CONTENTS

Honours & Awards News Makers Science Snippets Defence Summits Space Science Environment Sports Deaths Economic Scenario NationalRound-Up International Round-Up Knowledge Capsules Banking Awareness (For Bank PO & Clerks Exams) Current MCQ Capsules 28 2 5 7 8 9 12 13 14 15 16 18 20 23 26

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is Jason Grunebaum who is the American Writer, academic and translator. Amitav Ghosh has been chosen for River of Smoke, Jeet Thayil for the debut novel Narcopolis and Uday Prakash for The Walls of Delhi. Well known litterateur K. Satchidanandan chairing the jury said that the list represented diversity of the South Asian fiction in terms of idiom and theme. These works, according to the jury member were stylistically innovative, thematically fresh and have a definitive contribution to the genre of novels. Another member of Prize Steering Committee, Manhad Narula, described these novels as well balanced and excellent which represent finest writing of South Asian region. The winner of the prize is scheduled to be announced on 25 January 2013 at DSC Jaipur Literature Festival.

Honours & Awards Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar Sahitya Ratna Samman
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee 23rd November, 2012 gave away Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar Sahitya Ratna Samman to 21 prominent writers and social workers at a function organized in Rashtrapati Bhavan. On the occasion, the President recalled the contribution of Shri Ramdhari Singh Dinkar in the freedom struggle and his service to Hindi literature. He also called upon the Indian writers to bring international laurels to the country through their writings.

Gavaskar conferred with Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award

Sunil Gavaskar, the Former Captain and legendary opener of Indian Cricket Team on 21 November 2012 was conferred with BCCIs prestigious Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI Annual Awards Function 2011-12. Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and V.V.S. Laxman were also felicitated at the award ceremony. The Lifetime Achievement Award given to Gavaskar carried a citation, trophy and a cheque for 25 lakh Rupees and he received this award from the BCCI president N. Srinivasan. Sachin Tendulkar was honoured at the occasion with a gold-plated bat for scoring the century of centuries in international cricket. Kohli was chosen as the Best Indian International Player of

Three Indian Writers Shortlisted for DSC South Asian Literature Prize 2013
Three Indian writers- Uday Prakash, Amitav Ghosh and Jeet Thayil were shortlisted for the US Dollar 50,000 DSC South Asian Literature Prize 2013. The names of shortlisted candidates were announced on 21 November 2012 in London. Others who were shortlisted for the prize include Pakistani novelists Jamil Ahmad and Mohammed Hanif as well as Tahmina Anam of Bangladesh. Only contender from beyond the boundaries of Indian Subcontinent

Bolt named World Athlete of the Year

Usain Bolt has won the IAAF World Athlete of the Year award for the fourth time over United States hurdler Aries Merritt and Kenyan runner David Rudisha. The Jamaican sprinter, who defended his 100 and 200 meter gold medals at this summers Olympic Games, had previously won the award in 2008, 2009, and 2011. United States sprinter Allyson Felix won the womens World Athlete of the Year award. The other finalists were Valerie Adams and Jessica Ennis. The awards were announced on the final day of the IAAFs 100th anniversary celebration.

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the year at the award ceremony.

Malala Yousafzai awarded with Bravery Award

Malala Yousafzai, on 19 November 2012 awarded by World Peace and Prosperity Foundation for her bravery and commitment to education for girls in adverse conditions in Swat, Pakistan. She was shot in the head by Taliban, and had become the face of Pakistans struggle against the Taliban. She is now being treated and on the road to recovery at a Queen Elizabeth Hospital, England. The Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to the UK, S Zulfiqar Gardezi received the award on her behalf at the Cholmondeley Room of the House of Lords. The other recipients of award included a Bishop of London, a distinguished British Muslim Psychiatrist, a distinguished Turkish academic and MP, and eight year old Josh Altman, European Chess Bronze medalist.

President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf chosen for Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2012
Liberian President and Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on 19 November 2012 was chosen for 2012 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for being an inspiration to women and ensuring return of peace and democracy in her country. The award is set up by Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust with an international jury chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Indira Gandhi Prize is being awarded to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for serving as an example and inspiration to women in Africa and beyond and for ensuring the return of peace, democracy, development, security and order in Liberia. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who is the 24th President of Liberia was commended by the jury for her strong interest in the consolidation and improvement of Liberia's relations with India. She was risen to the Presidency becoming the first elected female head of state of the African continent. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf took over office as the President of Liberia in 2006 acquiring a legacy of distrust, disharmony and mismanagement. She had successfully restored financial health her country which was on the verge of fiscal breakdown. numeracy for less fortunate and disadvantaged children and adults in India. The award is decided upon by an international jury, which includes the the US Librarian of Congress, Dr James Billington; the president of Peking University, Prof Zhou Qifeng; former UN high commissioner, Mary Robinson and the chairman of WISE, Dr Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani. Centre with support from the state Directorate of Cultural Affairs.

Vice President Presents Moortidevi Award

The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari presented the Moortidevi Award for 2010 to eminent Urdu scholar Prof. Gopi Chand Narang for his outstanding work Urdu Ghazal aur Hindustani Zehan wa Tehzeeb at a function organized by Bhartiya Jnanpith on November 16.

Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak honoured with Kyoto Prize

Renowned literary critic and educator Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak was awarded the prestigious Kyoto Prize in Kyoto on 10 November 2012. Instituted by the Inamori Foundation, the prize honours those who have contributed significantly to the scientific, cultural and spiritual betterment of mankind. Spivak, professor at Columbia University, won the award in the Arts and Philosophy category for her deep thinking on humanities against intellectual colonialism in relation to globalisation. US computer scientist Ivan Sutherland, regarded as a father of computer graphics, won the Advanced Technology Prize while Japanese molecular biologist Yoshinori Ohsumi was awarded the Basic Sciences Prize. Each

Madhav Chavan Awarded the Education Nobel Prize

Dr Madhav Chavan was awarded the WISE prize, which is known as the Nobel prize for Education. He was felicitated on 13 November 2012 at the WISE summit in Doha, the capital of Qatar. The international award not only felicitated the person himself, but also recognized his efforts to provide lessons in literacy and

Indira Goswami to be conferred with Asom Ratna

Eminent litterateur Dr Indira (Mamoni) Raisom Goswami would be conferred with the prestigious Asom Ratna posthumously, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi announced on November 14. Goswami would be conferred with the award for her out standing contribution to literature, art and culture and social service, Gogoi said, addressing a function organised here to mark her birth anniversary by the South East Asia Ramayani Research

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laureate received a diploma, a 20K gold Kyoto Prize medal and a cash gift of 50 million yen ($630,000). handloom heritage and also for his dedication in building up the linkages between the past, present and future through dissemination of knowledge on traditional skills and designs. Each Sant Kabir Award consists of one mounted gold coin, one shawl, certificate and a Tamrapatra. In addition, financial assistance to the extent of Rs. 6 lakh is also given to each selected awardee to innovate and create ten new products of high level of excellence, high aesthetic value and high quality. National Awards to Master Craftspersons and master weavers were introduced in 1965 and the award comprises of a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh, a certificate, Tamrapatra and an Angavastram.

Durgabai Deshmukh Awards

President of India Pranab Mukherjee on 5 November 2012 presented the Durgabai Deshmukh awards for women's development for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 at an award ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The eighth Award for 2005 was jointly given to two winners, Mizoram Hmeithai (Widows) Association and People's Forum, Bhubaneswar. The Mizoram Hmeithai (Widows) Association works to provide aids and relief to widows and destitute women and hundreds of abandoned orphan children. While, The People's Forum, Bhubaneswar was awarded for its landmark services in the rescue and rehabilitation of hundreds of mentally ill women and for its exemplary work with women in distress. The ninth Award for the year 2006 was awarded to Sumangali Seva Ashram of Bangalore whose prime focus is to work for education and development of deserted, orphan and needy children and to provide socio-economic opportunities for development of women. Whereas, the tenth Award for the year 2007 was awarded to the Snehalaya of Ahmednagar for

Technopark TBI wins award

Technology Business Incubator (TBI) at Technopark here has won Asian Association of Business Incubation award for best incubator during year 2012. The award has been instituted to give recognition to the incubator which has achieved excellent performance in the region. The agri-business incu bator at the Hyderabad-based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) won the award in 2008.

President to Confer National Awards, Shilp Guru Awards and Sant Kabir Awards
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will be conferring 20 Shilp Guru Awards, 18 Sant Kabir Awards along with 74 National Awards to master craftspersons and master weavers at a function in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on November 9, 2012. Shilp Guru awards are conferred to legendary master craftspersons of Handicrafts whose work and dedication have contributed not only to the preservation of rich and diverse craft heritage of the country, but also to the resurgence of handicrafts sector as a whole. Each Award consists of one mounted gold coin, one shawl, Certificate and a Tamrapatra. In addition, financial assistance to the extent of Rs. 6 lakh is also given to each selected Awardee to innovate and create five new products of high level of excellence, high aesthetic value and high quality befitting the stature of the Guru. Sant Kabir Award is conferred on such outstanding weaver who has made valuable contribution in keeping alive the

Sachin Tendulkar received Order of Australia

Sachin Tendulkar the Indian Cricketer on 6 November 2012 received the honorary membership of the Order of Australia by Simon Crean, Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government and Minister for the Arts at a function organised at Taj Lands End. Simon Crean the senior minister from Australia awarded Sachin with a medal and a Sachin on this of a stump painted by an Australian.

Aishwarya Rai to be conferred French honour

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be conferred the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier dans lOrdre des Arts et des Lettres) on November 1 at Mumbai by Franois Richier, Ambassador of France to India, on behalf of the French authorities. This prestigious distinction comes in recognition of her invaluable contribution to the world of cinema and the development of Indo-French cooperation in cinema, art, and culture. Earlier Indian recipients include Shahrukh Khan, Raghu Rai, Nandita Das, late Habib Tanvir, and Upamanyu Chatterjee. Recipient of several Indian film awards, she was also the youngest Indian actress to receive the Padma Shri in 2009. She starred in the film Devdas in 2002, which was an official selection at the Cannes Film Festival and the most successful Indian movie in France. She was also the first Indian actress to be a jury member at Cannes.

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its distinctive work in the rehabilitation of women of red light areas and for other destitute women.

Sunita Williams Landed Back on Earth with a New Record

Ms. Sunita Williams was the commander of 'Expedition 33'-the trio which had blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on 15th July 2012 to the International Space Station has landed back on earth- northeast of Arkalyk in the steppes of Kazakhstan at 8:56 p.m. on 18th November 2012 . Ms.Sunita Williams has returned to earth after 127 days in space with a new record of the most spacewalking time by a female at 50 hours and 40 minutes over seven career excursions. Sunita Williams has logged 322 days during two space flights making her the second on the list of most experienced US female astronauts. Sunita Williams also holds the record of the longest spaceflight (195 days) for female space travellers.

Mathura Refinery Bagged 13th Annual Greentech Environment Award

Indian Oil's Mathura Refinery has bagged the Platinum Award in the 13th Annual Greentech Environment Awards. The award has been given in recognition of the company's outstanding achieve ments and contribution to effective implementation of environmental friendly technologies, schemes and methodologies. Greentech Awards serve as a catalyst to understand the intrinsic value of environmental management in business excellence and sustainability.

News Makers Ranjit Sinha Appointed Director, CBI

The competent authority has appointed Shri Ranjit Sinha as Director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a period of two years with effect from the date of assumption of charge. He will succeed Shri A.P. Singh on his retirement on 30th November 2012.

present Special Secretary in RAW, will take over the reins of the key agency on December 30.

European Golden Boot to Lionel Messi

European Star footballer of Barcelona, Lionel Messi, bagged Golden Boot Award. The award has been given to him in recognition to his record 50 goals scored in the Europes domestic football league. It is the second Golden Boot award for Messi.

Chanda Kochhar most powerful Indian woman in business

ICICI Bank MD and CEO Chanda Kochhar has been named as the most powerful woman in business in India for the second consecutive year by Fortune Magazine. Mallika Srinivasan of TAFE and Aruna Jayanthi of Capgemini India follow Kochhar in the second and third place, respectively. In the Fortune list of 50 most powerful businesswomen, there are six new entrants. While 19 have moved up their places, 17 have witnessed a decline in their rankings. The six new entrants this year includes Prabha Parame swaran, MD, Colgate-Palmolive India; Aisha De Sequeira, MD, Morgan Stanley India Investment Banking; Debjani Ghosh, MD, Sales & Marketing Group, Intel

Asif Ibrahim is New Intelligence Bureau chief

Senior IPS officer S. Asif Ibrahim is tipped to be the new Intelligence Bureau chief. Asif a 1977 batch IPS, made it to the top slot because of his wide range of experience in covering various departments of the organisation which mainly deal with intelligence pertaining to internal security, they said. He succeeds Nehchal Sandhu who retires on December 31.

Indian Origin Autar Kaw among recipients of U.S. Professor of the Year award
Autar Kaw, an Indian born professor of mechanical engineering at the University of South Florida, is among the four recipients of the 2012 US Professor of the Year award. Kaw is known to tens of thousands of engineering students around the world as the "Numerical Methods Guy" via his Holistic Numerical Methods Institute website, his blog and YouTube video lectures. The US Professor of the Year award is the highest honor in the nation for undergraduate teaching.

Alok Joshi appointed as RAW Chief

Alok Joshi has been appointed as chief of country's external intelligence gathering agency-- Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).According to an official order, Joshi(59), a 1976 batch officer of Haryana Cadre who is at

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South Asia; Abanti Sankara narayanan, Country Head, Diageo India; Anjali Bansal, Managing Partner, Spencer Stuart and Asha Gupta, MD, Tupperware India. The other women who figure in the top 10 of the Fortune India's 50 most powerful women in business are -- Shikha Sharma, MD & CEO, Axis Bank; Vinita Bali, Managing Director, Britannia Industries; Shobhana Bhartia, Chairperson, HT Media; Preetha Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Hospital Enterprises; Zia Mody, Cofounder, AZB Partners; Chitra Ramkrishna, Joint Managing Director, NSE; and Roopa Kudva, Managing Director & CEO, CRISIL. Tuli and Massachusettes Institute of Technology professor Anant Agarwal have been named by Forbes magazine among the 15 "classroom revolutionaries" who are using innovative technologies to reinvent education for students and teachers globally. The Forbes list names 15 education innovators who are "harnessing a slew of disruptive technologies to change everything from the way we teach grade school math to how we train the next generation of teachers."

Rakesh Misra takes over as Director General, CPWD

Rakesh Misra has assumed the office of the Director General, Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Ministry of Urban Development. Sh. Misra, is a 1974 batch officer belonging to Central Engineering Service (Civil). He attained his BE (Civil) Hons. Degree from University of Roorkee (Now IIT Roorkee). He has a vast professional experience of over 36 years in different capacities in CPWD from Assistant Executive Engineer to Special Director General. He has also been the Engineer-in-Chief, PWD, in Delhi Government. During that period, Common Wealth Games related projects in Delhi were executed successfully.

Mahatma Gandhi's Grandson Elected to Kansas State Assembly

Shanti Gandhi, a greatgrandson of Mahatma Gandhi was elected to a State Assembly in the United Stated during the general elections held on 6 November 2012. Shanti Gandhi contested as a Republican Party candidate and had defeated his Democratic rival Theodore Ted Ensley by nine percentage point for the Kansass 52nd Assembly District. Shanti Gandhi is son of late Saraswati Gandhi, wife of Mahatma Gandhis grandson - the late Kanti Lal. Shanti Gandhi, who was a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon retired in 2010 from Stormont-Vail Hospital at Topeka City in the Kansas State. He had received 6413 votes as against Ensleys 5357 to win the elections which was held on 6 November 2012 for the States, as per the results declared by the Kansas Secretary of State. Shanti Gandhi went US in the year 1967 as a medical graduate from University of Bombay.

Rakesh Mohan takes charge as executive director at IMF Board

Former RBI Deputy Governor Rakesh Mohan has taken charge as Executive Director on the Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). "The term of Rakesh Mohan at the IMF will be for a period of three years," the Finance Ministry said in a release. Mohan was also Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs. He has also been the Chairman of National Transport Development Policy Committee and of the High Level Committee on the Financing of Infrastructure. Prior to assuming his duties at the IMF, Mohan was professor in the Practice of International Economics and Finance at the School of Management and senior fellow at the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs at Yale University.

Super 30 founder Anand Kumar is Peoples Hero

Anand Kumar, founder of Super 30 institute, which provides free residential coaching to students from underprivileged families for IIT-JEE exams, has found a place in the People magazine as the Peoples Hero. People magazine in its latest Indian edition issue carries a detailed feature on Mr. Anand, listing him as a Peoples Hero. Time magazine had described Super 30 as the best of Asia, while Newsweek put it in the category of worlds four innovative schools.

Foreign Policy's top 100 global thinkers

Credited worldwide for turning around the state of Bihar, Nitish Kumar has been listed by the prestigious Foreign Policy magazine among its top 100 global thinkers, a list that is topped by Aung Saan Sui Kyi and Thein Sein, and also features Salman Rushdie and Malala Yousufzai. The third spot is shared jointly by the 'ultimate power couple' Bill and Hillary Clinton for being America's "most effective advocates for liberal internationalism". Nitish Kumar figures at the 77th spot, India's chief economic advisor Raghuram Rajan at 80 and writer Pankaj Mishra at 86. Economist Narayana Kocherlakota, who has been ranked 10th; Morgan Stanley managing director, Ruchir Sharma (67), World Bank Managing Director, Sri Mulyani Indrawati (72), Avaaz's Executive Editor, Ricken Patel (89), and immigration-expert Vivek Wadhwa (90).

Forbes' top 15 education innovators list

Indian-origin CEO of Datawind, the maker of India's lowcost tablet Aakash, Suneet Singh

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Science Snippets New version of Internet addresses available in India

Indian Registry for Internet Names and Numbers (IRINN) has started issuing next version of Internet addresses IPv6, which would make it easy for security agencies to identify each Internet user.

Greenhouse Gases Level Reached Record High in 2011

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on 20 November 2012 in the annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin revealed that the atmospheric volume of the greenhouse gases, which are often blamed for the change in atmosphere, had hit the record in 2011. The volume of the main greenhouse gas- carbon dioxide grew at almost identical rate in previous 10 years and it touched 390.9 parts per million (ppm) or 40 percent above the pre-industrial level, as per the survey. There had been an increase on an average by 2 ppm for last decade. Since the beginning of the industrial era from 1750, the fossil fuels had remained the main source of around 375 billion tonnes carbon which was released in atmosphere. Coming at a price tag of Rs 1,130 for students, the new version 'Aakash 2', which will be made available to students of engineering colleges and universities to begin with, is now powered by a processor running at 1 GHz, has a 512 MB, a 7 inch capacitative touch screen and a battery working for three hours of normal operations. It has been developed under the aegis of IIT Bombay with the active support of C-DAC. Datawind is rolling out the device. The EU is now incentivising second-generation biofuels manufactured from crop residues such as organic waste, algae, and woody materials that do not interfere with foodproduction.There has been widespread protest across the globe against first generation biofuels as it may affect the food production,green carbon sink etc.

The Internet addresses under the present version IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4), are limited and service providers often assign single IP address to many users, making it difficult to identify the end user. The number of IPv6 addresses available is enormous. ISPs (Internet Service Providers) can allocate an IP address to their users. People can be easily identified if they are using IPv6, APNIC Director (Services and Operations) Sanjaya said at the roadshow for new version IPv6. APNIC, which is one of the five authorised bodies for issuing Internet addresses, has recognised Indian Registry for Internet Names and Numbers (IRINN) for issuing IP addresses in India. IRINN has been set-up under the state-run NIXI.

Scientists Developed Test to Detect schizophrenics

Scientists developed a near to 100 percent accurate test to detect schizophrenics, by simply checking their gaze. Apparently schizophrenics can be checked just by implying some simple viewing tests . The tests brought out ninety eight per cent accuracy in distinguishing between those with and without schizophrenia. This path breaking research was done by researchers at Aberdeen University. They found that people with schizophrenia showed well-documented deficits in the ability to track slow moving objects smoothly with their eyes. The study was led by Dr Philip Benson and Professor David St Clair which involved a range of eye tests and the volunteers were asked to track slow moving objects slowly with their eyes, inspect a variety of everyday scenes and given instructions to keep a steady gaze on a single unmoving target.

Setback for first generation biofuels in EU

Biofuels,which is supposed to reduce the amount of greenhouse emissions has suffered a setback in the EU.The European Union (EU) has announced that the amount of biofuels that will be required to make up the transportation energy mix by 2020 has been halved from 10 per cent to 5 per cent.The rollback mostly affects firstgeneration biofuels, which are produced from food crops such as corn, sugarcane, and potato. A study conducted in 20092012 by the EU found that greenhouse gas emissions were on the rise because of conversion of agricultural land for planting firstgeneration biofuel crops. It also became known that large quantities of carbon stock had been released into the atmosphere because of forest clearance.

Pranab Mukherjee launches low cost Aakash-2 tablet

The advanced version of low cost tablet Aakash was launched here today by President Pranab Mukherjee.

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Defence India successfully test fires supersonic interceptor missile

Signalling Indias readiness to deploy the home-grown Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system in the near future, an advanced interceptor missile destroyed an incoming target missile in a direct hit at an altitude of 15 km over the Bay of Bengal on November 23.

DRDO developing missile launch site in Machilipatnam

The Defence Research and Development Organisation is setting up a new missile launch site in Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh at an estimated investment of Rs 1,000 crore. The defence organisation currently has launch facilities at the Chandipur and Wheeler Island locations in Balasore in Odisha, from where the long-range Agni series of missiles as well as the Prithvi and other shorter range missiles are test-fired. Machilipatnam facility would complement the test range in Balasore. It would help in longer range missile launches as well as in carrying out tests for the Ballistic Missile Defence Shied wherein multiple missiles need to be launched for trials.

exercises DOSTI XI - off the coast of Male (Maldives) to strengthen the bonds of friendship and enhance mutual operational capability and cooperation in the region.

DRDO ties up with York University, Canada

Defence Research and Development Organisation and York University, Canada, have signed a memorandum of understanding. The agreement will facilitate the two partners to pursue collaborative defence research in the areas of advanced materials, nanotechnology, life sciences, bioinformatics, chemical and biological defence, sensors, and others. Both sides have planned a number of joint projects in the time to come.

In this mission, missile technologists from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the first time tested the configuration for destroying an incoming actual missile and another electronically simulated missile. According to top DRDO sources, the electronically simulated target which mimicked a missile coming from a distance of 1500 km, was electronically hit at an altitude of 120 km. Within minutes of the launch of the real attacker missile, a modified surface-to-surface Prithvi from Chandipur, the actual interceptor , Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile took off from Wheeler Island and destroyed the hostile missile at an altitude of 15 km in the endo-atmosphere. As soon as target missile was launched, the Long-Range Tracking Radars and the Multi-Functional Radars tracked it and passed on the data to the guidance computer to launch the AAD, which homed on to the target missile and pulverised it.

Indian Navy commissions 'INS Tarkash'

Enhancing its firepower, the Indian Navy today commissioned 'INS Tarkash', the second of its three stealth frigates being built in Russia, at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad. The warship, which is expected to sail into Indian waters in December, was commissioned by Western Naval Commander Vice- Admiral Shekhar Sinha, the Navy said. The first warship of the series, INS Teg, had joined the naval fleet earlier this year. Armed with the 290-km range supersonic BrahMos cruise missile, the warship is part of the follow-on Talwar class project. It is also equipped with upgraded 100 mm medium range gun, optically controlled 30 mm close-in weapon system, torpedoes, rocket launchers and advanced electronic warfare suite. "The induction of stealth frigate with an advanced combat suite and blend of Russian and Indian cutting edge technologies, will bolster our role as a key facilitator in promoting peace and stability in Indian Ocean region," the Navy said.

India, Maldives holding joint military training exercises

The fourth joint military training exercises between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) EKUVERIN 2012 - is being held in Belgaum from November 12 to 25. A total of 45 personnel from the MNDF are taking part in the exercises along with the personnel from the Indian Army. The bilateral annual exercises, which commenced in 2009 in Belgaum, are alternately held in India and Maldives. The aim of the exercises is to enhance the close military cooperation between the two countries. Brigadier General Ahmed Nilam, Commandant Marine Corps, MNDF would be reaching Belgaum later to observe EKUVERIN 2012, along with senior officers from the Indian side. Defence ties between India and Maldives have continued to expand and strengthen over the years. In April this year, both the countries, along with Sri Lanka, held joint Coast Guard/Naval

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Summits UN Climate Change Conference held In Doha

Thousands of government representatives, international organizations and civil society members have gathered in the Qatari capital of Doha for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, on November 26th to December 7th.

National Conference on Inclusivity

National Conference on Inclusivity: Adding Value to Economy & Society organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) held in New Delhi on November 27. Kodikunnil Suresh Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Government of India was addressing this conference. He said Indian industry must come forward and take up active measures to bring the marginalized section of society in to economic mainstream. It is important to create sustainable models to empower weaker sections to productively participate in economic mainstream and Nation Building process. Management and Livelihoods (2630 November) was inaugurated on November 26. The Indian Society of Agronomy and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research jointly organizes the 3rd International Agronomy Congress . The primary objective is to take stock of technology capital available to address the issue of agriculture diversification, climate change management and livelihoods and draw future research strategies to address the emerging matrix of agriculture problems in holistic manner. Around 1000 delegates from 24 countries are participating in the Congress. attacks of 26/11. The two sides also exchanged views on international developments, coordination in international fora and their bilateral cooperation in the area. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Asoke Kumar Mukerji, Special Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, India and Mr. Robert Hannigan, Director General, Defence and Intelligence, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK. The next meeting of the JWG will be held in the UK in 2013 on mutually convenient dates.

The country will serve as host for the global climate conference to take place in Doha, the capital of Qatar. The summit is officially referred to as the 18th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 8th session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. As the world is facing a grave climate change situation, the conference aims to carve an overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to deal with global warming. It identifies the fact that carbon dioxide emissions, industrial emissions and other greenhouse gases affect the climate system. Delegates meeting at Doha will aim at reviewing and framing a deal to slow down the process of climate change, such as floods, sandstorms, droughts, rise in sea levels and heat waves. The deal is meant to be reached by the end of 2015 and enter into force in 2020.

Tenth ASEAN-India Summit

The tenth ASEAN-India Summit that was held at Peace Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia concluded on 19 November 2012. The summit was chaired by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia- Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN Sen and attended by the leaders of the ten Member states of ASEAN and the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. During the summit the discussions were held on identifying the future course of action on the ASEAN-India relations. Success was achieved in deciding the convening of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit scheduled to be held on

8th Meeting of the IndiaUK Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism

India and the UK shared their respective threat assessments and ways to enhance security cooperation during the 8th meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on CounterTerrorism in New Delhi. India and the UK upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2004. The discussions of the JWG were held in an atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding. The two sides shared their respective threat assessments and informed each other of the measures taken by their governments to strengthen counter terrorism policies and structures. They also discussed the follow up on the Mumbai terror

Third International Agronomy Congress

The third International Agronomy Congress on Agriculture Diversification, Climate Change

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20 December to 21 December 2012 at New Delhi, India, the summit will be held to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations. During the 10th Anniversary of the ASEAN-India summit, 20th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations was also observed at the same venue of Peach Place, Phnom Penh. The ASEAN-India Summit for the first time was observed in the year 2002 at Phnom Penh.

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Twenty first ASEAN Summit concluded in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The 21st ASEAN Summit Phnom Penh was held on 18 November 2012 at Peace Palace, Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia- Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen was the Chairperson for the 21st ASEAN Summit Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The head of states of the ASEAN members and the Secretary-General of ASEAN participated in the 21st ASEAN Summit and discussed about things like progress of the Implementation of ASEAN Charter and Roadmap for an ASEAN community.

Indian International Trade Fair started in Delhi

The 32nd season of Indian International Trade Fair started on 14 November 2012 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The annual fair that would conclude after 14 days on 27 November 2012 was inaugurated by the President of India Pranab Mukherjee. Mikhail V Myasnikovich, the Prime Minister of Belarus was the Guest of Honour to the inauguration ceremony and he also inaugurated the Belarusian pavilion at the fair.

Seventh East Asia Summit

The seventh East Asia Summit (EAS) was held at Peace Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 19 November 2012. Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen chaired the meeting. The Leaders of East Asia Summit adopted a joint declaration for the 7th East Asia Summit following the regional responses to control Malaria and address the resistance to antimalarial medicines. The Phnom Penh Declaration of the East Asia Summit Development Initiative was also taken on this occasion. Discussions and exchange of views on different regional and international issues was also done between the leaders of the member-nations. Apart from the 10 members of the ASEAN representatives from eight different countries namely Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and United States of America also participated in the summit.

The theme selected for the 32nd edition of the India International Trade Fair is Skilling India and the event would focus on the initiatives undertaken by different agencies, government departments and other private participants for development of skills among the youths. To make the event successful and pass on the idea behind the theme, several seminars and workshops were also organized.

First ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on cooperation in Renewable Energy

The first ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on cooperation in Renewable Energy was held in New Delhi which discussed policy and regulatory frameworks for promoting renewable energy in ASEAN member countries and India. The issues of financing of renewable energy, cooperation in research and development, technology transfer etc, came up for discussion. The meeting was designed to increase interactions at institutional as well as industry levels among ASEAN countries and India. Only Ministers from Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam were at the meeting. Other delegations were headed by respective ambassadors and high commissioners. During the meet India envisioned that every citizen of ASEAN-India region should have access to clean, reliable and affordable energy.

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International Conference on Equitable Access to Justice

Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Union Law & Justice Minister inaugurated and delivered the key note address at a 2-day International Conference on Equitable Access to Justice: Legal Aid and Legal Empowerment at New Delhi on November 17. The Conference is being organized jointly by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Jaipal Reddy Inaugurates International Bioenergy Summit

In an endeavor to create a roadmap for the next five years for innovative technologies and policies for biofuels development in India, the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India along with The Energy and Resources Institute(TERI) launched a two day International Summit on Bioenergy: Algae Biofuel & Synthetic Biology 2012. Jaipal Reddy, Minister of Science and Technology & Earth Sciences inaugurated the Summit. During the two day summit, experts and policymakers are aiming to identify the primary tasks that must be undertaken to accelerate the sustainable deployment of biofuels in India. The summit will highlight on the various scientific themes like Algal Bioengineering, Algae as Production System, Sustainable Algae Mass Cultivation, Synthetic Biology for Advanced Bioenergy, System and Computational Biology in Bioenergy, Synthetic Biology and Industry Potential and Adoption of Bio-energy Solutions in Industry and Other Sectors. Network (SAN) by the council. ACI Asia-Pacific, one of the five ACI regions, is based in Hong Kong and represents the interest of 95 members who operate over 500 airports in the Asia-Pacific Region, spanning West Asia, former CIS States, the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent, Northeast and Southeast Asia, Oceania, the Pacific Islands and Hawaii. cooperation in the area of Inclusive, Relevant Quality Education for All. They recognised relevance and equity as key dimensions of quality in their future efforts and resolved to address the same by making their education systems more flexible and responsive.

Twelfth India-Myanmar Foreign Office Consultations

The Twelfth India-Myanmar Foreign Office Consultations were held in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Shri Ranjan Mathai and the Myanmar delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister U Thant Kyaw. The Consultations were held in a warm and cordial atmosphere and both sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relationship and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two sides expressed satisfaction over the deepening of the bilateral relations between India and Myanmar, which has rapidly grown and gained momentum, including though the exchange of high level visits in the past year.

Review meeting of the E-9 Countries concluded in New Delhi

The three-day review meeting of Ministers of Education and heads of delegation of the E-9 countries comprising India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria and Mexico ended in New Delhi on 10 November 2012 with the adoption of the New Delhi Commitment. E-9 nations decided to expand their cooperation in Inclusive, Relevant Quality Education for All. It took stock of the progress towards the Education for All goals and to renew cooperation in consolidating the gains and addressing remaining challenges. The member-states reaffirmed the central role of education in all development endeavours and in promoting peace and social cohesion. E-9 Countries decided to expand their

Third bilateral meet between India and South Korea

Indian Finance Minister Mr. P Chidambaram and the Minister of Strategy and Finance of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Jaewan Bahk discussed wide range of issues ranging from MacroEconomic Trends and Outlook; Fiscal Cooperation; public procurement cooperation and measures to develop co-financing infrastructure projects; Revision of the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC); Expanding Information Sharing between the Taxation Authorities during the Third Bilateral Meeting of Finance Ministers of India and Republic of Korea at Seoul.

Meet on small airports in Hyderabad

Airports Council Inter national is organising the 8th AsiaPacific Small Airport seminar from November 7- 10 in Hyderabad, with re-engineering of airport economics being the focus theme. This is the first seminar on small airports being held after formation of the Small Airports

4th International Summit cum Exhibition on Food Processing

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) with support from

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Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India organised the one day "4th International Summit cum Exhibition on Food Processing, Agribusiness and Cold Chain" on November 5, 2012, at Hotel LeMeridien, New Delhi. The summit was organised with an objective to pay focus on processed food, agribusiness and cold chain in order to promote business opportunities and investments by providing a platform for networking in the country and enumerate policy recommendations for state and central governments through proper discussion.

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Space Science ISRO Designing GEO Imaging Satellite

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is designing a satellite GEO Imaging Satellite (GISAT), which will be placed in geostationary orbit of 36,000 km. GISAT will provide near real time pictures of large areas of the country, under cloud free conditions, at frequent intervals. That is, selected sector-wise imaging every 5 minutes and entire Indian landmass every 30 minutes at 50m spatial resolution. GISAT will carry a GEO Imager with multispectral (visible, near infra-red and thermal), multi-resolution (50m to 1.5 km) imaging instruments. It will provide pictures of the area of interest on near real time basis including border areas.

Global Twitter Press Conference on Innovation

Mr. Sam Pitroda, Adviser to the Indian Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovations and Chairman, National Innovation Council will host the first global press conference on Twitter to discuss Global Innovation Roundtable. The Global Twitter Press Conference will be conducted on 2nd November, the concluding day of the Global Innovation Roundtable hosted by the National Innovation Council, Government of India.

the Martian southern hemisphere was spotted earlier this month by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter circling overhead. The storm came within 840 miles (1,350 kilometers) of Opportunitys location. On the red planets opposite side, a weather station aboard NASAs newest rover, Curiosity, detected changes in air pressure and overnight temperature related to the storm. Scientists want to learn more about Martian dust storms, including why some morph into storms that blanket the planet. If this latest storm turns into a global one, the solar-powered Opportunity would see an energy decline. Curiosity, powered by plutonium, wont be as directly affected.

NASA scientists eyeing regional dust storm on Mars

NASA is tracking a dust storm on Mars, but says it has not affected the operations of its two rovers on the surface. The space agency said, the storm raging in

Largest Planet of Our Solar System Discovered

Astrophysicists at the University of Toronto in the third week of November 2012 discovered a new planet called Super-Jupiter which is thirteen times enormous than Jupiter. This is the largest planet discovered in the solar system. Super-Jupiter orbits around the star known as Kappa Andromedae which is 2.5 times greater than the Suns mass and is situated at 170 light years farther than the Earth. The star is quite young, 30 million years old, while the sun is 5 billion years old. The planet is called Super-Jupiter because it is larger than the Jupiter planet. According to the astrophysicists, Super-Jupiter could represent first newly discovered exoplanet system in the time duration of 4 years and it has mass which is at least thirteen times more than Jupiter. The orbit of the planet is a bit larger than that of Neptune. Kappa Andromedae, which is said to be the host star of this newly discovered planet, is the highest mass star to host a planet which was directly observed.

Conference on Fly Ash Management in Raipur on 17 Feb 2013

INDIACSR, the largest Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility network in India, is organizing a mega Conference on Fly Ash Management "Wealth from Waste" in Raipur. on 17 Feb 2013. The theme of the conference is Fly Ash: Wealth from Waste. It is one of mega fly ash management symposium in the country.

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Environment Australia Created Worlds Largest Marine Reserve

Australia on 16 November 2012 created the world's largest network of marine reserves, protecting more than 2.3 million square kilometres of ocean environment. The announcement came after years of planning and consultation. The Marine reserve created is going to expand the protection of creatures such as the blue whale, green turtle and the critically endangered populations of grey nurse sharks, and dugongs. The plan extension cover six marine regions and it was first made public in June 2012. Australia is home to some incredible marine environments which include the Perth Canyon in the south-west and the stunning reefs of the Coral Sea and by creating Worlds largest Marine Reserve is becoming a world leader on environmental protection.

India among top 5 countries in new and renewable energy usage

India is among the top five countries in terms of usage of new and renewable energy and the sector is attracting FDI worth over USD 10 billion every year. "India stands among the top five countries of the world in terms of renewable energy installed capacity and at present renewable power," new and renewable energy minister Farooq Abdullah said. Addressing the first ASEAN-India renewable energy meeting, he said, "Investment in renewable energy in India has now exceeded USD 10 billion per year." Abdullah said the meeting provided a unique opportunity to catalyse the India-ASEAN Renewable Energy family and underlined the importance of new energy sources in India's energy security for achieving its goal of providing reliable energy supply and access through a diverse and sustainable energy mix. secretary general's call to create an International Scientific Advisory Board. She also said that India was making efforts towards environmental sustainability having set up a separate Environment and Forest Ministry in 1972 and also making environmental studies a subject in school. three skull fragments, recovered from museum archives, and realised that their genetic profiles were the same and did not correspond to any other known species.

World's first family tree for all living birds unveiled

British scientists have created the world's first family tree linking all living birds, revealing when and where they evolved and diversified since dinosaurs walked the earth. Experts used the family tree to map out where the almost 10,000 species of birds live to show where the most diversification has taken place in the world. Researchers, from the University of Sheffield, Yale University, University of Tasmania and Simon Fraser University, said the creation of new species has speeded-up over the last 50 million years. Surprisingly, species formation is not faster in the species rich tropics, but was found to be faster in the Western Hemisphere compared to the Eastern Hemisphere as well as on islands. As well as being the first time scientists have created a family tree for birds, it is hoped the research could help prioritise conservation efforts in a bid to save the most diverse species from extinction.

World's rarest whale spotted in Pacific

The world's rarest whale species - the spade toothed beaked whale has been spotted for the first time by scientists of New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean. The scientists used DNA evidence to prove that a mother and her male calf which stranded in New Zealand in late 2010 were the first animals of their kind ever seen, according to an Auckland statement. Since the two animals are the only intact members of their species sighted, the spadetoothed beaked whale is the world's rarest whale. Until now the only evidence for the species' existence came from three skull and jaw fragments found around New Zealand and Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile. The spade-toothed beaked whale was discovered on Pitt Island in the Chatham Islands in 1872, but it wasn't until 2002 that scientists from The University of Auckland analysed DNA from the

India making efforts towards environmental sustainability

UNESCO on November 9 lauded India's efforts towards environmental sustainability and said a multi- dimensional approach in this regard is the need of the hour globally. "We are testing the capacity of our planet to sustain us. At a time of global economic crises, at a time when challenges are complex and in many respect I would say, yet unknown," UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova said at the launch of the UNESCO chair on 'Climate Science and Policy' at TERI University at New Delhi. According to Bokova, the full potential of human ingenuity needed to be explored and UNESCO was leading the UN

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South Africa's Test victory at Lord's this year in 2012when the Proteas claimed the No.1 ranking in Test match cricket.

Sports Pakistan won the Asian Kabaddi Championship

Pakistan on 6 November 2012 was declared champion of the Asian Kabaddi Championship after Indian team walked out from the field in a protest against the referees decision of penalizing the Indian Coach. The Pakistani team was leading the game by 40 points against 31 points scored by the Indian side. The protest by the Indian players came after the Coach of Indian side; Goormel Singh was shown a green card after continuously disturbing the finals in protest of decision of the referee.

Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna won First ATP Tour Masters Title
Indian Tennis Player Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna on 4 November 2012 won their first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title together defeating Pakistan's Aisam- UlHaq Qureshi and Netherlands' Jean- Julien Rojer by 7-6(6), 6-3 in the final of the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris. Mahesh Bhupati, till date, had won 16 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 trophies, while for Bopanna it his second shield. Also, together for Bhupati and Bopanna it is their second title of the year 2012. Earlier they had won the Dubai ATP event in March 2012 and ended runners-up at Cincinnati and Shanghai.

Life Ban on Mohammad Azharuddin Lifted by Andhra Pradesh High Court

The Andhra Pradesh High Court on 8 November 2012 lifted the life ban from playing Cricket on Mohammad Azharuddin which was imposed by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Year 2000. The life ban on Mohammad Azharuddin came after he was found involved in the betting scandal and the match-fixing episode as per the BCCI threemember committee, comprising its erstwhile president A C Muthaiah and two vice-presidents Kamal Morarka and K M Ram Prasad. Azharuddin made his debut for India in 1984-85 and played his final international match in June 2000.Mohammad Azharuddin was stranded on 99 Test appearances due to the ban. He had made 6215 runs in test matches at an average of 45.03 after bursting on the scene in 1984-85 with centuries in each of his first three Tests. In One-Day Internationals, he scored 9378 runs and hit seven hundreds across 334 matches. Mohammad Azharuddin in his 49 years of age is currently a member of parliament from Moradabad constituency in Uttar Pradesh.

Cricketer Vernon Philander Named SouthAfrican Sportsman of the Year 2012

South African fast bowler Vernon Philander on 4 November 2012 at the South African Sports Awards ceremony in Sandton named Sportsman of the year beating two Olympic gold medallists for the award. The top title of Sports Star of the Year went to Olympic goldmedallist swimmer Chad Le Clos who had won gold in the men's 200m butterfly at the London Olympic Games 2012. 27 Years old Vernon Philander made huge public impact since his Test debut in 2011 and he is now ranked the number two bowler in the world only behind his fellow teammate Dale Steyn. Earlier in 2011, Hashim Amla had won the award and was nominated again this year. Vernon Philander is the fastest player to take 50 Test match wickets in more than 100 years of cricket history and the phenomenal thing is that he has done it in his debut year of Test match cricket. He was named Man of the Match in

European Golden Boot to Lionel Messi

European Star footballer of Barcelona, Lionel Messi, bagged Golden Boot Award. The award has been given to him in recognition to his record 50 goals scored in the Europes domestic football league. It is the second Golden Boot award for Messi.

2014 FIFA WC mascot named Fuleco

The 2014 World Cup mascot has been named Fuleco by the Brazilian public, the ruling football body FIFA said. FIFA said that 48 per cent of Brazilians joining the popular vote chose Fuleco as the name for the armadillo, with Zuzeco getting 31 per cent and Amijubi 21 per cent. Fuleco is a fusion of the words futebol and ecologia, and FIFA said the choice showed that Brazilians cared for the environment just as much as for football. FIFA said that the mascot has a high recognition and acceptance rate in the World Cup host country, with 89 per cent of Brazilians saying they have seen the mascot and Fuleco getting a 7.3 average out of 10 for appeal.

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a refugee and joined Shankars weekly, where he contributed the Kalu and Meena, the silent strip cartoon and some more related to social life. As a staff cartoonist, he served Delhi edition of Times of India, where he became famous as the creator of the pocket cartoon named Babuji. After serving Times of India for a certain period of time, he joined Indian Express as a cartoonist and carried on with his featured cartoon Babuji and Garib, the next strip cartoon series. He was back with Times of India and served it and its Hindi daily Nav Bharat Times till 1985, the year of his retirement. was suffering from miscarriage when she was 17 weeks pregnant and the Irish law at the University C o l l e g e Hospital Galway denied abortion to her. This led to septicemia (blood poisoning), multiple organ failure leading to her death.

Deaths Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray dead

Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray passed away at his residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Bandra on November 17. Thackeray had been suffering from respiratory problems and pancreatic disease. He is survived by sons Jaidev and Uddhav, who is the Executive President of the party. Senior party leaders and Bal Thackerays nephew Raj Thackeray along with family and other political leaders rushed to Matoshree.

Chinese-British Writer Han Suyin died

Chinese-British writer and physician Elizabeth Comber, who was known by her pen name Han Suyin, died at the age of 95 on 2 November 2012 at her home in Lausanne, Switzerland. Han Suyin, was a Chinese-Belgian British writer. She emerged as among the most powerful voices that served as a bridge between China and the West in the 20th century. She later became an ambassador for ChinaIndia relations after her marriage to an Indian colonel, Vincent Ratnaswamy. She was best known for generating controversy with her hagiographic view of Chinas Cultural Revolution.

Antisa Khvichava Died

A Georgian woman who claimed to be the worlds oldest person. She was 132. She held Soviet-era documents which said she was born on July 8, 1880, but her age was contested and never proven.

Veteran BJP Leader Kailashpati Misra Died

Veteran BJP leader, former governor of Gujarat and Rajasthan and former finance minister of Bihar, Kailashpati Mishra, passed away in State of Bihar on 3 November 2012. Kailashpati Misra, was of 90 years of age and was suffering from prolonged illness. Kailashpati Misra who was born at Dudharchak village in Buxar district in 1923 served as governor of Gujarat from 7 May 2003 to 7 July 2004 and for a brief period of Rajasthan too during the same duration.

K.C. Pant Died

K.C. Pant, the ex-Defence Minister of India and former Planning Commission Deputy Chairman died on 15 November 2012. The 81 years old is now survived by his wife Ila Pant, who was a former Member of Parliament and two sons.

Kamala Sadagopan
The eminent Tamil writer and novelist Kamala Sadagopan died on 14 November 2012. She is survived by her husband Sadagopan who is also a screenplay writer known by the name of Chitralaya Gopu and four sons.

Ajmal Amir Kasab hanged at Yerwada Jail, Pune

Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the Pakistani National and the lone surviving terrorist of 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks, was hanged on 21 November 2012 at Punes Yerwada Jail at 7:30 am. The Maharashtra Government confirmed that Kasab was hanged. The President of India Pranab Mukherjee rejected the mercy plea of Kasab. He was hanged five days before the fourth anniversary of the brutal terror attack on Mumbai that claimed 166 lives and sieged Mumbai for continuous three days.

Cartoonist T. Samuel Died

Veteran Cartoonist and the pioneer of pocket cartoons in India, T Samuel died on 2 October 2012 at the age of 86. Samuel is now survived by his wife, two daughters and a son. Samuel started his journey as a professional cartoonist before Independence from Lahore with a Military Gazette. After partition he came to Delhi as

Savita Halappanavar
Savita Halappanavar a woman of Indian Origin and dentist by profession died on 28 October 2012 in Ireland after doctors refused to perform an abortion. The doctors denied the abortion with a claim that Ireland was a Catholic Country. Savita the Indian dentist

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Economic Scenario India to get record $70 b remittances in 2012: World Bank
India will receive a record $70 billion remittances in 2012, topping the list of developing countries which are expected to receive a total of $406 billion this year, the World Bank has said. After India, China will stand second with $66 billion, followed by Mexico and the Philippines with $24 billion each, a latest report by the bank said. Other large recipients are Nigeria ($21 billion), Egypt ($18 billion), $14 billion each for Pakistan and Bangladesh, followed by Vietnam ($9 billion) and Lebanon ($7 billion). Officially recorded remittance flows to developing countries are estimated to grow by 6.5 per cent over $351 billion in 2011, with India again topping the chart with $58 billion, followed by China ($57 billion), Mexico ($24 billion) and the Philippines ($23 billion). Worldwide remittances, including those to high-income countries, are projected to grow to $685 billion in 2015. According to the World Bank, remittances to developing countries are expected to rise 8 per cent in 2013 and 10 per cent in 2014 to reach $534 billion in 2015.

ATMs cross 1-lakh mark in October

The National Payments Corporation (NPCI) on November 13 said the banking system has reached a landmark of 1 lakh ATMs (automated teller machines) at the end of October. The NPCI, which has been promoted as an umbrella organisation for retail payments by the Reserve Bank and banks, said as of October-end the total number of ATMs stood at 1,04,500. The organisation operates the National Financial Switch used for inter-connectivity between banks for ATMs. Also, banks individually report their ATMs in the network section in their quarterly reports. The State Bank Group, comprising the largest lender SBI and its five subsidiaries, has a network of 61,500 cash vending machines which help it account for a majority 59 per cent share in the ATMs. Banks started installing ATMs in the late 1990s and have over time replaced the tedious efforts taken to withdraw cash at a branch, which would have to be done only in the business hours.

Income Ceiling for LIG raised by Union Government of India

The Union Governmentof India on 15 November 2012 decided to raise cap on the annual income which is required for qualification for the benefits under the present housing schemes for the Low Income Groups (LIG) as well as Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). This step on the part of the government will provide benefit to 20 lakh people. The Ministry for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) raised the income criterion for EWS housings from 60000 Rupees per year initially to 1 Lakh Rupees now. This clearly indicates that people with household income below 1 Lakh Rupees will be able to avail benefits of EWS housing scheme. Likewise, the income bar for LIG category has been raised to 2 lakh Rupees now. This decision will be implemented during the 12th Five Year Plan. Instructions have been given to the state governments as well as the banks so that the decision could be implemented effectively. People will now be able to get benefits under the Rajiv Awas Yogna (RAY) and EWS Housing Schemes. Additionally, the Union Minister added that they have the

target of including 20 lakh people under this plan. It is the big step because more people would qualify for the home loans now.

Definition of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS):

People falling within the income limit set by the Ministry of Urban Development fall under the category of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Ministry of Urban Development revised this income ceiling from Rs. 3,300 to Rs. 5,000. This income ceiling has been made applicable to loans for Interest Subsidy for Housing the Urban Poor Scheme (ISHUP) as well as Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO).

India tops life insurance rankings

India may rank low in terms of overall financial development globally, but it is the world's topranked country in terms of life insurance density, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has said in its latest report. Life insurance density is measured in terms of ratio of direct domestic premiums for life insurance to per capita GDP of a country. As per WEF's Financial Development Report 2012, India has been ranked 40th in terms of overall financial development of a

Share of Small Farmers in Farm Loans Grows to 45%

The agriculture credit flow during the year 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 was Rs. 3,84,514 crore, Rs.4,68,291 crore and Rs. 5,11,029 crore respectively. During this period credit flow to small and marginal farmers was Rs. 1,22,654 crore, Rs. 1,67,739 crore and Rs. 2,27,835 crore respectively which is 32%, 36% and 45% of the total loan disbursed to the farmers during these years.

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country, but it is placed better than many larger economies like the US, UK, Japan and China for life insurance density. India is followed by China, Japan, US and UK in the top-five countries for life insurance density, WEF said. Group (8th), TMX Group (9th) and London SE Group (10th). At the beginning of the year, NSE was leading globally in the equity segment, however it lost its rank in the period between April and August to Nasdaq OMX and NYSE Euronext (US). While NSE stood in the third place in the months of April to June and improved its position to the second slot in July and August.

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NSE world No. 1 in equity trades

India's National Stock Exchange (NSE) has emerged as the world's largest bourse in terms of the number of trades in equity segment during September. As per the latest data compiled by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), a total of 11.64 crore trades took place in the equity segment of NSE in September this year, making it the world's largest exchange on this category. The exchange, which traded for 20 days during September, has recorded about 11 per cent increase in number of trades in the equity segment compared to August. NSE was followed by Korea Exchange and NYSE Euronext (US) at the second and the third positions respectively. While Korea Exchange recorded a total of 11.18 crore trades, the number of trades at NYSE Euronext (US) stood at 9.64 crore in their respective equity segments during September. Moreover, the NSE has maintained its numero uno place in the Asia-Pacific region for the nine month period from JanuarySeptember, 2012. Another major Indian bourse, BSE became the world's seventh largest bourse, recording a total of 2.77 crore trades during the month in its equity segment. While the total number of listed companies is much larger in case of the BSE, the exchange lags the NSE significantly in terms of volume and value of trades. Other bourses that made their place in the top 10 were Nasdaq OMX (4th), Shenzhen SE (5th), Shanghai SE (6th), Tokyo SE

India set to join talks for worlds largest trade bloc

India is set to join talks for creating the world's largest trade bloc, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership or RCEP, comprising Asean members and three manufacturing giants China , Japan and South Korea after a committee headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh endorsed the move. The 16 members who will launch talks in Phnom Penh later this month account for over a quarter of the world economy. Trade & Economic Relations Committee (TERC) signals the government's intent to drive down import duties further in the coming years, a proposal that may not get too much support from the domestic industry.

levels of liberalisation, says a World Economic Forum report. According to the fifth edition of the World Economic Forum's Financial Development Report 2012, India has been ranked 40th in the 2012 Index -- four-spot decline from last year (36 rank). The report highlighted a poor record in enforcing contracts, low levels of liberalisation, inadequate IT and communications infrastructure and general high costs of doing business. India has been ranked 9th out of the 15 Asia Pacific economies that were surveyed in the report.

India's 2013 gold imports seen at 550 tonnes

India's gold imports may fall to 550 tonnes next year from a peak of 967 tonnes in 2011, the head of a leading trade body said, after a drop that could be as steep as 45 percent this year as high inflation and prices bite into disposable incomes. India's 2011 imports put it ahead of China as the world's largest gold buyer, but they slid over 56 percent in the second quarter of this year after New Delhi hiked import duties. Overall first-half imports fell 20 percent.

India slips to 40th slot in WEF's financial development index

India has slipped four places to 40th position, out of 62 leading financial systems and capital markets, because of poor enforcement of contracts and low

Nepal Elected as a Board Member of the ECOSOC

Nepal was elected on 8 November 2012 as a board member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for a three year term starting from January 2013. Nepal along with seventeen other countries was elected as board members. Nepal was elected with 131 votes out of the total 194 in the UN General Assembly. The fifty-four member ESOSOC is one of the principal organs of the UN which coordinates the economic, social and related work of the UN and its specialized agencies and institutions.

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seen before avatar. With the galaxy of stars like Akshay Kumar, Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Om Puri, Jackie Shroff, Vinay Pathak, the opening ceremony promises to be one of the greatest celebrations of the centenary year of Indian Cinema. establishment of 21 integrated textile parks which was sanctioned in the 11th Five Year Plan. The cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA), in a meeting held in New Delhi also had committed the government to provide for liability beyond 200 crore Rupees. It was in October 2010 that the CCEA had approved a proposal for setting up additional 21 integrated textile parks utilising the Rs.200 crore left in the 11th plan.

National Round-Up Tipu Sultans Era Cannon Discovered at Bangalore Metro Site
Workers digging the underground section of the Bangalore Metro rail were discover a 12 feet 18th century cannon as well as a 10 kg cannonball which is believed to be from the era of Tipu Sultan. The site of construction in Bangalore lies between the summer palace of Tipu Sultan and Bangalore Fort. This is the rarest discovery in the capital of Karnataka linked to that time period. The iron cannon weighs over a ton while the cannonball weighs 10kg. Muzzle is approximately 3/4th the size of cannon. After the discovery, officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) rushed to the site immediately and secured it. The cannon has survived rough weather conditions as well because of being buried in ground for so many years.

Special Indian Cinema Centenary Award:

Among the many firsts at the 43rd International Film Festival of India, a special award of Rs 10 lakh has been instituted as a celebration of the centenary of feature films in India. Briefing the media here, Shri Shankar Mohan, Festival Director, IFFI said, the special Indian Cinema Centenary Award will be bestowed to a film chosen from three nominations from the festival programme International Competition, Cinema of the World and the Indian Panorama. A specially constituted jury which will have Buddhadeb Dasgupta, Goutam Ghose and Kishwar Desai, will adjudge the nominations, wherein the winner will be awarded a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh, Silver Peacock and a Certificate. Shri Mohan informed that total cash award will cross one crore 10 lakh rupees in this festival.

Swiss Company Launched Health Product in Bihar

A Switzerland-based company on 9 November 2012 launched an insecticidal bed net and community water filter in the Patna district of Bihar to fight against diseases like Dengue, Malaria and Diarrhoea. The community water filter launched had a capacity to filter 100 lakh litres. The company is going to have a talk with the state government for support in popularising the items in Bihar. Subsequently, the products would be placed in the open market for sale. The long-lasting insecticidal bed nets are considered by experts as one of the best defences against vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria that claim several lives.

Goa host 43rd International Film Festival of India

The stage is set for the 43rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) beginning on November 20 amidst genial surroundings of Goa to promote some of the best cinemas of India and the world. The 10-day cinematic extravaganza which promises to be a showcase of the glorious hundred years of Indian cinema will look back at the magic of Indian cinema in a never

Union Cabinet Cleared Setting up of 21 Textile Parks

Union Government on 8 November 2012 approved the release of funds for the

Fifty Percent Reservation for Women in Assam Panchayat Election

The Assam State Election Commission announced 50 per cent reservation of seats in the panchayat election for women in a bid to socially and politically empower women. This decision will come into effect from the forthcoming panchayat election which is likely to be held in February -March 2013. In last panchayat poll, one -third seats were reserved for women. The state has over two thousand two hundred gram panchayats, 188 anchalik panchayats and 20 zilla parishads. The Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) women would also enjoy the 50 per cent seat reservation for women in the forthcoming panchayats. In last panchayat poll, one -third seats were reserved for women. The state has over two thousand two hundred gram panchayats, 188 anchalik panchayats and 20 zilla parishads.

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Vatsalya Mela
The Ministry of Women and Child Development is celebrating the Vatsalya Mela from 14-19 November 2012 at the Dilli Haat in New Delhi. Krishna Tirath, Minister of State for Women and Child Development will inaugurate the Mela on 14th November. The theme for this years Mela is Safety and Protection of Women and Child Rights. The inauguration of the Mela coincides with the Childrens Day, celebrated in memory of the birth anniversary of the first Prime of India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru whose love and affection for children is well known.

National Cardio Care Centre to be developed at Jhajjar

The Union Government of India on 24 November 2012 announced to set up a National Cancer Institute (NCI) and a National Cardio Care Centre (NCCC) at the second campus of All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Badhsa village of Jhajjar, Haryana during the inauguration of the Outreach OPD of the AIIMS-II campus spread over 300 acres. This outreach OPD is well equipped with all the facilities and has a capacity of 1000 beds and the first OPD in the nation to provide free medicines to the patients. Group for better coordination through joint research on subjects of mutual interest, exchange and training of scientific and technical personnel, exchange of available scientific and technologies information and data, organization of workshops, seminars and working groups, transfer of knowhow, technology and equipment, on non-commercial basis etc. The scheme of cash transfer into bank accounts, the Minister said, would enable the government to extend benefits to the needy at the click of a button without any fear of misuse or duplication. At present, government operates about 42 schemes, of which 29 would be covered by the cash transfer scheme that is to be launched from 1st January 2013 in 51 districts. The second roll-out to cover more districts would be launched in April 2013. The schemes which would come under the purview of the cash transfer scheme would include those of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Human Resources Development (HRD) Minority Welfare, Women and Child Development, Health and Family and Labour and Employment.

DDA announced its Plans of Creating Four Diversity Parks

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on 7 November 2012 announced its plans of creating four diversity parks that would span in a total area of 10000 hectares. Out of this 7000 hectares would be the a park that will span over the Yamuna Flood Plains and the second one that is proposed to be developed across the Tilpat Valley, adjoin the Asola-Bhatti Mines in an area of 80 hectares would be the over an area of 80 hectares.

Kejriwals party named Aam Admi Party

Arvind Kejriwals party was named Aam Admi Party at a meeting of its founder members here during which the Constitution for the organisation was also adopted. The meeting of around 300 founder members was held at Constitution Club during which Kejriwal proposed the name of the party which was accepted by other members. The Constitution of the party was also adopted at the meeting. It was proposed by Mayank Gandhi and seconded by Chandramohan, they said.

India and Malaysia Agreed to Promote Cooperation in Renewable Energy

India and Malaysia have agreed to promote cooperation in renewable energy, especially in the areas of biomass and biogas, micro hydropower, solar energy and wind power. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed in the capital yesterday. The MoU was signed by Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy and Data Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Malaysia. Both the countries also agreed to form a Joint Working

IOC plans 15 million tonne refinery in Gujarat

Indian Oil Corp, the nation's largest oil firm has said it is planning to build a new 15 million tonne refinery in Gujarat as part of its plans to almost double its refining capacity. IOC, at present, has seven refineries with a cumulative capacity of 54.2 million tonnes per annum capacity. The company, which already has a 13.7 million tonnes refinery at Koyali in Gujarat, is planning another 15 million tonness unit in the state due to easy availability of land. The refinery on the west coast is to come up by the 13th Five Year Plan.

Benefits under 29 welfare schemes through Aadhaar from 1st January 2013
Benefits under 29 welfare schemes being operated by different ministries would be transferred through Aadhaarenabled bank accounts in 51 districts spread over 16 states from 1st Jan next year, Finance Min P Chidambaram said.

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U.S. House of Representatives. The 45 years old Bera took a lead of 184 votes against Dan Lungren, the Republican rival from the seventh Congressional District of California. Before Bera, two Indians to be elected for the US House of Representatives include Dalip Singh Saund in the 1950s and Bobby Jindal was the House member before being elected to be the Governor of Louisiana from 2005 to 2008. Except Dr. Bera, five more Indian-Americans namely Dr. Syed Taj, Dr. Manan Trivedi, Upendra Chivukula and Jack Uppala and Ricky Gill, were candidates, who lost from their seats in the US elections. Except Ricky Gill all the other four were from Democratic Party. Dr. Syed Taj, who was a representative from Democratic Party, is the younger brother of Syed Shahbuddin and he basically belongs from Bihar. He lost in the tough fight against his opponent K Bentivolio from the seat of Michigan's 11th Congressional District. Gabbard, who at present is serving as the Senator from the Hawaii State and her mother Carol Porter Gabbard, who is a Hindu is an educator and a business owner in Hawaii.

International Round-Up Barack Obama Reelected President of USA

Barack Obama, the leader of Democratic Party on 7 November 2012 was re-elected as the President of USA. Obama defeated the Republican Challenger, Mitt Romney in the U.S. Presidential Elections 2012 by winning over 332 votes as compared to the 206 votes of Mitt Romney of all the votes declared by the Electoral College declared. Obama was successful in getting around 74000 more votes than the competitor, Mitt Romney out of the eight million votes casted during the Presidential Elections.

Australia approved the plan to save the MurrayDarling Basin

Australia on 22 November 2012 approved the plan to save the Murray-Darling Basin, an ailing river system. As per the plan, the sum total of five Sydney Harbours worth of water to the network every year. Murray-Darling Basin river system is vital to the Australias food bowl. This river network is sprawling across five Australian states and covering the area of one million square kilometers. Two million tonnes of salt will also be flushed out each year under the plan. The concerned river system affects the livelihood of millions of people, but due to overexploitation it is ailing now. It suffers from increased salt concentrations as well as depletion in its amount of water because of draught.

The elections were conducted on 6th November 2012 and this was the 57th quadrennial presidential election for the United States. Obama and Romney won 50 percent and 48.1 percent of votes respectively. 53 members in the Senate were from Democratic Party, whereas 45 are from Republican Party. In the House of Representatives, the lead went in the way of Republican Party with 232 seats and the Democratic Party was successful in securing 191 seats. Mitt Romney tied with the President Obama at 49 percent of the Popular Votes.

Tulsi Gabbard-First HinduAmerican to be in the House:

Tulsi-Gabbard is the first Hindu-American to enter the U.S. House of Representatives. She defeated the Republican rival K. Crowley from the Hawaii seat in the one-sided contest. Tulsi doesnt belong to the Indian Heritage and is not an Indian. She is a daughter to the Catholic Father Mike

India votes against UN resolution banning death penalty

India was among the 39 countries that voted against a UN General Assembly draft resolution which called for abolishing the death penalty, saying every nation had the "sovereign right" to determine its own legal system.

2nd India-China Strategic economic Dialogue held in New Delhi

The 2nd India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 26 November, 2012. During the 2nd meeting of the Dialogue, India and China discussed a wide range of topics including greater cooperation at the global level, strengthening communication on macro-economic policies, deepening and expanding trade and investment and promoting bilateral cooperation in the financial and infrastructure sectors. The proposals and recommendations made by the five Working Groups were considered during the 2nd Dialogue and directions given for their future activities.

Ami Bera- the third IndianAmerican in the U.S. House of Representatives:

Dr. Ami Bera is third IndianAmerican ever to be elected to the

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The non-binding resolution called for a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty. It was adopted at the General Assembly's Third Committee, which deals with social and humanitarian issues, after 110 nations voted in favour of the resolution while 36 abstained. It calls on nations to progressively restrict the death penalty's use and not impose capital punishment for offences committed by persons under age 18 or pregnant women. States would also be called on to reduce the number of offences for which the death penalty might be imposed. Among the nations voting against the resolution were Bangladesh, China, Korea, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Kuwait, Libya, Pakistan and the US.

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United Nation Declared November 10 as Malala day

The United Nations declared November 10 as Malala Day in honour of Pakistani teeenage rights activist Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head by the Taliban in October 2012 for advocating girls education. The day 10 November marks the 30-day anniversary of the Taliban attack on the 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai, the education campaigner from Pakistan. United Nations Secretary-General Ban KiMoon asserted that Malala Yousafzai is an inspiration for girls education the world over. As per the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, observing Malala day is going to build on the momentum of UN's Education First initiative and show that education is a right of everyone, and not a privilege for a few. the media at the cavernous Great Hall of People overlooking Tiananmen Square in an event telecast live all over the country on Thursday, bringing an end to the intense jockeying for power among various sections of the world's biggest political party having reported membership of over 80 million. Other members of the allpowerful Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) included Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli. As per the Constitution of the party, its top leadership retires every ten years. The Standing Committee has been reduced from nine members to seven, a move Chinese officials say is aimed at improving the coordination of the collective leadership. Members of the Standing Committee and Politburo are chosen by party's new Central Committee comprising 205 members and 171 alternate members. women were still barred from more than two hundred thousand frontline roles despite recent relaxations. Approximately, 14500 combat positions had been opened to women under the current defence secretary. The possibility of opening additional roles for women in the US military are being explored. Women have served in the United States Army since 1775. They nursed the ill and wounded, laundered and mended clothing, and cooked for the troops in camp on campaign; services that did not exist among the uniformed personnel within the Army until the 20th Century. Women are an integral part of the US Army. At present, women serve in 91 percent of all Army occupations and make up about 14 percent of the Active Army. Women continue to play a crucial role in current operations and their sacrifices in this noble effort underscore their dedication and willingness to share great sacrifices.

Xi Jinping appointed new CPC chief

Xi Jinping was appointed the new General Secy of China's ruling CPC in a smooth power transition that ushered in a fifth generation of leaders to steer the world's second largest economy over the next decade, ending the 10-year reign of President Hu Jintao. 59-year-old Xi, who was the Vice President till now, will replace Hu as President in March, while Li Keqiang, 57, will succeed Prime Minister Wen Jiabao. Xi was also named the chief of the 2.3 million-strong People's Liberation Army (PLA), the world's largest standing military, allowing the new leader to have a free hand in running the most populous nation. The fifth generation of CPC leaders was formally unveiled to

India Canada bilateral meet

In a bilateral meeting with Canadian Minister of International Trade and Minister for Asia Pacific Gateway Mr Edward Fast, Union Minister of Commerce, Industry & Textiles, Anand Sharma suggested that substantial pension funds in Canada private and public could be usefully channeled through the Infrastructure Debt

US Militarys Ban on Women in most Combat Positions

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a constitutional challenge in a federal court in San Francisco to the US military's ban on women in most combat positions. The Union argued that

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Fund. It is to be noted that both the sides have finalised a tripartite agreement for an infrastructure debt funding mechanism linking both lenders and borrowers through the IDF. The IDF would source most of its funding from pension funds, insurance funds and sovereign wealth funds. The issue of Social Security Agreement was also discussed during the meet. Council, will showcase its low-cost Aakash tablet at the United Nations, highlighting the countrys innovation involved in the most competitively priced tablet computer. Indias Permanent Representative to the U.N. Hardeep Singh Puri said a presentation on the tablet will be held on November 28 at the world bodys headquarters here to which UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will be invited.

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Miss Czech Republic crowned Miss Earth 2012

RBI and the State Bank of Vietnam signed a MoU

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 16 November 2012 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) for promoting greater co-operation and sharing supervisory information, between the two supervisors.

Treaty Between Tea Board and European Tea Committee

The Darjeeling tea mark has been registered as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), by the European Commission. To implement the PGI registration for Darjeeling in letter and spirit and towards this end a Joint Communique was released.

China's largest unmanned helicopter becomes operational

China's largest unmanned helicopter has become operational after passing all required flight tests. The mid-sized remote controlled helicopter has passed all required flight tests and is fully operational in east Shandong province, state-run Xinhua quoted officials as saying. "The helicopter, capable of flying as high as 3,000 meters at a top speed of 161 km per hour with a payload of 80 kg, can be controlled from a maximum distance of 150 km or programmed to fly automatically," according to Cheng Shenzong, board chairman of Weifang Tianxiang Aerospace Industry Co Ltd, a company that helped develop the aircraft.

India and Japan Signed Earths Pact

India and Japan signed an Earths Pact on 16 November 2012 that will enable the latter to import the rare Earth minerals from India. These rare minerals are very important for the Tech-savvy industries of Japan. The pact came as a conclusion despite postponement of India-Japan annual summit. As per the signed pact, Japan will be able to import 4000 tonnes rare Earth minerals for a year from India.

Tereza Fajksova of the Czech Republic was crowned Miss Earth 2012 on November 24 in the Philippines. Miss Philippines Stephany Stefanowitz as Miss Earth Air , Miss Venezuela Osmariel Villalobos as Miss Earth Water and Miss Brazil Camila Brant as Miss Earth Fire. Around 91 contestants from around the globe participated in the pageant with a theme in line with that of United Nations' (UN) celebration of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for all. There were many favourites including Miss Prachi Mishra who represented India and had bagged the Friendship subtitle at Miss Earth 2012. Miss Earth 2012, Tereza Fajksova was crowned by her predecessor- Miss Earth 2011-Olga Alava of Ecuador.

2nd India-China Strategic economic Dialogue

The 2nd India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 26 November, 2012. During the 2nd meeting of the Dialogue, India and China discussed a wide range of topics including greater cooperation at the global level, strengthening communication on macro-economic policies, deepening and expanding trade and investment and promoting bilateral cooperation in the financial and infrastructure sectors. The proposals and recommendations made by the five Working Groups were considered during the 2nd Dialogue and directions given for their future activities.

India to showcase Aakash tablet at U.N.

India, which assumed rotating Presidency of the Security

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Knowledge Capsules
Banking Glossary
ATM: An automated teller machine (ATM) is a machine in which a customer can use his card along with PIN to get cash, information and other services. Bank Guarantee: Bank guarantee is a promise by a bank on behalf of its customer to a third party to pay an amount specified in the guarantee deed in case the customer fails to perform the obligation as stipulated in the deed. Banking Ombudsman: Banking Ombudsman is an independent dispute resolution authority set up by the Reserve Bank of India to redress customer complaints against deficiency in certain banking services. Bills: Bills are financial negotiable instruments such as Bills of Exchange or Promissory Notes. Bill of Exchange is issued by a seller to his buyer directing him to make payment for the goods supplied/ services rendered. Bill in the form of a promissory note is issued by a buyer to his seller undertaking to make payment for the goods received/ services rendered. Bill Purchase / Discounting: Bill purchase / discounting are modes of extending credit to the seller of goods who has raised demand / usance bill of exchange. Demand bills are purchased and usance bills are discounted. Card: Card is a general term for any plastic card, which a customer may use to pay for goods and services or to withdraw cash. In this Code, it includes ATM/ Smart/Debit/Credit cards. Cash Credit/Overdraft: Cash credit/overdraft is a form of credit facility in which a borrower is sanctioned a pre- arranged limit with the freedom to borrow as much money as he requires. In case of flow of credit to the account, he can withdraw afresh subject to the limit sanctioned. As such, the limit works as a revolving line of credit. Bank charges interest on the outstanding balances. Cash losses: Cash losses mean net losses minus depreciation. Cheque Collection Policy: Cheque Collection Policy refers to the policy followed by a bank in respect of various local and outstation cheques and instruments deposited with the bank for credit to an account. Compensation Policy: Compensation Policy refers to the policy followed by a bank for compensating its customers for the financial losses incurred by them (the customers) due to the acts of omission or commission on the part of the bank. Credit facilities/ Bank Loan: Credit facilities from the bank may be in the form of a term loan or in the form of overdraft or cash credit that is extended by a bank to its customer for a specified period and he is charged interest on the outstanding balances. Credit Information Companies (CICs): Credit Information Companies are companies formed and registered under the Companies Act, 1956 and which have been granted a Certificate of Registration by the Reserve Bank. These companies are empowered to collect data on credit from credit institutions who are its members and disseminate the same after analysis, to its members and specified users. Current Account: A form of demand deposit wherefrom withdrawals are allowed any number of times depending upon the balance in the account or up to a particular agreed amount. Customer: An MSE or its authorised representative who has an account with a bank or who avails of other products/ services from a bank. Deceased account: A Deceased account is a deposit account in which case either the single account holder has deceased or in case of joint accounts one or more of joint account holders has/ have deceased. Demat accounts: A Demat account refers to dematerialised account and is an account in which the stocks of investors are held in electronic form. Deposit Accounts: Savings deposits means a form of demand deposit which is subject to restrictions as to the number of withdrawals as also the amounts of withdrawals permitted by the bank during any specified period. Term deposit means a deposit received by the bank for a fixed period withdrawable only after the expiry of the fixed period and includes deposits such as Recurring/Short Deposits/Fixed Deposits/ Monthly Income Certificate/Quarterly Income Certificate etc.

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Notice Deposit means term deposit for specific period but withdrawable on giving at least one complete banking days notice. Electronic Clearing Service: The Electronic Clearing Service (ECS) is an online transmission system which permits the electronic transmission of payment information by the banks/branches to the Automated Clearing House (ACH) via a communication network. Electronic Funds Transfer: Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is a scheme introduced by RBI to help banks to offer their customers facility of transfer of funds from account to account from one bank branch to another in places where EFT service is available. Equity: Equity means a part of capital of a corporate entity that is represented by the shares of the company whether in physical or dematerialised form. Factoring: Factoring is a financial option for the management of receivables. It is the conversion of credit sales into cash. Government bond: Government bond means a security, created and issued by the Central or State Government for raising a public loan. Guarantee: A promise given by a person. Improper conduct of account: Issuing of cheque on the account without sufficient balance in the account; frequent returns of inward / outward cheques in the account; account has been overdrawn, or the account holder has exceeded its agreed credit limit; non compliance of KYC procedure; fraud/malfeasance or fraudulent intention exhibited by the customer; suspicious transactions/ engagement in money laundering activity under the scope of PMLA Act, 2002 etc. are instances of improper conduct of account. Letter of Credit: A letter of credit is a document issued by a bank, which usually provides an irrevocable undertaking for payment to a beneficiary against submission of documents as stated in the Letter of Credit. Mail: Mail is a letter in a physical or electronic form. Merchant Services: Merchant services generally refer to merchant accounts allowed to trading and service establishments for acceptance of payments through credit/ debit cards. The cards may be accepted over the counter through card terminals i.e. Point of Sale (POS) machines or over phone or through internet. Micro and Small Enterprises: Micro and Small Enterprises are those enterprises engaged in manufacturing or rendering services. A micro enterprise is defined as:

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An enterprise engaged in the manufacture or production of goods pertaining to any industry where the investment in plant and machinery does not exceed Rs. 25 lakh (or) An enterprise engaged in rendering services where investment in equipment does not exceed Rs. 10 lakh. A small enterprise is defined as : An enterprise engaged in manufacture or production of goods pertaining to any industry where the investment in plant and machinery is more than Rs. 25 lakh but does not exceed Rs. 5 crore (or) An enterprise engaged in rendering services where investment in equipment is more than Rs. 10 lakh but does not exceed Rs. 2 crore. National Electronic Funds Transfer: National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) system is a nation-wide funds transfer system to facilitate transfer of funds from one bank branch to any other bank branch in the country. Net worth: Net worth means sum of Capital and free reserves minus accumulated losses. Nomination Facility: The nomination facility enables the bank to: make payment to the nominee of a deceased depositor, of the amount standing to the credit of the depositor, return to the nominee, the articles left by a deceased person in the banks safe custody, release to the nominee of the hirer, the contents of a safety locker, in the event of death of the hirer. Non-Fund based facility: Non-fund based facilities are such facilities extended by banks which do not involve outgo of funds from the bank when the customer avails the facilities but may at a later date crystallise into financial liability if the customer fails to honour the commitment made by availing these facilities. Non-fund based facilities are generally extended in the form of Bank Guarantees, Acceptances and Letters of Credit. Non Performing Asset: A Non Performing Asset (NPA) is a loan or an advance where i) interest and/ or installment of principal remain overdue for a period of more than 90 days in respect of a term loan. ii) the account remains out of order in respect of an Overdraft/Cash Credit (OD/CC). iii) the bill remains overdue for a period of more than 90 days in the case of bills purchased or discounted. Originator: An organisation which collects payments from a customers account in line with customers instructions. Other Security Information: A selection of personal facts and information (in an order which

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the customer knows), which may be used for identification when using accounts. Out-of-date (stale) cheque: A cheque, which has not been paid because the date written on the cheque is a date exceeding three months from the time of its presentation. Out of Order status: An account should be treated as out of order if the outstanding balance remains continuously in excess of the sanctioned limit/ drawing power. In cases where the outstanding balance in the principal operating account is less than the sanctioned limit/drawing power, but there are no credits continuously for 90 days as on the date of Balance Sheet or credits are not enough to cover the interest debited during the same period, these accounts should be treated as out of order. Overdue: Any amount due to the bank under any credit facility is overdue if it is not paid on the due date fixed by the bank. PAN: The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is an all India unique Number having ten alphanumeric characters allotted by the Income Tax Department, Government of India. It is issued in the form of a laminated card. It is permanent and will not change with change of address of the assessee or change of Assessing Officer. Password: A word or a set of numbers or an alphanumeric combination for an access code, which the customer has chosen, to allow him to use a phone or Internet banking service. It is also used for identification. Payment and Settlement System: Payment and Settlement System means financial system creating the means for transferring money between suppliers and user of funds usually by exchanging debits or credits among financial institutions. PIN: A confidential number, use of which along with a card allows customers to pay for articles/services, withdraw cash and use other electronic services offered by the bank. Real Time Gross Settlement: The acronym RTGS stands for Real Time Gross Settlement. RTGS system offers the fastest means of transfer of funds through banking channel. Settlement of transactions under RTGS takes place on one-toone basis, which is termed as Gross settlement and in real time i.e. without any waiting period. Reasonable: Governed by or being in accordance with reason and sound thinking; being within the bounds of common sense; not excessive or extreme. Repossession: Repossession is the process by which a creditor with a loan secured on house or goods (e.g. car) takes possession of the security, if the debtor does not repay as per the terms of the loan agreement.

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Rehabilitation Package: Rehabilitation package is the package drawn for the rehabilitation of a sick unit. The package has to be drawn in accordance with the RBI stipulations and it usually consists of i) Working Capital with relaxation in the rate of interest in terms of regulatory guidelines ii) Funded Interest Term Loan iii) Working Capital Term Loan iv) Term Loan v) Contingency Loan Assistance Smart Cards: A smart card is a plastic card about the size of a credit card, with an embedded microchip which can process data. It provides a secure way of identification, authentication and storage of data. It can be used for telephone calling, electronic cash payments, and other applications. Security: Represents assets used as support for a loan or other liability. In the event of the borrower defaulting on the loan, the lender bank can claim these assets in lieu of the sum owed. Primary security is the asset created out of the credit facility extended to the borrower and / or which is directly associated with the business / project of the borrower for which the credit facility has been extended. Collateral security is any other security offered for the said credit facility. For example, hypothecation of jewellery, mortgage of house etc. Services i) In respect of small and micro service enterprises, services refer to small road and water transport operators, small business, professional and selfemployed persons, and all other service enterprises. ii) Services rendered by the banks include various facilities like remittance (issue of DDs, MTs, TTs etc), receipt and payment of cash, exchange of notes and foreign exchange etc. provided by the banks to the customers. Sick Unit: Sick unit refers to a unit whose account has remained substandard for more than six months or there has been erosion in net worth due to accumulated cash losses to the extent of 50% of the net worth during the previous accounting year and the unit has been in commercial production for at least two years. Substandard: A substandard asset would be one, which has remained NPA for a period less than or equal to 12 months. Tariff Schedule: The schedule containing charges levied by a bank on the products and services offered by it to its customers. Unpaid Cheque: This is a cheque, which is returned unpaid (bounced) by the drawee bank.

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Banking Awareness
For Bank PO
1. 2. Present Statutory Liquidity Ratio is? 1) 23 % 2) 25 % 3) 30 % 4) 4.25 % 5) 8.75 % If Statutory Liquidity Ratio increases, the availability of bank loans? 1) increase 2) zero 3) become 100 percent 4) decrease 5) not available Banks recover term loans from the parties in EMIs. The letter 'E' represents? 1) Easy 2) Essential 3) Equated 4) Effective 5) Economical On 8th November 2012, which bank and Vodafone declared they offer 'm-pesa', a mobile money transfer and payment service? 1) SBI 2) Bank of India 3) Union Bank of India 4) OBC 5) ICICI To control inflation, Statutory Liquidity Ratio to be? 1) decreased 2) must be zero 3) must be negative 4) must be in double digit only 5) increased United Bank Limited (UBL) is awaiting approval from the Reserve Bank of India to start banking operations in India. It belongs to? 1) Pakistan 2) China 3) Indonesia 4) Iran 5) South Korea Which of the following term do not represent any part of the Banking Technology? 1) NEFT 2) RTGS 3) ITC 4) CBS 5) M - Banking Statutory Liquidity Ratio declared by? 9.

& Clerks

Exams
15. technology based initiatives? 1) Axis Bank 2) Yes Bank 3) HSBC 4) ICICI 5) None of these Which of the following statements about Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) is not correct? 1) RRBs are sponsored by commercial banks. 2) They were set up to develop rural economy. 3) The area of RRBs is limited to a specific region comprising one or more districts. 4) The first RRB was established in 1982. 5) NABARD regulates all RRBs. The RBI made it mandatory to lend 40% loans to Priority sectors to the Private banks which have 1) More than 20 branches in India 2) More than 20 banks in India and spread in atleast 5 states 3) More than 50 branches in India 4) More than 35 branches in India 5) None of these Which of the following banks opened India's first ever financial supermarket, aimed at cross-selling non-traditional banking products like insurance, credit cards and mutual funds, in Jaipur on August 8, 2012? 1) State Bank of India 2) Punjab National Bank 3) Punjab and Sind Bank 4) State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur 5) None of these New innovations in the banking business, promoting loans to poorer and small

10.

3.

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11.

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14.

1) Government of India 2) State Bank of India 3) SEBI 4) Reserve Bank of India 5) Exim Bank ANZ is a foreign bank based in? 1) Argentina 2) Austria 3) Australia 4) Angola 5) Andorra Which of the following is not a nationalized bank? 1) Indian Bank 2) Syndicate Bank 3) Yes Bank 4) Dena Bank 5) Union Bank of India Name the bank which has decided to join the social media platform, Facebook, where it will allow its customers to access their bank accounts, among other services in line with its philosophy Khayal Aapka (Your Care)? 1)HDFC 2) ICICI Bank 3) Axis Bank 4) State Bank of India 5) IDBI Licensing, controlling other institutions which do the part banking, and review of banks performance are the ...... functions of RBI. 1) Promotional 2) Supervisory 3) Traditional 4) Educative 5) Indirect Which of the following is not a scheduled commercial bank? 1) IDBI Bank 2) Axis Bank 3) HDFC Bank 4) NABARD 5) Kotak Mahindra Bank Which of the following bank has launched recently 25 Electronic branches and other

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17.

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sections of society, engaging other agencies to float credit like NABARD etc. are to be termed as the ...... functions of RBI. 1) Traditional 2) Supervisory 3) Selective 4) Promotional 5) Elusive Which electronic fund transfer system run on the basis of 'Deferred Net Settlement'? 1) RTGS 2) SMS 3) NEFT 4) ROLL ON 5) IFSC On 1st October 2012, the Finance Minister Chidam baram unveiled 12-point revival package for the? 1) IT Sector 2) Banking Sector 3) Share Market 4) Education Sector 5) Insurance Sector Which of the following organization has made E-filing compulsory? 1) RBI 2) SEBI 3) Finance Ministry 4) CBDT 5) None of these Which functions of Reserve Bank of India include Banker to the government, issuing of currency notes, control the foreign exchange, and fight against the economic crisis. 1) Traditional 2) Promotional 3) Supervisory 4) Autocrat 5) Negligent The chief activities of bank do not include? 1) Providing loans 2) Accepting deposits 3) Providing lockers 4) Issuing Negotiable instruments 5) Selling Real Estate properties In India the Foreign Exchange Reserves are kept in the custody of which of the following institutions? 1) Ministry of Finance 2) EXIM bank 3) Reserve Bank of India 4) Select public sector banks 5) SEBI The MICR cheque details given. Pick the incorrect one. 1) In the MICR cheques, MICR bears 9 digits 2) First 3 digits represent city name/ district name etc. 3) Next 3 digits represent bank name 4) Last 3 digits represent branch code 5) MICR cheques increase the counterfeit cheques Who has taken over as Chairperson and Managing Director (CMD) of Bank of India (BoI) with effect from November 5, 2012? 1) Archana Bhargava 2) Shubhalaxmi Panse 3) Vijayalakshmi Iyer 4) Nupur Mitra 5) Shikha Sharma Which of the following does not represent the name of a bank working in India? 1) HDFC 2) Axis 3) IndusInd 4) Kotak Mahindra 5) Tata Cash Reserve Ratio means? 1) the portion of deposits that RBI keep with the Commercial banks 2) the portion of cash that banks keep with the State Governments 3) the portion of deposits that banks keep with the Central bank 4) the portion of deposits that banks keep with the Central Government 5) the portion of deposits that banks keep with the World Bank If Cash Reserve Ratio reduces, then availability of bank loans? 1) decrease 2) zero 3) negative 4) increase 5) loans do not available Economic and Banking pundits divide the functions of RBI into three categories. They are? 1) Traditional, Promotional and Aggressive 2) Frictional, Promotional and Supervisory 3) Traditional, Promotional and Selective 4) Direct, Autocrat and Supervisory 31.

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5) Traditional, Promotional and Supervisory According to the international rating agency Moodys Analytics, Indias Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2012 is forecast to be 1) 5.5 % 2) 5.7 % 3) 5.8 % 4) 5.3 % 5) 5.6 % For which of the following companies E-mandatory is made compulsory by SEBI? 1) Top-500 listed companies 2) Multinational Companies 3) Software companies 4) Above Rs 1000cr turnover companies 5) None of these Which bank has recently announced to launch the non cash transactions through social networking site Facebook ? 1) SBI 2) Andhra Bank 3) Bank of Baroda 4) ICICI 5) Axis Bank Crossed Cheque means? 1) Two lines put across the cheque to invalidate it 2) Ordering the bank to pay cash to government bodies only but not to others 3) Putting two lines across the top left of the cheque ordering the bank to pay cash to payee through account only 4) The cheque issued by RBI in favour of State governments and Central governments to give loans 5) None of these Which of the following is the Apex level institution for housing? 1) EXIM Bank 2) NABARD 3) NHB 4) SIDBI 5) HUDCO

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1. 1 6. 1 11. 2 16. 1 21. 4 26. 3 31. 1 2. 4 7. 3 12. 2 17. 4 22. 1 27. 5 32. 1 3. 3 8. 4 13. 4 18. 4 23. 5 28. 3 33. 4 4. 5 9. 3 14. 4 19. 3 24. 3 29. 4 34. 3 5. 5 10. 15. 20. 25. 30. 35. 3 4 5 5 5 3

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Current News & Events

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Current MCQ Capsules

1. 2. Recently, the Government of India has named Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as the recipient of the 2012 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the President of which among the following country? 1) Ghana 2) Liberia 3) Namibia 4) Chad 5) South Sudan Which among the following country, the seventh East Asian Summit (EAS) was held? 1) Japan 2) Indonesia 3) Cambodia 4) New Zeeland 5) None of these Who among the following will be conferred with Gomant Vibhushan Award for the year 2012-13 by the Goa government? 1) Charles Correa 2) Anil Kakodkar 3) Dayanand Mandrekar 4) Raghunath Mashelker 5) None of these Which among the following State, the "India for Animals Conference 2012" was held? 1) Kerala 2) Gujarat 3) Goa 4) Odisha 5) None of these Recently, in which among the following city, an international conference on Recent Advances in Materials Science (RAMS) 2012 was held? 1) Mumbai 2) Bangalore 3) Bhopal 4) Kochi 5) None of these Recently, in which among the following country , the first ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on cooperation in Renewable Energy was held? 1) India 2) Indonesia 3) Thailand 4) Cambodia 5) None of these The 9th summit of 48-member Asia-Europe meeting will be held at which of the following places in which External Affairs 8. 9. Minister Salman Khurshid will participate? 1) Berlin 2) Perth 3) Dhaka 4) Laos 5) None of these Which rank does India hold in terms of Doing Business Index 2013 among 185 economies? 1) 130 2)132 3) 128 4)120 5) None of these Who among the following is the winner of the this year's World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) Prize for Education? 1) N Srinivasan 2) Madhav Chavan 3) Arun Kumar 4) Rajesh Goyal 5) None of these Which Country host the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP12). 1) Japan 2) Australia 3) South Korea 4) Poland 5) None of these According to Fortune magazine, who among the following has retained her position as countrys top paid business woman? 1) Chanda Kochhar 2) Vinita Bali 3) Kavery Kalanithi 4) Preetha Reddy 5) None of these The Assam government has raised a special women commando force to prevent crime against women in Guwahati. What is the name of the commando force? 1) Virangana 2) Nirbhaya 3) Sribal 4) Naribal 5) None of these Forward2012 U.S. Presidential slogan of ? 1) Barack Obama 2) Mitt Romney 3) Ron Paul 4) Jill Stein 5) None of these 14. First International textile and Apparel Fair Vastra 2012 was held at which among the following cities recently? 1) Ahmedabad 2) Jaipur 3) Patna 4) Kanpur 5) Raipur 15. According to the World Bank, which among the following country will receive more remittances in 2012 among the list of developing countries? 1) India 2) China 3) Egypt 4) Mexico 5) None of these 16. Believe in America- 2012 U.S. Presidential slogan of ? 1) Ron Paul 2) Jill Stein 3) Mitt Romney 4) Gary Johnson 5) None of these 17. What is the code-name given by the Government of India to the hanging of Ajmal Kasab, the sole surviving gunman of the 2008 attack? 1) Operation K 2) Operation T 3) Operation V 4) Operation X 5) None of these 18. When is the US Presidential Election Day 2012 ? 1) November 15 2) November 10 3) November 06 4) November 14 5) November 16 19. Which among the following cities was the host of the 25th Southern Zonal Council Meeting? 1) Hyderabad 2) Chennai 3) Bangalore 4) Kochi 5) None of these 20. Recently, in which among the following place, Bhimbetkatype prehistoric settlement are found? 1) Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh 2) Gulbarga, Karnataka 3) Udayagiri, Odisha 4) Ratnagiri, Odisha 5) None of these

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21. Every year World Literacy Day is celebrated on? 1) January 8 2) March 8 3) September 8 4) October 18 5) November 28 22. Who among the following is the author of the book titled 'The Walls of Delhi '? 1) Amitav Ghosh 2) Uday Prakash 3) Jeet Thayil 4) Sujata Rani 5) None of these 23. Which country has offered an exclusive export promotion zone for Indian companies? 1)Sri Lanka 2) Nepal 3) Bangladesh 4) Bhutan 5) Pakistan 24. Recently, which among the following country has relaunched the Operation Pillar of Cloud? 1) Israel 2) Iran 3) Pakistan 4) Syria 5) None of these 25. Recently, Kerala and the Lakshadweep group of islands conducted a combined coastal security exercise to revalidate the coastal security apparatus of the region. What is the name of the exercise? 1) Operation Alert 2) Operation Gemini 3) Operation Success 4) Operation Victory 5) None of these 26. Who among the following would be conferred with the Asom Ratna award for his/her outstanding contribution to literature, art and culture and social service? 1) Jahnu Barua 2) Indira Goswami 3) Anuradha Sarma Pujari 4) Hiren Bhattacharyya 5) None of these 27. In which among the following city, the World Travel Market2012 was held? 1) Paris 2) London 3) New York 4) Berlin 5) None of these 28. Indias which stock exchange became the worlds largest Bourse in equity segment as per Wfes Global Ranking recently? 1) BSE 2) NSE 3) MCX 4) NCDEX 5) None of these Which company got conditional nod for $1 billion investment in KG-D6 fields recently by Union Govt.? 1) Essar Oil 2) ONGC 3) Reliance Industries 4) Adani Power 5) None of these Which among the following is the name of the Sri Lankas first communication satellite? 1) Simhala SAT 2) Supreme SAT 3) SL SAT 4) Super SAT 5) None of these In which city the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is to implement the proposed Metro system? 1) Kanpur 2) Lucknow 3) Kochi 4) Hyderabad 5) Mumbai Which of the following countries is taking help of India to design a programme based on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme? 1) Bangladesh 2) Nigeria 3) South Africa 4) Sri Lanka 5) Brazil As per the Supreme Court order on 3rd October 2012, within how many months, basic infrastructure facilities like drinking water and toilets must be provided in the schools? 1) Six months 2) Five months 3) Nine months 4) Sixteen months 5) Two months Who among the following is presented with the "Moortidevi Award for 2010" by the Vice President of India? 1) Gopi Chand Narang 2) Syed Waheed Ashraf 3) Akbar Haideri 4) U.K. Bhinder 5) None of these The President of which among the following country is dubbed as poorest president of the world as he gives away 90% of his monthly salary to charity? 1) Paraguay 2) Chile 3) Argentina 4) Uruguay 5) None of these

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36. Who was conferred the 27th Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration on October 31, 2012, the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi? 1) A.R.Rahman 2) Shyam Benegal 3) Javed Akhtar 4) Gulzar 5) Lata Mangeshkar 37. Recently, in which among the following country, the 21st ASEAN Summit was held? 1) Thailand 2) Malaysia 3) Cambodia 4) Vietnam 5) None of these 38. World famous Pushkar fair was recently held in? 1) Haryana 2) Punjab 3) Rajasthan 4) Gujarat 5) None of these 39. The year 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the first gurdwara built in the United States. Identify the gurdwara from the given options? 1) Atlanta Sikh Gurdwara 2) Gurdwara Gurjot Parkash Sahib 3) Stockton Gurdwara Sahib 4) Gurdwara Guru Gyan Sagar 5) None of these 40. With reference to the Eurozone crisis, what is the new timeline given by the Eurozone to Greece to meet its deficitreduction targets? 1) 2014 2) 2015 3) 2016 4) 2017 5) None of these 41. UNO declared which day as Malala Day? 1) 10th November 2) 10th October 3) 10th December 4) 10th August 5) 10th September 42. Bill Moggridge of UK died in September 2012. He created the world's first? 1) Personal computer 2) Laptop computer 3) Calculator 4) Super computer 5) None of these 43. Which Institute secured 1st Rank in the QS World University Rankings 20112012 for Best Universities across the world? 1) Cambridge University 2) Harvard University 3) Oxford University

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4) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 5) None of these Recently, in which among the following State, Women Power Line 1090, a police helpline service for women was inaugurated? 1) Maharashtra 2) West Bengal 3) Uttar Pradesh 4) Rajasthan 5) None of these Who among the following are conferred with the Sant Kabir awards by Presidentof India? 1) Craft persons 2) Weavers 3) Painters 4) Poets 5) None of these Which among the following State, the 10-day long Sangai Festival 2012 was kicked off? 1) Assam 2) Manipur 3) Bihar 4) Karnataka 5) None of these First Woman team Principal in Formula One is ? 1) Monisha Kalterborn 2) Annu Raj Singh 3) Deepika Kumari 4) Laishram Bombayla Devi 5) None of these Recently, ONGC Videsh Ltd, the overseas arm of India's Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), has agreed to buy US energy major ConocoPhillips 8.4 per cent stake in Kashagan oilfields located in? 1) Kazakhstan 2) Uzbekistan 3) Turkmenistan 4) Tajikistan 5) None of these The Entrepreneur of India who received the Global Leadership Award 2012 is? 1) Mukesh Ambani 2) Anand Mahindra 3) Lalit Suri 4) M.S.Oberoi 5) None of these In which among the following country, the three-day review meeting of Ministers of Education and heads of delegation of the E-9 countries was held recently? 1) India 2) China 3) Egypt 4) Brazil 5) None of these 51. The United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has appointed Bollywood actress as its International Goodwill Ambassador? 1) Shabana Azmi 2) Aishwarya Rai Bachchan 3) Katrina Kaif 4) Rani Mukherjee 5) None of these 52. Who among the following was elected as the general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC)? 1) Jiang Zemin 2) Bo Xilai 3) Xi Jinping 4) Li Keqiang 5) None of these 53. The most appropriate measure of a countrys economic growth is its: 1) Gross Domestic Product 2) Net Domestic Product 3) Net National Product 4) Per Capita Real Income 5) High industrial growth 54. Recently, who among the following was appointed as the next Director of Central Bureau of Investigation for a two-year term? 1) Manohar Prasad 2) Rajiv Goel 3) Ranjit Sinha 4) Suresh Arora 5) None of these 55. Consider the following pairs about various international banks which is not correct? 1)UBS Switzerland 2) Barclays Bank UK 3) ABN Amro Bank US 4) Kookmin Bank South Korea 5)PNB Paribas France 56. Shubhalaxmi Panse took charge as the Chairperson and Managing Director (CMD) of which of the following banks on October 1, 2012? 1) Vijaya Bank 2) Allahabad Bank 3) Canara Bank 4) UCO Bank 5) United Bank of India 57. Recently, in which among the following place, the new Rail Coach Factory was inaugurated? 1) Bighapur 2) Gangaganj 3) Lalganj 4) Dalmau 5) None of these

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58. Senior IAS officer Ajit M Sharan was appointed as Member Secretary in National Commission for Women (NCW) on? 1) 14 May 2012 2) 16 June 2012 3) 18 October 2012 4) 3 October 2012 5) None of these 59. Which among the following country has opened the biggest marine reserve in the oceans around its coast? 1) United States of America 2) Brazil 3) Australia 4) Canada 5) None of these 60. Who has been recently appointed as the new Secretary general of Rajya Sabha in Septermber 2012? 1) Arun Jaitley 2) P. J. Kurien 3) Shumsher K Sheriff 4) Jaswant Singh 5) None of these 61. Which among the following day is celebrated as the Water Conservation Day" in India? 1) November 15 2) November 17 3) November 18 4) November 19 5) None of these 62. What is the rank of India on Ernst & Youngs renewable attractive ness index? 1) 2nd 2) 3rd 3) 4th 4) 5th 5) None of these 63. Recently, in which among the following State, the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Manage ment was inaugurated by Agriculture and Food Proce ssing Industries Minister? 1) Haryana 2) Punjab 3) Karnataka 4) Bihar 5) None of these 64. Recently, in which among the following city, the International Forum of New Cinema was organised by India's oldest film society Cine Central? 1) Mumbai 2) Bangalore 3) Kolkata 4) Nagpur 5) Hyderabad 65. India will get Rs 250 crore grant from which of the following countries for improving rural

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healthcare services to further reduce child and maternal mortality for another five years? 1) Canada 2) US 3) Russia 4) Norway 5) Brazil Which of the following countries president Fernando Lugo was removed due to charges of malfeasance in office, including an alleged role in a deadly confrontation between police and landless farmers that left 17 dead and the Vice-President Federico Franco was sworn-in as President? 1) Paraguay 2) Uruguay 3) Bolivia 4) Barbados 5) Dominica The meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of G20 countries was held in November 2012 in which of the following cities? 1) Moscow 2) Toronto 3) Brisbane 4) Mexico City 5) Buenos Aires In the latest ICC ODI batsmen's chart released, who among the following Indian batsmen shares the fifth spot with England ODI captain Alastair Cook? 1) Virat Kohli 2) Guatam Gambhir 3) Suresh Raina 4) Mahendra Singh Dhoni 5) Sachin Tendulkar Recently, who among the following became the first nonWhite President of Brazil's Supreme Court? 1) Joaquim Barbosa 2) Luiz Gushiken 3) Roberto Gurgel 4) Gilmar Mendes 5) None of these What is the name of the official match ball of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Football which will be held in Brazil? 1) Bossa Nova 2) Tango 3) Brazuca 4) Carnavalesca 5) Azteca According to the Reliance ICC ODI Championship table, which of the following countries is at third spot with 117 rating points? 1) India 2) England 3) Australia 4) South Africa 5) Sri Lanka 72. India with which of the following countries has recently inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand the bilateral relation in the tourism sector? 1) Pakistan 2) Israel 3) Nepal 4) Maldives 5) Iraq 73. Where established a Livelihood College in Dantewada to fight unemployment in the Naxal affected areas. 1) Jharkhand 2) Odisha 3) Maharashtra 4) Uttar Pradesh 5) Chhattisgarh 74. The Australian Climate Commission warned that the world's sea levels could increase by the end of the 21st Century is 1) 1.5 Metre. 2) 2 Metres. 3) 3 Metres. 4) 1 Metres. 5) None of these 75. National Stock Exchanges (NSE) chief and Managing Director Ravi Narain on ___ was elected as chairman of the working committee of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) 1) 14 July 2012 2) 13 Sptember 2012 3) 17 October 2012 4) 16 May 2012 5) None of these 76. Which of the following companies has become the latest entrant in the Indian smartphone market which is the worlds second largest personal computer manufacturer? 1) Acer 2) Lenovo 3) Hewlett-Packard 4) HTC 5) None of these 77. Which two countries signed Agreement for the Modernization of Indian Railways? 1) India and Afghanistan 2) India and Belgium 3) Russia and China 4) United States and India 5) None of these 78. In order to provide emergency medical services to road accident victims on the national and state highways, the transport department of which of the following states is planning to tie up with the

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NRHM and utilize its Emergency Medical Transport System as highway ambulance? 1) Delhi 2) West Bengal 3) Maharashtra 4) Uttar Pradesh 5) Rajasthan Who among the following have been recently awarded with Borlaug Award for 2012? 1) Aditi Mukherji and Rajiv Singh 2) K.V. Prabhu and Aditi Mukherji 3) K.V. Prabhu and Ashok Kumar Singh 4) Aditi Mukherji and Ashok Kumar Singh 5) None of these Who among the following has headed the Committee on GAAR, which recommended to postpone the controversial tax about 6 year? 1) Rangarajan 2) Amartya Sen 3) Parthasarathy Shome 4) Chidambaram 5) None of these Recently, who among the following was appointed as the BBCs Director General? 1) Jimmy Savile 2) Tony Hall 3) Chris Patten 4) George Entwistle 5) None of these The first National Security Advisor of India, Brajesh Mishra died on __ at New Delhi after suffering from a heart ailment. 1) 28 September 2012 2) 14 October 2012 3) 10 August 2012 4) 19 July 2012 5) None of these Huge Chavez re-elected as President of Venezuela on ___ Venezuela. 1) 9 October 2012 2) 14 October 2012 3) 15 August 2012 4) 03 July 2012 5) None of these Apart from Delhi which of the following cities have been chosen for the DRDOs ballistic missile defence system that can put in place at short notice? 1) Mumbai 2) Bangalore 3) Kolkata 4) Ahmadabad 5) All the above cities

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85. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit research report, which of the following cities in India has been named the most competitive city in India, though only 68th in the world? 1) Mumbai 2) Chennai 3) Bangalore 4) Kolkata 5) Delhi 86. While taking important reform steps in September 2012, The Union cabinet has allowed ___ FDI in multi brand retail? 1) 49% 2) 51% 3) 26% 4) 74% 5) None of these 87. Mario Draghi is the head of? 1) World Bank 2) European Central Bank 3) Federal Reserve 4) Bank of Italy 5) None of these 88. Name the Industry Leader who is nominated to Competition Commission Eminent Persons Advisory Group (EPAG) by the Union government of India. 1) Deepak Parekh 2) Narayan Murthy 3) Kiran Mazumdar Shaw 4) VN Kaul 5) None of these 89. The market in which long term securities such as stocks and bonds are bought and sold is commonly known as? 1) Commodities exchange 2) Capital market 3) Bull market 90. 4) Bullion market 5) None of these Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) is a yearly report published by the? 1) World Bank 2) World Economic Forum 3) Asian Development Fund 4) Reserve Bank of India 5) International Monetary Fund Stephen Harper visited India in November 2012. He is the Prime Minister of? 1) Australia 2) Canada 3) Ireland 4) France 5) New Zealand South African Reserve Bank released new bank note bearing the face of? 1) Pieter Willem Botha 2) Nelson Mandela 3) Chris Heunis 4) Marais Viljoen 5) None of these On 4th October 2012, Union Cabinet agreed to grant the international airport status to five airports. They are Coimbatore, Lucknow, Tiruchirapalii, Mangalore and? 1) Nagpur 2) Ajmeer 3) Vijayawada 4) Baroda 5) Varanasi The country that had banned import of eggs and chicken from India for the second time on 10 Nov 2012 is? 1) Oman 2) China 3) Malaysia 4) Nepal 5) Kathar Which state launched a scheme to provide an allowance of Rs.1,000 a month to housewives in households whose annual incomes are less than Rs.3 lakh? 1) Andhra Pradesh 2) Madhya Pradesh 3) Goa 4) Bihar 5) Arunachal Pradesh The battle for Aleppo is an ongoing military confrontation in Aleppo between the rebels and government forces. Aleppo is the largest city in which of the following countries? 1) Lebanon 2) Jordan 3) Syria 4) Yemen 5) Egypt Tata Consultancy Service signed in an agreement of 103 crore to provide ICT Solution for MGNREGS in which State?

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1) Uttar Pradesh 2) Bihar 3) West Bengal 4) Punjab 5) None of these 98. A Rare audio of Indias Freedom fighter voice unearthed recently. Name the Leader? 1) Motilal Nehru 2) Bhagat Singh 3) Lala Lajpati roy 4) S.N. Banerjee 5) BalaGangadhar Tilak 99. Under the Legal Metrology Amendment Rules 2012 the Union Government has made it mandatory for a manufacturer to pack items in 1) any size 2) in small sizes only 3) in big sizes only 4) prescribed standard sizes only 5) None of these 100.The 12th annual Miss Earth 2012 pageant was held in Muntinlupa city, Philippines on November 24, 2012. Who won the title? 1) Tereza Fajksova (Czech Republic) 2) Stephany Stefanowitz (Philippines) 3) Osmariel Villalobos (Venezuela) 4) Camila Brant (Brazil) 5) Prachi Mishra (India)

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1. 2 6. 1 11. 3 16. 3 21. 3 26. 2 31. 3 36. 4 41. 1 46. 2 51. 2 56. 2 61. 4 66. 1 71. 1 76. 2 81. 2 86. 2 91. 2 96. 3 2. 3 7. 4 12. 1 17. 4 22. 2 27. 2 32. 4 37. 3 42. 2 47. 1 52. 3 57. 3 62. 3 67. 4 72. 2 77. 2 82. 1 87. 2 92. 2 97. 3 3. 4 8. 2 13. 1 18. 3 23. 3 28. 2 33. 1 38. 3 43. 4 48. 1 53. 4 58. 4 63. 1 68. 4 73. 5 78. 4 83. 1 88. 1 93. 5 98. 5 4. 3 5. 2 9. 2 10. 3 14. 2 15. 1 19. 3 20. 1 24. 1 25. 2 29. 3 30. 2 34. 1 35. 4 39. 3 40. 3 44. 3 45. 2 49. 2 50. 1 54. 3 55. 3 59. 3 60. 3 64. 3 65. 4 69. 1 70. 3 74. 4 75. 3 79. 3 80. 3 84. 1 85. 5 89. 2 90. 2 94. 1 95. 3 99. 4 100. 1

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