Current Affairs 32 Pages English August

CONTENTS
Honours & Awards News Makers Committees Schemes Sports Science Snippets Space Science Defence Economic Scenario NationalRound-Up International Round-Up Banking Awareness Current MCQ Capsules 2 4 5 8 9 10 12 13 14 17 21 26 28
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Current Affairs
technology will enable IT workers to solve problems on other computers without leaving their desks and it will allow MRI scanners to be repaired remotely. The award carries a cash prize of 50000 ponds. Real VNC is a software company based in Cambridge. It was set up by some of the inventors of remote computer access software. It has collaborated with global technology giants such as Google, Apple, Intel and Sony and its technology is now said to be used in more than a billion devices across the globe. The MacRobert gold medal was presented at the Royal Academy of Engineering's awards dinner. Rajeev Alur, Salil P Vadhan and Senthil Todadri in fourth week of July 2013 won Simons Investigators Awards 2013. Apart from these, 9 other mathematicians, theoretical physicists and theoretical computer scientists were also selected for the Simons Investigators Awards for their cutting edge research. The 2013 awards were announced by the New York-based Simons Foundation, which is a nonprofit organisation. Its mission is to advance the lines of research in mathematics and basic sciences. The Simons Investigators program provides a stable base of support for outstanding scientists, enabling them to undertake long-term study of fundamental questions. The foundation was incorporated in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons.
Honours & Awards

Habiba Sarabi, Afghanistan's First Female Governor Wins Ramon Magsaysay Award
The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation on 24 July 2013 announced the Ramon Magsaysay Awards for the year 2013 to three indivi duals and two organizations for changing their societies for the better. Afghanistan's first woman governor Habiba Sarabi and a Myanmar civil society organiser Lahpai Seng Raw, who both helped families displaced by conflict in their home nations, are among five winners of Asia's equivalent of the Nobel Prize for the year 2013. The awards, named after a popular Philippine president who died in a 1957 plane crash, honor people and groups who change their societies for the better.
Four Indian Americans won Simons Investigators Awards 2013

Four Indian-American Professors Kannan Soundararajan,
Zubin Mehta named for Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony 2013
Zubin Mehta, an Indian-Parsi mestro of western classical music on 10 July 2013 was named for the second edition of Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony for the year 2013. He was named for the award because of his outstanding contribution to cultural harmony. His name was selected by a high level four-member Jury that was led by Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh and it comprised the Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj and Public Intellectual Gopalkrishna Gandhi. The first Tagore Award was conferred on Pt. Ravi Shankar, the Indian Sitar Maestro in 2012
British Firm called Real VNC was presented the MacRobert Award
The British firm Real VNC was presented MacRobert Award by the Princess Royal for engineering innovation on 17 July 2013. The
Britain honoured Krishna Menon by placing Blue plaque on his First Home in London
The British Government on 17 July 2013 honoured V.K. Krishna Menon, Indias first high commissioner in London and former Defence Minister by placing a Blue Plaque at the house, where he lived when he moved to the city for the first time. The blue plaque will be placed plaque at 30 Langdon Park Road in Highgate, North London, where Menon stayed from 1929 to 1931. Menon, during his stay in London, after Indian independence as independent Indias first High Commissioner to the U.K played an active role in the socio-political life of the city. The plaque was unveiled by Tony Benn, veteran leader of the Left-Wing Labour. Tony Benn is the son of William Wedgwood Benn, was secretary of state for India from 1929 to 1931, when Menon was campaigning for Indian independence in Britain. UK commemorates sites of historical and cultural importance in the country with blue plaques with a purpose of drawing attention of people.
Vidya Balan got the Best Actress Award at IIFA 2013

Vidya Balan on 6 July 2013 got the Best Actress award at 14th IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) awards 2013 held in Macau for her portrayal of a pregnant woman in search of her husband in Kahaani while Ranbir Kapoor was named Best Actor for Barfi. Barfi also bagged the award for best film. In fact, it won 9 awards in technical category- Best Cinematography (Ravi Varman I.S.C.), Best Background Score (Pritam), Best Screenplay (Anurag Basu and Tani Basu), Best Production Design (Rajat Poddar), Best Song Recording (Eric Pillai), Best Sound Design (Shajith Koyeri), Best Sound Mixing (Debajit Changmai), Best Costume Designing (Aki Narula and Shefalina) and Best Make-Up (Uday Serali). Barfi is a romantic comedy about a mute and deaf man and his relationship with two women. Ranbir, who played a deaf-mute boy in Barfi was not present at the ceremony and the award was accepted on his behalf by the film's director Anurag Basu. David Bowie, Roger Moore, Bruce Willis, Bob Dylan and Sean Connery. The Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters Award started for the first time in the year 1957.
Edward Snowden awarded with German Whistleblower Prize

Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who exposed the widest US global surveillance operations, was on 25 July 2013 awarded German Whistleblower Prize 2013 worth 3900 Dollars in absentia. Snowden has exposed the substantial and unsuspecting monitoring and storage of communication data by US and other western intelligence agencies, which cannot be accepted in democratic societies. It was the top secret National Security Agency documents that were leaked by Snowden since the beginning of June 2013 which in turn made it possible and unavoidable intensive investigations to establish whether the operations of domestic and foreign intelligence services have violated the existing rules applicable to them. Snowden has undertaken great personal risks in leaking the documents on the operations of the US and other western intelligence agencies, aware of the current criminal prosecution of whistleblowers in security areas.
Paradip Port Conferred With the Major Port of the Year Award
Paradip Port was conferred with the Major Port of the Year award for its excellent performance in the year 2012-13. The award was received by SS Mishra, Chairman, Paradip Port Trust, at the SCOPE International Conference & Exhibition 2013 held in Chennai. Paradip Port Trust (PPT) handled 56.55 million tonnes of traffic in the year 2012-13. There is an increase from 54.25 million tonnes of traffic in 2011-12. During 2012-13, the port also added 22 million tonnes of capacity, thus bringing the total to 102 million tonnes. It is important to note that the Paradip Port was also adjudged as the Major Port of the Year during 2009-10 at the Annual Indian Maritime Gateway Awards 2010 ceremony organised by Gateway Media Private Ltd.
Bono Honoured With Highest Cultural Award of France

Paul Hewson, popularly known as Bono, the frontman of the rock band U2 as well as the antipoverty activist was awarded with the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters, the highest cultural award of France on 17 July 2013 for the contribution to music. He was also praised for utilizing his popularity for the sake of humanitarian causes. The Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters was awarded to Bono by the French Culture Minister Aurelie Filippetti in Paris. The Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters was earlier also awarded to Shakira,
Bastian Schweinsteiger Won Journalists' Player of the Year Award by Kicker Magazine
Bastian Schweinsteiger, the German midfielder defeated his teammates Thomas Mueller and Franck Ribery to grab the Journalists' Player of the Year Award announced by the Kicker magazine on 28 July 2013. Bastian Schweinsteiger won 92 out of 527 votes. Franck Ribery won 87 votes, while Thomas Mueller won 85 votes.
News Makers
Big B named greatest Bollywood star in UK poll
Amitabh Bachchan has been crowned as the greatest Bollywood star in a poll conducted in UK. According to British Asian weekly newspaper, the 70-year-old actor, who has won a number of awards at national as well as international film festivals, bagged major share of votes from critics, fans and the film fraternity in the survey '100 Greatest Bollywood Stars' .With a career spanning more than four decades, Bachchan gave blockbusters like ' Sholay' and 'Deewar' and hosted popular TV game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati.' Bachchan, who was the first Bollywood star to be honoured with a statue at Madame Tussauds, recently represented India as the Olympic torch-bearer at the London 2012 Games. Bachchan was followed by his own choice and yesteryears acting legend Dilip Kumar, while actor Shah Rukh Khan bagged the third spot. Madhuri Dixit was placed fourth in the overall list, but she topped the poll among Bollywood's female actresses. The actors in the top 10 list are: 1.Amitabh Bachchan 2. Dilip Kumar 3. Shah Rukh Khan 4. Madhuri Dixit 5. Raj Kapoor 6. Nargis 7. Dev Anand 8. Waheeda Rehman 9. Rajesh Khanna 10. Sridevi.
Barack Obama Nominates Indian-American Vince Girdhari Chhabria To Judiciary Post

On 26 July Indian-American legal luminary Vince Girdhari Chhabria has been nominated by US President Barack Obama to a key judiciary post in California..Chhabria, nominated to be US district judge for the Northern District of California, is currently deputy city attorney for government litigation and the co-chief of appellate litigation at the San Francisco city attorneys office.Obama announced his nomination along with five other judicial posts, all of which requires Senate confirmation.
Sreedharan chosen for Lokmanya Tilak award

"Metro Man" E Sreedharan has been selected for the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak award for 2013 for his outstanding contribution to society. The name of Sreedharan, considered as the architect of the ambitious Delhi metro project, was announced by Deepak Tilak who heads the Lokmanya Tilak Trust.
Indian-American Nisha Desai Biswal given key post in Obama Administration

US President Barack Obama has nominated an accomplished Indian-American woman administrator as America's new point person for South Asia to succeed Robert Blake. Subject to confirmation by the Senate, Nisha Desai Biswal, who is currently the Assistant Administrator for Asia at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), will replace incumbent Blake to head the South Asia bureau in the US State Department. Desai is expected to become the first person of Indian-origin to
Amjad Ali Khan to get 21st Rajiv Gandhi National Sadhbhavna Award
Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan was chosen for the 21st Rajiv Gandhi National Sadhbhavna Award for his contribution towards promotion of communal harmony and peace. It will be conferred on Amjad Ali Khan on 20 August 2013, the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award (Rajiv Gandhi National Communal Harmony Award) is an award given for outstanding contribution towards promotion of communal harmony, national integration and peace. The award was instituted by All India Congress Committee of the Indian National Congress Party (INC), in 1992 to commemorate the lasting contribution made by the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The award carries a citation and a cash award of five lakh rupees.
Sharad Kumar is new NIA chief

Senior IPS officer Sharad Kumar was appointed as the new chief of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The post of the Director General (DG) of the agency was lying vacant for about last two months following the retirement of incumbent S C Sinha. Sinha was later appointed as a member of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Kumar is a 1979-batch Haryana cadre officer and he takes over the top post of the probe agency at a time when it is investigating important cases like Hyderabad blasts and the recent Bodh Gaya blasts in Bihar.

head the bureau, which oversees US foreign policy and relations with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan. Biswal, who received a BA degree from the University of Virginia, has been the Assistant Administrator for Asia at the USAID, since September 2010.
India-born Mamnoon Hussain elected as Pakistan's 12th Prez

India-born Mamnoon Hussain, a close aide of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, on Tuesday was elected as the 12th President of Pakistan and will replace incumbent Asif Ali Zardari in September. Hussain emerged as a clear winner in the one-sided contest with ex-judge Wajihuddin Ahmad of Pakistan Tehreek-iInsaf party, state media reported. Pakistan People's Party withdrew its candidate Raza Rabbani and boycotted the election in protest to the date of polls being changed. Born in the historic city of Agra, Hussain, who belongs to an Urdu-speaking ethnic group that migrated from India during partition in 1947, was the candidate of ruling PML-N government. Over 1,000 members of the national parliament and four provincial assemblies cast their ballots to elect largely ceremonial head of the state. The office of the president is ceremonial in Pakistan but he is still the constitutional chief of the armed forces but cannot order deployments. He also appoints the services chiefs at the recommendation of the prime minister. Pakistan so far had 11 presidents, out of which five were military generals. Four of them seized powers through coups, whereas first president Major Sikandar Mirza was elected in 1956 after the first constitution was adopted.
Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil appointed new Governor of Sikkim

Dadasaheb Patil has represented Maharashtra's Satara in the Lok Sabha as an MP. He is also a former IAS officer, and will replace presently serving governor of Sikkim BP Singh. 73,years old Dadasaheb Patil was elected to the 13th and 14th Lok Sabha from the Karad constituency in Maharashtra on the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP ticket).
Sujatha Singh to be next Foreign Secretary

Sujatha Singh, currently India's envoy to Germany, will be the next Foreign Secretary following an approval of her appointment by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, ending months of speculation on who will head the foreign services. 59-year-old Ms Singh, a 1976 batch IFS officer, was a close contender for the top job along with India's Ambassador to China, S. Jaishankar, who is a batch junior to her. Jaishankar's name was doing the rounds for the post because of his excellent service record, particularly as envoy to China. Due to retire in July next year, Ms Singh will now have a twoyear extension and will succeed Ranjan Mathai who is set to retire on July 31. Ms Singh, the third woman to head the services after Chokila Iyer and Nirupama Rao, is the daughter of TV Rajeshwar, the former Intelligence Bureau Chief known to be close to the top brass of the Congress. Ms Singh is the wife of former Secretary (East) Sanjay Singh, who retired in April this year.
P. Sathasivam appointed Chief Justice of India

P. Sathasivam appointed as the newChief Justice of India after he justified the Collegiums System of appointment of Judges. The 64 year old Sathasivam will succeed the incumbent Chief Justice of India, Altamas Kabir, who will superannuate on 18 July 2013 from his office. Sathasivam will be the 40th Chief Justice of India (CJI) and his appointment to the post has been approved by Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India.
Committees
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance finalised GST Report
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance on 20 July 2013 finalised its GST (Goods and Services Tax) report. The report would be tabled in the parliament during its Monsoon season that is scheduled to begin from 5 August 2013. The GST Bill was introduced in the Parliament in 2010 and since then was being examined by the Standing Committee on Finance. The proposed GST aims towards bringing in a common tax regime for goods and services by including most of the indirect taxes and would be beneficial in increasing the revenue collection. Earlier, several deadlines were missed-out by the standing committee in submission of the report due to the differences between the central and the state
Najeeb Jung appointed as new Lieutenant Governor of Delhi

Najeeb Jung, the vice chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University on 1 July 2013 appointed as the 20th Lt Governor of Delhi. Njaeeb Jung has replaced Tejendra Khanna, who was the 1961 batch Indian Administrative Service officer and the last Lt Governor of Delhi.

governments. The governments at the two levels had issues of central sales tax, compensation to states and design of GST structure. the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur. The judicial commission also noted that the Act has failed in tackling the insurgencies and the armed forces were indulged in gross violation of Human Rights. The Commission in its findings has also noted that the Act was abused widely and several encounters under the blanket of the Act, carried out in the North-Eastern states, were fake. The report submitted by the commission also mentioned that the activities of the forces appear as if they believed a priori that the suspects involved in the encounters had to be eliminated and the forces acted accordingly. The Commission investigated on six sample cases of encounters and didnt found them genuine and maximum force was used to kill people. The commission in its findings stated that the Act provided sweeping powers to the security forces even to the extent of killing the suspected person with protection against prosecution but the Act failed to provide protection to the citizens against the possible misuse. The commission also noted that in general cases, the greater the power, the greater the restraint and stricter the mechanism to prevent its misuse or abuse. But in case of the AFSPA in Manipur this principle appears to have been reversed. The Judicial Commission on AFSPA was headed by Santosh Hegde the former Judge of Supreme Court and included J.M. Lyngdoh former Chief of Election Commission and A.K. Singh, retired IPS officer as its members. The
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commission was formed by the Supreme Court to probe into the alleged cases of extra judicial killings in Manipur after receiving complaints related to 1500 fake encounter deaths that occurred in Manipur in last 10 years in September 2012. The Extra Judicial Execution Victim Families Association (EEVFAM) along with Human Rights Alert (HRA) demanded investigations into the deaths.
SC appointed Panel Recommended an Indefinite Suspension on Genetically Modified Crops

A Technical Expert Committee (TEC) appointed by the Supreme Court of India recommended an indefinite suspension on open field trials of genetically-modified (GM) crops till the deficiencies in the regulatory and safety systems are effectively addressed. In the final report submitted to the court on 3 July 2013, the panel did not mention 10-year suspension on field trials as suggested in the interim report in October 2012. Instead, it imposed four conditions for meaningful consideration for allowing trials.
HRD Ministry Constituted National Testing Agency (NTA)

The HRD Ministry on 31 May 2013 decided to set up a seven member Task Force under the Chairmanship of Sanjay Dhande. It will have the representatives from CBSE, UGC, NCERT, AICTE and from the Ministry. It will prepare a blue print for creating a special purpose vehicle to take the concept of National Testing Agency (NTA) forward. The rationale for setting up the NTA lies in ensuring that multiplicity of entrance examination leading to stress on the students is addressed in a comprehensive manner by formulating a uniform entrance examination for admissions in different branches of higher learning. The decision for setting up the National Testing Agency was taken in the meeting of Central Advisory Board for Education (CABE) which was held on 2nd April 2013. In the meeting it was decided that the proposal to set up National Testing Agency shall be taken forward in consultation with all stakeholders.
Government constituted a Committee to revise Newspaper Advertisement Rates

The Union ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 23 June 2013 constituted a committee headed by JS Mathur to review the rate revision of the newspaper advertisements. The committee will also look into different parameters on the basis of which advertisements are issued. JS Mathur is the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Judicial Commission appointed by SC on AFSPA highlighted misuse of the Act in Manipur

The Judicial Commission on Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) appointed by the Supreme Court of India submitted a 100 page report to the Court in the third week of July 2013. The report has highlighted the rampant misuse of
Union Government constituted EGoM headed by P Chidambaram

The Union government of India on 17 July 2013 constituted an empowered Group of Ministers, EGoM, under the Chairmanship of Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, for timely implementation of major projects related to the North-Eastern region. The EGoM will include Home Minister, Power Minister and Minister of DoNER(Development of North Eastern Region). The matters pertaining to the various projects, which cannot be resolved during the meeting of Committee of Secretaries headed by the Cabinet Secretary, will be referred to the EGoM for further action.
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made by means of any light, sound, smoke or gas. Distribution includes distribution by way of samples whether free or otherwise. Indecent representation of women means the depiction in any manner of the figure of a woman; her form or body or any part thereof in such way as to have the effect of being indecent, or derogatory to, or denigrating women, or is likely to deprave, corrupt or injure the public morality or morals. Label means any written, marked, stamped, printed or graphic matter, affixed to, or appearing upon, any package; package" includes a box, a carton, tin or other container. of the Ministry for creation of infrastructure like ITIs, Polytechnics etc. in minority concentration blocks and towns, the Ministry desired that the three Chambers should weave their efforts and partner to augment the Ministrys initiatives. The Minister also suggested launching a sustained awareness campaign to disseminate information on the initiatives taken by the Ministry in partnership with Private Sector. The Minister urged that the resources of private business houses can be provided to MAEF under the Corporate Social Responsibility for the development of minorities in the fields of education, infrastructure development, providing scholarships, skill development and entrepreneurial development. Informing that Government intends to give incentive to the institution that promote diversity, the Minister also wanted to know what else Government can do for such institutions. Earlier, reviewing the minorities status in employment in Government and public sector, the Minister directed the Department of Personnel and Training to ensure that all Selection Boards/ Committees for recruitment in Government and Public Sector must have a Member belonging to minority community. He further directed to sensitize all Government Departments in this regard and to provide a status report.
Panel to Examine Indecent Representation of Women in Media Constituted

Union Ministry of Women and Child Development on 19 June 2013 constituted a committee to examine aspects related indecent portrayal of women in mass media. The Additional Secretary and Mission Director (National Mission for Empowerment of Women) K Ratnaprabha was appointed as the head of the constituted committee. The constituted committee will have a check on all types of indecent representation of women in Mass Media. The decision of constituting a committee was taken after the Ministry received complaints related to indecent portrayal of women in mass media. The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) ACT, 1986 (NO. 60 OF 1986) An Act to prohibit indecent representation of women through advertisements or in publications, writings, paintings, figures or in any other manner and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Be it enacted by Parliament in the Thirty-seven Year of the Republic of India as follows:-
Ministry of Minority Affairs proposes a joint committee for Skill Development of Minorities
K. Rahman Khan, the Union Minister of Minority Affairs has suggested to set up a Committee of the three Business Chambers and Ministry of Labour and Employment to give impetus to the efforts to promote Skill Development and Employment Opportunities in Public and Private Sectors for minorities. Minister asked to join hands with the CII, FICCI and PHDCCI for the entrepreneurship development for minorities, as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility for Skill Development. Referring to Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP)
1. Short title, extent and commencement.
This Act may be called the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. It extends to the whole of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.
2. Definitions:
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,- advertisement includes any notice, circular, label, wrapper or other document and also includes any visible representation
Government constituted a Committee to revise Newspaper Advertisement Rates

The Union ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 23 June 2013 constituted a committee headed by JS Mathur to review the rate revision of the newspaper advertisements. The committee will also look into different parameters on the basis of which advertisements are issued. JS Mathur is the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Schemes
Government approves re-structuring of centrally sponsored schemes
The Union Cabinet has decided to restructure the existing Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)/ Additional Central Assistance (ACA) schemes in the Twelfth Five Year Plan into 66 schemes, including Flagship programmes. This includes 17 Flagship programmes with significant outlays for major interventions required in health, education, irrigation, urban development, infrastructure, including rural infrastructure, skill development, etc. A Group of Ministers, headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, had approved merging of 147 CSS into 70 schemes. The ministerial panel had approved setting up of a flexi-funds system in each scheme, under which state governments can use 10% of the Budget allocated for CSS within the broader framework of the flagship programme. For better utilisation of funds under CSS, the panel of ministers had approved transferring of funds from the central government to the state consolidated funds and not directly to the implementing agencies. For each new CSS/ACA/ Flagship scheme, at least 25 per cent of funds may be contributed by the General Category States and 10 percent of funds by the Special Category States including J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The merger proposal was in line with the recommendations of the Chaturvedi committee, which had suggested bringing down CSS to 59 from 147 to avoid overlap. These arrangements will come into force for the remaining years of the Twelfth Five Year Plan and will help in optimum utilisation of resources for desired results.
Ministry of Rural Development launched a Scheme Roshni to train youth in Naxal-hit areas
The Ministry of Rural Development on 7 June 2013 launched a new skill development scheme designed to offer employment to tribal youth in 24 Naxal -affected districts. The scheme, which is named Roshni is supposed to provide training and employment to an anticipated 50000 youth in the 10-35 years age group, for a period of three years. As per the Ministry 50 per cent of the beneficiaries of the scheme will be women only. The scheme is designed in light of the Himayat project model, which was launched in Jammu and Kashmir has been implemented in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, and West Singhbhum, Jharkand, on a pilot basis over the last 18 months. Implementation of the Scheme Roshni: The Scheme Roshni which is a 100-crore Rupees project that will be mutually funded by the Union and State Governments, with the Centre providing 75 per cent of the funding. The scheme will be implemented on a publicprivate basis, with private agencies providing job training and employment. It is worth mentioning here that the scheme has achieved success in the two districts where it was implemented on a pilot basis.
due to their medical expenditures. Thus Indian Health Ministry has launched the ambitious schemes of providing free generic drugs at government health care centres. The initiatives, called 'Free Drug Service' and 'Free Diagnostics Service' under the National Health Mission, are aimed at sprucing up health care facilities in the country. Public can avail free drugs and free diagnostics services at the government health centres and hospitals if the states initiate the scheme. The states can access funds from the central government under the scheme by following certain guidelines laid down by it.
The guidelines include:

a) It is mandatory for a state to have a clearly notified policy of providing free essential drugs and diagnostics to all patients coming to public sector facilities at least up to district hospital level. b) The state should have a robust procurement, logistics and supply chain system that is backed by Information technology. c) It must have differential facilitywise Essential Drug list/ diagnostics list depending on the nature of the facility and a sound drug regulatory and quality assurance system. d) The state should have adopted Standard Treatment Guidelines and provide for prescription audits to ensure rational use of drugs and it should name the initiative as 'National Health Mission-Free Drug Service' or 'National Health Mission-Free Diagnostic Service' or its translation in Hindi or regional language.
GOI launches schemes for free generic drugs at health centres

A person's medical expenditure is very high in India and people can often end up in poverty while seeking treatment. Almost 33 per cent people suffer from poverty
Sports
India bag gold in world youth chess Olympiad
Fantastic performance by Kolkata based Sayantan Das and Diptayan Ghosh enabled India to regain the gold medal at the World Youth Chess Olympiad, which concluded Monday at Chongqing, China. India thrashed Iran 3.5-0.5 in the final round of the team event to win gold, after having started the Olympiad as second seed, according to information received here. This is Indias third gold in this prestigious team event. India had won the event previously at Singapore in 2007 and in Turkey 2008. Sayantan and Diptayan won gold in the fourth and silver in the third board respectively. Sayantan had a sparkling run to win the yellow metal by getting 7.5 points out of nine games in the ten-round event. Diptayan secured 8.5 points out of ten to win silver. Two other Indian representatives Shardul Gagare (6/9) and Murali Karthikeyan (6.5/10) won bronze in the first and second board respectively.
India to host 2016 World T20 and 2023 World Cup

BCCI (Board of Control of Cricket in India) on 29 June 2013 was awarded a chance to host two major events of International Cricket namely World Twenty20 for the first time in 2016 and its fourth 50-over World Cup in 2023 by ICC (International Cricket Council). BCCI also got the chance to host the second edition of ICC World Test Championship scheduled in February-March 2021. The inaugural edition of the Test Championship will be hosted by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) June-July 2017. Apart from this, the ECB was awarded a chance to host the 2019 World Cup and Cricket Australia (CA) got the hosting rights of the 2020 World Twenty20. All the three events were awarded to India during the International Cricket Council (ICC) Annual Conference. Jagmohan Dalmiya the interim Chief of BCCI and a former ICC president represented India in the event. During the International Cricket Council Annual Conference, ICC finalized its global events to be held from 2015 to 2023. In its decision, ICC decided that full members of International cricket will have to play a minimum of 16 tests over a period of four years to retain its test status. During the same conference, Afghanistan was confirmed as the 37th Associate Member of the ICC and Romania was accepted as an Affiliate Member. The IPCA event attracted 49 physically challenged players of fifteen countries. Jennitha being a wheel chair player participated in Fide A category and almost all the players are international rated players. Birmingham on June 23. After frustrating showers reduced the contest to 20 overs, India first scored 129 for seven and then restricted England to 124 for eight. Ravindra Jadeja, who took two wickets and scored an unbeaten 33 runs, was declered Man of the Match as well as awarded the Golden ball for taking the most number of wickets in the series. Sikhar Dhawan was adjudged Man of the Series, who dedicated his award to the flood victims of Uttarakhand. This was India's second Champions Trophy title having won the first one jointly with Sri Lanka back in 2002. That India won the championship two days before the 30th anniversary of maiden World Cup triumph back on June 25, 1983.
Brazil won the FIFA Confederations Cup

Brazil won the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 on 30th June against Spain in the final match. Brazil won 3-0 against FIFA World Cup holders Spain. On the Brazilian side, two goals were scored by Fred and one was scored by Neymar.
India's K Jennitha Anto won IPCA World Chess Championship

India's K Jennitha Anto on 24 July 2013 won the 13th IPCA World Women's Individual Chess Championship title. In the event organised by the Interntional Physically Disabled Chess Association, at Velke Losiny in the Czech Republic, she competed in a combined group with men and became the highest scorer among the women players with four and a half points. For Jennitha, who hails from Tamil Nadu, the win came along with the Woman International Master title. The WIM title would allow her direct entry to many of the National events for women except the premier.
India won the ICC Champions Trophy

India clinched the ICC Champions Trophy with a smashing five-run victory over hosts England in a rain-hit final at Edgbaston in
India topped International Cricket Council's Latest ODI Ranking

India continues to reign at the top of the table in International Cricket Councils latest ODI ranking released on 25 July 2013. With 122 rating points, India is the number one team followed by Australia with 114 and England with 112 points. The latest ODI rankings were released by the ICC in Dubai.
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the speed limit for electrical switching in magnetite was revealed by this scientific breakthrough. Scientists hit magnetite with a visiblelight laser, which resulted into the fragmentation of the material's electronic structure at an atomic scale, rearranging it to form the islands. The laser blast was followed by an ultra bright, ultra short X-ray pulse. It allowed researchers to study the timing and details of changes in the sample excited by the initial laser strike. After adjusting the interval of the X-ray pulses, the scientists measured the time duration of the material to shift from a nonconducting to an electrically conducting state and observed the structural changes during this switch. The magnetite was needed to be cooled to minus 190 degrees Celsius to lock its electrical charges in place. in the professional and amateur researchers. The announcement was made during the NASA Lunar Science Institute conference at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. This is a private mission and has been announced by the International Lunar Observatory Association and Moon Express, jointly. The mission would be both scientific and commercial and they have planned to deliver the International Lunar Observatory (ILO) aboard a Moon Express robotic lander. The mission will be utilised by the Moon Express to explore the South Pole of Moon for mineral resources and water. Earlier, evidences of mineral deposits in moon's southern polar region have been reported during the lunar probes.
Science Snippets
Ford Became First Automaker to Participate in Greenhouse Gas Reporting Programme in India
Ford Motor Company joined the Voluntary India Greenhouse Gas Reporting Programme in India on 23 July 2013. Voluntary reporting enables a complete transparency in terms of the carbon dioxide emissions. It is important to note that Ford has the objective of bringing down the carbon dioxide emissions at all the global facilities, two of which are in Chennai. The objective is to bring down these emissions by 30 percent per vehicle by the year 2025. Ford Motor Company also participates in such kinds of programmes in other countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, China and US. With this, Ford has become the first automaker to participate in the Voluntary India Greenhouse Gas Reporting Programme.
World's first trip to Moon's South Pole for installation of a Permanent Telescope in 2016
The World's first mission to south pole of the Moon for installation of a permanent telescope on the lunar surface was announced in July 2013. This installation of telescope would aid
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) set to launch its Fastest Supercomputer
CSIR in month of July 2013 declared that, it is all set to launch its fastest supercomputer at Indias first ever big data science institute in Bangalore. The launch of Super Computer by CSIR will mark its
Scientists created Worlds Fastest Electrical Switch

US department of energy's (DOE) SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory invented the fastest electrical switching in magnetite- a naturally magnetic mineral. This scientific finding will enable faster, more powerful computing devices. Scientists used SLAC's Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Xray laser to find that it takes only 1 trillionth of a second to flip the onoff electrical switch in samples of magnetite, which is thousands of times faster than the electrical switch used in transistors. This scientific finding will throw new light on the electronic properties of magnetite. We already know the basic magnetic properties of magnetite. In fact, for the first time
ISRO, Tata Motors develop India s first fuel cell bus

For the first time in the country, a Hydrogen-powered automobile bus has been developed by Tata Motors and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) after several years of research. The hydrogen fuelfitted bus was demonstrated at Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, an ISRO facility in Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu on Sunday. It's a CNG-type bus. Hydrogen in bottles at high pressure is stored at the top of the bus and there would be zero pollution. The hydrogen cells were a spin-off of the cryogenic technology that ISRO had been developing for the last few years, the Bangaloreheadquartered ISRO officials said. "That's not exactly the cryogenic technology... (It's) liquid hydrogen handling and that's where ISRO has some expertise," they said. "This is a leap for automobile industry for future transportation. In this vehicle there will be zero pollution since the product of cold combustion is water. This is a result of great team work of Tata Motors and ISRO specialists with contributions from DSIR and PESO," said honorary adviser of ISRO V Gnana Gandhi, who led the technical team in this project.

entry into the new field of data intensive scientific discovery. The supercomputer is supposed to have a speed of 360 tera flops, which will make it the fourth fastest country in the country and will be housed in by the CSIR Fourth Paradigm Institute (CSIR-4PI). With the launch of Supercomputer, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is deciding to re-position its Bangalore-based Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Computer Simulation to deal with data intensive scientific discovery, which has came out as the fourth paradigm of science. The supercomputer situated in the Bangalore-based 4PI will form the backbone of the new venture which will connect CSIR laboratories located in Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune, Srinagar, Chennai, Chandigarh, and Nagpur. The laboratories based at these centers will have computing facilities between 10 and 50 tera flop capacity and is going to be linked to the supercomputer using the National Knowledge Network thus connecting 200 scientists and over 1000 students in the identified domain areas.
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IICT Hyderabad developed Software tool to curb Dengue and Malaria

A software tool that can control and reduce the outbreak of Mosquito-borne diseases by data mining (Knowledge Discovering) has been developed by scientists of the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) Hyderabad. This IT tool has been validated by the Central Government and taken up for implementation by health authorities in five States of States Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Assam and Mizoram in the initial phase which will be extended to all other States in a phased manner. This technology has been developed by Dr. U.S.N. Murthy, Chief Scientist, Biology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) and his team by improvising and customising Self Organising Map (SOM), a cluster technique in data mining. SOM technology would enable health officials to prioritise control parameters in endemic zones at village level and initiate measures to minimise morbidity and mortality, caused by the onset of vector-borne diseases. SOM technology can help to alert health authorities to take up larval and adult spraying before the transmission of parasite by the mosquito. Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, Japanese encephalitis and dengue are posing a serious public health problem in India and other South-East Asian Countries, with some of them were occurring in an epidemic form on a periodical basis. The North East of India parts account for about 10.5 per cent of malaria cases and 20 per cent of the deaths. developed by the team can help the experts in monitoring the individual wolves by just their sound. Holly Root-Gutteridge, the lead researcher of the study explained that wolves do a lot of howling in the wild. With the help of newlydeveloped technology, it was possible to know which wolf exactly howled. Holly Root-Gutteridge also explained that the wolves make use of their distinctive calls in order to protect their territory from the rivals. These distinctive calls are also used to call their pack members. This is called their group activity. giant creature discovered in the Utah desert was part of the ceratopsid group, which consists of plant-eating, rhinoceros-like dinos, including Triceratops.
Researchers Develop a Computer Program to Accurately Recognise Wolf Howl

A team of researchers at the Nottingham Trent University, UK developed the computer program which is capable of analysing the local signatures or the howls of eastern grey wolves. The study conducted by the team revealed that it was possible to recognise the individual wild wolves by just the howls and that too with 100 percent accuracy. The wolves roam around in their home ranges, which makes it difficult for the conservationists to keep a track on them visually. However, the new technology
World's 1st IVF baby born using New Embryo Screening Technique
Worlds 1st IVF baby is born in US in June 2013 thus becoming the world's first test tube baby to be born using a new low cost "nextgeneration sequencing" IVF technique. The method, through which the baby was born, uses the latest DNA sequencing a technique which aims to increase in-vitro fertilisation success rates while being more reasonable for couples and lowering the risk of miscarriages. The birth of baby using IVF sets an example to show nextgeneration sequencing can be used to pick the embryos created by IVF that are most likely to lead to successful pregnancies.
A Distinct New horned Dinosaur Species discovered in Utah Desert

U.S. palaeontologists in month of July 2013 discovered the fossil of a previously unknown dinosaur a bizarre horned beast that roamed on an island continent 76 million years ago. The new species has been named Nasutoceratops, which means big-nosed horned face. The
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position the satellite in its Geosynchronous Circular Orbit at 55 deg East longitude. IRNSS-1A is the first of the seven satellites constituting the space segment of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System. IRNSS is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide position information in the Indian region and 1500 km around the Indian mainland. IRNSS would provide two types of services, namely, Standard Positioning Services (SPS) provided to all users and Restricted Services (RS) provided only to authorised users. International Lunar Observatory (ILO) aboard a Moon Express robotic lander. The mission will be utilised by the Moon Express to explore the South Pole of Moon for mineral resources and water. Earlier, evidences of mineral deposits in moon's southern polar region have been reported during the lunar probes.
Space Science
ISRO Successfully Launches Indias First Navigation Satellite IRNSS-1A
ISROs Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C22, has successfully launched IRNSS-1A, the first satellite in the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), in the early morning hours of today from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This is the twenty third consecutively successful mission of PSLV. The XL configuration of PSLV was used for the mission. Previously, the same configuration of the vehicle was used thrice to launch Chandrayaan-1, GSAT-12 and RISAT-1 satellites.
ISRO to improve Transponder Allocation Norms

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has planned to revisit the SatCom Policy 2000 to improve the guidelines related to allocation and pricing of satellite transponders for public and nongovernment users. A revisit to the allocation norms has been increasingly felt in recent years as ISROs user groups have far outgrown, both in public and private sector. By improving the guidelines of SatCom Policy 2000, ISRO will be able to allocate to different users by percentages and charge, for capacity on its INSAT/GSAT satellites in a much more rational way than present procedure. From the 2007 onwards, the space agency was surprised by the increased demand of commercial DTH, high-definition (HD) TV broadcasters and VSAT operators. ISRO is the sole provider of transponders for broadcasters and other public and private users of space applications in the country.
World's first trip to Moon's South Pole for installation of a Permanent Telescope in 2016
The World's first mission to south pole of the Moon for installation of a permanent telescope on the lunar surface was announced in July 2013. This installation of telescope would aid in the professional and amateur researchers. The announcement was made during the NASA Lunar Science Institute conference at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. This is a private mission and has been announced by the International Lunar Observatory Association and Moon Express, jointly. The mission would be both scientific and commercial and they have planned to deliver the
At the completion of the countdown, PSLV-C22 lifted off from the First Launch Pad at 2341 hrs IST yesterday (July 1, 2013) with the ignition of the first stage and four strap-on motors of the launch vehicle. The important flight events, namely, stage and strap-on ignitions, heat-shield separation, stage and strap-on separations and satellite injection took place exactly as planned. After a flight of 20 minutes 17 seconds, the IRNSS-1A Satellite, weighing 1425 kg, was injected to the intended elliptical orbit of 282.46 km X 20,625.37 km. After injection, the solar panels of IRNSS-1A were deployed automatically. ISROs Master Control Facility (at Hassan, Karnataka) assumed the control of the satellite. In the coming days, five orbit maneuvers will be conducted from Master Control Facility to
India's Advanced Weather Satellite INSAT-3D Successfully Launched

INSAT-3D, the advanced meteorological satellite of India was launched successfully by the European rocket, Arianespace's Ariane 5 rocket, from the spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana on 26 July 2013. The satellite will give a push to the weather forecasting as well as help in facilitating disaster warning services. Arianespace's Ariane 5 rocket of European space consortium launched the Alphasat satellites as well as INSAT-3D. Alphasat is the largest-ever telecommunication satellite of Europe. This satellite is the result of large-scale public-private partnership between Inmarsat as well as European Space Agency.
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Defence
IAF inducts its first heavy-lift C-17 Globemaster III
The first of the 10 US-made Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft landed at the Hindon airbase on 18 June 2013. The aircraft will enhance the operational potential of the IAF with its payload carriage and performance capability. It would also augment the strategic reach during disaster relief and similar missions. The induction of C-17 (ordered for $4.1 billion) is a major milestone in the modernisation of the IAF. Five C-17 aircraft will be delivered in 2013, while the remaining five will come in 2014. With the completion of the order, India will become the largest C-17 operator outside the US. Each plane has a carrying capacity of 74 tonne, which is more than double the capacity of the IAFs existing heavy-lift aircraft-Sovietorigin IL-76. The new acquisition will play a crucial role in any force projection along the 4,057-km-long frontier with China. The plane can land at small forward airbases on semi-prepared runways, termed as advanced landing grounds (ALGs) in the Indian Defence Ministrys parlance. Such ALGs exist in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. The aircraft can also land on unprepared sand runways with a clearance of 3,000 feet even while carrying its full load of 74 tonne. The aircrafts real use will be for carrying heavy equipment such as tanks or helicopters. It has an endurance of 4,500 km, hence allowing India to dominate its area of interest from the straits of Malacca in east to the Persian Gulf in west.
Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher PINAKA successfully test-fired

India's Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher System , the PINAKA , has undergone successful firing trials at Chandhan area in Pokhran field firing ranges. This state-of-art weapon for destroying and neutralizing enemy troops, communication centres and air terminal complexes by firing rockets with several warheads from launch vehicles has been developed by DRDO. Pinaka can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds from a launcher with a strike range of 40 km. maiden flight to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands on 30 Jun 2013. Climbing an altitude of 28000 feet with an unrefueled range of 2400 nautical miles, the aircraft landed at Port Blair to induct the rotational Infantry Battalion into the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Manufactured by Messrs Boeing of the United States, the C17 Globemaster-III is a heavy-lift transport military aircraft, developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). India has become the largest customer, of this sophisticated aircraft, after the United States. C-17 GlobemasterIII is 174 feet in length, with a wing span of 170 feet. The maximum all up weight is 265350 kg, with an ultra modernized palletized cargo handling capability. torpedoes and rockets and an advanced electronic warfare system. The ship is powered by four gas turbines and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots.
Union Defence Ministry launched a website on NCC

Union Ministry of Defence on 15 July 2013 launched website of NCC (www.nccindia.nic.in). The website has been launched with an aim to provide an insight into the activities of NCC. It will also provide information to motivate students to join NCC from the online platform too. The website would also act as the detailed data bank of the 15 lakh Cadets of NCC, its logistics management and budget. It would also monitor the training activities of NCC. The website was launched by Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Defence.
INS Trikand commissioned

On 29 June 2013, in a boost to its naval prowess, India inducted a Russian-built guided missile warship, INS Trikand, into the Navy at a shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. The commissioning of INS Trikand marked the culmination of a three ship contract for Follow On Talwar Class ships built in Russia. Her sister ships INS Teg and INS Tarkash were commissioned in 2012 and are now undertaking operations as part of the Western Fleet. INS Trikand carries a stateof-the-art combat suite which includes the supersonic BRAHMOS missile system, advanced surfaceto-air missiles Shtil, upgraded A190 medium range gun, electro-optical 30 mm close-in weapon system, anti-submarine weapons such as
Indo-Russian INDRA 2013 military exercise will take place in October 2013
Indo-Russian INDRA 2013 military exercise is scheduled to take place in October 2013 at Mahajan field firing range of Rajasthan in India. The joint Military exercise will involve over 250 servicemen from the Eastern Military District and the same number of troops will be involved from the Indian armed forces. Around 250 Russian servicemen from the Eastern Military District are already set to join Russo-Indian joint ground and naval drills at Indra-2013.
IAF's C17s Maiden Flight to Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The IAFs latest acquisition C-17 Globemaster-III made its
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India achieved a record production of 18.45 million tones of pulses in the 2012-13 crop year ended June 2013. This augurs well for the country which is dependent on imports to meet the shortfall of around 3 to 4 million tones. Higher support price prompted farmers to grow pulses. According to the 4th advance estimates released, overall food grain production is projected at 255.36 million tones, which is lower than the record 259.29 million tones achieved in the previous crop year. In food grains category, rice production has been revised upward to 104.4 million tones from 104.22 million tones and coarse cereals to 40.06 million tones from 39.52 million tones in the third estimates. However, wheat output has been revised downward to 92.46 million tones from 93.62 million tones. from 37.2 percent measured in 2004-05 on the basis of the increase in per capita consumption. The Planning Commission of India on 23 July 2013 released its report on the Poverty Estimates for 2011-12. The report was based on the Large Sample Surveys on Household Consumer Expenditure conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The National Poverty Line estimated for rural areas during 2011-12 was 816 rupees per capita per month, whereas, for urban areas it was recorded at 1000 rupees per capita per month. Thus, for a family of five, the all India poverty line in terms of consumption expenditure would amount to about 4080 rupees per month in rural areas and 5000 rupees per month in urban areas. These poverty lines would vary from State to State because of inter-state price differentials.
Economic Scenario
Approval of the Plan scheme 'Development Communication and Information Dissemination' for the 12th Five Year Plan
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for implementing the Plan Scheme "Development Communication and Information Dissemination" during the 12th Plan period with an outlay of Rs.630 crore. The Plan scheme envisages making the common person aware of the benefits envisaged in various Government schemes so that the benefit of these schemes is realized to the maximum possible extent. The scheme will be implemented by the media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, through various modes of awareness generation such as; outdoor publicity, electronic and print media, Public Information Campaigns, press tours, conducted tours, people to people contact, special outreach programmes, live art and culture shows, the new media etc. The Government of India has launched many welfare and employment generation schemes for the people in general and for the disadvantaged sections in particular by creating entitlements backed by legal guarantees for an individual`s rights. The main objective of the Government under these schemes is all round development of the people. The success of all government sponsored flagship schemes depends largely on awareness about these schemes and the benefits likely to accrue to targeted beneficiaries.
Poverty Ratio of India declined to 21.9 percent in 2011-12: PCI Poverty Estimates Report
Poverty Ratio in India declined to 21.9 percent in 2011-12
Poverty Estimates 2011-12

1. The all India poverty ratio is obtained as state-population weighted average poverty ratio, and the all India poverty line is
NSE regains top slot as largest bourse for equity trades

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has regained its position as the world's largest bourse in terms of volumes in equity trades, in June, according to the latest data of World Federation of Exchanges (WFE). After maintaining its lead in the first three months of 2013, for equity trading volumes, NSE had slipped to the second slot in April and May. Despite witnessing a fall of 9.7 per cent in its equity trades last month, NSE registered a total of 11.2 crore trades on its platform, making it the world's top exchange on this parameter among the 50 bourses listed with WFE. Meanwhile, NSE was also ranked first in number of equity trades for the first half of 2013 with a total of 71.18 crore trades. In June, NSE was followed by NYSE Euronext and Nasdaq OMX at the second and the third positions. NYSE Euronext and Nasdaq recorded 10.65 crore and 9.88 crore trades, respectively in their equity segments. China's Shenzhen SE, which emerged as the top bourse in May, has slipped to the fourth place. The exchange recorded a total of 8.44 crore trades in June. Another major Indian bourse, BSE, stood at the eighth place with 2.44 crore trades on its platform. While the total number of listed companies is much larger in case of the BSE, the exchange lags behind NSE significantly in terms of volume and value of trades. Others among the top-ten for June included Korea Exchange (5th), Shanghai SE (6th), Japan Exchange Group - Tokyo (7th), Canada's TMX Group (9th) and BM&FBOVESPA (10th).
India achieved a record production of pulses

the per capita per month expenditure that corresponds to the all India poverty ratio. The NSSO tabulates expenditure of about 1.20 lakh households. Since these households have different number of members, the NSSO for purpose of comparison divided the household expenditure by the number of members to arrive at per capita consumption expenditure per month. This is called Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) and is computed on the basis of three different concepts: Uniform Reference Period (URP) Mixed Reference Period (MRP) Modified Mixed Reference Period (MMRP). The national level poverty ratio based on comparable methodology (Tendulkar Method) for 1993-94, 2004-05 and 2011-12 estimated from Large Sample Survey of Household Consumer Expenditure data of 50th, 61st and 68th round respectively are given in the image. The percentage of persons below the Poverty Line in 201112 has been estimated as 25.7 percent in rural areas, 13.7 percent in urban areas and 21.9 percent for the country as a whole. The respective ratios for
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2.
India ranked 3rd in Global Consumer Confidence Index

India has been ranked third in the Global Consumer Confidence Index. The latest survey by the Nielsen reveals that in the second quarter of the current financial year, India slipped one point behind Indonesia and Philippines in the overall consumer confidence levels. Indonesia emerged as the most optimistic country with 124 points followed by Philippines with 121 points and India came third with 121 points. According to the survey, 72 percent Indians are optimistic about their job prospects in the next 12 months. The job security is the major concern followed by the state of Indian economy. Analysts say that the pattern is a reflection of the concerns of the devaluation of the rupee and the continuing inflation for urban Indians over the past six months. The Nielsen Global Survey of Consumer Confidence and Spending Intentions measures is based on consumer confidence, major concerns, and spending intentions among more than 29,000 respondents with Internet access in 58 countries. the rural and urban areas were 41.8 percent and 25.7 percent and 37.2 percent for the country as a whole in 2004-05. It was 50.1 percent in rural areas, 31.8 percent in urban areas and 45.3 percent for the country as a whole in 1993-94. In 2011-12, India had 270 million persons below the Tendulkar Poverty Line as compared to 407 million in 2004-05, that is a reduction of 137 million persons over the seven year period. 5. The decline in poverty flows from the increase in real per capita consumption. The per annum increase in real MPCE for each of the ten deciles. The clear inferences are a) The real MPCE increased by much more in the second period (2004-05 to 2011-12) as compared to the first (1993-94 to 2004-05) b) That the increase was fairly well distributed across all deciles of the population c) The distribution was particularly equitable in rural areas The ratio is based on the methodology that was suggested by the Suresh Tendulkar Committee that suggests the factors in money spent on health and education besides calorie intake to fix a poverty line. As per Tendulkar Methodology, the poverty line has been expressed in terms of MPCE based on Mixed Reference Period. Since several representations were made suggesting that the Tendulkar Poverty Line was too low, the Planning Commission, in June 2012, constituted an Expert Group under the Chairmanship of Dr. C. Rangarajan to once again review the methodology for the measurement of poverty. The report on the recommendation on poverty line made by Tendulkar Committee from the Rangarajan committee is likely to be submitted by mid 2014.
a) b) c) 3.
4.
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to amend SEBI Act for providing more powers to the market regulator to crack down on Ponzi schemes. As per the approval, SEBI will be given powers to conduct search and seizure operations and access call data records. Amendments to the Sebi Act and other relevant regulations were finalised after detailed consultations with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). 91.02 per cent stake in STC. The stake is meant to help both the companies meet the minimum 10 per cent public holding norm of market regulator SEBI. It is mandated for the government to bring down its stake in STC and ITDC to 90 per cent by 8 August2013. Shares of STC were trading 5.75 per cent lower at Rs 99.20 on the BSE in afternoon trade.
Revived New Bhopal Textile Mills of National Textile Corporation Inaugurated

The Union Minister of Textiles, K Sambasiva Rao on 22 July 2013 inaugurated the New Bhopal Textile Mills of National Textile Corporation (NTC) in Bhopal. The mill was taken for the purpose of revival as well as modernisation along with the BurhanpurTapti Mills in Burhanpur. It is important to note that textiles sector is the second biggest employment generator in India after agriculture. According to the approved scheme of Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR), in the first phase, National Textile Corporation Limited replaced 16848 spindles and commissioned 25200 new spindles in the year 2008 at the cost of 26.42 Crores Rupees. This led to an increase in the monthly production from 1800 kilograms per day to 5000 kilograms per day. This meant that despite providing Modified Voluntary Retirement Scheme (MVRS) to surplus workers, around 380 workers started getting wages every day. The National Textile Corporation Limited (New Delhi) also approved the second phase of modernisation for the New Bhopal Textile Mill. In its second phase, the Head Office approved sanction of 81 crore Rupees, which will help in modernisation of the machines. This would eventually help in increasing the production from 5000 kilograms per day to 14000 kilograms per day. This implies that from present sustenance of 380 workers, the mill will be able to sustain the 650 workers every day. The mill has also obtained ISO Certification.
CCEA approved Disinvestment of government stake in State Trading Corporation and ITDC
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 11 July 2013 approved the disinvestment of government stake in State Trading Corporation (STC) and ITDC. The disinvestment is supposed to bring around 30 crore Rupees to the exchequer. The disinvestment is required through Cabinet nod to divest 5 per cent stake in India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and 1.02 per cent in STC through the Offer for Sale (OFS) route. The government is expecting the sale of 5 per cent stake or 42.88 crore shares in ITDC to fetch 23.58 crore Rupees. The Government is also planning to acquire about 10 crore rupees through disinvestment of 1.02 per cent, or 6.13 crore shares, in STC. It is important here to note that the government currently holds 92.11 per cent stake in ITDC and
Government raised FDI in Telecom Sector to 100 percent

The Union Government of India on 16 July 2013 raised the FDI limit in Telecom Sector from 74 percent to 100 percent. Government also cleared that the FDI in the Insurance and Telecom sectors will be up to 49 per cent through automatic route. The Union Government also mentioned that FDI the single brand retail would be up to 49 percent through automatic route and remaining investments would be directed through Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) route. FDI in asset reconstruction companies will be up to 49 per cent through automatic route. FDI in Credit Information Companies has been raised to 74 per cent from 49 per cent. The Government also confirmed that the FDI in Defence Production will continue to be 26 percent. However, it will be directed through FIPB route for state of art technologies, and investment beyond that will go to Cabinet Committee on Security.
CCEA approved Modified Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme

The government on 12 July 2013 approved the Modified Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (MIIUS) with an outlay of 1030 crore Rupees during the 12th Five Year Plan period ending March 2017. As per the Information and broadcasting Ministry, Out of the total outlay, a sum of 450 crore rupees will be utililized on committed liability and the remainder for taking up 14 to 16 new infrastructure upgradation projects in existing or greenfield industrial clusters. The decision will help to develop better common infrastructure and common facilities, including skill development centres, at the selected industrial clusters. It will also certainly impact better employment generation in the selected clusters.
Union Govt. approved Proposal to give SEBI more Powers

The Union government on 17 July 2013 approved a proposal
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National Round-Up
India topped in the Chart of Sri Lankas Foreign Visitors
Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority released a data of tourists on 18 July 2013, which claimed that India topped the charts of foreign tourists to the island nation. As per the report, over 83 thousand Indians visited, the Sri Lanka in the first half of this year of which 13000 Indian visitors in June 2013 alone. India was followed by Britain and Germany with 55 thousand and 36 thousand visitors. Sri Lanka has set a target of attracting 1.25 million tourists to the country un 2013, of which more than half a million people visited the nation by June 2013.
Delhi Government to launch Food Security Scheme from 20 August 2013

Delhi government is all set to launch food security programme from 20 August 2013. Delhi will be the first state in India to launch Union governments food security programme. The state government has completed all preparations in this regard. Over 32 lakh identified families will start getting benefit under the scheme from the 1 September 2013.In the first phase, BPL and APL families, Jhugi Jhopadi ration card holders and those under Antodaya ration yojana will be covered. Rickshaw pullers, porters and rag-pickers would also be included in the scheme to make Delhi hunger free.
Government of Odisha announced Rice for Olive Ridley Conservation scheme for the year 2013
The Government of Odisha in July 2013 announced Rice for Olive Ridley Conservation (ROrC) scheme for the year 2013 in order to help the fishermen families affected by seven-month ban on marine fishing at Odisha coastal areas. The identification of beneficiaries under Rice for Olive Ridley Conservation (ROrC) Scheme was announced on 22 July 2013. The main aim of the ROrC scheme is to help the fishermen families who are affected by seven-month ban on marine fishing as an Olive Ridley turtle protection measure. ROrC is a livelihood supported package for poor fishermen communities to ensure them food security. Under the scheme, each family will be provided with 25 kg of rice at subsidised rate of Re 1 per kg every month. The fishermen will be provided with special eligibility cards to avail the subsidised rice. The cards will entitle them to get the rice from PDS retailers of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department each month. Out of the 10133 identified beneficiaries, 6255 families are from Kendrapara district. The
Maharashtra extended Ban on Gutkha and Paan Masala

Maharashtra state government on 19 July 2013 announced a ban extension on nicotine-laced gutkha and paan masala for another year considering health hazards of these products. In July 2012, the government had banned the sale, storage and consumption of nicotine-laced gutkha and paan masala in any form for a year, which was to end on 19 July 2013. The government move was prompted by the incidence of oral diseases, including cancer due to consumption of such gutkha and paan masala. Under the Food Safety & Standards Act, sale of items containing nicotine or tobacco (as in gutkha or paan masala) has been prohibited in the interest of public health. As many as 26 Indian states have so far banned gutkha and paan masala, besides five union territories.
rest of the targeted families are from Puri, Ganjam and Bhadrak districts. Due to prohibition of fishing from 1 November to 31 May each year, the fishing communities are adversely affected with depletion of income sources. The bulk of the affected families are from Kendrapara as the coastal district is home to the restricted sea corridors of Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. The coast of Orissa in India is the largest mass nesting site for the Olive-ridley turtle. The Central Empowered Committee of the Supreme Court had passed directions in April 2004 for protection of endangered Olive Ridley turtles.
Puducherry Government listed wine as food item to attract tourists

The Puducherry government on 17 July 2013 delinked wine from the Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) category and listed as a food item to attract more tourists to the state. With the Governments decision, wine will not flow freely into the town as the ban on sale of wine bottles in general stores will continue as usual and sale will be allowed only in licensed IMFL shops, and hotels. The government also reduced excise duty on wine to increase the volume of sale. The decision was taken in accordance with the expectation of tourists from neighbouring areas,

who had stopped visiting the town in recent months because of increase in excise duty that took the prices of premium varieties almost equivalent to Tamil Nadu.
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Women officers to be inducted in BSF for First Time

The government of India for the first time in Month of July 2013 has given its nod for recruitment and commissioning of women officers in BSF, the border guarding force. As per the BSF, Young women under and up to the age of 25 years will be recruited as direct entry officers in the rank of Assistant Commandants (ACs), and these officers are expected to be posted to lead their troops along the two most crucial borders the BSF guards at present-- Pakistan and Bangladesh. To the present time women could only get into the combat uniform in the officer cadre in two other central security forces, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) which are tasked to carry out a variety of duties in the internal security domain and not along Indian frontiers as these forces are not mandated for border guarding duties. It is important to mention here that, at a time when India has so many women troops in these forces there were no women combat commanders. Though, having male officers was not a problem but deputing women as leaders surely sends the message that they are second to none and can do any task given to them. This first batch of women officers will be on ground by late 2014 and their recruitment will be completed by December 2013. Two other border guarding forces, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) also do not have women officers in combat roles although they have a good number of women personnel in their constabulary.
National Tobacco Control Campaign Called Tears You Apart Launched

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India launched the nation-wide National Tobacco Control Campaign known as- Tears you apart. The aim of the campaign is to raise the public awareness regarding dangers of smokeless tobacco which is consumed by millions of Indians every day.
SMS to more than 12 crore farmers across the country. Farmers will need to register for this service by calling Kisaan Call Centre on the toll free number 1800-180-1551 or through the web portal.
Land Rights to Women National Land Reform Policy Draft 2013

The Union Government of India proposed land reforms for acknowledging the women rights and giving the ownership to rural poor women, according to the National Land Reform Policy Draft 2013 formulated by Union Ministry of Rural Development released on 18 July 2013.
President Pranab Mukherjee launched Kisaan Portal for Sending SMS to Farmers
President Pranab Mukherjee on 16 July 2013 launched a Kisaan Portal for sending SMS through mobile phones to the farmers across the country. The SMS initiative is an instant and non-intruding medium communication enabling the farmers to take informed decision relating to different aspects of farming and weather forecasts. The Kisaan Portal directly aimed at spreading information, advisories and services through
Union Cabinet of India approved setting up of a NAU

The Union Cabinet of India on 11 July 2013 gave its approval to the proposal for setting up of a National Aviation University (NAU) in the name of Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University at the District of Rae Bareli in the State of U.P. as a Central University.The Cabinet also approved the proposal to introduce the Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University Bill, 2013 in the Parliament; to create a
AP is top tourist destination in India

With Tirupati hill shrine attracting visitors in hordes, Andhra Pradesh has become the top tourist destination in the country, recording 206.8 million domestic tourists last year, the data available with Union ministry of tourism revealed on 23rd July. Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh stood at second and third places respectively, with 184.1 million and 168.4 million domestic tourists. Built in 10th century, the Lord Venkateswara temple, located in Tirumala, near Tirupati town, attracts more tourists than the domestic visitors to Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, which boast of Taj Mahal and Ajanta-Ellora caves respectively, a senior tourism ministry official said. The footfall at domestic tourist destinations across the country witnessed a surge touching 1,036 million compared to 865 million in 2011 -- an increase of 19.87 per cent. It was 748 million in 2010. Meanwhile, the number of foreign tourist visits (FTVs) to states/UTs registered a growth of 6.33 per cent during the same year. These states accounted for 84.5 per cent of the total number of domestic tourists during 2012. The top 10 states in terms of FTVs in 2012, remained the same as those in 2011 with Maharashtra topping the list.

post of Vice Chancellor (with pay scales on the pattern of Central Universities) by selection through a Search and Selection Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary with members representing Ministries of Civil Aviation, Personnel & Training and Human Resource Development and for creation of a temporary post in the grade of Joint secretary to Government of India for the position of Project Director which would be filled up on deputation basis. The Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University will be established as a Central University and as an autonomous body under the administrative control of Ministry of Civil Aviation in Rae Bareli District of U.P. with an estimated Central Government`s funding of 202 crore rupees in Phase-l (2013-14 to 201819) on the land available with Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Academy (IGRUA), a Society set up as an autonomous body under Ministry of Civil Aviation) in Rae Bareli District of U.P. About 26.35 acres of land available with IGRUA has been identified for setting up of NAU in its first phase.
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Himachal Pradesh becomes countrys first smokefree State

Himachal Pradesh has been declared the first smoke-free State in the country in compliance with Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. The State has achieved 85.45% compliance with the relevant parameters. The State government intends to eliminate tobacco products and has hiked taxes on bidis and cigarettes from 11 and 18% to 22 and 36%, respectively in the 2013-14 Budget. and professionalising DRDA to meet the challenge of rural development in the present context. The District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) were set up as independent societies in 1980 and since then have been principal organs at the district level to oversee the implementation of the ministry's anti-poverty programmes. The DRDA is supposed to function now as professional units, professional cells, and professional divisions of the zila parishads and will not have a separate independent, autonomous existence through the Society's Act. The government in its announcement asserted that, as of 1 April 2014, the DRDAs as constituted under the Society's Act will not exist instead there would be state rural development agencies to deal with the issues like staffing and functioning of the district rural development planning units. The six other states which have been issued notice are Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Gujarat.
Parliament to Ratify Indira-Mujib Pact of 1974

The Government of India informed the Bangladesh regarding the ratification of 1974 Indira-Mujib pact, during the home secretarylevel talks on 19 July 2013. Indian Government informed that it wanted to ratify the 1974 Indira-Mujib pact for demarcation of boundaries and for exchange of 161 adversely held enclaves with a population of about 50000 people. For implementation of IndiraMujib pact, Indian Government will have to introduce a Constitutional Amendment Bill in parliament according to Indian Constitution. The Government of India is planning to bring a constitutional amendment Bill during the forthcoming monsoon session, beginning August 5 2013, for implementation of the Indo-Bangla land boundary agreement. Bangladesh Parliament has already approved the land boundary deal, India needs to introduce a constitutional amendment bill because its implementation involves territory swap.
Union Government announced disbanding of the three District Rural Development Agency (DRDA)
The Union government on 10 July 2013 announced disbanding of the Rural Development Agency (DRDA), the body which looks after implementation of anti-poverty programmes of Rural Development Ministry. The agency will now be given a new function to perform its role under zila parishads, the local elected bodies at the district level. The decision to disband the DRDA was taken on the recommendation of a committee represented under the chairmanship of V Ramchandran, ChairmenEmeritus, Centre for Management Development, Thiruvananthapuram with the purpose of strengthening
SC issued Notice to Uttarakhand for Failure in Implementing Disaster Management Act

The Supreme Court of India on 19 July 2013 issued notice to Uttarakhand and six other states for their alleged failure in implementing Disaster Management Act in order to handle natural catastrophe. A bench headed by Justice A K Patnaik sought response from the Union government, the states and the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands on a PIL alleging that governments have failed to implement in true spirit the Act which was passed in 2005.
Indira-Mujib Pact 1974

In 1974, India and Bangladesh entered into an agreement on borders. Popularly known as Indira-Mujib Pact, the two signatories of the pact were the Indian Prime Minister Indira

Gandhi and the Bangladesh Prime Minister Mujib-urRehman. This agreement sought to cover the demarcation of the land boundary between the two countries and other related issues. Article 5 of the Agreement stipulated that: This agreement shall be subject to ratification by the Governments of India and Bangladesh and Instruments of Ratification shall be exchanged as early as possible. The Agreement shall take effect from the date of the exchange of the Instruments of Ratification. On 28 November 1974 Bangladesh Parliament had passed the Constitution (Third Amendment) Act, 1974 ratifying the Indira Mujib Accord. processing of bill and Core Banking Solutions (CBS) for the bank as well as the RBI. This secured mode of making the payments online, would be time saving and eliminate physical cheques and their manual processing. Sudhir Kumar, Secretary of the Department of Food & Public Distribution launched the Electronic Transfer of Funds.
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that the survey accounts 130 languages, as well as near extinct languages of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland and Manipur. The region contains more than 210 languages. PLSI have published books on the survey and the volume will also depict the rich cultural and linguistic geography of all the indigenous communities of the states of the region.
Ministry of Tourism launched Clean India Campaign

The Ministry of Tourism launched Clean India Campaign as part of Government strategy for 12th Five Year Plan for improving the quality of services and environs in and around tourist destinations across India. The campaign is aimed at undertaking both sensitization and action at field level on bringing tourism destinations and their surroundings to an expectable level of cleanliness and hygiene.
Geographical Indication (GI) certificate for unique Toda embroidery

The Geographical Indication (GI) certificate for unique Toda embroidery of hilly Nilgiris District in Tamilnadu has been handed over to a representative of the tribal community. The GI accorded in March would insulate the embroidery from being duplicated besides ensuring uniform pricing for the products. Nearly 400 Toda tribals are actively involved in the embroidery business and produce a wide range of products like shawl, table mat, wall hangings, bags and shopping bags and the certificate allowed the products to display the specific geographical location or origin. GI is a name on goods to indicate their specific geographical location or origin. Geographical Indications of Goods are defined as that aspect of industrial property which refer to the geographical indication referring to a country or to a place situated therein as being the country or place of origin of that product.
Department of Food Launched System for Electronic Transfer of Funds

The Department of Food & Public Distribution on 16 July 2013 launched the system of electronic transfer of funds to ensure quick and direct transfer of funds to its beneficiaries. The electronic transfer would help in bringing in more efficiency in the financial working of the department. The Department of Food and Public Distribution has a major role to play in the payment of subsidies particularly Food and Sugar covering a substantial amount of Budget outflow. The Department of Food & Public Distribution and Reserve Bank of India have implemented the electronic payment system of the computerized accounting in partnership with the National Informatics Centre. The STQC Directorate of IT department has certified the electronic payment system as fully secured. This system will serve as the middleware between the COMPACT (the accounting application) for
Peoples Linguistic Survey of India (PLSI)

The Peoples Linguistic Survey of India (PLSI) has revealed that northeast has the highest per capita language in the entire world. While addressing a press conference in Guwahati, on 24 July, PLSI chairperson G. N. Devy told that linguistic survey has been completed in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland and Manipur. It is the first linguistic survey since George Griersons survey conducted a century ago. PLSI told
Government decided to set-up a new Marine Training Academy at Tuticorin

The Union Government of India on 27 July 2013 announced that it would set-up a Marine Training Academy at Tuticorin. The academy would be set-up through the Shipping Corporation of India in collaboration with the VO Chidambaram Port Trust. The announcement was made by Shipping Minister, GK Vasan at Chennai that the Ministry has already allocated 15 crore rupees for the development of the infrastructure for the academy. The first batch of the academy would commence from September or October 2013, with a batch of 40 students.
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International Round-Up
UNESCO increased Pressure on Australia to conserve Great Barrier Reef
UNESCOs World Heritage Committee on 18 June 2013 increased pressure on the Australian government so as to conserve the Great Barrier Reef. The World Heritage Committee gave Canberra one year time to present a plan on how to protect the reef, listed as a World Heritage site since 1981, from increasing coal and gas extraction and shipping. As per the discussion in the 37th session in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, If Australia fails to come up with a satisfactory plan then World Heritage Committee will place it on the in danger list. It was also stressed that by 2014, Australia has to improve water quality monitoring and limit port development to existing port areas. It is worth mentioning here that among the 38 World Heritage sites currently listed as in danger is the Everglades National park in Florida and the Old City of Jerusalem.
Russia to send Olympic torch to space

Russia who will be hosting 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi has announced to send an unlit Olympic torch into space. The Russian Federal Space Agency will take the torch to the Soyuz TMA-11M manned spaceship in early November 2013 as part of the four-month torch relay. Once it reaches space, Russian cosmonauts Sergei Ryazansky and Oleg Kotov will take the Olympic torch on a spacewalk. It will be first event of its kind. the senate and two independent members. For further approval, the Bill has been sent to House of Representatives and after being approved in the house it will be sent to US President, Barack Obama to be signed into a law. detached single-family properties and 7% were commercial properties or land.
Indians among top 5 foreigners buying properties in the US

Indians are among the top five foreign nationals buying real estate in United States, even as there has been a decline in foreigners acquiring properties in the US, a report has said. According to the "2013 Profile of International Home Buying Activity" for the 12 months period ending March 2013, realtors reported purchases from 68 countries, but five have historically accounted for the bulk of purchases; Canada (23%), China (12%), Mexico (8%), India (5%) and the United Kingdom (5%). "These five countries accounted for approximately 53% of transactions, with Canada and China the fastest growing sources over the years," the report said. Among the reported destination states for buyers from India, the top states were California, Tennessee, Connecticut and New Jersey. According to information from realtor.com as of March 2013, the five markets of greatest interest to potential Indian buyers are Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago, Dallas, and Houston. Based on data from the survey, the bulk of properties purchased by Indian buyers were in the suburban areas. Approximately 90% of reported purchases were
Saudi Arabia Awarded 22 Billion US Dollar Contracts for Development of Metro Line in Riyadh
The Government of Saudi Arabia, on 28 July 2013, announced that it awarded over 22 billion US dollar in contract for the development of metro line in the capital, Riyadh. This is said to be the largest public transport initiative of the world and will help in boosting the economy of Saudi Arabia considerably. The metro line will join Dubai as well as Qatar in the expansion of the public transport networks. The contracts were awarded to Bechtel Group Inc. (9.4 billion US dollar), Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas (7.8 billion US dollar) and Ansaldo STS SpA (STS) (5.2 billion US dollar). Six driverless subway lines in all, will serve to the Riyadhs city centre, universities, government facilities, commercial areas, financial district as well as airport. This will be a 175-kilometer (109mile) network. The Vice-President of High Commission for the Development of Riyadh, Tarek alFares, announced that the project will take a total of five years to be completed. The project will be overseen by Arriyadh Development Authority, the government body. Various architects won for their designs of the metro stations. Among the winning designs of metro stations were also the ones
US Senate passed landmark Immigration Bill

The United States Senate passed a landmark comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill to provide a pathway to citizenship to some 11 million illegal immigrants in the country on 27th June. There are over 240,000 illegal Indian migrants in the US. The immigration reform received a bipartisan support in the US Senate; the bill received 88 votes in favour and 32 votes in against. The supporters included 52 members from the Democratic Party, 14 Republican members of

from Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. It is important to note that the budget of Saudi Arabia for telecoms and transportation swelled 84 percent in 2013 to 17.3 billion US dollar, which is the fastest expansion since 2004. recognized eight races and 130 minority groups but it excluded the minority Rohingya Muslims from citizenship. Later, it passed a second law that limited the Rohingya Muslim residence to two townships in the Western State of Rakhine, which borders Bangladesh. The second law for Rohingyas also restricts them to have only two children, a restriction that does not apply to majority Buddhist population. Numbering about 8 lakhs in a population of around 60 million, the Rohingyas are widely viewed as interlopers brought in by the British colonialists.
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for people living in France to escape taxes. It is worth mentioning here that France taxes inheritance progressively up to 45 per cent, compared to Switzerlands maximum of 7 per cent. France is one of a growing number of cash impoverished country which is trying to find tax hiding away in Swiss accounts.
India became the biggest buyer of Nigerias crude oil

India in the month of July 2013 has surpassed the U.S. as the top buyer of Nigerian crude oil. As per the recent statistics it has been that India had been buying more of Nigerias crude than the U.S. over the last three months in year 2013. India will continue with its effort of cooperating with Nigeria to improve its economy and it is supposed to assist Nigeria in capacity building of workers in both the public and private sectors. India is set to tie up with the government of Kano state to establish a film city and will also going to collaborate with the Niger state government to establish health care facilities as well as improve agriculture. It also promised assistance in the state on the training of young people who wish to embark on vocational education.
Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange launched political party in Australia

42 Year old Wikileaks founder Julian Assange on 25 July 2013 officially launched his political party to contest Australian elections this year. As per Assange, his party which he named Wikileaks Party would be fielding seven candidates including Assange for upper house Senate seats in the states of New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.It is important here to note that the two Indian-origin persons are among the seven candidates who will contest elections on a Wikileaks Party ticket in Senate polls in Australia. Indian-origin academician Binoy Kampmark, who was born in Malaysia and has Bengali heritage, will stand for the Upper House election from Victori
France and Switzerland signed New Inheritance Tax Deal

France and Switzerland on 11 July 2013 have signed an agreement on inheritance taxes as per which Paris will help it bringing in more money. As per the agreement, the inheritances will be taxed based on where the recipient resides, but not where the deceased lived, as it is used to be earlier. The agreement is supposed to allow France to ask Switzerland to investigate suspicious bank activity even if it does not have the suspects names. The new agreement will make it tuff
United Nations Secretary General warned Myanmar to end Buddhist attacks on Rohingyas
The Secretary General of United Nations, Ban-ki-moon on 11 July 2013 warned Myanmar to end Buddhist attacks on Minority Muslims (Rohingyas). The Secretary General also asked Myanmar to take necessary steps to address legitimate grievances including citizenship. Ban-ki-moon feared that failing to do so, would bring in negative regional impacts in the country and weaken the reform process also. Myanmar passed its Citizenship Law in 1982 in which it
India agreed to co-operate Mongolia in Renewable Energy & HR Development

India on 9 July 2013 agreed to co-operate with Mongolia in developing its renewable Energy Sector and Human Resource Development. The agreement between the two nations was reached during a meet between the Farooq Abdullah Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Mongolian President Tsakhia Elbegdorj at Ulaanbaatar during his visit to Mongolia. Farooq Abdullah was on a visit to Mongolia to represent India at the oath taking ceremony of Elbegdorj, who has been re-elected as the President for his second four-year term. During his visit, Abdullah also handed over the letter of felicitation to Elbegdorj from President of India, Pranab Mukherjee lauding his personal vision and commitment towards the comprehensive partnership between the two countries and to invite him to visit India. During his visit to Mongolia, Abdullah also met Foreign Minister of Mongolia Lu Bold and Minister of Environment and Green Development of Mongolia, Sanjaasuren Oyun.

whereas Suresh Rajan, who is based out of Kerala, will stand for the party in Western Australia. The idea behind contesting election is to be an independent scrutineer of government activity. Julian Assange, will be contesting elections from Victoria. As per him major issue in the coming days would be the ruling Labour party's policy on asylum seekers. The foremost action of his party will be to demand full details of the government's asylum seeker arrangement with Papua New Guinea be made public. The core value of Wikileaks Party's is transparency, accountability and justice are the template against which we will examine any important issues for Australians: tax reform, asylumseekers, climate change policy and more. Australia will be going into polls in November 2013 where the ruling Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's Labour party is up against Tony Abbott-led conservatives. Julian Assange is holed up at Ecuador's embassy in London since June 2012 where he demanded refuge during his legal battle for exile from Britain to Sweden.
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India and China focussed on Additional Confidence Building Measures

India and China focussed on additional confidence building measures in the two-day talks between the representatives of the two countries that ended in New Delhi on 24 July 2013. The two nations reviewed the recent developments in the border areas to enhance peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control. India and China discussed additional confidence building measures between them. They consulted on measures to improve the functioning of the working mechanism and to make it more efficient. Finally the two delegations further discussed the possibility of introducing an additional route for the Kailash Mansarovar yatra. The meeting on working mechanism for consultation and coordination on India-China border affairs was led by Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs Gautam Bambawale and senior officials of the Defence and Home Ministries from the Indian side. The Chinese side was represented by a composite delegation of its officials. The next meeting will be held in China at a mutually convenient date and time.
India, Belarus signed protocol to Enhance Trade Ties

India and Belarus signed a protocol on 24 July 2013 to enhance trade ties during the sixth session of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation held in New Delhi.
India expressed interest in the provision of funds in various forms for the development of Nigeria's power sector.
Panel Appointed by Interim President Started Egypt Constitution Amendment Task

The 10-member panel of legal experts, which was appointed by the interim President Adly Mansour started off the work on 21 July 2013 in order to amend the constitution of Egypt. The panel has the time duration of 30 days in order to draft the changes in the constitution, thereby clearing the route for the presidential as well as parliamentary elections. It is important to note that the previous constitution of Egypt which was framed by the government under Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, has been suspended. In yet another development, it is important to note that Jordan's King Abdullah on 20 July 2013 became the first Arab leader to visit Egypt ever since its fall of government. Under the interim Presidents decree which was announced on 20 July 2013, a
Executive Programme for Cultural Cooperation Signed Between India and Senegal
An Executive Programme for Cultural Cooperation was signed between India and Senegal for the period 2013-2015 on 29 July 2013 at New Delhi. This programme was signed to affirm the commitment of the two countries for sustaining the cultural exchanges. Executive Programme for Cultural Cooperation was signed by Chandresh Kumari Katoch, Minister of Culture on behalf of Government of India and by Adboul Aziz Mbaye, Minister of Culture, on behalf of Government of Senegal. The programme will remain valid for a period of three years. However, it will remain intact till the fresh Exchange Programme is signed.
India and Nigeria signed agreement for Solar Power Plants

India and Nigeria on 22 July 2013 signed an agreement in Abuja to locate sites for solar power plants in Niger state. The agreement will provide additional energy for Nigeria's national grid. It would be the first of a series of power plant deals. The agreement was signed between the secretary to the Government of India, Sutanu Behuria and Nigeria's permanent secretary in the Ministry of Power Godknows Igali. With this agreement in place, Bharat Heavy Electricals (BSE) will begin preliminary studies for setting up independent solarpowered plants in selected locations in Niger.

committee or panel which was composed of four university professors and six judges was asked to present the amendments to larger 50-member panel which comprised of politicians, religious officials, army officers as well as unionists. its approval through a national referendum on 22 January 2012. It completed its ratification process on 4 April 2012. Entry into force and accession of Croatia to the EU took place on 1 July 2013. It had applied for EU membership in 2003. Croatia is the first new EU member since Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007. After Slovenia, Croatia is the second former Yugoslav republic to join the EU.
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Worlds Highest Density Of Millionaires In Qatar

On 10 June According to the Boston Consulting Groups (BCG) 13th Annual Global Wealth Management Report ,Qatar has the highest density of millionaires in the world, with 14.3 pc of the oil-rich Gulf nations population holding private wealth of $1 mn.The figure shows 143 out of every 1,000 households in Qatar holding private wealth of at least $1 million, much higher than the global average.Kuwait ranks third with 11.5%, while Bahrain (4.9%) and the UAE (4.0%) rank seventh and ninth, respectively.
World population to hit 10.9 billion by 2100

The world's population will hit 7.2 billion next month and is projected to reach 10.9 billion by 2100, powered by births in poor countries, the United Nations said. But, with the number of future global dwellers linked to fertility, the number at the end of the century could be as high 16.6 billion or even fall to 6.8 billion, the UN said in its "World Population Prospects." Focusing on a conservative projection between these two, population growth is expected to be especially dramatic in the poorest parts of the world. The population of developing countries is projected to rise from 5.9 billion in 2013 to 8.2 billion in 2050 and 9.6 billion 2100, the report said. The poorest are projected to double in size from 898 million inhabitants of what the report defines as less developed countries this year to 1.8 billion in 2050 and to 2.9 billion in 2100.
European Union (EU):

The European Union is an economic and political union of 28 member states that are located primarily in Europe. The EU operates through a system of independent institutions and intergovernmental negotiated decisions by the member nations. Institutions of the EU include the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the European Council, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Central Bank, the Court of Auditors, and the European Parliament. The European Parliament is elected every five years by EU citizens. The EU's capital is Brussels. A monetary union, the eurozone, was set up in 1999 and it comprises 17 member states.
Kevin Rudd sworn in as new Australian Prime Minister

Kevin Rudd on 27 June 2013 was sworn in as Australias new prime minister ousting Julia Gillard as Labor chief in a ballot. He was sworn in at Government House in Canberra by Governor General Quentin Bryce. Kevin Rudd conserved his dramatic return after a leadership ballot on 26 June 2013 in which Gillard, the countrys first female premier, was forced to leave in a party-room vote and announced her retirement from politics. 55 years old Kevin Rudd won the vote of
Croatia became the 28th Member of the European Union

Croatia on 1 July 2013 became the 28th member of the European Union, with crowds joining celebrations in the capital Zagreb. It comes almost two decades after Croatia's brutal war of independence. . Croatia's split from Yugoslavia caused a 19911995 war to secure its independence. Croatia had finished its accession negotiations on 30 June 2011 and it signed the Treaty of Accession in Brussels on 9 December 2011. It was followed by
Dubai inaugurates world tallest twisted tower

Dubai inaugurated the tallest twisted tower of the world called Cayan Tower at the cost of US $ 272 million on 12th June. Earlier it was called the Infinity Tower. It was inaugurated in Dubai Marina. With this, Dubai created yet another record of engineering marvels and skyscrapers. Cayan Tower is 310 metre or 1,017 foot tall residential tower. It is 75-storey building which is twisted at 90 degrees from the top most position to the bottom most position. The developer of the tower is Cayan Real Estate Investment and Development Company. The Cayan Tower has been designed by the masterminds of Burj Khalifa- Chicago-based Skidmore Owings and Merrill. Burj Khalifa is the tallest tower of the world with a height of 2,717 foot. It broke all architectural and engineering records when it was inaugurated in January 2010. The Guinness World Records in May 2012 declared Princess Tower (the 1,356 foot tower) of Dubai as the tallest residential building of the world.

Labor lawmakers 57 to 45 amid mounting unease in the party over an expected rout by Tony Abbott's conservative opposition at the national polls in September 2013.
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Global Peace Index 2013

India ranks 141st out of 162 in this years (2013) Global Peace Index (GPI). Iceland tops the list and Afganistan ranks at bottom. The major indicators that bring down Indias ranking are militarization, domestic and international conflicts, and corruption. According to the 2013 GPI, key drivers in making the world a less peaceful place are: rise in the number of homicides and countries increasing their military expenditure as a percentage of GDP.110 countries have seen their score deteriorate while only 48 became more peaceful,The GPI is the worlds leading measure of global peacefulness produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace. The list was launched first in May 2007, then continued yearly. It is claimed to be the first study to rank countries around the world according to their peacefulness. It gauges ongoing domestic and international conflict, safety and security in society, and militarization in 162 countries by taking into account 22 separate indicators. IEP is an international think tank dedicated to shifting the worlds focus to peace as a positive, achievable, and tangible measure of human well-being and progress. tell what political and personal changes the intervening years will bring, but the baby can be expected to become the head of state of 16 countries, including Britain, Australia and Canada, and possibly the head of the Commonwealth, which covers 54 nations. The child will also eventually become Supreme Governor of the Church of England. and research & development offer tremendous potential for cooperation between India and Belarus. Elaborating on the fertilizer sector, the Indian Minister conveyed that India is looking for long-term contracts for supply of potash to meet its growing requirements.
Scientists Discovered a New Language Called Light Warlpiri in Northern Australia

Scientists at the department of linguistics at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor discovered a new language called Light Warlpiri in Northern Australia. This language is composed of unique blend of elements from different languages as well as rare grammatical innovations. Carmel O'Shannessy of the department of linguistics at the University of Michigan discovered this language while working with school in the Northern Territory where this language was taught to the children. Carmel O'Shannessy also explained that Light Warlpiri might have been evolved during 1970s and 80s.
Kate, Prince Williams wife, has given birth to a boy

Kate, Prince Williams wife, has given birth to a boy, a child now third in line to the British throne. The child was born on 22nd July, after many Britons woke up to the news that Kate had gone into labor with the couples first child. The birth announcement, via a press release from Kensington Palace, said the boy was born at 4:24 p.m. weighing 8 pounds 6 ounces. The royal birth recalled that of the babys father, William, in 1982, at the same Central London hospital. Many remember the moment when he was carried out in his mother Princess Dianas arms with proud father Prince Charles at their side. William and Kates son is expected to follow Charles and William to the throne. No one can
The 6th Session of the India-Belarus InterGovernmental Commission

The 6th Session of the IndiaBelarus Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation was held on 24 July in New Delhi. The session was co-chaired from the Indian side by Dr. E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Mr. Dmitry S. Katerinich, Minister of Industry of the Republic of Belarus. Highlighting that the meeting is yet another step in the direction of strengthening trade and economic relations between the two countries, Dr. Natchiappan said that sectors like pharmaceutical, fertilizers, information technology
Hazem El-Beblawi named as new Prime Minister of Egypt

Hazem El-Beblawi on 9 July 2013 was named as the new Prime Minister of Egypt by the Interim President Adly Mansour. A leading economist, Beblawi will form a caretaker Government that comprises technocrats from different walks of life. The caretaker government would play a major role in steering away Egypt through the transitional period. The interim President Adly Mansour also named Mohammad ElBaradei, a Nobel laureate and former IAEA chief as the new VicePresident of the country. In a gesture of reconciliation, the new designated prime minister of Egypt declared that his government will offer cabinet posts to the leaders of Muslim Brotherhood of the ousted President Mohammed Morsis Government.
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Banking Awareness
For Bank PO, Clerk, RBI Asst. Exams
1. Why the Indirect taxes are termed regressive taxing mechanisms? 1) They are charged at higher rates than direct taxes 2) They are charged the same for all income groups 3) They are charged the same for all income groups 4) None Which of the following types of accounts are known as 'Demat Accounts'? 1) Accounts which are Zero Balance 2) Accounts which are opened to facilitate repayment of a loan taken from the bank. No other business can be conducted from there 3) Accounts in which shares of various companies are traded in electronic form 4) Accounts which are operated through internet banking facility Currently, which among the following products is facing imports ban from China? 1) Milk and Milk products 2) Rice 3) Telecom equipment 4) Heavy electrical engineering equipment Interest on savings bank account is now calculated by banks on? 1) Minimum balance during the month 2) Minimum balance from 7th to last day of the month 3) Minimum balance from 10th to last day of the month 4) Daily product basis Which of the following instruments of credit control adopted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) does not fall within general or quantitative methods of credit control? 1) Stipulation of certain minimum margin in respect of advance against specified commodities 2) Open market operations 3) Bank rate 4) Variable reserve requirement 6. The term BSR refers to: 1) Banks Selling Rate 2) Basic Statistical Returns 3) Annual returns submitted by banks to RBI in respect of priority sector advances 4) Quarterly statement of advances to agriculture 7. Which of the following best defines a floating-rate bond? 1) A bond with a fixed interest rate and has better yield than varying interest rate bond 2) A bond with a fixed interest rate and has lower yield than varying interest rate bond 3) A bond with a varying interest rate and has better yield than fixed interest rate bond 4) A bond with a varying interest rate and has lower yield than fixed interest rate bond 8. Banking services delivered to a customer by means of a computer control system that does not directly involve banks branch is called? 1) Universal banking 2) Virtual banking 3) Narrow banking 4) Brick & Mortal banking 9. According to recent Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines for new bank licenses, how much per cent should a new banks have to set up of its branches in unbanked rural areas. 1) 49% 2) 15% 3) 25% 4) 20% 10. What is the minimum public shareholding (MPS) mandated bySEBI for Private Companies and PSUs respectively? 1) 75% and 90% 2) 90% and 75% 3) 10% and 25% 4) 25% and 10% 11. The usual deposit accounts of banks are? 1) Current accounts, electricity accounts and insurance premium accounts. 2) Current accounts, post office savings, bank accounts and term deposit accounts. 3) Loan accounts, savings bank accounts and term deposit accounts. 4) Current accounts, savings bank accounts and term deposit accounts. 12. The Mayaram panel was constituted to look into which one ofthe following areas? 1) FDI limits in multi brand retail 2) FDI limits across various sectors 3) FII limits in stock market investment 4) None of the above 13. Increase in net RBI credit for central government represents: 1) Budgetary deficit 2) Revenue deficit 3) Fiscal deficit 4) Monetised deficit 14. What is the least average daily per capita expenditure (DPCE) for village and cities respectively as per the latest data released by the National Sample Survey Office? 1) Rs.17 and Rs.23 2) Rs.21 and Rs.25 3) Rs.15 and Rs.21 4) Rs.17 and Rs.32 15. When a bank returns a cheque unpaid, it is called? 1) Payment of the cheque 2) Drawing of the cheque 3) Canceling of the cheque 4) Dishonour of the cheque 16. The RBI has decided to auction Inflation Indexed Bonds. The index of these Inflation Indexed Bonds is pegged to? 1) WPI 2) CPI 3) Both WPI and CPI 4) None of the above
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17. Interest payable on savings bank accounts is? 1) De-regulated by RBI 2)Regulated by State Governments 3) Regulated by Central Govt 4) Regulated by RBI 18. Accounts are allowed to be operated by cheques in respect of? 1) Both savings bank accounts and fixed deposit accounts. 2) Savings bank accounts and current accounts. 3) Both savings bank accounts and loan accounts. 4) Both savings bank accounts and cash accounts only. 19. Fixed deposits and recurring deposits are? 1) Repayable after an agreed period 2) Repayable on demand 3) Not repayable 4) Repayable after death of depositors 20. A country is said to be in a debt trap if: 1) It has to borrow to make interest payments on outstanding loans 2) It has to borrow to make interest payments on standing loans 3) It has been refused loans or aid by creditors abroad 4) The World Bank charges a very high rate of interest on outstanding as well as new loans 21. Which of the following is correct statement? 1)No interest is paid on current deposit accounts. 2)Interest is paid on current accounts at the same rate as term deposit accounts. 3) The rate of interest on current accounts and savings accounts are the same. 4) No interest is paid on any deposit by the bank. 22. Financial inclusion means provision of? 1) Financial services namely payments, remittances, savings, loans and insurance at affordable cost to persons not yet given the bank 2) Ration at affordable cost to persons not yet given the same 3) House at affordable cost to persons not yet given the same 4) Food at affordable cost to persons not yet given the same 23. Supply of money regaining the same when there is an increase in demand for money, there will be 1) a fall in the level of prices 2) an increase in the rate of interest 3) a decrease in the rate of interest 4) an increase in the level of income and employment 24. The national income of a country for a given period is equal to the 1) total value of goods and services produced by the nationals 2) sum of total consumption and investment expenditure 3) sum of personal income of all individuals 4) money value of final goods and services produced 25. Who is the Chairman of the committee constituted by RBI to study issues and concerns in the Micro Finance Institutions (MFI) Sector? 1) YH Malegam 2) Dr. KC Chakraborty 3) C. Rangrajan 4) M. Damodaran 26. Distribution of insurance products and insurance policies by banks as corporate agents is known as? 1) General insurance 2) Non life insurance 3) Bancassurance 4) Insurance Banking 27. In respect of partnership business, LLP stands for: 1) Local Labour Promotion 2) Low Labour Projects 3) Limited Loan Partnership 4) Limited Liability Partnership 28. What is a stale cheque? 1) A cheque issued without drawer's signature. 2) A cheque with only signature of the drawer. 3) A cheque which has completed 3 months from the date of its issue. 4) Any one of the above. 29. Participatory Notes (PNs) are associated with which one of the following? 1) Consolidated Fund of India 2) Foreign Direct Investors 3)Foreign Institutional Investors 4) United Nations Development Programme
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30. Interest on savings bank account is now calculated by banks on: 1) Minimum balance during the month 2) Minimum balance from 7th to the last day of the month 3) Minimum balance from 10th to last day of the month 4)Daily product basis 31. Devaluation means: 1) To reduce the value of home currency 2) To appreciate the value of home currency 3) To issue new currency in place of old currency 4) To lower the prices of goods for export 32. Bank Rate implies the rate of interest: 1) Paid by the Reserve Bank of India on the deposits of commercial banks 2) Charged by banks on loans and advances 3) Payable on bonds 4) At which the Reserve Bank of India discounts the Bills of Exchange 33. Priority Sector Lending by banks in India constitutes the lending to 1) agriculture 2) micro and small enterprises 3) weaker sections 4) All of the above 34. The allocation for the health sector during the 12th Plan is fixed at? 1) Rs.1 lakh crore 2) Rs.2 lakh crore 3) Rs.3 lakh crore 4) Rs.4 lakh crore 35. The World Bank has resumed its aid to which of the following countries after a gap of 25 years? 1) Cuba 2) Sudan 3) Myanmar 4) Nigeria
ANSWERS
1. 2 6. 2 11. 4 16. 1 21. 1 26. 3 31. 1 2. 3 7. 4 12. 2 17. 1 22. 1 27. 4 32. 4 3. 1 8. 2 13. 4 18. 2 23. 2 28. 3 33. 4 4. 4 9. 3 14. 1 19. 1 24. 1 29. 3 34. 3 5. 1 10. 4 15. 4 20. 2 25. 1 30. 4 35. 3
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Current MCQ Capsules

1. By defeating which of the following team, India clinched the ICC Champions Trophy 2013? 1) England 2) Australia 3) Sri Lanka 4) West Indies 2. The Union Government has approved a proposal to declare 2013 as? 1) Education Year 2) Water Conservation Year 3) Tourism Year 4) Human Rights Year 3. Who among the following has been honoured with 2013 Indian Business Leader of the Year? 1) Sanjiv Goenka 2) Anil Agarwal 3) Ajim Premji 4) Mukesh Ambani 4. As per the United Nations, World Population Prospects2012, India will become most populous country in the world by? 1) 2030 2) 2028 3) 2045 4) 2050 5. According to Bureau of Immigration, which of the following country ranked top in the list of number of foreign tourist arrivals to India? 1) UK 2) USA 3) Japan 4) Russia 6. By which year, India surpass China to become most populous country in the world as per the estimates of United Nations report? 1) 2050 2) 2028 3) 2040 4) 2065 7. Which country has developed the Worlds fastest computer Tianhe-2? 1) China 2) Japan 3) Russia 4) USA 8. Who is the new Chairman of Life Insurance Corporation of India? 9. 10. 1) S K Roy 2) Thomas Mathew 3) D K Mehrotra 4) Sushobhan Sarkar The much debated Bangaru Thalli scheme is related to which state? 1) Karnataka 2) Andhra Pradesh 3) Tamil Nadu 4) Maharastra External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid became the first Indian Minister to visit which of the following countries in 23 years in June 2013? 1) Iran 2) Syria 3) Iraq 4) Yemen Recently, which of the following bank has been licenced to open a representative office in Myanmar? 1) SBI 2) ICICI 3) EXIM Bank of India 4) Corporation Bank Who among the following has been elected as President of 68th session of UN General Assembly? 1) John W. Ashe 2) Vuk Jeremic 3) Ban Ki Moon 4) Evan Schneider The construction of dam on Blue Nile River triggered the tension between which two countries? 1) Egypt and Sudan 2) Sudan and Kenya 3) Ethiopia and Egypt 4) Ethiopia and Kenya Who among the following has been appointed as Director General, National Disaster Response Force and Civil Defence? 1) P M Nair 2) Krishna Chaudhary 3) Ranaveer Singh 4) Shankar Bidari 15. Who among the following has been appointed as new Chairman of Air Asia India? 1) Ratan Tata 2) S Ramadorai 3) R Venkata Raman 4) Bharat Vasani 16. Which of the following airports was recently adjudged as Worlds second best International Airport? 1) Rajiv Gandhi International Airport 2) Bangalore International Airport 3) Indira Gandhi International Airport 4) Kochi International Airport 17. Which among the following is the only satellite of Ecuador that collided with the Russian rocket debris recently? 1) Biom-1 2) Pegasus 3) IRSS 4) Kryasor 18. What is Indias present rank in the Renewable Energy Index? 1) 5 2) 8 3) 13 4) 16 19. Which among the following states has recently become the first in India to provide tablet PC to ASHA worker? 1) Gujarat 2) Rajasthan 3) Karnataka 4) Haryana 20. On which among the following dates, the World Day to Combat Desertification is observed? 1) June 16 2) June 17 3) June 18 4) June 19 21. The Indian-born journalist, who has been appointed as editor of a British national newspaper The Independent is? 1) Amol Rajan 2) Joseph Harker 3) Dinesh Butto 4) Thomas Mathew 22. Which of the following team has won the European under 21 championship?
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1) Italy 2) Spain 3) France 4) Japan Which country will host the 40th G-8 Summit in June 2014? 1) Canada 2) UK 3) France 4) Russia According to latest air traffic figures, which of the following company has maximum share in domestic aviation market? 1) Jet Airways2) IndiGo 3) Spice Jet 4) GoAir Who among the following is the recipient of India Abroad Publishers Special Award for Excellence 2012? 1) Sharmila Tagore 2) Amrit Singh 3) Ani Bera 4) Meera Jain The first ever Chinese Film Festival has been inaugurated in India at? 1) Kolkata 2) Hyderabad 3) Mumbai 4) New Delhi A team of Archaeologists have discovered 1,200 year old longlost city in which of the following country? 1) Sri Lanka 2) Cambodia 3) Indonesia 4) Malaysia Who among the following is the recipient of M S Swaminathan award for Leadership in Agriculture-2013? 1) Ayyappan 2) William Dar 3) Chengappa 4) Vishwanathan The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), has been granted permission for satellite tracking of which of following bird species? 1) The Great Indian Bustard 2) Peacock 3) Bengal Florican 4) Lesser Florican As per the report of 68th round of National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) released on 20 June 2013, What is the average monthly per capita expenditure (MCPE) of the poorest of the poor in the country? 1) Rs.700.50 in urban areas and Rs. 521.44 in rural areas 2) Rs.600.50 in urban areas and Rs. 421.44 in rural areas 3) Rs.700.00 in urban areas and Rs.121.44 in rural areas 4) Rs.1000 in urban areas and Rs. 500 in rural areas The Cabinet Committee on Investments has been set-up to address which of the following? 1) To submit a report on the hurdles creating bottle-necks on the economy 2) To boost big ticket investments and untangle redtapism 3) To fast track disinvestment in PSUs 4) To attract foreign investment into India to attract foreign investment into India Scientists, from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China discovered a mousesized fossil, which provided new insights into the origin of Primates. What is the name of this creature? 1) Archicebus 2) Tarsiers 3) Archiceape 4) Anthropoids A new type of which device was designed by three young techies from the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology? This device contains a parabolic reflector that works in conjunction with the drum that contains water. 1) Sun Radiator 2) Solar Heater 3) Parabolic Reflector 4) Electric Oven Which international monetary organization granted $110 million to help Urban services in Jammu and Srinagar on 17 May 2013? 1) World bank 2) IMF 3) Asian Development Bank 4) International Development Association Who among the following has been appointed coach of Australian Cricket Team?
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1) Bryan Lara 2) Shane Warne 3) Darren Lehmann 4) Adam Gilchrist Scientists at the University of Texas in Dallas on 28 May 2013 designed a novel, small molecule that could help in the treatment of which disease? The molecules effectiveness lies in blocking the cancerpromoting function of proteins called androgen receptors. 1) Breast Cancer 2) Brain Cancer 3) Lung Cancer 4) Prostate Cancer Scientists while analysing fossil records in the Month of May 2013 have discovered a new _________, which is dated back 66 to 80 million years. Fill in the blank with an appropriate option. 1) Triceratops 2) Torosaurus 3) Three Horned Dinosaur 4) Chasmosaurines The European Southern Observatory (ESO) on 29 May 2013 announced that astronomers in Chile discovered 15 new dark galaxies. Near which constellation were these dark galaxies discovered? 1) Andromeda 2) Cetus 3) Delphinus 4) Lupus Nirmal Gram Puraskar award is related to which one of thefollowing ministry? 1) Ministry of Environment and Forest 2) Ministry of Rural Development 3) Ministry of Culture 4) Ministry of Social Welfare The 5th Summit of which of the following organizations took place in South Africa recently? 1) G-8 2) G20 3) SAARC 4) BRICS Recently, in which one of the following places Early Tsunami Warning Systemhas been installed?
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1) Vizhag 2) Mangalore 3) Andaman and Nicobar 4) Goa Which among the following cities is the host of World Economic Forum (WEF) India 2013 meet in November? 1) Bangalore 2) Chennai 3) Kochi 4) Mumbai Which state recently, passed a Panchayt raj amendment bill that provides for disqualifi cation of grama panchayat members and presidents who fail to convene meetings of ward and grama sabha? 1) Andhra Pradesh 2) West Bengal 3) Karnataka 4) Goa What is the code name of the rescue operation conducted by Indian Air Force (IAF) in badly affected area of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh by heavy rain? 1) Operation Sannad 2) Operation Rahat 3) Operation Ganges 4) Operation Relief According to recent survey conducted by UNCTAD, India is _most attractive destination for investment in the world. Fill the correct option in the blank. 1) Second 2) Third 3) Fourth 4) Fifth Which operation launched by BCCI to restore the credibility of IPL? 1) Operation Ball 2) Operation Fixing 3) Operation Clean-up 4) Operation Umpire Which one of the following film has won Golden Goblet award for best feature film at the 16th Shanghai International Film Festival? 1) The Major 2) Reliance 3) Fist of Legend 4) Amazing Government of India has inked a loan agreement with which Institution for the National AIDS control Project (NACP-IV)? 1) World Bank 2) Asian Development Bank 3) RBI 4) SBI Who among the following has been elected new President of Iran? 1) Hassan Rouhani 2) Mohsen Rezai 3) Saeed Jalili 4) Mohammed Baquer qalibaf In which of the following country, the 39th G-8 summit concluded recently? 1) UK 2) Russia 3) USA 4) France Union government has set a target to achieve 80% literacy rate in the country by the year? 1) 2015 2) 2016 3) 2017 4) 2018 Which company recently unveiled the worlds largest container ship? 1) DSME 2) Maersk Line 3) STX group 4) Hyundai heavy The Chief Minister of which of the following state has been selected for United Nation Global award for Public Service? 1) Kerala 2) Karnataka 3) Madhya Pradesh 4) Maharastra Who among the following had sworn in as Australias new Prime Minister? 1) Kevin Rudd 2) Chris Bowen 3) Anthony Albanese 4) Julian Gillard The campaign named Start Searching India has been launched by? 1) Google 2) Yahoo 3) Rediff 4) MSN Who among the following is the Chairman of the committee constituted to examine aspects related indecent portrayal of women in mass media? 1) Shanta Sinha 2) Aruna Roy 3) Kushal Singh 4) K Ratnaprabha
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57. Norman E. Borlaug is the founder of the World Food Prize. Who won this prize in June 2013? 1)Marc Van Montague (Belgium) 2) Mary-Dell Chilton (USA) 3) Robert Fraley (USA) 4) All 1, 2 and 3 58. In a recent survey released by NSSO, what is the status of Indias unemployment for the year 2011-12? 1) It rose by 2% 2) It declined by 2% 3) It rose by 2.7% 4) It declined by 2.7% 59. Which among the following are the three major medicines banned by Union government recently? 1) Pioglitazone, Deanxit, Brufen 2) Deanxit, Brufen, Analgin 3) Analgin, Pioglitazone, Brufen 4) Pioglitazone, Deanxit, Analgin 60. The Union Government has decided to reduce the number of centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) from over 140 during the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17). What is the proposed no of reduced CSS under this new strategy? 1) 38 2) 66 3) 85 4) 98 61. Who among the following is the head of the Committee set up by SEBI, to unify Foreign Investment Norms? 1) C B Dhave 2) U K Sinha 3) Sudhir Kulkarni 4) K M Chandrashekar 62. The Union Cabinet on 6 May 2013 had cleared important changes to the National Rural Livelihoods Mission _ in a major boost to the roll out of the womens self help group model across the country? 1) Khadyaan 2) Sukhoslam 3) Jeevan Suraksha 4) Aajeevika 63. The Union Cabinet of India on 1 May 2013 approved major changes to the National Rural
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Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) with the objective of removing poverty in rural areas by empowering women. Approximately, 25 lakh Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) will be given bank loans at an interest rate of __ percent? 1) 7 % 2) 6 % 3) 7.2 % 4) 6.8 % The Union Government of India on 8 May 2013 approved _____ policy with an aim to create a secured Computing environment across the country? 1) Computing Policy of India 2) National Cyber Policy 3) National Policy of Computing 4) National Cyber Security Policy Pakistan government decided to declare which of the following Sikh Shrine as holy city? 1) Pir Panjab 2) Panja Sahib 3) Patti Sahib 4) Guru Sahib Which one of the following motor vehicle company recently unveiled worlds fastest electric racing car ZEOD RC? 1) Nissan 2) Ford 3) General Motors 4) Toyota The monetary assistance under the Indira Awas Yojana (IAY), the housing scheme for the poor, giving priority to the scheduled castes, tribes and minorities has been raised by what amount? 1) Rs. 25000 2) Rs. 35000 3) Rs. 15000 4) Rs. 30000 Which among the following companies has recently unveiled the worlds largest container ship? 1) DSME 2) Maersk Line 3) STX group 4) Hyundai heavy 69. Name the first Indigenous developed Rotavirus Vaccine of India. 1) Rotavac 2) Rotacid 3) Rotovac 4) Rotomid 70. New chairman of LIC is? 1) U.K. Sinha 2) T.S. Vijayan 3) Kalyan Singh 4) S.K. Roy 71. The Union Government on 15 May 2013 had set up an expert Committee under the supervision____to evolve a composite index to measure backwardness of states. 1) Bharat Ramaswami 2) Raghuram G Rajan 3) Najeeb Jung 4) Nirija G Jayal 72. Who among the following has been ranked top in the most powerful celebrity list of Forbes? 1) Lady Gaga 2) Steven Spielberg 3) Oprah Winfrey 4) Madonna 73. Which one of the following was the purpose of appointment of Rangachary committee? 1) Taxation of software Development Centres & IT Sector 2) Taxation of Biotechnology and Pharmacy sector 3) Taxation of MSME sector 4) None of the above 74. In which among the following states, the controversial Chutka Nuclear power plant is proposed to be located? 1) Karnataka 2) Tamilnadu 3) Madhya Pradesh 4) Gujarat 75. The European Union has imposed ban on the pesticide namely neonicotinoids to protect which species of Insect? 1) Dragon Fly 2) Honey Bees 3) Vasp 4) Beetle 76. India's first Yoga University was recently inaugurated at? 1) Ahmadabad 2) Bengaluru 3) Bhopal 4) Hyderabad
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77. Union Cabinet granted classical language status to which of the following language? 1) Hindi 2) Gujarathi 3) Malayalam 4) Konkani 78. The Inga dam is the world's largest proposed hydropower project. In which country this dam is being constructed? 1) South Africa 2) Democratic Republic of the Congo 3) Nigeria 4) Kenya 79. Which of the following film has bagged the Best Feature Film award at the third SAARC Film Festival in Colombo? 1) Paan Singh Tomar 2) Burfi 3) Dabaang 4) Lunch Box 80. Which of the following country has become the 5th country to ratify Istanbul convention? 1) Albania 2) Montenegro 3) Italy 4) Portugal 81. Maturity of Inflation Indexed Bonds issued by RBI on 15th May 2013 is? 1) 5 years 2) 20 years 3) 10 Years 4) 14 years 82. The Kochhar Commission was constituted to probe which one of the following incident? 1) Pune Blast 2) Bhopal Gas Disaster 3) Godhra Train carnage 4) Mumbai Terror attack 83. which of the following states has made possession of Adhaar card is mandatory for teaching and Non teaching staff to draw salaries? 1) Madhya Pradesh 2) Maharastra 3) Gujarat 4) West Bengal 84. The Kachin Independence Army is a rebel group active in which of the following country? 1) Bangladesh 2) Sri Lanka 3) Myanmar 4) Afghanistan
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85. The controversial Polavaram project is a being constructed on which one of the following River? 1) Godavari 2) Krishna 3) Manjira 4) Moosi 86. Which among the following Nations has became the first European nation to make military service compulsory for womens? 1) Norway 2) France 3) Canada 4) Switzerland 87. The United Nations Food and Agriculture organization (FAO) recently conferred its Jacques Diouf Award to which of the following organization of India? 1) Uday foundation 2) Pratham 3) Give India 4) SEWA 88. According to a report by real estate consultants cushman & wakefield, for the first time in six years Mumbai's Nariman point has been dropped from the list of top 10 global commercial rentals. Which position has now Mumbai slipped? 1)11th 2)15th 3)16th 4)20th 89. Name the experimental drug, which is claimed to help paralysed people reclaim their movements: 1) LM11B-31 2) LM11A-31 3) LM11A-32 4) LM11B-32 Five New Non-Permanent Member elected in UN Security Council from 1st Jan 2013 are: 1)Srilanka, Luxembourg, Colombia, Australia and Turkey 2)Azerbaijan, Guatemala, Morocco, Argentina and Togo, 3)South Korea, Luxembourg, Argentina, Australia and Rwanda 4)Colombia, Germany, India, Portugal and South Africa Who among the following has written the book The River of Smoke? 1) Naomi Klein 2) Peter Forbes 3) Amitav Ghosh 4) Chetan Bhagath Which of the following states rank first in terms of Wind energy production? 1) Gujarat 2) Tamil Nadu 3) Andhra Pradesh 4) Rajasthan Which of the following state government recently, said that it will offer free pilgrimage to senior citizens? 1) Rajasthan 2) Gujarat 3) Punjab 4) Haryana INDRA is a joint, bi-annual military exercise conducted by India and? 1) USA 2) Sri Lanka 3) Russia 4) China As per the statement given on 24 June 2013, Companies planning to apply for bank licenses will be allowed how much per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in their holding companies? 1) 100% 2) 49% 3) 51% 4) 24% As of June 2013, which one of the following is the Indias super fast computer? 1) iDataPlex 2) PARAM Yuva-II 3) SAGA 4) EKA
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97. The drug Bedaquiline, which is recently in news is used to treat which one of the following disease? 1) Malaria 2) Tuberculosis 3) Dengue 4) HIV/AIDS 98. Who among the following has been awarded Simon Bolivar National Award of Journalism 2013? 1) George Bush 2) Angle Markel 3) Hugo Chavez 4) Valdmir Putin 99. Which one of the following ancient Jain manuscript has been registered in the UNESCO Heritage documentary? 1) Shantinatha Purana 2) Jaina Purana 3) Mahavira Purana 4) Bahubali Purana 100. The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting constituted a committee to review the rate revision of the newspaper advertisements. Who among the following is the head of this committee? 1) S K Sinha 2) Prakash Chandra 3) J S Mathur 4) Chandra Mouli
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1. 1 6. 2 11. 3 16. 3 21. 1 26. 4 31. 2 36. 4 41. 3 46. 3 51. 3 56. 4 61. 4 66. 1 71. 2 76. 1 81. 3 86. 1 91. 3 96. 1 2. 2 7. 1 12. 1 17. 2 22. 2 27. 2 32. 1 37. 3 42. 3 47. 1 52. 2 57. 4 62. 4 67. 1 72. 3 77. 3 82. 2 87. 4 92. 2 97. 2 3. 1 8. 1 13. 1 18. 2 23. 4 28. 2 33. 2 38. 2 43. 3 48. 1 53. 1 58. 2 63. 1 68. 2 73. 1 78. 2 83. 2 88. 2 93. 1 98. 3 4. 2 5. 2 9. 2 10. 3 14. 3 15. 2 19. 2 20. 2 24. 2 25. 2 29. 1 30. 1 34. 3 35. 3 39. 2 40. 4 44. 2 45. 2 49. 1 50. 1 54. 1 55. 1 59. 4 60. 2 64. 4 65. 2 69. 1 70. 4 74. 3 75. 2 79. 1 80. 3 84. 3 85. 1 89. 2 90. 3 94. 3 95. 1 99. 1 100. 3
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96. Ph. No. 9290010274, 9490247793 sreemediacommunications2012@ gmail.com Visit us at http:// sreemediacommunications.blogspot.in

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Current Affairs 32 Pages English August

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CONTENTS

Current News & Events

Honours & Awards

Four Indian Americans won Simons Investigators Awards 2013

Current News & Events

Vidya Balan got the Best Actress Award at IIFA 2013

Edward Snowden awarded with German Whistleblower Prize

Bono Honoured With Highest Cultural Award of France

Current News & Events

Barack Obama Nominates Indian-American Vince Girdhari Chhabria To Judiciary Post

Sreedharan chosen for Lokmanya Tilak award

Indian-American Nisha Desai Biswal given key post in Obama Administration

Sharad Kumar is new NIA chief

Current News & Events

India-born Mamnoon Hussain elected as Pakistan's 12th Prez

Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil appointed new Governor of Sikkim

Sujatha Singh to be next Foreign Secretary

P. Sathasivam appointed Chief Justice of India

Najeeb Jung appointed as new Lieutenant Governor of Delhi

Current News & Events

SC appointed Panel Recommended an Indefinite Suspension on Genetically Modified Crops

HRD Ministry Constituted National Testing Agency (NTA)

Government constituted a Committee to revise Newspaper Advertisement Rates

Judicial Commission appointed by SC on AFSPA highlighted misuse of the Act in Manipur

Union Government constituted EGoM headed by P Chidambaram

Current News & Events

Panel to Examine Indecent Representation of Women in Media Constituted

1. Short title, extent and commencement.

Government constituted a Committee to revise Newspaper Advertisement Rates

Current News & Events

The guidelines include:

GOI launches schemes for free generic drugs at health centres

Current News & Events

India to host 2016 World T20 and 2023 World Cup

Brazil won the FIFA Confederations Cup

India's K Jennitha Anto won IPCA World Chess Championship

India won the ICC Champions Trophy

India topped International Cricket Council's Latest ODI Ranking

Current News & Events

Scientists created Worlds Fastest Electrical Switch

ISRO, Tata Motors develop India s first fuel cell bus

Current News & Events

IICT Hyderabad developed Software tool to curb Dengue and Malaria

Researchers Develop a Computer Program to Accurately Recognise Wolf Howl

A Distinct New horned Dinosaur Species discovered in Utah Desert

Current News & Events

ISRO to improve Transponder Allocation Norms

India's Advanced Weather Satellite INSAT-3D Successfully Launched

Current News & Events

Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher PINAKA successfully test-fired

Union Defence Ministry launched a website on NCC

INS Trikand commissioned

IAF's C17s Maiden Flight to Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Current News & Events

Poverty Estimates 2011-12

NSE regains top slot as largest bourse for equity trades

India achieved a record production of pulses

Current News & Events

India ranked 3rd in Global Consumer Confidence Index

Current News & Events

Revived New Bhopal Textile Mills of National Textile Corporation Inaugurated

Government raised FDI in Telecom Sector to 100 percent

CCEA approved Modified Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme

Union Govt. approved Proposal to give SEBI more Powers