to dementia that turns witty and grave
compassionate and remorseless.
The 98th annual Pulitzer Prizes in Journalism, Drama, Letters and Music was announced by
Columbia University in New York. As a reward, Vijay would receive 10000 US dollar.
The prize is given in the poetry category for a distinguished volume of original verse by an
American author.
With this, Seshadri became the fifth person of Indian origin to win the prestigious award. The
other four Indian origin people to bag the award are:
Gobind Behari Lal in 1937 was a science editor and was awarded in the reporting
category
Jhumpa Lahiri (Indian-American author) got Pulitzer for fiction in 2000 for her collection
of stories Interpreters of Maladies
Geeta Anand (Journalist-writer of Indian origin) was awarded in 2003
Siddhartha Mukherjee (Indian-American physician) was awarded in 2011 for his book on
cancer named 'The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer
**2014 Pulitzer Prize Winners in Journalism
Public Service - Two Prizes: The Guardian US and The Washington Post
Breaking News Reporting - The Boston Globe Staff
Investigative Reporting - Chris Hamby of The Center for Public Integrity, Washington,
D.C.
Explanatory Reporting - Eli Saslow of The Washington Post
Local Reporting - Will Hobson and Michael LaForgia of the Tampa Bay Times
National Reporting - David Philipps of The Gazette, Colorado Springs, CO
International Reporting - Jason Szep and Andrew R.C. Marshall of Reuters
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Feature Writing - No award

Commentary - Stephen Henderson of the Detroit Free Press
Criticism - Inga Saffron of The Philadelphia Inquirer
Editorial Writing - The Editorial Staff of The Oregonian, Portland
Editorial Cartooning - Kevin Siers of The Charlotte Observer
Breaking News Photography - Tyler Hicks of The New York Times
Feature Photography - Josh Haner of The New York Times
**2014 Pulitzer Prize Winners in Books, Drama and Music
Fiction - The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (Little, Brown)
Drama - The Flick by Annie Baker
History - The Internal Enemy: Slavery and War in Virginia, 1772-1832 by Alan Taylor
(W.W. Norton)
Biography - Margaret Fuller: A New American Life by Megan Marshall (Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt)
Poetry - 3 Sections by Vijay Seshadri (Graywolf Press)
General Nonfiction - Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation by Dan Fagin (Bantam
Books)
Music - Become Ocean by John Luther Adams (Taiga Press/Theodore Front Musical
Literature)

PRESIDENT
CONFERRED
FELLOWSHIPS 2013

SANGEET

NATAK

AKADEMI

Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India on 11 April 2014 conferred the Sangeet Natak
Akademi Fellowships (Akademi Ratna) and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Akademi Puraskar)
for the year 2013. The fellowship and awards were given at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New
Delhi.

RATAN TATA RECEIVED KNIGHT GRAND CROSS AWARD BY UK

GOVERNMENT
Ratan Tata on 10 April 2014 received the Knight Grand Cross (GBE) award by UK Government.
GBE is one of the highest civilian honour of Britain. The award was given by Queen Elizabeth II.
Ratan Tata is one of the five foreign nationals to be honoured. He was already honoured with a
KBE (Knight Commander) in 2009.
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Ratan Tata was honoured for his services to UK/India relations, inward investment to the UK
and philanthropy.

LEGENDARY POET GULZAR SELECTED FOR THE DADASAHEB

PHALKE AWARD 2013
The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced on 12 April 2014 that
legendary poet and film lyricist Gulzar was selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2013. He
is the 45th winner of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Sampooran Singh Kalra famous as Gulzar is a lyricist, director, screen writer, producer and poet.
The award is conferred by the government for outstanding contribution to the growth and
development of Indian cinema.
Gulzar was conferred by the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2002 and the Padma Bhushan in 2004.
He had won a number of National Film Awards and 20 Filmfare Awards.
At the 81st Oscars in 2009, he won the Academy Award for best original song for Jai ho with
Rahman.
He was born in 1934 in Punjab in pre-independence India. He started his career in 1956. As a
lyricist, he got his first break in Bimal Roys Bandini.

STUART PARKIN WON MILLENNIUM TECHNOLOGY PRIZE 2014

British-American physicist Stuart Parkin won Millennium Technology Prize 2014 for discoveries
leading to a thousand-fold increase in digital data storage on magnetic disks. The Prize is worth
of 1 million euro and it was announced by the Technology Academy Finland in Finland on 9
April 2014.
His discoveries facilitated the cloud services and online distribution of social networks, music
and film.
Former director of the IBM-Stanford spintronic science centre, Sturart Parkin, 58, helped to
make our contemporary online world largely possible. Spintronics relies on the magnetic spin of
electrons rather than their charge to store bits.

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JHUMPA LAHIRI'S "LOWLAND" SHORTLISTED FOR 2014 BAILEYS

WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION
Indian American novelist, Jhumpa Lahiris Lowland has been shortlisted for the 2014 Baileys
Women's Prize for Fiction on 8 April 2014. Five other books have also been shortlisted for the
prize. This is the UKs only annual book award for fiction written by a woman and this years
prize winner will be announced on 4 June 2014 in London.
Lowland published in 2013 is a book set in Kolkata and Rhode Island in the US and narrates a
story about the lives of two brothers (Subhash and Udayan), their choices and their fate. Earlier,
the book was also shortlisted for Man Booker Prize.
Other shortlisted authors and their books are
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Americanah
Hannah Kent- Burial Rites
Audrey Magee - The Undertaking
Eimear McBride - A Girl is a Half-formed Thing
Donna Tartt - The Goldfinch

KOYAL RANA WON THE MISS INDIA 2014 TITLE

Koyal Rana on 5 April 2014 won the 51st edition of the fbb Femina Miss India 2014 crown after
defeating 24 other contestants from across the country. With this win, Rana will represent India
at the Miss World International beauty pageant 2014.
Rana, who was born in Jaipur but raised in Delhi, was crowned at Yash Raj Studio in Mumbai.
She was crowned by Navneer Kaur Dhillion, the 2013 winner of Femina Miss India title and
Megan Young, the Miss World 2013.
Earlier, Koyal Rana was crowned as the title of Miss Teen India 2008 at the age of 15 years.
First runner-up Jhataleka Malhotra from Mumbai
Second runner-up Gail Nicole DaSilva from Margao, Goa
The top five finalists were Gail Nicole Da Silva, Jhataleka Malhotra, Koyal Rana, Lopamudra Raut
and Nikhila Nandgopal.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Judge panel included - Malika Arora Khan, Abhay Deol, Jacqueline Fernandez, Manish
Malhotra, singer Honey Singh, Miss World 2013 Megan Yang, actor Vidyut Jamwal, actor Aditi
Rao Hydari and world champion boxer Vijender Singh.

MS DHONI WON UNITED KINGDOMS 2014 ASIAN AWARD FOR

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN SPORTS
MS Dhoni, the captain of Indian cricket team on 4 April 2014 won the United Kingdoms 2014
Asian Award for outstanding achievement in Sports. The award was announced at Londons at
The Grosvenor House Hotel.
At present Dhoni is in Bangladesh and will lead the Indian team into the finals of the ICC T20
World Cup 2014 against Sri Lanka.

HAL RECEIVED THE MOST EFFICIENT NAVRATNA AWARD 2013

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on 3 April 2014 received the Most Efficient Navratna Award
for the year 2013. It received the award at the 5th Dalal Street Investment Journal Awards
ceremony held in New Delhi. The award was collected by the Chairman of HAL, Dr. R K Tyagi.
The awards were presented to the various PSUs in different categories in recognition of their
performance and contribution to the Indian economy.
The award was given to the company for the measure it has taken on various fronts such as
R&D, modernization, customer initiatives, quality and thrust given on indigenization.

ZUBIN MEHTA WON SPECIAL JURY AWARD OF TIMES NOW NRI

AWARDS 2014
Renowned music director and concert conductor Zubin Mehta on 30 March 2014 won the
special jury award of Times Now NRI Awards 2014. The award ceremony was held in Mumbai.
Other winners of inaugral Times Now NRI Award 2014
Yusuff Ali M A, managing director of Abu Dhabi-based Emke Lulu group was given the
popular choice award
Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan was named India's global icon
Keertika Rawat was awarded in the entertainment category
Dr Kunal Saha won the NRI award in My India category
Dr Raminder Singh Ranger, Rupesh Srivastava, Anand Kumar and Nitish Jain were
awarded in the entrepreneur category
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Husain Khaki, Mala Kiran Talekar, Abdul Muqeet and Aastha Chauhan won the awards in
the NRI students category
Dr Ramesh Babu, Chandrabhan Singh, Chandrashekar Natarajan, Y Sudhir Kumar Shetty
and Venkatesha Murthy won the award in professional category
Suman Kapoor, Vijay Goradia, Keshav Murleedharan and Dr D Chandroo were felicitated
for philanthropy

INDIAN-ORIGIN STUDENT GOPAL RAO WON UK TWITTER PRIZE

Indian-origin Gopal Rao on 27 March 2014 won UK Twitter Prize. The prize was to meet the
British Foreign Secretary William Hague and to discuss the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative
(PSVI).
PSVI was launched on 29 May 2012 by William Hague. PSVI aimed to strengthen and support
international efforts to respond to sexual violence in conflict which included to enhance the
capacity of countries, institutions, and communities to support survivors and end impunity for
perpetrators.
Gopal Rao, MBA student at Cambridge University won the accolades from British Foreign
Secretary William Hague after winning a Twitter competition which asked a question regarding
UKs foreign policy.
The question asked was What do you think is the biggest contribution UK foreign policy can
make to the world?
Gopal Rao answered that UK foreign policy should focus on emancipation of girlsandwomen
through enterprise, supported by vibrant #socent culture within UK. #meetFS.

GOVIND MISHRA, THE HINDI

SARASWATI SAMMAN 2013

WRITER

SELECTED

FOR

Govind Mishra, the renowned Hindi author will receive Sarawasti Samman for the year 2013 for
his book Dhool Paudho Par published in 2008. This honour will make Mishra the second Hindi
author to receive the honour after Harivansh Rai Bachchan.
In 1991, Harivansh Rai Bachchan became the first Hindi author to receive this honour.
First novel of Mishra was Wo Apna Chehra published in 1969. Lal Peeli Zameen published in
1976 is Mishra's much talked novel.

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PRESIDENT CONFERRED
SERVICE AWARDS

GALLANTRY

AND

DISTINGUISHED

Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India on 22 March 2014 conferred Gallantry and
Distinguished Service Awards. He conferred three Kriti Chakras and ten Shurya Chakras to
Armed Personnel at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The five Surya Chakra was given posthumously.
The awards were given to them for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and
extreme devotion to duty.
Other medals conferred by Mukherjee on the day were
Param Vishisht Seva Medals to fifteen persons
Uttam Yudh Seva Medals to two persons
Bar to Ari Vishist Seva Medals to three persons
Ati Vishisht Seva Medals to twenty two persons
Pranab Mukherjee being a President of India is also the Supreme Commander of the Indian
Armed Forces.

PHYSICIST RAJESH GOPAKUMAR SELECTED FOR G D BIRLA

AWARD 2013
Physicist Rajesh Gopakumar was selected for the 23rd G D Birla Award for scientific research for
the year 2013. It was announced by the K K Birla Foundation on 21 March 2014. The award
carries a cash prize of 1.5 lakh rupees and a citation.
Gopakumar has been awarded for his important contributions on topics in Quantum Field
Theory and String Theory. At present he is working as a theoretical physicist at Harish Chandra
Research Institute, Allahabad.
Gopakumar, 46 has won many other awards including B M Birla Science prize in 2004 andThird
World Academy of Sciences Award in 2013.
For 2012, G D Birla Award was given to Prof. Nibir Mandal of Jadavpur University for his work in
area of structural geology.

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INDIAN JOURNALIST SHUBRANSHU CHOUDHARY WON DIGITAL

ACTIVISM AWARD 2014
Indian journalist Shubranshu Choudhary won digital activism award on 20 March 2014 for
regional news service. Shubranshu Choudhary defeated American Whistleblower Edward
Snowden.
Indian journalist Shubhranshu Choudhary has been given the 2014 Google Digital Activism
Award for his work in using mobile phones to bring local news to remote Indian regions in their
native language.
Other nominees of this award were TAILS, which is an open source encryption tool, and Free
Weibo, which is a social network from China.
Shubhranshu Choudhary is the founder of CGNet Swara, which empowers tribals in
Chhattisgarh and connects them to the world outside using various digital means. With this
project, Choudhary gave the voices of tribals a global platform via Internet and mobile phone
usage.
Google Digital Activism Award is a part of Index Freedom of Expression Awards. The award
recognized the people who have made it big in one of the four categories, namely advocacy,
arts, digital activism, and journalism.

PRESIDENT PRESENTED THE STANDARD AND COLOURS AWARD

President Pranab Mukherjee on 12 March 2014 presented the President's Standard and Colours
Award. The Standard Award was given to 112 Helicopter Unit and President's Colour to 4 Base
Repair Depot (BRD). The Award was presented at the Air Force Station in Kanpur.
President's Standard Award was received by Wing Commander Manish Sharma, Commanding
Officer of 112 Helicopter Unit and Group Captain S Shrinivas Commanding Officer of 4 Base
Repair Depot (BRD) received the President's Colour Award.

INDIAN ACID ATTACK VICTIM, LAXMI WON INTERNATIONAL

WOMEN OF COURAGE AWARD
US honoured Laxmi, an acid attack victim with the prestigious International Women of Courage
Award on 4 March 2014. She has been honoured for being a standard-bearer for the movement
to end acid attacks in India.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

She received the award at the State Department ceremony in Washington by Michelle Obama,
first lady of US. The award was presented to Laxmi along with other awardees from different
countries.

CHANDI PRASAD BHATT WON GANDHI PEACE PRIZE FOR 2013

Chandi Prasad Bhatt, the noted Gandhian environmentalist and social activist won the Gandhi
Peace Prize for the year 2013 on 28 February 2014.
Chandi Prasad Bhatt
Bhatt was one of the pioneers of the Chipko movement (His founded Dasholi Gram Swarajya
Sangh became the mother-organisation to Chipko movement) for which he was awarded with
the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1982
In 2005, he was awarded with Padma Bhushan
He was born in 1934
He is known for his work on Subaltem social ecology and in one of the first modern
environmentalists

MADAN BABU WON PROTEIN SCIENCE YOUNG INVESTIGATOR

AWARD FOR 2014
Madan Babu, an Indian-born scientist, won the Protein Science Young Investigator Award for
2014 at Cambridge, UK on 20 February 2014. The Protein Science Young Investigator Award is
given by the Protein Society for important contribution made in the study of proteins.
Madan received the award for his contributions to the understanding of the principles of
regulation in biological systems, especially in the fields of intrinsically disordered proteins and
gene regulation. With this award, he became the first scientist of Laboratory of Molecular
Biology (LMB) to win the award.
At present Madan Babu heads the Regulatory Genomics and Systems Biology group at the MRC
Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.

THE 67TH BAFTA AWARDS

The 67th British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards were given in London on
16 February 2014. The Awards were conferred for the outstanding performances in films and
documentaries screened at British Cinemas in 2013.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The Awards are:

Category

Names

Best Film

12 Years a Slave

Best Director

Alfonso Cuaron (Gravity)

Best Actor

Chiwetel Ejofor (12 years a

Slave)

Best Actress

Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)

Best Supporting Actor

Barkhad Abdi (Capitan)

Best Supporting Actress

Jennifer Lawrence (American

Hustle)

Best British Film

Gravity

Best Debut By a British Writer, Kieran Evans

Director or Producer
Best Original Screenplay

American Hustle

Best Adapted Screenplay

Philomena

Best Film Not In The English

Language

The Great Beauty

Best Documentary

The Act of Killing

Best Original Film Score

Gravity

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Best Cinematography

Gravity

Best Editing

Rush

Best Sound

Gravity

Best Animated Film

Frozen

Best Visual Effects

Gravity

Best Makeup and Hair

American Hustle

Best Production Design

The Great Gatsby

Best Costumes

The Great Gatsby

Best Short Film

Room 8

Best Animated Short

Sleeping With The Fishes

BAFTA Rising Star Award

Will Poulter

KILLA, A MARATHI FILM BAGGED CRYSTAL BEAR AWARD AT

64TH BERLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Killa, a Marathi film on 17 February 2014 won the Crystal Bear (Glasernen Bar) for the best film
award by the Childrens jury in Generation Kplus section at the 64th Berlin International Film
Festival. The film has been directed by Avinash Arun.
The jury in its citation for the award to the film said that the film deals with the universal
conflict of migration and how it impacts the lives of people, especially children made them
want to discover India. The film Killa convinced the jury in all respects with good camera work
and the great actors.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

PRESIDENT PRANAB MUKHERJEE CONFERRED AWARD OF

HONOUR OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee was conferred Award of Honour on 11 February 2014
in New Delhi. The award was presented by Ron Burton, President of Rotary International at
Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The President, Mukherjee was awarded for the leadership he has provided and the Indias
victory over Polio. Recently India completed three years without reporting any case of polio on
13 January 2014.
Officially the World Health Organisation (WHO) certified India as polio-free on 11 February
2014. The WHO on 24 February 2012 removed India from the list of countries with active
endemic wild polio transmission.

KRISHI KARMAN AWARDS FOR 2012-13

The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, presented Krishi Karman Awards for the year 201213 on 10 February 2014. The awards were presented during inaugural function of World
Congress on Agro-Forestry (WCA-2014) held in New Delhi.
The awards were presented in two categories. In the Total food grain production category, the
awards were presented to Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Manipur states. In the excellence in
the Individual food grains crops category, the awards were presented to Chhattisgarh,
Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar States.
Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura got
commendation prizes for total food grain production. Maharashtra got commendation prize for
rice, Assam for pulses and Punjab and Haryana for rice and wheat.

SACHIN TENDULKAR AND CNR RAO CONFERRED WITH BHARAT

RATNA
Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour was conferred on cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar
(40) and eminent scientist Prof CNR Rao (79) by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. The
awards were given at the Durban Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on 4 February
2014.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

NATHPA JHAKRI HYDRO POWER STATION AWARDED A GOLD

SHIELD
Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station awarded a gold shield on 4 February 2014 for its
meritorious performance in 2013-14.Nathpa Hydro power Station consecutively third time
received the award.
Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station received Silver shield for the year 2012-13 and Bronze shield
for the year 2011-12 by the Central Electricity Authority in the category of Performance of
Hydro Power Stations.
The Ministry of Power had instituted the Comprehensive Award Scheme for recognizing
meritorious performance in Power Sector in 2004-05.

ANAND KUMAR, THE FOUNDER OF SUPER30 GOT RAMANUJAN

MATHEMATICS AWARD 2014
Anand Kumar, a mathematician and founder of Super30 classes was conferred with the 2014
Ramanujan Mathematics Award in Rajkot on 27 January 2014. The award was given to him at
the Eighth National Mathematics Convention organised in Rajkot.
As award, he was presented a cash award of 20000 rupees by the Pitamber Patel, an Atomic
scientist and JJ Rawal, a scientist.
About Ramanujan Mathematics Award
Ramanujan Mathematics Award is an annual award that is given to a person who has at least
three papers published in international journals and is involved in teaching mathematics.
Ramanujan Prize was first awarded in 2005 to Marcelo Viana from Brazil
Other Indian to be awarded with the prize is Ramdorai Sujatha, India in 2006

56TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS FOR 2014 ANNOUNCED

The Recording Academy announced the 56th Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los
Angeles, California on 26 January 2014.
This year the Grammy Awards weren't just about the music and they were also about making a
statement in the same-sex marriage debate.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Category

Album

Name of Artist

Album of the year Random

Memories

Access Daft Punk

Record of the year Get Lucky

Daft Punk , Pharrell

Williams and Nile
Rodgers

New artist

Macklemore
Ryan Lewis

Song of the year

Royals

Childrens album

Throw a Penny in Jennifer Gasoi

the Wishing Well

Pop
performance

solo Royals

and

Lorde

Lorde

CYRUS MISTRY WON THE DSC PRIZE 2014

Cyrus Mistry won the DSC prize 2014 for South Asian literature for his book Chronicles of a
Corpse Bearer on 18 January 2014. Mistry was awarded with a cash price of 50000 dollars at
Jaipur International Literature Festival 2014.
Chronicle of a Corpse Bearer derives a true story of the son of a Parsi priest, who falls in love
with the daughter of a corpse bearer, a community segregated and shunned by society.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

YUSHI, TAIWANESE POET AWARDED THIRUVALLUVAR AWARD

Taiwanese poet Yushi was awarded the Thiruvalluvar award on 15 January 2014 by the Tamil
Nadu government in Chennai. Yushi is the first foreign scholar to receive Thiruvalluvar award.
The award was given to Yushi on the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day. The award was given to him
in recognition of his contribution to the Tamil language. Yushi has translated Tirukkural (one of
the collection of sangam literature), the poems of poet Subramanya Bharathi and poet
Bharathidasan in Mandarin, Chinese language.
The Thiruvalluvar award carries a gold medal and a cheque of one lakh rupees.
Yushi is the founder president of the Tamil Sangam in Taiwan. In 2004 he received the highest
honour award by Seoul World Academy of Arts and Culture.

DEEPIKA AND FARHAN WON BEST ACTORS AT SCREEN AWARDS

Deepika Padukone and Farhan Akhtar won the Best Actress and Best Actor awards respectively
on 15 January 2014 at the 20th Screen Awards. Padukone was awarded as the best actor Award
(female) for Ram-leela and Farhan was awarded for his power packed performance in the
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.
Apart from the award of the best actress, Padukone also bagged the most popular choice award
(female) for Chennai Express. She had four blockbuster movies in 2013 namely Race 2, Yeh
Jawaani Hai Deewani, Chennai Express and Ram Leela. All the four films were ranked in the 100crore club in the box office.
The Most Popular Choice Award (male) was given to Shah Rukh Khan for Chennai Express.
Amitabh Bachan received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

PRESIDENT PRESENTED SUNIL GANGOPADHYAY AWARD 2012 &

2013
President of India, Pranab Mukherjee presented the Sunil Gangopadhyay Memorial Award of
2012 and 2013 on 11 January 2014 to two eminent Bengali poets, namely Nirendranath
Chakraborty and Sankha Ghosh, respectively. The awards were given at a function at Raj
Bhawan in Kolkata.
About Sunil Gangopadhyay Memorial Award
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The Sunil Gangopadhyay Memorial Award was instituted by a cultural organisation The Bengal
in 2012 following his death. Gangopadhyay had a talent of bringing in the historical research
works into his writings.

ANDHRA PRADESH BAGGED OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION

AWARD, 2013
Andhra Pradesh bagged the Oil and Gas Conservation Award for the best performance among
the big States. The award is given by the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA)
under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
The PCRA observes the Oil and Gas Conservation Fortnight from January 16 to 31 every year.
The award is given away for exceptional support and cooperation extended by the governments
for various conservation activities organised by the state-level coordinator during OGCF-2013.
The award will be presented by petroleum and natural gas minister M Veerappa Moily during
the inaugural function of OGCF 2014 to be held in Delhi on 16 January 2014.

71ST GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS 2014 ANNOUNCED

71st Golden Globe Awards were announced at Los Angeles on 11 January 2014. The event was
organised by Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
It is one of the few awards ceremonies that span both television and motion picture
achievements.
The winners in the various categories are as follows- Best Motion Picture, Drama: 12 Years a slave
Best Director - Motion Picture: Alfonso Cuaron for Gravity
Best Actress in a Motion Picture: Cate Blanchett for Blue Jasmine
Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama: Mathew Mc Conaughey for Dollas Buyers Club
Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy - American Hustle
Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy - Leonardo DiCaprio The Wolf of
Wall Street
Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy - Amy Adams American Hustle
Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama, Musical or Comedy - Jared Leto Dallas Buyers
Club
Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama, Musical or Comedy - Jennifer Lawrence American Hustle
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Best Screenplay- Spike Jonze Her

Best Animated Feature Film- Frozen
Best Foreign Language Film - The Great Beauty (Italy)
Woody Allen won a lifetime achievement award for more than four decades of writing,
producing and directing films.

PRAVASI BHARATIYA SAMMAN AWARDS CONFERRED BY THE

PRESIDENT
Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India on 9 January 2014 conferred the Pravasi Bhartiya
Samman Awards to thirteen NRIs, PIOs and organisations for their outstanding contribution in
the country of their residence as well as to India.
The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was organised in New Delhi from 7 to 9 January 2014. The theme for
the year was Engaging Diaspora: Connecting Across Generations.
Following people were awarded
Lisa Maria Singh from Australia she was given for Public service and fostering friendly
relations between India and Australia.
Kurian Varghese from Bahrain was awarded for Business for enhancing Indias image
and for Promotion better understanding of India abroad.
Vasdev Chanchlani from Canada was awarded for Community service and fostering ties
between India and Canada and efforts in promotion Indian culture and heritage.
Ramakrishna Mission from Fiji was awarded for Community service and philanthropic
activity and enhancing Indias prestige abroad.
Satnarainsing Rabin Baldewsingh from Netherlands was awarded for Public service and
developing closer ties between India and South Africa.
Bikas Chandra Sanyal from France was awarded for Education and culture and
enhancing Indias image.
Sasindran Muthuvel from Papua New Guinea was awarded for the field of Public service.
Shihabudeen Vava Kunju from Saudi Arabia was awarded for the Community service and
promoting ties between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Ela Gandhi from South Africa was awarded for Public service, enhancing Indias image
and promoting ties between India and South Africa.
Shamsheer Vayalil Parambath from United Arab was awarded for Health business and in
promoting Better understanding of India United Arab Emirates.
Shailesh Lakhman Vara from United Kingdom has been awarded for Public service and in
promoting ties between India and the people of U.K.
Parthasarathy Chiramel Pillai from USA was awarded for Science and for fostering closer
relations between India and USA.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Renu Khator from USA has been awarded for Education and enhancing Indias prestige
abroad.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Person in news
PADMINI PRAKASH BECAME THE
TELEVISION NEWS ANCHOR IN INDIA

FIRST

TRANSGENDER

Padmini Prakash became the first transgender television news anchor in India. On the eve of
Independence Day on 15 August 2014, she for the first time read out the days headlines from a
teleprompter for the Lotus News Channel Studios.
A month after she started, Padmini has become the face of the Coimbatore-based Lotus News
Channel's daily 7pm special bulletin.

MISS KIRA KAZANTSEV WON THE MISS AMERICA PAGEANT

Miss Kira Kazantsev on 14 September 2014 won the Miss America pageant. She belongs to New
York.
Kazantsev received the crown at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall from outgoing Miss America and
Miss New York Nina Davuluri.

SC ASKED UNION GOVERNMENT TO REINSTATE RAJESHWAR

SINGH AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ED
Supreme Court on 8 September 2014 asked the Union Government to reinstate Rajeshwar
singh as permanent Deputy Director of Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Rajeshwar Singh is an officer probing the money laundering cases in the 2G scam.

SURESH
KUMAR
STRATOSPHERE

BECAME

FIRST

INDIAN

TO

VISIT

TN Suresh Kumar on 15 August 2014 became the first Indian to visit to the stratosphere, the
second layer of the Earths atmosphere. He traveled to an altitude of 17100 meters in MIG-29
from Sokol Airbase near Nizhny Novgorod in Russia. During the travel to reach the stratosphere
in 48 minutes, the aircraft reached to a maximum speed of 1850 km per hour.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SOUTH AFRICA DENIED VISA TO DALAI LAMA FOR NOBEL

SUMMIT
South Africa on 3 September 2014 denied visa to Dalai Lama for Nobel Summit.
He was scheduled to attend the 14th world summit of Nobel peace laureates in Cape Town in
October 2014.
Other Nobel laureates have warned that they will not attend the summit if the Dalai Lama is not
permitted into the country.

TASLIMA RECEIVED ONE YEAR VISA TO STAY IN INDIA

Taslima Nasreen, the controversial writer of Bangladesh in first week of September was given a
one-year long visa that allows her to stay in India till August 2015. She has been granted
the multiple entry visa (X Visa).
Earlier in August 2014, the 51-year-old writer was given a two-month temporary visa after the
Union Home Ministry decided to initiate a verification process on her visa application. She met
the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on 2 August 2014 after she was granted only a twomonth visa. Rajnath Singh assured her that he will resolve the issue and thus she has been
granted the permission to stay for next one year.

TESSY THOMAS AND V. RAVINDRANATH BECAME FIRST WOMEN

DIRECTORS IN IIT COUNCIL
Tessy Thomas and V. Ravindranath on 1 September 2014 became first Women directors in IIT
council. The appointment was confirmed by Union HRD Ministry.

A NAGESWARA RAO BECAME FIRST INDIAN ACTOR TO BE

HONOURED BY US POST SERVICE
Indian Telugu Actor, Akkineni Nageswara Rao became the first Indian actor to be honoured with
a postage stamp by the US Post Service (USPS). It was announced by the Akkineni Foundation of
America (AFA) on 30 August 2014.
The stamp will be issued on the birth anniversary of Nageshwara Rao that is on 20 September
2014 in Dallas Texas. The AFA is planning to release the stamp in India on 17 December 2014 at
the first International Akkineni Awards Ceremony being planned at ANR College, Andhra
Pradesh.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SHAH RUKH KHAN BECAME AMBASSADOR OF TURN BACK

CRIME CAMPAIGN OF INTERPOL
Shah Rukh Khan on 27 August 2014 became the Ambassador of Turn Back Crime campaign of
Interpol. This was revealed from a statement released from Interpol headquarters in Lyon,
France. The campaign will promote awareness on how everyone can play a role in preventing
crime.

OM PRAKASH KOHLI SWORN IN AS THE GOVERNOR OF

GUJARAT
Om Prakash Kohli on 16 July 2014 took oath of office as Governor of Gujarat. He succeeded
Kamla Beniwal who was transferred to Mizoram by the President of India.
His oath of the office and secrecy was administered by Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court
Bhaskar Bhattacharya. He was appointed as the Governor of Gujarat by the President on 14 July
2014 along with new governors for Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Nagaland.

VETERAN ACTRESS SUCHITRA SEN'S HOUSE TO BE CONVERTED

INTO A MUSEUM
Veteran Indian film actress, Suchitra Sens ancestral home in Pabna district of Bangladesh will
be converted into a museum. The decision of converting the house as a museum was passed by
the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh on 10 July 2014.

MARYAM MIRZAKHANI BECAME THE FIRST WOMAN TO BAG

FIELDS MEDAL
Maryam Mirzakhani, an Iranian born mathematician, became the first woman to win coveted
Fields Medal on 13 August 2014 in Seoul, South Korea. The award recognized her contributions
to the field of geometry particularly in studying the symmetry of curved surfaces such as
spheres.

EDWARD SNOWDEN GRANTED THREE-YEAR RESIDENCE IN

RUSSIA
Russia on 7 August 2014 granted a three-year residence permit to Edward Snowden, the
Former US intelligence contractor turned whistleblower. It is not a political asylum.

297

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The asylum granted to the National Security Agency (NSA) whistleblower Snowden allows him
to move freely and travel abroad. But, he will not be allowed to stay abroad for not longer than
three months.

FORMER FRENCH PRESIDENT SARKOZY

CORRUPTION & INFLUENCE PEDDLING

CHARGED

WITH

Nicolas Sarkozy, the former President of France, on 2 July 2014 was charged with corruption
and influence peddling.

SUJIT CHOUDHRY BECAME THE FIRST INDIAN-AMERICAN DEAN

OF BERKELEY LAW SCHOOL
Sujit Choudhry became the first Indian-American dean of the Berkeley Law School, University of
California. He is the 12th dean of the famed Law school and he will serve the institution for five
years starting from 1 July 2014.

US NAMED A MOUNTAIN IN ANTARCTICA AFTER AN INDIANAMERICAN SCIENTIST, AKHOURI SINHA

The United States on 30 June 2014 named a mountain in Antarctica as Mt. Sinha to honour an
eminent Indian-American scientist, Akhouri Sinha. The mountain was named in recognition of
Sinhas work done as an explorer in 1971-72. Sinhas pioneering biological research expedition
has provided critical data about animal populations in Antarctica.

INDIAN-ORIGIN JUDGE V K RAJAH APPOINTED AS

ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF SINGAPORE

8TH

Indian-origin judge V K Rajah on 25 June 2014 was appointed as 8th Attorney-General of

Singapore. President of Singapore Tony Tan Keng Yam presided at the swearing-in of Justice V K
Rajah.

CHUNG HUNG WON RETAINED AS PM OF S KOREA

Chung Hung Won was retained as Prime Minster of South Korea on 25 June 2014. The President
of South Korea, Park Geun-Hye announced the decision to retain the Chung Hung Won who had
resigned over ferry disaster in April 2014.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

FOUNDER OF HIMALAYAN NATURAL MINERAL WATER BRAND

DADI BALSARA DIED AT 81
Founder of Himalayan Natural Mineral Water Brand Dadi Balsara died on 19 June 2014. He was
81. He died due to heart attack.

GRO HARLEM BRUNDTLAND

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

AWARDED

TANG

PRIZE

IN

Gro Harlem Brundtland was awarded with the first Tang Prize in sustainable development. The
Tang Prize was given to her by the Tang Prize Foundation on 18 June 2014.

INDIA-BORN
PRATISHTHA
CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE

KHANNA

HONOURED

WITH

India-born Pratishtha Khanna was honoured with Champions of Change by the White House on
17 June 2014. She is one of 10 local Champions of Change honoured for their exemplary
leadership in their communities.

INDIA-BORN MEXICAN CITIZEN SANJAYA RAJARAM TO BE

HONOURED WITH WORLD FOOD PRIZE OF 2014
India-born Mexican plant scientist, Sanjaya Rajaram will be honoured with the World Food Prize
for the year 2014. It was announced by the World Food Prize Foundation on 18 June 2014. The
award will be presented to Rajaram in Des Moines, Iowa in October 2014.

JOHANN BREYER ARRESTED IN US ON NAZI DEATH CAMP

CHARGES
Johann Breyer (89-year-old) a former Nazi camp guard accused of aiding and abetting the killing
of hundreds of thousands of Jews was arrested without bail in Philadelphia on 17 June 2014.

SUPREME COURT JUDGE JUSTICE VIKRAMAJIT SEN RECUSED

FROM HEARING ANSAL PLEA
Justice Vikramajit Sen, the head judge on vacation bench of the Supreme Court on 16 June 2014
recused himself from hearing Ansal plea. Justice Sen who accompanies Justice Shiva Kriti Singh
on the bench said that the matter should be heard before another bench.
299

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

KATHLEEN STEPHENS
AMBASSADOR

TOOK

CHARGE

AS

US

INTERIM

Kathleen Stephens on 6 June 2014 took charge as US interim Ambassador to India.

ANIL CHOPRA TOOK OVER AS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF

WESTERN NAVAL COMMAND
Vice Admiral Anil Chopra took over the charge of Western Naval Command (WNC) as
Commander-in-Chief on 6 June 2014. He was appointed two months after Vice Admiral Shekar
Sinha took voluntary retirement.

RETIRED INDIAN ARMY OFFICER ABHIJIT GUHA APPOINTED

MEMBER OF UN EXPERT PANEL ON PEACEKEEP
Lieutenant General (retired) Abhijit Guha of Indian Army was on 5 June 2014 appointed as
member of a UN Expert Panel on Technology and Innovation in UN peacekeeping. Abhijit Guha
is a member of the five-member expert panel.

SUSHMA SWARAJ BECAME THE FIRST WOMAN EXTERNAL

AFFAIRS MINISTER OF INDIA
Sushma Swaraj became the first woman External Affairs Minister of India on 26 May 2014. She
was also been given the charge of Overseas Indian Affairs.
Although, Indira Gandhi held the post of Union External Affairs Minister prior to Sushma Swaraj,
but it was in addition to the post of Prime Minister which she held in 1967 and 1984.

INDIAN-AMERICAN STUDENT AKHIL REKULAPELLI

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BEE CHAMPIONSHIP

WON

Indian-American student Akhil Rekulapelli on 21 May 2014 won the National Geographic Bee
championship in Washington, USA.
Ameya Mujumdar from Florida stood second, while California's Tuvya Bergson-Michelson
finished third. Ameya Mujumdar is also an Indian American student.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

EC CONFIRMED AMIR KHAN AS ITS NATIONAL ICON FOR LOK

SABHA ELECTION 2014
Election Commission (EC) confirmed Amir Khan as its national icon for the Lok Sabha elections
2014 on 1 April 2014. He IS the fifth national icon selected by the EC. The EC recorded a video
and audio campaign which shows Amir Khan urging people to vote ethically.

MEXICO CELEBRATED THE 100TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF LATE

NOBEL LAUREATE OCTAVIO PAZ
Mexicans on 1 April 2014 celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of late Nobel Prize winning
poet and essayist Octavio Paz. On his birth anniversary, Google dedicated the doodle on home
page to him.
During a ceremony held at ornate Vasconcelos Library in Mexico City, President Enrique Pena
Nieto hailed Paz as the brilliant Mexican mind of the 20th century.
He was a firm defender of democracy and a member of Institutional Revolutionary Party which
was known for its authoritarian ways while in power for most of the 20th century.

INDIA BASED AMERICAN DR. SUMIT CHUGH CHOSEN FOR

PRESTIGIOUS SIMON DACK AWARD
An Indian- American Cardiologist, Dr. Sumit Chugh along with one more researcher has been
chosen for the Prestigious Simon Dack Award for Outstanding Scholarship. This award will be
given to him in recognition of his contributions to the organisations peer-reviewed medical
journals.
Apart from being an expert in heart rhythmic disorders, he is also leader of a World Health
Organisation panel. This panel performs a global assessment of heart rhythmic disorders for
the global burden of disease duty. He received his medical degree from Patiala.

SHEILA DIKSHIT TOOK OATH AS KERALA GOVERNOR

Sheila Dikshit, the former Chief Minister of Delhi on 11 March 2014 took oath as the Governor
of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram. The oath was administered to her by the Kerala High Courts
Chief Justice Dr Manjula Chellur. She was appointed at the post of the states governor on 4
March 2014.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

She has succeeded Nikhil Kumar, who in the past has served as the Police Chief of Delhi. Her
appointment to the post came following resignation of Nikhil Kumar.

SPICEJET APPOINTED R. NEELAKANTAN NEW CFO

Low-cost carrier SpiceJet appointed R.Neelakantan as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on 4
March 2014. He will replace Sam Isaac.
He was serving as the Head of Internal Audit for the Sun Group. Earlier, Neelakantan had served
as SpiceJets CFO from November 2010 to February 2013.

DR. TEJ VIR SINGH WON THE UNWTO ULYSSES PRIZE

Dr. Tej Vir Singh from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh won the 2013 UNWTO Ulysses Prize for
Excellence in the Creation and Dissemination of Knowledge on 22 January 2014. Dr.Singh is the
professor and Founding Director of the Centre for Tourism Research & Development (CTRD) in
India.

ANAND SINHA, THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF RBI RETIRED

Anand Sinha, the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India retired on 20 January 2014. His
retirement came following his superannuation and his portfolio has been allocated to other
three Deputy Governors.
The reallocation was necessitated consequent upon Anand Sinha relinquishing his charge as
Deputy Governor. Earlier, Singh was looking after the process of granting new bank licences
along with the procedure for granting the licencse to the private sector. The process and
procedures of allocation of new licence is incomplete till now.

QAMAR AHMED, THIRD CRICKET JOURNALIST, TO COVER 400

TEST MATCHES
Qamar Ahmed, the veteran Pakistani Cricket journalist on 16 January 2014 became the only
third man in history to cover 400 test matches. He covered his 400th test match between
Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Sharjah, which was overall the 2115 test match in number.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Ahmed of 76 years follows the British journalist John Woodcock and Australian captain-turnedwriter and commentator Richie Benaud to achieve the milestone. He is fondly known as Q to
friends and cricketers around the world.

MS DHIR ELECTED AS SPEAKER OF DELHI ASSEMBLY

MS Dhir an MLA of Aam Aadmi Party has been elected as the Speaker of the Delhi Assembly on
3 January 2014. His election as the speaker was announced by the Pro-tem Speaker, Mateen
Ahmad in the House. He was elected as the Speaker of the House after his party won the trust
vote on 2 January 2014.
Dhir defeated his BJP rival Jagdish Mukhi. He got 37 votes in support as compared to 32 votes
won by Mukhi. The session of Delhi Assembly that bagan functioning on 1 January 2014 will end
on 7 January 2014.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Person Appointed
US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA NOMINATED RICHARD RAHUL
VERMA AS NEW US ENVOY TO INDIA
US President Barack Obama on 18 September 2014 nominated Indian-American Richard Rahul
Verma as the next US Ambassador to India. The US Embassy in New Delhi is currently headed
by a Charge d'affaires Kathleen Stephens.
If confirmed by the US Senate, Richard Rahul Verma will be the first Indian-American to serve
the top US diplomatic position in India.

LALITHA KUMARAMANGALAM APPOINTED AS CHAIRPERSON OF

NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
Lalitha Kumaramangalam was appointed as chairperson of National Commission for Women
(NCW). She was appointed by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Menaka
Gandhi on 17 September 2014. She is the eighth chairperson of NCW.
At the time of appointment, Lalitha Kumaramangalam was the National Spokesperson and
Member of National Executive of Bharatiya Janata Party.

CHINESE PRESIDENT APPOINTED LE YUCHENG AS CHINA'S NEW

AMBASSADOR TO INDIA
Chinese President Xi Jinping on 16 September 2014 appointed Le Yucheng as China's new
Ambassador to India. Le Yucheng replaced Wei Wei who previously served as China's envoy to
India.

ACTOR LEONARDO DICAPRIO APPOINTED AS UN MESSENGER OF

PEACE
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was appointed as United Nations Messenger of Peace with a special
focus on climate change. He was appointed by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on 16
September 2014.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION APPOINTED KAUSHIK

BASU AS PRESIDENT-ELECT
The International Economic Association (IEA) on 16 September 2014 appointed Kaushik Basu as
president-elect of the association beginning September 2014. However, he will continue to
serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Economist of World Bank.

ANTARA HALDAR OF INDIA BECAME FIRST NON-EUROPEAN

LAW LECTURER AT CAMBRIDGE
Indian-origin Antara Haldar on 15 September 2014 became first non-European law lecturer at
Cambridge University. She belongs to Mumbai, Maharashtra.
She is the youngest and the only Indian to get the tenured position in the top-ranking law
faculty. She is 28 years old.

KRISHAN KANT PAUL SWORN-IN AS GOVERNOR OF MANIPUR

Meghalaya Governor, Dr. Krishna Kant Paul was swornin as the Governor of Manipur on 15
September 2014. His oath of the office and secrecy was administered by the Manipur High
Court Chief Justice Laxmikant Mohapatra at the Raj Bhawan Durbar Hall in Imphal.

NARENDRA AMBWANI ELECTED AS CHAIRMAN

ADVERTISING STANDARDS COUNCIL OF INDIA (ASC

OF

THE

Narendra Ambwani on 12 September 2014 elected as Chairman of the Advertising Standards

Council of India (ASCI).
He succeeded Partha Rakshit. Narendra Ambwani is the Director of Agro Tech Foods Ltd.

SUBHASH CHANDRA GARG APPOINTED AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

OF WORLD BANK
Senior IAS officer Subhash Chandra Garg was appointed as the Executive Director (ED) of World
Bank on 10 September 2014. An order issued by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC)
said that Garg will have tenure of three years from the date of assuming charge of the post.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

RAVINDRA NATH TOOK CHARGE AS CMD OF NSIC

Ravindra Nath on 4 September 2014 assumed the charge of Chairman and Managing director
(CMD) of National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC).
He succeeded H P Kumar. He was appointed to the post on 15 July 2014.

CHANDRAKALA PADIA
CHAIRPERSON OF IIAS

APPOINTED

AS

FIRST

WOMEN

Chandrakala Padia was on 4 September 2014 appointed as first women chairperson of Indian
Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS).
She succeeded the former West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi.
Currently, she is working as Vice-Chancellor of Maharaja Ganga Singh University in Bikaner.

FORMER CJI P SATHASIVAM APPOINTED AS GOVERNOR OF

KERALA
Former Chief Justice of India, Palaniswamy Sathasivam was appointed as the new Governor of
Kerala on 3 September 2014. His appointment to the office will come into effect from the date,
he will assume the charge of his office.
Sathasivam was appointed to the post after President Pranab Mukherjee accepted the
resignation of Sheila Dikshit as the Governor of Kerala.

PRESIDENT CLEARED THE APPOINTMENT OF JUSTICE H.L. DATTU

AS 42ND CJI
President Pranab Mukherjee on 3 September 2014 cleared the appointment of Justice Handyala
Lakshminarayanaswamy Dattu as the 42nd Chief Justice of India.
Justice Dattu will become the Chief Justice of India after the retirement of CJI R.M. Lodha on 27
September 2014. He would hold the post until his retirement on 2 December 2015.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL ARUP RAHA TOOK OVER AS

CHAIRMAN OF COSC

THE

Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on 30 July 2014 took over as the Chairman of the
Chief of Staff Committee (COSC). He received the baton of Chairman, COSC from outgoing Chief
of Army Staff, General Bikram Singh at a brief ceremony in the South Block, New Delhi.

AMITABH
BACHCHAN
NAMED
HORTICULTURE AMBASSADOR

AS

MAHARASHTRA'S

Amitabh Bachchan, the Indian Megastar on 28 July 2014 was appointed as the horticulture
ambassador of Maharashtra. With this appointment, he will start promoting the horticulture
sector in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra, the western Indian state is India's largest fruit producing state with around two
million hectares area covered in fruit orchards.

VETERAN BJP LEADER KAPTAN SINGH SOLANKI APPOINTED

GOVERNOR OF HARYANA
Veteran BJP leader Kaptan Singh Solanki was appointed as the Governor of Haryana by
President Pranab Mukhejee on 25 July 2014. Kaptan Singh Solanki will succeed Jagannath
Pahadia who completed his tenure on 26 July 2014.

CAG OF INDIA, SHASHI KANT SHARMA TOOK CHARGE AS

MEMBER OF UN BOARD OF AUDITORS
The Comptroller & Auditor General of India, Shashi Kant Sharma on 25 July 2014 assumed office
as Member of the United Nations Board of Auditors for a term of six year upto June 2020.
Shashi Kant Sharma took over the charge from Liu Jiayi, the Auditor General of the Peoples
Republic of China at the United Nations Headquarters at New York. He was elected to this
position defeating Philippines by a margin of 62 votes in November 2013.

KN TRIPATHI SWORN IN AS 22ND GOVERNOR OF WEST BENGAL

Keshari Nath Tripathi was sworn in as 22nd Governor of West Bengal on 24 July 2014. The
Acting Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court Asim Kumar Banerjee administered the oath of
office to KN Tripathi in Raj Bhavan, Kolkata.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

He is 22nd Governor of the State since Independence. As s a person he is the 21st Governor of
the State because Professor Saiyid Nurul Hasan was Governor of the State for two terms.

SC APPOINTED R S CHEEMA AS SPECIAL PUBLIC PROSECUTOR IN

COAL SCAM
The Supreme Court on 25 July 2014 appointed R S Cheema as Special Public Prosecutor for trial
in coal blocks allocation scam. R S Cheema is a senior advocate.
The appointment of R S Cheema came following the refusal of senior advocate Gopal
Subramanium and Dayan Krishnan to accept the assignment.

RAM NAIK SWORN IN AS 27TH GOVERNOR OF UTTAR PRADESH

Ram Naik on 22 July 2014 was sworn in as 27th Governor of Uttar Pradesh in Lucknow. He is a
former Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Maharashtra.
The oath of secrecy was administered by the Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Justice
Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud.

Y SUDHARSHAN RAO APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN OF ICHR

Yellapragada Sudharshan Rao on 25 June 2014 was appointed as Chairman of Indian Council of
Historical Research (ICHR). He replaced Basudev Chatterjee. He would serve the council for a
term of three years.
Y.S. Rao taught at Department of History, Kakatiya University. He had worked at Kakatiya
University for about 40 years. He had vast experience in teaching and researching.
He guided eight PhD and 15 MPhil students and has about 40 research papers published in
various national and international journals to his credit.

B ASHOK TOOK CHARGE AS CHAIRMAN OF IOC

B Ashok on 16 July 2014 took charge as Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the Indias
largest oil firm.
His appointment was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi before leaving for the 6th BRICS Summit.
He was to succeed R S Butola who retired from service on 31 May 2014 on attaining
superannuation age of 60 years. Since a full-time chairman was not appointed in time, R K
Malhotra, Director (R&D) and senior most Director on IOC board, was given additional charge.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

PRESIDENT APPOINTED GOVERNORS OF FIVE STATES

President of India, Pranab Mukherjee on 14 July 2014 appointed Governors of five states,
namely Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Gujarat and Nagaland.

EMMA WATSON APPOINTED AS UN GOODWILL AMBASSADOR

Emma Watson, the British Actress on 8 July 2014 was appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador
for UN Women. With this appointment, the accomplished actress and humanitarian Watson
will work for empowerment of young women and also as an advocate for UN Womens
HeForShe campaign in promoting gender equality.

SUPREME COURT APPOINTED THREE JUDGES

Justice Arun Mishra, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice Rohington F Nariman were
appointed as Supreme Court judges on 7 July 2014. The three judges were administered the
oath of office by Chief Justice of India, R M Lodha.

K.V. CHOWDARY APPOINTED AS NEW CHAIRMAN OF CENTRAL

BOARD OF DIRECT TAXES
Senior IRS officer K V Chowdary appointed as new Chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes
(CBDT). He was apoointed on 1 August 2014. CBDT is the apex authority of the Income Tax
department.
He succeed R K Tewari. He retired on 31 July 2014.

QARAQOSH, IRAQ'S LARGEST CHRISTIAN TOWN SEIZED BY ISIS

MILITANTS
Qaraqosh of Iraq: seized by the militants from the Islamic State group
Militants from the ISIS group on 7 August 2014 seized Iraqs largest Christian town, Qaraqosh
and surrounding areas. They took over the control of the town after Kurdish troops pulled out
from there.

EMMA WATSON APPOINTED AS UN GOODWILL AMBASSADOR

Emma Watson, the British Actress on 8 July 2014 was appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador
for UN Women. With this appointment, the accomplished actress and humanitarian Watson
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

will work for empowerment of young women and also as an advocate for UN Womens
HeForShe campaign in promoting gender equality.

SUPREME COURT APPOINTED THREE JUDGES

Justice Arun Mishra, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice Rohington F Nariman were
appointed as Supreme Court judges on 7 July 2014. The three judges were administered the
oath of office by Chief Justice of India, R M Lodha.

M S MEHTA APPOINTED AS CEO OF RELIANCE INFRASTRUCTURE

M S Mehta was appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Reliance Infrastructure on 7 July
2014. He took charge as CEO for a period of five years.
He replaced Lalit Jalan, who held the post of CEO of Reliance Infrastructure for more than seven
years.

SUPREME COURT APPOINTED THREE JUDGES

Justice Arun Mishra, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice Rohington F Nariman were
appointed as Supreme Court judges on 7 July 2014. The three judges were administered the
oath of office by Chief Justice of India, R M Lodha.

BIHAR GOVERNOR DY PATIL TOOK ADDITIONAL CHARGE OF

WEST BENGAL
DY Patil, the Governor of Bihar, on 4 July 2014 assumed the additional charge of West Bengal as
the acting Governor. His oath of the office was administered by senior most judge Justice Asim
Kumar Bandyopadhya of the Calcutta High Court at a function in Raj Bhawan in Kolkata.

A.K. DUBEY APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN OF COAL INDIA LIMITED

Additional secretary A.K. Dubey on 25 June 2014 was appointed as Chairman of Coal India
Limited with immediate effect. He will serve his post as an additional charge till a full-time
chairman is appointed.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

RAJEEV TOPNO APPOINTED AS PRIVATE SECRETARY TO PRIME

MINISTER NARENDRA MODI
Rajeev Topno was appointed as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The
Appointment Committee of Cabinet (ACC) approved the name of Topno on 18 June 2014.

UNGA APPROVED THE NAME OF ZEID AL-HUSSEIN TO HEAD

OHCHR
United Nations General Assembly on 16 June 2014 approved the name of Zeid Raad Zeid alHussein to head the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) of the UN. With
this approval, Jordanian Prince Zeid al-Hussein, a cousin of Jordanian King Abdullah II, became
the first Muslim and Arab to hold the post.

LT GEN AMIT SHARMA APPOINTED AS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

OF STRATEGIC FORCES COMMAND
Lt Gen Amit Sharma was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of Strategic Forces Command
on 13 June 2014. He replaced Vice Admiral SPS Cheema.

VISHAL SIKKA APPOINTED AS CEO OF INFOSYS

Vishal Sikka on 11 June 2014 was appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Infosys. Vishal
Sikka will take over as the CEO on 1 August 2014. He will succeed the current Chief Executive
and Managing Director S.D. Shibulal.

PK MISHRA APPOINTED AS ADDITIONAL PRINCIPAL SECRETARY

TO PRIME MINISTER
PK Mishra on 9 June 2014 was appointed as the additional Principal Secretary to Prime
Minister, Narendra Modi. He is a retired IAS officer of 1972 batch of the Gujarat cadre.
His appointment was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

MADHURI DIXIT APPOINTED AS BRAND AMBASSADOR OF

HEALTH CAMPAIGN, MAMTA ABHIYAN
State government of Madhya Pradesh appointed Madhuri Dixit as the brand ambassador of
maternal and child health campaign, Mamta Abhiyan. The campaign will kick off from 26 June
2014 with an event organised in collaboration of Bhopal unit of UNICEF.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SANJAY KAPOOR APPOINTED AS MICROMAX CHAIRMAN

Sanjay Kapoor was on 5 June 2014 appointed as Micromax Chairman. Sanjay Kapoor was a
former CEO of Bharti Airtel company.

INDIAN-AMERICAN SHEFALI DUGGAL APPOINTED AS MEMBER

OF HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL COUNCIL
Shefali Razdan Duggal, the top Indian-American fundraiser was appointed as the member of the
US Holocaust Memorial Council on 3 June 2014 by US President Barack Obama.

KAVERY BANERJEE APPOINTED AS SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF

POSTS
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on 31 May 2014 approved the appointment
of Kavery Banerjee as Secretary, Department of Posts.

CHANDRASHEKHAR RAO SWORN-IN AS THE FIRST CHIEF

MINISTER OF TELENGANA
Chandrashekhar Rao was sworn-in as the first Chief Minister of Telengana, which became the
29th state of Indian Union. He took oath administered by the Governor ESL Narasimhan at Raj
Bhavan in Hyderabad on 2 June 2014.

SALVADOR SANCHEZ CEREN SWORN-IN AS THE PRESIDENT OF

EL SALVADOR
Former left wing rebel leader Salvador Sanchez Ceren was sworn-in as the President of El
Salvador on 1 June 2014. Sanchez of Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front party (FMLN) is
the first former guerrilla commander to lead the Central American country.

AHMED MAITIQ SWORN-IN AS THE NEW PRIME MINISTER OF

LIBYA
Ahmed Maitiq was sworn-in as the new Prime Minister of Libiya on 26 May 2014. Maitiq took
oath of his office before Nuri Abu Sahmain, the President of the General National Congress,
Libya's transitional Parliament.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

FORMER IB CHIEF RAJIV MATHUR BECAME NEW CIC

Rajiv Mathur, 64, the former Intelligence Bureau Chief on 22 May 2014 took over as the new
Chief Information Commissioner (CIC). His oath to the office was administered by Pranab
Mukherjee, the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
In addition to Mathur, the Central Information Commission at present have seven Information
Commissioners against the sanctioned strength of 10. These are
Vijai Sharma
Basant Seth
Yashovardhan Azad
Sharat Sabharwal
Manjula Prasher
M.A. Khan Yusufi
Prof Madabhushanam Sridhar Acharyulu

ANANDIBEN SWORN-IN AS FIRST WOMAN CHIEF MINISTER OF

GUJARAT
Anandiben Patel was sworn-in as the first woman Chief Minister of Gujarat on 22 May 2014.
Kamla Beniwal, the Governor of Gujarat administered her oath to the office and secrecy at
Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.
Anandiben Patel was appointed as the new Chief Minister of Gujarat after Narendra Modi
resigned from the office on 21 May 2014 to take over the post of Prime Minister of India. At the
time of appointment, Anandiben was serving the state as the Gujarat Revenue Minister.

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL

OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD

DIVERSITY

2014

22 May- International Day for Biological Diversity

International Day for Biological Diversity was observed across the world on 22 May 2014. The
theme of International Day for Biological Diversity 2014 is Island Biodiversity.
The theme coincided with the International Year of Small Island Developing States which was
designated by the United Nations General Assembly.
The day was celebrated with the aim of spreading awareness on biodiversity and the
importance of preserving it in villages and islands.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

PRESIDENT APPOINTED NARENDRA MODI AS PRIME MINISTER,

OATH ON MAY 26
Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India on 20 May 2014 appointed Narendra Modi as the
Prime Minister of India. Narendra Modi, the leader of the BJP Parliamentary Party will take a
formal oath of the office on 26 May 2014 at Rashtrapati Bhawan. His oath will be administered
by the President.
The President asked him to advise the names of others who will be appointed as the Members
of Council of Ministers. At the time of being appointed as the Prime Minister of India, he was
serving Gujarat as its Chief Minister. This was his third term as the Chief Minister.
Narendra Modi is the first Prime Minister of India who has born in Independent India. For the
first time, he was sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on 7 October 2001 and at present he
is the longest serving Chief Minister of Gujarat.

NAVEEN PATNAIK SWORN-IN AS CHIEF MINISTER OF ODISHA

FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE TERM
Naveen Patnaik on 21 May 2014 was sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Odisha for fourth
consecutive term. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Patnaik was sworn-in at the Raj Bhavan,
Bhubaneswar.
Governor S C Jamir administered oath of office and secrecy to Naveen Patnaik and 21 other
ministers.

PAWAN CHAMLING SWORN-IN AS THE CHIEF MINISTER OF

SIKKIM FOR RECORD 5TH TERM
Pawan Chamling was sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Sikkim on 21 May 2014 for a record fifth
consecutive time. Governor of Sikkim, Shriniwas Patil administered the oath of office and
secrecy to Chamling and his 11 ministers at Raj Bhawan in Gangtok.
Chamling is the leader of Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) and has secured a two-third majority in
the Assembly elections by winning 22 seats out of 32. The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha will be the
opposition party in the assembly as it has secured 10 seats.
He has been the Chief Minister of the State since 12 December 1994 and has competed 20
years at the post till now. With this swearing-in, he is set to become the longest-serving Chief
Minister of any State of India, if he serves a complete tenure. Till now the record has been held
by the late communist leader Jyoti Basu, who served West Bengal as a Chief Minister for 23
years from 1977 to 2000.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

MONTEK SINGH AHLUWALIA, THE PLANNING COMMISSION

DEPUTY CHAIRMAN RESIGNED
Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission of India resigned from
his office on 17 May 2014. He submitted his resignation to the Prime Minister, Manmohan
Singh after the Union Cabinet meet held in New Delhi.
Apart from Ahluwalia, another member of the Planning Commission BK Chaturvedi also
submitted his resignation.
Full-time members of the Planning Commission members apart from Montek Singh Ahluwalia
were
BK Chaturvedi
Saumitra Chaudhuri
Syeda Hameed
Narendra Jadhav
Abhijit Sen
Mihir Shah
K Kasturirangan
Arun Maira

JITAN RAM MANJHI TOOK OATH AS THE CHIEF MINISTER OF

BIHAR
Jitan Ram Manjhi was sworn-in as the new Chief Minister of Bihar on 20 May 2014. His oath of
the office and secrecy was administered by the Governor of Bihar, DY Patil at the Raj Bhavan in
Patna.
He succeeded Janata Dal United (JD-U) leader, Nitish Kumar who resigned from the post of
Chief Minister on 17 May 2014 after the debacle of the party in the 16th Lok Sabha election.
Nitish Kumar served as Chief Minister of Bihar for two term from 2005 - 2009 and from 2009 2014.

NABAM TUKI SWORN-IN

ARUNACHAL PRADESH

AS

THE

CHIEF

MINISTER

OF

Nabam Tuki on 18 May 2014 was sworn-in as the eighth (seventh as person) Chief Minister of
Arunachal Pradesh at the Raj Bhavan in Itanagar. This is second consecutive term for the
veteran congress leader. His oath to the office and secrecy was administered by the Governor
Lt. Gen. (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

He was sworn in as the seventh Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on 1 November 2011 as a
successor of Jarbom Gamlin. He was selected as the Chief Minister due to internal revolt within
Congress Party. In the internal revolt 42 Congress legislators in the 60-member house had
opposed Gamlin due to his authoritarian rule. Gamlin was made Chief Minister of the State
after the death of former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu on 30 April 2011 in a helicopter crash.

A.B. PANDYA APPOINTED AS THE CHAIRMAN OF CENTRAL

WATER COMMISSION
Ashwin B. Pandya on 15 May 2014 was appointed as the Chairman of the Central Water
Commission & ex-officio Secretary of the Government of India. He was holding the additional
charge of the post since November 2013.

KRISTIN LUND OF NORWAY BECAME FIRST-EVER WOMAN TO

HEAD A UN PEACEKEEPING FORCE
Major General Kristin Lund of Norway became the first-ever woman to head a UN
Peacekeeping Force in its entire history. She was appointed as the Force Commander of UN
Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) on 12 May 2014 to mark its 50th anniversary in 2014.
Major General Kristin Lund will assume the charge of Force Commander of UNFICYP on 13
August 2014. She will succeed the outgoing Force Commander, Major General Chao Liu of China
who will retire on 13 August 2014.
Major General Kristin Lund previous assignment at UN includes
Service with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
Service with the UN Protection Force (UNPROFOR)
She also has extensive experience in multinational operations which includes
Deployment to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm in 1991
NATOs International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Headquarters in Afghanistan

SURESH KUMAR REDDY

AMBASSADOR TO ASEAN

APPOINTED

AS

THE

FIRST

Union Ministry of External Affairs (MoEA) on 23 April 2014 appointed Suresh Kumar Reddy as
India's first Ambassador to the separate Indian Mission to Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN) & East Asia Summit. He is expected to take up his assignment shortly.
Presently, he is working as the Ambassador of India to Iraq.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

ECONOMIC
AFFAIRS
SECRETARY
ARVIND
DESIGNATED AS NEW FINANCE SECRETARY

MAYARAM

Economic Affairs Secretary Arvind Mayaram has been designated as new Finance Secretary.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved a proposal to designate Arvind
Mayaram as the new Finance Secretary on 15 April 2014.
Previous Finance secretary, Sumit Bose retired on 31 March 2014 and the post was vacant since
that time.

JUSTICE G ROHINI APPOINTED AS THE FIRST WOMEN CHIEF

JUSTICE OF DELHI HIGH COURT
President of India on 11 April 2014 approved the name of Justice G Rohini (58) for appointment
as the Next Chief Justice of Delhi High Court. With this approval, she will become the first
women Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. At the time of appointment, Rohini was serving as
the senior-most judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. She will sevre the High Court of Delhi
as its Chief Justice for a period of four years.
She will succeed Acting Chief Justice Badar Durrez Ahmed. Justice Ahmed was appointed after
Justice NV Ramana was elevated to the Supreme Court as a Judge in February 2014.
Earlier, her name was suggested by the Supreme Court collegium headed by Chief Justice of
India P Sathasivam.

JUSTICE R.M.LODHA APPOINTED AS NEXT CHIEF JUSTICE OF

INDIA
President of India on 11 April 2014 appointed Justice Rajendra Mal Lodha as Next Chief Justice
of India. Justice Lodha will take his charge from 27 April 2014. He will be the 41st Chief Justice
of India. He will succeed Justice P. Sathasivam.
Justice Lodha will have a brief tenure of five months as the Chief Justice of India (CJI). He is
scheduled to retire on 27 September 2014. He is 64.
Justice Lodha is the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court after CJI P. Sathasivam. The name
of Justice Lodha was recommended as the next CJI by Justice Sathasivam.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

RATAN TATA APPOINTED MEMBER OF CHINA-BACKED BOARD

OF BOAO FORUM FOR ASIA
Ratan Tata on 10 April 2014 was appointed as a member of the Board of Boao Forum for Asia
(BFA). The post is a rare distinction for an Indian in the Chinese government-backed influential
body.
Ratan Tata is one of the 15 members of the Board of BFA. The other influential personalities
includes former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, former Malaysian Prime Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badwai, former Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and former Prime
Minister of France Jean-Pierre Raffarin besides former US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI) is an ordinary member of the forum.
The appointment of Ratan Tata to the board of the BFA is seen as part of China's efforts to push
closer ties with India.

SAP APPOINTED RAVI CHAUHAN AS MD FOR INDIA

Ravi Chauhan on 7 April 2014 was appointed as Managing Director for SAP India. He will take
the charge immediately. He will report directly to Adaire Fox-Martin, President of SAP Asia
Pacific Japan.
He had joined SAP after four years at Juniper Networks, where he had last served as Managing
Director for India and South Asia. Before Juniper, Chauhan held leadership roles at Nortel
Networks.

MARIE-LOUSIE COLEIRO PRECA SWORN-IN AS PRESIDENT OF

MALTA
Marie-Lousie Coleiro Preca was sworn-in as the President of Malta on 4 April 2014 in Valletta,
Malta. She was named as President after being suggested by the Prime Minister,Joseph Muscat
and approved by Parliament. Coleiro replaced George Abela from Labour Party whose term
completed on 4 April 2014.
She is the ninth President of the Malta and second female President in the European Union (EU)
Country.

R GANDHI APPOINTED AS DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF RBI

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R Gandhi was appointed as the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India on 3 April 2014
for a period of three years. His appointment came into effect from 3 April 2014. Before being
elevated to the position of Deputy Governor, he was serving the Reserve Bank as its executive
director.
He has been appointed as the successor of Anand Sinha, who retired from the office on 20
January 2014. Till the time of retirement, Sinha was looking after the new bank licence process.

D K PATHAK APPOINTED AS THE NEW DIRECTOR GENERAL OF

BSF
Union Government on 2 April 2014 appointed senior IPS officer D K Pathak as the new Director
General of the Border Security Force (BSF). BSF is country's largest border guarding force. His
name for the post of DG was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)
headed by Prime Minister Mamohan Singh. He is expected to continue till February, 2016.
Pathak is a 1979-batch officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. Prior to the appointment of DG,
he was posted as the Special DG and was also officiating as the DG since 1 March 2014.

FRENCH PRESIDENT HOLLANDE NAMES VALLS AS NEW PM

President Francois Hollande on 31 March 2014 appointed Interior Minister Manuel Valls as next
prime minister of France. Manuel Carlos Valls is a Spanish-born French Socialist Party politician.
He was the Mayor of vry from 2001 to 2012 and a Member of the National Assembly since
2002.

SUNIL GAVASKAR APPOINTED AS INTERIM PRESIDENT OF BCCI

Sunil Gavaskar was appointed as the interim president of the Board of Control for Cricket in
India (BCCI) by the Supreme Court on 28 March 2014. He was appointed as acting president of
BCCI to discharge the functions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2014.
Sunil Gavaskar replaced the present BCCI chief N Srinivasan. The Supreme Court also directed
administrative responsibilities of the BCCI board to the BCCI vice-president Shivlal Yadav,
former off-spinner of Indian cricket team.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

JENS STOLTENBERG APPOINTED AS SECRETARY GENERAL OF

NATO
Jens Stoltenberg was appointed as the Secretary General of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
(NATO). This was announced by the North Atlantic Council in Brussels in Belgium on 28 March
2014. Besides, he was also appointed as the Chairman of the North Atlantic Council.
Stoltenberg will take charges of Secretary General of NATO on 1 October 2014. He will replace
the incumbent Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the former Prime Minister of
Denmark.

SOMA MONDAL APPOINTED FIRST WOMEN DIRECTOR OF

NALCO
Soma Mondal on 12 March 2014 was appointed as the first woman director (commercial) of
Navratna Public Sector Unit (PSU) National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO). Mondal joined
Nalco in 1984 as a Graduate Engineer Trainee.
Earlier, she was working with the company as executive director (marketing) at Nalcos
corporate office.
She had worked on the different profiles in the companys eastern and western regional offices.
She had rich experience in sales and marketing,

RAKESH SETHI APPOINTED AS CMD OF ALLAHABAD BANK

Rakesh Sethi was appointed as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Allahabad Bank on
12 March 2014. Sethi will take charge of CMD with immediate effect as the post was lying
vacant since January 2014 when Shubhlakshmi Panse retired.
He will serve the Bank till his retirement on 30 April 2017. He was an executive director of
Punjab National Bank (PNB) till this appointment.

FPSB APPOINTED FORMER SC JUDGE SRIKRISHNA AS ITS

CHAIRMAN
Justice (Retd.) BN Srikrishna on 11 March 2014 was appointed as the Chairman of Financial
Planning Standards Board India (FPSB). He will succeed Dhirendra Swarup, the former chairman
of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Srikrishna is a retired judge of Supreme Court and has served as the Chief Justice of Kerala High
Court.
He has also served as the Chairman of the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission
(FSLRC) set up in March 2011 by the Union Ministry of Finance. He also headed the Sixth
Central Pay Commission set up by the Union Government on 5 October 2006.

AVAYA APPOINTED PRIYADARSHI MOHAPATRA AS MANAGING

DIRECTOR FOR INDIA AND SAARC
Technology firm Avaya on 6 March 2014 appointed Priyadarshi Mohapatra as Managing
Director for its India and SAARC operations.
A 17 year veteran of the industry, Mohapatra will provide strategic direction to India
operations. He will manage business priorities and will enhance Avaya's position as a leading
business communications company.
He will play a key role in strengthening channel partner relations and driving significant growth
in the mid-market segment.
Mohapatra had join Avaya from SAP. He had joined SAP in 2008 and had held various
leadership positions.
Before SAP, Priyadarshi had worked for retail practice for Sun Microsystems in India and
previously co-founded, Oyzterbay, a venture capital funded jewellery chain.

SHEILA DIKSHIT APPOINTED AS THE NEW GOVERNOR OF

KERALA
Sheila Dikshit, the former chief minister of Delhi on 4 March 2014 was appointed as the 22nd
Governor of Kerala. She will succeed Nikhil Kumar, a former Delhi Police Commissioner who
took over as the governor of Kerala in March 2013. Nikhil Kumar had tendered his resignation
to the President of India that has been accepted.

DINESH SARRAF APPOINTED NEXT ONGC CHIEF

Dinesh Sarraf appointed as next Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Oil and Natural Gas
Corporation (ONGC) on 26 February 2014.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PSEB) recommended Dinesh K Sarraf as the next head
of the country's most valuable company ONGC.
Dinesh Sarraf will replace Sudhir Vasudeva who will be due to retire on 28 February 2014.
Sarraf is currently working as the head of OVL. He had successfully transformed ONGC Videsh
Limited (OVL) into an aggressive overseas firm, stitching 4 deals worth over 11 billion dollar
since taking charge of the company.
Dinesh Sarraf had previously worked as the director (Finance) of ONGC.

IBRAHIM MAHLAB SWORN IN AS PRIME MINISTER OF EGYPT

Ibrahim Mahlab was sworn in as new Egypt Prime Minister on 25 February 2014. He is a former
member of Hosni Mubarak's political party.
Mahlab was the housing minister in the previous administration. He will head Egypt's sixth
government since the 2011 uprising that toppled the autocratic Mubarak.
Ibrahim Mahlab will replace Hazem el-Beblawi government.
He is the former CEO of Arab Contractors, one of the region's largest construction firms.
He is expected to lead an interim government at least until the election of a new president.

MATTEO RENZI SWORN-IN AS PM OF ITALY

Matteo Renzi on 22 February 2014 sworn-in as Italys Prime Minister replacing Enrico Letta,
who resigned from the office on 14 February 2014. Apart from this a new cabinet of 16
ministers also took the sworn of their offices at the Presidential palace in Rome.
Renzi, 39 is the Italys youngest Prime Minister and he is the third prime minister to reach office
without winning an election. Renzi belongs to the Democratic Party, who was the former mayor
of the Florence.
The Renzis 16-member cabinet is the smallest cabinet of the country. This cabinet is also the
youngest one with an average age of 48. Half of the cabinet ministers are women in Italian
history.
Italys new Finance Minister is Pier Carlo Padoan who is a deputy secretary-general and chief
economist of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

ABDUL BASIT APPOINTED HIGH COMMISSIONER OF PAKISTAN

TO INDIA
Pakistan appointed Abdul Basit as Pakistans high commissioner to India on 17 February 2014.
He will replace Salman Bashir. Salman Bashir relinquishes charge of office on 28 February 2014.
Basit will take charge of office in March 2014.
He is currently working as ambassador to Germany. From May 2012, he was representing
Pakistan in Berlin.
Basit had joined the Foreign Service in 1982. He had held various assignments in Pakistan
missions abroad and at the headquarters, including as the foreign office spokesperson.
He had previously served at Pakistans missions in Moscow, New York, Sanaa, Geneva and
London.
The ambassadors of Commonwealth countries are designated as High Commissioner.

JUSTICE MUKUL MUDGAL APPOINTED AS CHIEF OF BCCC

Justice Mukul Mudgal, former Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court, was appointed as
the chief of the Broadcast Content Complaints Council (BCCC). The appointment was approved
by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), an association of channels. He will take charge as
the chief of BCCC towards the end of February 2014.
Justice Mudgal will replace Justice A P Shah, former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court who has
been appointed as head of the Law Commission of India.

JATINDER BIR SINGH APPOINTED CMD OF PUNJAB AND SIND

BANK
Jatinder Bir Singh was appointed Chairman and Managing Director of Punjab and Sind Bank
(PSB) on 6 February 2014. He will succeed D.P.singh
He will take the charge from 10 February 2014.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) under the Union Government has approved
the appointment.
Jatinder Bir Singh is 1983-batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre.
Prior to this, Singh was an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

R.K.TIWARI APPOINTED NEW CHAIRMAN OF CBDT

R.K.Tiwari was appointed as the new chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on 9
February 2014.
The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
Mr. Tiwari is a 1976-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer. He is currently working as the
Member of Legislation and Computerisation Department in the CBDT.
He will take the charge from 1 March 2014. He will succeed Chairperson Sudha Sharma who is
scheduled to retire on 28 February 2014.

N RAMACHANDRAN ELECTED PRESIDENT OF IOA

N Ramachandran was elected President of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on 9 February
2014.
Presently, he is the chief of World Squash Federation. He was elected unopposed for the
presidential post. He will remain in the office till 2016.
Kho-Kho Federation of India President Rajeev Mehta were also elected unopposed as Secretary
General.
All India Tennis Association (AITA) chief Anil Khanna were also elected unopposed as Treasurer.
The poll was conducted by a three-member election commission of the IOA. It was preceded by
a Special GBM which made an amendment in the constitution under the diktat of International
Olympic Committee (IOC).
Under the new constitution, any member against whom charges have been framed by a court
of law for an offence that carries imprisonment of more than two years will not be allowed to
contest elections and the case will be referred to the IOA Ethics Commission.
Indian Boxing Federation, Taekwondo Federation of India and Fencing Association of India were
barred by the IOC from casting votes on the ground that these three was suspended by their
international federations.
Earlier, Abhay Singh Chautala, was the president of IOA.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

MARCO LAMBERTINI APPOINTED DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF WWF

INTERNATIONAL
The global conservation organisation, WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) on 6 February 2014
appointed Marco Lambertini as Director-General (DG) of the WWF International. His new role
as the DG will start from 1 May 2014.
At the time of this appointment, he was serving Bird Life International as its chief executive. He
will succeed James P Leape, who was appointed as the DG of WWF International in 2005.

SATYA NADELLA APPOINTED AS CEO OF MICROSOFT

Satya Nadella was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Internet Giant Microsoft in
Washington on 4 January 2014. Satya Nadella succeeds Steve Ballmer and he takes over as the
third CEO of the Microsoft firm.
Bill Gates is the founder and first CEO of Microsoft. Nadella is the first Indian to head the
Microsoft in its 38-year history.
About Satya Nadella
Nadella was born in Hyderabad, India and joined Microsoft in 1992. Satya is a proven leader
with hard-core engineering skills, business vision and the ability to bring people together.
Nadella holds a bachelor of degree in electrical engineering from Manipal Institute of
Technology. Nadella completed masters in computer science from the University of Wisconsin
and an MBA from the University of Chicago.
Nadella joined Microsoft in 1992 and he served as the Executive Vice President of Cloud and
Enterprise Group in 2012.
His father BN Yugandhar is a former planning commission member and served as special
secretary to former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao.
Other Indians heading MNCs
Name

Company

Indra Nooyi

PepsiCo

Ivan Menezes

Diageo

Ajit Jain

Berkshire Hathaway Group

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Piyush Gupta

DBS Group Holding

Sanjay Jha

Global Foundries

Dinesh Paliwal

Harman Intl

Anshu Jain

Deutsche Bank

Rakesh Kapoor

Reckitt Benckiser

Ajay Banga

Master Card

Sanjay Meharotra

San Disk

Shantanu Narayen

Adobe

Rajiv Vasudeva

Egon Zehnder

JUSTICE ASHOK KUMAR MATHUR APPOINTED TO HEAD 7TH

CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION
Former Supreme Court Justice, Ashok Kumar Mathur on 4 February 2014 was appointed as the
Chairman of the 7th Pay Commission. Vivek Rae, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Secretary will
be the full time member director.
Ratin Roy of National Institute of Public Finances and Policy will be part-time member of the
commission. Officer on Special Duty in the Department of Expenditure, Meena Agarwal will be
the Secretary of the Pay panel.
The Commission has been mandated to submit its report in two years time. Its
recommendation would be implemented from 1 January 2016. Manmohan Singh, the Prime
Minister of India has approved composition of the 7th Pay Commission in September 2013 that
will revise the salaries of over 50 lakh central government employees and about 30 lakh
pensioners.
The Pay Commission is constituted every ten years by the government of India to revise the pay
scales of its employees and often these are adopted by states after some modification. The 6th
Pay Commission was implemented with the effect from 1 January 2006, while the fifth and
fourth commissions were implemented from 1 January 1996 and 1 January 1986 respectively.
In May 1946, the first Pay commission was constituted under the chairmanship of Srinivasa
Varadachariar. It submitted its report in a year. The first commission was based upon the idea
of living wages to the employees, which was taken by the Islington Commission.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

POONAM KHETRAPAL SINGH TOOK CHARGE AS REGIONAL

DIRECTOR OF SEARO
Poonam Khetrapal Singh took charge as the Regional Director of World Health Organisation
(WHO) South-East Asia Region on 1 February 2014.
Poonam Khetrapal Singh succeeded Samlee Plianbangchang of Thailand who served for ten
years consecutively. The Regional Director has a term of five years and can get a second term.
She is the first Indian in 44 years to hold the post of Regional Director, South East Asian
Regional Organistion (SEARO). India had occupied the post from 1948-1968.
About Poonam Khetrapal Singh
Poonam retired as Advisor, International Health in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Poonam was Executive Director, Sustainable Development and Healthy Environments, WHO
and Deputy Regional Director of WHO from 2000 to 2013.

MANOJ VAISH TOOK CHARGE AS MD & CEO OF MCX

Manoj Vaish took charge as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd. (MCX) on 1 February 2014. Forward Markets
Commission (FMC) the commodity markets regulator approved the appointment of Vaish. His
appointment is for a period of three years.
His appointment came following step down of Shreekant Javalgekar in October 2013 as the
Managing Director and CEO of MCX following the 5600 crore rupees scam related to National
Spot Exchange (NSEL). NSEL is a sister concern of MCX and is co-promoted by MCX promoter
Financial Technologies India Ltd. (FTIL).
At the time of appointment, Vaish was the Managing Director of NSDL Database Management.
Between 1998 and 2004, he served as the executive director of the BSE and CEO of financial
services research firm Dun & Bradsheet.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

HARISH RAWAT
UTTRAKHAND

APPOINTED

8TH

CHIEF

MINISTER

OF

Harish Rawat was appointed as the 8th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand on 1 February 2014. He
was administered the oath of office by Governor Aziz Qureshi at Raj Bhawan.
He succeeded Vijay Bahuguna. Harish Rawat was a Union Minister for Water Resources.
Rawat is a MP from Haridwar. He was made a Minister of State for Labour and Employment in
2009 and then MoS for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries.
In July 2011, he was made MoS for Parliamentary Affairs.
He was elevated to the rank of a Cabinet Minister in 2012 in an apparent bid to placate him
after Bahuguna was made the CM. Rawat has earlier served as a member of the Rajya Sabha
from 2002-08.
He won his first Lok Sabha election in 1980 from Almora by defeating BJP leader Murli Manohar
Joshi. He won the Lok Sabha polls in 1984 and 1989 as well.

MICHEL ROGERS NOMINATED AS DIRECTOR OF NSA

Michael Rogers has been nominated as the Director of National Security Agency by the US
president Barack Obama. His name was announced by Defence Secretary of US on 30 January
2014.
Defence Secretary also announced the name of Rick Ledgett as the new Deputy Director of NSA
who is at present its Chief Operating Officer.
Vice Admiral Michel Roger will succeed Keith Alexander who served as the Director of NSA for
almost nine years. Michel Roger will take the charge as Director of NSA in March 2014.

PROFESSOR RAKESH KHURANA OF INDIAN ORIGIN APPOINTED

AS DEAN OF HARVARD COLLEGE
Indian American Professor Rakesh Khurana on 23 January 2014 was appointed as the Dean of
Havard College. With this appointment, Khurana has joined the long list of Indian-origin
academicians, who has assumed the leadership roles at the renowned global universities. With
this appointment will succeed Evelynn Hammonds, the professor of History of Science and of
African and African American Studies at Harvard.
He will assume the charge of the dean from 1 July 2014. Harvard College is the school within
the Harvard University that grants undergraduate degrees.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

About Rakesh Khurana of 46 years

At present he is a professor of Leadership Development at Harvard Business School (HBS) and
he is also a professor of Sociology in the faculty of Arts and Sciences
He is a co-master of Cabot House at Harvard
In 1998, he received his PhD through a joint programme between HBS and Harvards
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

ARUNA BAHUGUNA FIRST WOMAN TO BE APPOINTED CHIEF OF

NATIONAL POLICE ACADEMY
The Union Government appointed IPS Aruna Bahuguna as chief of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
National Police Academy, Hyderbad. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) issued the
orders for the appointment on 20 January 2014.
Aruna Bahuguna is the first woman to be appointed as the chief of the National Police
Academy. She is the 28th chief of the academy and will be at its helm till February 2017.
She will replace the incumbent IPS Subhas Goswami who was appointed as the Director General
of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in November 2013.

JAMILA BAYAZ, FIRST WOMEN TO BE APPOINTED POLICE CHIEF

OF KABUL PROVINCE
Jamila Bayaz was appointed as the police chief of District One of Kabul province on 15 January
2014. She is the first woman in Afghanistan to be appointed as police chief of an entire district.
She joined Afghan police force more than three decades ago and at present serving as Colonel
in Kabuls police force.
The appointment of Jamila Bayaz is significant in more than one sense. Firstly, the appointment
will pave the way for more Afghani women to rise through the ranks. Secondly, her
appointment as police chief to one of the core districts of Kabul testifies that women position in
Afghan society is improving since the Taliban were driven out from power in 2001.
District One of Kabul province houses the presidential palace and numerous ministries. Besides
it houses the Central Bank of Afghanistan and is the main money and gold market of
Afghanistan.
Kabul province is divided into 22 districts. Each number specifies the name of the district and is
organized in ascending order in order of importance.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

SIRAJUDDIN QURESHI ELECTED AS THE PRESIDENT OF IICC

Sirajuddin Qureshi was elected as the President of Indian Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC). The
Indian Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) held an election on 12 January 2014 for its managing body.
The election intended to elect office bearers for the posts of President, Vice-President,
Members of Board of Trustees and Executive Committee.
Other personalities that were elected are
Delhi Minorities Commission chairman Safdar H. Khan has been elected as viceresident.
Doordarshan News Director General S. M. Khan has been elected to the board of
trustees for the managing body of IICC.
Priority of the newly elected body are resuming civil service coaching classes for Muslim youth,
promoting vocational courses and to opening branches of IICC in six other States Bihar, Uttar
Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh.

UNINOR APPOINTED MORTEN SORBY AS NEW CEO

Uninor appointed Morten Karlsen Sorby as the new chief executive officer (CEO) on 8 January
2014.
Uninor is a joint venture between Telenor Group and Unitech Group. Telenor is a
telecommunications company headquartered in Oslo, Norway.
Morten Sorby is the fourth CEO of Uninor. Uninor started operations in 2009.
Telenor is in operational and managerial control of the Uninor. It offers mobile voice and data
services based on the GSM technology.
Uninor serves more than 32 million customers in 6 circles covering the states of Uttar Pradesh,
Uttarkhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.

US SENATE CONFIRMED JANET YELLEN AS NEXT CHAIRPERSON

OF FEDERAL RESERVE
The US Senate on 6 January 2014 confirmed the name of Janet Yellen as the first woman to lead
the US Federal Reserve. With this confirmation, the Senate has elevated an advocate to fight
unemployment and a backer of the Central Banks efforts to spur the economy with low
interest rates and massive bond purchases.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

She succeeds the Chairman Ben Bernanke as the next head of Americas central bank. Ben
Bernanke is stepping down after serving as the Chairman of Federal Bank for eight years, which
was dominated by the Great Recession and the efforts of the bank to combat it. Her term in the
office will begin on 1 February 2014. Her appointment marks an important shift in the direction
of the efforts of the banks policies as the monetary policy of past 5 years have resulted in fed
pouring about 3.8 trillion dollars into the US economy leading to the financial crisis.

CHANDRASHEKHAR APPOINTED THE PRESIDENT OF NASSCOM

R. Chandrashekhar was appointed as President of National Association of Software and Service
Companies (NASSCOM) on 4 January 2014.
R. Chandrasekhar succeeded Som Mittal whose tenure with the NASSCOM ended on 3 January
2014. He was at the helm of NASSCOM for six long years.
After taking over as the President of NASSCOM his immediate challenge would be to achieve
NASSCOMs ambitious target of 300 billion dollar of revenue by 2020 from the IT sector.
He had previously worked as the chairman of telecom commission and secretary of the
department of telecom till March 2013.
Chandrasekhar established the first department of Information Technology in the country in
Andhra Pradesh and was secretary of the department from June 1997 to December 1999.
Besides, drafting National Telecom Policy 2012, he played a key role in the drafting the first
National IT Policy and National Policy on Electronics during his dual role of IT and Telecom
Secretary with the Union Government.

SRINIVAS AND PRAVIN RAO APPOINTED INFOSYS PRESIDENTS

B. G. Srinivas and U.B. Pravin Rao appointed as presidents of the Infosys Ltd Company on 3
January 2014.
B. G. Srinivas will focus on global markets while U. B. Pravin Rao will focus on global delivery
and service innovation.
The financial services, insurance, manufacturing, engineering services, energy &
communications, Infosys public services, Infosys Lodestone, strategic global sourcing, marketing
and alliances will report to Srinivas

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Retail, consumer packaged goods and logistics, life sciences, resources & utilities, services,
growth markets, cloud and mobility, quality & productivity and Infosys Leadership Institute will
report to Rao

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Person Died
PAKISTANS LIBERAL RELIGIOUS SCHOLAR DR. SHAKEEL AUJ
SHOT DEAD IN KARACHI
Dr. Shakeel Auj, a liberal religious scholar and professor and a dean of Islamic Studies at Karachi
University was shot dead on 18 September 2014 in Karachi, Pakistan. He was shot down by
unknown assailants. He was accused of blasphemy for a speech given by him during his visit to
the United States in 2012.

MANDOLIN MAESTRO UPPALAPU SRINIVAS DIED

Music Maestro Mandolin player Uppalapu Srinivas died on 19 September 2014 in Chennai. He
died following a failed liver transplant at the age of 45. He is now survived by his father,
mother, a sister and brother Rajesh, who is also a mandolin player.

EX-ASSAM DGP SHANKAR BARUAH ACCUSED IN SARADHA CHIT

FUND SCAM DIED
Former Director General of Police of Assam, Sanker Baruah committed suicide on 17 September
2014. He shot himself down with his .32 licensed-revolver at his Uzan Bazar residence in
Guwahati.
His suicide came after CBI raided his residence during the course of investigation of multi-crore
Saradha chit fund case. CBI raided his house on 28 August 2014.
Sanker Baruah was a 1974 batch IPS officer and became DGP of Assam on 31 July 2009. He
served the state as the head of Assam police till January 2012.

JAPAN ACTRESS YOSHIKO YAMAGUCHI DIED

Yoshiko Yamaguchi, the film actress of Japan died due to heart failure on 7 September 2014.
She was 94. She was known as Rikoran and Shirley Yamaguchi in the US.
Yamaguchi was one of biggest Japanese film stars during and after World War II.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

EDUCATIONIST KIREET JOSHI DIED

Educationist Kireet Joshi died on 14 September 2014. He was 83. He was a former education
adviser to the Union government in 1976.
Joshi played an important role in developing and spreading the message of Integral education
both in India and abroad.

ISIS BEHEADED BRITISH CITIZEN, DAVID HAINES; DAVID

CAMERON VOWS TO HUNT DOWN KILLERS
The British aid worker, David Haines was in news as he was beheaded by Islamic State of Iraq
and Syria (ISIS) militants. He was kept as a hostage by the militant group in Syria and his
beheading was confirmed after the group released a video of beheading Haines on 13
September 2014.

FREEDOM FIGHTER AND JOURNALIST JITENDRA CHANDRA PAUL

DIED
Freedom fighter and veteran journalist Jitendra Chandra Paul died on 11 September 2014 at
B.R. Ambedkar Medical College in Agartala, Tripura. He was 101.

LEGENDARY NAZRUL SINGER FIROZA BEGUM DIED

Prominent Bangladeshi Nazrul Sangeet singer Firoza Begum died on 9 September 2014 in Dhaka
due to heart and kidney problems. She was 84.
She was best known for singing Nazrul Sangeet, a musical work composed by Bengali poet Kazi
Nazrul Islam.

JAMES BOND VILLAIN RICHARD KIEL DIED

Actor Richard Kiel who played steel-toothed villain role in two James Bond films died on 10
September 2014 in California. He was 74.
Kiel made his name as intimidating henchman and steel toothed villain against Roger Moore,
the James Bond.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

HABIB WALI MOHAMMAD DIED AT 90

Habib Wali Mohammad on 4 September 2014 died. He was 90. He was residing in Los Angeles
at the time of his death.
He was best known for his film ghazal Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo that catapulted him to
widespread recognition.
Habib Wali received classical music lessons from Ustad Latafath Husain, nephew of Ustad
Fayyaz Khan.

FORMER NASA SCIENTIST DR. NOEL W. HINNERS DIED

A former NASA chief scientist Dr. Noel W. Hinners died on 5 September 2014 due to brain
tumor. He was 78.
He was involved in the scientific exploration of the moon for the Apollo program and later
oversaw projects such as the Mars Surveyor Program.

US COMEDIAN AND TALK-SHOW HOST JOAN RIVERS DIED

Legendary US comedian and talk-show host Joan Rivers died on 4 September following a
cardiac arrest on 28 August 2014. She was 81.
Joan Rivers was an American actress, comedian, writer, producer, television host and was best
known for her stand-up comedy.

SRI LANKAS TRADE UNIONIST, BALA THAMPOE DIED

Trade Unionist Bala Thampoe died on 1 September 2014 in Sri Lanka. He was 92. He played a
major role in Sri Lankas labour movement for nearly seven decades.
He was a general secretary of the Ceylon Mercantile Union (CMU) for the last 65 years. He was
considered as one of the most powerful private sector unions in Sri Lanka.

WORLD'S OLDEST TEST CRICKETER NORMAN GORDON DIED

The world`s oldest test cricketer Norman Gordon died in Johannesburg on 2 September 2014.
He was 103. He was a former South African international fast bowler.

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Norman Gordon was the oldest living international cricketer and was the last man alive to have
played Test cricket before World War II. Now, the former South African Lindsay Tuckett is the
oldest living international cricketer.

FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL OF INDIA GOOLAM ESSAJI

VAHANVATI DIED
Former Attorney General of India Goolam Essaji Vahanvati died of a heart attack in Mumbai on
2 September 2014. He was 65.
He was the first Muslim to become India's Attorney General.

FORMER FOREIGN SECRETARY A.P. VENKATESWARAN DIED

Former foreign secretary and a member of the Indian Foreign Service AP Venkateshwaran died
on 2 September 2014. He was 84.
He is survived by wife Usha Venkateshwaran and daughter Kalpana who is a well-known
choreographer settled in the US.

RENOWNED KATHAK DANCER MAYA RAO DIED

Veteran Kathak dancer Maya Rao died on 1 September 2014 following a massive cardiac arrest
on 31 August 2014. She was 86.
Known for her mastery over abhinaya and dance ballet, Maya Rao helped the dance form
Kathak to gain popularity in South India.

RENOWNED
TELUGU
LAKSHMINARAYANA DIED

FILMMAKER

SATTIRAJU

Renowned Telugu filmmaker Sattiraju Lakshminarayana nicknamed Bapu died on 31 August

2014 in Chennai. He passed away due to a cardiology-related ailment. He was 80.
Bapu was also an acclaimed artist, painter, cartoonist and illustrator. Now, he is survived by two
sons and a daughter.

NOTED HISTORIAN BIPAN CHANDRA DIED

Bipan Chandra, former professor of history, was considered to be a specialist in the economic
and political history of modern India and was a left leaning historian.
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THAI COUP LEADER PRAYUTH CHAN-OCHA ELECTED AS PRIME

MINISTER OF THAILAND
Thailand coup leader, Army Chief Prayuth Chan-ocha was elected as the Prime Minister of
Thailand on 21 August 2014. His election to the post of 29th Prime Minister of Thailand was
backed by 191 members of the 197-strong junta-picked National Legislative Assembly (NLA).

SENIOR MP KV THOMAS APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN OF PAC

Prof. Kuruppassery Varkey Thomas was appointed as Chairman of Public Accounts Committee
(PAC) on 20 August 2014. He will be the 94th Chairman of PAC. KV Thomas is the senior
Congress Parliamentarian from Ernakulum Constituency, Kerala.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Murli Manohar Joshi was his predecessor and was chairman of
PAC for four consecutive years during 15th Lok Sabha (2009-2014).

EMINENT KANNADA WRITER UR ANANTHAMURTHY DIED AT 82

UR Ananthamurthy, an eminent Kannada writer died on 22 August 2014 at a hospital in
Bangalore. The Jnanpith awardee Ananthamurthy died due to kidney failure for which he was
admitted in a hospital. He was 82.
Ananthamurthy was a new voice in Kannada literature and is considered as one of the pioneers
of the Navya movement. His nomination for the 2013 Man Booker International Prize brought
him to the attention of a Western audience.

VETERAN CPI-M LEADER AMITAVA NANDY DIED AT 71

Veteran Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Amitava Nandy died on 15 August
2014 in Kolkata. He was 71 and was suffering from cancer in pancreas.
The President of India Pranab Mukherjee sent a condolence message to Nandy's wife, Ila
Nandy, who is a councillor of Bidhannagar Municipality.

SQUASH LEGEND OF PAKISTAN HASHIM KHAN DIED

Squash Legend of Pakistan Hashim Khan died on 18 August 2014. He died due to congestive
heart failure. He was believed to be 100. He died at his home in Aurora, Colorado.
World-renowned yoga guru B K S Iyengar died
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

World-renowned yoga guru Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar died on 20 August 2014.
He died at the age of 96. He died due to renal failure at a Pune-based hospital.
An eminent exponent of yoga as enunciated in the ancient Patanjali Sutra, Iyengar was credited
with spreading practice of yoga to about 60 countries which he visited carrying message from
the east to the west.

IRANIAN POET SIMIN BEHBAHANI DIED

Poet Simin Behbahani, the Lioness of Iran, died on 19 August 2014 in Tehran, Iran. She died of
heart and respiratory complications and had been in coma for two weeks. She was 87.
She was a champion of womens rights and captured the hopes and disappointments of
Iranians since 1979 Iran Revolution through her poetry.

EMINENT HINDI LITTERATEUR MADHUKAR SINGH DIED AT 87

Madhukar Singh, an eminent Hindi litterateur died at his residence in village Dharahara of
Bhojpur district on 21 July 2014. He was 87.
He was bedridden since many years after a paralytic attack and is now survived by three
daughters and three sons

SUSHILARANI PATEL, A CLASSICAL SINGER DIED AT 96

Sushilarani Patel, the renowned classical singer of India died at her Bandra home on 24 July
2014 due to heart attack. She was 96. She in 2002 became a Sangeet Natak Academy laureate.
Patel, a widow of Baburao Patel was living alone in her Bandra home since his death in 1982
and was cared by her disciplines as she had no close relatives. Baburao Patel was the person,
who ran Indias first Bollywood trade journal FilmIndia.

BANGLADESH FREEDOM FIGHTER BIR BIKROM UK CHING

MARMA DIED
Bir Bikrom UK Ching Marma, the well known Bangladeshi freedom fighter died on 25 July 2014.
He was 76. He died at Chittagong Medical College Hospital due to brain stroke.
He was given state honour at his Langipara home, about 2 kilometres from the district town, in
presence of top officials of district administration, police and army.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

VETERAN JOURNALIST SUNDARAM SANKARAN DIED AT 87

Veteran Journalist Sundaram Sankaran died on 19 July 2014. He passed away at his residence in
Kensington, Maryland in the US. He was 87.
He served the World Bank for more than 25 years in Washington D.C. He joined the World Bank
in 1962 as a writer in the Office of Information and played a key role in shaping World Bank's
information policy in developing countries. He retired from World Bank in 1988 as Chief of the
Banks Public Affairs Division.

AMERICAN ACTOR JAMES GARNER DIED AT 86

American actor James Garner died at the age of 86 in Los Angeles on 19 July 2014. He was best
known for playing a detective Jim Rockford in crime series Rockford Files and also famous for
his role in western drama, Maverick.
Garner starred in films such as The Great Escape (1963), The Americanization of Emily (1964),
Grand Prix (1966), Blake Edwards' Victor Victoria (1982), Murphy's Romance (1985) Space
Cowboys (2000), and The Notebook (2004).

SOUTH AFRICAN NOBEL-PRIZE WINNING AUTHOR NADINE

GORDIMER DIED
Nadine Gordimer, the South African Nobel Prize-winning author, died on 14 July 2014 in
Johannesburg. She was 90.
Her last novel No Time Like the Present was published in 2012.

SENIOR VHP LEADER GIRIRAJ KISHORE DIED AT 94

Giriraj Kishore, the senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader died on 13 July 2014 following
prolonged illness in New Delhi. He was 94-year-old.
Giriraj Kishore, a bachelor who was wheelchair-ridden for last few years earlier had pledged to
donate his body for social cause.

WORLD-RENOWNED CONDUCTOR LORIN MAAZEL DIED AT 84

Lorin Varencove Maazel, the American conductor of classical music, violinist and composer died
on 13 July 2014 at his home in Castleton, Virginia. He died due to complications following
pneumonia. He was 84 and is survived by four daughters, three sons and four grandchildren.
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VETERAN ACTRESS ZOHRA SEHGAL DIED AT 102

Veteran actress, Zohra Sehgal died on 10 July 2014 at a private Hospital in New Delhi. She was
102. She died due to cardiac arrest.
Zohra Sehgal as an actress made a mark across generations and was associated with Bollywood
for seven decades. She was called as the grand old lady of Bollywood.

EDUARD SHEVARDNADZE, THE EX-PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA DIED

AT 86
Eduard Shevardnadze, the former President of Georgia died on 7 July 2014. He died after
prolong illness at the age of 86.

ALFREDO DI STEFANO, THE REAL MADRID FC LEGEND DIED

Alfredo Di Stefano, the legend of Real Madrid Football Club, died on 7 July 2014 at the General
Universatario Gregorio Maranon Hospital in Madrid. He was 88. He died after suffering a heart
attack.

GRANVILLE AUSTIN, THE SCHOLAR OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION

DIED
Granville Austin, the eminent scholar of the Indian Constitution died on 6 July 2014 in
Washington DC. He died at the age of 87. He described Indian Constitution as first and foremost
a social document that embodied the objectives of a social revolution.

FOUNDER OF DELHI GYMKHANA CLUB DILBAGH SINGH DIED AT

81
Dilbagh Singh, the noted club cricketer and founder of Delhi Gymkhana Club, died on 18 August
2104. He was 81. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
His younger son Bantu Singh also was a dependable middle-order batsman who played for Delhi
during the mid 80's to early 90's and has also captained the side.

BRAZILIAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE EDUARDO CAMPOS DIED

Eduardo Campos, the Brazilian presidential candidate, died on 13 August 2014 after his private
jet crashed in So Paulo, Brazil. He was 49.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Campos, a former governor of the north-eastern state of Pernambuco, was the leader of the
Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB). He was the frontrunner in the presidential election in Brazil which
was due to take place in October 2014.

GOALKEEPING GREAT VLADIMIR BEARA OF CROATIA DIED AT 85

Goalkeeping great Vladimir Beara of Croatia died in city Split of Croatia on 11 August 2014. He
died after a series of strokes over the past year. He was 85.
He was considered to be one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time in Football history. In 1963
legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin while receiving FIFAs Golden Ball had reportedly said,
I am not the best goalkeeper in the world, it is Vladimir Beara.

LEGENDARY BURRA KATHA EXPONENT DAROJI ERAMMA DIED

Daroji Eramma, one of the last exponents of Burra katha, passed away on 12 August 2014 at a
private hospital in Bellary, Karnataka. She was 84.

OSCAR WINNING ACTOR ROBIN WILLIAMS DIED

Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams was found dead at his home in Tiburon,
California on 11 August 2014. He was 63.
Robin Williams was remarkably known for his accurate impersonations. He will be remembered
for his crazy comic personality and great dramatic performances hereafter.

RESHAMLAL JANGADE, THE MEMBER OF FIRST LOK SABHA,

DIED
Reshamlal Jangade, the veteran politician and a member of the country's first Lok Sabha from
undivided Madhya Pradesh, died on 11 August 2014. He died at a private hospital in Raipur
following a prolonged illness. He was 90.

SIR PETER GEOFFREY HALL, THE URBAN TOWN PLANNER DIED

AT 82
Sir Peter Hall, United Kingdoms planning academician and professor died on 30 July 2014 at
University College Hospital, London. He was 82. His death was confirmed by University College
London where he taught as a professor of planning.

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JEET BAHADUR, THE GODSON OF PM NARENDRA MODI,

REUNITED WITH HIS FAMILY IN NEPAL
Jeet Bahadur Maru Sagar, the godson of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was reunited with his
family in Kathmandu, Nepal on 3 August 2014. He was reunited with his family during Modis
two-day official visit to Nepal.

EDUARD SHEVARDNADZE, THE EX-PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA DIED

AT 86
Eduard Shevardnadze, the former President of Georgia died on 7 July 2014. He died after
prolong illness at the age of 86.

ALFREDO DI STEFANO, THE REAL MADRID FC LEGEND DIED

Alfredo Di Stefano, the legend of Real Madrid Football Club, died on 7 July 2014 at the General
Universatario Gregorio Maranon Hospital in Madrid. He was 88. He died after suffering a heart
attack.

GRANVILLE AUSTIN, THE SCHOLAR OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION

DIED
Granville Austin, the eminent scholar of the Indian Constitution died on 6 July 2014 in
Washington DC. He died at the age of 87. He described Indian Constitution as first and foremost
a social document that embodied the objectives of a social revolution.

OLYMPIAN AND WW II VETERAN LOUIS ZAMPERINI DIED

Louis Zamperini, a 1936 US Olympic distance runner and World War II veteran, died due to
pneumonia on 2 July 2014. He was 97.

FORMER HAITIAN PRESIDENT LESLIE MANIGAT DIED AT 83

Former Haitian president Leslie Francois Manigat on 27 June 2014 died at the age of 83. He was
elected as the President of Haiti in January 1988 but was overthrown by General Henri Namphy
in June 1988.
He led the centre-left Assembly of Progressive National Democrats party (RNDP) that was
founded in the late 1970s.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

RAMANARAYANAN, TAMIL FILM DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER,

DIED AT 65
Ramanarayanan, Tamil film director and producer died on 22 June 2014 in Singapore at the age
of 65. He has directed 125 films and holds the world record of directing the maximum number
of movies by a director.

GARY GILMOUR, FORMER CRICKETER OF AUSTRALIA DIED

Gary Gilmour, a former all-round cricketer of Australia died on 10 June 2014 in Sydney. He died
at the age of 62 after battling with health problems for many years.

CHESTER NEZ, THE LAST OF WORLD WAR II NAVAJO CODE

TALKER DIED
Chester Nez, the last of the World War II Navajo code talkers died on 4 June 2014. He died at
his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the age of 93. He was one of the 29 Navajos who
created an unbreakable code that was never broken by any one.

UNION RURAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTER GOPITNATH MUNDE

DIED
Union Rural Development Minister, Gopinath Munde died in a road accident in Delhi on 3 June
2014. Munde was sworn-in as the Cabinet Minister for Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and
Sanitation and Rural Development on 26 May 2014.

N SRINIVASAN, THE VETERAN NUCLEAR SCIENTIST DIED

N Srinivasan, the veteran nuclear scientist and Padma Bhushan recipient died on 18 May 2014.
He died due to cardiac arrest at the age of 84.
About N Srinivasan
He joined Department of Atomic Energy in 1953
He was the design engineer for the Plutonium (Pu) plant at Trombay
He established the indigenous technology for reprocessing spent fuels from thermal reactors
Srinivasan was the first project director of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research
(formerly called Reactor Research Centre) at Kalpakkam
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

 Srinivasan helped India to attain self-sufficiency in Heavy Water Production as Chief Executive
of Heavy Water Board
He was a member of Atomic Energy Commission during 1982 to 87
He was awarded with Padma Bhusan in 2000
In 2009, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award of department of Atomic Energy for
excellence in science and technology

RUSSI MODY, THE FORMER TATA STEELS CHAIRMAN DIED

Russi Mody the former Chairman of Tata Steels (formerly called TISCO) died on 16 May 2014 in
Alipore in South Kolkata. He was 96. Fondly called the Grand Old Man of Steel, he was known
for his man management.
Born to Sir Homi Mody and Lady Jerbhai on 17 January 1918, Mody did his schooling from
Harrow School in England and college from Christ Church College, Oxford.

FOUNDER OF LEELA GROUP HOTELS KRISHNAN NAIR DIED

Capitan Krishnan Nair, founder of Leela Group of Hotels died on 17 May 2014 in Mumbai. He
died at the age of 91. He received the Padma Bhushan award in 2010.
About Krishnan Nair
Nair was a war veteran was born in Kannur district of Kerala in 1922.
Nair joined the freedom movement at the age of 13 and joined Indian Army in Bangalore.
Later he joined as wireless officer in Abbottabad and he rose to the rank of a captain in the
Maratha Light Infantry.
He founded the Leela Hotel in Mumbai in 1987. He expanded the Leela Palaces, Hotels and
Resorts in a span of 25 years to eight luxury properties in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore,
Gurgaon, Udaipur, Goa, Chennai and Kovalam.
The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS) awarded him the Lifetime Achievement
Award.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) awarded him the Global 500 Roll of
Honour award in 1999.

BRITISH ACTOR BOB HOSKINS DIED AT 71

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

British actor Bob Hoskins died of pneumonia at the age of 71 in London on 29 April 2014. He is
best known for roles in The Long Good Friday, Mona Lisa and Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
His most memorable performance was as the Cockney cabbie in Mona Lisa film for which he
was nominated for Oscar and won best actor awards at Cannes, the BAFTAs and the Golden
Globes. He also worked in the US film likes The Cotton Club, Maid in Manhattan and Nixon.

ARTURO LICATA, THE WORLD'S OLDEST MAN DIED IN ITALY AT

AGE 111
Arturo Licata, the Worlds oldest man died in Italy on 27 April 2014 at the age of 111. He was
awarded the Guinness World Records title of oldest living man on 28 February 2014 at the age
of 111 years and 302 days.
He was named as the oldest living man after the death of previous holder of the record
Salustiano Sanchez. Salustiano Sanchez died in September 2013 at the age of 112 years and 97
days.
Licata was born into a family of four brothers and two sisters in Sicily. He had seven children,
eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He joined army in 1921 and served it as a
soldier in East Africa during invasion of Ethiopia as ordered by the Italian fascist regime.
Currently 115-year-old female, Misao Okawa of Japan, is recognised by Guinness World Records
as the world's oldest living person.

CANADIAN AUTHOR ALISTAIR MACLEOD DIED

Canadian author Alistair MacLeod on 20 April 2014 died due to a heart stroke. He was 77. He
was best known for his short story collections and novel No Great Mischief.
He wrote his first short story The Boat in 1968. MacLeod's only novel No Great Mischief was
published in 1999. The novel won Ontario's Trillium Prize and the prestigious 2001 IMPAC
Dublin Literary Award.
It was recognized as Atlantic Canada's best book in the 2009 survey Atlantic Canada's 100
Greatest Books.

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NOBEL LAUREATE GABRIEL GARCIA MARQUEZ DIED AT 87

Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the Nobel laureate in literature died at the age of 87 in Mexico on 17
April 2014. He was considered the most popular Spanish-language writer after Miguel de
Cervantes in the 17th Century.
He was born in Colombia in 1927 and received the Nobel Prize in 1982 for literature. His novels
and short stories were about Latin Americas passion, superstition, violence and inequality.
He was an elder statesman of Latin American journalism, with magisterial works of narrative
non-fiction that included the Story of A Shipwrecked Sailor, the tale of a seaman lost on a life
raft for 10 days.
His stories made him the best-known practitioner of magical realism and the fictional blending
of the everyday with fantastical elements in literature such as a boy born with a pig's tail and a
man trailed by a cloud of yellow butterflies.

KHUSHWANT SINGH,
JOURNALIST DIED

THE

RENOWNED

AUTHOR

AND

Khushwant Singh, the renowned author and journalist died on 20 March 2014 at the age of 99
at his home in Sujan Singh Park in Delhi. He was mainly famous as the best storyteller. He was a
lawyer, who turned to be a diplomat followed by being a writer.
He is survived by his son Rahul Singh and daughter Mala.

FORMER SIERRA LEONE PRESIDENT, AHMAD TEJAN KABBAH

DIED
Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, the former President and leader of Sierra Leone died on 13 March 2014
in Freetown. He was 82. He played a pivotal role in gaining peace to the country after 11-year
long brutal civil war. The war was infamous for the use of child soldiers, which was also
criticized for the use of Blood diamonds in funding the violence.

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EMINENT PAINTER PROKASH KARMAKAR DIED

Prokash Karmakar, an eminent painter died on 24 February 2014 following age-related illness.
He was 81. His paintings reflected the degenerating society and the confusion that prevails in
modern India.
Karmakar was influenced by the works of Picasso and other impressionists of the 19th century
Impressionism movement. The term impressionist was coined by Louis Leroy, a French art critic
in 1874 based upon the painting impression, Sunrise on Monets painting. This term was
created to define loose, undefined and unfinished style that was used by Monet and several
other artists.

HINDI WRITER AND JNANPITH AWARD WINNER AMAR KANT

DIED
Hindi writer Amar Kant died due to ill health at his residence in Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh on
17 February 2014. He was 89. His short stories and novels portray the common peoples life and
often his works were being compared with the legendary Prem Chand.
About Amar Kant
Kant was born in 1925 in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh. Amarkant took active part in the Quit
India Movement of 1942.
Amar Kant prominent novels are Inhin Hathiyaron Se, Katili Raah Ke Phool, Sookha Patta, Kale
Ujle and Beech ki Deewar. Other story collections are Zindagi Aur Jonk, Desk Ke Log, Maut Ka
Nagar, Mitra Milan and Kuhasa.
Kant received the 45th Jnanpith Award in 2009 along with Shree Lal Shukla, Hindi satirist of
Raag Darbari fame.

FAMOUS BENGALI ACTRESS SUCHITRA SEN DIED

Famous Bengali actress Suchitra Sen died in Kolkota on 17 January 2014. She was 82.
She was born as Rama Dasgupta in Pabna district of West Bengal on 16 April 1931.
She was famously known as the Greta Garbo of Bengali cinema and had worked in more than
60 films, the most memorable being Aandhi in hindi and Deep Jwele Jai in Bengali. For Aandhi
she was nominated for the Filmfare Best Actress Award.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The other memorable films in Bengali include Saat Paake Bandha, Agnipariksha, Saptapadi and
Deep Jwele Jai.
In 1955, Suchitra Sen starred as Paro in her first Hindi film Devdas which was Bimal Roy's
adaptation of Bengali classic Devdas. She played the leading lady opposite Dilip Kumar and
Vyjayanthimala in the film.
In 1963, Suchitra Sen became the first Indian actress to win an international award. She had
received the Silver Prize for Best Actress at the Moscow Film Festival for Saptapadi.
In 2012, Suchitra Sen received the Banga Bibhushan award from the government of West
BengaL.

FAMOUS MARATHI WRITER NAMDEO DHASAL DIED

Namdeo Dhasal, the famous Marathi poet, writer and social activist died in Mumbai on 15
January 2014. He was born on 15 February 1949 in Pune district.
His selected poems were translated into English under the title Namdeo Dhasal: Poet of the
Underworld, Poems 1972-2006. He practiced the ideals of BR Ambedkar throughout his life. He
used his works like Golpitha, Khel and Tu Hi Yatta Kunchi to highlight problems of dalit
community.
He was one of the founders of the militant Dalit Panther movement after the casteist riots in
Worli's BDD chawls.
Awards won by Namdeo Dhasal
In 1999, he was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri Award
In 2004, he won Sahitya Akadamis Life time achievement award
He received the Soviet Land Nehru award in 1974 for his collection of poems Golpitha

ISRAELS FORMER PRIME MINISTER ARIEL SHARON DIED

Israels former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon died on 11 January 2014.The former general
of Israeli Army had been in coma since 4 January 2006. He was 85.
He served as the 11th Prime Minister of Israel until he was incapacitated by a stroke.
Sharon was a commander in the Israeli Army from its creation in 1948.
Sharon was born in British-mandate Palestine on February 26, 1928, to immigrants from
Belarus. He was just 17 when he joined the Haganah, the militia that fought in the 1948
war of independence and eventually became the Israeli army.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Sharon switched to politics in 1973, championing the development of Jewish

settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
He was famous for his personal but "indirect" responsibility in the 1982 massacre of
hundreds of Palestinians by Israel's Lebanese Phalangist allies in Beirut's Sabra and
Shatila refugee camps.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Report | Survey
WEALTH-X AND UBS BILLIONAIRE CENSUS 2014 RELEASED
The Wealth-X and UBS Billionaire Census 2014 was released on 17 September 2014. The census
looked at the global billionaire population from July 2013 to June 2014.
The Wealth-X and UBS Billionaire Census 2014 is the only comprehensive global study on the
composition and dynamics of the top-tier of the global ultra high net worth (UHNW)
population.

20TH ASIAN JUNIOR & CADET TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

2014
The 20th Asian Junior & Cadet Table Tennis Championship was held at Sardar Vallabhai Patel
Indoor Stadium in Mumbai from 12 to 16 September 2014. China topped the medals list with
six Gold medals (in singles and doubles and in team events), five silvers and four bronze medals.

WHO RELEASED
PREVENTION

FIRST

GLOBAL

REPORT

ON

SUICIDE

The World Health Organization (WHO) on 4 September 2014 released its first global report on
suicide prevention. The report is aimed to increase awareness of suicide and suicide attempts
among the people and urge governments to develop comprehensive suicide prevention
strategies.
The report was launched just a week before World Suicide Prevention Day that is observed
every year on 10 September. The Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about suicide
and suicide prevention around the world.

KPMG-FICCI STUDY RANKED INDIA AMONG

MEDICAL TOURISM DESTINATIONS IN ASIA

TOP

THREE

KPMG-FICCI on 1 September 2014 released a study on medical tourism destinations titled

Medical Value Travel in India. The study has ranked India among top three medical tourism
destinations in Asia. The other two countries within Asia that receive maximum medical tourists
are Thailand and Singapore. As per the report, these three countries together accounted for
about 60 percent of the total Asian revenue in 2012.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX 2014 RELEASED

The Global Innovation Index 2014 (GII) was released at the B20 Australia Summit held in Sydney
on 18 July 2014. The 2014 Index was released by the Australias industry minister Ian
Macfarlane.
GII 2014 in its 9th edition covers 143 countries around the world and uses 81 indicators across a
range of theme.
The theme of the GII 2014 is Human Factor in Innovation and the main authors of the GII 2014
are Soumitra Dutta, Bruno Lanvin, and Sacha Wunsch-Vincent.

EARTHQUAKES IN OKLAHOMA DUE TO WASTEWATER DISPOSAL

WELLS: CORNELL UNIVERSITY
The Earthquakes in Oklahoma since 2009 increased due to massive injections of subsurface
wastewater from the oil and gas industry at a handful of wastewater disposal wells.
This was revealed by a study conducted by Cornell University researchers led by Prof Katie
Keranen. The Study was published in the journal Science on 3 July 2014.

UN RELEASED WORLD URBANIZATION PROSPECTS REPORT 2014

The United Nation (UN) on 10 July 2014 launched the 2014 revision of the World Urbanisation
Prospects report. The report said that at present, 54 percent of the world's population lives in
urban areas, which will have an additional 2.5 billion people in urban areas by 2050.

INDIA STATE OF FOREST REPORT 2013 RELEASED BY UNION

ENVIRONMENT MINISTER
India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2013 was released in New Delhi by Prakash Javadekar, Union
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment, Forests & Climate of 8 July 2014. The
India State of Forest Report 2013 is 13th report in the series.

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GOOGLE POLLUTED INTERNET WITH CLASSIFIED MATERIAL:

SURVEY OF INDIA
Survey of India (SoI), the official mapping agency of the country on 10 August 2014 alleged that
Google continued to pollute the internet with the map results of Indias classified areas even
after being warned against it.
The Survey of India is the complainant in the case. Initially Delhi Police probed in the case, but
afterwards the case was handed over to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as investigation
involved a US based company.

INDIA HAS OVER 1 MILLION CHILDREN OUT OF SCHOOL:

UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on 26 June 2014
released a report. The report released that around 58 million children aged 6 to 11 are still out
of school.

ANGELA MERKEL TOPPED FORBES MOST POWERFUL WOMEN

LIST 2014
German Chancellor, Angela Merkel topped the Forbes annual list of Most Powerful Women
2014 in the world. The annual list of Forbes was released on 28 May 2014. Angela Merkel
topped the list for fourth year in a row and nine times overall.

WORLD GOLD COUNCIL GOLD DEMAND TRENDS REPORT

RELEASED
World Gold Council Gold Demand Trends Report was released by the World Gold Council on 20
May 2014. The Report covers the period from January 2014 March 2014 (or Quarter 1).
According to the Report the demand for gold has returned to the long-term quarterly average
demand trends established over the past 5 years.

FORBES 11TH ANNUAL GLOBAL 2000 LIST RELEASED

Forbes 11th annual Global 2000 list was released on 7 May 2014. The Forbes Global 2000 is a
comprehensive list of the worlds largest, most powerful public companies, which was
measured by revenues, profits, assets and market value.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The top three biggest public companies and five of the top 10 are from China and added 25
firms to the list. The top 5 companies in the list are
1. Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), China Banking
2. China Construction Bank, China Bankin
3. Agricultural Bank of China, China Banking
4. JPMorgan Chase, United States Banking
5. Berkshire Hathaway, United States Conglomerate

WHO DECLARED OUTBREAK OF POLIO AS WORLD HEALTH

EMERGENCY
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on 5 May 2014 declared outbreak of polio as a World
Health Emergency after detecting new cases of polio across borders from countries like Syria
and Pakistan.
WHO recommended citizens of affected countries travelling abroad to carry a vaccination
certificate.
As per the WHO, the virus is considered endemic in only three countries: Afghanistan, Nigeria
and Pakistan.
Although, WHO has also listed Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Israel and Somalia as countries
among posing an ongoing risk for new wild poliovirus exportations in 2014.
As per WHO, Syria which was polio-free for 14 years was re-infected with the virus from
Pakistan.
It is only the second time in the WHO's history it has made such a declaration, the first being
during the swine flu pandemic of 2009.
WHO recorded 417 cases of polio worldwide in 2013, while till April 2014, it had already
recorded 68 cases. Between January 2014 and April 2014, three new importations of the virus
were detected, from Pakistan to Afghanistan, Syria to Iraq and Cameroon to Equatorial Guinea.
Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal viral disease that mainly affects children under the age
of five.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

The virus is transmitted through contaminated food and water, and multiplies in the intestine.
It can then invade the nervous system, causing paralysis in one in every 200 infections. It is
capable of causing death within hours.

IMPROVE THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN INDIA REPORT

RELEASED
Improving the Business Environment in India report was released on 6 May 2014. The report on
Best Practices to Improve Business Environment across States/Union Territories in India was
prepared by consultancy firm Accenture on behalf of the Department of Industrial Policy and
Promotion.
The report highlighted few facts and best practices adopted by some states like
Gujarat - model of land acquisition was termed as the best in the country
Karnataka integrated and comprehensive system for VAT in
Maharashtra Labour Management solution and setting up Maharashtra Industry, Trade and
Investment Facilitation Cell
Rajasthan and Punjab single window clearance system

INTERNET TO HAVE 3 BILLION USERS BY END OF 2014: ITU

REPORT
United Nations International Telecommunications Union (ITU) on 5 May 2014 released the new
statistics ICT [Information and Communications Technology]. The statistics claimed that by the
end of 2014 the world will have about 3 billion internet users two-thirds of them will be from
the developing world with mobile-broadband penetration approaching 32 percent. The 3
billion people accounts for about 40 percent of worlds population.
The ICT figures also highlighted that by the end of 2014, the mobile-cellular will reach 7 billion
of which over 75 percent users will be a part of developing countries.
Figurative details of for other countries and region by the end of 2014
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

 Africa about one fifth of the population will have an access to Internet
Americas nearly two-thirds of the population will be online
Europe highest Internet penetration rate of 75 percent
Asia-Pacific region the largest population of Internet users

INDIA DROPPED TO 78 IN LATEST FREEDOM OF THE PRESS 2014

India dropped to 78 in the latest Freedom of the press 2014. Press freedom score of India
declined by a point to 39 and dropped it in the list of countries with partially free media. In
2013 Index, the rank of India was 20 with 38 points.
Sweden topped the list and belongs to the world's most independent press.
The world's eight worst-rated countries remain Belarus, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran,
North Korea, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

WEF RELEASED GLOBAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY REPORT

2014
World Economic Forum (WEF) released 13th Edition of the Global Information Technology
Report 2014 on 14 April 2014 in New York. India was ranked 83 among 148 economies in terms
of leveraging information and communications technologies for growth and well being.
According to the Report, little progress been made in bridging the gap between the most
networked economies of world and the rest of the world. Many large emerging economies
continue to struggle to realise their full digital potential and feature lower down the index,
while developed economies feature on the top.
Besides, the constant digital divide across the economies, government should also be wary of
understanding, identifying and addressing potential internal digital divides so that new
opportunities can be created for all and support enhanced social inclusion.
The top ten ranks in the list are Finland (rank 1); Singapore (rank 2); Sweden (rank 3);
Netherlands (rank 4th); Norway (rank 5th); Switzerland (rank 6th); United States (rank 7th);
Hong Kong SAR (rank 8th); United Kingdom (rank 9th); Republic of Korea (rank 10th)
Among emerging market economies, China was ranked 62nd position, Brazil (69th), Mexico
(79th) and India (83rd). India is the least performing of the BRICS economies and slipped from
rank 68th (out of 144 economies) to the 83rd rank.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Other economies are Sri Lanka (rank 69), Bangladesh (rank 114), Nepal (rank 126) and Pakistan
(rank 105).
The drop in rankings of India can be traced back mainly to difficulties in improving historical
limitations and keeping up with other emerging in several dimensions. The quality of political,
regulatory, business environment and lack of digital infrastructure are different issues hindered
the network readiness profile of India.
About World Economic Forum (WEF)

WEF is an International Institution committed to improving the state of the world through
public-private cooperation. It was founded in 1971.
The WEF will publish reports such as the Global Competitiveness Report, the Global Risks
Report and the Global Gender Gap Report. And also produces landmark titles covering the
environment, education, individual industries and technologies.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
WORLDWIDE RELEASED

REPORT

ON

DEATH

PENALTY

Amnesty International released its annual report on death penalty in London on 27 March
2014. According to report, at least 22 countries which are still applying death penalty, consider
the abolition of capital punishment as a top priority. Also the number of countries which use
the death penalty has reduced in the last 20 years.
Main highlights of the Report
In 2013, at least 778 executions were recorded which is an increase of almost 15 percent as
compared to 682 in 2012 excluding the China.
There was a sharp increase in global trend in the number of executions in Iran (369) and Iraq
(169) in 2013.
China, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the USA topped the list in executions. In fact China is the
country where more people are executed than anywhere else in the world.
The USA is the only country in the Americas to carry out executions in 2013. The death
penalty in the USA continued to be marked by error, inconsistency, racial disparities and, in a
number of cases, a lack of adherence to specific provisions of international law or safeguards.
In 2013, there were 39 executions carried out in 9 states of USA which is an increase of 34
percent in 2012 and there were 3108 people on death row in 2013.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

 Europe and northern Central Asia became execution-free zones, where no case of capital
punishment has been reported since 2009.

WIPRO AND TATA POWER AMONG WORLD'S MOST ETHICAL

FIRMS
Wipro Limited and Tata Power Company on 20 March 2014 emerged as the only Indian entities
in the 2014 list of World's Most Ethical Companies. The list was prepared by the US-based
entity, Ethisphere Institute.
Ethisphere Institute has prepared a list of 144 companies has featured at least three global
firms are headed by an India-origin individuals. They are namely
Satya Nadella-led software giant Microsoft Corporation
Indra Nooyi-led beverages company PepsiCo
Shantanu Narayen-led software major Adobe Systems
The list of 144 companies has 21 first-time entrants. The 144 companies are of different sectors
like Aerospace and Defence, Agriculture, Automative, Banking, Computer Services, Chemicals,
Electronics and others. None of the companies have been ranked in any sector.

INDIA RANKED 4TH IN SPAM E-MAILS EXPORT: MICROSOFT

REPORT
India was ranked fourth in a Microsoft report in the list of the countries sending out spam emails. Microsoft on 28 February 2014 released security intelligence report saying that spam
emails contents are malicious and carries advertisements for pharma products and sexually
explicit material. The report is based on the survey conducted during January to June 2013.
In the list of the Microsoft report, India has followed three nations namely
US topped the list for sending maximum number of Botnet spam
China
The UK
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Cyber criminals share out malicious software or malware that can turn a computer into a bot
also known as a zombie or robot. Zombie or robot automates the tasks of the computer over
the internet without being in knowledge of the PC (personal computer) owner.
Governments and industry response team can understand the magnitude of security problems
by determining the originating place of bonet spam.
India was also victim of a number of cybercrimes and ranked fifth in terms of malware
encounters. The encounter rate increased slightly from 29.31 percent in the first quarter to
29.44 percent in second quarter of 2013. Worms, Trojans and viruses were most prevalent form
of attack in India.
The US topped the encounter rate followed by Brazil, Russia and Turkey. Other countries are
Mexico, Germany, France, China and the UK. Encounter rate refers to a percentage of
computers running Microsoft real-time security products encountering malware during
particular period.

INDIA IS THE WORLDS LARGEST ARMS IMPORTER: SIPRI

A new data on international arms transfers released on 17 March 2014 said that Indias import
of weapon systems is three times more than Pakistan and China. The report published by as
Swedish Think Tank, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has claimed that
India continues to be the largest buyer of arms in the world.
The new data has ranked China and Pakistan second and third respectively as the largest arms
importer. China was replaced as the worlds biggest arms buyer by India in 2010. Overall, the
volume of international transfers of major conventional weapons grew by 14 percent between
200408 and 200913.
Findings of the data released by the think tank
Between 2004 and 2008, the imports of major weapons by India rose by 111 percent
Indias share in the volume of international arms import between 2009 and 2013
increased from 7 to 14 percent
Between 2009 and 2013, Russia was ranked as the major supplier of arms to India
accounting for 75 percent of imports
It claims that the United States with 7 percent imports to India from 2009-13 for the
first time became the second largest arms supplier for India and in the same time,
Pakistani imports of arms from US was 27 percent
China has played an important role in imports of arms for Pakistan with its share of 54
percent and 82 percent in the case of imports in Bangladesh
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

According SIPRI release, the five largest arms suppliers worldwide between 2009 and
2013, who collectively accounts for 74 percent of total arms exports were:
United States with 29 percent of global exports
Russia with 27 percent of global exports
Germany with 7 percent of global exports
China with 6 percent of global exports
France with 5 percent of global exports
The USA and Russia together accounted for 56 per cent of the volume of arms exports.
SIPRI data of top five arms importer
India
China
Pakistan
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia

WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM RELEASED YOUNG GLOBAL LEADERS

2014 LIST
World Economic Forum (WEF) released Young Global Leaders 2014 list on 11 March 2014. The
WEF recognised 214 Young Global Leaders (YGLs). Among them 109 are woman who were
recognised for leadership and service to society.
The Young Global Leaders 2014 came from 66 countries across 7 regions and equally represent
the public and private sector and belong to professions including academia, arts and culture,
civil society, government, media and not-for-profit organisations.
The YGL Class of 2014 includes 49 individuals from East Asia, 46 from Europe, 17 from Latin
America, 18 from the Middle East and North Africa, 48 from North America, 17 from South Asia
and 19 from sub-Saharan Africa.
There were 17 young global leaders in South Asia, out of which 14 were from India. Following
are the Indians among the YGLs list.
Name
Pallavi S. Aiyar

Profession
Organisation
Author and Journalist The Hindu and Free
Lance

Farhan Akhtar

Film Director, Actor, Excel Entertainment

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Producer

Sachin Bansal

Production House

Co-Founder
Chief

and Flipkart.com

Executive Officer

Avani Davda

Chief
Officer

Mohit Joshi

Vice-President
Head, Europe

Roshni
Malhotra

Nadar Executive
and CEO

Executive Tata
Limited

Starbucks

and Infosys Ltd

Director HCL Corporation Ltd

Vishwarupe Narain
Nandini Piramal

Indias Head
Texas Pacific Group
Executive
Director Piramal Enterprises
and Head of HR
Limited

Rishad Premji

Chief
Strategy Wipro
Officer, IT Business

Anoop Ratnaker Rao

Chief
Officer
Chief
Officer

Chiki Sarkar

Operating Naandi Foundation

Executive Penguin
House

Parmesh Shahani

Head of Innovation

Anurag Thakur

Laboratory
MP
&
National BJP's Youth
President BJYM
Wing

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Godrej Industries Ltd

IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Ratheesan
Yoganathan

Co-Founder
Group

and Lebara Group

Chairman

INDIAN MIGRANTS AMONG TOP MIGRANT ENTREPRENEURS IN

UK: REPORT
A report entitled Migrant Entrepreneurs: Building Our Business, Creating Our Jobs released in
March 2014 released claims that migrant entrepreneurs are one in seven of all UK companies.
The report released by Centre for Entrepreneurs and financial technology company Duedil has
listed Indian migrants at second position.
As per the report 456073 migrants have launched a small or medium-sized business in Britain.
Top performing nationalities with and number of migrants with their companies
Irish - 48854 people
Indian 32593 people
German 30755
American
Chinese
In case of American and Chinese entrepreneurs the report claimed that they are also behind a
significant number of UK-based businesses.
The report that claims that Young entrepreneurs are among top five nationalities whose
citizens have created jobs in Britain by setting companies and have challenged the antiimmigration rhetoric that discourages public in recent past years.

BIMAL JALAN COMMITTEE ON NEW BANK LICENCES SUBMITTED

ITS REPORT TO RBI
Bimal Jalan Committee on New Bank Licenses submitted its report to the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) on 25 February 2014. The report contains names of entities eligible for bank licences.
The committee was constituted by RBI under the chairmanship of Bimal Jalan in October 2013.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

RBI had constituted the committee to examine the criteria, business plans and corporate
governance practices of applicants applying for new bank Licenses.
Other members of the committee are former RBI Deputy Governor Usha Thorat, former
Securities and Exchange Board of India Chairman C B Bhave and Nachiket M Mor, Director of
the Central Board of Directors of the RBI.
The central bank issued guidelines for licensing of new banks on 22 February 2013.
There are around 25 players in the group to get bank license, among them primarily are Public
sector units, India Post and IFCI and private sector Anil Ambani group and Aditya Birla group.
Bajaj Finance, Muthoot Finance, Religare Enterprises and Shriram Capital have also applied.
In the past 20 years, the RBI has licensed 12 banks in the private sector in two phases. Ten
banks were licensed on the basis of guidelines issued in January 1993.
Kotak Mahindra Bank and Yes Bank were the last two entities to get banking licenses from the
RBI in 200304.
India has 27 public sector banks, 22 private sector banks and 56 regional rural banks.

MGI
RELEASED
EMPOWERMENT

THE

REPORT

FROM

POVERTY

TO

McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) released the report titled From Poverty to Empowerment:
India's imperative for jobs, growth and effective basic services on 19 February 2014. The report
praising the reduction in poverty in India from 45% in 1994 to 22% in 2014 has suggested for
creating a new national vision for economically empowering the people living in poverty.
For realizing the vision, McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) has created the Empowerment Line.
The Empowerment Line is an analytical framework that determines the level of consumption
required to fulfill eight basic needsfood, energy, housing, drinking water, sanitation, health
care, education, and social securityat a level sufficient to achieve a decent standard of living
rather than bare subsistence.

INDIA RANKED 8TH IN DEMAND FOR DIGITAL GOVERNANCE

India was ranked 8th in the list of ten countries in terms of digital governance. The report on
digital governance was released by Accenture on 11 February 2014.

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The list was topped by Singapore followed by Norway and UAE at second and third place
respectively.
The report revealed the demand for the digital governance is rising in India and emerging
economies which will enhance efficiency and output. In India the Government embarked on eGovernance model and the infrastructure which would pay the dividends in the long run.
The report is based on survey of 5000 respondents in ten countries including Brazil, Germany,
India, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the United
Kingdom and the United States.

UNESCO RELEASED 11TH EFA GLOBAL MONITORING REPORT

2013-14
UNESCO released the 11th Education for All Global Monitoring Report 2013 14 on 28 January
2014. The theme of the report was Teaching and Learning: Achieving quality for all.
The report warns that despite advances made in education, not a single goal laid down in
Dakar, Senegal in 2000 will be achieved globally by 2015.
The EFA Global Monitoring Report 2013-14 vividly underlines the fact that people in the most
marginalized groups have continued to be denied opportunities for education over the decade.
The Report has advocated to put in place a robust global post-2015 education framework to
tackle unfinished business while addressing new challenges.
It further said that post-2015 education goals will only be achieved if they are accompanied by
clear, measurable targets with indicators tracking that no one is left behind, and if specific
education financing targets for governments and aid donors are set.

PAKISTAN ONLY POLIO-ENDEMIC NATION WITH MORE CASES

A report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that Pakistan is the only
polio-endemic country in the world and it reported most cases of crippling disease in 2013 and
2012.
Pakistan had 83 polio cases in 2013 and 58 cases in 2012. In 2013, a total of 369 cases from the
endemic and non-endemic countries have been recorded from the world, which also includes
Pakistan. Of 83 cases recorded in Pakistan, 59 cases are from Fata, 10 were from Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa and seven each from the Punjab and Sind. All the recorded cases are type-1 cases
but no cases of type-3 was recovered.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

As per an analysis, non-uniform routine immunisation coverage in several areas is a major

reason for the increase in the cases.
Basic reason for non-uniform routine immunisation coverage in Pakistan is the attack of Taliban
on health workers. Many health workers have lost their lives due to the militant attacks
suffered by them.
In its report, WHO report witnessed only 11 polio cases in 2013 in Afghanistan of which
maximum were associated with multiple importations with no evidence of local re-establisation
circulation. 35 cases were reported there in 2012.
Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan are the three nations where polio remains endemic as per the
report released by WHO.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Summit and Conferences

G-20 LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT MINISTERIAL MEET
The G-20 Labour and Employment Ministerial meet was held at Melbourne, Australia on 10
September 2014 to 11 September 2014.

OSCE-JAPAN CONFERENCE HELD IN TOKYO

Organization for Security and Co-operation (OSCE) Japan Conference was held in Tokyo on 17
June 2014. This was for the fourth time that Japan had hosted the OSCE Conference since 2000
when annual conferences with the Asian partners started.

GLOBAL SUMMIT TO END SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT

LAUNCHED IN LONDON
Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict was launched at ExCel London on 10 June
2014. The four-day Summit was launched by Hollywood actress and UN Special Envoy Angelina
Jolie and UK Foreign Secretary William Hague.

6TH INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR ENERGY FORUM ATOMEXPO2014 HELD IN MOSCOW

6th International Nuclear Energy Forum ATOMEXPO-2014 was held from 9 to 11 June 2014 in
Moscow. The ATOMEXPO-2014 forum saw signing of international agreements and
memorandums by the nuclear sector companies. 3544 delegates from 600 organisations,
including 283 foreign companies representatives participated in the Forum.

40TH G-7 SUMMIT 2014 HELD AT BRUSSELS

40th G-7 summit 2014 was held at Justus Lipsius building, Brussels at the Council of the
European Union on 4 June 2014 5 June 2014.
It was the first time that the EU hosted a G7 summit. The summit is jointly represented by the
European Council President Herman van Rompuy and the European Commission President.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

UNION
GOVERNMENT
LAUNCHED
ADVERTISEMENT, THE PRICE WE PAY

ANTI-TOBACCO

Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in first week of June 2014 launched a new fourminute video titled, The Price We Pay. The video was launched to highlight the health and
economic impacts of tobacco consumption.

3RD NUCLEAR SECURITY SUMMIT 2014

The Third Nuclear Security Summit was held in The Hague, Netherlands from 24 to 25 March
2014. The summit was attended by 58 World leaders. The third NSS synergizes previous two
summits without their backdrops.
At the Summit, the leaders agreed to build a robust Nuclear Security Structure. Besides, the
summit also saw the agreement on Strengthening Initiative wherein 35 countries agreed to
incorporate the guidelines of IAEA into their national legislation to assess the security of nuclear
materials.
About Nuclear Security Summit
The goal of the Summit is to address the threat of nuclear terrorism by enhancing
international cooperation to prevent the illicit acquisition of nuclear material by non-state
actors such as terrorist groups and smugglers.
The first NSS was held in Washington DC in 2010 and the second NSS was held in Seoul in
2012. The United States will host the next Summit in 2016.

WHARTON INDIA
PENNSYLVANIA

ECONOMIC

FORUM

TO

BE

HELD

IN

The 18th Wharton India Economic Forum (WIEF) will be held on 22 February 2014 at
Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, USA. WIEF is an annual student-run India-focused conference
hosted by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
The theme for WIEF 2014 is India: Time to Reboot.
The conference will bring together business and political leaders, professionals, academics and
students from around the world to discuss India's evolution into a global economic power.
The WIEF conference started in 1996. WIEF has not only been the leading business forum
focused on India in the United States, but is also one of the largest and most prestigious in the

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

world. It is attended by over 500 people annually, and features renowned speakers who are at
the forefront of Indias economic and business growth and development.

G-4 DIRECTOR GENERALS FOR UN AFFAIRS MET IN NEW DELHI

New Delhi a place where Director Generals for UN Affairs of G-4 nations met
G-4 Director Generals for UN Affairs met on 11 February 2014 in New Delhi. During the meet,
the four G-4 nations namely Brazil, Germany, India and Japan also conducted an Outreach
Seminar on UNSC Reform on 12 February 2014.
During the meeting, the Director Generals (DGs) of the four nations exchanged their views on
Security Council Reform. Similar such a meet was held on 26 September 2013 in New York on
the sidelines of the 68th UN General Assembly.
The DGs of the four nations discussed the current state of play on UNSC reforms in New York as
well as the way forward with the view to move the process urgently to text-based
intergovernmental negotiations. For betterment of the geopolitical realities of the 21st Century
they underlines the broad support that exists among UN member states for expansion of the
UNSC in both permanent and non-permanent categories. This was done to make the council
more representative, transparent and efficient. The DGs of the G-4 nations also stressed on a
point that reforms will enhance effectiveness and credibility as well as the legitimacy of the
decisions of UNSC.
The G-4 countries reiterated their commitments as aspiring new permanent members of the
UN Security Council, as well as their support for each others candidatures. They also reaffirmed
their view of the importance of developing countries, in particular Africa, to be represented in
both the permanent and non-permanent categories of an enlarged Council.
They also agreed to continue their discussions leading up to the 2015 Summit, with Japan
offering to host the next meeting in Tokyo. The G-4 nation DGs of also met External Affairs
Minister of India, Salman Khurshid on 12 February 2014.
A one day Outreach Seminar on United Nations Security Council Reform: Perspectives and
Prospects was organised by the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses and Ministry of
External Affairs on 12 February 2014.
Background of September 2013 meeting
The Foreign Ministers of the G-4 nations met in New York and stressed the need to intensify
efforts to translate the commitments made in the Outcome of the 2005 World Summit into
Concrete outcomes at latest by 2015.

THIRD WORLD CONGRESS ON AGRO-FORESTRY

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Third World Congress on Agro-Forestry was held from 10 to 14 February 2014 in New Delhi,
India for the first time. The theme of the Congress is Trees for Life.
Third World Congress on Agro-Forestry was organized by the World Agro-forestry Centre, the
Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the Indian Society of Agro-forestry and Global
Initiatives.
The Third World Congress on Agro-Forestry will help shape next steps to be undertaken in the
field of integrative science. These are:
Transformative change in landscapes
Tree improvement
Innovative tree-based value chains
Debates on global and local sustainability
Reform of land and tree tenure and holistic education
The Third World Congress was organized to
Expand global awareness and understanding of agro-forestry
Share the current status of knowledge and practice of agro-forestry and consolidate its research
base
Build support for agro-forestry within governments, companies, academia, NGOs and the media
Increase the engagement of the private sector.
About World Congress on Agro-Forestry
The World Congress on Agro-Forestry is organised to raise local, regional and global profile of
the practice and significantly increase awareness, support, engagement and investment.
It aims to create a deliberate and tangible legacy in terms of recognition, partnerships,
investments and impact, and produce a global roadmap for agro-forestry with clear targets.
The first two congresses were held in Orlando (USA, 2004) and Nairobi (Kenya, 2009).

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

ASSOCHAM ORGANIZED SEVENTH GLOBAL INSURANCE SUMMIT

AT HYDERABAD
Seventh Global Insurance Summit was held at Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh on 8 January 2014.
The summit was organised by National Council on Insurance of Associated Chambers of
Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
The focus of the summit was on the need for simplifying the insurance process and to provide
financial security for the masses in India.
At the summit IRDA advocated for a single policy covering all basic need of insurance which
would be more effective to increase insurance penetration in India.
Cost effective ways of distributing insurance covers would be key to success in increasing
insurance coverage among low income groups. Issuance of e-policies through insurance
repositories would reduce policy issuance costs significantly.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Important Dates
INDIA OBSERVED HINDI DIVAS ON 14 SEPTEMBER
National Hindi Divas (Hindi Day) was observed across India on 14 September 2014. The day was
observed to promote the Matra Bhasha the mother tongue of India and show its importance
as a language in the country.

WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD

ON 19 AUGUST
19 August: World Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day was observed across the world on 19 August 2014. The day is
observed to recognise humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for
humanitarian causes. The theme for the year 2014 is The World Needs More Humanitarian
Heroes.
World Humanitarian Day is also an opportunity to celebrate the spirit that inspires
humanitarian work around the globe. The events of the day included wreath-laying ceremony
at UN Headquarters in New York to honour aid workers killed in the line of duty.

INDIA CELEBRATED 68TH INDEPENDENCE DAY ON 15 AUGUST

2014
15 August: Independence Day of India
India celebrated its 68th Independence Day on 15 August 2014, as India became independent
nation from British Rule on 15 August 1947. On this day citizens of India pay homage to their
leaders and freedom fighters.

INTERNATIONAL TIGER DAY 2014 OBSERVED ACROSS THE

WORLD
29 July: International Tiger Day

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The World on 29 July 2014 observed the International Tiger Day. The day is celebrated as an
awareness day. The goal of the Tiger Day is to promote protection and expansion of the wild
tiger habitats and also to gain support awareness for tiger conservation.
At present the number of wild tigers is at its lowest. In last 100 years, around 97 percent of the
total tigers population have been lost. In 1913, the world has about 1 lakh wild tigers, which has
dropped to 3000 in 2014. As per estimates, India in 2010 had 1706 wild tigers that increased
from 1411 in 2006. Among the 13 tiger-range countries, India has the highest number of tiger
population.

WORLD HEPATITIS DAY OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD ON 28

JULY
World Hepatitis Day was observed across the world on 28 July 2014. The years theme Think
Again, acknowledges that 'we do not know nearly enough about viral hepatitis as a health
threat in much of the world.
The day s observed to raise awareness and influence real change in disease prevention and
access to testing and treatment.

WORLD ELEPHANT DAY OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD ON 12

AUGUST
12 August: World Elephant Day
World Elephant Day was observed across the world on 12 August 2014. It is an international
annual event and is dedicated towards the preservation and protection of the worlds
elephants.

NATIONAL DOCTORS DAY OBSERVED ACROSS INDIA ON 1 JULY

1 July: National Doctors Day
India on 1 July 2014 observed the National Doctors Day. The day is observed to honour
legendary physician, Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy whose birth and death anniversary falls on the
same day. On 4 February 1961, he received the Bharat Ratna.

INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT

TRAFFICKING OBSERVED ON 26 JUNE
26 June: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
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International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed on 26 June 2014. The
theme of the 2014 is A message of hope: Drug use disorders are preventable and treatable.

INTERNATIONAL SEAFARER'S DAY OBSERVED ACROSS THE

WORLD ON 25 JUNE
25 June: International Seafarer's day
International Seafarer's day was observed on 25 June 2014. The day is observed to give thanks
to the seafarers for their contribution to the economy and civil society of the world, also for
risks and personal costs borne by them while being in their jobs.

WORLD VITILIGO DAY OBSERVED ON 25 JUNE

25 June: World Vitiligo Day
World Vitiligo Day was observed across the world on 25 June 2014. The day is specially
dedicated to people with vitiligo.

UNITED NATIONS PUBLIC SERVICE DAY CELEBRATED ON 23

JUNE
23 June: United Nations Public Service Day
The United Nations Public Service Day was celebrated on 23 June 2014. The theme for 2014 is
Innovating Governance for Sustainable Development and Well-being of the People.
The day was celebrated every year to mark the invaluable contributions of public servants and
administrators in an effort to build a better world for all.

WORLD REFUGEE DAY OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD ON 20

JUNE
World Refugee Day was observed across the world on 20 June 2014. The day is observed
annually to draw attention to the plight of refugees, celebrate their courage and resilience and
renew commitment to solve refugee problems. It also recognises contributions of the refugees
made to the countries that host them.

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WORLD DAY TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION OBSERVED ON 17

JUNE
17 June: World Day to Combat Desertification
World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD) was observed across the world on 17 June 2014.
Theme for 2014 WDCD was Land Belongs to the Future - Lets Climate Proof It.
The theme highlights that the benefits of the mainstreaming sustainable land management
policies and practices into our collective response to climate change.

WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY OBSERVED ON 14 JUNE

World Blood Day: 14 June
World Blood Donor Day was observed across the world on 14 June 2014. Theme for the years
World Blood Day campaign is Safe blood for saving mothers.

WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR OBSERVED ON 12 JUNE

World Day Against Child Labour was observed across the world on 12 June 2014. For the year
2014 the theme is Extend social protection: combat child labour.

GLOBAL DAY OF PARENTS OBSERVED ON 1 JUNE

The Global Day of Parents was observed across the world on 1 June 2014. The Global Day
provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents across the world for their selfless
commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice to nurture the relationship.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPERS

OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD
29 May - International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
The international Day of United Nations Peacekeepers was observed on 29 May 2014. The
theme of year 2014: UN PEACEKEEPING: A Force for Peace. A Force for Change. A Force for
the Future.

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The day celebrations include the honour of all peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving
under the UN flag. Besides, the Dag Hammarskjold Medal is awarded posthumously to the
peacekeepers who lost the lives while serving in the cause of peace, during the preceding year.

ANTI-TERRORISM DAY OBSERVED ACROSS INDIA ON 21 MAY

21 May 2014: Anti Terrorism Day/ Martyrdom of Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi
Anti-Terrorism Day observed Across India on 21 May 2014. The day is celebrated as 23rd Death
Anniversary of former Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi.The day is marked by a pledge
taking ceremony among other activities.

WORLD TURTLE DAY OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD ON 23

MAY
World Turtle Day: 23 May
World Turtle Day 2014 was observed across the world on 23 May 2014. The day is observed to
bring human attention towards turtle and tortoise and also to encourage human efforts to help
them survive.
American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) started observing the World Turtle Day in 1990 and since then
the world is observing the day, annually.

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL

OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD

DIVERSITY

2014

22 May- International Day for Biological Diversity

International Day for Biological Diversity was observed across the world on 22 May 2014. The
theme of International Day for Biological Diversity 2014 is Island Biodiversity.
The theme coincided with the International Year of Small Island Developing States which was
designated by the United Nations General Assembly.
The day was celebrated with the aim of spreading awareness on biodiversity and the
importance of preserving it in villages and islands.

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INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY 2014 CELEBRATED ACROSS THE

WORLD
18 May-International Museum Day
International Museum Day was celebrated across the world on 18 May 2014. This is the 37th
International Museum Day.
The theme of International Museum Day 2014 is Museum collections make connections. The
theme for the year 2014 aims to rejuvenate the traditional methods which museums use to
involve their communities and keep up with their public.
On this day, events and activities were organised in thousands of museums all over the world to
celebrate IMD 2014 for the museum community. The day aims to increase public awareness
about the role of museums in the development of society.

WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD

10-11 May World Migratory Bird Day
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) was observed across the world on 10 11 May 2014. The
Theme of the WMBD 2014 was Destination Flyways: Migratory Birds and Tourism.
The day was celebrated by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to promote their new
Destination Flyways Project. The project aims to build local sustainable tourism by linking
together key migratory bird sites, local communities and the global wildlife watching industry.
The WMBD 2014 highlighted the links between migratory bird conservation, local community
development and wildlife watching tourism around the world. The day is celebrated by
organising public events like bird festivals, education programmes and bird watching
excursions.

World Press Freedom Day observed across the world

3 May: World Press Freedom Day
World Press Freedom Day was observed on 3 May 2014 across the world. The theme of 2014
year is: Media Freedom for a Better Future: Shaping the post-2015 Development Agenda.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

WORLD MALARIA DAY OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD

World Malaria Day (WMD) was observed on 25 April 2014 across the world. The day was
observed to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment
for malaria prevention and control.

INTERNATIONAL MOTHER EARTH DAY OBSERVED ACROSS THE

WORLD ON 22 APRIL 2014
Every year on 22 April, the world observes International Mother Earth Day to create awareness
and also to support environmental protection. The Earth Day 2014 will focus on green cities and
will mobilize million of people to create a sustainable, healthy environment by greening
communities worldwide.

WORLD HEALTH DAY 2014 OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD

World Health Day 2014 was observed across the world on 7 April 2014. The day provides an
opportunity for individuals to get involved in activities that can lead to better health.
The theme for World Health Day 2014 is vector-borne diseases. World Health Organisation
(WHO) is highlighting the serious and increasing threat of vector-borne diseases with the slogan
Small bite, big threat.

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY CELEBRATED ACROSS THE

WORLD
The World Autism Awareness Day 2014 was celebrated across the world on 2 April 2014. This
was the seventh World Autism Day. The day is celebrated to raise fund and to create awareness
about autism.
On this day, Autism Speaks organisation celebrated Light It Up Blue. Light It Up Blue is a global
initiative that kicks-off Autism Awareness Month and helps raise awareness about autism.

EARTH HOUR OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD

Earth Hour was observed across the world on 29 March 2014. The pledge of Earth Hour 2014 is
to switch to energy efficient bulbs.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

Over 7000 cities in 150 countries joined the movement with places like the Golden Gate Bridge
in San Francisco, Times Square in New York City, the Acropolis hill in Athens and even the
Kremlin in Moscow participating.

WORLD WATER DAY OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD

22 March- World Water Day
World Water Day was observed on 22 March 2014 with the theme Water and Energy to raise
awareness of the inter-linkages between water and energy. World Water Day is observed to
preserve and ration consumption of water.
The Day was celebrated with the events like the UN-Water Decade Programme on Advocacy
and communications with journalist workshop in Tokyo, releasing of the World Water
Development Report, giving away of Water for Life Awards, high-level policy panel, side events
and key note speeches.

WORLD POETRY DAY OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD

21 March-World Poetry Day
World Poetry Day was observed across the world on 21 March 2014. The day was observed to
support linguistic diversity through poetic expression and to offer endangered languages the
opportunity to be heard within their communities.

UN OBSERVED INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FOREST

21 March: International Day of Forest
International Day of Forests was observed across the world on 21 March 2014. The theme of
the International Forest Day was Celebrating Forests for Sustainable Development.
To celebrate the theme, UN held a Panel discussion on Women as agents of change for forests
and sustainable development with inspiring speakers from forest heroes to film makers, as well
as award-winning short films.
UN also celebrated the day by conducting activities like tree-planting and other communitylevel events, and national celebrations including art, photo and film as well as social media.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

WORLD SPARROW DAY OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD

World Sparrow Day was observed on 20 March 2014. The day is observed to create awareness
about the House Sparrow and other common birds and the need for their protection. The
theme for this year is Rise for the Sparrow.

WORLD KIDNEY DAY OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD

World Kidney Day was observed on 13 March 2014 with the theme, Chronic Kidney Disease
(CKD) and aging. World Kidney Day is observed annually on the second Thursday in March.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN DAY OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD

International Women Day 8 March
International Women Day was observed across the world on 8 March 2014. United Nation
celebrated the 2014 Women day with the theme Equality for Women is Progress for all.
International womens day is also called Working womens day.
Thousands of events occur to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.
Organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations
and the media celebrate the day.
Each year International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on 8 March. The first International
Women's Day was held in 1911.
For the first time International womens conference was held in Copenhegen in 1911. The day
was proposed by Clara, a German.

WORLD DENTIST DAY OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD

World Dentist Day 6 March
World Dentist Day is being observed across the world on 6 March 2014. The day is observed
every year to raise awareness about dental health. On this day the Indian Dentists Association
(IDA) organizes Continuing Medical Education (CME), seminars and workshops to update the
dentists about the various developmental programme, which is aimed towards improving the
dental health.
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NATIONAL SCIENCE DAY OBSERVED ACROSS INDIA ON 28

FEBRUARY
28 February National Science Day
India on 28 February 2014 observed National Science Day to mark the discovery of the Raman
Effect by Indian physicist Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (CV Raman).
In 2014, the theme of the day is Fostering Scientific Temper and Energy conservation. This day
is celebrated every year on this day to spread a message about the significance of scientific
applications in the daily life of the people.
The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) in 1986 asked the
Government of India to designate 28 February as National Day.

INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY OBSERVED ACROSS

THE WORLD ON 21 FEBRUARY 2014
21 February: International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day (Bhasha Divas) was observed across the world, with
Bangladesh leading on 21 February 2014. This day is observed with an aim to promote
awareness of linguistic, multilingualism and cultural diversity.
International Mother Language Day was announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999 and was
formally recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution establishing 2008
as the International Year of Languages.

NATIONAL WOMEN'S
FEBRUARY

DAY

OF

INDIA OBSERVED ON

13

National Women's Day of India was observed on 13 February 2014. This day is observed on the
date of birth of Indias first women governor Sarojini Naidu. Sarojini Naidu was born on 13
February 1879 and died on 2 March 1949. This was the 135th birth anniversary of Sarojini
Naidu.
Her birthday has been selected to observe as a National Woman Day in recognition of the
works done by her for uplliftment and development of women in India. Her name and birth
date was proposed to celebrate as the National Womens Day in India by members of Bhartiya
Mahila Sangh and Akhil Bhartiya Mahila Sammelan.
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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

WORLD RADIO CELEBRATED ACROSS THE GLOBE

World Radio Day 13 February
World Radio Day was celebrated across the globe on 13 February 2014. This is the third Radio
Day being observed by the UNESCO to celebrate radio as a medium.
The theme for World Radio Day 2014 is Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Radio.
The theme of the Day was chosen by the UNESCO in order to get the balance right in favour of
women in radio. That is, UNESCO seeks to strengthen pluralism and freedom of expression in
radio.

WORLD CANCER DAY 2014 OBSERVED ACROSS THE WORLD ON

4 FEBRUARY
World Cancer Day 2014 - February 2014
The World Cancer Day 2014 was observed across the world on 4 February 2014 with its focus
on Target 5 of the World Cancer Declaration: Reduce stigma and dispel myths about cancer,
under the tagline Debunk the myths.
This day is observed to raise the collective voices for improving the general knowledge around
cancer and dismiss the misconceptions about the disease.

WORLD WETLAND DAY CELEBRATED ACROSS THE GLOBE

World Wetland Day: 2 February
World Wetland Day was celebrated across the globe on 2 February 2014. The theme for this
years World Wetland Day was Wetlands & Agriculture.
The Ramsar Convention chose Wetland & Agriculture as theme for World Wetland Day 2014 in
view of the UN declaring 2014 as International Year of Family Farming.

THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA CELEBRATED THE 4TH

NATIONAL VOTERS DAY: 25 JANUARY
The Election Commission of India celebrated the 4th National Voters Day across the country on
25 January 2014. The theme for the 4th NVD is Ethical Voting.
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National Voters Day is started from 25 January 2011. NVD functions were held at more than
6.5 lakh locations across the country covering nearly all 8.5 lakh Polling Stations. Around 46000
Educational Institutions also celebrated National Voters Day.
25th January is also the foundation day of the Commission, which came into being on this day
in 1950. The Commissions objective through NVD is to increase enrolment of voters, especially
of the newly eligible ones, to make universal adult suffrage a complete reality.

NATIONAL GIRL CHILD DAY OBSERVED ON 24 JANUARY

National Girl Child Day observed on 24 January 2014 across India by the Government. This day
is observed every year to raise awareness and consciousness of the society towards girl
children. This years theme of Girl Child Day is Safety and Development of girl child. This day is
being observed every year on 24 January, since 2008.

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Miscellaneous
SKELETON OF GIANT WATER-LIVING DINOSAUR UNVEILED IN
MOROCCO
The skeleton of a giant water-living Dinosaur was unveiled in Morocco. This 50-foot Dinosaur
belonged to Spinosaurus aegyptiacus group and was the biggest carnivorous dinosaur. The
findings were published in the journal Science on 11 September 2014.
The skeleton was brought at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. where
scientists studied the creature. It is after 70 years that a new skeleton of Spinosaurus
aegyptiacus was found in Morocco.

AUSTRALIAN PM TONY ABBOTT RETURNED 11TH CENTURY

STOLEN IDOLS TO INDIA
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on 5 September 2014 returned two stolen antique
statues of Hindu deities to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
One of the idol is a Nataraja, the dancing Shiva. Nataraja statue belonged to the Chola dynasty
of 11th-12th century. The other sculpture is of Ardhanariswara which represents Shiva in halffemale form. It belonged to the 10th century.

REVIVED NALANDA UNIVERSITY STARTED ITS FIRST SESSION ON

1 SEPTEMBER 2014
The revived Nalanda University on 1 September 2014 started its first session with 15 students in
its makeshift campus at the Buddhist pilgrim town of Rajgir, about 100 km from Patna.
The University started its first session 2014-15 with the classes for theSchool of Ecology and
Environmental Studies and the School of Historical Studies. At present, the University has 10
faculty members. The University started its first session after completing the three-day
orientation programme for students.

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WORLDS FIRST HINDU ECO-TEMPLE SHREE SWAMINARAYAN

MANDIR OPENED IN UK
Worlds first Hindu eco-temple named Shree Swaminarayan Mandir was opened in Kingsbury
of northwest London, United Kingdom on 19 August 2014. The eco-temple features solar panels
on its roof and a rainwater harvesting system.

PRIME MINISTER LAUNCHED WEB PLATFORM MYGOV TO GET

CITIZENS' IDEAS FOR GOVERNANCE
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi on 26 July 2014 launched a web platform
MyGov.nic.in. The platform has been created to facilitate Citizen Engagement in Good
Governance.
My Gov will enable the citizens especially the youth to volunteer for specific tasks and projects
at grassroots level. It will allow the common people to reach the government with ideas and
suggestions.

INDIA'S PRESIDENT INAUGURATED BANK AND POST OFFICE IN

PRESIDENT ESTATE'S NEW BUILDINGS
The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee on 24 July 2014 inaugurated the Presidents Estate
Branch of United Bank of India andRashtrapati Bhavan Post Office in their new buildings.
The Bank and Post Office were relocated from a heritage building as part of measures to
implement the Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan for the Presidents Estate.
Apart from these two buildings, a fitness centre for the staff of the Presidents Estate was also
inaugurated by the President.

LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION LAUNCHED FOR BETI BACHAO BETI

PADHAO CAMPAIGN
The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development on 24 July 2014 launched a Logo Design
Competition for the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign. The logo for the campaign is to be
developed through crowd sourcing with the purpose of including the logo in all advertisements
issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and also for mass campaign through
conventional and social media.

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LAUNCHED MAGAZINE EXPLORER FOR

SCHOOLCHILDREN IN INDIA
The famed National Geographic on 22 July 2014 launched a special edition of Explorer
magazines for schoolchildren in India. With this, India became one of the first countries where
the magazine has been launched. The magazine will provide educational resources and new
learning solutions for teachers as well as students.

OPERATION TO REFLOAT WRECKED ITALIAN SHIP COSTA

CONCORDIA LAUNCHED
Operation to refloat the wrecked Italian ship Costa Concordia was launched on 14 July 2014.
The refloating operation launched was one of the biggest maritime operations in the history.
The operation will tow the wreck of Concordia at a top speed of about two knots (about 2.3
miles per hour) to the port of Genoa, Italy for dismantling. The total cost of the operation will
be 2 billion US dollars (1.5 billion euro).

PRESIDENT JOINED ON TWITTER WITH @RASHTRAPATIBHVN

President Pranab Mukherjee on 1 July 2014 joined Twitter with the handle - @RashtrapatiBhvn
(https://twitter.com/RashtrapatiBhvn). He is the first serving president of India to join Twitter.

FIRST AID POST INAUGURATED AT SHASTRI BHAWAN, NEW

DELHI
First Aid Post was launched on 2 June 2014 at Shastri Bhawan in New Delhi. The post was
launched to expand the network of health care to its beneficiaries. It was inaugurated by Harsh
Vardhan, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Smriti Irani, the Union Minister
for Human Resources Development.

UK FIRM EAST INDIA COMPANY ISSUED LEGAL TENDER GOLD

COIN IN HONOUR OF SACHIN TENDULKAR
UK firm East India Company on 23 June 2014 issued an exclusive legal tender gold coins in
honour of Sachin Tendulkar. The company will issue limited 210 gold coins. Each gold coin
weighing 200 grams will be worth 12000 pound sterling.

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MALAVATH POORNA OF ANDHRA BECAME YOUNGEST WOMAN

TO CLIMB MOUNT EVEREST
Malavath Poorna, a 13-years and 11-month old girl of Andhra Pradesh on 25 May 2014 became
the youngest woman to climb the Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. In this
expedition, Poorna was accompanied by Sadhanapalli Anand Kumar, a 16-year old from the
same state. Anand became the first Dalit to conquer the tallest peak.

TRAVEL PLANNING PORTAL TRIPIGATOR.COM LAUNCHED IN

PARTNERSHIP WITH INCREDIBLE INDIA
Delhi Government on 5 May 2014 launched Travel planning Portal Tripigator.com in Partnership
with Incredible India. Three IITians Mukul Garg, Piyush Grover and Karteek Narumanchi have
come together to help the Incredible India site of the tourism ministry through their own
tripigator.com.Tripigator.com is a travel planning engine.The website was selected as the
official travel planner by the Ministry of Tourism and will also be available on Incredible India
website.

ARCH TO BE BUILT OVER CHERNOBYL TO SAFEGUARD CITIZENS

FROM RADIOACTIVE DUST
Ukranian Government on 28 April 2014 announced to build a arch over Chernobyl to protect its
citizens from radioactive dust. The arch is being built to mark the 28th anniversary of Chernobyl
disaster.The 32000 tonne arch made from sheathed stainless steel will be pushed on Teflon
pads to cover the site. It is planned to be completed by 2017.

TWO FORMER POPES JOHN XXIII AND JOHN PAUL II DECLARED

AS SAINTS BY POPE FRANCIS
John XXIII and John Paul II were declared as saints of the Roman Catholic Church on 27 April
2014 by Pope Francis. This declaration of the two predecessors was made before hundreds of
people in St Peter's Square in Vatican City.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA NOMINATED THREE INDIANAMERICANS TO AAPI

US President Barack Obama nominated three Indian-Americans to the 14-member advisory
commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). It was nominated on 24 April
2014.
The Indian-Americans include
US Air Force officer Lieutenant Colonel, Ravi Chaudhary
Prominent community leader Shekar Narasimhan
Popular film and television actor Maulik Pancholy

A NEW ROBOT, BOREWELL ROBOT, DEVELOPED TO RESCUE KIDS

WHO FALL INTO BOREWELLS
A new robot called Borewell Robot was developed by M.Manigandan to rescue kids who fall
into borewells. M.Manigandan is a Madurai-based social worker.

COMIC BOOK ICON ARCHIE TO DIE IN JULY'S FINAL ISSUE

Archie Andrews the famous comic book character that has ruled the market of comics for past
73 years is set to die in this summer issue of July 2014.
Archie for the first time was introduced in Pep Comics 1941.

PORTAL RAILSAVER LAUNCHED

EFFICIENCY IN INDIAN RAILWAYS

TO

IMPROVE

ENERGY

Indian Railways launched a portal, RAILSAVER on 15 April 2014 with an aim to improve energy
efficiency in Indian Railways. This initiative in form of RAILSAVER will facilitate railways in
saving energy upto 15 percent by the year 2020, through improved energy efficiency measures
as laid down in Railways vision document.

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ERNESTO GAINZA SET A NEW GUINNESS RECORD OF SKYDIVING

USING SMALLEST PARACHUTE
Ernesto Gainza of UAE on 7 April 2014 set a new Guinness record for skydiving using the world's
smallest parachute. He jumped from 14000 feet with a canopy the size of a bed sheet. Ernesto
Gainza is a member from the Skydive Dubai parachute team of United Arab Emirates.

THREE STATUES BELONGED TO NAPATAN CIVILISATION WERE

STOLEN FROM NORTHERN SUDAN
Three statues belonged to Napatan civilisation were stolen on 3 April 2014 from a museum in
South Sudan. The statues dating from 450 B.C were disappeared from a museum at the Jebel
Barkal heritage area in northern Sudan. The museum is a UNESCO World Heritage site

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO OPENED AN ACADEMIC CENTRE IN

CONNAUGHT PLACE, DELHI
The University of Chicago on 30 March 2014 opened an academic centre in Connaught Place,
Delhi. US Amabassador to India Nancy Powell inaugurated the centre.

NIRBHEEK, A LIGHTWEIGHT REVOLVER FOR PROTECTION OF

WOMEN LAUNCHED
Indian Ordinance factory on 25 March 2014 launched a light-weight revolver named Nirbheek.
This revolver is designed especially for women to defend themselves from assault. Nirbheek
that weighs 500 gm is a .32 bore revolver and it can be carried by women in their purses or
handbags.The revolver is made of titanium alloy and is priced 122360 rupees.

UK DECIDED TO HONOUR THE INDIAN HEROES OF WORLD WAR

I
United Kingdom in third week of March 2014 decided to honour the Indian soldiers, who
participated in the World War I through a series of events. The events will be organised to
commemorate the 100th anniversary of the conflict of World War I that started in 1914.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TITLED U & ME AGAINST DENGUE

LAUNCHED
A multi-pronged National campaign on Dengue, U & Me Against Dengue, was launched on 11
March 2014 to eradicate dengue across six Indian cities with public private partnership. The
campaign is joint initiative of Mortein (pest control brand) in association with All Indian
Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Indian Medical Association (IMA), New Delhi Municipal
Council (NDMC), Rotary Blood Bank and NGO SAHAYOG.

WORLD LONGEST AIRCRAFT AIRLANDER UNVEILED IN BRITAIN

World Longest aircraft Airlander or HAV304 was unveiled at Cardington in Bedfordshire, Britain
in the first week of March. The aircraft looks like a giant blimp and is being manufactured by
the Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd (HAV).

ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA ORGANIZED

AWAKENING FOR WOMEN AND YOUTH CAMPAIGN

ELECTION

Election Commission of India organized a campaign titled Election Awakening for Women and
Youth on 8 March 2014. The campaign aims to raise the number of women voters in the
upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

MUSIC ALBUM, RAUNAQ WRITTEN BY SIBAL AND COMPOSED

BY AR RAHMAN LAUNCHED
Raunaq: a music album written by Kapil Sibbal and composed by AR Rahman
A music album entitled Raunaq based on the songs composed by music maestro AR Rahman
and written by Kapil Sibal, the Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology
was launched on 17 February 2014. The album was launched by Salman Khan, the Bollywood
actor and the chief guest on the occasion of the release of the album in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

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INDIRA PARYAVARAN BHAWAN INAUGURATED BY PRIME

MINISTER
Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India on 25 February 2014 inaugurated Indira
Paryavaran Bhawan on Jorbagh Road, New Delhi. This Bhawan will house the Ministry of
Environment and Forest and has a provision to accommodate its 600 officials.

IRCTC LAUNCHED E-WALLET SCHEME TO MAKE PAYMENT

PROCESS FAST
Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) launched E-Wallet Scheme in the
second week of February 2014. The scheme was launched to make payment process fast and to
reduce transaction failures due to bank payment related problems.

FIRST BRAILLE-SIGNAGE COACH IN INDIA TO BE ATTACHED

WITH PURUSHOTTAM EXPRESS
Purushottam Express will become the first train in India to be attached with a Braille-embedded
AC coach for visually-challenged passengers by the end of February 2014. Purushottam Express
is a superfast train running between Delhi and Puri.

SOUTH AFRICA LAUNCHED COMMEMORATIVE SILVER STAMP OF

NELSON MANDELA
South Africa launched a commemorative silver stamp of Nelson Mandela on 11 February 2014.
This Black and white stamp is released to mark the 24th anniversary of release of Nelson
Mandela after spending 27 years in the jail.

GARUDA VASUDHA ADVANCED LIGHT

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA LAUNCHED

HELICOPTER

OF

Minister of Mines, Dinsha Patel launched the Advanced Light Helicopter named Garuda
Vasudha of Geological Survey of India from the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Bangalore on
23 January 2014. The Garuda Vasudha a Dhruv category built by HAL dedicated to the
nation.The Ministry also laid the foundation stone of a Centre of Excellence Laboratory building
of GSI at Bangalore, worth of 42 crore.

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LEWIS CLARKE YOUNGEST PERSON TO REACH SOUTH POLE

Lewis Clarke, 16 years old became the youngest person to trek to the South Pole on 18 January
2014. Clarke spent 48 days at temperature of -40 Celsius and winds of up to 193 km/h.

RBI ISSUED 5 RUPEES AND 10 RUPEES COINS BEARING GODDESS

VAISHNO DEVI
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued new 5 rupees and 10 rupees coins bearing images of Goddess
Vaishno Devi on 16 January 2014. The coins were issued to commemorate the silver jubilee of
Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

151ST BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATED WORLDWIDE

OF

SWAMI

VIVEKANANDA

The 151st birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda was celebrated on 12 January 2014. The
celebrations marked the culmination of year-long ceremonies.Birth anniversary of Swami
Vivekananda is now celebrated as National Youth Day every year.

BRITISH GUIANAS 1-CENT POSTAGE STAMP OF 1856 SOLD FOR

RECORD 9.5 MILLION US DOLLAR
An 1856 British Guiana 1-cent postage stamp was sold for record 9.5 million US dollar on 18
June 2014 to become the worlds most valuable stamp.

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IBPS PO Exam 2014: General Awareness (Current)

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