MARch 2014 Gs BY AVK

The President of India and the Supreme Commander of Indian defense forces, Mr.
Pranab Mukherjee awarded the prestigious Presidents Standard to 112 Helicopter Unit and Presidents Colours to No. 4 Base Repair Depot of Indian Air Force at Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Winners: Standard Award: Wing Commander Manish Sharma, Commanding Officer of 112 Helicopter Unit. Colour Award: Group Captain S Shrinivas Commanding Officer of 4 Base Repair Depot (BRD). The Presidents Standard is awarded to operational Units and Colours are awarded to non-flying formations based on their past record and achievements during peace as well as hostilities. The Bangalore-based 112 Helicopter Unit is a premier training establishment for pilots, flight engineers and gunners. The Unit had been awarded with the two Vir Chakras, one Yudh Seva Medal and two Vayusena Medals. The 4 BRD specializes in repairing and overhauling turbo-jet aero engines. The 4 BRD has been awarded with five Vishisht Seva Medals and numerous commendations. Note:Presidents standard and colours Award is one of the greatest honors bestowed upon an Air Force Unit or Squadron in recognition of exceptional service rendered by it to the nation, both during war and in peace.
Ms Soma Mondal appointed first Women director of NALCO

March 18, 2014 No comments
Ms Soma Mondal appointed as the first female director (commercial) of Navratna Public Sector Unit (PSU) National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO). Previously, Ms. Mondal was working with the company as executive director (marketing) at Nalcos corporate office. Note: NALCO is a public sector enterprise of the Government of India. It is Asias largest integrated aluminium complex, encompassing bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting and casting, power generation, rail and port operations.
U & Me Against Dengue National Campaign launched

A national campaign has been launched against the dengue disease titled U & Me Against Dengue in six Indian cities with a joint partnership of private and public firm. National campaign- U & Me Against Dengue Joint effort of AIIMS, IMA, NDMC, Rotary Blood Bank, Mortien and NGO SAHAYOG. Will spread awareness among people how to stop viral infection of dengue mosquito and what preparation we should take for it. Launched a website and 247 toll-free dengue helpline 1800-200-0801 to know each and every thing about this deadly disease viz. precaution, symptoms, cure and medication etc. The ICC World Twenty20 (also referred to as the ICC World T20 or the T20 World Cup) will be played inBangladesh from March 16, 2014 April 6 2014. This is the 5th World Twenty20 cricket. Teams: 16 teams The Top 8 Test teams enter directly into super 10 stage and Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, who finished outside the top eight, will compete with six other qualifying teams (Afghanistan, Ireland, Nepal,Hong Kong, UAE and Netherlands) in the first round from March 16 to 21 for the remaining two places in the Super 10 groups. Final: April 06, 2014 at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur on
Total prize money: $3 million. Group A Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Group B Zimbabwe, Ireland, United Arab Emirates, Netherlands The two groups of the Super 10 stage are: Group 1 Sri Lanka, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Group B Group 2 West Indies, India, Pakistan, Australia, Group A Qualifier 1 ICC World Twenty20 (also referred to as the ICC World T20 or the T20 World Cup) Schedule ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier 1 Hong Kong
The private sector lender, ICICI Banklaunched portable hand-held machines (or portable POS machines) to avoid inconvenience around entering secret PIN number for card transactions in hotels. The ICICI Merchant Services is an alliance between ICICI Bank and electronic commerce and payment services company First Data. Plan: To replace 25,000 machines located in the hospitality sector enterprises with the portable handheld machines.
Function of portable machine: A customer will be presented the machine at the table in order to authorize a transaction rather than the current practice of going to the cash counter where the Point-Of-Sale (POS)machines are generally kept. Note: As per the new PIN rule, the Reserve Bank ofIndia (RBI) has asked for the secret PIN to be entered for all card payments at merchant establishments. To prevent fraud and enhance security, Businesses viz. fuel stations, hotels, hospitals and restaurants would have to buy the portable, GPRSenabled devices to offer convenience to clients.
Indias industrial output raised marginally by 0.1% in Jan 2014

Indias industrial output recorded marginally 0.1 % growth in January, 2014 after contracting for three months in a row. The marginal improvement in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) was mainly on account of higher power generation and mining sector output, while manufacturing declined. Though, the cumulative growth of the industrial production during the 10-month period from April to January of this financial year was flat compared to an over 1 % growth in the same period of 2012-13.
Indias consumer inflation falls to 8.10% in Feb 2014

Indias annual Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) falls to 8.10% in February 2014, i.e. 25-month low on account of lower food prices.
As per the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, inflation fell for the third consecutive month and eased to 25-month low of 8.10 percent in February mainly on account of a drop in food prices. In other words, overall inflation in the food basket, including beverages, slowed to 8.57 % in February from 9.9 % in the previous month. The rate at which vegetable prices increased eased to 14.04 % as against 21.91% in January. Retail inflation also slowed in protein-rich items viz. eggs, fish and meat to 9.69 % in February as opposed to 11.69 % in January. Note: A Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) measures changes in the price level of a market basket of consumer goods and services purchased by households.
Indian aid to Bhutan: Rs 4,500 crore Assistance Package to improve the livelihood of Bhutanese
March 16, 2014 1 Comment
As per the 11th five year plan of Government of India(GOI), India will contribute Rs.4500 crores Assistance Package to Bhutan. The package will help the landlocked country to implement major projects over the 11th Five Year Plan that will improve the livelihood of its people. Indias assistance to the Eleventh Five Year Plan (2013-2018) to Bhutan Project Tied Assistance (PTA)- Rs. 2800 crore. Small Development Projects- Rs. 850 crore. Development Subsidy or Program Grant-Rs. 850 crore. In addition, GOI agreed to provide as Rs. 500 Crore as Economic Stimulus Package, to boost the Bhutanese economy and help the RGOB to tackle the liquidity shortage.
IPL 7 (2014) to be held in UAE, Bangladesh & India

The India Premier League (IPL) 2014 season 7 will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE),Bangladesh and India. Due to 16thLok Sabha elections in India, the IPL tournament partly shifted out of the country and will return to India for the final phase of matches. 2014 Pepsi IPL season 7 Start on April 16, 2014 and conclude on June 1, 2014. Begin in the UAE, move to Bangladesh and finally come to India for the final set of matches. The initial phase of the tournament would be played out at three venues in the UAE Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah from April 16 to 30. The second half has been tentatively kept in Bangladesh but could be held in India if the BCCI manages to get the governments clearance.
Note: IPL is a Twenty20 cricket championship league in India. (Headquarter:Mumbai).
Ms Michelle Bachelet: Chile President for second term

Ms Michelle Bachelet (62) sworn-in as the President of Chile for second time. She is the first person since 1932 to win the presidency of her country twice in competitive elections. Previously, Ms Bachelet served as Chilean President from 2006-2010. Succeeded by: Sebastin Piera. Note: Under Chiles constitution, she was banned from running for a second consecutive term, even though her popularity ratings remained high.
Dubais largest non oil trading partner in 2013-14 India

As per the report released by the Dubai Department of Economic Development, India has once again emerged as the largest non oil trading partner of Dubai in 2013-14. The exports and re-exports from India have also marked significant rise in this period. The bilateral trade between the two countries in 2013-14 crossed $37 billion i.e. 10% of the overall trade. In terms of bilateral trade with Dubai, India was followed by China, US, Saudi Arabia and UK.
Oxadiazoles New class of Antibiotics discovered

The scientists from the University Of Notre Dame, discovered a new class of antibiotics, Oxadiazoles, to fight deadly bacteria viz. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and other drug-resistant bacteria that threaten public health. Over 1.2 million compounds screened and founded oxadiazole for drug-resistant bacteria MRSA. The new class of antibiotic, Oxadiazole, works by inhibiting PBP2a which is a protein that binds penicillin. It also interferes with the biosynthesis of the cell wall which allows MRSA to resist the drugs. The oxadiazoles are also effective when taken orally. At present, there are only three drugs available that are effective against MRSA, and only one of them may be taken orally. only one marketed antibiotic for MRSA that can be taken orally. In other words, Oxadiazoles can treat antibiotic resistant infections viz. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), etc. The research was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Note: MRSA is a bacterium that developed resistance to penicillin and certain other groups of antibiotics. It mostly appears as a skin infection which can produce boils, abscesses, stys, carbuncles, blisters, impetigo, and rashes. The infection becomes more problematic when it spreads to other organs. When the antibiotic resistant bacteria spread to internal organs, the results can be life-threatening.
pdate on Khobragade case: US court dismissed visa fraud charges against Indian diplomat Ms. Devyani Khobragade
The US Court ruled that the Indian diplomat Ms. Devyani Khobragade had full diplomatic immunity at the time of indictment on visa fraud and underpaying her maid. As per the judgment, Ms. Khobragade who served as Consular officer in the US from October 2012 to January 2014 was at a position of consular immunity as per the Vienna Convention. The Court had dropped all charges against her claiming that the day when the charge was returned to her, she definitely had diplomatic immunity. This order was passed by US District Judge Ms. Shira Scheindlin supporting her diplomatic immunity in a 14-page order. Ms. Khobragade has won dismissal of the indictment against her for visa fraud, with a U.S. judge ruling she had full diplomatic immunity. Though, prosecutors are not barred from bringing new charges in future. Note: Ms. Devyani was employed as the Deputy Consul General for Political, Economic, Commercial and Womens Affairs at the Consulate General of India in New York, where she was arrested for an alleged case of visa fraud and making false statements in connection with the visa application for an Indian national employee who was domestic helper in her home. Later on, she released on a $250000 bond after she pleaded not guilty in a court.
UCN Red List of Threatened Species: 15 bird species from India are in critically endangered list
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Birds 2013 marked 15 species of birds from India as critically endangered (CR). Critically Endangered (CR): The highest risk category of the IUCN Red List of threatened species, comprising those that are facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Bird species falling under the Critically Endangered category in India:Migratory wetland species: Baers Pochard, Siberian Crane and Spoon-billed Sandpiper. Non-migratory wetland species: White-bellied Heron. Grassland species:Bengal Florican, Great Indian Bustard, Jerdons Courser and Sociable Lapwing. Forest species:Forest Owlet. Scavengers: Indian Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, White-backed Vulture and Slender-billed Vulture. Himalayan Quail and Pink-headed Duck are now considered Extinct for all practical purposes. Uplisted (facing greater danger) species in 2013 IUCN list from Least Concern to Near Threatened: River Lapwing and River Tern. Least Concern to Vulnerable: Long-tailed Duck. Cause: Decline of these species due to destruction of wetlands and riverine habitats. Major reasons of decline of bird species in India Drastic modification, fragmentation, degradation and loss of habitat, environmental pollution (both industrial and due to increased pesticide usage), poaching and land use changes, etc. Changes in cropping pattern due to various reasons, including implementation of irrigation schemes, increased pesticide usage, livestock-grazing, high levels of disturbance and developmental activities viz. mining and hydel projects resulted in marginal fall in their population. Drastic loss of grassland habitat over the past decades has severely threatened species viz. Great Indian Bustard, Bengal Florican and Jerdons Courser. Destruction of deciduous forests in central India has lead to the decline in Forest Owlet numbers. Destruction of forests in the fragile Western Ghats and Himalaya continue to endanger the existence of many other species. Use of chemical components as in the case of diclofenacs effect of vulture species.
About IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Headquarters:United Kingdom. Founded: 1964. Parent organization: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Worlds most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological s pecies. Objective: To have the category of every species re-evaluated every five years if possible or at least every ten years. Powerful tool to inform and catalyze action for biodiversity conservation and policy change, critical to protecting the natural resources we need to survive. Provides information on population size and trends, geographic range and habitat needs of species. Evaluates species in 9 categories through a criteria viz. rate of decline, population size, area of geographic distribution, and degree of population, distribution fragmentation, etc. Categories: Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (EW), Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (LC), Data Deficient (DD) and Not Evaluated (NE).
Study: Volcanoes helped species survive ice ages

As per the study of an international team of researchers, the steam and heat from volcanoes allowed species of plants and animals to survive past ice ages. About the study of Volcanoes Based on Antarctica. (As it has at least 16 volcanoes which have been active since the last ice age 20,000 years ago). Studied tens of thousands of records of Antarctic species that are collected over decades by hundreds of researchers and found there are more species close to volcanoes, and fewer further away. Examined diversity patterns of mosses, lichens and bugs which are still common in Antarctica these days. Around 60% of Antarctic invertebrate species are found nowhere else in the world. Volcanic steam can melt large ice caves under the glaciers, and it can be tens of degrees warmer in there than outside. Caves and warm steam fields would have been great places for species to hang out during ice ages. Outcome: The study helps scientists to understand how species survived past ice ages in other icy regions, including in periods when it is thought there was little or no ice-free land on the planet.
Mysterious four new man-made Ozone-Killing gases discovered

The scientists from the University of East Anglia, UK discovered traces of four new man-made gases in the atmosphere that are capable of destroying the ozone layer and intensifying global warming. Scientists stated that the new gases are manmade because they were not seen in the atmosphere until the 1960s. About four new man-made Ozone-Killing gases Three of the gases are Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and one is a Hydro- Chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), which can also damage ozone. The four new gases have been identified as CFC-112, CFC112a, CFC-113a, HCFC-133a. CFC-113a: An agrochemical intermediate for the manufacture of pyrethroids. (a type of insecticide once widely used in agriculture). CFC-113a and HCFC-133a: Intermediaries in the production of widely used refrigerants.
CFC-112 and 112a may have been used in the production of solvents and used to clean electrical components. Of the four species identified, CFC-113 seems to be most worrying, as it is an insecticide coming from a very small but growing emissions source somewhere as yet unidentified. CFC and HCFC gases have been found to damage the ozone layer, which is essential to filter ultraviolet rays that can cause cancer in humans. As per estimate, about 74,000 tonnes of these gases have been released into the atmosphere. The study was published in the journal Nature Geoscience.
CAPRISA discovered potent antibodies to neutralize HIV

The Center for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) discovered antibodies that are capable of neutralizing HIV strains. It is a remarkable discovery of potent antibodies that could neutralize and kill multiple strains of HIV. Researchers studied how a South African womans body referred to as CAPRISA 256 (or CAP256) responded to her HIV infection by making potent antibodies. These potent antibodies are also called as neutralizing antibodies because of their ability to kill multiple strains of antibodies. The potent antibodies were made by the researchers by first identifying the antibodies present in the blood of the CAP256 and then duplicating these antibodies by cloning it in the lab. The cloned antibodies were then used to elucidate the pathway followed by the immune system to make these potent antibodies. This discovery could lead to new HIV vaccine strategies that enables to stimulate the rare precursors of these protective antibodies The study published in the scientific journal, Nature. What are neutralizing antibodies? All HIV infected people respond to HIV by making antibodies. In most patients, these antibodies are not able to kill a wide range of HIV(due to lack of neutralization breadth). Though, in a few infected people, they naturally make antibodies that kill (neutralize) many different kinds of HIV (i.e. they are broadly neutralizing antibodies). Previously, these antibodies have been shown to be effective in preventing and treating HIV infection in animals, but this has never before been shown in humans. About Center for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) An AIDS research center based in Durban, South Africa. Established: 2002 under the National Institutes of Health program called Comprehensive International Program of Research on AIDS (CIPRA). Mission: To promote HIV prevention and research its epidemiology. Note: The South African consortium worked jointly with US partners based at the VaccineResearchCenter of the National Institute of Allergy and InfectiousDiseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, and ColumbiaUniversity in New York.
Indian-origin kid Kush Sharma won epic spelling bee

An Indian American student Kush Sharma (13) won the epic spelling bee at the Central Library in Kansas City in Missouri and secured a berth in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington scheduled for May 2014. Note: Indian Americans have dominated the contest over the years. New York student Arvind Mahankali won the 2013 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Annual Health Survey: Some states showed improvement

As per the second update of the Annual Health Survey (AHS), all major health indicators in the countrys worst-performing States are showing a gradual improvement over the years but inter-State variations persist. About 2nd update of Annual Health Survey (AHS) Objective: To monitor the performance and outcome of various health interventions of the Government including those under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) at closer intervals through benchmark indicators In 284 districts of nine states survey was conducted. States: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand,Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Assam. These states account for about 48 % of the total population in the country. Highlights of the Annual Health Survey (AHS) (a)Crude Birth Rate (CBR) and Crude Death Rate (CDR):Minimum CBR: Bageshwar (14.7) in Uttarakhand. Maximum CBR: Shrawasti (40.9) in Uttar Pradesh. CBR in rural areas of districts is higher than that in urban areas. Minimum CDR: Dhemaji (4.5) in Assam. Low female death rates have also been observed as compared to male death rates. (b)Infant Mortality Rate (IMR):Minimum IMR: Rudraprayag (19) in Uttarkhand. Maximum IMR: Shrawasti (103) in Uttar Pradesh. Districts achieved the MDG -4 National target of 28 by 2015: Purbi Singhbhum & Dhanbad (Jharkhand) and Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh & Almora (Uttarakhand). Four districts viz. Bokaro & Ranchi (Jharkhand) and Bageshwar & Nainital (Uttarakhand) are in closer vicinity to achieve the MDG-4 National target. IMR in rural areas of districts is significantly higher than that in urban areas. (c)Neo-Natal Mortality Rate (NNMR):Minimum NNMR: Rudraprayag (11), Uttarkhand. Maximum NNMR: Balangir (75) in Odisha. Rural NNMR in districts is significantly higher than the urban. (d)Under Five Mortality Rate (U5MR):Minimum U5MR: Pithoragarh district (24), Uttarakhand. Maximun U5MR: Kandhmal district (145), Odisha. Districts achieved the MDG -4 National target of 42 by 2015:Pithoragarh, Almora, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Nainital & Bagheswar (Uttarakhand) and Purbi Singhbhum (Jharkhand). 10 districts viz. Dhanbad, Bokaro, Kodarma, Hazaribagh & Giridih (Jharkhand) and Kota (Rajasthan) and Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar, Dehradun & Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) are in closer vicinity to achieve the MDG-4 National target. Rural U5MR in districts is significantly higher than the urban. (e) Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR):Minimum MMR: Kumaon HQ (183) in Uttarakhand. Maximum MMR: Faizabad Mandal (451) in UP. (f) Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) Minimum SRB: Pithoragarh district (764), Uttarakhand. Maximum SRB: Moradabad district (1034), Uttar Pradesh.
Terms: Crude Birth Rate (CBR) denotes live births per 1000 population and Crude Death Rate (CDR) denotes number of deaths per 1000 population. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) denotes the number of infant deaths (age below one year) per 1000 live births. Neo-Natal Mortality Rate (NNMR) measures the number of infant deaths (age below 29 days) per 1,000 live births. Under Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) denotes the number of children who died before reaching their fifth birthday per 1,000 live births. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) measures the proportion of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births. Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) defined as the number of female live births per 1,000 male live births. Outcome of the survey: These indicators would provide requisite inputs for better planning of health programmes and pave the way for evidence based intervention strategies.
Mr. Pankaj Mishra: Indian author won Windham Campbell Literature Prize 2014
Indian author Mr. Pankaj Mishra won the prestigious Donald Windham Campbell Literature prize 2014 in the non-fiction category. The awards are announced by The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at YaleUniversity. Mr. Mishra Mishra is an Indian essayist, memoirist, travel writer and novelist whose work expands our understanding of the encounter between Western and Non-western culture. Besides the novel, The Romantics, he has published four works of non-ction: Butter Chicken in Ludhiana: Travels in Small TownIndia, An End to Suering: the Buddha in the World, Temptations of the West: How to Be Modern in India,Pakistan, Tibet, and Beyond and From the Ruins of Empire: The Intellectuals Who Remade Asia. 2014 prizewinners of Donald Windham Campbell Literature Prize in Fiction: Aminatta Forna (Sierra Leone), Nadeem Aslam (Pakistan), and Jim Crace (United Kingdom); Non-fiction: Pankaj Mishra (India) and John Vaillant (United States/Canada); Drama: Kia Corthron (United States), Sam Holcroft (United Kingdom) and No lle Janaczewska (Australia). The winners in the three categories viz. fiction, non-fiction and drama will receive a citation and an unrestricted award of $150,000 each in recognition of their achievements and to support their ongoing work at a ceremony at Yale University on September 15, 2014.
Mizoram clinched 68th Santosh Trophy 2013-14

Mizoram clinched the 68th Santosh Trophy for Football by defeating Railways by 3-0 at Siliguri ,West Bengal and won Rs.5 lakh prize money, while the runners up Railways received Rs.3 lakh. This is the maiden Santosh Trophy for Mizoram and this was also the first appearance for them in the final match. Railways won its last Santosh Trophy in 1966. About Santosh Trophy
Founded: 1941. Annual Indian football tournament. Trophy named after the late Maharaja Sir Manmatha Nath Roy Chowdhary of Santosh (that is now in Bangladesh).
Akron: Indian-American owned firm developing zero pressure tyre for US army
An Indian-American owned engineering firm, Akron (Ohio-based American Engineering Group (AEG)) has received a $1 million Phase-II project grant from the USDepartment of Defense to develop tyres that will continue running even after being shredded by roadside bombs or gunfire. Note: An Indian-American engineer Mr. Abraham Pannikottu is developing a unique carbon fibre hoop design zero pressure tyre for the US military that could keep military vehicles to run faster and longer after an attack. His group is also working on new innovative products viz. US nationalfootball league helmet and implantable cost-effective titanium hip and knee. The company has patents pending for the Zero Pressure tyre technology. AEG Zero Pressure tyres will: Continue to run even after being shredded by roadside bombs or gunfire. Withstand a minimum of 50 mph speeds for 300 miles once its punctured. Work better at carrying heavier loads and can quickly move soldiers out of dangerous way. The AEG prototype dissipates heat and has the tyre flexibility and strength to support the heavy military pick-up weight while providing a relatively smooth ride. Note: In 2006, Pentagon honoured Mr. Abraham Pannikottu and his group for designing an airless tyre for the Stryker armoured vehicle. This award was for exceptional performance that exemplifies the goal of bringing innovative technologies to the soldier.
Govt. banned trucks from carrying protruding rods

The Union Government banned vehicles from carrying iron and steel rods, pipes or any protruding material beyond the body frame. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highwayshas deleted the provision in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989 that allowed protrusions up to one metre.
Why the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has banned trucks from carrying protruding rods?
As per the section 93 of CMVR 1989 rule, goods vehicles were allowed to carry poles or rods or indivisible load up to one metre beyond the vehicles body frame. And that was blatantly violated by such vehicles as they hardly used sufficient signs to warn motorists. As per the reports in 2012, approx 9,087 people were killed and 29,573 were injured in accidents related to load viz. iron and steel rods/pipe, protruding out of vehicles. Recently, the Supreme Court too ordered the Union Government for an explanation on a PIL seeking a ban on trucks and trailers carrying iron rods protruding dangerously and parked without any blinkers to warn vehicles coming from behind. Thus, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways amended the CMVR, 1989 and banned vehicles from carrying any object protruding out of the vehicles body frame, even if it is less than a metre.
64th National Basketball Championship held in New Delhi

The 64th National Basketball Championship held at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. Winners: Chhattisgarh won the womens title after beating Indian Railways by 81-77. Tamil Nadu won the mens title by defeating Punjab by 74-57. Harish Sharma Most Valuable Player Award: Rikin Pethani (Tamil Nadu) and Kavita Kumari (Chhattisgarh). Services finished third in the mens category while Delhi women beat Maharashtra to secure third position. Note: The winners received Rs.1 Lakh, while the first and second runners-up received Rs. 75,000/- and Rs. 50,000/-.
China hiked military budget by 12.2% for 2014

The Peoples Republic of China announced to raise its military budget for 2014 by 12.2% to $132 billion. The hike in defense spending would seek to develop more high-tech weapons and to beef up coastal and air defenses. It would also allow Beijing to create a modern force that will project power not only across the disputed waters of the East and SouthChinaSeas but also into the western Pacific and IndianOceans. Goal: To become a dominant military presence in the Pacific, with a navy able to project power across the region.
This hike in defense spending would create tension among Chinas neighbors viz. India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, etc. The budget spike comes as Asia reacts nervously to a string of recent moves by China to assert its sovereignty in disputed territory, expand its military reach and challenge the traditional dominance of U.S. forces in the Asia Pacific region. From Indias point of view, Chinas defense spending is far higher than $36 billion allocated in last months interim budget that amounted to 10% hike. Note: Chinas military spending is the second largest in the world, behind that of the United States.
12th Meeting of the FSDC Sub-Committee at New Delhi: Set up a High Powered Inter Regulatory Committee to explore ways to comply with Basel-III capital norms
At the 12th sub-committee meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC), headed by RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, held at New Delhi, it was decided to set up a High Powered Inter Regulatory Committee to explore ways of enabling banks to meet these requirements. Objective: To find ways for the banking sector to comply with Basel-III capital norms. Discussions during the 12th Meeting of the FSDC Sub-Committee: The implementation of non-legislative recommendations of FSLRC and setting up of a repository for investors with a single view of all financial asset classes. The ways for setting up an effective resolution regime for the financial sector. Issues of greater harmonisation of regulations across sectors for similar activities were also taken up. The report of the working group on Resolution Regimes in India, chaired by RBI Deputy Governor Anand Sinha and Economic Affairs Secretary Arvind Mayaram. Listed below is the present structure of FSDC along with its Sub-committee and various Working Groups/Technical Groups constituted under the aegis of the Sub-committee: 1) Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC): Apex-level body constituted by government of India Idea to constitute such a super regulatory body was first given by Raghuram Rajan Committee in 2008 Objective(s) of Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC): Financial Stability Financial Sector Development Inter-Regulatory Coordination Financial Literacy Financial Inclusion Macro prudential supervision of the economy including the functioning of large financial conglomerates Coordinating Indias international interface with financial sector bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Financial Stability Board (FSB)and any such body as may be decided by the Finance Minister from time to time. Composition of Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC): Chairperson: The Union Finance Minister of India Other Members: Governor Reserve Bank of India (RBl), Finance Secretary and/ or Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Chief Economic Advisor, Ministry of Finance,
Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Chairman, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), Chairman Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), Joint Secretary (Capital Markets), DEA, will be the Secretary of the Council, **The Chairperson may invite any person whose presence is deemed necessary for any of its meeting(s). 2) Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) Sub-Committee: The FSDC Sub-committee has also been set up under the chairmanship of Governor, RBI. It meets more often than the full Council. All the members of the FSDC are also the members of the Subcommittee. Additionally, all four Deputy Governors of the RBI are also members of the Sub Committee. Executive Director, RBI (in charge of financial Stability) is the Member Secretary, while the Financial Stability Unit (FSU) of RBI is the Secretariat for the Sub-committee. 3) Working Groups/Technical Groups under FSDC Sub-Committee: 3.1) Inter regulatory technical group (IR-TG): For inter-regulatory coordination among the financial sector regulators. The Group is headed by ED in charge of Financial Stability, RBI and members being ED/CGM level officers of the other regulators. 3.2) Technical Group on financial inclusion and financial literacy: Chaired by DG, RBI in charge of financial stability and has representatives from all regulators (at the level of ED/CGM) as well as from DEA and DFS (at the level of Joint Secretary). 3.3) Inter regulatory forum for monitoring financial conglomerates (IRF-FC): Headed by the Deputy Governor, RBI (in-Charge of the Department of Banking Supervision) and other Members are senior representatives of all the sectoral regulators at the level of Executive Directors (RBI, SEBI, IRDA and PFRDA). 3.4) Early Warning Group: To coordinate the response of GOI/Regulators in the time of a crisis situation. It is chaired by DG, RBI in-charge of Financial Markets Department. It has Joint Secretary level representative from DEA & DFS as members. It is represented by Member/ED level officers from financial sector regulators. 3.5) Working Group on resolution regime for financial institutions: To examine the existing resolution regime/ framework for the entire financial sector as a whole and identify the current gaps in the national resolution regime/ framework vis--vis the FSB Key Attributes. With this background, the Group would recommend changes in the legal framework to facilitate the required resolution regime including cross border resolution. Was constituted in January 2013 under the Co-Chairmanship of Shri Anand Sinha, DG, RBI, and Secretary (DEA). The Financial sector regulators at the level of Executive Director/General Manager/Joint Director/Principal Legal Adviser are members of this group. 4) Macro Financial and Monitoring Group (MFMG): Chaired the Chief Economic Adviser. It has representation from all the Departments of the Ministry of Finance. It aims at keeping track of the macroeconomic and financial developments, identifying vulnerabilities, and providing early warning signals.
Stree Shakti Puraskar 2013

The President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee awarded Stree Shakti Puraskarto six illustrious women on International Womens Day for their distinguished services for the upliftment of women. The Government of India has instituted six national awards are known as Stree Shakti Puraskar. These awards are in the name of the following eminent women personalities in the Indian history who are famous for their personal courage and integrity:- Rani Lakshmibai, Rani Rudramma Devi, Kannagi, Rani Gaidinliu Zaliang, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar and Mata Jijabai.
Awardees areRani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award: Dr. Vartika Nanda (Delhi) for creating awareness on womens issues through media. Rani Lakshmibai Award: Ms. Manasi Pradhan (Odisha) for her work in the field of womens empowerment. Rani Rudramma Devi Award: Dr. M Venkaiah (Andhra Pradesh) for her contribution in the field of womens health. Mata Jijabai Award: Ms. Bina Sheth Lashkari (Maharashtra) honored for her achievement in the field of education and training Kannagi Award: T Radha K Prashanti (Andhra Pradesh) for her achievement in the field of providing support to orphans, visually impaired, handicapped and destitute women. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Award: Dr Seema Sakhare (Maharashtra) for her contribution in the field of womens rights, gender issues, legalcounseling and institutional support to women and girls. About Stree Shakti Puraskar Category: Women Activism (Individual). Objective: To recognize recognizes the spirit of courage of a women in difficult circumstances, who has established this spirit of courage in her personal or professional life. Instituted: 1991. Awarded by Government of India. Conferred by the President of India on occasion of International Wome ns Day i.e. 8th March every year at New Delhi. Cash award: Rs. 300,000. Also recognizes pioneering contribution of an individual in empowering women and raising womens issues.
Phantom- Worlds first 3D model of human fingerprint developed by IndianAmerican scientist Mr. Anil Jain
An Indian-American scientist, Mr. Anil Jain from Michigan State University built the worlds first threedimensional (3D) model of a human fingerprint known asPhantom.
About Phantom 3D model of human fingerprint A method that takes a two-dimensional image of a fingerprint and maps it to a 3-D finger surface. In health care, a 3D heart or a kidney may be created because of known dimensions and they can be put in a scanner and the imaging system may be calibrated. Objective: To have a precise fingerprint model with known properties and features that can be used to calibrate existing technology used to match fingerprints. Would help to improve the overall accuracy of fingerprint-matching systems that leads to better security in applications ranging from law enforcement to mobile phone unlock. Developed to boost the accuracy of fingerprint-matching systems and to improve security technology. About Indian-American scientist Mr. Anil Jain
Has a B.Tech degree from IIT Kanpur and MS and PhD degrees from OhioStateUniversity. Six USpatents on fingerprint matching and has written a number of books on biometrics and fingerprint/facial recognition. Received a number of prestigious awards for contributions to pattern recognition and biometrics. Note: The 3D model doesnt have the feel or texture or a real finger, but it could advance the technology of fingerprinting sensing and matching.
Google launched indoor maps in India

The technology giant, Google launched indoor maps in India that would help users to access detailed floor plans indoor venues in India. Indoor maps enable users to view and navigate floor plans of several commercial locations viz. airports, shopping malls, large retail stores, transit stations, and more within Google Maps. Indoor Google Maps in India The service will be available free to Android and iOS users. Users will find it easy to locate stores, especially in an unfamiliar shopping mall or when they plan a visit to a museum viz. Salar jung inHyderabad. The maps will carry detailed floor plans and will automatically appear when we are using the Google Maps app on iOS and Android, and are zoomed in on a building for which the indoor map data is available. Till now, details of 75 popular locations of 23 cities are added in it. Locations:Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Vadodara, Bhopal, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Moradabad, etc. Apart from shopping centres, the floor plans are also available for locations viz. museums (National Gallery Of Modern Art, Delhi and Salar jung, Hyderabad) as well as convention centers (HyderabadInternationalConvention Center), among others.
This service is already available in countries viz. the U.S., Japan,Singapore, Hong Kong and the Netherlands. Note: Google had also partnered with the Archaeological Survey of India to bring 360 degree views of Indian monuments on Google Maps.
Mr. Vince Chhabria to be first Indian-American judge in California

Indian-American attorney, Mr. Vince Chhabria (44) will become Californias first federal judge of South Asian descent. At present, Mr. Chhabria serves as the Deputy City Attorney at the San Francisco City Attorneys Office. He has represented San Francisco in defense of itshealth insurance law, adoption rights of same-sex couples and other major cases, has won Senate confirmation for a federal judgeship. Appointed by: United States President Barack Obama. Succeeded: Susan Illston.
Punjab Cabinet approved the Backward Class quota for Jat community
The Punjab Cabinet approved the Backward Class (BC) status for the Jat and Jat Sikhs of the State. Now, Jats and Jat Sikhs are the 69th and 70th community to be included in the category. As per the Punjab Cabinet decision Quota benefit will also be extended to economically weaker persons from the general category. These reservations would be in addition to the quota already in place and would not affect the existing quota sections. A commission will be set up to work out modalities for the implementation of the Cabinet decision. The grant of BC status to the Jats and Jat Sikhs will enable them to get reservation in government jobs. Note: Recently, the Union Cabinet decided to extend OBC status to Jats ofHaryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar,Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Delhi. Though, Jats and Jat Sikhs of Punjab had been left out of the Union Cabinets decision because the Punjab government had failed to bring the community in the State BC list.
Ukraine Crisis 2014: Impact of Ukraine Crisis on India

The ongoing political crisis in Ukraine will effect India due to following reasons: Immediate impact on India: The military stand-off situation of India would go worsen because Ukrainian military facility provides engines for military helicopters of Russian origin (that account for a quarter of the worlds medium, medium-heavy and heavy lift helicopters) and India has contracts with many sourcing naval engines, from where India gets its entire fleet of medium military transport aircraft modernized.
Business and economic factors- The conflict between Russia and Ukraine Would weaker rupee against dollars that will be negative for stocks and for the Indian economy. International oil and gas prices would go up that will adversely effect India, as India will have to spend more dollars to buy Brent as it is dependent on imports for its energy needs. This will pressure the rupee and may lead to a rise in the current account deficit. The FDI inflow into India may be affected adversely. Strategic reasons- If the military situation in Ukraine go worse than the relations between the US and Russia would be deteriorate, then at that situation India will be under pressure to take a clear position, as China has taken a clear position and supported Russia. Note: Russia is a key friend of India and has helped repeatedly at the crucial time viz. Because of Russias pro-active help, India won the 1971 war againstPakistan and liberated Bangladesh, etc.
Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup Cricket Tournament 2014

Sri Lanka won the 12th edition of Asia Cup Cricket Tournament 2014 by defeating defending champion Pakistan at Mirpur in Bangaldesh by five wickets. Sri Lanka equaled the record of India after winning the Asia cup for the fifth time. Man of the match: Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) Man of the series: Lahiru Thirimanne (Sri Lanka) About ACC Asia Cup 2014 International mens One Day International cricket tournament. First tournament: 1984. Most successful Teams: Sri Lanka (5 titles) & India (5 titles). Current champion: Sri Lanka (5th title). Host: Bangladesh. Title sponsors: Arise India. Powered by: Cycle Agarbathis.
2014 Ukraine crisis: Crimean MPs vote to join Russian Federation sparks outrage
The Parliament of Crimea asked Moscow to allow the region to accede toRussia and move forwards the date of a referendum on the regions status from March 30 to March 16, 2014. In other words, Crimean Parliament requested to Moscow to make Crimea the part of Russia. The authorities in Crimea voted to accelerate secession from Ukraine, unanimously backing a law that declared the territory to be part of the Russian Federation.
Voters in Crimea had to choose between two options: Stay in Ukraine or join Russia. (Previously, the Parliament planned to seek greater autonomy for Crimea within Ukraine). Ukraines interim prime minister opposed the referendum of Crimean parliament to join Russia. (The current Crimean constitution came into effect in 1999 and Article 135 of the Ukrainian constitution provides that the Crimean Constitution must be approved by the Ukrainian parliament). Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin stated that Russia had no plans to annex Crimea. Note: Crimea is an autonomous republic in the south-eastern region of Ukraine and has its own constitution. Crimeas people are 58 % ethnic Russians, 24% Ukrainians, and 12 % Tatars, descendants of the Turkic people that ruled the peninsula until the Russian Tsars annexed it in 1783. ( Capital: Simferopol). What is the cause of public protest against the President Viktor Yanukovych? The immediate cause of anti-government protests started over President Mr. Viktor Yanukovychs decision to abandon a deal with the European Union in favour of aid and natural gas agreements with Russia. Causes of protest: Opposition to the Euromaidan movement, Opposition to the Yatsenyuk Government and the Verkhovna Radas vote to repeal language law that protected minority languages. Effect of Protest: The anti-government protests led to the downfall of the government of President Viktor Yanukovych and set the new government. In brief, the 2014 Ukrainian revolution was anti-Yanukovych who is pro-Russia. Those who protested wanted close Ukraine-EU relations and not Ukraine-Russia partnership. USAs move on Ukraine crisis:- The U.S. has suspended military engagement with Russia and opined to expel Russia from G-8 but Germanydidnt favour the expulsion . Western leaders have shown consensus on suspending theG8 summit to be held at Sochi this year, if Russia doesnt stop its interference. What the Ukraine government did to resolve Ukraine crisis? In order to resolve the political crisis in Ukraine, Ukraine Prime Minister Mr. Mykola Azarov resigned and the deputy Prime Minister Mr. Serhiy Arbuzov became the acting Prime minister of Ukraine. To ease the two month long protest, the parliament repealed a set of anti-protest laws and a mass amnesty was granted to all the demonstrators in the streets, even the ones who have seized government buildings by force. In the crisis talks between the President and opposition leaders, it was agreed that Parliament would hold a vote of no-confidence in the government, and to work towards potentially reinstating a constitution that boosted parliamentary powers and curtailed those of the President. About Ukraine Capital: Kiev. Currency: Ukrainian hryvnia. Prime minister: Arseniy Yatsenyuk. National anthem: Shche ne vmerla Ukraina. After its independence in 1991 from the former Soviet Union, Ukraine has swung between its desire for integration into the European Union and keeping friendly ties with Russia that continues to be its largest single trading partner that it depends on for cheap energy resources. In 1997, Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement on the division of the Black Sea Fleet, with 81 % going to Russia along with Sevastopol and other military installations in the Crimea. In return, Moscow compensated Kiev with a large sum of money as well as writing off a large amount of Ukrainian debt. Russia also pays Ukraine an annual fee. Note: Euromaidan Protest which attracted around 300,000 people on Kievs Independence Square, known as the Maidan, the largest since the 2004 Orange Revolution. Activists seized Kiev City Hall.
3rd BIMSTEC summit 2014 held in Myanmar

The 3rd BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit held at Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. About BIMSTEC summit 2014 Theme: Partnership for Harmony and Prosperity. Attended by:Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. Chaired by:Myanmar. Objective: To create an enabling environment for rapid economic development through identification and implementation of specific cooperation projects and the sectors of trade and investment, technology, energy, transport and communication, tourism, fisheries,agriculture, cultural cooperation, environment and disaster management, public health, people-to-people contact, poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism and transnational crime and climate change. Next Summit will be chaired by Kathmandu, Nepal.( The Bimstec summit takes place every four years). Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) signed by countries on the establishment of the BIMSTECs: 1. Permanent Secretariat 2. Cultural Industries Commission (BCIC) and BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory (BCIO) 3. Centre for Weather and Climate Resolutions taken by BIMSTEC members to Enhance cooperation in environmental protection and sustainable development. Enhance cooperation in the field of agriculture, including crops, livestock and horticulture besides fisheries. Finalize an agreement on trade in goods by 2014 with intent to promote regional commerce Conclude the Agreement on Services and Investments Work on agreements on dispute settlement and cooperation in customs matters under the Free Trade Area framework. Devise a framework for establishment of the BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility. Increase cooperation in expanding the skill and technology base of member countries. Note: BIMSTEC is an international organization comprising Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal as member countries.
Ex-Surya Kiran Drills VI- Joint military exercise of India and Nepal underway at Sailahandi
The armies of India and Nepal are jointly conducting the military exercise, known as Ex-Surya Kiran Drills VI, at Saljhandi in Rupandehi district, Nepal. About Indo-Nepal joint military exercise- Ex-Surya Kiran Drills VI In the two-week long exercise, both the armies will work to upgrade their practical and principle aspects of jungle warfare, anti-insurgency operations and rescue operations. Objective: To train troops in counter terrorism operations and to enhance defense cooperation and military relations between the two nations. The exercise also includes a detailed training in organization and conduct of disaster response, management and rescue operation. The two sides will also share experiences on counter-terrorist operations. Note: The last Indo-Nepal Joint Military Surya Kiran-V was conducted at Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand in 2013.
Stri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna- special health scheme for women launched by NMDC
The North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NMDC) launched Stri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna- a special health scheme for women to bring services closer for those living in rural areas and unauthorized colonies. Stri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna- a special health scheme for women Health camps and mass awareness drives will be held in various areas of north Delhi and medical services will be provided through various nodal centres, hospitals and mobile dispensaries. For unauthorized colonies and rural areas which do not have transportation facilities, 20 mobile dispensaries will be provided to bring services closer for them. In the health camps, screenings will be done for different kinds of cancers, anemia and malnutrition, etc. Forty-eight points are identified where public conveniences for women will be developed. An amount of Rs 2,100 will be extended to 1% of the safai karamcharis as performance-based reward.
Indian acid attack victim Ms. Laxmi won International Women of Courage Award
Indian acid attack victim, Ms. Laxmi won the prestigious International Women of Courage Award from the US First Lady Michelle Obama for successfully leading the campaign against acid attacks on women in India. About acid attack victim Ms. Laxmi Incident with her: In 2005, when she was 16 years old, an acquaintance threw acid on her face while she waited at a bus stop in New Delhi and disfigured her permanently. After this incident, she became the standard-bearer in India for the movement to end acid attacks. Made repeated appearances on national television, gathered 27,000 signatures for a petition to curb acid sales, and took her cause to theSupreme Court of India.
Owing to her petition, Supreme Court ordered the Indian central and state governments to regulate immediately the sale of acid and the Parliament to make prosecutions of acid attacks easier to pursue. About International Women of Courage Award Establish: 2007. Presented by: United States Department of State annually. Presented to: Women around the world that have shown leadership, courage, resourcefulness and willingness to sacrifice for others, especially for better promotion of womens rights. 2014 awardees: Ms Laxmi (India), Dr. Nasrin Oryakhil (Afghanistan), Ms. Fatimata Tour (Mali), Ms. Roshika Deo (Fiji), Bishop Rusudan Gotsiridze (Georgia), Dr. Maha Al Muneef (Saudi Arabia), Ms. Oinikhol Bobonazarova (Tajikstan), Judge Iris Yassmin Barrios Aguilar (Guatemala), Ms. Ruslana Lyzhychko (Ukraine) and Ms. Beatrice Mtetwa (Zimbabwe).
Shyamala Gopinath Committee recommendations: Interest rates on FDs offered by Post Offices hiked by 0.2%
The Union Government decided to hike interest rates on fixed deposit schemes offered by post offices by up to 0.2 %. The decision to hike interest rates is taken on the recommendations of Shyamala Gopinath Committee. As per the Shyamala Gopinath Committees recommendations The interest rate on fixed deposits for one and two years has been increased to 8.4% from the present 8.2%. Fixed deposits of three and five years will earn 0.1% higher rate at 8.4% and 8.5%. The interest rate on five-year recurring deposits will be 8.4% from 8.3%. The rate on National Savings Scheme (NSC) with 5 and 10 year maturities also remain unchanged at 8.5 % and 8.8 %. The rate on five-year Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) remains the same at 8.4 %. The savings deposit rates are kept unchanged at 4 %. Though, the interest rate on Public Provident fund (PPF) has been kept unchanged at 8.7 %. The new interest rates on small savings schemes will come into effect from April 1, 2014.
16th Lok Sabha elections 2014 to be held from April 7, 2014 in 9-phases
The Chief election commissioner Mr. VS Sampath announced the schedule for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Some Unique features of 16th Lok Sabha Elections:For the first time, Voters will be able to exercise the None Of The Above (NOTA) option for candidates in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Electoral strength in 2014 is 81.45 crore (814.5 million), the largest in the world Use of COMET (Communication Plan for Election): During the Elections, the Election Commission of India would be using an SMS based alert system called COMET. This system would send SMS messages to the lakhs of government officials on election duty. COMET would also send alerts to the local police in case of disturbances at any polling station. It would collect data via mobile phones about officials, scheduled events viz. staff reaching the polling station, mock polls, start/end of polling, voting %, number of voters, etc. As per the schedule of the 16th Lok Sabha election 2014 9-phase general elections will begin from April 7 and end on May 12, 2014. Nine phases of polls: April 7, 9, 10, 12, 17, 24, 30, May 7 and May 12.
It will be three phase poll in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, two phases in Andhra Pradesh, Manipur,Odisha, Rajasthan and Tripura. All the remaining States and the UnionTerritories will have a single phase poll. The elections to the 294-member Andhra Pradesh Assembly will be held on April 30 and May 7 along with the respective Lok Sabha constituencies in the State. The Lok Sabha has strength of 543 (excluding two nominated members) and the term of thepresent 15th Lok Sabha ends on May 31, 2014. Counting of votes will be held on May 16, 2014 View Complete Schedule here: http://currentaffairs.gktoday.in/16th-lok-sabha-elections-2014-schedule-03201411995.html
Ms. Sheila Dikshit: Former Delhi Chief Minister appointed as Kerala Governor
Former Delhi chief minister Ms. Sheila Dikshit (75) appointed as the Governor of Kerala by the President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee. Ms. Dikshit succeeded Mr. Nikhil Kumar, a former Delhi Police Commissioner. She became the 22nd Governor of Kerala. Ms Dixit formerly served as the Chief Minister of Delhi from 1998 to 2013. Ms Dikshit was defeated in her own constituency, New Delhi,In December 2013 elections to the Legislative Assembly of Delhi, by Mr Arvind Kejriwal President Pranab Mukherjee also approved a second term for Uttar Pradesh Governor B.L. Joshi.
Two additional attempts and two-year age relaxation for all categories of candidates in UPSCs Civil Services Exams
The Union Government approved two additional attempts along-with a consequential age relaxation to all categories of candidates for the Civil Services Exam conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The new rules are effective from Civil Services Examination 2014. The UPSC conducts the civil service exams to select members of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS) among others. As per the revised norms, the Ministry of Personnel stated that from this year :Unreserved (or general category) category candidates will get six attempts until 32 years of age. There is no restriction on the number of attempts by candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). But the age limit for such aspirants has been extended by two years from 35 to 37 years. The Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidate will get nine attempts until 35 years of age.
Physically handicapped candidates in the general and OBC categories will be eligible for nine attempts as against the seven at present. They will also get age relaxations of 42 years for general and 45 years for OBC candidates. There is no cap on the number of attempts by physically handicapped candidates in the SC and ST categories while there will be an age limit of 47 years for them as against the present 45 years. Till 2013, an unreserved candidate is permitted a maximum of four attempts with the age limit for such candidates to take the examination being 30 years. Note: The Civil Services Examination (Preliminary), 2014, is tentatively scheduled for August 24, 2014. The examinations are conducted in three stages: Preliminary, mains and interview.
Hockey India (HI) accorded status of National Sports Federation (NSF) status
Hockey India (HI) has accorded with the status of a National Sports Federation (NSF) for governing the sport of hockey (both men and women) in India. It will represent India in International events. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports declared Hockey India as the sole body responsible and accountable for the overall management, direction, control, regulation, promotion and development of the sports discipline in India. Hockey India will have to follow the guidelines of the Government and National Sports Development Code to get assistance and continued recognition.
How Hockey India got National Sports Federation (NSF) status?
To be recognized as a National Sports Federation, any institution or body needs to be recognized by its international body. Hockey Indias recognition was mandatory by International Hockey Feder ation (FIH), as well as the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Since 2009, HI has fulfilled both the criteria as the FIH, Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) and IOA have considered it as the sole body responsible for the governance of the game in India. Since 2012, HI and FIH have jointly organized major tournaments viz. the FIH Olympic Qualifiers, FIH World League Round 2, FIH Junior Men World Cup and FIH World League Round Final in India. HI has also been conducting nationals in all the categories since 2011. Note: Earlier, the Sports Ministry had derecognized it for not adhering to government guidelines.
India at Risk Mr. Jaswant Singhs book launched

Former External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh released a book titled, India at Risk Mistakes, Misconceptions and Misadventures of security policy. The book is on 60 years of Indian security issues. About the book India at Risk Throws a light on various events that took place during his appointments as minister of External Affairs and Minister ofDefence viz. hijacking of IC 814 to Kandahar-1999, the Kargil war, the Operation Parakaram 2011, etc. Also includes history events viz. Indo-China wars, the Indo-Pak war, Kargil, the Emergency, etc. From Kandahar to Pakistan, Mr Singh reveals what really happened as India faced grave security challenges. Overall, the book brings forth the mistakes, misconception and misadventures of Indian security policy for past 60 years and way forward. About Mr. Jaswant Singh Belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party. During the NDA regime (1998 to 2004): Had many portfolios in the national cabinet viz. Finance, External Affairs and Defense. From 2004 to 2009: Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. From 199899: Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India. Known for his moderate political views, he is a self-described liberal democrat even though the Bharatiya Janata Party is often described as a right-wing nationalist organization. At present, Mr. Singh representing Darjeeling parliamentaryconstituency in the 15th Lok Sabha. India at Risk is his eleventh book in English. In addition, he has written eleven books in Dingal, two in Hindi and one in French.
Forbess 2014 billionaires list: Bill Gates reclaims title as worlds richest person
Microsoft Co-founder, Mr. Bill Gates regained the title of the worlds richest person in the Forbes 2014 billionaire list. Mr. Gates has topped the list for 15 of the last 20 years, with a net worth of $76 billion and Mexicos telecommunications mogul Mr. Carlos Slim Helu is at second place. As per the Forbes 28th annual ranking of the worlds billionaires 2014 The US leads the list of billionaires in the world with 492 billionaires, followed byChina (152) and Russia (111). The list has new billionaires from Algeria, Lithuania,Tanzania and Uganda. Total number of billionaires in the world: 1,645 with combined net worth of $6.4 trillion. Top 5 billionaires: Mr. Bill Gates, Mr. Carlos Slim Helu, Mr. Amancio Ortega, Mr. Warren Buffett, and Mr. Larry Ellison (Oracle Corp chief).
Highest ranked women on the list: Christy Walton (9), with a net worth of $36.7 billion and Liliane Bettencourt (11) has worth $34.5 billion. Worlds youngest billionaire: Ms. Perenna Kei from Hong Kong. WhatsApp founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton join the ranks of Silicon Valleys wealthiest for the first time. From Internet field: Facebook Inc founder Mark Zuckerberg (21), Amazon.com Incs Jeff Bezos (18) th and Google Inc founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin ranked 17th and 19 . Business Tycoon, Mr. Mukesh Amabani: Indias richest person for the 7th year in a row. Mr. Ambani is ranked 40th globally with net worth of $18.6 billion. India has 56 billionaires in all with a collective net worth of $191.5 billion. Note: The Forbes list of billionaires is an annual ranking of the worlds wealthiest people, compiled and published by the American business magazine Forbes. The list only represents each persons valuation on a single day, due to daily fluctuations among exchange rates and stock valuations.
Indian shuttler Arvind Bhat clinched German Open Grand Prix Gold title
Indian shuttler, Arvind Bhat (34) defeated Denmarks World No. 25 Hans-Kristian Vittinghus to clinch the mens singles title of the $120,000 German Open Grand Prix Gold. This is the first time an Indian has won a German Open title in any category. ( Indian chief national coach Pullela Gopichand had reached the final way back in 1999.)
About Arvind Bhat
Badminton player from Bangalore. World Ranking: 87. Coach: Prakash Padukone. Won six International titles viz.e Scottish Open 2004, Syria International 2007, Czech International 2007, etc. Participated in the 2010 Asian games in Guanzhou, China and was in the Indian team for Sudirman Cup 2011.
Maulana Azad Sehat Scheme and Nalanda Project launched by Union Ministry of Minority Affairs
The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs launched two new initiatives for the welfare of Minorities. These are Maulana Azad Sehat Scheme and Nalanda Project, a Faculty Development Program for Minorities Higher Educational Institutions. Maulana Azad Sehat scheme Sehat Card would be issued to every student of the Institution financially aided by MAEF. Preventive Health Check-up Camps would be organized by the Institute twice in a year, through Government/Private Hospitals/Nursing Homes. All findings of the Preventive Health Checkups will be entered in the Sehat Card of the student by the Doctors.
In exceptional and deserving cases for serious ailments, the poor students belonging to notified minorities would be provided financial assistance for treatment in Government/Recognized Hospitals. Serious ailments viz. Kidney, Heart, Liver, Cancer, Brain, Knee surgery and Spinal surgery or any other life threatening diseases would be covered. Dispensary/Health Care Centre is to be set up in the educational institutions (School) to provide daily medical facilities to the students studying in the educational institutions funded/aided by MAEF. About Nalanda Project- a Faculty Development Program for Minorities Higher Educational Institutions. Objective: To help faculty learn new ways to achieve excellence and to grow as faculty members. Supported by Aligarh Muslim University, a premier Minority University of world fame. Faculty development includes education, collaboration, resources and support. Faculty development is an essential element of institutional effectiveness in higher education. It has become a priority at many academic institutions as a way to improve the quality of academic programs and to respond to emerging faculty, student, program and industry needs. Faculty who engage in professional development experiences benefit also in terms of increased vitality, informed pedagogy, teaching innovations and scholarly teaching. Benefit: Through educational programs and workshops, faculty can learn the skills necessary to reach excellence in a changing academicenvironment.
RBI extends date of exchanging pre-2005 notes to Jan 1, 2015

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted an additional nine months for the public to exchange currency notes printed before 2005, including Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 denominations, and set a deadline of January 1, 2015. The apex bank stated that the public can continue to freely use these notes for any transaction and people can unhesitatingly receive these notes in payment, as all such notes continue to remain legal tender. RBI has advised banks to facilitate the exchange of these notes for full value and without causing any inconvenience to the public. Post-2005 notes have added security features and help in curbing the menace of fake currency. At present, currency notes are issued in denominations of Rs 5, Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. Note: Earlier, RBI stated that after March 31, 2014, it will completely withdraw all bank notes from circulation issued prior to 2005 and from April 1, 2014, the public will be required to approach banks for exchanging these notes.
Oscar Awards: 86th Academy Awards

The 86th Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Best Motion picture: 12 Years a Slave. Best Director: Alfonso Cuarn (Gravity). Best Actor: Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club). Best Actress: Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine) Best Supporting Actor: Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club). Best Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyongo (12 Years a Slave). Best Writing Original Screenplay: Her by Spike Jonze. Best Writing Adapted Screenplay: 12 Years a Slave by John Ridley. Best Animated Feature Film: Frozen. Best Foreign Language Film: The Great Beauty (Italy) in Italian Paolo Sorrentino Best Documentary Feature: 20 Feet from Stardom. Best Visual Effects: Gravity Best Film Editing: Gravity. Best Costume Design: The Great Gatsby. Best Cinematography: Gravity. Best Sound Mixing: Gravity. Best Sound Editing: Gravity. Most awards: Gravity (7).
Mexican Open 2014

Winners of the Mexican Open 2014 Mens singles: Fourth-seeded Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria defeated South African Kevin Anderson by 7-6(7-1), 3-6, 7-6(7-5). Womens singles: Slovakia Dominika Cibulkov beat American Christina McHale by 7 6(73), 46, 64. Mens doubles: South African Kevin Anderson and AustralianMatthew Ebden beat Feliciano Lpez (Spain) and Max Mirnyi (Belarus) by 6-3, 6-3. Womens doubles: Kristina Mladenovic (France) and GalinaVoskoboeva (Kazakhstan) beat CzechRepublic players Petra Cetkovsk and Iveta Melzer by 63, 26. Note: The Mexican Open is a joint professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts, and held annually in late February at the Fairmont Acapulco Princess in Acapulco, Mexico.
1857 revolt: Remains of martyrs of 1857 Uprising exhumed in Punjab

The skeletal remains of the Indian soldiers, who were killed by the British troops for participating in the First War of Independence in 1857, are exhumed at Ajnala well in Amritsar district, Punjab. These were our freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the First War of Independence in 1857. Kalian Wala Khuh: Martyrs place where the remains of over 250 Indian soldiers dumped unceremoniously by the British in a deep well at Ajnala in the wake of the 1857 uprising. Neither the Indian Government nor the Government of Punjab, attempted to extract the bodies of the martyrs and perform the last rites and restore the honour of the soldiers of the first freedom struggle. Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Committee (a gurdwara in the border town of Ajnala) exhumed the remains of Indian soldiers who were executed by the British authorities for participating in the 1857 mutiny. The exercise is being done to perform last rites of these soldiers after160 years. The well that was dug was previously known as kalianwala khu (well of the black people) has been renamed as Shaheedanwala khu (well of the martyrs). What British authorities did with the Indian soldiers of the 26th Bengal Native Infantry (in Lahore) in 1857, when they revolted against the EastIndia Company? In the 1857 mutiny, around 500 soldiers of 26th Native Infantry Regimentrevolted at Mian Mir Cantonment in Lahore. They marched towards Ajnala from Lahore after hearing the reports of the Sepoy mutiny in Meerut where Hindu and Muslim troops rebelled against the East India Company over the cartridges for their rifles being greased with animal fat. When soldiers were moving ahead to join the revolt, they had an encounter with the British troops on the banks of the Ravi, where 220 soldiers attained martyrdom and their bodies were thrown into the river. The remaining 280 soldiers were arrested and were confined in the overcrowded barracks located at Ajnala tehsil complex. Later, the British killed these soldiers too and buried them in Kalian Wala Khuh. Indias First War of Independence (Indian Rebellion of 1857) Also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, the Revolt of 1857, the Uprising of 1857, etc. A violent revolt against the British rule. Immediate cause of Revolt: The introduction of Enfield greased rifles whose cartridges were said to have a greased cover made of beef and pork sparked off the revolt. It antagonized both Hindu and Muslim soldiers. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 began as a mutiny of sepoys of the East India Companys army on 10th May 1857, in the town of Meerut. It soon escalated into other mutinies and civil rebellions largely in the upper Gangetic plain and central India, with major hostilities confined to present-day Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, northern Madhya Pradesh, and theDelhi region. Leaders of 1857 revolt: Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmi bai, Bahadur Shah II, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Babu Kunwar Singh, Nana Saheb Peshwa, Bakht Khan, etc. Outcome of revolt: British victory - Suppression of the rebellion, End of the Mughal and Maratha Empires, End of Company rule in India and Transfer of rule to the British crown.
Workdays for tribals under MGNREGA raised from 100 to 150

The Union Cabinet raised the number of workdays under its flagship rural employment guarantee programme MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005) from 100 days to 150 days for tribals. The decision will come into effect from April, 2014.
MNREGAs objective: To enhance livelihood security of rural households for creating durable assets and discouraging migration. Focus: On water conservation, water harvesting, drought proofing, land development, flood control and rural connectivity among others. Under MNREGA, eligibility for additionally working days for tribals:As per the rural job scheme, those tribals who have received land rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 will be eligible for additional 50 days of wage employment The beneficiaries would be those who have completed 100 workdays in that particular financial year. To distinguish this category from regular MGNREGA workers, they will be given a job card of a different color. Benefit: This hike in the workdays will benefit approx 14 lakh families in India.
Akbar The Aesthete: Dr. Indu Anands book launched

The Vice President of India, Mr. M. Hamid Ansari launched a book titled Akbar The Aesthete authored by Dr. Indu Anand in New Delhi. About Akbar-The Aesthete book
The book is a presentation of the miniatures of Mughal era of Jalal-ud-Din Muhammad Akbar. The most powerful Mughal emperor, Akbar was a great aesthete and promoter of arts. Eminent Persian and Indian artists thronged his Royal Studio and were encouraged to paint numerous emotive miniatures of style and substance, communicating highly complex narratives. The miniatures of Mughal period are a vivid account of cultural, sociopolitical scenario of its era. Combines the sources and methodology of history and art history of the Mughal era and analyzes a selected group of paintings of Akbars reign. These miniatures are a beautiful manifestation of human expressions, vividly encapsulating moments of history for posterity. Definition: Aesthete- A person who recognizes and values beauty in art, music, etc.
Earclip-type Wearable PC- Japanese researchers testing tiny ear computer

Japanese researchers are testing tiny ear computer that is worn on the ear and can be controlled with the blink of an eye or the click of a tongue. About Earclip-type Wearable PC device Invented by: Engineer Kazuhiro Taniguchi (Hiroshima City University,Japan).
Tiny personal computer: 17-gram wireless device has microchip and data storage that enables users to load software. In other words, the device is a battery-powered and comes with built-in storage: users can upload software, apps and files to their ear-worn clip. Design was inspired by Ikebana Japanese flower arrangements,also known as kado or way of flowers. Features: Bluetooth capability and equipped with a GPS, compass, gyro-sensor, battery, barometer, speaker and microphone. Worn on the ear and can be controlled with the blink of an eye or the click of a tongue. Can be connected to any Bluetooth-enabled device and can be programmed to register certain movements Uses infrared sensors that monitor tiny movements inside the earand can recognize every time a wearers eyes and mouth move. Useful for rock-climbers, hikers, cyclists, people with disabilities, etc.
Indian golfer Rashid Khan won SAIL-SBI Open golf title 2014
Indian golfer, Rashid Khan(23) won the SAIL-SBI golf title 2014 against the Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman at the Delhi Golf Club course in New Delhi. This was Rashids fifth career title and first international win. Owing to this win, Mr. Rashid became the 18th Indian to win an international tournament. It was the third year in succession that an Indian won the SAIL-SBI Open. Anirban Lahiri won the SAIL-SBI open for 2013 and 2012. SAIL-SBI Open tournament Location:India. Established: 2008, played annually. Prize: $300,000. A Golf tournament on the Asian Tour. Co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). Sponsors: Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and State Bank of India (SBI). Winner of Delhi Golf Culb 2014: Rashid Khan. About Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) Formed: 2006. Official body of professional golf in India. Objective: To promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game.
Mr. Chandi Prasad Bhatt: Eminent Gandhian and environmentalist selected for Gandhi Peace Prize 2013
The noted Gandhian and environmentalist, Mr. Chandi Prasad Bhatt selected for the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2013.
About Mr. Chandi Prasad Bhatt
Born:1934. Indian Gandhian environmentalist and social activist. Founder of the Dasholi Gram Swarajya Sangh in Gopeshwar, which later became the mother organization to the Chipko Movement. Known for his work on subaltern social ecology, and considered one of Indias first modern environmentalist One of the pioneers of the Chipko movement for which he was awarded the Raman Magsaysay Award in 1982. Awards: Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Green legend-Greenies Eco Award-2010, Raman Magsaysay Award, etc. Note: Gandhi Peace Prize is an award that is bestowed to individuals and organizations for their contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through peace and other Gandhian methods.
Roger Federer won Dubai tennis championship

Roger Federer won the Singles title at the Dubai Duty FreeTennis Championship after defeating Tomas Berdych by 3-6, 6-4, and 6-3 in the final. This is the sixth title for Roger Federer in Dubai and also the 78th career title. Note: Indo Pak duo of Rohan Bopanna and Aihsan ul Haq Qureshi bagged the doubles title by defeating Daniel Nestor and N. Zimonjic by 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets.
South Africa won ICC Under-19 World Cup 2014

For the first time, South Africa won the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup by defeating two-time former champions Pakistan by six wickets at the DubaiInternational Cricket Stadium. Man of the match Mr. Corbin Borsch (South Africa) Player of the tournament South African captain Mr. Aiden Markram. ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2014 This was the tenth edition of the tournament. Sixteen international U-19 cricketing teams participated. Held in Dubai (United Arab Emirates). Top five cricket teams in the Under-19 cricket world cup: South Africa, Pakistan, England, Australia and India. Indian side was captained by Vijay Hari Zol.
Note: The next ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup will be held in 2016 inBangladesh.
Assam: First Indian state to observe Child Protection Day on March 4, 2014
Assam became the first state in the country to observe Child Protection Day with the support of Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) in collaboration with United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF). The day was observed to highlight issues related to children viz. qualityeducation, importance of protection of children, child trafficking, child marriage, etc. Note: Internationally Child Protection Day is observed on 19 November every year.
Lt Gen P.R. Kumar appointed as the New Army DGMO

Lt Gen PR Kumar appointed as Director General Military Operations (DGMO). He took the charge from Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia. Lt Kumar is an aviator and was holding the responsibility of the Directorate General of Army Aviation. Note: The DGMO is an important office controlling the operations of the Army and is also responsible for immediate resolution of border conflicts with Pakistan and is soon expected to be assigned the same task with China as well.
Raunaq- music album written by Mr. Kapil Sibal launched

Bollywood Actor, Mr. Salman Khan launched the music album titled Raunaqwritten by the Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mr. Kapil Sibal. This album was composed by music maestro AR Rahman. About Raunaq album Composed by A. R. Rahman and lyrics are penned by Mr. Sibal. Label: Sony Music. Consists of seven compositions. Songs sung by artists from the music industry: Lata Mageshkar (Laadli), Shreya Ghosal (Kismat se), Jonita Gandhi (Aa Bhi Jaa) and Rahman (Laadli and Boondein). The album is Kapil Sibals the second lyrical attempt after the Bollywood movie Bandook. Regarding the music album, Mr. Sibal stated that these songs are a reflection of the current social scenario of India and reflects his view of the world that how things touched him.
Ambedkar Awakening Indias Social Conscience Dr. Narendra Jadhavs book launched
The Vice President of India Mr. M. Hamid Ansari released a book Ambedkar: Awakening Indias Social Conscience authored by Dr. Narendra Jadhav. This book is the first ever intellectual biography of Dr. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, a dalit icon and chief architect of the Indian constitution.
Dr. Jadhav is a member of the planning commission and a well-known economist, policy maker, educationist, social scientist and best-selling author and holds a PhD in Economics from Indiana University, USA.
Indias first electric bus launched in Bangalore

As an initiative of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, Indias first electric zero-emission bus officially launched in Bangalore by theKarnataka Transport Minister R Ramalinga Reddy. Features of India first electric zero-emission bus Air-conditioned and has the capacity to seat around 41 passengers. Takes 5 hours to be charged normally and half that time for a fast charge. The zero-emission Chinese-made BYD bus (K9D) is powered by four ferrous batteries, each producing 540 volts of electricity. Maximum speed: 96 km/hr. Cost: Rs 2.7 crore. ((Volvo Rs 88 lakh). No oil required. Runs for 250 km with 6 hours of charging. Powered by ferrous batteries and is expected to eliminate pollution caused by regular fossil fuel-driven vehicles. The bus will ply between Majestic and Kadugodi (Route no 335E) for the first three months, between 7 am and 7 pm. The fare will be similar to Volvo buse
Govt. okayed Rs 1,000 minimum monthly pension under EPS-95

The Union Government approved the proposal to ensure Rs 1,000 minimum monthly pension under a scheme of retirement fund body EPFO. The government would provide an additional amount of around Rs 1,217 crore to ensure the minimum pension of Rs 1,000 starting 2014-15. The decision to provide the entitlement under Employees Pension Scheme -95, run by the Employees Provident Fund Organization, was taken by the Union Cabinet in its meeting held in New Delhi. Benefit of this scheme: With immediate effect. approx 28 lakh pensioners including five lakh widows will get benefit. (There are 44 lakh pensioners). Note: Pensioners will get the benefit with effect from April 1, 2014.
500 endangered languages will be documented by CIIL

The Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) will commence on a mega project to document almost 500 endangered languages in India, each spoken by less than 10000 people. Objective: To bring out dictionaries and also document and preserve the ethnic knowledge system enshrined in the languages, including folklore. It also intends to frame grammar rules. Experts would give suggestions for the revitalization of these languages. Approved by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The decision to document endangered languages was taken by the CIIL during a two-day workshop on Endangered tribal languages in south India. The CIIL will collaborate with universities and institutes. About 70 languages from different parts of the country would be studied in the first phase and 500 would be taken up in a span of 10 years. The study and documentation of each language would cost between Rs. 6 lakh and Rs. 8 lakh.
About Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL)

An Indian research and teaching institute based in Mysore, part of the Language Bureau of the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Found: 1981. Objective: To protects and documents Minor, Minority and Tribal Languages. Established to coordinate the Indian languages through scientific studies, promote inter disciplinary research to contribute to mutual enrichment of languages and thus contribute towards emotional integration of the people of India.
Turkish president Abdullah Gul approved the bill on restricting the judicial powers
The Turkish President Mr. Abdullah approved the bill on restricting the judicial powers. The bill will give more control to the Justice ministry in comparison to the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors. It is an independent body that deals with the appointment of the judiciary. Objective: To curb the independence of the judicial powers. The Turkish parliament also cleared the bill putting restrictions on internet. The law would permit the telecommunication authority to close the websites for violation of privacy. Though, the authority would still need courts approval within 24 hours. The authority would also have to obtain a court order to access records of user activity.
New Corporate Social Responsibility rules for companies notified by Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs
The Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs notified new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules for companies. They will apply to companies with at least Rs 5 crore net profit, or Rs.1,000 crore turnover or Rs.500 crore net worth. As part of the new Companies Act, these new CSR rules would come into effect from April 1, 2014. Objective: For expanding the scope to include more activities but at the same time clarifying that contribution to state government funds and funding of political parties will not be considered CSR activities. Excerpts of the actions that are considered as CSR activities: Livelihood enhancement and rural development projects, promoting preventive health care and sanitation as well as making safe drinking water available, working towards protection of national heritage, art and culture including restoration of buildings and sites of historical importance and works of art, setting up public libraries and promotion and development of traditional arts and handicrafts. To reduce inequalities faced by socially and economically backward groups. Measures for the benefit of armed forces veterans, war widows and their dependents, setting up homes and hostels for women and orphans, setting up of old age homes, day care centres and such other facilities for senior citizens. Control ecological balance, protection of flora and fauna, animal welfare, agro- forestry, conservation of natural resources and maintaining quality of soil, air and water. Training to promote rural sports, nationally recognized sports, Paralympics sports and Olympic sports, contributions or funds provided to technology incubators located within academic institutions which are approved by the central government. Provisions of new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules for companies:
The companies Falling under range are required to spend 2 % of their 3 year average annual net profit on CSR activities in each financial year, beginning from the next fiscal year 2014-15. Has to declare its CSR policy. This policy should mention plans/ activities /programmes or projects. These works should not be a part of routine business activities. Can undertake CSR activities as per the approval of the companys board and decision of its CSR Committee in accordance with its CSR policy. Are permitted to spend only 5% of the total CSR expenditure for manpower required for CSR activities in a single financial year. The manpower would include companys own personnel and those of the implementing agencies. Can also carry out CSR activities with a Society or a registered trust. Rules also define the manner in which CSR committee should formulate and monitor CSR policy, role of board of directors. A Company is permitted to collaborate with other companies in pursuing their CSR activities but they need to show their CSR reports separately. Surplus from CSR activities cannot become a part of the profit of the company. Any type of contributions to any political party will not be treated as CSR activities. Spending for the benefit of the companys own employees also cannot be a part of CSR a ctivity. All CSR activities will have to be within India. The new rules will be applicable to the foreign companies registered in India. Note: Notifications have been issued for Section 135 and Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013 that relate to CSR spending by companies.
Sourav Kothari won the National Billiard Championship title

Mr. Sourav Kothari won the National Billiard Championships held in Lucknow by beating Alok Kumar by 5-3. It is the first maiden title for Saurav Kothari since he turned professional in 2007. Sourav Kothari and Alok Kumar both play for Petroleum SportsPromotion Board (PSPB). Third position was secured by B. Bhaskar by beating Dhruv Sitwala.
Indias first post office savings bank ATM inaugurated in Chennai

The Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram inaugurated the Indias first post office savings bank ATM at the Head Post Office in Thyagaraya Nagar, Chennai. About Post office savings bank ATM The ATM would run on a trial basis for six months. Objective: To make the department technology-oriented. Part of an Information Technology (IT) modernization project of the Department of Posts. Rs 4,909 crore had been allocated for the IT modernisation of Department of Posts in the interim budget for 2014-15. Note: By March 31, 2014, a total of 700 more post offices will be covered and all 26,840 post offices will be functional under CBS in another two years.
India and ADB inked an agreement to improve key road connectivity in Chhattisgarh
The Government of India (GoI) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed an agreement for a $300 million loan to help improve road connectivity along key corridors in the State of Chhattisgarh. Objective: To improve more than 900 kilometers of State roads, in line with the Chhattisgarh Road Master Plan, involving up gradation of roads sections and strengthening culverts and bridges. The loan will be funded from ADBs ordinary capital resources. It has a principal repayment period of 20 years, and annual interest set in accordance with ADBs LIBOR-based lending facility. The Government of Chhattisgarh will provide counterpart finance of about $128 million to cover the estimated total project cost of $428 million.
Mr. Dinesh Sarraf appointed next ONGC chief

Mr. Dinesh K Sarraf appointed the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD)of Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC). Previously, he was the Managing Director of ONGCs overseas arm, ONGC Videsh (OVL). Mr. Sarraf replaced Mr. Sudhir Vasudeva.
Planet bonanza: NASA announces discovery of 715 new worlds

The NASAs Kepler mission announced the discovery of 715 new planets. These newly-verified planets orbit 305 stars, revealed multiple-planet systems much like our own solar system. This discovery marks a significant increase in the number of known small-sized planets more akin to Earth than previously identifiedexoplanets, which are planets outside our solar system. About the discovery of 715 new planets Technique used by scientists: Verification by multiplicity that relies in part on the logic of probability. Used the planet-hunting Kepler telescope. It observed 150,000 stars and has found a few thousand of those to have planet candidates. Nearly 95% of these planets are smaller than Neptune that is almost four times the size of Earth. Four of the new planets are less than 2.5 times the radius of Earth, and they orbit their host suns in the habitable zone the region around a star where water can keep a liquid state. In other words, it is defined as the range of distance from a star where the surface temperature of an orbiting planet may be suitable for life-giving liquid water. One of these new habitable zone planets known as Kepler-296f -orbits a star half the size and 5% as bright as our sun. Kepler-296f is twice the size of Earth, but scientists do not know whether the planet is a gaseous world, with a thick hydrogen-helium envelope, or it is a water world surrounded by a deep ocean. This latest discovery brings the confirmed count of planets outside our solar system to nearly 1700. Key terms: Exoplanet (or extrasolar planet): A planet outside the Solar System. Habitable zone: The region around a star where water can keep a liquid state Kepler space telescope mission
Launched in 2009, with the sole purpose of finding new stars and planets. In other words, the Kepler space telescope sought to find Earth-like worlds orbiting distant stars in the Constellation Lyra. Orbits around the Sun, 40 million miles from Earth. Named after 17th Century astronomer Mr. Johannes Kepler. Outcome of the discovery: The study indicates that the planets in these multi-systems are small and their orbits are flat and circular, resembles pancakes, not our classical view of an atom.
Indian Navy Chief Mr. DK Joshi resigned after accident on Indian sub Sindhuratna
The Indian Naval Chief Admiral DK Joshi (59) resigned in the wake of submarine INS Sindhuratna accident. The Defense Ministry has accepted his resignation. Vice Admiral RK Dhowan took over as the Acting Chief till regular Naval Chief is appointed.
What is the issue behind the resignation of Navy Chief Mr. DK Joshi?
Recently, Indias Russian-built submarine, INS Sindhuratna was at sea off Mumbai for routine training and workup (inspection) when smoke was reported in the sailors accommodation. In that accident, seven sailors were injured and two officers were dead. The cause of the fire remains unknown. This accident was the 10th involving an Indian Navy warship and the third involving a submarine in the last seven months. In August 2013, the Navy lost another Kilo, INS Sindhurakshak, in a fire that gutted the boat and killed all 18 crew on board. Due to the repeated accidents of naval vessels and submarines, Mr. Joshi took the moral responsibility and resigned form the post of Naval Chief. He became the first Indian naval chief to resign. Note: INS Sindhuratna (S59) is a Sindhughosh-class diesel-electric submarine of the Indian Navy.
Mr. Ibrahim Mahlab: New Prime Minister of Egypt

Mr. Ibrahim Mahlab sworn- in as new Prime Minister of Egypt. He is a former member of Hosni Mubaraks political party. Mr. Mahlab replaced Mr. Hazem el-Beblawi, who was interim Prime Minister of Egypt since 2013. Previously, he was the housing minister in the previous administration. Mr. Mahlab would head Egypts sixth government since the 2011 uprising that toppled the autocratic President Hosni Mubarak. He is expected to lead an interim government at least until the election of a new president.
Indias Largest Solar Power Plant launched in Madhya Pradesh

Welspun Solar MP project, the largest Solar Power Plant of India launched atBhagwanpur in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh. About Welspun Solar MP project The 151-megawatt photovoltaic plant. Worlds 2nd largest & Asias Largest solar project (Single Plant). Constructed by: Welspun Energy Ltd (WEL). Location: Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh. Inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Set up at a cost of Rs. 1100 crore on 305 hectares of land. Supply power at Rs. 8.05 a kWh. This Project will raise Indian solar capacity by 7%.
About Welspun Energy Ltd (WEL) Biggest developer of solar photovoltaic projects of India. Headquarters:New Delhi. Objective: To develop 1,000 MW of wind power projects by 2014. The energy arm of Welspun Group is an independent power producer with plans to build grid connected 750MW of solar power & 1 GW of wind power plants across India.
ICICI Bank launched branch on wheels in Odisha

ICICI Bank Ltd. launched Branch on Wheels in Odisha as part their financial inclusion plans to provide banking services in remote villages in the state which are devoid of banking facilities. ICICI Bank is the first private sector bank to launch Mobile Branch with ATM About Branch on Wheels mobile branch with an ATM. First-of-its-kind initiative by any private sector bank in India. Objective: To provide basic banking services to the remote unbanked villages in the state. The branch would be operated on a van. It will be stationed at specific timings of the day in preidentified, unbanked villages at specified locations. Would be equipped with a GPS tracking system, laptops with 3G connections, LED TV, a safe, a printer, public announcement system, an UV Lamp that detects forged cheques, a note counting-cumauthentication machine that identifies fake currency notes and a unique low-weight ATM. Offers a wide range of banking products and services viz. savings accounts, loans, cash deposit/withdrawal, account balance enquiries, statement printing and funds transfer/DD/PO collections, among others. Note: Odisha is the third state where ICICI Bank has expanded its Branch on Wheels network after Maharashtra in September 2013 and Chhatisgarh in February 2014.
M-Pesa launched in Odisha

Telecom major, Vodafone India and ICICI Bank announced the launch of mobile commerce initiative called M-Pesa service in Odisha. About M-Pesa service A mobile money transfer and payment service that allows customers to transfer money to any mobile phone, remit money to any bank account, make utility payments, recharge of mobile, DTH payment and earn interest on deposits. Empowers the un-banked and under-banked sections of the population gain access to financial services through the mobile phone. This service will now be available across 202 Tehsils, 24 Districts through 1350 specially trained authorized agents including 73 Vodafone exclusive stores in Odisha. Apart from Odisha, M-Pesa has been rolled out in Delhi, Mumbai, West Bengal,Punjab, UP East, UP West, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Assam & North East and Haryana. It will be made available across the country in a phased manner.
CCEA nod for hiking fixed cost of Urea

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved Rs 350/tonne increase in the fixed cost for urea plants in reference to the Group of Ministers recommendations. For urea plants, the fixed cost includes salary and wage expenses, contract labour, repair and maintenance, and selling costs. This move would lead to increase in subsidy by about Rs. 900 crore. Though, it would not have any impact on urea prices.
Under the New Pricing Scheme (NPS) III, the fixed cost of urea produced by plants which are 30 years old or more by Rs. 150/tonne and for all other plants by Rs 350/tonne. The minimum fixed cost would be Rs 2,300/tonne. The CCEA also approved modification in the New Investment Policy for the soil nutrient to boost its domestic production. The New Investment Policy: Dropped the guaranteed buyback provision that assured buyback of urea for 8 years from start of production. Inserted a provision of bank guarantee of Rs. 300 crore from companies keen to set urea plants under this policy. Government will provide subsidy on sale of urea produced from the new plants. Note: In India, Urea production is stagnant at 22 million tonnes and the gap of 8 million tonnes is met through imports. To date, about 4 million tonnes of urea has been imported.
CCEA approves opening of 54 new KVs in 12 FYP

The Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the opening of 54 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) during the 12th Five Year Plan. The KVs are considered as model schools in terms of physical infrastructure, teaching resources, curriculum and academic performance.
New Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs)

Will be located in 53 districts in 17 States. Objective: To cater to the educational needs of children of transferable Central Government employees including defense and para-military personnel by providing a common programme of education. Cost of the project: Rs. 927.40 crore. These new KVs when fully functional will provide quality education to approximately 54,000 students in addition to 12 lakhs students already studying in the present KVs. The CCEA also approved setting up of 3500 model schools in backward districts in the country to provide quality education. Note: At present, there are 1094 functional Kendriya Vidyalayas including three in Moscow, Kathmandu and Tehran.
Venom GT- worlds fastest car recorded 435 km/hr (270 Miles/hr)
The US car manufacturer Hennessey developed the worlds fastest car Venom GT with a top speed of an incredible 435 km/hr. The firm set a new record for the fastest car in the world during a test run at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. Venom GT beat the previous best record of 431km/hr set by Bugatti Veyron Super Sport. About Venom GT Based on Lotus Exige with a 7.0-litre. 927kw twin-turbo V8 wedged between its axles. Though, Venom broke the record of Bugatti, the cars speed record will not be ratified by Guinness World Records, as Hennessey only completed one run.
To replace the record of Bugatti the book requires cars that run in two directions to account for variables including gradients and wind direction. Note: The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 is a mid-engined sports car, designed and developed by the Volkswagen Group and manufactured in Molsheim, France by Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
Eminent painter Mr. Prokash Karmakar passed away

The veteran Indian painter Mr. Prokash Karmakar (81) passed away in Kolkata due to age related illness. The painter was best known for his landscapes and nudes. About Mr. Prokash Karmakar Born: 1933 in Kolkata. Inspired by the works of Picasso and other masters of the 19th century Impressionism. Works: Permanent collections of the National Gallery of Modern Art, Lalit Kala Akademi in Delhi and Lucknow Academy of Fine Arts in Kolkata. Awards: Lalit Kala Akademi National Award, RabindraBharatiUniversity Award, BirlaAcademy of Art and Culture, Calcutta, etc. His Official Website: http://www.prokashkarmakar.com/ His paintings reflect his perception and interpretation of nature (bot
ndia and Israel inked pacts on bilateral security relations

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (Government ofIndia) and Israel signed three pacts to strengthen the efforts in the war against terror and beef up bilateral security relations. The pacts are Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters, Agreement on Protection of Classified Material andAgreement on Cooperation in Homeland and Public Security. The agreements are based on the shared determination to protect their citizens, their assets and their interests. The pacts were signed by Additional Secretary in the Home Ministry Rajiv Sharma and Ambassador of Israel in India Alon Ushpiz and one agreement by Director in the Ministry of Defense Amir Kain.
Dr. Janumaddi Hanumath Shastry: Veteran Telugu litterateur passed away

The well-known Telugu litterateur, Dr. Janumaddi Hanumath Sastry (90) passed away in Kapada town of Andhra Pradesh due to old age-related illness. About Dr. Janumaddi Hanumath Sastry Born: Rayadurg in Anantapur district on September 5, 1926. Awards: Kavitraya Jayanthi Puraskaram, the Gadicherla award, Sarvadhari Ugadi Puraskaram, etc. Authored books: Maa Seema Kavulu, Mana Devathalu, Rasavadghattalu, Bellary Raghava, Mokshagundam Visweswarayya, C.P. Brown Charitra, Dr. Ambedkar, Ganapati, etc. For his contribution to Telugu literature, he was conferred with a doctorate by Telugu University Hyderabad. Delivered over 150 talks on AIR and wrote over 2,000 articles for various magazines. Organized C.P. Brown bicentennial celebrations in November 1998.
India Saudi Arabia signed defense cooperation deal

India and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation for greater exchange of information and training in New Delhi. The agreement was signed by Saudi Arabias Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nizar Bin Obaid Madani and Indias Minister of State forDefence Jitendra Singh. The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the area of radio and television, as also in fields of media coverage and training, besides agreeing to activate the agreement signed between Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and the Press Trust of India (PTI). The pacts were signed in the presence of Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mr. Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who was on a three-day visit to India. (Mr. Al Saud is also Saudi Arabias Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister). Saudi Arabia is Indias fourth largest partner with bilateral trade of over $43 billion in 2012 -13. Saudi Arabia is also Indias largest crude oil supplier accounting for about 20% of total imports in 2012-13. Note:Saudi Arabia is the 6th largest market in the world for Indian ex
FNCCI & CII agree to organize Nepal-India Economic Summit every year
The Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and industry (FNCCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) have agreed to organize Nepal-IndiaEconomic Summit every year alternatively in the two countries. This was decided at a meeting of President of FNCCI, Mr. Suraj Vaidya and the incoming President of CII, Mr. Ajaya S. Shriram in Kathmandu. The Summit would be an effective platform to discuss the promotion of bilateral economic and trade relations between the two countries.
The two business organizations have also agreed to play a strategic role for developing hydropower projects that have been long pending in Nepal. The private sector has also principally agreed to make a joint study to find out various areas for improvement for new trade treaty between the two countries.
MTDC and Mehair launched seaplane service

The Maritime Energy Heli Air Services (MEHAIR) jointly with MaharashtraTourism Development Corporation (MTDC) launched the Indias first seaplane service from mainland at Mumbai, through which tourists will be taken by two Amphibian aircraft to tourist spots like water bodies where there are no runways. The first service will take off on March 10, 2014 from Mumbai to AambyValleyCity. About Indias first seaplane service First of its kind in mainland India that will link Mumbais Juhu airport with tourist destinations of the state. Will be launched with a Cessna 206 Amphibian aircraft. Another Cessna 208 will be inducted into service by April, 2014. Both these models can accommodate 4 to 9 passengers. First phase: MEHAIR will roll out its service to destinations viz. AmbayValley lake, Gangapur Dam (Nashik), Mula Dam (Meherabad/Shirdi), Pawna Dam (Lonavla), Varasgaon Dam (Lavasa) and Dhoom Dam (Panchgani /Mahabaleshwar). Second phase: MEHAIR will connect Mumbai with Konkan coast viz. Ganpatipule, Harihareshwar, Tarkarli and Murud Janjira. MEHAIR has plans to roll out 25 seaplanes over the next five years operating in most of the major states of the country. What are Sea-planes? Sea-planes are small aircrafts that can touch down on land as well as on water, and do not require capital-intensive infrastructure for operations. Thus, they are considered ideal for high-end travel to destinations that are far by road and are not equipped with airports. They require either a 1-km long airstrip or a water body, which is one km long and at least 10 feet deep. Note: In 2011, Mehair pioneered the launch of seaplane in India, the service has been operational in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Global Ayurveda Festival Kerala 2014

The second edition of Global Ayurveda Festival Kerala 2014 (GAF) held at Queen of Arabian Sea, Kochi in Kerala. About Global Ayurveda Festival Kerala 2014 Five days International Expo with more than 350 stalls. Chief Guest:Mauritius President Mr. Rajkeswar Puryaag. Theme: Ayurveda in Public Health and Communicable Diseases. Focus: On the strengths of Ayurveda in public health in the context of growing burden of new age communicable diseases. Other sub themes: Mental Health and Ayurveda, Clinical Research in Ayurveda, Cosmetology in Ayurveda, Nutrition and a variety of other related topics. The bi-annual Ayurveda fest organized by the Centre for Innovation in Science & Social Action (CISSA), jointly with the State of Government and the Ayurveda Fraternity of Kerala. First ever Ayurveda Paramedics Conference.
Braigo- a low-cost Braille printer invented by Indian-origin boy Shubham Banerjee

The Indian-origin, Master Shubham Banerjee (12) invented Braigo, a low-cost Braille printer by using toy construction Lego pieces in USA. About Braigo, a low-cost Braille printer A mash-up of Braille and LEGO. Cost: $350. Designed from the Lego Mindstorms EV3 set. Modified a robot model to make a functional printer at a fraction of the cost of other machines in the market. (Basic model Braille printers retail for about $2,000 online). Programmed to produce the letters :A to Z in Braille. It takes about seven seconds to print each letter. Users can type in letters, and the Braigos needle will hammer out the translated message in raised dots on paper. Future Plan: To programme Braigo to print the numbers one to 10. What is Braille printer? Braille printers, also known as embossers, are used to make copies of electronic documents on paper in a format that is readable by blind people. Working: Receives data from computer devices and embosses that information in Braille onto paper through the use of solenoids that control embossing pins. Typically print on heavyweight paper and use up more pages for the same amount of information than pages printed on a regular printer. Slower and noisier. Inter-point printers are Braille printers that emboss Braille on both sides of a page. Note: LEGO Mindstorms EV3 is a remarkably powerful and functional robotics kit people of any age can use to build some impressive and complicated projects.
Presidents rule imposed in Andhra Pradesh

President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee approved the Telengana Bill and on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet imposed Presidents Rule in Andhra Pradesh. Why Presidents rule imposed in Andhra Pradesh? Due to the resignation of Mr. N. Kiran Kumar Reddy from the CM post of Andhra (to protest against the passage of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill to create a separate State of Telangana), thePresidents rule imposed in Andhra Pradesh, as the State was without a Chief Minister and no party came forward to form the government. President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee gave his nod to place under suspended animation the Andhra Pradesh assembly whose term is slated to end on June 2, 2014. After Presidents assent to the Telangana bill, appointed day yet to be published in the Gazettee of India. About Presidents Rule (Article 356 of the Constitution of India) Purpose: To deal with the failure of the Constitutional machinery of an Indian state. In practice, Presidents rule has been imposed under different circumstances viz.State Legislature is unable to elect a leader as Chief Minister, Breakdown of a coalition, Elections postponed for unavoidable reasons, etc. The President on the advice of the governor or on his own attains the right to dissolve the state government and its council of ministers, thereby impose president rule. The parliament must approve
the president rule to come into effect. After the implementation of president rule, the governor heads the state and takes all the power. When Presidents rule is imposed, the assembly is either dissolved or kept in suspended. Excerpts of the Telangana Bill: Telangana will have 10 districts and the rest of Andhra Pradesh 13 districts. Hyderabad will remain the joint capital of Telangana and residuary Andhra Pradesh for ten years. The Bhadrachalam division will continue to be with Khammam district which will be part of Telangana. NTPC will construct a 4,000 MW power project in Telangana to solve the electricity problem in the region. A petroleum university will be constructed in Seemandhra region while seats for Semmandhra students in educational institutes in Telangana will be reserved for ten years. Article 371 D will continue for the both states to ensure equitable opportunities for education and public employment. Telangana comprises 10 districts: - Hyderabad, Adilabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Mahbubnagar, Medak, Nalgonda, Nizamabad, Rangareddy and Warangal. Note: Till now, India consists of 28 states and 7 union territories. Soon, Telangana will become the 29th state of India, as it got approval from President of India.
Zero AIDS Discrimination Day launched on March 1

For the first time, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS(UNAIDS) launched its Zero Discrimination Day on March 1 in Beijing, China, to support those who are infected by HIV/AIDS. About Zero Discrimination Day 2014 Motto: To call the people everywhere to promote equal rights for AIDS victims and celebrate everyones right to live a full life with dignity no matter what they look like, where they come from or whom they love. Transformative Symbol: Butterfly. Vision: Zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. An initiative of UNAIDS advocate and Nobel laureate Ms. Daw Aung Suu Kyi. Offers an unprecedented opportunity for raising awareness; for speaking up to support people who have been discriminated against; for promoting diversity; and for becoming champions of tolerance, compassion and peace. Discrimination against HIV/AIDS victims is a serious barrier preventing the provision of equal services.
Chennais Ennore Port officially renamed as Kamarajar Port

The Ennore Port Limited of Chennai officially renamed as Kamarajar Port Ltd. after the veteran Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Mr.Kumarasami Kamarajar. Mr. Kamarajar was known for his pioneering efforts including introducing the free noon-meal scheme for children in schools besides heralding the states industrialization. About Kamarajar Port Location: Ennore, Chennai. Owned by: Kamarajar Port Limited. Opened: 2001. The 12th major port of India and the first port in India which is a public company. The Centre holds a stake of about 68% and the remaining 32 % is held by the Chennai Port Trust. Category-I Mini Ratna status. Have six cargo handling berths with a total capacity of 30 million tonne per annum. Has the potential to become the first in terms of cargo handling.
Note: Mr. Kamarajar was the chief minister of Tamil Nadu during 19541963 and a Member of Parliament during 19521954 and 19691975. He was known for his simplicity and integrity.
Freedom fighter Maulana Hasrat Mohanis postage stamp released by Vice President of India
The Vice President of India, Mr. M. Hamid Ansari released the commemorative postage stamp of Freedom fighter Maulana Hasrat Mohani in New Delhi. About Freedom fighter Maulana Hasrat Mohani Born: January 1,1875 in Mohan , United Province, British India. Died: May 13,1951 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Pen name: Hasrat Mohani. Eminent poet who used to Ghazal poetry a purely genre of love poetry for political subjects and gave it a new turn. Was a great freedom fighter and never accepted British rule over India. Great admirer of Lokmanya Tilak and always used to refer him as Tilak Maharaj, even in his poetry. In 1908, he was sentenced to two years rigorous imprisonment by British government for publishing an article in Urdu-e-Mu-alla against British policies in Egypt. He was released in 1910 and re-started Urdu-e-Mu-alla. Second person in Indian History who demanded Complete Independence (Azadi-e-Kaamil) in 1921 as he presided over an annual session of All India Muslim League. (First person wasSwatantryaveer Savarkar, who demanded Complete Independence in 1900). In 1919, Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar and his brother Maulana Shaukat Ali along with some other Muslim leaders viz. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, Raees-ul-Muhajireen Barrister Jan Muhammad Junejo, Maulana Hasrat Mohani, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Dr. Hakim Ajmal Khan formed an All India Khilafat Committee at Lucknow.
Indian-origin men win Heinz Awards in US

Indian-origin men, Professor Abraham Verghese and Mr. Sanjeev Arora are among the five recipients who won the 19th Heinz awards 2013 and will be honored in Pittsburgh on April 3, 2014. Each winner will receive a cash award of $250,000 each as well as a medallion inscribed with an image of late US senator John Heinz. 19th Heinz Awards 2013: Category and its recipients Arts and humanities Professor Abraham Verghese, a doctor and author based at Stanford University Medical School, USA was given the award in recognition of his best-selling authorship. In his first book, My Own Country, he wrote extensively about AIDS in rural areas of Tennesse. He belongs to Kerala. Public policy Dr. Sanjeev Arora, professor of medicine at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, was recognized for revolutionizing community healthcare using video conferencing technology. He belongs to Kota, Rajasthan. Environment Professor Jonathan Foley, director of the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota where he has conducted research on the global environment and how to improve the efficiency of food production. Human condition Mr. Salman Khan, founder of online KhanAcademy in Mountain View, Calif., an educational nonprofit that offers free tutorials and exercises to students around the world.
Technology, the economy and employment Leila Janah (an entrepreneur based in San Francisco, USA) was honored for founding the nonprofits Samasource and SamaUSA that uses an Internet to train and employ people in impoverished communities around the world. About Heinz Awards Established in 1993 by Ms. Teresa Heinz, the chairwoman of the Heinz Family Foundation in honor of her late husband, Senator H. John Heinz III, the Pennsylvania Republican. Headquarters:Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (separate from theinternational food company). Annually awarded by the Heinz Family Foundation. The Heinz Awards celebrates the accomplishments and spirit of the Senator by recognizing the extraordinary achievements of individuals in the areas of greatest importance to Senator John Heinz, who died in a midair aircraft collision in 1991. Awards recognize outstanding individuals for their contributions in five areas: Arts and Humanities, Environment, Human Condition, Public Policy, and Technology, the Economy and Employment.
Dr. Madan Babu won the Protein Science Young Investigator Award for 2014
An Indian-born scientist, Dr. M Madan Babu won the Protein Science Young Investigator Award for 2014 at Cambridge, UK. He got the award for his effort in the field of biological system and to understand intrinsically disordered proteins and gene regulation clearly. MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CambridgeUK He became the first scientist from MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology to won this award. At present, Dr. Babu heads the group on Regulatory Genomics and Systems Biology at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK. About Protein Science Young Investigator Award Recognizes an important contribution to the study of proteins by a scientist still in the early stages of an independent career. Given by the Protein Society. The Society represents a global community of researchers dedicated to the understanding of proteins.
German Chancellor Ms. Angela Merkel awarded Israels highest civilian honor
The German Chancellor Ms. Angela Merkel awarded the Presidential Medal of Distinction (Israels highest civilian honor) by the President of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres. She was awarded with this medal for her firm commitment to the security of Israel along with her fight against anti-Semitism and racism in particular through education. About Presidential Medal of Distinction (Israels highest civilian honor) The medal features the North Star (to symbolize the (right path) and a seven -branched menorah or Jewish candelabrum the symbol of Israel inscribed with the phrase From his shoulders and upward, from the Book of Samuel 9:2. Open to Israeli citizens and non-citizens. Awarded every year by the President to a person for his/her extraordinary contribution to the country. Past recipients of the medal: U.S. President Barack Obama, former U.S. president Bill Clinton, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra director Zubin Mehta, human rights activist Elie Wiesel, etc. Note: Anti-Semitism is a hostile belief or behavior towards Jews as a religious or racial group and the term was coined in 1879 by the German agitator, Wilhelm Marr to designate the anti-Jewish campaigns underway in central Europe at that time. The person who holds the position of ant-Semitism is known as anti-Semite.
National Lok Adalat to be held in Nagpur on April 12, 2014

Due to large number of pending cases, the District Legal Services Authority is organizing a National Lok Adalat at Nagpur on April 12, 2014. The National Lok Adalat will be conducted at all levels right from theSupreme Court, High Courts, it benches upto the Taluka Courts. The mechanism of Lok Adalats available for disposal and resolution of disputes will be used to clear pending cases at the earliest by sorting out suitable ones. In the National Lok Adalat, cases viz. criminal compoundable cases, negotiable instrument act Cases U/S 138, motor accident claim petitions, accident information report (AIR), state transport cases and matrimonial and family courts cases will be taken into account.
NTPC to set up Kajra Thermal Project in Bihar

NTPC will set up a 1,320 MW thermal power project at Kajra in Lakhisarai district of Bihar. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NTPC, Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) and Lakhisarai Bijlee Company Private Limited (LBCPL) at Patna in Bihar. Estimated cost of the project: Approx Rs. 9200 crore. The plant would have two units of 660 MW each. Note: In the joint venture, NTPC would have 74% stake and the rest would be with BSPGCL.
Mumbais Raj Bhavan got ISO certification

The ISO 9001: 2008 awarded to Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, Maharashtra in recognition of the standard management practices adopted and implemented by the Govern ors Secretariat and its staff. The certificate recognises that Raj Bhavan has established general and office related improvement check-lists and has also laid down standard operating procedures for all departments. Raj Bhavan has set an example for other organizations in terms of efficiency, standards and quality of services.
About ISO 9001: 2008 (Quality management system)

International standard related to quality management system, applicable to any organization from all types of business sectors and activities. Provides guidance and tools for companies and organizations who want to ensure that their products and services consistently meet customers requirements, and that quality is consistently improved. Objective: To seek continuous performance improvement for all organizations. To meet the requirements for the ISO 9001:2008 certification, an organization should demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products that meet applicable regulatory requirements and continue to meet changing expectations of customers.
Benefits of ISO 9001:2008

Involves Top management in the improvement of the Quality management System. Facilitates the organization to become a customer-focused organization. Ensures sustained customer satisfaction by producing, delivering services and providing support functions that meet customers needs and expectations. Increases the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization through continual improvement in systems and products /services quality.
Water, Peace and War Confronting the Global Water Crisis Mr. Brahma Chellaneys book launched
February 27, 2014 No comments
The Vice President of India, Mr. M. Hamid Ansarilaunched a book titled Water, Peace and War Confronting the Global Water Crisis authored by Mr. Brahma Chellaney. About the Water, Peace and War Confronting the Global Water Crisis book Focus: On a wide range of research from scientific and policy fields to examine the global linkages between water and peace. Author: Mr. Brahma Chellaney. Founds a way on how we can secure humankinds water future and promised to become the recognized authority on the most precious natural resources of this century. The author sketched a bleak picture of water scarcity in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East regions that are not only struggling with unstable governments, but also rapidly growing populations. Water stressed conditions are also appearing in developed countries, viz.Australia, Spain, and South Korea. Even the deep-water aquifers that support modern agriculture in North America are dwindling.

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The President of India and the Supreme Commander of Indian defense forces, Mr.

Ms Soma Mondal appointed first Women director of NALCO

U & Me Against Dengue National Campaign launched

March 16, 2014 No comments

Indias industrial output raised marginally by 0.1% in Jan 2014

Indias consumer inflation falls to 8.10% in Feb 2014

IPL 7 (2014) to be held in UAE, Bangladesh & India

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Study: Volcanoes helped species survive ice ages

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About Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL)

Sourav Kothari won the National Billiard Championship title

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Global Ayurveda Festival Kerala 2014