Current Affairs PIN January To October

Current Affairs Persons In News
Gangadri
January to October
OCTOBER
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Indian Newspaper Society elects Ravindra Kumar as its President
October 2nd, 2013
Ravinder Kumar, Editor of The Statesman newspaper has been elected as the president of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) for the year 2013-14.
About Indian Newspaper Society:
Founded in 1939 as Indian and Eastern Newspaper Society which was later renamed as the Indian Newspaper Society (INS), formerly Indian and Eastern Newspaper Society, plays the role of a central organization of the Press of India
Ranjib Biswal is the new IPL chairman

October 2nd, 2013
Chief of the Odisha Cricket Association, Ranjib Biswal was appointment as the new Chairman of the IPL who succeeds Rajiv Shukla, who resigned at the end of his tenure. Biswal has been with the Indian cricket team as a permanent manager through some of its most memorable triumphs, including the 2011 50-over World Cup win at home.
N Srinivasan re-elected BCCI president

October 2nd, 2013
Narayanaswamy Srinivasan has been re-elected as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for a third term.
Rahul Dravid is brand ambassador for National Tobacco Control Campaign

October 2nd, 2013
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare named former Indian cricket team captain Rahul Dravid as the brand ambassador for its National Tobacco Control Campaign. The national antitobacco control campaign pursues the goal of World Health Assembly which 30% relative reduction in tobacco use by 2025.
Anna Hazare receives Allard Prize for International Integrity

October 2nd, 2013
Indian social activist Anna Hazare has been honored with the inaugural Allard Prize for International Integrity conferred by the University of British Columb ias Faculty of Law at a function held in Vancouver, Canada. The Allard Prize is one of the worlds fight corruption and to promote human rights. largest awards recognizing efforts to
The Allard Prize is awarded to an individual, movement or organization that has displayed extraordinary courage and leadership in combating corruption, especially through promoting transparency, accountability and the rule of law. The prize money for the award is $100,000.
German polls: Angela Merkel victorious

October 2nd, 2013
Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel won a third term by in German elections. Her conservative Union bloc the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) won 41.5% of vote, but just missed an absolute majority.
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Sri Srinivasan becomes Judge of US Court
October 1st, 2013
Sri Srinivasan was sworn in as judge of the US Courts of Appeal for the District of Columbia Circuit. The court is the second most powerful court of the United States. Srinivasan has become the first Indian-American to be on the bench of the US Courts of Appeal for the District of Columbia Circuit. He was born in Chandigarh. His parents migrated to the United States in 1970s.
Randall Oliphant becomes chairman of the World Gold Council

October 1st, 2013
Randall Oliphant, Executive Chairman of the Canadian gold producer New Gold Inc., has been appointed as the Chairman of the World Gold Council (WGC) . He took over the charge from Ian Tefler.
What is World Gold Council (WGC)?
The World Gold Council is the market development organization for the gold industry. It is located in United Kingdom (UK) and operates in India, the Far East, Europe and the US. Its operation domain includes the investment, jewellery, technology sectors and engaging in government affairs. The WGC seeks to provide industry leadership, whilst stimulating and sustaining demand for gold. It provides insights into the international gold markets, helping people to better understand the wealth preservation qualities of gold and its role in meeting the social and environmental needs of society. The Council has 23 members who include the worlds leading and most forward thinking gold mining companies.
Liu Shiwen of China clinched Womens Table Tennis World Cup 2013
October 1st, 2013
Chinese table tennis player Liu Shiwen clinched Womens Tennis World Cup 2013 after beating teammate Wu Yang in the final play of the tournament held in Kobe, Japan. Liu had won the World Cup in Guangzhou in 2009 and in Huangshi one year back. It was her third world cup victory.
PM approves setting up of 7th Central Pay Commission

October 1st, 2013
The Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh has approved the constitution of the Seventh Central Pay Commission (CPC). If we go by the average time of 2 years taken by a Pay Commission to submit its recommendations, it is expected that the recommendations of this Pay Commission will be implemented with effect from January 1, 2016.
Key points on the Central Pay Commissions
First CPC was constituted under the Chairmanship of Srinivasa Varadachariar in May 1946 and its report was submitted by 1947. The first Central Pay Commission was based on the basic idea of living wages to employees. The 6th Central Pay Commission under the Chairmanship of B.N.Srikrishna was approved in July 2006. The 7th CPC will recommend on the salaries, allowances and pensions of around 80 (50 lakh employees + 30 lakh pensioners) employees/pensioners of the Central Government, including Defence and Railways. The CPC is constituted by the Union Government of India after almost every 10 years in order to revise the pay scales of employees. The recommendations of Pay Commission are always followed by all the states in India after a few changes.
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SEPTEMEBER
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Rajan Committees new methodology to replace special category status for devolution of funds to States
September 29th, 2013
The panel set up by the government under the chairmanship of the then Chief Economic Advisor Raghuram Rajan (now RBI governor) has suggested ending the special category criteria for providing additional assistance to poorer states.
Why did the government set up the Rajan Committee?
The Union Government set up Raghuram Rajan Committee amid demands for special category status by Bihar and some other status to get additional financial assistance from the Centre. The Committee was tasked to suggest methods for identifying backwardness of states using a variety of criteria and also to recommend how the criteria may be reflected in future planning and devolution of funds from the central government to the states.
What are the key recommendations of the Rajan Committee?
The Rajan Committee has made two key recommendations for devolution of funds to states. They are: a) A new methodology based on a Multi Dimensional Index (MDI). Depending on the scores of the 28 states on the MDI, they will be split into 3 categories: 1. Least developed 2. Less developed 3. Relatively developed b) Each state should get a basic fixed allocation and an additional allocation depending on its development needs and development performance. As per the Committee, these two recommendations, along with the allocation methodology, will effectively subsume what is now Special Category status.
According to the MDI scores:
Least Developed states: Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam,Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Less Developed states: Manipur, West Bengal, Nagaland,Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram, Gujarat, Tripura,Karnataka, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh. Relatively Developed states: Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab,Maharashtra, Uttrakhand and Haryana. The Department of Economic Affairs will soon examine the report and take necessary action.
Sarah Outen: First woman to row solo from Japan to Alaska

Sarah Outen (28), an adventurer from Britain who spent 150 days at sea to become the first woman to row solo from Japan to Alaska. She started from Choshi, Japan and sailed 3,750 miles (6,034 km) to reach Aleutian Island in Alaska. It is part of her plan for a global trek by an ocean rowing shell, kayak and bike.
Indian-origin scientist discovers universal flu vaccine

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A team of researchers led by Professor Ajit Lalvanifrom the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London have discovered a new way of combating viral flu infections. He has developed a roadmap to develop universal flu vaccine.
What is the approach to develop universal flu vaccine?
Scientists investigated why some people resist severe illnesses of influenza virus. They found that the people who evade severe flu illnesses had more CD8 T cells in their blood at the start of the pandemic.CD8T cells are a type of virus killing immune cell. They concluded that a vaccine which can stimulate the body to produce more of these cells could be effective at preventing flu viruses, including new strains that infect humans from birds and pigs.
How CD8T cells function differently than normal antibodies?
The specific quality of CD8T cells which renders it the potential to kill different strains of flu viruses is that it attacks the core of the virus unlike normal antibodies which target the surface of a virus. The flu virus rapidly changes its surface which makes older vaccine less effective. However, CD8T cells attack the core of the virus which remains the same. So, even if the virus changes its outer structure it would not affect the potential of CD8T cells to target them.
Union Government sets up Committee for evaluation of research and rankings

In the wake of Indias low performance in the rankings of higher educational institutions in world, the Union Government of India formed a committee under the chairmanship of K. Vijay Raghavan, Secretary of Department of Biotechnology for evaluation of research and rankings by promoting healthy competition among institutions, departments and individual researchers.
What would the committee on evaluation of research and rankings do?
The committee will review the current funding of research and it will also devise a strategy for selective approach in allocation of funds to academic institutions to encourage research. It will also ensure that some of the institutions reach the global benchmarks in research.
John W. Ashe is the President of UNGA for its 68th session

The United Nations General Assembly elected by acclamation Ambassador John W. Ashe of Antigua and Barbuda as President of its upcoming 68th session. Made up of all the 193 Member States of the United Nations, the General Assembly provides a forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of internationalissues covered by the UN Charter. It meets in regular session intensively from September to December each year, and thereafter as required.
Virat Kohli appointed as brand ambassador of BSF

The Border Security Force has appointed Indian cricketer Virat Kohli as its brand ambassador. It is important to note that any central force in India has appointed its brand ambassador. BSF is the second largest paramilitary force of India that guards two crucial Indian borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Virat Kohli has been roped in for strengthen the appeal of 2.5 lakh personnel strong BSF.
Aamir Khan chosen for U.S. award for Satyamev Jayate

September 23rd, 2013
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Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has been chosen for a U.S. award for his television show Satyamev Jayate along with renowned American director Kathryn Bigelow and the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC). They will be awarded at the inaugural awards by the America Abroad Media (AAM) in Washington DC. As per AAM, their work exemplifies the power of media to inform, educate and empower citizens about the critical social and public policy issues of our time.
Obabiyi Aishah Ajibola is Miss Muslimah World 2013

September 22nd, 2013
Nigerian beauty Obabiyi Aishah Ajibola (21) was announced the winner of the Miss Muslimah World contest organised by the World Muslimah Foundation in Jakartha, Indonesia. The event was held exclusively for Muslim women, who were assessed not only for their appearance (in Islamic dress) but also for their piety, religious knowledge and understanding of the Quran. Participants were asked to talk to people through their path to the religion and what wearing a headscarf meant to them. The Miss Muslimah World is an annual Islamic beauty pageant held at Indonesia. This year, for the first time, the organizers allowed foreign participants from Iran, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Brunei and Nigeria to take part.
Nina Davuluri : First Indian American to become Miss America

Nina Davuluri has become the first winner of the Miss America 2014 from an Indian background. Previously, she won Miss New York 2013. Nina Davuluri was born in Syracuse, New York to Telugu parents of Hindu faith. Her mother Sheila Ranjani, software engineer, and father Davuluri Koteshwara Choudhary, gynecologist, both hailed originally from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf honored with Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the Indira Gandhi peace prize on Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in recognition of her inspiring efforts for ensuring the return of peace, democracy, development, security and order in Liberia and for her strong interest in the consolidation and betterment of relations between both the countries.
About Ellen Johnson Sirleaf:
Current President of Liberia. Earlier, served as Minister of Finance under President William Tolbert from 1979 until the 1980 coup dtat, after which she left Liberia and held senior positions at various financial institutions. Won the 2005 presidential election and took office on 16 January 2006, and she was a successful candidate for re-election in 2011. First democratically elected women Head of State of any African country. Awarded 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, jointly with Leymah Gbowee of Liberia and Tawakel Karman of Yemen.
Obama nominates person of Indian origin to key post

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US President Barack Obama has nominated Indian-American Puneet Talwar as assistant secretary of state for political military affairs. Talwar has served Obamas top advisor on the Middle East region for over four years. He is the second Indian-American to be nominated as the assistant secretary position in the state department. In July, 2013,Nisha Desai Biswal was nominated as the assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia. Both the nominations are yet to be confirmed by the Senate. If confirmed by the Senate, Talwar, will provide policy direction in the areas of international security, security assistance,defence strategy and plans, military operations, and defence trade.
WHO praises Indias efforts in eliminating Polio

Indias efforts in eliminating polio have been exalted by WHO which said the country has not reported a single case of polio in the last 30 months. WHO Director General Margaret Chan said India accomplished the feat even as 194 countries in the world were pondering whether it can interrupt the transmission of polio. She urged other nations in the SouthEast region to introduce universal access to heal thcare. She complimented Indias healthcare initiatives in improving the health of its mothers and children. She also expressed concern over the increasing incidence of heart disease which caused 9.4 million deaths every year. High blood is a main contributor to heart diseases and more than one in three adults across the world is suffering from high blood pressure.
Thomas Bach is new President of International Olympic Committee

Thomas Bach (59) from Germany has been elected as the President of the InternationalOlympic Committee (IOC). He is the first Olympic gold medallist to become the President of the IOC. He will succeed Jacques Rogge, who stepped down after 12 years in service.
Who is Thomas Bach?
Thomas Bach is a German former fencer and is the President of the International Olympic Committee and the German Olympic Committee. He won a gold medal in the team foil event at the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Mamnoon Hussain sworn in as Pakistan President

India-born Mamnoon Hussain sworn in as the 12th President ofPakistan. He was administered the oath by Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry. Hussain, born in Agra, India, is also a textile businessman. He tenured as the Governor of Sindh for a very short period when his appointment was dismissed by a military coup dtat in 1999. succeeded Asif Ali Zardari.
Current Affairs: Top Headlines September 6, 2013

September 6th, 2013
Zubin Mehta conferred with Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony Renowned western classical music maestro Zubin Mehta was conferred with the Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony for year 2013. The award was presented by President Pranab Mukherjee at a lively function at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Mehta is second person after late sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar to receive Tagore Award for cultural harmony.
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Deepak Sandhu: First woman Chief Information Commissioner of India
Deepak Sandhu, former Indian Information Service officer of 1971 batch, became the first woman Chief Information Commissioner of the country. She was administered the oath of office by President Pranab Mukherjee at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Gareth Bale signs 100 million euros contract with Real Madrid
Footballer Gareth Bale signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid on a humongous fee of 100 million euros ($132 million) which is a new world record making it a biggest transfer of a football player in the world. Previously, the record was with Cristiano Ronaldo when Madrid paid 93 million euros to Manchester United for his transfer in 2009.
Who is Gareth Bale?
Gareth Frank Bale is a Welsh footballer who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and the Wales national team as a winger. Bale is described by his admirers as a footballer with tremendous speed, great crossing ability, a great left foot and exceptional physical qualities .Bale was awarded PFA Young Player of the Year, the PFA Players Player of the Year and the FWA Footballer of the Year awards during the season 201213.
NSA snooped on Brazilian Presidents phones and email content

September 5th, 2013
The secret documents disclosed by the NSA whistle-blower Edward Snowden in June have revealed that NSA spied on the content of telephone calls, emails and cellphone messages of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and her key aides. The secret document mentions bothBrazil and Mexico placing them in a group of nations that are being closely monitored as a challenge by the U.S. Headlined Friends, Enemies, or Problems? The list starts with Brazil and Egypt. It showsIndia at number 3 and concludes with Turkey and Mexico. The document dismantles the NSAs operation whose goal was to improve understanding of the methods of communication and the interlocutors of the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, and her top aides.
Current Affairs: Top Headlines for September 4, 2013

September 4th, 2013
Raghuram Rajan becomes 23rd RBI Governor Noted economist Raghuram Rajan became the new RBI Governor as he took charge from the outgoing Governor D Subbarao. Rajan has been an Economics Professor and has also served as chief economist at theInternational Monetary Fund. Rajan, who is known for having forecasted 2008 global financial crisis has taken charge of the vital position at time when rupee has declined nearly 20% against dollar and the problem of widening current account deficit and declining forex reserve has become serious. Union Cabinet gives nod to set up National Institute of Solar Energy The Union Cabinet approved the proposal for setting up of an autonomous National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) to function as apex national body for research and technology development and related activities in the area of solar energy technologies in the country. The institute is to be set up by converting the Solar Energy Centre (SEC), Gurgaon with a long term vision to develop it as a world class institute. Housing loans should be linked to stages of construction: RBI The Reserve Bank of India has stated that housing loans from banks to individuals should be linked to the stages of construction. It said such loan products, popularly called 80:20 or 75:25 schemes, are likely to make the banks as well as their home loan borrowers susceptible to additional risks. It
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added that upfront disbursals of lump sum loans should not be made in case of incomplete or underconstruction housing projects. SJAM to honor Tedulkar with Century of Centuries award Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai (SJAM) has selected famous batsman Sachin Tendulkar for a special Century of Centuries Award. The Little Master has been chose for the award for scoring 100 international hundreds. Malala inaugurates new Birmingham Library Famous brave schoolgirl and education activist Malala Yousufzai was the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the new Birmingham Library which will now be the largest in Europe. On this occasion she delivered a moving speech in which she called for peace and advocated free education for children around the world. Verizon Communications to acquire Vodafones 45% in JV for $130 billion Verizon Communications has decided to acquire Vodafone Groups 45% stake in Verizon Wireless for $130 billion. The deal will be the third biggest acquisition in corporate history, after Vodafones 1999 takeover of Germanys Mannesmann for $203 billion and AOLs $165 billion buyout of Time Warner in 2000. It also marks British telecom heavyweight Vodafones exit from the US mobile market. Microsoft to buy Nokia for $7.2 billion
Software behemoth Microsoft Corp will buy Nokias business and its patents for 5.44 billion euros with the aim to enter into mobile market. The deal will include Nokias mobile phones and smart devices business units as well as operations including all Nokia devices and services related production facilities, sales and marketing activities and related support functions. Birth certificate, Passport or Aadhaar card alone no proof of citizenship: Bombay HC The Bombay high court, in a judgement, held that if an individual was born after July 1, 1987 then merely having a birth certificate, passport or even an Aadhaar card is not enough to prove that he/she is an Indian citizen. As per Indian Citizenship laws, a person born in India after July 1, 1987 cannot claim automatic citizenship unless at least one of the parents is an Indian.
September 3rd, 2013
Moortidevi award to Haraprasad Das Noted poet, Haraprasad Das has been honored with the Moortidevi Award for 2012 for Vamsha, a poetic recreation of the Mahabharata in contemporary dialect, which has been heralded as a postmodern masterwork. Washington moves USS Nimitz towards Red Sea In what could be seen as a surge in tension in the West Asia region, the Washington has moved the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz towards the Red Sea, though the warship had not yet received orders to support a strike on Syria. US President Obama and his team are lobbying hard to seek US Congress approval for a military strike against the Syrian regime over the use of chemical weapons in the country. Russia has warned that any US military aggression in Syria would derail the Geneva peace plan and has suggested US Congress to take a balanced view of the situation in Syria. IAF inducts C-17 Globemaster III heavy-lift transport aircraft The Indian Air Force inducted three Boeing C-17 Globemaster III,heavy-lift transport aircraft into the newly-formed 81 Skylord Squadron at the Hindan Air Base, Delhi. C-17 has the potential to
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carry 75 tonnes of load which is almost double the capacity of Russian IL-76 in the IAF inventory which can carry only around 40 tonnes. It will boost up IAFs flexibility in terms of operational response and with the heavy lift capability it could easily move troops and heavy tanks to required locations. PM unveils Gandhi Heritage Portal Prime Minister Dr. Mamohan Singh launched the Gandhi Heritage Portal. The portal has been designed to review the message of non-violence to the world as well as to the Indian youth, besides highlighting significant aspects of the freedom struggle and Gandhijis message and humanism. The portal is conceived around The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi. It makes available the critical works in three languages: English (100 volumes), Hindi (97 volumes) and Gujarati (82 volumes). These volumes are interlinked to provide easy navigation from one text and language to the other.
Diana Nyad becomes first person to swim from Cuba to US without shark cage
American long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad (64) became the first person to swim across 166-km long Florida Strait from Cuba to the United States without a shark cage. It took her about 53 hours after beginning from Havana. It was her 5th attempt when set a record for the longest ocean swim without a shark cage or flippers.
Current Affairs: Top Headlines for September 1, 2013

September 1st, 2013
Curiosity to take pictures of solar eclipse
Mars rover Curiosity took pictures of the planets moon, Phobos, eclipsing the sun. NASAs Curiosity rover landed on the red planet in August 2012 for a 2-year mission to study if the planet similar to Earth in the solar system ever had the chemical ingredients for supporting life.
Pakistan not considering granting MFN status to India
Pakistans Finance Minister has communicated that, at present, it is not in talks to grant of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India. The remarks came within days of World Bank suggesting in a report that Pakistan will benefit from granting the MFN status to India. Pakistan already enjoys the MFN status which India extended to it in 1996. The bilateral trade between the countries was at $2.35 billion in 2012-13, as against $1.93 billion in fiscal 2011-12.
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AUGUST
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Current Affairs: Top Headlines for August 31, 2013
August 31st, 2013
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India registers 4.4% GDP growth in Q1 slowest in 4 years
The first quarter of the current fiscal has been slowest in over 4 years with GDP growth of 4.4%. The decline implies a deepening slowdown and aggravating the widespread negative sentiment brought on by the sharp depreciation of rupee depreciation and plunging stock markets.
Exclusive satellite for Indian Navy GSAT-7 launched
The European Ariane 5 rocket put it space Indias first military communication satellite GSAT -7 which was launched from the Kourou space port of French Guiana space in South America. The satellite will serve exclusively to Indian Navy. The satellite is expected to enhance the countrys maritime security and intelligence collection by covering a wide region on either coasts of the Indian Ocean region.
7000 tickets/min will be the booking speed of IRCTC website
The Centre for Railway Information System is developing next generation e -ticketing system for IRCTCs website which will have an efficiency to book 7200 tickets e -tickets per minute. It will render the website to perform faster and hassle free access even at peak time and have high availability and business continuity, scalability to meet the needs of future growth and security to prevent frauds and unauthorized access.
Mars One: 8,000 Indians register for one-way trip to the Red Planet
So far 8,107 Indians have registered for the one-way trip to Mars and to live on the red planet, as Mars One project is planning to set up a colony there in the next 10 years. A not-for-profit initiative, Mars One, intends to establish a permanent human settlement on Mars in 2023 and is signing up those inclined to fly there. India has fourth highest number of participants among other nations of the world. The top 10 nations to register are the USA (37,852), China (13,124),Brazil (8,686), India (8,107), Russia (7,138), Britain (6,999), Mexico(6,771), Canada (6,593), Spain (3,621) and Philippines (3,516).
Saudi Arabia makes domestic violence a criminal offence
The cabinet of Saudi Arabia approved a new law that criminalizes domestic violence, usually targeting women and children. The Protection from Abuse law is meant for protecting people from all forms of abuse and providing them shelter as well as social, psychological, and medical help.
Solution for Global Hunger: Study shows instant noodles can play key role to battle global hunger
August 28th, 2013
Instant Noodles a solution to Global Hunger:
As per a latest study by Deborah Gewertz, Professor of Anthropology at Amherst College in US, instant noodles can play a significant role in combating the challenge of global hunger which is aggravating with the increasing population. The study examines the history, manufacturing, marketing and consumption of the ubiquitous foodstuff and suggests that instant noodles will have an increasingly important global role in the future. As per the study, instant noodles are served in variable forms and have already shown a remarkable potential to be a part of diverse lives. Researchers expect that the calories provided by the tasty,
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convenient, cheap, shelf-stable, industrially prepared instant noodles will remain important as food becomes scarcer in the future.
What is the origin of Instant Noodles?
Instant noodles were invented by Taiwan-born inventor Momofuku Ando in Japan. They were first marketed on August 25, 1958, by Andos company Nissin under the brand name Chikin Ramen. In India the most popular brand is Nestles Maggi which is regarded in popular culture as a twominute noodle.
Parthasarathi Shome appointed as chairman of TARC

August 28th, 2013
The government has set up a 7-member Tax Administration Reform Commission (TARC) which will be headed by Parthasarathi Shome.
What will be major tasks before Tax Administration Reform Commission (TARC) ?
The TARC will revisit tax laws and suggest measures for putting in place a stable and non-adversarial tax administration. Some other key taskswill be: Review the current mechanism of dispute resolution covering time and compliance cost and recommend steps for strengthening them for both domestic and international taxation. Reviewing the existing mechanism and recommend measures for deepening and widening the base of tax and taxpayers. Suggest a system to enforce better tax compliance by size, segment and nature of taxes and taxpayers, that should cover methods to encourage voluntary tax compliance. Suggest measures for strengthening the database and inter-agency information sharing, not just between the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) but also with the banking and financial sector and other agencies such as Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and Enforcement Directorate to ensure improved tax compliance through sharing of such information.
Brigalia Bam honored with Gandhi Peace Prize

August 28th, 2013
Brigalia Bam, former head of South Africas election body, received the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Peace and Reconciliation recognizing her commitment to democracy. Bam was conferred with this honor for ensuring free and fair elections since the establishment of democracy in 1994 when anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela was elected the countrys first democratic president.
About Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize:
The Prize was established in 2003 to mark the centenary of Indian Opinion, a newspaper started by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa. He began his socio-political life in the country and fought for justice, peace and reconciliation.
England wins Ashes 2013

August 28th, 2013
England clinched Ashes 2013 series with 3-0 win over arch-rivalsAustralia. The fifth and last test match played at the Oval stadium ended in a draw.
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Key Players of Ashes Test Series 2013:
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Man of the Series (England): Ian Bell Man of the Series (Australia): Ryan Harris
Robert Mugabe takes oath as the President of Zimbabwe

August 26th, 2013
Veteran leader Robert Mugabe took oath as Zimbabwes President for another 5 year term. The presidential elections in Zimbabwe were marred by controversy with the opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai alleging that the election was flawed, with registration problems that may have prevented up to a million people from voting. The former colonial power Britain has called for an independent investigation into the conduct of the election which Mr. Mugabe officially won by a landslide.
Top tech cos join hands to launch Internet.Org

August 24th, 2013
Seven of the worlds tech giants (Ericsson, MediaTek, Nokia, Opera, Qualcomm and Samsung) collaborated to launch Internet.org with an aim to make Internet access affordable for people across the globe. The initiative will be headed by Facebook Founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg.
What is Internet.org ?
Internet.org is an initiative of Facebook and six other technology giants, namely Ericsson, MediaTek, Nokia, Opera, Qualcomm and Samsung. The partners will collaborate towards developing lower-cost, higher-quality smartphones and deploying Internet access in undeserved communities. The endeavour is to overcome current challenges, including developing technologies that make mobile connectivity more affordable and decrease the cost of delivering data to people worldwide. The partners will develop joint projects, share knowledge, and mobilise industry and governments to bring the world online. Focus will be on developing technologies that make mobile connectivity more affordable and decrease the cost of delivering data to people worldwide. Sharing tools, resources and best practices, Internet.org partners will explore solutions in three major opportunity areas:affordability, efficiency, and business models. In order to achieve its goal of connecting the two-thirds of the world who are not yet online, internet.org will focus on three key challenges in developing countries:
1. Making access affordable (Affordability) 2. Using data more efficiently (Efficiency) 3. Helping businesses drive access (Business Models) AFFORDABILITY No one should have to choose between access to the internet and food or medicine. Internet.org partners will join forces to develop technology that decreases the cost of delivering data to people worldwide, and helps expand internet access in underserved communities. EFFICIENCY
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Transmitting dataeven a text message or a simple web pagerequires bandwidth, something thats scarce in many parts of the world. Partners will invest in tools and software to improve data compression capabilities and make data networks and services run more efficiently. BUSINESS MODELS Connecting billions of people will be a massive global effort that requires ongoing innovation. Developers, mobile operators and device manufacturers will work together to introduce business models that give people more ways to go online.
Bradley Manning sentenced to 35-year imprisonment

August 24th, 2013
The U.S. soldier Bradley Manning was convicted of the biggest disclosure of classified data in the nations history by leaking files to WikiLeaks and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
Who is Bradley Manning?
Bradley Manning is a United States Army soldier who was arrested in May 2010 in Iraq on suspicion of having passed classified material to the website WikiLeaks. He was ultimately charged with 22 offenses, including communicating national defenceinformation to an unauthorized source and aiding the enemy. He was convicted in July 2013 of most of the charges, including several violations of the Espionage Act, but was acquitted of aiding the enemy, the most serious charge. Manning in 2010 turned over more than 700,000 classifiedfiles, battlefield videos and diplomatic cables to WikiLeaks,a pro transparency website. He was working as a low-level intelligence analyst in Baghdad when he handed over the documents thereby catapulting WikiLeaks and its founder, Julian Assange into the international spotlight.
Maharashtra govt. clears anti-superstition law

August 24th, 2013
The Maharashtra government decided to promulgate an ordinance to enact a long-pending bill to uproot black magic, blind faith and superstitious beliefs. The step has come following the death of anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar . A prime supporter of the law, Dabholkar was shot dead in Pune which led to sparking outrage across the state. The Anti-Superstition Bill was first introduced in 1995 in the state legislature and was redrafted at least 29 times. Its clearance was delayed several times due to stiff opposition from various quarters especially Hindu groups which claimed it to be anti-Hindu.
Who was Narendra Dabholkar?
Narendra Achyut Dabholkar was an Indian rationalist and author from Maharashtra. He was the founder-president of Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS) -Committee for Eradication of Superstition in Maharashtra, and camp aigned against superstitions, confronting dubious tantriks and claimed holy men who promised miracle cures for ailments. He criticized the countrys godmen, self-styled Hindu ascetics who claim to perform miracles and have many followers. He was the founding member of Parivartan, a rehabilitation centre located in Satara and served as vice president of the Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA). Dabholkar was the editor of a renowned Marathi weekly Sadhana.
Ug99 is not an immediate threat to Indias crops Scientist Ronnie Coffman

August 20th, 2013
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As per noted scientist Ronnie Coffman from College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University (US), India does not face any immediate threat from the Ug99 wheat rust disease that hits the stem of a wheat plant. However it has to be prepared.
What is Ug99?
Ug99 is a lineage of wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici), which is present in wheat fields in several countries in Africa and the Middle East and is predicted to spread rapidly through these regions and possibly further afield, potentially causing a wheat production disaster that would affect food security worldwide. It can cause up to 100% crop losses and is virulent against many resistance genes which have previously protected wheat against stem rust. So far the Indian sub-continent had been safe. If the disease were to hitAfghanistan, Pakistan and India, it would hurt wheat availability around the globe. The spread of the wind-blown disease would depend on the west-east air flow pattern.
What are the possible remedies to tackle Ug99?
India, which has been one of the biggest sources of providing plant material for developing rust resistant varieties for the world, may use its rust resistant varieties of wheat to replace the wheat which is vulnerable to Ug99. Furthermore, the disease can be kept under control by surveillance and fungicide sprays with full participation of farmers.
What is the status of Wheat production in India?
The wheat production in India is steadily increasing and currently it is preparing to boost its output to a record level of 100 million tonnes in 2015. India is the second largest wheat producer and consumer in the world. In 2012-13, the country produced 92.46 million tonnes of wheat. This is 13.2% of the worlds production.
U.N. Chief asks nations to contain declining Official Development Assistance (ODA)
August 20th, 2013
Ban Ki-moon, the U.N. Secretary-General, has expressed concerns over the continuous decline in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and has asked the nations to reverse the fall. In a progress report to the U.N. General Assembly on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Mr. Ban expressed concern at the drop in ODA which comes under MDG8, the global partnership over the past two years. ODA fell by 4% in real terms in 2012, following a 2% dip in 2011, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Since reaching a peak in 2010, ODA has fallen by 6% in real terms. As per the report, ODA will remain crucial to leverage other finance, particularly for the least developed countries and those emerging from conflicts and disasters. The report asks donors to establish a timetable for meeting ODA targets and enhancing the principles on development effectiveness, as set out in Busan, South Korea, where ownership of development strategy by aid recipients was emphasized.
What is Official Development Assistance (ODA)?
Official Development Assistance is defined as those flows to countries and territories on the the list of recipients of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and to multilateral development institutions which are:
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1. provided by official agencies, including state and local governments, or by their executive agencies; and 2. each transaction of which: is administered with the promotion of the economic development and welfare of developing countries as its main objective; and is concessional in character and conveys a grant element of at least 25% (calculated at a rate of discount of 10% )
Government sets up high-level panel to map status of tribals

August 20th, 2013
The Government has set up a high level panel to prepare a position paper on the socioeconomic, health and educational status of tribals and also recommend policy initiatives as well as effective outcome-oriented measures to improve development indicators and strengthen public service delivery to STs. India has around 8.6% people belonging to tribal community. The population is concentrated in the north-east, particularly in Nagaland,Mizoram, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, and in those parts now overrun by Maoists Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Orissaand parts of Bihar and Maharashtra. Who will be the members of the Committee? Virginius Xaxa, noted tribal expert and eminent sociologist, who was recently appointed member of the Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council, will be the head of the Committee. Other members include Usha Ramanathan, Joseph Bara, K.K. Misra, Abhay Bang and Sunila Basant, all of whom are familiar with the problems of tribals and come from diverse backgrounds Law, History, Anthropology, Medicine and Administration.
IAAF World Championships: Bolt wins 200 meters, Kiprotich bags marathon gold
August 20th, 2013
Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt won his second gold medal of the World Athletic Championships being held in Moscow, Russia,cruising through the finish line to win the mens 200 meters. The 100-meter champion won the race in 19.66 seconds for his third straight world title in the 200. Warren Weir of Jamaica was second in 19.79 and Curtis Mitchell of the United States took bronze in 20.04. In Marathon, Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich of Uganda beat two Ethiopian rivals in the final two kilometres to win the world championship marathon.
Rafael Nadal wins mens singles title in Rogers Cup 2013

August 20th, 2013
Rafael Nadal of Spain defeated CanadasMilos Raonic in the final of the mens Rogers Cup 2013 in Montreal, Canada. This is the Nadals third Rogers Cup title. He also won Rogers cup in 2005 and 2008. This triumph brought Rafael Nadal his 25th ATP World Tour Masters title. As per the latest ATP world rankings Rafael Nadal moves to third rank and Milos Raonic rose to tenth rank and also became the first Canadian to be ranked in the top 10 on the ATP Tour. The top position is held by Serbian player Novak Djokovic.
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About Canadian Open/ Canada Masters/ Rogers Cup
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The Canadian Open (also known as the Canada Masters), currently sponsored as the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank. Held in Canada. Annual tennis tournament Mens competition is a Masters 1000 event on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tour. The womens competition is a Premier 5 tournament on the Womens Tennis Association (WTA) tour. Played on hard courts.
Ibrahim Keita wins Mali presidential election

August 20th, 2013
Malis former Prime Minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has won the presidential election runoff. He now faces a tough task of rebuilding a country reeling under more than a year of turmoil including a military coup and war. Malis first election since 2007 was seen as vital for unlocking more than $4 billion in aid promised byinternational donors who halted contributions in the wake of last years coup that ignited an Islamist insurgency and a French military offensive.
Noted Kamaicha player Sakar Khan passed away

August 20th, 2013
Renowned Rajasthani folk musician Sakar Khanknown for instrument Kamaicha passed away in Jaisalmer,Rajasthan.
Sakar Khan:
the
melodious
bow
and
string
He belonged to the traditional Manganiyar folk musician community of Rajasthan and learned to play the Kamaicha from his father Chunar Khan who is known as a legend among the folk musicians of the state. Sakar Khan had performed with the well known American violinist Yehudi Menuhin and George Harrison of The Beatles and also performed at major international festivals in the US, France, Japan and USSR. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2012, the Tulsi Samman by the Madhya Pradesh government in 1990 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1991.
What is Kamaicha?
The Kamaicha,also known as the Kamancha and Kamancheh is one of the oldest bowed instruments of the world and is found across the globe with several regional variations. In Kashmir it is known as saaz-i-kashmir and is often compared to the middleeastern instrumentRabaab. It has a goat skin spherical sound box with three or four strings (made either with silk or metal) and 14 sympathetic metal strings.
Committee to be set up to suggest establishment of Universities for Research & Innovation

August 19th, 2013
The Government has decided to set up a Committee for suggesting changes to the provisions of the Universities for Research and Innovation Bill, 2012 and suggest a roadmap for future.
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What does the Universities for Research & Innovation Bill, 2012 provides for?
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The Bill provides for establishment and incorporation of Universities for Research and Innovation which would work towards makingIndia a global knowledge hub. They would set benchmarks for excellence for other institutions of higher learning through path breaking works and by promoting teaching, learning and research.
What is the task before the Committee?
The Committee headed by Prof. Ramakrishna Ramaswamy, Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad, has been set up for recommending changes to the provisions of the Universities for Research and Innovation Bill, 2012 and to suggest a roadmap for future.
Shree Ganeshan Chundan wins Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2013

ugust 19th, 2013
Shree Ganeshan Chundan, the snake boat of the St Francis Boat Club, Harippad 61st edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2013 held in Punnamada Lake in (Alappuzha), SouthKerala. This is the second consecutive win for Shree Ganeshan captained by Arunkumar, Karthikapally. Ganeshan was honoured with the silver trophy donated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952 with his signature embossed on it.
About the Nehru Trophy Boat Race:
won the Alleppey that was that was
The practice of the boat race started in 1952 after the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru visited the area in Kerela. The villagers held a boat race to honour his visit in the area. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is conducted every year on the second Saturday of August. Nehru donated a silver trophy to the winners of the race and since then the competition is held by his name. The main attraction of the contest remains the snake boats, which are locally known as Chundan Vallam, which means Beaked Boat. Snake boats have been named following its structure that is long and narrow in shape and 36 to 42 meter in its length.
Famous French tennis player Marion Bartoli retires

August 18th, 2013
Marion Bartoli declared her retirement thereby ending her tennis career just six weeks after winning Wimbledon. Bartoli is currently ranked 7th in the world.
Marion Bartoli:
Marion Bartoli is a former French no. 1 professional tennis player. She won the 2013 Wimbledon Championships singles title after previously being runner-up in 2007, and was a semi-finalist at the 2011 French Open. She also won seven Womens Tennis Association singles titles and three doubles titles. Bartoli is currently ranked 7th in the world.
Noted naturalist Zafar Futehally passes away

August 18th, 2013
Indias one of the best known naturalists and ornithologists Zafar Futehally (93) passed away. Zafar Futehally: Born in Andheri, Mumbai in 1920.
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He led the conservation movement in India serving as a link between conservationists and corporates. He also founded Newsletter for Birdwatchers a periodical that helped birdwatchers around India to communicate their observations. It was a vital publication and served to document observations at a time when there was no digital documentation and there were few scientific studies on wildlife in the country. Mr. Futehally was associated for 60 years with the Bombay Natural History Society of which he was honorary secretary for 16 years till the 1970s.
Usain Bolt regains 100-meter gold at worlds

August 18th, 2013
Six-time Olympic gold medalist, Usain Bolt, regained World 100 meter title as he won the race in 9.77 seconds at the IAAF World Athletics Championships held in Moscow. Bolt finished ahead of Justin Gatlin of the U.S. (9.85) and Jamaican Nesta Carter (9.95). Bolt had previously won the event at the World championships in Berlin in 2009 where he set the current world record of 9.58 seconds.
Other Winners at IAAF World Athletics Championship 2013:
Olympic decathlon champion Ashton Eaton of the U.S. won gold in the event. Olympic winner Brittney Reese of the U.S. won the womens long jump for the third consecutive time with a leap of 7.01 meters. Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia won the womens 10,000 meter title for the third time. Sandra Perkovic of Croatia won the womens discus. Aleksandr Ivanov of Russia won the mens 20-kilometer walk.
Hassan Rouhani is the new President of Iran

August 15th, 2013
Hassan Rouhani sworn as the new President of Iran in the ceremony held at the Iranian Parliament in Tehran. Rouhani, who will have 4-year tenure as President, is the 7th (different) President of Iran after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. He secured a little over 50% votes to win the election and succeeded Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Some facts about the election of the President in Iran:
The President of Iran is elected as per rules envisaged in the countrys Constitution. As per the Constitution of Iran, the President is elected by an absolute majority of votes polled by the voters. The President must be elected from among religious and political personalities. The President is elected for 4-year term by the direct vote of the people. His re-election for a successive term is allowed only once.
PV Sindhu creates history by winning Bronze in World Badminton Championship

August 15th, 2013
PV Sindhu created history as she won bronze medal in the WorldBadminton Championships Although she lost in the semifinal to Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand, she became the first Indian to win a womens singles medal in the World Badminton Championship. PV Sindhu holds both junior and senior national titles after thelegendary Prakash Padukone
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In past, Prakash Padukone had won the mens singles bronze in 1983 at Copenhagen. Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa won another bronze in womens doubles in the 2011 edition.
Parimarjan Negi regains Politiken Cup

August 12th, 2013
Grandmaster Parimarjan Negi (Born: February 9, 1993 (age 20))put up a brilliant performance to regain the Politiken Cup chess Title in Copenhagen,Denmark. Parimarjan had recently won the DCInternational Open in US and tied for the top place in the World Open. The youngest international Grandmaster in chess won the same tournament in 2009. This was Negis second title in the last three outings. Parimarjan Negi studies in the Amity International School and has won various tournaments there. Negi became the youngest Grandmaster inIndia on July 1, 2006 by drawing with Russian Grandmaster Ruslan Sherbakov and finished with six points from nine rounds of the Chelyabinsk Region Superfinal chess tournament in Satka. Parimarjan Negi replaces Pendyala Harikrishna as Indias youngest ever Grand Master .
Hassan Rouhani is the new President of Iran

August 12th, 2013
Hassan Rouhani sworn as the new President of Iran in the ceremony held at the Iranian Parliament in Tehran. Rouhani, who will have 4-year tenure as President, is the 7th (different) President of Iran after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. He secured a little over 50% votes to win the election and succeeded Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Some facts about the election of the President in Iran:
The President of Iran is elected as per rules envisaged in the countrys Constitution. As per the Constitution of Iran, the President is elected by an absolute majority of votes polled by the voters. The President must be elected from among religious and political personalities. The President is elected for 4-year term by the direct vote of the people. His re-election for a successive term is allowed only once.
Agni V missile expected to be operational by 2015

August 6th, 2013
According to Tessy Thomas, director, Agni Missile Project, DefenceResearch and Development Organisation (DRDO), two or three more successful test firings, the Agni V missile is likely to be operational by 2015.
Salient features of Agni V
Intercontinental ballistic missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. Part of the Agni series of missiles, one of the missile systems under the original Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. Range of 5,5005,800 km. It will allow India to strike targets across Asia and into Europe. A 3 stage solid fuelled missile with composite motor casing in the second and third stage. Carry MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles) payloads. A single MIRV equipped missile can deliver multiple warheads at different targets. Incorporate advanced technologies involving ring laser gyroscope and accelerometer for navigation and guidance.
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First successfully test-fired by DRDO from Wheeler Island off the coast of Orissa on April 19, 2012. With this, India joined an elite nuclear club that also included China, Russia, France, the US,the UK and possibly Israel.
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JULY
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Bollywoods Cop Jagdish Raj passed away
July 31st, 2013
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Jagdish Raj (85), a noted veteran actor passed away. Raj had the record of playing a police officer 144 times in various Bollywood films. He was an ideal police officer for generations in Indian films.
About Jagdish Raj The Bollywoods Cop:
Born on 1928 in Sargodha, Pakistan. Acted in films from 1960 till retirement in 1992. He was best known for being cast a record 144 times as a police officer. Some of his popular movies include Deewar, Don, Shakti, Mazdoor, Imaan Dharam, Gopichand Jasoos, Silsila, Aaina and Besharam.
Indias K. Jennitha Anto wins IPCA World Womens Chess Championship

July 31st, 2013
Indias K Jennitha Anto won the 13th IPCA World Womens Individual Chess Championship title organised by the Interntional Physically Disabled Chess Association, at Velke Losiny in the Czech Republic. She bagged the Woman International Master title. The WIM title would allow her direct entry in many of the National events for women except the premier. 49 physically challenged players of from 15 countries competed in the IPCA event.
K.D. Singh is the new President for the IHF

July 31st, 2013
K.D. Singh who is presently one of the vice-presidents of Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) will now be its president. He will take the charge from Dinesh Reddy who stepped down as the president of the due to his inability to continue with the responsibility.
Mamnoon Hussain is Pakistans new President

July 31st, 2013
Mamnoon Hussain, the candidate of PakistanMuslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has been elected as the 12th President of Pakistan. Members of the national Parliament and provincial assemblies in Pakistan voted for the countrys new President. Hussain, born in Agra, India, is also a textile businessman. He also tenured as theGovernor of Sindh for a very short period when his appointment was dismissed by a military coup dtat in 1999. He will take over the President office on September 8, 2013 succeeding Asif Ali Zardari who did not seek re-election and is retiring.
Parliament to approve 1974 Indira-Mujib pact

July 31st, 2013
The government will bring a constitutional amendment Bill in Parliament during the forthcoming session for implementation of theIndo-Bangla land boundary agreement. Indiaintends to ratify the 1974 Indira-Mujib pact fordemarcation of boundaries and for exchange of 161 adversely held enclaves with a population of about 50,000 people. Both the countries have discussed the modalities for implementation of the extradition treaty signed that will give the way for deportation of ULFA general secretary Anup Chetia, currently lodged in a Bangladeshi jail.
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India has also conveyed Bangladesh to ensure the release the remaining six Indians who were abducted by different Indian insurgent groups like NSCN, PLA and NDFB to that country. The six are part of 13 people whom the insurgents had kidnapped and taken to Bangladesh.
Urdu Ghazals penned by Veer Savarkar during his Jail Term in Andaman discovered
July 31st, 2013
A notebook containing two patriotic Ghazals written by legendary patriot Veer Savarkar has been discovered by a Dadar based institute. The Ghazals in Urdu were written by the freedom fighter during his 11-year imprisonment in the Andaman Cellular Jail.
About Veer Savarkar:
Born on 28 May, 1883 in village Bhagur, near Nashik,Maharashtra , Vinayak Damodar Savarkar commonly known as Swatantryaveer Savarkar was a freedom fighter. Renowned social reformer, writer, dramatist, poet, historian, political leader and philosopher. Pioneer of the movement for religious reform in Hindu culture by doing away the caste system prevalent within it. He coined the term Hindutva. He was the founder of the student societies that includedAbhinav Bharat Society and the Free India Society. His published work the Indian War of Independence about the Indian rebellion of 1857 was banned by British authorities.
WikiLeaks party launched by Julian Assange to contest Australia polls

July 30th, 2013
Julian Assange (42), an Australian citizen and founder of WikiLeaks has launched his Australian political party WikiLeaks via a video link from the Ecuadorian embassy in London. The party was created in part to support Julian Assanges bid for a Senate seat in Australia in the 2013 election. The Constitution of the WikiLeaks Party lists its objectives which include the protection of human rights and freedoms; transparency of governmental and corporate action, policy and information; recognition of the need for equality between generations; and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination.
Who is Julian Assange?
Julian Assange was born in Townsville, Queensland and is a sixth-generation Australian. Assange is an Australian editor, activist, political talk show host, computer programmer, publisher and a journalist. He is famous as editor-in-chief and founder of Wikileaks.
What is WikiLeaks?
It is a media website which is an international, self-described, not-for-profit organization publishing submissions of private, secret, and classified media from anonymous news sources, news leaks, and whistle-blowers. It made grabbed international attention when it released some of the confidential information of the US linked to Afghanistan war including equipment expenditure and holdings. In 2010 it revealed U.S. State department diplomatic cables.
Why Sweden wants to extradite Julian Assange?
Sweden alleged Assange of committing molestation of two women during his visit to the country. A European Arrest Warrant and an Interpol red notice was released against him. He is currently hiding
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in British Embassy. His request to Britain for political asylum was denied. Recently, Ecuadorhas granted political asylum to Assange which has resulted into a stand-off between the two countries.
Why Assange wants to contest poll?
Assange will be a candidate for a Victorian seat in the Australian governing body in the national elections later this year. The WikiLeaks Party will focus on seven fields among them academics; journalists and human rights activists will be included. Assange aims to field candidates from New South Wales and Western Australia. The partys main agenda is to make sure that the government in power does their job and therebyscrutinizing the governments activity. WikiLeaks Partys major values of transparency, accountability and justice will help them examine any crucial issues for Australians: tax reform, asylum seekers, climate change policy and other fields.
Suresh Chandra Mohanty The new president of Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI)
July 30th, 2013
Suresh Chandra Mohanty will succeed Rakesh Singh to become the the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) for the year 2013-14. Mr. A. S. Durga Prasad has been elected as the vice president of ICAI.
What is Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) ?
new
President
of
Established on May, 28, 1959 under the Cost and Works Accountants Act, 1959 enacted by the Parliament to regulate the profession of Cost and Management Accountancy in India. It is a professional management accounting institute of India It is governed by a council of 20 members of whom 15 persons are elected from among the members of the Institute and 5 persons are nominated by the Government of India. It is a member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), The Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA) and The South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA).
Kumar Mangalam Birla steps down from RBI Board

July 30th, 2013
Kumar Mangalam Birla who was nominated as a member of the directors of the Central Board of the RBI in 2006 stepped down from RBI Board.
Why did K.M.Birla stepped down from the RBI Board?
To avoid any conflict of interest as few weeks back his group firm applied for a bank license. Among the 26 entities his group firm Aditya Birla Nuvo is one of the entities which have applied for a bank license. The RBI is expected to grant new licenses by March 2014 as the last date for applying for a bank license expired on July 1, 2013.
Froome wins the 100th Tour de France title

July 30th, 2013
Britains Christopher Froome who belongs to Team Sky (28) has clinched the 100th edition of Tour deFrance title of 2013. Colombian Nairo Quintana of Movistar bagged the second place.
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Christopher Froome has became the second successive Briton to win the race after teammate and compatriot Bradley Wiggins Froome who made history as Britains first winner in 2012, when Froome finished runner-up.
Results of Tour de France:
Froome won his first ever yellow jersey with a winning Nairo Quintana, who stood at second position, secured the white jersey for the best young rider and the best climbers polka dot jersey. Slovakian Peter Sagan of Cannondale won the points competitions green jersey for the second successive year.
George Alexander Louis- Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to baby boy

July 28th, 2013
Britain has a new future king after the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to a baby boy. Britains Prince William and his wife Kate have named their son as George Alexander Louis. He will be known as Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge. Britain is likely to be ruled by kings for 80 years or more when the Prince of Wales succeeds the Queen.
Prince Philippe is Belgiums 7th King

July 28th, 2013
Belgiums King Albert after a 20-year reign stepped down the throne which has been overtaken by his son Philippe who took the oath before parliament to become Belgiums seventh king at the royal palace in the presence of Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo who holds the political power in the 183-year old parliamentary democracy.
Indian woman scientist Sunetra Guptas portrait to be displayed in UK

July 28th, 2013
Kolkata (India) born chemist and physicist Sunetra Guptahas joined leading female scientists like Marie Curie at the art exhibition at the prestigious Royal Society. The exhibition titled Does it Make a Difference? displays drawings made by few great artists to celebrate the leading women in the field of science.
About Sunetra Gupta:
Born in 1965 in Kolkata, completed her education from University of London, Princeton University. She is now a professor at Oxford University. Her major area of work is the evolution of diversity in pathogens with a major focus on the infectious disease agents that are responsible for malaria, influenza and bacterial meningitis. The writer scientist has a simultaneous career as a novelist as well and has written five highly praised novels. In 1970s and 80s and wrote her first works of fiction in Bengali. She was highly praised for her works such as Moonlight into Marzipan, The Glassblowers Breath and So Good in Black. She won the Royal Society Rosalind Franklin Award for her scientific achievements.
Poverty in India decreases to 21.9% in 2011-12: Planning Commission

July 28th, 2013
As per Planning Commission, poverty ratio in the country has dropped to 21.9% in 2011-12 from 37.2% in 2004-05 on account of increase in per capita consumption.
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Planning Commission on Poverty:
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Using the Tendulkar methodology for determining the poverty line, the national poverty line in rural areas has been estimated at Rs 816 per capita per month in villages and Rs 1,000 per capita per month in urban areas in 2011-12. It implies that persons whose consumption of goods and services exceed Rs 33.33 in cities and Rs 27.20 per capita per day in villages are not poor. For a family of five, the all India poverty line in terms of consumption expenditure would amount of Rs 4,080 per month in rural areas and Rs 5,000 per month in urban areas. The poverty line however will vary from state to state. In 2011-12, the percentage of BPL (Below Poverty Line) people is estimated at 25.7% in rural areas, 13.7% in urban areas and 21.9% for the country as a whole. It shows an improvement in poverty figures if compared to those in 2004-05 when it was 41.8% in rural areas, 25.7% in cities and 37.2% in the country as a whole. In terms of numbers, there were 26.93 crore people below poverty line in 2011-12 as compared to 40.71 crore in 2004-05.
How the estimates of poverty level in India have been made?
This ratio for 2011-12 is based on the methodology suggested by Suresh Tendulkar Committee which takes into consideration the money spent on health and education besides calorie intake to fix a poverty line. As per the Commission, the decrease in poverty is mainly on account of rising real per capita consumption figures which made the 68 th round of National Sample Survey on Household Consumer Expenditure in India in 2011-12 the basis for tabulating poverty. Note: A separate committee under Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC) chairman C. Rangarajan will revisit the Tendulkar Committee methodology for estimating poverty. The Committee is expected to submit its report by mid 2014.
Educomp ties up with HCL Infosystems for its Life Cycle Services
July 27th, 2013
HCL Infosystems Ltd and Educomp Solutions Ltd. have signed an agreement. As per the agreement, HCL Infosystems will provide life cycle services for existing and new Educomp classrooms across India. Life Cycle services include providing break-fix support and field repair services along with managing new installations in the Educomp Classrooms. About Educomp Solutions Ltd: Educomp is one the leading providers of technology enabled educationsolutions and services for K-12 (from Kindergarten to to Class 12) institutions. The company was set up in 1994 by Mr. Shantanu Prakash and was initially engaged in setting up and maintaining of computer labs in private schools and in government schools on contract basis.
P Sathasivam is the Chief Justice of India

July 25th, 2013
Justice Palanisamy Sathasivam took over the post from Justice Altamas Kabir who served as the Chief Justice of India for over 9 months. Justice Sathasivam was elevated to the Supreme Court in August, 2007 and would renounce office on April 26, 2014. Brief introduction about Justice Sathasivam: Started off as an advocate at Madras. There after he was appointed as a permanent Judge of the Madras High Court in January, 1996. Later transferred to the Punjab andHaryana High Court in April, 2007.
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Major Judgements by Justice Sathasivam :
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A bench of Justice Sathasivam and Justice B S Chauhan had upheld the conviction of actor Sanjay Dutt and several others in the Mumbai blasts case. The bench had castigated Pakistan and its intelligence agency ISI for training the perpetrators of the 1993 blasts and unable to discharge its obligation under international law to prevent terrorist attacks emanating from its territory. Another Bench led by Justice Sathasivam had set aside the conviction of Pakistani scientist Mohammed Khalil Chisti.
Swiss tennis legend Martina Hingis included in Tennis Hall of Fame

July 24th, 2013
Swiss tennis legend Martina Hingis (32) was inducted in Tennis Hall of Fame. She has become the fourth youngest member to be inducted in the Tennis Hall of Fame after Tracy Austin (30), Bjorn Borg (31) and Hana Mandlikova (32).
Bhim Sain Bassi, the next Police Commissioner of Delhi

July 22nd, 2013
Neeraj Kumar who will be retiring on this month end will be replaced by Bhim Sain Bassi, a 1977 batch Indian Police Service officer as the next Police Commissioner of Delhi. Mr. Bassi & his Achievements : He cleared the Union Public Service Commission examination at the age of 21 and was appointed as an Assistant Superintendant of Police in Pondicherry in 1980. Served in various capacities in Delhi and other parts of the country, including Chandigarh, Goa and Arunachal Pradesh,. Mr. Bassi, who is a Commerce graduate from the Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, also has a Law degree. Conferred the Presidents Police Medal for distinguished service and the Police Medal for meritorious service.
Bengaluru International Airport renamed as Kempe Gowda International Airport

July 21st, 2013
Union Cabinet approved the new name for Bangalores Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) to Kempe Gowda International Airport Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) is the one and the only airport serving the Bangalore region. It is owned by Bengaluru International Airport Pvt. Limited (BIAL) a majority of 74% held by GVK Group, Zurich Airport and Siemens Projects, along with two government bodies,Infrastructure Development Corporation KSIIDC and the Karnataka State Industrial.
Who was Hiriya Kempe Gowda or Bengalooru Kempe Gowda?
Hiriya Kempe Gowda (also Kempe Gowda I or Bengalooru Kempe Gowda) was a ruler under the Vijayanagara Empire. Considered to be the founder of the metropolis of Bangalore, the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka.
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Kempe Gowda was a well educated and successful ruler. Famous for his reformist thinking, he led the foundations of a modern city with successful planning and building the present city building many temples and water reservoirs in Bangalore. One of his social reforms was to disallow the custom of cutting-off the last two fingers of the left hand of the married women during Bandi Devaru, an important custom of Morasu Vokkaligas.
An Uncertain Glory: India and its Contradiction A book by Jean Dreze and Amartya Sen released
July 21st, 2013
In their book An Uncertain Glory: India and its Contradiction, Amratya Sen along with Jean Drze, have presented a view of the conditions of contemporary India with a collection of the wealth of revealing data. The book presents the booming maintenance of the worlds largest democracy and achievements of India since independence. They have also discussed about the prevalent flaws in the development strategy of the nation. Major focus is over the role of human capabilities as an end in them and as a means of further progress. About Jean Drze the Authors
An Indian citizen since 2002 and lives in India since then Taught at the London School of Economics (LSE) and the DelhiSchool of Economics (DSE). Currently a visiting Professor at Allahabad University. Co-authored Amartya Sen in books named Hunger and Public Action and India: Development and Participation Co-author of the Public Report on Basic Education in India
Amaryta Sen
An Indian economist and philosopher Wn Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences in 1998 for making contribution to welfare economics and social choice theory A professor at Thomas W. Lamont University A Professor of Philosophy and Economics, at Harvard University. Some of the books authored by him include: The Argumentative IndianInequality reexamined The Idea of Justice Poverty and Famines Commodities and Capabilities Hunger and Republic Action Development as Freedom Choice, Welfare and Measurement Rationality and Freedom Identity and Violence the illusion of Destiny
Helicopter Shot discoverer Santosh Lal, a friend of M.S.Dhoni dies

Current Affairs Persons In News Page 31

July 21st, 2013
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Mahendra Singh Dhonis childhood friend Santosh L al , a first-class cricketer who invented helicopter shot passed away.
British Government decorates Krishna Menons London home with blue plaque
July 20th, 2013
In commemoration to V.K. Krishna Menons long and eventful association with London, the British government has decided to put up an English Heritage blue plaque at the house where he lived when he first moved to the city. Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel are among the other Indian leaders previously honoured by English Heritage.
Who was V.K. Krishna Menon?
(Born: May 3, 1896, died October 6, 1974) Vengalil Krishnan Krishna Menon was an Indian nationalist, diplomat and statesman. He was Indias first High Commissioner to the UK and later became Defence Minister of India from 1957 to 1962.
Menon in the UK
While his stay in the UK, he served as a Labour councillor for the Borough of St. Pancras in 1930s, and is still remembered for introducing travelling libraries and childrens corners. During the Second World War, he served as an air warden around Camden Square, where he lived at the time, and in 1955 St. Pancras conferred on him the Freedom of the Borough, the only other person so honoured being George Bernard Shaw. He was described by the former Labour Prime Minister, James Callaghan as the embodiment of the movement within Britain for Indias freedom.
Menon in India:
Menon was noted for his eloquence, brilliance, and forceful, highly abrasive persona. He inspired widespread adulation and fervent detraction in both India and the West; to his supporters, he was an unapologetic champion of India in the face of Western imperialism. Returning to India, he was repeatedly elected to both houses of the Indian parliament from constituencies as varied as Bombay, Bengal, and his native Kerala, and served as Minister of Defense, overseeing the modernization of the Indian military and development of the Indian military-industrial complex, and spearheading the Indian annexation of Goa. He resigned in the wake of the Sino-Indian war, following allegations of Indias military unpreparedness, but remained counselor to Nehru, Member of Parliament and elder statesman until his death. As as Minister of Defense, overseeing the modernisation of the Indian military and development of the Indian military-industrial complex, and spearheading the Indian annexation of Goa. He resigned in the wake of the Sino-Indian war, following allegations of Indias military unpreparedness, but remained counselor to Nehru, member of parliament and elder statesman until his death.
Who are the other Indian leaders honored with Blue Plaque previously?
Other Indian leaders namely Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel have been honoured by this English Heritage, previously.
Why is the significance of blue plaque?
The Blue Plaque Scheme of London was founded in 1866 is run by the William Ewart MP and the Royal Society of Arts to commemorates the association between the notable figures of past and Britains famous residents. More than 760 plaques have been placed across London by now. It is a
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uniquely successful means of connecting people and place. The Royal Society launched the scheme in 1867 with the unveiling of a commemorative tablet for Lord Byron.
Jharkhand: Hemant Soren government wins trust vote

July 19th, 2013
Hemant Soren (37) has been sworn in as Chief Minister of the coalition government led by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. Soren, son of JMM chief Shibu Soren, was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Syed Ahmed after President Pranab Mukherjee revoked the nearly six-month-long Central rule in the State. The President had imposed the rule exercising the power from Article 356 (1) of the Constitution after the resignation of Chief Minister Arjun Munda (BJP) in January 2013 when the party was reduced to minority after the JMM had withdrew its support. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren won the vote on confidence motion in the state Assembly
Eminent Carnatic vocalist Nookala passed away

July 19th, 2013
Eminent Carnatic vocalist Nookala Chinna Satyanarayana, a recipient of Padma Bhushan, passed away.
About Nookala Chinna Satyanarayana:
Born: 1923 at Anakapalle in Andhra Pradesh, he Mahamahopadhyaya by his students and music lovers.
July 19th, 2013
was
famously
called
Prominent gastroenterologist Rangabashyam passed away

Renowned surgical gastroenterologist, surgeon and teacher, N. Rangabashyam, passed away.
PDP victorious in Bhutan General Assembly polls

July 19th, 2013
Led by Tshering Tobgay, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has registered their victory in the polls to the General Assembly of Bhutan. It won 32 out of 47 seats, while the outgoing party, the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), managed to retain the remaining seats in the election. The focus of the PDPs election campaign in the last few days was the strained IndiaBhutan relations- where it laid the blame for withdrawal of subsidy on LPG and kerosene among other things, on the mishandling by the DPT.
Founder of Bose Corporation, Amar Bose passed away

July 19th, 2013
Amar Gopal Bose (83), Indian-American founder, Chairman and academic behind the revolutionary sound systems of Bose Corporation, passed away in Wayland, Massachusetts.
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Veteran actor Pran passed away

July 18th, 2013
Legendary Bollywood actor and Dadasaheb Phalake Award winner Pran Krishan Sikand (83), popularly known as Pran, passed away.
In News: Solar Impulse

July 17th, 2013
Solar Impulse has been in news recently for completing a transcontinental trip across the US, despite a rip in the fabric of one wing. Solar Impulse is a Swiss long-range solar powered aircraft project developed at the cole Polytechnique Fdrale de Lausanne. The aircraft took off from Mountain View, California on May 3, 2013 and took a coast-to-coast journey across the domestic United States before touching down at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on July 6, 2013.
Who were the pilots for Solar Impulse?
Swiss pilot Andre Borschberg and fellow pilot Bertrand Piccard piloted the aircraft. The men had taken turns flying the spindly, long-winged plane across the country.
Features of Solar Impulse:

Powered by 12,000 solar cells Flies in the dark by reaching high altitudes during the day and gliding downward over long distances by night Uses no fossil fuels Flying speed of around 70 kilometers per hour Runs on 4 electric propellers powered by solar cells mounted on the planes 63 -meter wingspan
Drawbacks of Solar Impulse:
Tiny cockpit Vulnerability to turbulence Lack of a toilet

Future Plans for Solar Impulse:
The current aircraft model, the HB-SIA, is soon to be phased out as the Swiss team prepares test flights in 2014 of the second-generation aircraft, the HB-SIB. The next plane is expected to be 10% larger, with more power, reliability, an auto-pilot function and a toilet so that pilots can make the four to six-day long trips that will be part of its journey across the world in 2015.
Ireland passes legislation allowing abortion

July 17th, 2013
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After intense two-day debate, the Irish Parliament passed a watered-down legislation allowing abortion under limited circumstances. It would now need the approval from the Upper House.
The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013, Ireland:
The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013 would permit abortion if the mothers life is in danger. It would also extend to women who are deemed suicidal if refused abortion. In effect, the bill simply gives effect to a 1992 Supreme Court ruling allowing doctors to perform abortion to save a mothers life. Successive governments failed to legislate on it because of stiff opposition from the aggressive pro-life lobby. Background: It can be recalled that due to lack of such provisions Savita Halappanavar, a young Indian dentist, died in an Irish hospital last October after being refused abortion despite apparent risk to her life. An inquiry found that she could have been saved if doctors had agreed to her request for termination. The incident was followed by widespread outrage and protest.
About Savita Halappanavar:
Savita Halappanavars death has led to a widespread protests in Ireland and a call to re-look at the abortion laws.

She was 31 year old dentist originally from Belgaum,India who moved to Ireland in 2008. She died on October 28, 2012 in Galway, Ireland. Her death led to widespread protests, in Ireland, India, Englandand other countries and a call to re-look at the abortion laws. She suffered miscarriage when she was 17 weeks pregnant.
Egypt issue arrest warrant against Muslim Brotherhood leader

July 17th, 2013
Egypts current leadership has issued a warrant for the arrest of the supreme leader of Muslim Brotherhood, Mohammed Badie and nine other leading Islamists on the charger of instigating violence in the opposition of the military coup which led ouster of President Mohamed Morsy.
Hazem el-Beblawi is Egypt interim Premier

July 15th, 2013
Liberal economist Hazem el-Beblawi has been appointed as Egypts interim Prime Minister by Egypts interim President Adly Mansour. The President has also appointed Nobel-laureate Mohamed ElBaradei as Deputy President with responsibility for foreign affairs. Mr. Mansour who was appointed to the post after a recent military coup overthrew President Mohamed Morsy has declared that changes would be made to the
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Constitution, which would be put to referendum, paving the way for parliamentary elections early in 2014.
Tagore Award to be conferred on Zubin Mehta

July 12th, 2013
Zubin Mehta, western classical music conductor of Indian-Parsi origin, will be honored with the Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony 2013 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cultural harmony. He has been unanimously chosen for this by a fourmember jury led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and comprising Chief Justice ofIndia Justice Altamas Kabir, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and former Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi.
Mohamed ElBaradei is the interim PM of Egypt

July 10th, 2013
Former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei who is also the liberal opposition leader in Egypt has been named as Egypts new Prime Minister to head a caretaker government. ElBaradei leads an alliance of liberal and left-wing parties, the National Salvation Front. Baradei and the IAEA were jointly honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005. ElBaradei also played a key role in recent politics in Egypt, particularly the 2011 uprising which dethroned President Hosni Mubarak, and in the 2013 revolution that ousted President Mohamed Morsi.
Andy Murray becomes the first Briton in 77 Years to clinch Wimbledon Mens Single title
July 10th, 2013
Andy Murray of Britain created history when he defeated Serbian star player Novak Djokovic at Center Court of London to become the first Briton in 77 years to win the Mens Singles Title at Wimbledon 2013. Earlier he was Fred Perry, who won his last Championship in 1936. Winners of other formats at Wimbledon: Mixed Doubles Final: Daniel Nestor of Canada and Kristina Mladenovic of France. Girls Doubles Championship Final : Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic Boys Singles Championship Final: Gianluigi Quinzi of Italy
Boys Doubles Title Final: Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia. Wheelchair Gentlemens Doubles Title Final: Shingo Kunieda of Japan and Stephane Houdet of France.
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Wheelchair Ladies Doubles Title Final: J. Griffioen and A. Van Koot of Netherlands. Sr. Gents Invitation Doubles Final: Pat Cash and Mark Woodforde of Australia. Ladies Invitation Doubles Final: L. Davenport of USA and Martina Hingis of Switzerland. Gentlemens Invitation Doubles Final: Thomas Enqvist ofSweden and Mark Philippoussis of Australia.
Edward Snowden gets asylum offer from Venezuela, Nicaragua

July 7th, 2013
Defying the US warnings to countries to not extend asylum to Snowden arguing that he is wanted on charges of espionage and leaking classified information, two Latin American countries Venezuela and Nicaragua offered asylum to Edward Snowden who disclosed the US clandestine electronic surveillance programme. Snowden, who first fled to Hong Kong, is currently stranded at the Moscow airport transit. The CIA whistleblower Snowden had applied for asylum in more than two dozen countries, including India. The request was denied by India and majority of the countries. But announcements by presidents of Nicaragua and Venezuela offering asylum could be viewed as a big disappointment for the US, which had been asking countries not to grant Snowden an asylum and he be returned to the country.
R. Chandrasekhar appointed as NASSCOM President

July 7th, 2013
The National Association of Software and Services Companies ( NASSCOM), has appointed R. Chandrasekhar (60), the former Secretary Department of Telecommunications (DoT), as its president. Chandrashekhar will take over current Nasscom President Som Mittal, whose tenure ends in January 2014. Mr. Chandrasekhar is a 1975 batch IAS officer from Andhra Pradesh and as the Secretary of DoT drew policies around licensing, spectrum management, National Broadband Plan and the National Telecom Policy 2012, among others.
Military coup in Egypt removes Morsy

July 7th, 2013
The recently elected Islamist President of Egypt Mohamed Morsy has been removed from power in a military coup staged under the leadership of General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, head of Egypts armed forces who issued a declaration suspending the Constitution and appointing the head of the constitutional court as interim head of state.
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Chief Justice Adly Mansour declared interim President of Egypt

July 7th, 2013
The Chief Justice of Egypts Supreme Constitutional Court, Adly Mansour has taken over as the interim President of the nations hours after the m ilitary ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsy and launched a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood, the group from which Mr. Morsy belongs. The supreme leader of the Brotherhood, Mohammed Badie has also been arrested. Mr. Morsy who a year ago became Egypts first freely elected President, has been held in an unknown location since the generals removed him.
Parveez Rasool is the first J&K cricketer in Team India

July 7th, 2013
Parveez Rasool (24) created history by becoming the first cricketer fromJammu and Kashmir to be named in the Indian team as the selectors chose to rest captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and four other key players for the upcoming ODI tour of Zimbabwe. The all-rounder has got the nod in the 15-member squad for the fivematch ODI series to be held from July 24 to August 3 at Harare and Bulawayo.
Father of Mouse: Douglas Engelbart passed

July 6th, 2013
Douglas C. Engelbart, a technologist who ideated the computer mouse and laid out a vision of an Internet decades before others brought those ideas to the mass market, passed away.
Ms Sujata Singh will be next Foreign Secretary of India

July 5th, 2013
Ms Sujata Singh (59), envoy to Germany, will be Indias next foreign secretary after an approval of her appointment by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Sujata Singh is a 1976 batch IFS officer who will succeed the current Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai who set to retire on July 31, 2013. She will be the third woman to head the services after Chokila Iyer and Nirupama Rao.
India rejects Snowdens request seeking political asylum

July 5th, 2013
India turned down USA whistleblower Edward Snowdens request seeking political asylum. The Indian Embassy in Moscow had received a communication containing a request for asylum. Earlier, Snowden, currently sheltered in the transit zone of Moscow airport, has sought asylum in 20 countries, including India. These asylum requests have been filed by Sarah Harrison, legal advisor of WikiLeaks in the matter of Snowden.
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The requests were made to a number of including Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Poland,Spain, Swiss Confederation, Venezuela.
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countries
Snowden is wanted in the US on the charges of espionage and leaking classified documents. Documents leaked by him last month revealed a systematic and large-scale surveillance of phone and internet communications by the NSA around the world.
Najeeb Jung appointed as new Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi

July 3rd, 2013
President Pranab Mukherjee appointed Najeeb Jung (62), former Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, as the new Lieutenant-Governor ofDelhi. He will replace Tejendra Khanna. Mr. Jung had joined the Indian Administrative Services in 1973 and served at various positions at the Centre and Madhya Pradesh. He had quit IAS after serving as Joint Secretary (Exploration) in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Obama nominates James Comey as next FBI director

June 29th, 2013
The US President Barack Obama nominated James Comey as the next FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) Director. James Comey has been a registered Republican and former Justice Department official under President George W. Bush. The US senate is yet to confirm his nomination. He is likely to take charge from the outgoing Robert Mueller who held the post since 2001.
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Sheikh Abdullah named new PM of Qatar

June 29th, 2013
The former PM of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani has been excluded from the government and has been replaced with the former minister of state for internal affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani as announced by countrys new Emir who recently ascended to the throne after the previous Emir transferred the power to his son Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim. In the new government, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani has been named both the Prime Minister and Interior Minister.
Kevin Rudd takes oath as new Australian Premier

June 28th, 2013
Kevin Rudd has been sworn in as Prime Minister of Australia. He ousted the incumbent Julia Gillard as leader of the Labor Party. The leadership change comes ahead of an election scheduled in September 2013. Julia Gillard was first woman PM of Australia and she was also the first woman Leader of the Labor Party. Kevin Rudd is the new leader of the Labor Party and previously and was previously Prime Minister from 2007 to 2010, and Labor Leader from 2006 to 2010.
Ramnik Narsey is the interim head of Wal-Mart India

June 28th, 2013
Ramnik Narsey has been appointed as the interim head of U.S.-based retail giant Wal-Mart for its India operations as its head of Indianbusiness Raj Jain has left the company. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., branded as Walmart, is an American multinational retail corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the worlds third largest public corporation, according to the Fortune Global 500 list in 2012, the biggest private employer in the world with over two million employees, and is the largest retailer in the world.
Oprah Winfrey leads the list of Forbes Most Powerful Celebrities

June 27th, 2013
World famous talk show host Oprah Winfrey has been assigned the top spot in the Forbes annual Celebrity 100 ranking of the most powerful celebrities. She leads a female-dominated top 10 that includes Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Madonna, Taylor Swift and Ellen DeGeneres. As per the rankings of Most Powerful Celebrities: 1. Oprah Winfrey 2. Lady Gaga

3. Steven Spielberg 4. Beyonce Knowles 5. Madonna 6. Taylor Swift 7. Bon Jovi 8. Roger Federer 9. Justin Bieber 10. Ellen DeGeneres
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Qatar ruler transfers power to son

June 26th, 2013
Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the ruler of Qatar has transferred the reign of the nation to the 33-year-old crown prince Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani putting a new generation in charge of the Gulf nations vast energy wealth and its rising political influence. The new ruler is likely begin the process of putting together a new government that may be in direct contrast to the old guard leaders across the Western-backed Gulf Arab states.
V K Duggal appointed as nodal officer for relief & rescue operations in Uttarakhand
June 24th, 2013
The government appointed former top Union home secretary V K Duggal as the nodal officer for relief and rescue operations in flood hit Uttarakhand, saying lack of proper coordination was hindering its mitigation efforts. The relief and rescue operations are going on in the flood-ravaged areas of Uttarakhand with the combined efforts of the Army units along withAirforce and ITBP. There was an impression that lack of coordination among different agencies involved in the relief and rescue operations was hampering the governments mitigation efforts.
Amol Rajan: U.K.s first non-white editor

June 23rd, 2013
Amol Rajan, a Kolkata-born journalist, has created history by becoming the first non-white editor of a British national newspaper, The Independent. This is for the first time in the history of Fleet Street which has been a dominance of whites at top posts.
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Mr. Rajan moved to Britain at the age of three and studied English at Cambridge University. Before joining The Independent as a reporter, he worked briefly for the London Evening Standard and Channel 5. What is Fleet Street? Fleet Street is a street in the City of London named after the River Fleet, Londons largest underground river. It was the home of British national newspapers until the 1980s. Even though the last major British news office, Reuters, left in 2005, the term Fleet Street continues to be used as ametonym for the British national press.
Hassan Rouhani wins Irans presidential polls

June 21st, 2013
Hassan Rouhani has been elected as the new President of Iran as he clinched victory by getting the needed 50% votes. The winning candidate needed more than 50% of all ballots cast, including invalid ones, to avoid a run-off. Rouhani will succeed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei congratulated Mr Rouhani on his victory. Iran has been suffering economic hardship, with rising unemployment, a devalued currency and soaring inflation.
S. Ramadorai is the Chairman of AirAsia India

June 19th, 2013
Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia, has announced S. Ramadorai, former TCS chairman, as the Chairman of AirAsia India. A few days back, Ratan Tata was announced as the Chief Advisor for the upcoming lowcost carrier. Ramadorai is currently adviser to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the National Council on Skill Development, and holds a Cabinet ministers rank. He is also Vice Chairman of TCS.
Kanji Ram First Hindu member in Pakistans Punjab Assembly in 16 years

June 19th, 2013
It is for the first time in 16 years, a Hindu has been nominated to be a member of Pakistans Punjab Assembly as a lawmaker. Recently, the first ever Sikh became a member of the House since the countrys creation in 1947. Kanji Ram is only the second Hindu to be part of the provincial assembly after Seth Bharta Ram, who was elected a lawmaker in 1997. Ram and Sikh representative Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora were both nominated by the PML-N to seats in the Punjab Assembly reserved for non-Muslims.
Knighthood to Indian-origin sculptor Anish Kapoor

June 19th, 2013
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Indian-origin sculptor Anish Kapoor has been honoured with knighthood, one of the highest honours in Britain, by Queen Elizabeth II in her birthday honours list 2013 for services to Visual Arts. Twenty-four other people of Indian-origin have also been chosen for honours including Jasvinder Sanghera, founder, Karma Nirvana, for services to victims of forced marriage and honour-based violence. She is made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
John W. Ashe elected as the President of UNGA for its 68th session
June 19th, 2013
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) elected by acclamation Ambassador John W. Ashe of Antigua and Barbuda as President of its upcoming 68th session. After being elected, Mr. Ashe announced that the world body would launch an agenda for sustainable development for all. The UNGA, which has 193 Member States of the United Nations, provides a forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of internationalissues covered by the UN Charter. It meets in regular session intensively from September to December each year, and thereafter as required.
PM Manmohan Singh takes oath as Rajya Sabha member for fifth consecutive term
June 19th, 2013
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took oath as member of Rajya Sabhaafter being reelected from Assam. Singh was recently elected a member of Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Indian Parliament) from Assam for the fifth consecutive term. The election to the two Rajya Sabha seats from Assam had taken place on May 30, 2013 and Congress had won both the seats.
39th G8 summit held in Northern Ireland

June 18th, 2013
The 39th G8 summit was held on June 17-18, 2013 at Lough Erne, Northern Ireland of United Kingdom. The summit was presided over by the U.K. The official theme of the summit was tax evasion and transparency. However, the Syrian civil war dominated the talks. A seven-point plan on Syria was agreed after much debate. Other agreements included a way to automate the sharing of tax information, new rules for mining companies, and a pledge to end payments for kidnap victim releases. The United States and the European Union agreed to begin talks towards a broad trade agreement. Besides eight nations, Jose Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Commission, and Herman Van Rompuy, the President of the European Council were also a part of the meet.

Who are the members of G8?
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G8 nations are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan,Russia, the USA and UK.
British government warns airlines not to fly Snowden to the U.K.

The U.K. government has warned air carriers not to fly the U.S. National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden to Britain as he is highly likely to be refused entry. Mr. Snowden, who was last seen inHong Kong, has not publicly said whether he wishes to come to Britain. Who is Edward Snowden? Edward Snowden, who has been in news headlines for past few weeks, is a whistleblower who revealed the secret spying program PRISM which the National Security Agency (NSA) of the US has been using for mass electronic surveillance throughdirect access to the systems of Google, Facebook, Apple and other US internet giants which allows it to collect material including search history, the content of emails, file transfers and live chats. He is an American former technical contractor and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) employee who worked for Booz Allen Hamilton, a contractor for the National Security Agency (NSA), before disclosing details of classified NSA mass surveillance programs to the press. Snowden shared classified material on top-secret NSA programs including the PRISM surveillance program with The Guardian and The Washington Post, both of whom published their first exposs in June 2013. Snowden said his disclosure of PRISM and FISA orders related to NSA data capture efforts was an effort to inform the public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done against them. Snowden, who now faces arrest by the US, has flown to Hong Kong.
Fact Box: Who was William Lambton?

June 13th, 2013
Lieutenant-Colonel William Lambton was a British soldier, surveyor, and geographer.

He made remarkable contribution as the Superintendent of the Trigonometrical Survey of India, which he began in 1802. He launched his work from St Thomas Mount in Chennai and mapped the south India. Trigonometrical Survey of India was launched by the British who had conquered vast territories in India but didnt have geographic knowledge of the areas they conquered. An extensive survey was essential for their administrative purposes, which eventually became the Great Trigonometrical Survey. He took part in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799. After the capture of Mysore Lambton proposed that the territory be surveyed, using the new techniques of geodesy employed by William Roy in Great Britain, and this was approved. It was Lord Wellesley who realized the necessity of a survey in the southern part of India after the fall of Srirangapatnam in 1799. Three surveys started
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simultaneously. While Francis Buchanan started the agricultural survey of Malabar and Mysore, Colin Mackenzie began a survey based on topography. William Lambton, who participated in the Mysore war in 1799, was made the superintendent of the Trigonometrical Survey.
Dhoni stands at 16th spot on Forbes list of highest-paid athletes

June 8th, 2013
As per the Forbes latest rankings of the highest paid athletes in the world, India skipper M S Dhoni, with earnings of $31.5 million, has been ranked at 16 th place as leaped 15 positions from his previous 31st rank in 2012. US golfer Tiger Woods is at the pinnacle of the list with total earnings of $78.1 million last year. The magazine said 31-year-old Dhoni moved up 15 positions this year. In 2012, he was placed at 31st position. Top 10 on the Rankings:
Rank
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Name Tiger Woods Roger Federer Kobe Bryant LeBron James Drew Brees Aaron Rodgers Phil Mickelson David Beckham
Country Pay (Salary + Endorsements) ($) USA 78.1m Golf
Sport
Switzerland 71.5m USA USA USA USA USA UK 61.9m 59.8m 51m 49m 48.7m 47.2m 44m
Tennis Basketball Basketball Americanfootball American football Golf Soccer Soccer
Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal Lionel Messi
Argentina 41.3m
Soccer
NAC re-constituted, tribal expert Virginius Xaxa replaces Aruna Roy

June 7th, 2013
Union Government has restructured the National Advisory Council by inducting eminent sociologist Virginius Xaxa into the 12-member panel headed by Sonia Gandhi. Xaxa is a Professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati and has worked extensively on tribal communities of the country
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Aruna Roy who had criticised PM Manmohan Singh for refusing to pay the beneficiaries of the MGNREGA in line with the Minimum Wages Act, had written to Sonia Gandhi requesting not to consider her for another term of the Council and result was that her request was accepted. Some facts about National Advisory Council (NAC): The NAC comprises prominent professionals chosen from diverse fields of development activity who serve in their individual capacities.

NAC provides inputs in the formulation of policy by the Government and supports the Government in its legislative workings. NAC has a special focus on social policy and the rights of the disadvantaged groups. It must be noted that the term of panel has been made co-terminus with the term of the present government.
Fact Box: Indian Banks Association (IBA)

June 7th, 2013
K R Kamath re-elected as IBAs Chairman K R Kamath, the chairman and managing director of Punjab National Bank (PNB), has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Indian Banks Association (IBA) for 2013 -14 tenure. Indian Banks Association (IBA)

Established on September 26, 1946. It is an association of Indian banks and financial institutions. It is based in Mumbai. Currently represents a total of 173 banking companies which are operating in India. Objective: Strengthening, development and coordination of the Indian banking. It also facilitates various member banks. The Managing Committee of the IBA consists of a chairman, three deputy chairmen, one honorary secretary as well as 26 members.
Susan Rice will be US National Security Adviser

June 7th, 2013
President Barack Obama to appointment Ms Susan Rice as national security adviser for US Govt. Ms Susan Rice who currenttly US ambassador at the UN, will take over the position in July 2013 from Mr Tom Donilon. The decision to appoint Ms Rice is a noncompliant gesticulate towards Republicans in Congress. The position of national security adviser does not necessitates Senate confirmation. Ms Rices appointment underscores the President Obamas orientation for filling his inner circle with people he knows well.
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Tomas Brunegard is new WAN-IFRA president

June 7th, 2013
Tomas Brunegrd, chairman of Swedens Stampen Media Group, has been elected as the new president of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-INFRA). He will have a two-year term. He succeeds Jacob Mathew of the Kerala-based Malayala Manorama . The 65th World Newspaper Congress, the 20th World Editors Forum, and the 23rd World Advertising Forum were held in Bangkok. About WAN-IFRA
WAN-IFRA, based in Paris, France, and Darmstadt, Germany, with subsidiaries in Singapore and India, is the global organisation of the worlds newspapers and news publishers. It represents more than 18,000 publications, 15,000 online sites and over 3,000 companies in more than 120 countries. Its core mission is to defend and promote press freedom, quality journalism and editorial integrity and the development of thriving businesses.
Nawaz Sharif takes oath to the PM office of Pakistan

June 6th, 2013
Nawaz Sharif of PML-N party has sworn in as the Prime Minister ofPakistan for his 3rd term after formally being elected as the Prime Minister by the National Assembly. Sharif has regained the reigns of Pakistan after 14 years after he was forced to leave the office in a military coup and went into exile. He was sworn-in by the President Asif Ali Zardari. Sharif is a leading industrialist of Pakistan and the owner of Ittefaq Group, a leading business conglomerate of Pakistan.
Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP): UGC forms advisory committee on DUs new format
June 5th, 2013
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has set up an advisory committee, headed by S. K. Joshi, member UGC and former Director-General of CSIR, to monitor the progress of the implementation of the new Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) being introduced by Delhi University. The panel will also offer corrective advice on the issue of curriculum. There is a widespread confusion and protest over the new four-year format of undergraduate degree courses being implemented by the DU.
Scripps National Spelling Bee contest: Indian-Americans dominate for 6th consecutive year
June 4th, 2013
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Indian-American Arvind Mahankali (13) won the Scripps National Spelling Bee contest, as children from the community created history by dominating the prestigious contest for the 6th year in a row, holding top three positions this year. This is the sixth consecutive year that an Indian-American has won the contest, which was watched live by millions of people in the United States. The Scripps National Spelling Bee (commonly called the National Spelling Bee) is an annual spelling bee held in the United States. Anyone who is in eighth grade or below and is under 16 years old is eligible for this contest. Participants from countries other than the U.S. must be regional spelling-bee winners as well. The winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee receives a $30,000 cash prize
A spelling bee is a competition in which contestants are asked to spell words.
Noted filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh passes away

June 1st, 2013
Noted film-maker Rituparno Ghosh (49) Indian Bengali film director, who created a new wave in Bengali cinema with his thought-provoking work passed away. He made 19 movies and won 12 National Awards and several international honours
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MAY
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Kushal Singh selected as chairperson of NCPCR

May 31st, 2013
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has appointed Kushal Singh as the chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
66th Cannes Film Festival: Top honor to Blue is the Warmest Colour
May 31st, 2013
Recently concluded 66th Cannes Film Festival held in Cannes,France conferred honors on some of the best films from across the world. The top award- the Palme dOr went to Blue is the Warmest Colour (La Vie DAdle Chapitres) directed by French-Tunisian filmmaker Abdellatif Kechiche. The film which starred Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea Seydoux is cinematic adaptation of a novel by Julie Maroh. Other Awards

Grand Prix: Inside Llewyn Davis directed by Coen brothers Jury Prize: Like Father, Like Son directed by Hirokazu Kore-Eda Best Director Prize: Mexicos Amat Escalante for his film Heli Best Actor prize: Bruce Dern for Nebraska Best Actress prize: Berenice Bejo of France for her role in The Past
Philippines objects to Dan Browns Inferno

May 30th, 2013
The Philippines government has objected to poor description of its capital in the Dan Browns latest novel Inferno which describes the capital Manila as the gates of hell. The book includes a character who is visiting the city and taken aback by poverty, crime and the sex trade. Who is Dan Brown?

Dan Brown is an American author of thriller fiction, best known for the 2003 bestselling novel, The Da Vinci Code. Along with The Da Vinci Code, his novel Angels and Demonshas been adapted into films.
Gold and Silver coins with Sachin Tendulkars face, signature launched
May 28th, 2013
On the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya Valuemart Gold and Jewels launched a limited edition of Sachin Tendulkar Gold and Silver coins, with the senior cricketers face and signature embossed on them. The 24 karat gold coin is priced at Rs 34,000 and will be available on website of Valuemart Gold and leading jewellery stores across the country.
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Tendulkar has been signed as the brand ambassador of the company.
God of Cricket Tendulkar retires from IPL

May 28th, 2013
Sachin Tendulkar announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League soon after Mumbai Indians won their maiden title. He wont be playing in IPL next season. This is the second format from which Tendulkar has announced his retirement after having called quits from the ODIs in December 2012. In 78 IPL matches, Tendulkar scored 2334 runs at an average of 34.83 and a strike rate of 119.81. He scored one century and 13 half-centuries.
China ink MoU with Pak to build transport corridor passing through PoK
May 27th, 2013
Chinese PM Li Keqiang, who recently concluded his India visit followed by two-day visit to Pakistan, signed an MoU with Pakistan which aims at formulating long term plan b/w both countries for the China-Pakistan economic corridor project and gradually push forward its construction. What is Indias concern? China is going ahead with the project which is expected to pass through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) despite objections from Indian side. In 2012, both China and Pak completed a pre-feasibility study for a railway line linking Kashgar, in Xinjiang, to Havelian, running through the Khunjerab Pass and PoK. Why China is building the corridor? China intends to link the Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea in Pakistan (which it has recently gained from Pakistan for its development and management) to far western Xinjiang region of China. The corridor will speed up development in Xinjiang, which has seen intermittent unrest, and also open up a new route for Chinas energy imports from West Asia.
Forbes releases worlds top 100 Most Powerful Women List

May 25th, 2013
Forbes magazine has released the list of Worlds 100 Most Powerful Women Leaders for the year 2013. From India, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Indiaorigin PepsiCo chief Indra Nooyi stand among the top 10 in the list of most powerful women in the world. Sonia Gandhi stands at 9th, while Indra Nooyi is ranked at 10th on the chart. Other Indians in Top 100

Chanda Kochhar (ranked 65th): ICICI Bank Managing Director and CEO Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (85th) : Founder of Biccon has secured the 85th position on the global list. Padmasree Warrior (57th) : Cisco Systems Chief Technology and Strategy Officer How they arrived at these rankings?
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A list of influential individuals was prepared from seven different categories or power bases: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Billionaires Business Lifestyle (including entertainment and fashion) Media Nonprofits and NGOs Politics Technology Then individuals in each of the above categories were weighted by using three metrics: 1. Money 2. Media presence 3. Impact Who is the most powerful women in the world? German chancellor Angela Merkel has been named as the most powerful woman in the world for the third successive year. She is followed byBrazilian President Dilma Rousseff who is at second spot whileMelinda Gates, co-chairman of the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation inthird. Others on the list include Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg at rank 6th, Christine IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde at 7th, Oprah Winfrey at 13th and Aung San Suu Kyi at 29th.
Arunima Sinha becomes First Indian Amputee to conquer Mt Everest

May 22nd, 2013
Arunima Sinha, a former national level volleyball player who lost one of her legs after being thrown off a moving train of Padmawati Express for resisting a chain-snatching attempt by some criminals, has become the first Indian amputee to conquer Mt Everest. She received training at the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation (TSAF) camp in Uttarkashi last year under the guidance of Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to conquer Mt Everest.
Anshu Jamshenpa from Arunachal Pradesh scales Everest for third time
May 22nd, 2013
Anshu Jamshenpa of Arunachal Pradesh achieved success in scaling the Mount Everest for the third time.

She already keeps the record of being the only mother in the world to have scaled the Mount Everest twice in 10 days. Anshu Jamshenpa was among the six mountaineers from the north-east to make it to the summit. Among the six were David Zohmangaiha of Mizoram, Tarun Saikia
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of Assam and Wangsuk Myrthong of Meghalaya, who became the first mountaineers from their States to have successfully scaled the Mount Everest. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi announced a financial assistance of 20 lakh rupees to Saikia for his achievement.
Expert panel to assess Backwardness of States

May 19th, 2013
Following the Budget announcement, the Union Government has set up an expert panel under the chairmanship of Raghuram G Rajan, Chief Economic Adviser to evolve a composite index to measure backwardness of states. The move has come amid demands from Bihar to get special status. To determine the backwardness of the States measures like distance of the State from the national average under criteria such as per capita income and other human development indicators will be considered besides evolving a Composite Development Index of States. What are the present criteria for determining the backwardness of States? The present criteria for determining backwardness are based on terrain, density of population and length of international borders. Committee Members: Chairman: Raghuram G Rajan, Other Members: Shaibal Gupta, Bharat Ramaswami, Najeeb Jung, Nirija G Jayal and Tuhin Pandey.
Fact Box: Justice Radha Binod Pal

May 18th, 2013
David Beckham announces retirement from professional football

May 18th, 2013
World-famous footballer and former England skipper David Beckham has announced his retirement from professional football to conclude his celebrated career of more than two decades. He will take retirement after the end of this season. Key achievements of David Beckham

Joined Manchester United as a 14-year-old in 1992 and made 398 appearances. Won the Champions League, six Premier League titles and two FA Cups with Manchester United. Earned 115 caps for England, most capped outfield player of in the history of England. Won 19 trophies of which 10 are League titles. Only English player to win Championship titles in 4 different countries Key member of the Treble Team and helped it in addition of Champions League, 2 FA Cups, 1 Intercontinental Cup and 4 Community Shields to a long list of its victories.

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First English player who scored in 3 consecutive World Cup Finals. Helped the English team to clinch French League 1 Championship in 19 years. What is a Treble Team?
Treble Team is a term associated with football which refers to a team that wins three trophies in a single season.
Devas investors move The Hague against Antrix

May 18th, 2013
Investors companies of Devas have moved the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague (Netherlands) against Antrix Corporation the Indian Space Research Organisations (ISRO) commercial arm. The Court has formed a panel to hear the multi-million dollar claim slapped by Devas Multimedia and its U.S. associates (who invested in the deal through foreign direct investment routed viaMauritius) against the Government of India following the cancellation of the deal for the launch of two satellites and the allocation of S-band spectrum to Devas.
Dinesh Thakur to get Rs 244 crore for exposing dubious manufacturing practices of Ranbaxy
May 17th, 2013
Dinesh Thakur, a former director of research information at Ranbaxy, who is a whistleblower on the deficient manufacturing practices of Ranbaxy will get Rs 244 crore ($48 million) for his act.
Siddaramaiah gains control as CM of Karnataka

May 17th, 2013
NRI Sunil Chopra becomes Deputy Mayor of a London Borough

May 17th, 2013
Delhi-born NRI Sunil Chopra has been elected as the Deputy Mayor of a London Borough. Chopra, General Secretary of the Indian Overseas Congress, London, is the first and only Indian-origin elected councillor in London Borough of Southwark Council, which has only 1.5 % population of Indian-origin people. While he was in Delhi, he became the first President of College of Vocational Studies in Delhi. He was Vice President of Youth Congress Delhi and was also the President of NSUI, Delhi.
Eminent Islamic scholar Asghar Ali Engineer passed away

May 15th, 2013
Famous Islamic scholar, Asghar Ali Engineer (73) passed away in Suburban Santa Cruz, Mumbai.
President launches Bichitra: An online collection of Tagores work

May 9th, 2013
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President Pranab Mukherjee launched Bichitra, an online collection of Rabindranath Tagores works. He praised the initiative saying the website would inculcate the essence of humanity and eternal values of civilisation as propagated by Tagore in his creations. About Bichitra:

Bichitra is sponsored by the Centre on the occasion of Tagores 150th birth anniversary to promote research on his work worldwide. The Web site, in English and Bengali, will have all variant texts and all specialized tools needed by Tagore scholars. Chief components on the website will be digital images of all available manuscripts and all important printed versions totalling 47,520 pages of manuscripts and 91,637 pages of printed booksand journals.
Fact Box: Factory Asia

May 6th, 2013
Chief Economic Advisor Raghuram Rajan recently held that India is looking forward to introduce the concept of Factory Asia in economy to develop rapid production networks. Factory Asia is concentrated whereinfrastructure is good and there is a large pool of untapped potentially productive labour. What is the concept of Factory Asia? The concept works on the model of manufacturing and producing parts and components by various Asian developing economies to utilise resources efficiently which are assembled into finished product and exported to developed economies. Thus, Factory Asia refers to the model of regional production networks connecting different Asian economies, producing parts and components that are then assembled, with the final product shipped largely to advanced economies. It started with economic liberalization in China in the late 1980s, aided by rapid development of production networks. The group comprises, among others, China, Japan, South Korea and Indonesia. Objectives:

Boost the exports, Increase employment opportunities, Lift millions of population out of poverty. As per Rajan there are four challenges that will take India to Factory Asia:
1. Supply Chain Management: Provide organised infrastructure to smoothen inter and intra state as well as country connectivity Project costing $90 billion initiated to develop the 1483Km DMIC (Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor) which will have six-lane highways, nine industrial townships, three ports and six airports.
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2. Making India Investor friendly: As Indian investors are risk-averse, effort is required to bring awareness of potential growth to investors facilitating utilisation of undeployed resources. 3. Reforming Labour laws: Easing of stringent labour laws to increase employment rate. 4. Skill development: Invest in skills, technologies and private sector to move beyond low cost manufacturing and ensure economic growth.
Nation bids adieu to Sarabjit Singh with state honors

May 4th, 2013
The mortal body of Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh was consigned to flames in his village with full state honors amid mournful emotions. Sarabjit Singh:

Indian citizen from Bhikhiwind, Punjab. Inadvertently crossed the zero-line, bordering with Pakistan in 1990, in an inebriated state while working in his fields which run along the border. Arrested by the Pakistan Rangers and was charged by the Lahore police alleging his role Lahore bombings. Tried in the Lahore HC and was sentenced to death in 1991. His all mercy petitions were rejected but his death sentence was repeatedly postponed by the Government of Pakistan. He succumbed to the serious injuries he received when he was brutally attacked by six fellow prison inmates. Punjab (India) assembly declared him a National Martyr.
Supreme Court questions Z security for Mukesh Ambani

May 3rd, 2013
The Supreme Court questioned Z security to industrialist Mukesh Ambani when the government was unable to provide security to the common man. The Apex court asked Why is state providing security to such person when the rich can afford to hire private security personnel? In a brief order, the Bench directed all States to inform the Delhigovernment of the movements of their VIPs and violation of the rule would be viewed seriously. The court suggested for the creation of a mechanism to assess security threat of VIPs. It expressed concern over security cover being provided even to persons who faced rape or murder charges, and said this must be stopped. The Bench said unless there was specific information about threat perception, no VIP security should be provided to these persons. What is Z security? Depending upon the threat perception the security cover has been classified into four categories:

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Z+ category: security cover of 36 personnel, highest level Z category : 28 personnel (security cover by the Delhi police or the ITBP or CRPF personnel) Y category : 11 personnel X category : 2 personnel The Special Protection Group (SPG) protects the Prime Minister ofIndia. It is one of the eight Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are the following police forces of the central government of India:
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) [Includes Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA)] Border Security Force (BSF) Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Railway Protection Force (RPF) National Security Guards (NSG) [Included Special Protection Group (SPG)]
Abdul Hamid is the new Bangladesh President

May 3rd, 2013
Abdul Hamid was sworn in as 17th Bangladesh President replacing Zillur Rahman, who died last month. Abdul Hamid was previously the parilamentary speaker of Bangladesh Assembly. Historical background

Parliament speaker and acting President since March 14 when Mr. Rahman went for medical treatment to Singapore. Member of the Awami League. A former lawyer. Political career began when he joined Bangladesh Chhatra League in 1959.
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APRIL
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Government sets up Inter-ministerial Committee to boost exports from MSMEs

April 30th, 2013
Govt sets up Inter-ministerial Committee for promoting exports of Micro,Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. Why need for the Inter-Ministrial Committee?

Revival of exports which were affected by global economic slowdown ( exports decline to USD 300 billion as against projected USD 360 billion) Overcoming the widening trade deficit gap as it resulted into increase in current account deficit (CAD crossed 6.7% of GDP in Q3 of fiscal year 2012-13). Suggest Long and short term measures to enhance exports. Committee Members: Chairman: R S Gujral (Finance Secretary) Other Members-
S R Rao (Commerce Secretary) Sumit Bose (Revenue Secretary) Madhav Lal (MSME Secretary) Rajiv Takru (Financial Services Secretary ) Raghuram Rajan (Chief Economic Adviser) Classification of MSMEs:MSME sector are classified into 2 classes with the following criteria: 1. Manufacturing or production enterprises
Enterprises Micro Enterprises Small Enterprises Investment in plant & machinery < Rs.25 lacs > Rs.25 lacs and < Rs.5 crores
Medium Enterprises > Rs.5 crores and < Rs.10 crores
2. Service enterprises
Enterprises Micro Enterprises Small Enterprises Investment in equipments < Rs.10 lacs > Rs.10 lacs and < Rs.2 Crores
Medium Enterprises > Rs.2 Crores and < Rs.5 Crores
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Contribution of MSME sector to Indian Economy

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Around 40% of total exports. Over 8% to gross domestic product (GDP). Contributes around 45% of Indias manufacturing output. Provides employment to about 60 million persons through 26 million enterprises.
Indian Guinness record holder Sailendra Nath Roy passed away

April 30th, 2013
Indian Stuntman Sailendra Nath Roy (48) passed away due to heart failure during his record try at Teesta River in Siliguri, West Bengal. He is registered in the Guinness Book of World Records by the farthest distance travelled on a zip wire using hair.
Takehiko Nakao the new president of ADB assumes office

April 29th, 2013
Takehiko Nakao, Japans former vice finance minister, who was elected president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) by its Board of Governors, ahead of the banks annual meet in New Delhi, assumed office. He was elected subsequent to resignation by the former president of ADB Haruhiko Kuroda in March 2013 to take up his assignment as Bank of Japan governor. Haruhiko Kuroda Earlier in March 2013, Japans Parliament approved Haruhiko Kuroda, a Finance Ministry veteran to become the Governor of the Central Bank of Japan. Mr. Haruhiko Kuroda was the President of ADB since February 2005 and the Chairperson of ADBs Board of Directors.
Anil Goswami is the new Home Secretary

April 29th, 2013
Anil Goswami, a senior IAS officer from J&K cadre, has been appointed as the new Home Secretary and will have two-year tenure. He is the first bureaucrat from J&K cadre to be placed at the top ranked post. His name was cleared by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Etihad takes 24% stake in Jet Airways for USD 379 million
April 28th, 2013
The Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Airways took a 24 % minority stake in Jet Airways for USD 379 million. This investment by Etihad Airways is the first in an Indian airline after the govt relaxed restrictions on overseas carriers buying into its aviation industry in 2012 i.e. since the change in FDI policy. Jets founder and non-executive chairman Naresh Goyal, who was before acrimoniously opposed to opening up of FDI involvement for foreign airlines, was the
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first to move instantly after the government permitted international carriers to pick up a maximum of 49 % stake in domestic airlines in September 2012.
Narasimhan Ravi elected as new President of the Editors Guild of India

April 26th, 2013
Narasimhan Ravi has been unanimously elected as the president of Editors Guild of India. Mr. Ravi is the director of Kasturi and Sons Limited , publisher of The Hindu newspaper. Narasimhan Ravi will succeed T N Ninan, Chairman and Editorial Director of BusinessStandard. Mr. Ravi has been elected President of the Editors Guild of India for a tenure of 2 years. Editors Guild of India:

An organization of editors of news papers and magazines in India. Established in 1977 just after the Emergency.
Ajay Devgn, Runa Laila SAARC ambassadors for HIV/AIDS

April 26th, 2013
Ajay Devgn (Bollywood actor), Runa Laila (Bangladeshi singer) and Sharmeen ObaidChinoy ( Oscar-winning Pakistani filmmaker) have been named as SAARC Goodwill Ambassadors for HIV/AIDS for advocacy and awareness on HIV/AIDS in SAARC member states.

January 2009: The SAARC goodwill ambassador for HIV/ AIDS programme commenced. Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi was the first mascot for the SAARC goodwill ambassador for HIV/ AIDS programme.
Eminent Jurist Justice JS Verma passed away

April 25th, 2013
Justice JS Verma (80), former Chief Justice of India, passed away.
He was in news recently for heading a committee set up by the Government of India to suggest changes in law to combat crimes against women. He was 27th Chief Justice of India.
Chris Gayle scores fastest century in cricket history during IPL game
April 24th, 2013
Chris Gayle (the cricketer from West Indies) set a new record in Cricket when he hit the fastest century in the history of professional cricket during a cricket match of IPL (Indian Premier League) tournament at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. Chris Gayle playing for Team Bangalore (Royal Challengers Bangalore) hit an unbeaten with 175 off 66 balls with his 100 coming in just 30 balls, the fastest ever in Cricket history in any form of the game. Gayle hit 17 sixes and 13 fours during his entire innings.
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Mahatma Gandhi among top three most admired leaders of the world: Survey
April 24th, 2013
Mahatma Gandhi figures among the top three most admired leaders of the world as per a global survey of CEOs conducted by accountancy firm PwC. As part of its yearly survey, PwC recently asked 1,400 CEOs from around the world which leaders they most admired, and what they most admired about their actions. The TOP 10 most admired leaders of the world:1. Winston Churchill 2. Steve Jobs 3. Mahatma Gandhi (*Indian) 4. Nelson Mandela 5. Jack Welch 6. Abraham Lincoln 7. Margaret Thatcher (*Only woman in top-10) 8. Ronald Reagan 9. John F Kennedy 10. Bill Clinton
Indian "Human Computer" Shakuntala Devi passes away

April 24th, 2013
World-renowned Indian prodigy mental calculator and astrologer Shakuntala Devi (83) passed away. She was known as Human Computer. Shakuntala Devi was born in Bangalore, India and in her initial childhood years she worked in Circus and road-shows with her father where she displayed her amazing ability at number crunching. She developed the concept of mind dynamics.
Renowned singer Shamshad Begum passed away

April 24th, 2013
Famous playback singer of Hindi film industry Shamshad Begum (94) passed away. Some of her popular Hindi songs to her name include Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar, Kajra Mohabbat Wala and Mere Piya Gaye Rangoon, Saiyan Dil Mein Aana Re, Chod Babul Ka Ghar, Leke Pehla Pehla Pyar, Kahin Pe Nigahen Kahin Pe Nishana.She was among the most sought-after female playback singers of 40s. She was conferred with the third-highest civilian honour of India, Padma Bhushan.
Aruna Bahuguna First women special DG CRPF

April 20th, 2013
Aruna Bahuguna, Senior IPS Officer (1979-batch Andhra Pradesh cadre officer) appointed Special Director General of CRPF, Indias largest paramilitary force. She
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became the first women officer to be appointed to the top position. Her husband S. Jayaraman is also an IPS officer of the 1977 batch of West Bengal cadre and is presently special secretary in the Union home ministry handling internal security.
Sahara Q Shop enters Guinness World Records

April 20th, 2013
Sahara Q Shop: The retail business of Sahara IndiaPariwar, recently entered into the Guinness World Records as it opened record 315 outlets in 10 states of India, just at one time on April 1, 2013.
Q shop (Quality shop)
Sher-i-Kashmir Award: Navjot becomes youngest recipient athlete of Jammu and Kashmir to be conferred
April 20th, 2013
Navjot Singh (16 years) became the youngest athlete of Jammu and Kashmir to be conferred with the Sher-i-Kashmir Sports Award. He was declared the best sportsperson for 2008-09. Navjot received the award at an impressive investiture ceremony hosted after a gap of 22 years. Sher-i-Kashmir Sports Awards

Established in 1978. After 1991 when the militancy began in J&K, the awards stopped. The awards returned in 2002 to be continued since then.
Nicolas Maduro declared president-elect Venezuela

April 20th, 2013
Nicols Maduro Moros, the acting President of Venezuelaafter the death of late leader Hugo Chavez has been declared as the winner of a special election held in Venezuela for the post of the President. The results of the election have triggered protests and there is a demand for recount by the opposition. Moros was formerly the Vice President of Venezuela and the Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Hugo Chvez. The constitutionality of his election to the office of President has been questioned by the opposition.Venezuelas acting President Nicolas Maduro was proclaimed the winner of an election to succeed late leader Hugo Chavez triggering protests as the opposition demanded a recount.
Indias first and ONLY Women Chief Election Commissioner Ramadevi passed away
April 18th, 2013
Ms. V.S. Ramadevi (79), former Governor of Karnataka and former Chief Election Commissioner of India, passed away.
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Ms. V.S. Ramadevi First woman to became Chief Election Commissioner of India.
Fact Box: K. Kasturirangan High-Level Working Group

April 18th, 2013
K. Kasturirangan-led 10-member panel High-Level Working Group (HLWG) Presented its report on Western Ghats to MoEF (Ministry ofEnvironment and Forests) K. Kasturirangan-led 10-member panel High-Level Working Group (HLWG) has prepared a report on Western Ghats which suggests for ban on development activities in 60,000 sq km ecologically sensitive area spread over Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Objective: K.Kasturirangan panel was formed to study and advise Govt on the earlier report of ecologist Madhav Gadgil-led Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP).
Baby Nobel or Won John Bates Clark Medal for Delhi-born US economist Raj Chetty
April 17th, 2013
33 year old Delhi-born Raj Chetty, a professor in the Department of Economy at the Harvard University whose ground-breaking work was quoted by US President Barack Obama in his 2012s State of the Union Address, has won the esteemed John Bates Clark medal, oftentimes keyed as the Baby Nobel.
Chetty is the first person of Indian-origin to win this award. John Bates Clark medal Baby Nobel
Awarded to an American economist under the age of 40 who is adjudged to have made a significant contribution to economic thought and knowledge. Widely regarded as one of the fields most prestigious awards, second only to the Nobel in economic science. Was awarded biennially from 1947-2009 From 2010 onwards it has been awarded annually.
Sania joins as 4th Vice President of of ITPA

April 17th, 2013
Sania Mirza joined as the fourth Vice-President of the freshly formedTennis body in India : ITPA (Indian Tennis Players Association). Sania, was the first female player from India to win a Grand Slam. Sania now plays only in doubles as she gave up her singles career due to injuries. The 4 Vice-Presidents of the ITPA are: 1. Leander Paes

2. Mahesh Bhupathi 3. Somdev Devvarman 4. Sania Mirza President of ITPA:
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Jaideep Mukherjea
Pioneering Polio Vaccine Developer Hilary Koprowski passes away

April 17th, 2013
Dr. Hilary Koprowski (96), the Polish-born virologist who developed the first successful oral vaccination for polio.
President appoints two new judges to Supreme Court

April 16th, 2013
The President elevated PUNJAB and Haryana HC Chief Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri and Madhya Pradesh HC Chief Justice Arvind Bobde as judges of the Supreme Court.

Thus, total strength of judges in Supreme Court is now : 30 The approved strength of the court, including the Chief Justice of India, is 31. Justice Bobde (56) will retire in April 2021 and Justice Sikri has a a tenure in the Supreme Court till March 2019.
IVF Pioneer Sir Robert Edwards passed away

April 16th, 2013
Sir Robert Edwards (87), who eveloped the technique of in vitro fertilisation with Dr Patrick Steptoe passed away. He pioneered In vitro fertilisation (IVF) technique helped in the birth of Louise Brown in 1978, the first test tube baby and then bring more than 4 million children into the world. Robert G. Edwards was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010 for the development of IVF. In vitro fertilisation (IVF):

in vitro: from the Latin means in glass It is a method by which an egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body: in vitro. a key treatment for infertility The process requires supervising a womans ovulatory procedure, taking out ovum or ova (egg or eggs) from the womans ovaries and allowing sperm fertilize them in a fluid medium in a laboratory. Natural cycle IVF : When a womans natural cycle is supervised to gather a naturally picked out ovum (egg) for fertilization. In 1978, the first successful Test Tube Baby (a colloquial term for babies conceived as the result of IVF), Louise Brown was born as a result of Natural Cycle IVF technique.
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Vice President Releases Book Religion, Law & Society-Across the Globe
April 15th, 2013
Religion, Law & Society- Across the Globe, a book authored by Prof. Tahir Mahmood was released by The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari. The book provides insights into a range of complex and inter-linked matters of constitutional and socio-legal importance. Prof. Tahir Mahmood:
Renowned jurist well-known for his expertise in religion and the law, human rights and civil liberties, particularly the law pertaining to the educational rights of minorities. He held various prestigious positions like: Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi; Chairman, National Commission for Minorities; Member, National Human Rights Commission; and Jurist-Member, Ranganath Misra Commission. A member of the Law Commission of India from 2006-10. Professor Mahmood is the first Muslim to be named to the Law Commission of India and he was the only permanent member of the Eighteenth Commission.
Dadasaheb Phalke award for legendary actor Pran

April 15th, 2013
Pran Krishan Sikand, popularly known as Pran,will be conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Pran is the 60th film personality to receive this honour. In 2011, Soumitra Chatterjee was honored with this award and then in the year 2012, no one was conferred this award. Pran has acted in more than 350 films from 1942 2007 and is known as a movie villain and character actor in Hindi cinema. Dadasaheb Phalke Award:

Indias highest award in cinema Conferred yearly by the Government of India for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. Award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a cash prize of INR 1 million and a shawl.
Binod Bihari Chowdhury

April 15th, 2013
Legendary anti-British revolutionary and Chittagong Armory raid famed Binod Bihari Chowdhury (102) passed away.

Citizenship: Bangladeshi Titles: Biplobi (Revolutionary), Agnipurush

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He was a recipient the Independence Day Award, the highest civilian award in Bangladesh. He was our last remaining link to a decisive part of sub-continental history.
Industrialist RP Goenka Passed away

April 15th, 2013
The pioneer of the RPG Enterprises, Shri R.P. Goenka (Rama Prasad Goenka) passed away. He established RPG Enterprises in the year 1979. It included Phillips Carbon Black, Asian Cables, Agarpara Jute Mill and Murphy India, CESC, CEAT, Spencers, Saregama, etc. He was known as Indias Takeover Specialist as he his mark in diverse businesses, ranging from tyre to music.
Fact Box: Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD)

April 14th, 2013
PJ Kurien New Chairman of Asian forum of Parliamentarians Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, PJ Kurien elected as the Chairman of the prestigious Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD). He replaced Yasuo Fukuda, former Prime Minister of Japan as the Chairman of AFPPD. PJ Kurien is also the Chairman of the Indian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development. Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) Established in 1981 as a regional NGO which serves as a coordinating body of 25 National Committees of Parliamentarians on Population and Development.
Uhuru Kenyatta sworn in as Kenyas new President

April 10th, 2013
Uhuru Kenyatta sworn in as Kenyas fourth Presiden. Uhuru won with 50.07% of the vote, but the win was challenged by outgoing PM Raila Odinga and civil society groups, who complained of myriad anomalies in the voting process, but the Supreme Court upheld Kenyattas win. Uhuru Kenyatta along with his deputy William Ruto are controversial figures as they are facing charges by theInternational Criminal Court (ICC) over crimes against humanity for their alleged role in Kenyas 2007 presidential elections.
Pervez Musharrafs nomination papers for the General Elections rejected for second time
April 10th, 2013
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Former Pakistan President Gen. (retd) Pervez Musharrafs nomination papers for upcoming general elections were rejected for the second time. Pervez Musharraf had filed the nomination papers from four seats- Karachi, Islamabad, Chitral and Kasur. Why Musharrafs nomination papers were rejected: Amongst several other reasons, the key reasons cited were:
Musharraf had twice violated and subverted the Constitution by violating Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which specify that candidates should have a "good character" and be "sagacious, righteous and non-profligate". Musharraf is also an accused in 4 cases, including the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
Historian, epigraphy expert Prof Bratindra Nath Mukherjee passed away

April 8th, 2013
Famous historian and an expert in epigraphy Padma Shri awardee, Professor Bratindra Nath Mukherjee (79) passed away.
Nokia, Samsung Indias most trusted brands The Brand Trust Report, India Study 2013 Prle
April 6th, 2013
As per a recent report by the Brand Trust Report, India Study 2013,Nokia, Samsung and Sony are the Indias three Most Trusted Brands for this year. Nokia is the most trusted brand for the third consecutive year. The Brand Trust Report, India Study, 2013 (BTR 2013) report lists Indias 1100 Most Trusted Brands from 211 categories, by conducting a comprehensive primary research based on 61 attributes called the Brand Trust Matrix. Indias most Trusted brands as per The Brand Trust Report, India Study, 2013 (BTR 2013) are as follows:1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Nokia Samsung Sony BMW Tata Godrej Reliance Bajaj Airtel

10. LG
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Particular Category: MOST Trusted Aerated Soft Drinks Category:
Coca Cola Four-wheeler car brand:
Nano Infrastructure brand:
HCC Real Estate:
DLF Education:
IIT Biscuit brand:
Parle-G Chocolate Bars:
Cadburys DairyMilk Global Bodies:
WHO Ayurveda:
Dabur Internet:
Google Personality:
Anna Hazare NGO:
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Being Human Technology brand:
Apple Airline:
Indigo Airlines
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was re-inducted into BJPs Central Parliamentary board
April 1st, 2013
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was re-inducted into BJPs Central Parliamentary board, the top decision-making body of BJP. Narendra Modi was back in partys top body after a gap of 6 years by BJP President Rajnath Singh. Modi has been projected by a part within BJP as its Prime Ministerial candidate for 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
Harmanpreet Kaur New captain of Indian Womens Cricket Team

April 1st, 2013
Harmanpreet Kaur was named the Captain of the Indian womens Cricket team, she replaced Mithali Raj. Poonam Raut was named as the Vice-Captain of the team.
Malala Yousafzai inks 3 million US Dollar deal to publish her memoir

April 1st, 2013
Malala Yousafzai inked a deal for around USD 3 million to publish her memoir in a book, titled I am Malala that will be published by Weidenfeld and Nicholson in the UK and Commonwealthand by Little, Brown in the rest of the world. Malala Yousafzai: A school student and education activist from the town of Mingora in the Swat District of Pakistans North-West Frontier Province. She is famous for her education and womens right s activism in the Swat Valley, where the Taliban has at times opposed girls from attending school.
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MARCH
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India wins the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by a defeating Australia 4-0 in Test Series
March 29th, 2013
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India completed a historic 4-0 clean sweep against Australia by recording an emphatic six-wicket victory in the fourth and final cricket Test. BorderGavaskar Trophy A Test cricket series played between India and Australia. If the series is drawn, then the country holding the trophy retains it. The series is named after Australias Allan Border and Indias Sunil Gavaskar, who both scored over 10,000 Test runs in their career
Babasaheb Neelkanth Kalyani nominated as the Chairman of IJBLF

March 29th, 2013
The Govt of India has nominated Babasaheb Neelkanth Kalyani (the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge Limited) as the Chairman of the India-Japan Business Leaders Forum (IJBLF). India-Japan Business Leaders Forum (IJBLF) Objective: Leveraging the trade and investment between India and Japan. Thus, guiding business developments between the two nations. The forum has 15 members including Business tycoons like Mukesh Ambani, Sunil Bharti Mittal,Deepak Parekh, S. Gopalkrishnan, N Chandrasekaran, Adi Godrej, etc.
Two-time Pulitzer winner Anthony Lewis passes away

March 29th, 2013
Two-time Pulitzer winner Anthony Lewis (85) passed away. Anthony Lewis was a longtime New York Times columnist. He took up such causes as free speech, human rights and constitutional law. In 1955, Anthony won his first Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting for his report on a civilian employee of the U.S. Navy, who had been dismissed from his job on the basis of false allegations by anonymous informers. In 1963, Anthony won a second Pulitzer Prize in 1963, again in the category National Reporting, for his coverage of the U.S.Supreme Court. Anthonys famous 1964 book, Gideons Trumpet, told the story of a petty thief whose fight for legalrepresentation led to a landmark Supreme Court decision.
Anil Ananthaswamy wins British Physics journalism prize

March 29th, 2013
Anil Ananthaswamy, a London-based Indian-origin writer has won the inaugural Physics Journalism Prize. Anil Ananthaswamy, a consultant at New Scientist Magazine and author of The Edge of Physics. Anils article Hip Hip Array, that brings to life on the Square Kilometre Array, an international project to design and build the largest radio telescope ever conceived, made him the winner. British Physics journalism prize
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The prize sponsored by the Institute of Physics (IOP) and theScience and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Objective: To inspire the next generation of physicists by encouraging journalists to spread awareness about the complex subject. Offers an expenses paid trip to Japan to visit world-leading facilities carrying out research at the frontiers of physics.
Justice (retd) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso takes over as Pakistans 6th interim PM
March 29th, 2013
Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (retired) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso took oath as sixth caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan. Justice Khoso held that the caretaker set-up was not going to stay for more than the stipulated period and maintained that elections would be held on time.
Tiger Woods Reclaims No. 1 Ranking with Win at 2013 Arnold Palmer Invitational
March 29th, 2013
With his eighth career win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Woods reclaimed the world No.1 ranking for the first time since 2010. Woods replaces Northern Irelands Rory McIlroy atop the world rankings.
Nikhil Kumar new Governor of Kerala

March 29th, 2013
Nikhil Kumar sworn in as the 20th Governor of Kerala. Former Indian Police Service officer Nikhil Kumar had earlier also served as Nagaland governor, the head of the NSG (National Security Guard) and was a Congress MP.
Navneet Kaur Dhillon Crowned Miss India 2013

March 29th, 2013
Navneet Kaur Dhillon won Ponds Femina Miss India 2013 Sobhita Dhulipala, from Mumbai won first runner up and actress Zoya Afroz (18) from Lucknow was awarded second runner up. This year was the 50th anniversary of the competition. Ms Dhillon, who also won the Femina Miss Glowing skin award. She will go on to represent India at the next Miss World contest. India has won international titles 34 times, second only toVenezuela.
Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe passed away

March 29th, 2013
Chinua Achebe Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and critic. He was best known for literary work Things Fall Apart (1958) the novel which is the most widely read book in modern African literature. best known for his first novel and magnum opus,[4] Things Fall Apart (1958), which is the most widely read book in modern African literature.
Google invites Narendra Modi to address Big Tent Activate Summit

March 28th, 2013
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Narendra Modi is the first CM from India who has been invited to address the Google Big Tent Activate Summit 2013 on March 21 through Google+ hangout on the theme Technology in Politics. What is Big Tent Summit? Big Tent summits are meets organized by Google providing a platform to bring together experts from various fields, political leaders, thinkers to discuss on a variety of issues.
Damodaran committee report on business climate very soon

March 28th, 2013
Damodaran Committee, which was set up last year under the chairmanship of former SEBI chief M Damodaran to suggest ways to improve the countrys overall business environment, is expected to submit its report by the end of March 2013. The panel was formed amid concerns among industry and investors about perception of policy paralysis and lack of required economic reforms. Eminent businessmen and industrialists such as Anand Mahindra, Kumar Mangalam Birla and Y.C Deveshwar, besides senior government officials are part of the panel.
Bangladesh President Mohammad Zillur Rahman passed away

March 28th, 2013
President of Bangladesh, Mohammad Zillur Rahman, died at a Singapore hospital where he was being treated for kidney and respiratory problems.
Morsy proposes E-BRICS

March 26th, 2013
Egypts first elected President Mohamed Morsywho is on visit to India have expressed keenness to join the BRICS and hoped to see itself in the E-BRICS (E stands for Egypt). EBRICS = Egypt + BRICS nations
National Bioscience Award 2012

March 21st, 2013
S. Venkata Mohan of the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, here has won the National Bioscience Award for 2012, awarded by the Department of Biotechnology, for scientists below 45. He has won the prize for his contributions towards developing technologies for production of clean bio-fuels from waste.
Kelkar-chaired committee to suggest plans for enhancing domestic oil production

March 20th, 2013
A committee headed by Vijay Kelkar would formulate a roadmap for ramping up domestic output of oil and gas and sustainable reduction in import dependency by 2030. The Committee has to present its report to the Government within six months. The panel would devise an institutional mechanism for appraisal of Indian sedimentary basins to the extent of 75 % by 2015 and 100% by 2025.
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Besides, it would review the mechanism to acquire acreages abroad for exploration and production as well as for pursuing diplomatic and political initiatives for import of gas from neighbouring and other countries with emphasis on trans-national gas pipelines.
Xi proposes 5-point formula to boost ties with India

March 20th, 2013
The newly elected President of China Xi Jinping held that the resolution of the boundary dispute b/w India and China wont be easy and pending its final settlement peace and tranquility should be maintained on the border without affecting the overall relationships. Xi proposed 5-point formula to improve ties with India: 1. China and India should maintain strategic communication and keep the bilateral relations on the right track. 2. Both nations should tap each others comparative strengths and expand win-win cooperation in infrastructure, mutual investment and other areas. 3. Both countries should strengthen cultural ties and constantly increase the mutually expanding friendship between the two countries. 4. The two countries should expand coordination and collaboration in multi-lateral foray to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and tackle global challenges. 5. Both should accommodate each others core concerns and properly handle problems and differences existing between the two countries.
Kimi Raikkonen bags formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2013

March 20th, 2013
Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus team has won the Australian Grand Prix 2013. Kimi Raikkonen: Finnish racing driver. Drives in Formula One now for Lotus Team.
New editor of TIME International Bobby Ghosh

March 16th, 2013
Famous Indian journalist Bobby Ghosh has been made the the TIME International.Bobby joined TIME in 1998 after doing journalism in India.
new
editor
of
He is the first non-American to be named World Editor in TIMEs more than 80 years.
President of ADB Mr. Kuroda become Governor of Central Bank of Japan

March 16th, 2013
Japans Parliament approved Haruhiko Kuroda, a Finan ce Ministry veteran to become the Governor of the Central Bank of Japan. Mr. Kuroda will try to make efforts to break the worlds third -largest economy out of its long bout of deflation. Mr. Haruhiko Kuroda is the President of ADB since February 2005 and the Chairperson of ADBs Board of Directors.
The founder-chairman of Dr Reddys Labs, Dr. Kallam Anji Reddy passed away
March 16th, 2013
Kallam Anji Reddy (73), the founder-chairman of Dr Reddys Labs passed away.
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Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi sworn in Nepal Prime Minister amid protest
March 15th, 2013
Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Nepal. President Ram Baran Yadav admistered the oath of office to him. Regmi will continue to hold the position of the Chief Justice without actively engaging in the day to day affairs of the court. Regmis governments key tasks will be: To hold elections by June 21, 2013 To choose a new Constituent Assembly to write a constitution.
Tan Twan Eng wins Asias top literary prize The Man Asian Literary Prize
March 15th, 2013
Tan Twan Eng won the Asias top literary prize Man Asian Literary Prize for his novel The Garden of Evening Mists,for the year 2012. He became the first Malaysian author to win Asias most prestigious literary prize. The author won with his novel The Garden of Evening Mists, which is only the second time the Man Asian Literary Prize has been won by a novel originally written in English. All previous winners, except Ilustrado by Miguel Syjuco (2008), won as English translations.
Xi Jinping assumes Presidents office in China

March 15th, 2013
Xi Jinping has assumed charge of Presidents office in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. He takes over outgoing president Hu Jintao.
Renowned painter Ganesh Pyne passed away

March 15th, 2013
Legendary painter Ganesh Pyne (76) passed away in Kolkata.
Princess Lilian of Sweden passes away

March 15th, 2013
Princess Lilian (97) of Sweden passed away. She had been suffering from Alzheimers disease. Her romance with husband Prince Bertil became one of Swedens best-known love stories.
New Pope: Jorge Mario Bergoglio takes Francis as name

March 14th, 2013
Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been elected as new pope of the Catholic Church. 266th pope Native of Argentina. Became first pontiff from outside Europe in more than a millennium since Syrian-born Pope Gregory III, who died in 741. Thus, he is thefirst non-European pope since the 8th century. He has chosen the name Pope Francis. He is now both the leader of the Catholic Church and sovereign ruler of the Vatican City State.
Fact Box: Prisoner X


March 12th, 2013
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Prisoner X worked for Israel: Australia Australia acknowledged for the first time that the dual Australian-Israeli citizen who died in a maximum-security Israeli prison had been working for Israel. Australia has raised the possibility of a diplomatic fuss if the mans Australian passport was used for espionage. Who is Prisoner X? Prisoner X, Mr. X and Mister X were proxy names for Ben Zygier while he was imprisoned in Israel in strict secrecy for unspecified crimes at Ayalon Prison. Ben Zygier was an Australian-Israeli citizen.
World banks estimates Indian economy to grow over 6% by 2013-14

March 12th, 2013
World Bank estimated Indias economy to grow by 6% in 2013-14. This estimation was made by the World Bank Chief Jim Young Kim who was on his first visit to India after taking over as President of the World Bank Group July 2012.
President appoints Ashwani Kumar and S.C. Jamir as new Governors of Nagaland and Odisha respectively
March 12th, 2013
President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday appointed former Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Ashwani Kumar and senior Congress leader S.C. Jamir as Governors of Nagaland and Odisha respectively.
RBI chief rules out a revision in inflation goal

March 11th, 2013
The RBI Governor D. Subbarao has ruled out any revision in its inflation goal while addressing a meeting over the subject Is there a new normal for inflation? Mr. Subbarao asserted that: Much of Indian Economys inflation is driven by supply constraints and these could be corrected by appropriate policies and their effective implementation. Accepting a new normal for inflation not on ly doesnt has a theoretical or empirical support, but it means the moral hazard of policy inaction in dealing with supply constraints. There is no empirical evidence to establish that the benefits of higher growth outweigh the cost of welfare loss associated with higher inflation. Neither theory nor empirical evidence presents a credible case for acquiescing in a new normal for inflation in India
Delhi court frames Irom Sharmila under attempt to suicide

March 10th, 2013
A Delhi Court has framed the charges of attempting to suicide against social activist Irom Sharmila. Who is Irom Irom Sharmila who is also known by his sobriquetIron Lady of Manipur, Sharmila?
Outstanding parliamentarian award to Jaitley, Karan Singh, Sharad Yadav


March 10th, 2013
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The Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG) has approved Outstanding Parliamentarian Award to three leaders viz. BJP leader Arun Jaitley, Congress MP Karan Singh and JD(U) MP Sharad Yadav for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively.
Mukul Sangma once again becomes CM of Meghalaya

March 8th, 2013
Mukul Manda Sangma of Congress party has sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya for the second consecutive time.
Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu visits India

March 8th, 2013
Nobel laureate and South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who is also regarded as South Africa Moral Conscience, made a visit to Kochi inIndia and expressed his gratitude for our freedom heroes.
Bangaladeh confers Liberation War Honour on Pranab Mukherjee

March 8th, 2013
Bangladesh has extended his gratitude by conferring Liberation War Honor Award on Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, for his "outstanding contribution" to the 1971 war even as the country sees a massive youth-led uprising for "justice" for those who died in the conflict. India, during the tenure of Indira Gandhi as PM, had fought the 1971 war against East Pakistan for the independence and creation of Bangladesh. Mukherjee, in his acceptance speech made on June 15, 1971 in Rajya Sabha for a discussion over Indias role in the war, had suggested that Ind ia should accord diplomatic recognition to the government of Bangladesh in exile in Mujibnagar. In 2011, Bangladesh had conferred its highest honor, the Bangladesh Freedom Honour, former Indian premier Indira Gandhi posthumously, for her contribution to the creation of Bangladesh.
Mukesh Ambani titled Indias richest person for 6th year in a row
March 8th, 2013
As per an annual ranking released by business magazine Forbes, Mukesh Ambani with a networth of $21.5 billion has retained his title as Indias richest person for sixth year in a row. Mexican business mogul Carlos Slim, with a networth of $73 billion, has been ranked as wealthiest in the world for the fourth consecutive year. On the global rankings, Mukesh Ambani is placed 22nd, while the secondrichest Indian Lakshmi Mittal is at 41st rank with a networth of $16.5 billion. Top 5 richest people: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Carlos Slim Bill Gates Amanacio Ortega Warren Buffet Larry Ellison
Rajasthani writer Hariram Meena chosen for Bihari Puraskar

March 6th, 2013
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Famous Rajasthani author Hariram Meena will be conferred with the Bihari Puraskar for 2012 for his Hindi novel Dhooni Tape Teer. The novel is based on sacrifices of scores of tribal people at Mangarh mountains near Banswara in Rajasthan on November 17, 1913 when British forces had resorted to gunfire to contain their revolt. About Bihari Puraskar Bihari Puraskar was instituted by the K K Birla Foundation in 1991 and is given annually to Rajasthani writers for outstanding literary works in Hindi or Rajasthani published in the past 10 years. The award carries a citation and a cash purse of Rs 1 lakh. The Foundation also gives other prestigious awards Saraswati Samman and Vyas Samman for extraordinary literary works.
International Women of Courage Award to Delhi victim

March 6th, 2013
United States to honor the 23-year-old Delhi braveheart with theInternational Women of Courage Award. The first lady Michelle Obama and the secretary of state John Kerry will present the award.
Neiphiu Rio: New CM o Nagaland CM

March 6th, 2013
Neiphiu Rio takes oath as the Chief Minister of Nagaland for the third consecutive term. The Naga Peoples Front (NPF)-led DAN, having 40 elected members, along with the support of seven Independents, had staked claim to form the government.
Budget Box: Changed GAAR provisions to come into effect from April 2016
March 3rd, 2013
As announced in the current Budget, the modified version of controversial General Anti Avoidance Rules (GAAR) provisions will be implemented from April 2016. The modified provisions maintain the basic thrust and purpose of GAAR. The government had formed an expert committee chaired by Parathasarthi Shome to give recommendations on the anti-avoidance tax proposals. The panel had recommended to defer GAAR by 3 years and abolition of short-term capital gains tax. Impermissible tax avoidance arrangements will be subjected to tax after a decision is made through a well laid out procedure involving an assessing officer and an Approving Panel headed by a Judge. The Finance Bill 201314 proposes to set up a Tax Administration Reform Commission to review the application of tax policies and tax laws and submit periodic reports that can be implemented to strengthen the capacity of our tax system. A Standing Council of Experts will be set up in the Finance Ministry to examine the international competitiveness of the Indian financial sector. It will periodically examine the transaction costs of doing business in the Indian market, and provide suggestions to Government for necessary measures.
Walking with Lions: Tales from a Diplomatic Past a book by Natwar Singh released by Vice President
March 3rd, 2013
Walking with Lions : Tales from a Diplomatic Past
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A book authored by Shri K. Natwar Singh, former Union Minister for External Affairs was released by the Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari.
Vice Admiral Anurag G Thapliyal to be new Director General of Indian Coast Guard
March 3rd, 2013
Vice Admiral Anurag G Thapliyal will take the position of Director General of Indian Coast Guard succeeding the present Director General Vice Admiral MP Muralidharan
Sugata Mitra wins TED Prize for Extraordinary Creativity

March 1st, 2013
Educational researcher Sugata Mitra has been awarded the million-dollar TED Prize for pursuing his idea for building the schools in the Internet. Mitra is Professor of Educational Technology at the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences at Newcastle University, UK. He is best known for his "Hole in the Wall" experiment, and widely cited in works on literacy and education. About TED Prize: TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) prize is a one-million dollar prize given to people with extraordinary creativity. At the annual conference of TED, the winner talks about the wish to bring changes in the world.
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FEBRUARY
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Fact Box Anubhuti Railway Coaches
February 28th, 2013
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Owing to increased popularity of Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains, there is also a demand for higher travel comfort. Thus, was felt the need for the special AC luxury class by Railway Minister and named Anubhuticoaches. These with more facilities would be introduced in Shatabdi trains at the earliest.
Pope Benedict XVI will be known as emeritus Pope Vatican

February 28th, 2013
The Vatican announced that the Pope Benedict XVI will be known as emeritus Pope. It also held that the Pope after his retirement will continue to wear a white cassock and will be still addressed as Your Holiness Benedict XVI and will have the additional title of Roman pontiff emeritus.
Park Geun-hye sworn in as South Koreas first woman President

February 28th, 2013
Park Geun-hye sworn in as South Koreas first woman President.
Rajya Sabha approves Presidents Rule in Jharkhand

February 28th, 2013
The Rajya Sabha approved the proclamation of the Presidents Rule in Jharkhand. Arjun Munda resigned as Chief Minister of Jharkhand after his government lost majority last month as the JMM withdrew support to the BJP-led government. On January 18, 2013, Jharkhand was brought under the Presidents Rule for the 3rd time since its formation 12 years ago. The Rajya Sabha approved the proclamation with a voice vote after a debate.
Arun Tadanki Yahoo! India MD resigns

February 28th, 2013
Arun Tadanki, Managing Director, India & Southeast Asia, declared his decision to leave Yahoo.
Rail Budget 2013: Highlights

February 28th, 2013
Highlights of the Rail Budget 2013-14 as presented by Railway Minister Mr. P.K. Bansal relating to the following Headings: Manufacturing: A new wheel factory to be set up at Rae Bareli A greenfield Mainline Electrical Multiple Units (MEMU) manufacturing facility at Bhilwara (Rajasthan) in collaboration with State Government and BHEL. Six more Rail Neer bottling plants to be set up Coach Manufacturing Unit in Sonepat District (Haryana) in collaboration with State Government. A Midlife Rehabilitation Workshop at Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) in collaboration with the State Government. Bikaner and Pratapgarh workshops to undertake POH of BG wagons.
Justice (Retd) Ms Usha Mehra Commission Submitted its Report

February 26th, 2013
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Justice (Retd) Ms Usha Mehra Commission submitted its report to the Government. The Commission was constituted on 26th December, 2012.
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Objective: To enquire into various aspects of the incidence of brutal assault to a young woman in Delhi on December 16, 2012. The Commission was asked to submit its report within 3 months and the Commission has submitted it before time.
Hari Shankar Singhania, leading industrialist, passes away

February 26th, 2013
Hari Shankar Singhania (79), one of Indias most distinguished industrialists, passed away. Singhania was president of JK Organization In 2003, he was awarded Padma Bhushan He was the second Indian to serve as president ofInternational Chamber of Commerce, Paris, during 1993-94.
Fact Box: Kishenganga Hydro-electric project (KHEP)

February 26th, 2013
Court of Arbitration the Court permits India to go ahead with the construction of the Rs. 3600 crore KHEP In a key decision, the Court of Arbitration the Court chaired by Stephen M. Schwebel, at the Hague has permitted India to go ahead with the construction of the Rs. 3600 crore Kishenganga Hydroelectric project (KHEP) in North Kashmir. The court eliminated Pakistans plea that this was a violation of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. Thus, India can go ahead with the diversion of the waters of Kishanganga for hydro-electric power generation. Kishanganga is a tributary of Jhelum. Kishenganga is called Neelam in Pakistan. KHEP is a 330 MW run-of-the-river Kishenganga project. Project is under construction by the NHPC (National Hydro Power Corporation) in Gurez valley near Bandipura in north Kashmir. What was Pakistans contention? Pakistan had contended that as per the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, the following are impermissible: 1. The KHEPs planned diversion of the waters of the Neelum (or Kishenganga) 2. The use of the drawdown flushing technique both at the KHEP and at other Indian hydroelectric projects that the Treaty regulates. Pakistan had raised objections to the above holding that it will affect Pakistans water availability downstream and thus it sought setting up of a Court of Arbitration on May 17, 2010. What was Indias contention?
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India had asserted that both the design and planned mode of operation of the KHEP are in full conformity with the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. What is the verdict of the Court of Arbitration?
A Court of Arbitration was set up under the chairmanship Stephen M. Schwebel was set up on May 17, 2010 at The Hague. The members of the Court of Arbitration visited India and Pakistan for site inspection in June, 2011. The court eliminated Pakistans plea that this was a violation of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. Thus, India can go ahead with the diversion of the waters of Kishanganga for hydro-electric power generation. At the same time, the court has confined India from adopting the drawdown flushing technique for clearing sedimentation in the run-of-the river project. Thus, now India will have to adopt a different flushing technique for clearing sedimentation in the run-of-the river project. The Court had limited India from constructing any permanent works on or above Kishenganga at Gurez that may suppress the restoration of the full flow of the river. The court has permitted India to construct a temporary by-pass tunnel for diversion of waters.
AirAsia seeks Indian govts nod to join hands with Tata Group to enter countrys aviation
February 24th, 2013
Malaysias no-frills carrier AirAsia has sought the approval of the Indian Government to join hands with the Tata Group to enter the aviation sector. This would be the first investment in the sector by a foreign airline after the Government raised the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit from 26% to 49% in 2012. AirAsia has applied to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to take a 49% stake in a venture with Tata Sons Ltd., and Arun Bhatias Telestra Tradeplace . Telestra Tradeplace is an investment holding company of Arun Bhatia. One of its group companies is Hindustan Aerosystems Pvt Ltd., which manufactures and supplies precision components for the aerospace industry. If FIPB grants clearance to the proposal, the airline operators would then need approval from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to start operations.
Tech tycoons institute Breakthrough Prize for Life Sciences

February 24th, 2013
Technology magnates, including Google co-founder Sergey Brin and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, have launched a $15-million annualBreakthrough Prize for Life Sciences to reward outstanding scientific achievements in life sciences.
T.S. Vijayan is new IRDA chairman

February 24th, 2013
Former chairman of Life Insurance Corporation, T.S. Vijayantook over as the chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA).
Viswanathan Anand wins Grenke Classic

February 22nd, 2013
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World chess champion Viswanathan Anand scored an emphatic victory over German Arkadij Naiditsch to clinch the Grenke Chess Classic trophy.
SEWA founder Ela Bhatt conferred with Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
February 21st, 2013
Self-Employed Womens Association of India(SEWA) founder Ela R Bhatt has been conferred with the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for the year 2011. The Prize has been awarded to Bhatt for her lifetime achievements in comprehensively empowering women in India and elsewhere through grassroots entrepreneurship.
Chandrasekhar Committee meets set pathway to unify foreign investments norms

February 20th, 2013
The K.M. Chandrashekhar committee formed to unify foreign investment norms met for the first time. Objective: To relax entry norms for a diverse category of foreign investors such as FDI / FII/ QFI/NRI/FVCI and the like. Two sub-committees Two sub-panels have been set up with following objective: 1. The first one will harmonize the FDI/FII categories keeping in mind that not all FII investment is short-term, and FII investments above a particular threshold should be deemed FDI. 2. The second sub-committee would look to fortify Know Your Client (KYC), and process related issues. This has been mooted to do away with the registration need of FIIs with SEBI, once KYC is strengthened. The panel discussed the feasibility of entrusting the responsibility of KYC to Qualified Depository Participants (QDPs) after elevating them to a custodial depository participant (CDP).
Bhaskar Rao appointed as Lokayukta of Karnataka

February 20th, 2013
Former Chief Justice of Karnataka, Bhaskar Rao, has been appointed as the Lokayukta of Karnatka. The chair of the anti-corruption ombudsman was vacant after previous Lokayukta Justice Shivraj V. Patil was forced to resign after the media expose of illegal land allotments in 2011.
First corporate sponsorship for Padma Shri Girisha Hosanagara

February 20th, 2013
High-jumper Padma Shri awardee Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda who bagged silver medal in London paralympics has become brand ambassador of nutrition company Herbalife.
Asoke Kumar Mukerji The next Permanent Representative of India to the UN

February 20th, 2013
Asoke Kumar Mukerji, currently Special Secretary at headquarters, has been appointed as the next Ambassador/Permanent Representative ofIndia to the United Nations at New York.
Golden Bear to Childs Pose: Berlinale

February 20th, 2013
Childs Pose (Poziia Copilului) by Romanian director Clin Peter Netzer was awarded the Golden Bear at the 63rd Berlin InternationalFilm Festival.
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The Alfred Bauer Prize (Silver Bear) went to An Episode in the Life of an Iron Picker by Danis Tanovi Best Director Award was given to David Gordon Green for Prince Avalanche. India-based documentary Salma by British filmmaker Kim place in Panorama Audience awards at Berlinale.
February 20th, 2013
Longinottobagged
the second
American philosopher and law expert Ronald Dworkin passed away

American philosopher and constitutional law scholar Ronald Dworkin (81), who debated that the law should be founded on moral integrity, has passed away. He was widely known and one of the most quoted legalscholars in the U.S. and also an expert on British law.
Mohan Parasaran is new Solicitor General of India

February 16th, 2013
Mohan Parasaran has been appointed as the new Solicitor General ofIndia following the resignation of senior advocate Rohinton Nariman from the post. Mr Parasaran, who is currently the Additional Solicitor General, is a senior advocate of the Supreme Court. What is the job of SG? The Solicitor General appears on behalf of, and advises, the union government on various cases.
Parle-G is now Indias first homegrown Rs 5K crore FMCG brand

February 16th, 2013
The1939 born Parle-G glucose biscuit brand of Parle Products has become the first Indian FMCG brand to cross the Rs 5,000-crore mark in retail sales in a year.
Kalyan Kumar Chakravarty appointed as new chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi

February 16th, 2013
Kalyan Kumar Chakravarty , a 1970 batch retired IAS officer has been appointed as the new chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi. The appointment was cleared by the President Pranab Mukherjee.
Horacio Zeballos defeats Rafael Nadal to win VTR Open

February 15th, 2013
Horacio Zeballos of Argentina defeated Rafael Nadal of Spain to win the VTR Open held in Chile.
Fact Box: Operation Three Star

February 15th, 2013
Operation Three Star was the code name of the top secret execution plan in which Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was sent to gallows in the high-security Tihar Jail on February 9, 2013. Afzal Guru was found guilty of conspiring and sheltering the militants who attacked Parliament on December 13, 2001, in which nine persons were killed.
Prime Minister of Bhutan visited India

February 15th, 2013
Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley made a home visit to India. His visit was aimed at improving India-Bhutan bilateral ties.
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Lifetime Grammy Award to Ravi Shankar posthumously

February 12th, 2013
Late sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Grammy award, which was jointly accepted by his musically gifted daughters Anoushka Shankar and Norah Jones.
Ranchi Rhinos wins Hockey India League

February 12th, 2013
Ranchi Rhinos has won the maiden Hockey India League (HIL). They defeated Delhi Waveriders in the final match of the tournament. With this Delhi Waveriders took second position followed by Uttar Pradesh Wizards. Awards from the Hockey India League (HIL): Hero Goal of the Day: Manpreet Singh Man-of the-Match: Mauritz Furtse Fair-Play Award: Ranchi Rhinos Hero Player of the Tournament: Sardar Singh Ponty Chadha Trophy for Upcoming Player of the Tournament: Mandeep Singh Airtel Award for Most Goals in the Tournament: Delhi Waveriders
Government nominates C R Naseer Ahmed on the Board of Directors of Syndicate Bank

February 11th, 2013
The Central Government has nominated Mr. C R Naseer Ahmed as part-time non-official director on the Board of Directors of the Bank for a period of three years from February 01, 2013 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.Source.
Dell ready to become private in $24 billion deal

February 11th, 2013
PC manufacturer Dell is ready to go private in a $24.4-billion buyout. The company which is facing slump will pay its stockholders $13.65 per share to leave the company on its own. The company will be sold to a group of investors that includes investment firm Silver Lake. Once this is done, DELL will stop trading on the NASDAQ. Dell did rapid growth through the 1990s which brought its founder Michael Dell into one of the worlds richest people. Michael Dell, who owns nearly 16% stake in the company, wi ll remain the CEO after the sale closes. Dells sale is the highest-priced leveraged buyout of a technology company. What is a Leveraged buyout (LBO)? LBO = Acquisition of a company (or a part of a company or it can also be single asset like a real estate) using a substantial amount of borrowed money (bonds or loans / debt) to meet the cost of acquisition. The financial buyer (e.g. private equity fund) puts a small amount of equity (relative to the total purchase price) and utilizes leverage (debt or other non-equity sources of financing) to fund the rest of the amount that is paid to the seller. LBOs can have many different forms such as Management Buy-out (MBO), Management Buy-in (MBI), secondary buyout, tertiary buyout, etc.
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Can LBO be employed in public companies also?
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YES. Though, mostly LBOs occur in private companies, but it can also be employed with public companies. The +ves of Leveraged buyout::
In LBO transactions, financial buyers seek to generate high returns on the equity investments and use financial leverage (debt) to increase these potential returns. Financial backers of Dell are of the view that it will be easier to engineer a turnaround without having to pander to the stock markets fixation on whether the companys earnings are growi ng from one quarter to the next. Taking the company private will leave it without publicly traded shares to attract and reward talented workers or to help buy other companies. The -ves of Leveraged buyout:
LBOs need companies to reserve some of their incoming cash to reduce the debt taken on as part of the process of going private. The obligations mean Dell will have less money to invest in innovation and expansion of its business. Equity holders Risk arises due to significant financial leverage. Interest amount that has to be paid for the debt taken by the company are are "fixed costs" and thus they can in future force the company into default if they not paid. Debt holders The debt holders assume the risk of default compared with higher leverage as well, but as they have claims on the assets of the company, they are likely to realize a partial, if not full, return on their investments, even in bankruptcy. What is Management Buyout (MBO)? MBO is quite similar to a LBO, but the difference is that in an MBO the Management Team of the target company acquires the company instead of a financial sponsor as in case of a LBO. Example: Mr. Ram is the sole owner of XYZ company. Mr. Ram is now 65 years old and is set to retire in coming months and exit the business. Now, the Higher Management Team at the company believes strongly that the company has good future ahead and so the Management people come together and they buy out the Mr. Rams (owners) equity in the company and assume control in the XYZ company.
Sharad Sharma becomes ED of Geojit BNP Paribas

February 9th, 2013
Sharad Sharma has been appointed as the Executive Director of Geojit BNP Paribas to oversee the companys operations. Satish Menon, also the Executive Director, will be responsible for all business lines. - BNP Paribas is a French global banking group, headquartered in Paris. - BNP Paribas was formed in 2000 via the merger of Banque Nationale de Paris (BNP) and Paribas in 2000. - Bloomberg and Forbes in 2012 ranked BNP Paribas as the 3rd largest bank in world on basis of the total assets held by the bank.
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- SBI Life Insurance is a Joint-Venture b/w SBI (74%) and BNP (26%) Paribas Assurance.
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- Geojit was a company started in 1987 by Mr. C. J. George and Mr. Ranajit Kanjilal. In 1994, it became a Public Limited Company named Geojit Securities Ltd. - In 2007, BNP Paribas took a stake majority stake in Geojit Securities Ltd. and consequently, evolved Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services Ltd.
L.N. Tallur wins Skoda Art Prize 2012

February 9th, 2013
Renowned artist L.N. Tallur from Karnataka, whose works portray majorly the underbelly of India, has won the Rs. 1 million Skoda Prize 2012 forcontemporary art. In his exhibition titled Quintessential Mr. Tallur narrates his theory of 5th dimension. He believes, when an object of art is museumised,it creates a fifth dimension, and is a further addition to Einsteins 4 dimensions (time-space). Artist Rohini Devasher won the Skodas 2012 Art India Breakthrough Artist Award.
Iranian President Ahmadinejad becomes first Iranian leader to visit Egypt since Islamic Revolution of 1979
February 9th, 2013
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad became the first Iranian leader to visit Egypt after Tehrans 1979 Islamic revolution. He visited Egypt capital Cairo for attending the summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Thirty Software companies detach from NASSCOM to form iSpirt

February 9th, 2013
30 Indian software product companies have decided to form a new association called the Indian Software Product Industry Round Table, or iSpirt. Why this separation? Software companies involved in forming the new group have felt the need to create a new body which would be a group of Software Products companies rather than IT services companies like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro etc. which dominate NASSCOM. The objective is to bring all the software product companies (large and small) to share expertise and experiences, and create a larger awareness in society and government about the critical role the industry can play and something they believe they cannot effectively do under the larger NASSCOM umbrella. They have named the new body as Indian Software Product Industry Round Table, or iSpirt. Founding companies include Tally Solutions, QuickHeal, InMobi, Nucleus software, and industry stalwarts. The idea is to create and promote mass-solution software that can be bought off the shelf, like MS Windows or Office. The new associations members want to offer education software for all schools rather than just IITs/IIMs. The thirty founding members are led by Bharat Goenka, co-founder ofTally Solutions, Sharad Sharma, former head of Yahoo India R&D, startup mentor and founder of Brand Sigma, Naveen Tewari, founder of In-Mobi , and Vishnu Dusad, founder of Nucleus Software.
Jackie Chan, Mo Yan selected as members of Chinese parliament

February 8th, 2013
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Movie star Jackie Chan and the 2012 winner of Nobel prize for literature Mo Yan has been selected as members of one of the houses of Chinese parliament, the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
Famous Bengali Painter Shanu Lahiri passed away

February 8th, 2013
Famous painter of Bengal School, Shanu Lahiri (85) passed away. She was the winner of Presidents Gold Medal.
Rohinton Nariman submits resignation from Solicitor General of India

February 8th, 2013
The Solicitor General of India, senior advocate Rohinton F Narimanhas resigned from the post amid speculation that the decision came over his differences with the Law ministry. Nariman has not stated any reason for quitting his post. The Solicitor General of India is the second senior most law officer of the country.
Naseer Ahmed is the new Director of Syndicate Bank

February 8th, 2013
C R Naseer Ahmed has been appointed as the Director of Syndicate Bank. The Government of India has nominated Ahmed as part-time non-official director on the Board of Directors of Syndicate Bank for a period of 3 years.
South Africa tops ICC Rankings for Test Cricket

February 7th, 2013
South Africa was declared as the world number one team in the ICC TestCricket Rankings. It is followed by England, Australia, Pakistan and India. India was at 5th spot. South African batsman Hashim Amla has emerged as the best batsman in the category and with this he became the first batsman to hold the number one position in both Test and One-day format of the game since 2007, before this Ricky Pointing was the cricketer to achieve this feat. In the bowling rankings, Dale Steyn, the South African bowler held the top spot followed by his teammate, Vernan Philander. Pragyan Ojha is the only one from Indian side to figure in the top ten bowlers in the test rankings.
McGrath and Turner enter Australian Cricket Hall of Fame

February 7th, 2013
Renowned pace bowlers Glenn McGrath and Charlie Turner have been inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. Charlie Turner took 6-15 on test debut at Sydney in 1887. He died in 1944. Turner took 101 wickets in 17 test matches b/w the time period of 1887 and 1895.
Michael Clarke bags his 4th Allan Border Medal

February 7th, 2013
Australian Cricket Teams skipper Michael Clarke has won his fourth Allan Border Medal. Previously, he won the medal in 2005, 2009 and 2012 medals. With this Clarke equalized Ricky Ponting who had also achieved this feat in past.
Functioning of Prasar Bharati to be examined by study groups

February 7th, 2013
The Sam Pitroda-led expert panel has set up 11 study groups for examining the GovernmentPrasar Bharati ties, its financing, aspects related to content, presentation and other issues.
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Vasudeva Rao is new Director of IGCAR
February 5th, 2013
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P.R. Vasudeva Rao has been appointed as the new director of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR). About IGCAR Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) is a premier atomic research centre of India. The centre is involved in broad based multidisciplinary programme of scientific research and advanced engineering directed towards the development of Fast Breeder Reactor technology. It is located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
Obama honors Indian American Scientist

February 5th, 2013
Indian American scientist Rangaswamy Srinivasan has been honored with the prestigious 2011 National Medal of Technology and Innovation by U.S. President Barack Obama. For more about Rangaswamy Srinivasan:Click Here
India Cements appoints M S Dhoni as its Vice President

February 5th, 2013
Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been appointed as vice-president of India Cements, a company which is headed by BCCI President N Srinivasan. India Cements are the owners of IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings of which Dhoni has been the captain since 2008 and Srinivasan is the Managing Director-cum-vice-chairman of the company.
John Kerry new Secretary of State in Obamas govt

February 4th, 2013
Democratic Senator from Massachusetts and former presidential candidate John Kerry chosen as U.S. President Barack Obamas Secretary of State. He replaced incumbent Ms Hillary Clinton. Mr. Kerry had lost out to George W. Bush in the 2004 presidential election.
Expert panel under chairmanship of Sam Pitroda constituted to review functioning of Prasar Bharti
February 2nd, 2013
An Expert Committee has been set up by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has with the task of reviewing the institutional frame work of Prasar Bharati including its relationship with Government, its continuing role as a public broadcaster and steps needed to ensure technical upgradation of the organization. The panel will be chaired by Sam Pitroda (Advisor to the Prime Minister of India on Public InformationInfrastructure & Innovations).
Bharti Airtel appoints Manoj Kohli as it MD

February 2nd, 2013
Worlds 4th largest mobile operator by customers, Bharti Airtel, Managing Director.
will appoint Manoj Kohli as its
Kohlis elevation will see Bharti Airtel founder Sunil Mittal become its executive chairman.
Czech elects Milos Zeman as its President

February 2nd, 2013
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Milos Zeman has won presidential poll of Czech Republic by his defeating opponent Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg. Mr Zeman will replace current president Vaclav Klaus, who completes his term in March,2013 after his 10 years regime. Mr. Zeman is the supporter of further integration of the European Union.
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JANUARY
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At 105, Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan is the oldest to get Padma Award
January 31st, 2013
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Hindustani vocalist Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan (105) has become the oldest person to be chosen for this years Padma Shri award. Previously, in 2011, Indias first woman photo-journalist Homai Vyarawala was honoured with the Padma Vibushan at the age of 97. She passed away in 2012. Khan is also a poet who has penned around 2000 compositions under the pseudonym Rasan Piya.
Worlds oldest marathoner to retire

January 30th, 2013
Worlds oldest marathon runner, 101-year-old Fauja Singh, from Ilford, east London, has announced retirement from the sport after taking part in the after Hong Kong marathon which will be held inFebruary 2013. Singh is fondly known as Turbaned Tornado among his fans. He entered the records as the worlds oldest marathon runner after his show in Toronto marathon. To know more about the Turbaned Tornado Fauja Singh: Click Here.
Shiv Sena elects Uddhav Thackeray as its President

January 30th, 2013
Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray (52) was formally elected as the president of the party. There will be no post of Shiv Sena pramukh, which was held by late party supremo Bal Thackeray for over four decades.
Kirti Chakra to Army Major Abup J Manjali

January 29th, 2013
Major Abup J Manjali of the Rashtriya Rifles has been awarded the Kirti Chakra on this Republic Day for the exhibition of exceptional valor in counter- terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Manjali is the only soldier to be awarded the second- highest peacetime gallantry award Kirti Chakra on this Republic Day.
SRK tops Forbes India Celebrity 100 chart

January 28th, 2013
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan stood at the pinnacle of inaugural Forbes India Celebrity 100 list. The 2nd spot was held by Salman Khan, while Indian cricket skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni stood at the 3rd place in the list. Top 3 earners during October 2011 to September 2012: Shah Rukh Khan- Rs 202.8 crore. Salman Khan Rs 144.2 crore Dhoni Rs 135.16 crore
Ameet Shah appointed to US Dept committee on renewable energy

January 28th, 2013
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The Co-Chairman of Astonfield Renewable Resources Ltd, Ameet Shah, has been appointed to the US Department of Commerces Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (RE&EEAC). Astonfields 12.3 MW solar photovoltaic plant in Nayaka of Patan district of Gujarat, was sanctioned under the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA).
US Senators introduce Malala Yousufzai Scholarship Act

January 28th, 2013
A bill in the name of Pakistani peace activist MalalaYousafzai has been introduced by two top American Senators. The legislation named Malala Yousufzai Scholarship Act is aimed at expanding scholarship opportunities for disadvantaged young women in Pakistan. The bill would require a 30 % increase in the number of scholarships awarded under the program for the next four years, and that these additional scholarships be awarded solely to women. The Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act would expand and enhance an existing United States Agency for International Development (USAID)scholarship program called the Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Program. The USAID program provides scholarships for university studies inagriculture or business administration to economically disadvantaged young men and women from rural areas of Pakistan.
Indian author U.R.Ananthamurthy in race for the International Man Booker Prize for Fiction 2013
January 26th, 2013
Indian Kannada author U.R.Ananthamurthy (80) is one among the ten authors shortlisted for the prestigious International Man Booker Prize for Fiction 2013. Ananthamurthy became famous with his novelSamskara launched in 1966. The International Man Booker Prize is presented by UK to a living author of any nationality for a body of work published in English or generally available in English translation. It is a biennial event whichawards an author for his lifetime work.
Bhutan king igme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to be Republic Day parade chief guest
January 24th, 2013
Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will be the chief guest at Indias 64th Republic Day parade on Jan 26, 2013.
Intel to make an interface to help Stephen Hawkins communicate faster

January 24th, 2013
Intel , the worlds largest and most valued chip maker, has revealed that it is working on an interface that will boost the scientists speech to up to 10 words per minute. Currently, Hawkins rate of communication is 1 word per minute. Hawking has a motor neurone disease related toAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a condition that has progressed over the years. He is almost entirely paralysed and communicates through a speech generating device.
Virat Kohli becomes second fastest Indian to score 4000 runs in ODIs
January 24th, 2013
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Indian cricket star Virat Kohli became the fastest Indian to score 4000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Virat Kohli played 96 ODI matches and 93 innings to reach this milestone. Before Sourav Ganguly was the fastest Indian to score 4000 runs in ODI who had played 105 inning.
Rajnath Singh takes charge as new BJP president

January 24th, 2013
The BJP unanimously elected Rajnath Singh as its president. Singh replaced Nitin Gadkari who had been on the post since 2009.
IOC asks Lance Armstrong to return bronze medal won at 2000 Sydney Olympics
January 24th, 2013
The International Olympics association has requested the discredited cyclist Lance Armstrong to return the Olympic bronze medal he won at the 2000 Sydney Olympics Games. The cyclist was stripped off all the seven Tour de France medals he had won after a report from the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) accused him of leading a massive doping programme on his teams.
S S Mundra appointed as the new CMD of BoB

January 24th, 2013
S S Mundra has been appointed by the Government of India as theChairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Indias second largest lender- Bank of Baroda. He is the former Executive Director of Unionbank of India.
U.R. Rao to be inducted in Satellite Hall of Fame

January 24th, 2013
The former ISRO chairman, Prof. U.R. Rao, will be inducted the prestigious international Satellite Hall of Fame. The USbased Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) is honoring him for his contribution to the field of satellite-related aerospace scientific research. Prof. Rao, who served as Secretary, Department of Space, and Chairman of the Space Commission for 10 years from 1984, will join the club of some 40 space personalities who include Arthur Clarke. Currently, Rao is the chairman of the governing council of the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad.
Rahul Gandhi Vice President of Congress

January 23rd, 2013
Congress has selected Rahul Gandhi as its Vice-President. The decision was finalized in the Congress Chintan Shivir held at Jaipur. It was organized to discuss Congress strategy for elections in 2014. Rahul is only the third vice-president in Congress history after Arjun Singh who held the post under Rajiv Gandhi in 1986, and Jitendra Prasada under Sitaram Kesari in 1997.
Obama takes oath for another term as US president

January 23rd, 2013
Barack Obama has been officially sworn in for a second consecutive term as US President. Obama delivered the oath in the Blue Room of the White House with First Lady Michelle.
Hockey India appoints Roelant Oltmans as High Performance Director

January 22nd, 2013
Legendry Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans has been appointed as High Performance Director by Hockey India to oversee the affairs of its senior and junior national teams.
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Oltmans brings with him an experience of 14-years of coaching Dutch team, which under his guidance clinched the gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics, two FIH World Cups, three FIH Champions Trophy and the Euro Hockey League.
Indian researcher to receive Alzheimers drug discovery award

January 22nd, 2013
Mahaveer Golechha, a London-based Indian researcher will be honored with Alzheimers Drug Discovery Foundations Young Investigator Scholarship Award at the 7th Annual Drug Discovery for Neurodegeneration Conference San Francisco. Why this award? The award is being given to him to recognize his outstanding research on Naringin, a bioflavonoid found in grape fruits and citrus fruits. He has discovered thatnaringin bears significant "antiAlzheimer activity"and will form the basis of further research to develop as a cure for the degenerative disease related to old age, which worsens as its progresses and eventually leads to death.
Wei Wei is new Chinese Ambassador to India

January 20th, 2013
China has appointed Wei Wei (57) as new ambassador toIndia, succeeding Zhang Yan. The appointment was made by President Hu Jintao in accordance with a decision made by the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress (NPC), Chinas top legislature
Zhao Jiang is Chinas first Tamil author

January 20th, 2013
Zhao Jiang or Kalaimakal has become first Chinese author to write a book in Tamil. She has authored a book titledChinas Travel Attractions which introduces the reader with the history and culture of Beijing, Shanghai and Tibet. Currently, Jiang is the director of the government-run China Radio Internationals (CRI) Tamil station, which commands an significant number of audience in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singaporeand Europe.
Saina Nehwal becomes world No. 2

January 19th, 2013
Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal once again attained world no.2 position in the latest Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings. Previously, she had achieved this feat in 2010.
Marathi writer Jyotsna Deodhar passed away

January 19th, 2013
Acclaimed Marathi writer Jyotsna Deodhar (86) passed away. She also worked as an All India Radio (AIR) programme producer, Deodhar authored over 40 books which included novels and short stories that won her critical applaud. Her novels include Ghar Gangechya Kathi, Udhvasta, Padzad. She became famous in Maharashtra with her radio programme in Marathi titled Gruhinithat highlighted womens issues.
Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri New face in Pakistan Politics

January 19th, 2013
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Mohammad Tahir ul-Qadri is a Pakistani politician, former law professor and a Sufi scholar.He was the former professor ofinternational constitutional law at the University of the Punjab. Qadri is also the founder and Chairman of Minhaj-ul-Quran International. He is currently in news for running a political campaign for a democratic revolution. He called for a "million-men" march in Islamabad to protest government corruption.
Mohan Peiris is the new Chief Justice of Sri Lanka

January 18th, 2013
Former attorney general of Sri Lanka, Mohan Peiris, has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of Sri Lanka after the dismissal of former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake following her impeachment.
Kamal Nath to lead Indian delegation in WEF meet

January 18th, 2013
PM Manmohan Singh has selected urban development and parliamentary affairs minister Kamal Nath to lead the Indian team in the World Economic Forums (WEF) annual summit in Davos, Switzerland. The team has 3 other ministerial members: Commerce & industry minister Anand Sharma Heavy industry minister Praful Patel Power minister Jyotiraditya Scindia
Indian-origin politician to be First Woman Speaker of Singapore Parliament

January 16th, 2013
Halimah Yacob, a politician of Indian-origin, will be the first woman Speaker of Singapores Parliament when she replaces Michael Palmer, who was forced to resign over his extra-marital affair. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong would nominate Halimah as the next Speaker. Halimah (58) is an Indian-origin Muslim, is a former labour lawyer and a Member of Parliament from the ruling Peoples Action Party (PAP).
Simon Taufel to be first umpire to deliver Cowdrey Lecture

January 16th, 2013
Retired umpire Simon Taufel of Australia will become the first umpire to deliver the esteemed MCC Spirit ofCricket Cowdrey Lecture. The lecture was introduced in 2001 in remembrance to former Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) president Colin Cowdrey, who played a major role in the Spirit of Cricket being enshrined in the preamble of the Code of the Laws of Cricket in 2000.
R. K. Dubey assumed charge as CMD of Canara Bank

January 16th, 2013
R.K. Dubey has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director ofCanara Bank.
Raj Kumar Goyal is new ED of Central Bank of India

January 16th, 2013
Raj Kumar Goyal has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Central Bank of India. Goyal comes in place of Rajeev Kishore Dubey, who has taken over the control of Canara Bank as its Chairman & Managing Director.
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Internet Activist Aaron Swarth died
January 15th, 2013
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Internet activist and co-founder of Reditt, Aaron Swarth(26), died. He was computer genius was the developer of the early version of the RSS (Rich Site Summary) web feed system. He was facing federal charges in cases of a controversial fraud and hacking allegations. What is RSS feed? RSS (Rich Site Summary) feed, in general, is a format which allows the users to find out content from the sites, where updates keeps on changing regularly like a news website or a blog.
Chief Justice of Srilanka removed by President Rajapaksa

January 15th, 2013
After the Parliament of Sri Lanka passed the impeachment motion with two-third majority against Chief Justice Shirani Bandarnayake, President Mahinda Rajapaksa dismissed her from the office. She is the first to be impeached in the countrys history.
Jayashri competes for Oscar

January 14th, 2013
Playback singer Bombay Jayashri Ramnath, along with composer Mychael Danna, has been nominated in the Original Song category for the lullaby song she sung in film Life of Pi directed by Ang Lee. It is for the first time a Tamil song has been nominated for Oscars.
Rajiv Takru appointed as Financial Services Secretary

January 13th, 2013
1979-batch IAS officer Rajiv Takru has been appointed as Financial Services Secretary in the Finance Ministry. Mr. Takru will take over as Secretary, Department of Financial Services, from outgoing Dinesh Kumar Mittal.
President confers Pravasi Bharatiya Samman on NRIs

January 13th, 2013
President Pranab Mukherjee honored 15 NRIs with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards. Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag, who was the chief guest at the inaugural of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, was also one among the awardees. Other Recipients of the Award: 1. Ashok Shambhomal Vaswani 2. Rajkeswur Purryag 3. Tan Sri Ravindran Menon 4. Rasik Vihari Joshi 5. Satendra Kumar Singh 6. Gilbert Canabady Moutien 7. Mohammed Rabeeh Karuvanthodi 8. Ismail Ebrahim Ebrahim 9. Bava Pandalingal 10. Patricia Maria Rozario 11. Narendra Ramakrishna Kumar 12. Subash Razdan
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13. Gursharan Singh Chhatwal 14. The Australia India Society of Victoria 15. The Indian Doctors Forum, Kuwait
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France honors Malala with Simone de Beauvoir Prize

January 13th, 2013
France honored Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by the Taliban for campaigning for girls education, withSimone de Beauvoir Prize for Womens Freedom. Malala Yousafzai was undergoing treatment at a British hospital and is awaiting reconstructive surgery on her skull.
Rangarajan opines to increase taxes on super-rich

January 13th, 2013
The chairman of the Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Council C. Rangarajan has suggested that increasing taxes on the super-rich could be one of the ways to improve the tax-to-GDP ratio. He opined two ways to improve tax-to GDP ratio: To introduce an additional slab at a higher marginal tax rate. To keep the tax structure as it is and impose a surcharge on the income above a certain level. He suggested that the super-rich should be determined on the basis of income and said that for those in the lower income level the current tax structure is good.
Lionel Messi creates record by winning 4th FIFA Ballon dOr

January 12th, 2013
Lionel Messi an Argentine footballer added yet another feather in his cap as he won an unprecedented fourth, consecutive, Ballon dOr at a FIFA gala in Zurich. The awards makes Messis status as the greatest player of his generation after he left behing Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta for the prize. Messi received a vote share of 41.60 percent to 23.68 for Ronaldo and 10.91 for Iniesta. Messi scored a staggering 91 goals in all competitions in 2012.
Golden Cleats Awards to Bolt and Fraser-Pryce

January 12th, 2013
Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) 2012 Golden CleatsAwards. Bolt and Fraser-Pryce took the male and female athletes of the year awards for their astounding performances at the London Olympic Games.
Nishant Rao is new India manager of LinkedIn

January 12th, 2013
LinkedIn appointed Nishant K Rao as the new Country Manager for itsIndia operations. His appointment came as the former Country Manager Hari V Krishnan was promoted for a larger role as the Managing Director of Asia-Pacific and Japan.
Air Marshal Kulwant Singh Gill takes charge as new commandant of NDA
January 12th, 2013
Air Marshal Kulwant Singh Gill took charge National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla, Pune.
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Jharkhand CM Arjun Munda resigns
January 12th, 2013
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Chief Minister of Jharkhand Arjun Munda submitted his resignation to Governor Syed Ahmed. He resigned after the BJP-led government lost the support from Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). Mr. Munda recommended that the Governor dissolve the Assembly to facilitate fresh elections
Justice D K Jain to head 20th Law Commission

January 12th, 2013
Justice D K Jain, who is about to retire from Supreme Court, has been appointed as the chairman of the 20th Law Commission of India.
Kohli wins CEAT International cricketer of the year

January 12th, 2013
Virat Kohli has won the CEAT international cricketer of the year 2011-12 award. Other Awards: CEAT Indian youngster of the year : Unmukt Chand (captained Indian team to victory in the under-19 World Cup) Team of the year: Pakistan Lifetime achievement award: Zaheer Abbas Under India-Pakistan special awards: Best batsman-ODI: Inzamam-ul-Haq Best batsman-Test: Sunil Gavaskar Best bowler-Test: Kapil Dev Best bowler-ODI: Wasim Akram CEAT audience choice awards: Virender Sehwag and Saeed Anwar
PM Manmohan Singh ranked 19th most followed leader on Twitter

January 12th, 2013
As per latest study released by Digital Policy Council, Indias PM Manmohan Singh has become the 19th most followed leader in the world on social networking website Twitter. Leaders like David Cameron and Julia Gillard ranked below him. US President Barack Obama is the stood at the top as most followed leader, followed by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
Sunmeet Kaur becomes first woman to win Rs 5 crore on KBC

January 10th, 2013
Sunmeet Kaur Sawhney from Mumbai has become the first women to win Rs 5 crore on the popular game show Kaun Banega Crorepati. She answered all 13 questions correctly to gain the windfall. She is actor Manmeet Singhs wife.
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Haradhan Bandopadhyay passes away
January 10th, 2013
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Famous screen and theater actor Haradhan Bandopadhyay (86), who had starred in many films of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, passed away. He was honored with "Banga Vibhushan" in 2012 by the Bengal government.
Tulsi Gabbard: First Hindu American Congresswoman takes oath on Gita

January 8th, 2013
Tulsi Gabbard- American politician and the Congresswoman for Hawaiis 2nd congressional district She has become the first Hindu American ever to be sworn in as a member of the US House of Representatives. She is also the first ever US lawmaker to have taken oath of office on the holy Bhagavad Gita. She was previously also the youngest woman in the United States to be elected to a state legislature (Hawaii)
McGrath inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

January 8th, 2013
Legendary pacer of Australia, Glenn McGrath inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. It will be a thirdentry in 2012-13 after Enid Bakewell and Brian Lara. McGrath will be 68th male member of the Hall of Fame.
CJI inaugurates fast track court to try sexual offences in Delhi

January 8th, 2013
Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir inaugurated first of the four fast track courts in Saket, Delhi to hear cases of sexual offence cases against women. Other fast track courts would start operating from January 3, 2013 at Rohini, Tis Hazari and Dwarka in New Delhi. The Delhi bus rape case would be the first rape case to be heard in the fast-track court where hearing will take place on daily trial basis.
Freedom fighter Pandit Ram Sanehi Shukla passed away

January 8th, 2013
Eminent freedom fighter and a follower of Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Ram Sanehi Shukla (98) passed away. Shukla joined the freedom movement as a student and was jailed several times in the pursuit of freedom. He was from Sahebpur Village under Mariahu tehsil in Jaunpur district ofUttar Pradesh.
Indian origin scientist Venkatesh Mannar gets Canadas highest civilian award
anuary 8th, 2013
Indian origin scientist Venkatesh Mannar who is President of Micronutrient Initiative, Canada, has been conferred with Canadas highest civilian award the Order of Canada. Order of Canada award is given to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation to people in all sectors of Canadian society. What is Mannars contribution? Mannar has been working for 40 years to alleviate debilitating micronutrient deficiencies among the worlds most vulnerable. He is attached with Micronutrient Initiative which is a not-for-profit organization which endeavors to ensure that the worlds most vulnerable especially women and
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children in developing countries get vitamins and minerals they need to survive and grow through supplements and a food fortification programme.
Womens history pioneer Gerda Lerner died

January 8th, 2013
Gerda Lerner (92), a groundbreaker in the field of womens history and founding member of the National Organization for Woman, passed away.
Mukesh Ambani ranked 18th richest person in the world

January 8th, 2013
As per Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Chairman & MD of Reliance Industries, Mukesh Ambani has been ranked asthe 18th richest person in the world with a personal wealth of $24.7 billion in 2012. As per the rankings top 5 positions are grabbed by: 1. Carlos Slim Helu, Mexico, Telecommunication Business with holdings in America Movil (the largest mobile phone operator in the Americas). He retains the title of richest person on Earthfor the entire year 2012 with net worth USD 70 billion. 2. Bill Gates, Microsoft founder 3. Amancio Ortega, founder of retailer Inditex SA. 4. Warren Buffett, American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. Chairman & CEO of Berkshire Hathaway 5. Ingvar Kamprad, IKEA founder
Ireland honors Malala with Peace Prize

January 8th, 2013
Social activist Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan who was shot at by a Taliban gunman in 2012, will be awarded with Irelands esteemedTipperary International Peace Prize for 2012 in recognition to her courage and determination to speak out in support of equal access to education for every child. Malala is the second Pakistani to get the award. In 2007, it was given toBenazir Bhutto.
Justice Amitava Roy is the new Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court
January 8th, 2013
Justice Amitava Roy was sworn in as the Chief Justice ofRajasthan High Court. He replaced previous chief justice Arun Kumar Mishra who has been transferred to Kolakata High Court.
Asif Ibrahim appointed as chief of Intelligence Bureau

January 6th, 2013
Syed Asif Ibrahim A 1977 batch Madhya Pradesh cadre IPS officer. Took charge as director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Ibrahim is the first Muslim to hold the top post in IB.
Nobel laureate Rita Levi-Montalcini Lady of the Cells passed away

January 6th, 2013
Lady of the Cells, as she was known in Italy, Rita Levi-Montalcini (103) passed away. She was a biologist who conducted underground research in defiance of Fascist persecution and later won a Nobel Prize for helping unlock the mysteries of the cell.
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Her major
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contribution:
Her most significant work was: isolating the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) from observations of certain cancerous tissues that cause extremely rapid growth of nerve cells.
Y.V. Reddy to be the chairman of 14th Finance Commission

January 6th, 2013
The constitution of the 14th Finance Commission has been announced by the government. The Commission will have 5 members which will be headed by former RBI Governor Y.V. Reddy. The panel is to submit its report by October 31, 2014. Who are the members of the panel? Members of the Panel: Chairman: Dr. Y.V. Reddy Former Finance Secretary Sushma Nath NIPFP Director M. Govinda Rao Planning Commission Member Abhijit Sen Former Acting Chairman of National Statistical CommissionSudipto Mundle.
Urjit Patel is the new deputy governor of RBI

January 6th, 2013
Urjit Patel succeeded Subir Gokarn to become new deputy governor at the Reserve Bank of India.
SC upholds appointment of Gujarat Lokayukta

January 6th, 2013
In what is being seen as a setback to Gujarat CM Narendra Modi government, the apex court upheld the appointment of Justice R.A. Mehta as Lokayukta by the Governor as it was done in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court.
Vanitha Narayanan becomes IBM India MD

January 6th, 2013
Vanitha Narayanan has been appointed as managing director of IBM India by the company. She replaced Shanker Annaswamy.
Sanjiv Bhatt honored with Mother Teresa Award

January 3rd, 2013
Suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt honored with theMother Teresa Memorial International Award for Social Justice for 2012. The Harmony foundation who recognized Bhatt as one who stood against communal forces to ensure protection of the vulnerable and insecure minorities. Sanjiv Bhatt: He is an Indian Police Service officer in Gujarat who is currently suspended. He is known for his role in filing an affidavit in theSupreme Court against the CM of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, concerning Modis alleged role in 2002 Gujarat riots.
Bhakti Sharma: Worlds youngest to cross seven seas

January 3rd, 2013
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22-year old Bhakti Sharma from India is the youngest in the world to have crossed seven seas, including four oceans.Besides, she is only the third person in the world to have swum across the Arctic Ocean, and is now targeting the Antarctic Ocean to become the youngest to swim in all five oceans. Bhakti, who belongs to Udaipur (Rajasthan), has also been conferred with the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award 2012 for water adventure, by the President.
Kamal Nath appointed as new ex-officio chairman of Planning Commission

January 1st, 2013
Prime Ministers office has re-constituted the Planning Commission by appointing parliamentary affairs and urban development minister Kamal Nath as the new ex-officio member of the Plan panel in place of rural development minister Jairam Ramesh. Other ex-officio members are: Finance Minister P Chidambaram Agriculture minister Sharad Pawar Home minister Sushilkumar Shinde Health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Chemicals and fertilisers minister M K Alagiri Communications minister Kapil Sibal Law minister Ashwani Kumar HRD minister M M Pallam Raju Minister of state for planning Rajeev Shukla National Development Council (NDC) will be headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Council is the supreme policy-making body in the country. Besides central ministers, the Commissions members include all Chief Ministers and regular members.
Ramanujans mysterious deathbed Theory proven correct

January 1st, 2013
A cryptic deathbed theory given by Indias mathematics genius Srinivasa Ramanujan, has now been proven correct and it could also explain the behavior of black holes.
Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship for the Year 2012

January 1st, 2013
The General Council of Sangeet Natak Akademi, the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama, New Delhi honored 3 renowned personalities in the field of performing arts as Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellows. These are: 1. N. Rajam 2. T.H.Vinayakram 3. Ratan Thiyam
U.S.General Norman Schwarzkopf who led Operation Desert Storm died

January 1st, 2013
The retired US General Norman Schwarzkopf who led the U.S. Forces for a victory in the first Gulf War in Operation Desert Strom in 1991 died. Operation Desert Storm
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Operation Desert Storm is the codename of the Gulf War fought in 1991 by a U.N.-authorized Coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq during the regime of President Saddam Hussein in response to Iraqs invasion and annexation of Kuwait. The Coalition forces drove out the forces of Iraq from the country and gained the victory in the war.
Italys parliament dissolved

January 1st, 2013
Italys President Giorgio Napolitano dissolved parliament following the resignation of Prime Minister Mario Monti. Monti resigned early after former premier Silvio Berlusconis center -right People of Freedom party (PdL) withdrew support from the emergency cabinet.
John Kerry nominated as next secretary of state for USA

January 1st, 2013
US President Barack Obama nominated John Kerry to replace Hillary Clinton as secretary of state. Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the 2004 Democratic presidential candidate, was nominated after UN ambassador Susan Rice, withdrew her name from considerations.
Gangnam Style Collins dictionarys words of the year

January 1st, 2013
Collins dictionary has named Gangnam Style, as one of the top 12 words of the year, one word from each month. The Gangnam Style video also entered Guiness World Records for being most watched YouTube video starring Korean singer Psy.
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Current Affairs PIN January To October

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