Current Affairs May 2014

Current Affairs May 2014
Contents
Anti-counterfeit fingerprints made from silver nanowires.......................................................................................................... 4
PaMZ: High potential drug combo against drug-sensitive and MDR-TB .................................................................................... 5
Polo, Indias only gorilla, breaths his last .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Significant defence deal inked between Philippines and US ........................................................................................................ 6
Egypt: 683 alleged supporters of ex-President Morsi sentenced to death................................................................................... 6
SOLAR-JET: An EU project makes solar kerosene from sunlight ......................................................................................... 6
Now city-specific domain names (.london, .nyc, etc.) ......................................................................................................................7
India emerged as 3rd largest economy in 2011: World Bank .........................................................................................................7
India launches Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana Scheme in UAE......................................................................... 8
Supreme Court creates a Third Gender for transgenders ............................................................................................................ 8
Akash missile test fired successfully .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Namibia purchases India-made EVMs for its presidential polls .................................................................................................. 9
UK conducts worlds biggest human organ imaging project ...................................................................................................... 10
Ahmed Maiteeq- Libyas youngest and fifth Prime Minister since dictator Kadhafi was toppled and killed in 2011 uprising 10
Bacillus pumilus SAFR-032 Bacteria from Earth may contaminate Mars; confuse researchers in future about origin of life on
Mars: NASA ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Foreign Portfolio Investors can invest up to $81 billion in debt securities ............................................................................... 10
India conducts successful test of first indigenous air-to-air Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Astra missile ........................... 11
Existence of 117th element Ununseptium (Uus) confirmed ......................................................................................................12
NASA to grow plants on International Space Station (ISS)...........................................................................................................12
Sarvada Vijay: Indian Armys desert exercise conducted to tests its fighting skills ..............................................................12
Gary Becker, economist and winner of Nobel Prize passed away ............................................................................................... 13
Finance Ministry: Withdrawal of fiscal stimulus programme in US will not affect much the foreign investments into India 13
Excavation suspended at Keralas Padmanabhaswamy Temple.................................................................................................. 13
Govts nod not required to investigate corruption charges on senior bureaucrats: Supreme Court ....................................14
Rising NPAs is making public sector banks
unfitsingh
for| private
Provident Fund deposits
..........................................................14
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Dont levy penalty if minimum balance is not maintained in bank account: RBI to banks ....................................................14
RBI allows minors over 10 years to operate bank accounts .......................................................................................................... 15
Maintain status quo on INS Vikrant: Supreme Court ..................................................................................................................... 15
El Nino effect may shrink Indias GDP by 1.75%: Assocham........................................................................................................ 15
SC upholds constitutional validity of Right to Education Act ....................................................................................................... 15
Thailand court sacks PM Yingluck Shinawatra ...............................................................................................................................16
Indian Navy operationally deploys INS Vikramaditya ...................................................................................................................16
Do not charge penalty on pre-payment of floating loans: RBI to Banks ..................................................................................16
DGCA directs airlines to track flights in real time .......................................................................................................................... 17
DGCA grants Flying License to AirAsia India .................................................................................................................................. 17
Supreme Court bans use of bulls in sports ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Supreme Court allows Tamil Nadu to raise Mullaperiyar height ................................................................................................ 17
RuPay, Indias indigenous card payment network launched .......................................................................................................18
54 Indian companies among Forbes Global 2000 .......................................................................................................................18
Biologists discover 14 new Dancing Frog species in Western Ghats ........................................................................................19
Indian economy showing signs of improvement ............................................................................................................................19
Rise quickly to counter China: Vietnam to India ...........................................................................................................................19
Google loses copyright case over Android to Oracle .....................................................................................................................19
CANWFZ Treaty signed to recognize Central Asia as Nuke-Free Zone ..................................................................................... 20
RBI restricts companies from refinancing of rupee loans via External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) route ................. 20
Scientists succeed in replicating semi-synthetic DNA containing unnatural bases ................................................................21
Indian Railways releases: India Junction A Window to The Nation ..................................................................................... 22
China expresses concern over Indias role in South China Sea issue ........................................................................................ 22
Exit polls and Post-Poll Survey: Are both same?..................................................................................................................... 23
Effectiveness of Medication is Gene-dependent: Research; thats why a particular drug is effective for certain people but not
for others. .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
RBI permits foreign branches of banks to sell derivatives not allowed in India...................................................................... 23
Shrinking ice moving the Earths crust upwards in the Northern Antarctic Peninsula ......................................................... 24
Gmails Android version becomes first single app to pass 1 billion installations .................................................................... 24
By 2025, India to replace Japan as third-largest oil consumer: US ............................................................................................ 24
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Google rankings can influence Elections: Study ........................................................................................................................... 25

To know about the candidates contesting elections is a fundamental right of citizens under Article 19(1)(a): Supreme Court 25
Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag appointed as new Army chief ........................................................................................................... 25
Govt should reduce its shareholding in PSBs to below 50%: RBI Committee ......................................................................... 25
Bharti Airtel raises about $2 billion in Dual Currency Bond sale ............................................................................................... 26
Indias IIP remains negative, declines 0.5% in March 2014 ........................................................................................................ 27
General Election 2014: Resounding victory for BJP, Congress faces drubbing in 6 states ................................................... 27
Sikkim Assembly elections 2014: SDF to retain power for fifth term in a row ......................................................................... 28
Odisha assembly polls 2014: BJD emerged largest party in the state ........................................................................................ 28
Arunachal Pradesh assembly polls: INC to form government .................................................................................................... 28
Andhra Pradesh assembly polls results: TDP wins largest number of seats ............................................................................ 29
Representation of Muslims in 16th Lok Sabha plunges all-time low at 22 ............................................................................... 29
Indias Steel Man Former Tisco chief Russi Mody passed away............................................................................................ 29
Photon-Photon Collider Experiment: Researchers develop technique to turn light into matter ........................................ 30
SpaceX Dragon capsule leaves space station, heads back to Earth ......................................................................................... 30
RBI to launch Plastic notes in 2015 ................................................................................................................................................... 30
Adani Ports buys Dhamra Port of Odisha ....................................................................................................................................... 30
Chibok Kidnapping of Schoolgirls: Nigerias President calls off town visit .............................................................................. 31
Swiss electors disapprove worlds highest minimum wage, thwart new fighter jets buying plans ...................................... 31
Researchers unravel why olive oil reduces blood pressure ......................................................................................................... 32
RBI to start managing Telanganas public debt from June 2, 2014 ............................................................................................ 32
Pension Payment Order (PPO) to be given soon after retirement to Central Govt employees ............................................. 32
Modi is not the first instance when CM becomes PM ................................................................................................................... 33
Jitan Ram Manjhi sworn-in as Bihar Chief Minister ..................................................................................................................... 33
RBI permits banks to provide loans to exporters for up to 10 years............................................................................................ 33
Flipkart acquires Myntra ..................................................................................................................................................................... 34
All banks need to install talking ATMs from July 1, 2014: RBI .................................................................................................. 34
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Anandiben Patel: First woman CM of Gujarat
................................................................................................................................ 34
Members of Planning Commission resign ..................................................................................................................................... 35
Pawan Chamling takes oath as Sikkim CM for fifth consecutive term...................................................................................... 35
Naveen Patnaik takes oath as fourth time CM in Odisha ............................................................................................................. 35
Bharatiya Mahila Bank included in second schedule to RBI Act 1934 ....................................................................................... 35
RBI eases gold import to promote its export under its 20:80 formula ....................................................................................... 36
Genral Polls 2014: Dhubri recorded highest Voter Turnout; Srinagar the lowest ................................................................... 36
Donald Levine, man behind G.I. Joe, passed away ........................................................................................................................ 36
Mercedes Nico Rosberg clinches Monaco F1 Grand Prix.............................................................................................................37
Hiroshi Naka is new vice-president of World Bank .......................................................................................................................37
Badminton: China beats Japan to win Uber Cup ............................................................................................................................37
Sanskrit Scholar and Indologist Sukumari Bhattacharji passed away .......................................................................................37
Exhibition in Germany observes 100 years of World War I......................................................................................................... 38
Scientists create Nano-diamonds which last only for seconds ................................................................................................... 38
Anti-Terrorism Day observed on MAY 21......................................................................................................................................... 38
Indian-American Akhil Rekulapelli clinches National Geographic Bee Championship ....................................................... 38
DeitYs Mobile Seva project wins UN Public Service Award.................................................................................................... 39
Gujarats Rani ki Vav to be replicated digitally in UK .................................................................................................................. 39
SIMBEX 14: India-Singapore naval drill starts in Andaman Sea............................................................................................. 39
Rajiv Mathur appointed new Chief Information Commissioner................................................................................................. 39
WHO concerned about MERS virus .................................................................................................................................................40
Chinas maritime Silk Road development to get a boost with 10 billion yuan .........................................................................40
Performance ratings of Banks customer services to be made public from 2015 ....................................................................41
Olive Ridley Conservation programme restarted after nearly 25 years ......................................................................................41
Real Madrid defeats Atletico to clinch Champions League title.................................................................................................. 42
Japan defeats Australia to lift AFC Womens Asian Football Cup 2014 .................................................................................... 42
Delhi Govt approves scheme to provide financial help to children of prisoners ..................................................................... 42
Badminton: Japan beat Malaysia to win its first Thomas Cup ..................................................................................................... 42
Ahmed Maitiq is Libyas new PM....................................................................................................................................................... 42
Sachin Tendulkar chosen as Goodwill Ambassador of the 35th National Games................................................................... 43
9,800 US troops to remain in Afghanistan after 2014 .................................................................................................................. 43
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PM Modi sets up new Ministry for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship ......................................................................... 43
Bangladesh nationals settled in India before 1971 are Indians and can vote: Meghalaya HC .............................................. 43
5.5 million invisible babies are born and die each year.............................................................................................................. 44
Singapore replaces Mauritius as the top source of FDI in India ................................................................................................. 44
Ranchis Kanke Dam endangered by waste .................................................................................................................................... 44
TGCN: Newly created graphene-type material ............................................................................................................................... 45
Vineet Taneja to be Micromax CEO .................................................................................................................................................. 45
Mauritius to provide India automatic exchange of tax information........................................................................................... 45
RhoDIS: DNA-based tool to probe poaching .................................................................................................................................. 45
Punjab approves mega food park in Ludhiana .............................................................................................................................. 46
CCI approves purchase of 50% stake of Tatas Trent Hypermarket by Tesco .......................................................................... 46
DRDO successfully test-fired Akash supersonic missiles ............................................................................................................ 46
Ordinance promulgated to appoint Nripendra Misra as Principal Secretary .......................................................................... 46
Reliance India Ltd acquires Network18............................................................................................................................................ 47
Father of Malaysian Hockey Sultan Azlan Shah passed away .................................................................................................. 47
Diamond Quadrilateral for High-Speed Rail .............................................................................................................................. 47
Golden Quadrilateral contributing in economic growth .......................................................................................................... 48
New government, capital inflow make Rupee best performing Asia-Pacific currency ......................................................... 49
Russia and China veto UN resolution to refer Syrian crisis to ICC ............................................................................................. 49
NASA designs high-tech cages to transport rats to ISS ................................................................................................................ 50
Indias OVL and Russias Rosneft ink pact to explore hydrocarbons ......................................................................................... 50
ONGC starts drilling in Palar basin in Tamil Nadu ....................................................................................................................... 50
T.R Zeliang take oath as Nagaland CM ............................................................................................................................................ 50
Malavath Purna- Girl from Andhra becomes youngest woman to climb Everest ................................................................... 50
Justice MB Shah Committtee: SIT to probe black money .............................................................................................................. 51
Sushma Swaraj -The first woman to head MEA .............................................................................................................................. 51
Pinaka rockets test-fired successfully ............................................................................................................................................... 51
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India Infrastructure Index launched bysurya
Asia
Index ........................................................................................................................ 51
Vishwanath Tripathi awarded Vyas Samman ................................................................................................................................. 52
Mukul Rohatgi is the new Attorney General of India .................................................................................................................... 52
Ajit Doval appointed as the new National Security Advisor......................................................................................................... 52
India inks $ 1006.20 million loan pact with World Bank US for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan III ............................................. 52
Two additional attempts, no change in pattern and syllabus of the Civil Services Examination: UPSC ............................. 53
Goa Day was observed on May 30 .................................................................................................................................................... 53
Kamal Nath will Pro-tem Speaker of 16th Lok Sabha ................................................................................................................... 53
FIFA World Cup ball Brazuca has in-built cameras ...................................................................................................................... 53
Dalia Grybauskaite to become President of Lithuania for second consecutive term ............................................................. 54
RBI tightens merger rules for NBFCs............................................................................................................................................... 54
Indias Forex reserves up by $ 15.5 billion in FY14: RBI................................................................................................................ 54
CSIR & IMD collaborate for joint production of Drishti System .............................................................................................. 54
Army Chief endorsed as the new leader by Thai king ................................................................................................................... 55
Peter Mutharika takes oath as President of Malawi ...................................................................................................................... 55
Vitamin E Beneficial or Harmful depends on its source .......................................................................................................... 56
Google agrees to provide Right to be Forgotten .......................................................................................................................... 56
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Anti-counterfeit fingerprints made from silver nanowires

May 1, 2014
Researchers in South Korea have created unique patterns made from tiny, randomly scattered silver nanowires. The invention may be utilized to authenticate goods and deal with the problem of counterfeiting.
How nanoscale fingerprints are made?
The nanoscale fingerprints are made by synthesizing a solution containing individual silver nanowires each
with an average length of 10 to 50 m, coating the nanowires with silica, doping them with specific
fluorescent dyes and then randomly dropping them onto a transferable film made from flexible polyethylene
terephthalate (PET).
The fluorescent dyes allowed the patterns, which are invisible to the naked eye, to be visually identified and
authenticated under an optical microscope. These could be used to tag a variety of goods from electronics
and drugs to credit cards and bank notes.
What are the merits of nanoscale figerprints?
As per the developers, the fingerprints are almost impossible to copy because of the natural randomness of
their creation and the difficulty linked with handling such small materials. The fingerprints could also be
tagged with a unique ID/ barcode, which could ease an immediate search in a database and facilitate the
process of authentication or counterfeit identification. As per researchers, compared to other anti-counterfeit
methods, the fingerprints are cheap and simple to manufacture. As per the World Customs Organisation,
around 6% of global traded goods are counterfeit, which the researchers believe could be curbed by using
this new method to authenticate goods.
PaMZ: High potential drug combo against drug-sensitive and MDR-TB

May 2, 2014
A new drug combination PA-824 + moxifloxacin + pyrazinamide (PaMZ)developed to treat both drugsensitive and MDR-TB, including those who are HIV positive, is advancing to the crucial Phase III human
clinical trial. If successful, the new drug regimen will be a game changer for tuberculosis treatment. As a new
combination, PaMZ provides a fresh approach to treating both TB and MDR-TB. Mycobacterium
tuberculosis is the cause of most cases of TB which have been spreading through South Africa, India and the
countries that made up the former Soviet Union.
What will be the potential benefits of PaMZ drug ?
8 Less toxic
8 Reduces the duration of MDR-TB treatment from current 18-24 months to 6 months
8 Cut in the number of pills by one-third
8 90% cheaper treatment of MDR-TB treatment
Polo, Indias only gorilla, breaths his last

May 2, 2014
Polo (43), Indias only gorilla, listed as one of the world s critically endangered species, passed
away at the Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens), Karnataka. The male Western
Lowland Gorilla, which was gifted to Mysore zoo by Dublin zoo about 19 years ago, had been ill
since over a month.
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Significant defence deal inked between Philippines and US

May 2, 2014
The Philippines and

the
United
States
inked
a
10year Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) to allow a bigger US
military presence on Filipino territory. This pact would would give U.S. forces
temporary access to selected military camps and allow them to pre-position fighter
jets and ships. It allows more US troops into the Philippines for joint military training
exercises, but will not permit Washington to set up a permanent base in the Philippines or bring in
nuclear weapons to the country.
Strategic importance of the Philippines and US deal:
The Philippines and China are locked in a dispute over the territorial ownership of atolls in the South China
Sea, part of a proliferation of maritime hotspots that has stirred up Asian tensions. In the Philippine there are
negative sentiments against China which accused of being increasingly aggressive in asserting its claims to
the sea. In the wake of these developments, the Philippines has called on the US for greater military as well as
diplomatic support. With surging regional uneasiness over the implications of Chinas rise, the Philippines has
sought greater military ties with the US in recent years.
Egypt: 683 alleged supporters of ex-President Morsi sentenced to death

May 2, 2014
Muslim Brotherhoods supreme guide, Mohamed Badie and 683 alleged supporters of the group have
been sentenced to death by an Egyptian judge. The judge confirmed the death sentences of 37 of 529 alleged
supporters condemned earlier.
If the sentence is confirmed, Mohamed Badie, would be the most senior Brotherhood figure sentenced to
death since one of the groups leading ideologues, Sayed Qutb, was sentenced and executed in 1966.
The guilty verdict and death sentences are still subject to appeal at the Court of Appeal. It however, gives a
chance for a judge to change an initial sentence. As per Egyptian law, the death sentences are confirmed by
the presiding judge after a comment has been invited from the Grand Mufti of Al Azhar, the countrys apex
religious official.
The violence of which the defendants are accused happened on August 14, 2013 as news reached Minya
governorate that police had launched the deadly clearance of two sit-ins in Cairo, held by supporters of
former President Mohamed Morsi, who had recently been thrown out after mass protests against his regime.
SOLAR-JET: An EU project makes solar kerosene from sunlight

May 2, 2014
A research project named SOLAR-JET funded by the European Union (EU) has produced the worlds first
solar jet fuel from water and carbon dioxide (CO2). Scientists have for the first time successfully showed
the entire production chain for renewable kerosene, using concentrated light as a high-temperature energy
source. The project is still in nascent stage, with a glassful of jet fuel
produced in laboratory conditions, using simulated sunlight. However,
researchers hope that in future any liquid hydrocarbon fuels could be
produced from sunlight, CO2 and water.
How did the researchers produce jet fuel from sunlight?
In the SOLAR-JET experiment, researchers used concentrated light
simulated sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water to Synthesis
Gas (Syngas) in a high-temperature solar reactor containing metal-oxide
based materials developed at ETH Zrich. The Syngas (a mixture of
hydrogen and carbon monoxide) was then converted into kerosene by Shell using the establishedFischerTropsch process.
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What is the significance of SOLAR-JET Experiment?

This experiment aims to develop a technology through which we might one day produce cleaner and plentiful
fuel for planes, cars and other forms of transport. This could significantly enhance energy security and turn
one of the main greenhouse gases responsible for global warming into a useful resource.
Now city-specific domain names (.london, .nyc, etc.)

May 2, 2014
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)launched city-specific domain
names. To begin with this, dot London, the new domain for London, was launched marking the first time that
businesses, organizations and individuals can apply for a web address ending in .london as an alternative to
.com or .co.uk.
How can these new domains be subscribed?
Individuals and businesses can apply for these names through well-known domain registration sites such as
GoDaddy.com. Domain names like .nyc, .miami, .vegas, .tokyo and .paris will be launched very soon. The price
to register and keep a new .london name will cost roughly 30 to 50 ($50 to $85) per year.
How these new domain names would help enterprises?
By registering a city-specific domain, local businesses can boost their online profile and influence. The new
.city names are expected to help local enterprises boost their web presence, enhance their online search
rankings and increase their sales by directing locals and tourists to relevant nearby businesses.
India emerged as 3rd largest economy in 2011: World Bank

May 3, 2014
As per the data released by the International Comparison Program (ICP) of the World
Bank, India replaced Japan to become the worlds third-largesteconomy in 2011. It was the tenth largest
economy in 2005. The US remained the largest economy closely followed by China.
According to ICP report:
Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs)-based world GDP estimated at to $ 90,647 billion, compared with $ 70,294
billion measured by exchange rates.
The 6 largest middle-income nations are China, India, Russia, Brazil,Indonesia and Mexico. The economies
account for 32.3% of world GDP.
Six largest high-income economies accounting for 32.9% of world GDP are:
1. The US
2. Japan
3. Germany
4. France
5. UK
6. Italy
Top 5 economies with the highest GDP per capita:
1. Qatar
2. Macao
3. Luxembourg
4. Kuwait
5. Brunei.
Top five economies with highest actual individual consumption per capita:
1. Bermuda
2. US
3. Cayman Islands
4. Hong Kong
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5. Luxembourg
Asia and the Pacific, including China and India, account for 30% of world GDP. China, at 27%, has the biggest
share of the worlds expenditure for investment (gross fixed capital formation) followed by the US at 13%.
India, Japan and Indonesia follow with 7%, 4%, and 3%, respectively. The median yearly per capita
expenditure for the world is approximately $ 10,057. The world average actual individual consumption per
capita is approximately $ 8,647.
India launches Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana Scheme in UAE

May 3, 2014
Indias Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) in a tie-up with Alankit Assignments launched Mahatma
Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana Scheme in UAE. The implementation of this scheme will be facilitated by the
UAE Exchange.It is intended to introduce its services to all 17 ECR countries that include the Gulf Cooperation
Council (GCC) countries and Malaysia.
What is Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY) and what are the objectives of this Scheme?
Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY)is a Pension and LifeInsurance fund scheme introduced
by Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs for the Overseas Indian workers having Emigration Check Required
(ECR) passports.
Objectives of MGPSY:
To encourage and facilitate the Overseas Indian workers by providing government contribution to:
8 Save for their Return and Resettlement (R&R)
8 Save for their old age
8 Obtain a Life Insurance cover against natural death during the period of coverage.
The government contribution available
under the MGPSY is for a period of five years or till the return of
subscribed worker back to India, whichever is earlier.
Key attractions of MGPSY:
Government contribution of Rs.1,000 per annum in line with Swavalamban platform for all MGPSY subscriber
who save between Rs.1,000 and Rs.12,000 per year in NPS-Lite.
An additional government contribution of Rs.1,000 per annum by MOIA for the overseas Indian women
workers who save between Rs.1,000 to Rs.12,000 per year in NPS-Lite.
A special government contribution of Rs.900 by MOIA towards Return and Resettlement (R&R) of the overseas
Indian workers who save Rs.4,000 or more per annum.
Which are the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries?
The GCC countries include:
8 Bahrain
8 Kuwait
8 Oman
8 Qatar
8 Saudi Arabia
8 UAE
Supreme Court creates a Third Gender for transgenders

May 3, 2014
Hijras or Transgenders are no longer forced to write male or female against their name as the Supreme
Court has given them the status of the third gender. This is for the first time that the third gender has got
a formal recognition. The apex court passed the judgment on a PIL filed by NationalLegal Services
Authority (NALSA) requesting the court to give separate identity to transgenders by recognizing them as
third category of gender.
Key directions and observations from the Supreme Court:
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8 Centre has been asked to treat transgender as socially and economically backward.
8 Transgenders to get admission in educational institutions and employment on the basis that they
belonged to the third gender category.
8 Absence of law recognizing hijras as third gender should not be continued as a ground to discriminate
them in availing equal opportunities in education and employment.
8 OBC status to third gender and educational and employment reservation as OBCs.
8 States and the Centre asked to formulate social welfare schemes for third gender community and
start a public awareness campaign to wipe off social stigma.
8 States advised to construct special public toilets and departments to look into their special medical
issues.
8 If a person surgically changes his/her gender, then he or she is entitled to her changed gender and
cannot be discriminated.
8 The court observed that trangenders were respected earlier in the society but situation has changed
and they now face discrimination and harassment. Section 377 of IPC is being misused by police and
other authorities against them and their social and economic condition is far from satisfactory.
Akash missile test fired successfully

May 3, 2014
India successfully test fired indigenously-developed surface-to-air Akash missile as part of a user trial from
the Integrated Test Range (ITR) atChandipur in Odisha.
Akash Missile:
8 Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) as part of the Integrated
Guided Missile Development surya
Programme
8 Type: Surface-to-Air
8 Range:
25 km, medium range
8 Warhead Capacity: 60 kg
Comparative advantage: Compared with American MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system, Akash has
the capability to neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles.
Namibia purchases India-made EVMs for its presidential polls

May 4, 2014
The Namibian government has purchased 3,400 India-made Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for its
presidential polls. Previously, India-made EVMs have been used by other countries in Asia to conduct smooth
and fair elections.
The EVMs have been bought at a cost of Namibian $10 million (approx $948,000) from Bengaluru-based
public sector unit, Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL). The South African nation Namibia, which had ordered
1,700 EVMs in 2013, placed another order earlier this year, is the first African country to use such
machines in any of its polls.
Namibia is keen on purchasing the Indian made EVMs for its benefits like faster results, reduction in the
number of spoilt ballots, low expenses in conducting the polls, and the elimination of manipulation
avenues. Other features of attraction include newly introduced None of the Above (NOTA), in-built clocks and
Braille markings for the visually impaired. The machine eliminates the possibility of vote tempering by
displaying the time when the vote was cast along with recording the ballot. It also gives hourly polling
updates.
Which countries have purchased Indian EVMs in past?
Earlier, Nepal, Bhutan, Namibia and Kenya bought BEL manufactured EVMs for conducting their polls. India is
only supplying the EVMs not its technology with any of the countries.
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UK conducts worlds biggest human organ imaging project

May 4, 2014
The UK has launched worlds biggest scanning project- UK Bio-bank imaging study in which 100,000 British
volunteers are participating to undergo a detailed imaging of their brain, heart and vital organs to help
researchers study a wide range of common, chronic and life-threatening illnesses like diabetes, cancer and
heart disease. DNA has been collected from all the volunteers who will be compared and cross-referenced
with the scans.
What is the significance of this UK Bio-bank imaging study project?
The significance of this study lies in its huge size and the methodology being used to study wide range
of health conditions in humans. The study will enrich the doctors and scientists with unprecedented level of
information on wide range of illnesses, including dementia, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, depression and
eye and lung disorders over many years. The aim is to try to improve the diagnosis and treatment of
these diseases. It will help scientists understand why one person gets a disease and another does not.
Ahmed Maiteeq- Libyas youngest and fifth Prime Minister since dictator Kadhafi
was toppled and killed in 2011 uprising
May 5, 2014
Businessman Ahmed Maiteeq (42) of Libyas National Conference has been elected as the new Prime
Minister. Maiteeq defeated his rival Omar al-Hassi, a university professor. It comes three weeks after former
PM Abdullah al-Thinni resigned from the post.
Libya has been grappling with instability since armed groups threw out Muammar Gaddafis regime in
2011. Maiteeq will have to tackle the lawlessness and insecurity currently destabilizing the country. He is the
fifth Prime Minister to be appointed to lead the country in the past two and a half years.
Bacillus pumilus SAFR-032 Bacteria from Earth may contaminate Mars; confuse
researchers in future about origin of life on Mars: NASA
May 5, 2014
NASA has expressed concerns about possible contamination of the Martian surface due colonization
of micro-organisms riding with the space-crafts sent from Earth. These bacteria could contaminate
celestial bodies such as Mars, making it difficult for researchers to ascertain if a life form actually originated
on the site.
Currently, spacecraft landing on Mars or other planets where life might exist must meet requirements for a
maximum allowable level of microbial life, or bioburden. Recent study has shown that some microbes are
tougher than expected and may use various protective mechanisms to survive interplanetary flights.
For example, spores of Bacillus pumilus SAFR-032 have shown particularly high resistance to techniques
such Ultra-Violet (UV) radiation and peroxide treatment used to clean spacecraft. These spores were exposed
for 18 months on the European Technology Exposure Facility (EuTEF), a test facility mounted outside the
ISS. Surprisingly, some of the spores pulled through for 18 months.
Foreign Portfolio Investors can invest up to $81 billion in debt securities

May 5, 2014
As per Indias stock market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Foreign Portfolio
Investors (FPIs), a newly created class for overseas investors, will be able to invest up to $81 billion (close to
Rs 4 lakh crore) in government and corporate debt securities in India.
This would include investments up to $30 billion in government debt and up to $51 billion in corporate debt
securities under the new FPI regime, which would come into force from June 2014. FPIs would also be allowed
to invest in unlisted non-convertible debentures or bonds issued by corporates in the infrastructure sector.
Furthermore, FPI can invest in privately placed bonds if it is listed within 15 days.
Under the new FPI regime:
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8 Investment limit of $30 billion for government securities would include up to $10 billion by Category-I
FPIs
8 All categories of FPIs will be allowed an investment of up to $20 billion in government debt securities.
8 For corporate debt securities, the overall cap will be $51 billion, which would include $2 billion in
commercial papers.
8 FPIs allowed to invest in dated government securities, commercial papers, rupee denominated credit
enhanced bonds, security receipts issued by asset reconstruction companies, listed and unlisted nonconvertible debentures (NCDs) or bonds issued by an infrastructure firm and NCDs issued by NonBanking Financial Companies (NBFC).
8 FPIs barred from buying short-term government securities the Treasury Bills. The existing
investments in T-Bills by FIIs and other overseas investors converting into FPIs will be allowed to taper
off on maturity or sale.
8 FPIs have been classified into following 3 categories as per their risk profile:o
Category I: Lowest risk entities comprising foreign government and government-related

foreign investors. Examples are sovereign wealth funds, multilateral agencies, endowment
funds, insurance funds, pension funds and foreign central banks.
Category II Regulated entities, broad-based funds whose investment managers are
regulated, university funds, university-related endowments and pension funds etc.

o Category III All other FPIs would come under this category.
Existing overseas investors such as FIIs, sub-accounts and QFIs will have to convert to the new regime
eventually.
India conducts successful test
of first indigenous air-to-air Beyond Visual Range
(BVR) Astra missile
May 5, 2014
India tested its first indigenous air-to-air Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Astra missile from a Sukhoi-30MKI
fighter jet, marking an important achievement in the development of complex BVR weapons. Astra will
initially provide a 44-km range with high single-shot kill probability, while its Mark-II version will be able to
hit hostile aircraft over 100 km away.
Astra v/s Brahmos Cruise Missile:
India is also likely to initiate testing the 290-km supersonic BrahMos cruise missile from the heavy-duty
Sukhoi-30MKIs by the end of 2014. So, while Astra is being developed to smash enemy aircrafts, BrahMos will
give incisive land-strike capability against hostile targets.
Importance:
Currently, IAF jets are armed with very costly Russian, French and Israelimissiles. These indigenously developed
Astra Missiles are comparatively very cheaper. Only a few countries like the US, Russia, France and Israel have
managed to develop BVR missiles till now. It is therefore important due to economic and strategic reasons for India
to have an indigenous air-to-air BVR missile like Astra.
Astra missile:
8 Developer: DRDO
8 Range: Short range-20 km and Long range-80 km
8 Type: Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air, all-weather
8 Special features: Target lock-on capabilities both before and after launch; Advanced ECCM
(Electronic Counter-Counter Measures); Active radar terminal guidance; Smokeless propulsion;
Process improved effectiveness in multi-target scenarios
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Existence of 117th element Ununseptium (Uus) confirmed

May 5, 2014
The existence of element 117- Ununseptium (Uus) has been confirmed by the scientists at the GSI
accelerator laboratory in Germany, including those from India, who have created atoms of the element. This
confirmation succeeds the original discovery, made in 2010 by a joint USRussian team. The atoms were
similar to the heaviest atoms ever observed, 40% heavier than an atom of lead. The discovery marks a
significant advancement towards the capability to observe still more long-lived super-heavy nuclei, as
expected to exist on theIsland of Stability of super-heavy elements.
Ununseptium(Uus)
8 Chemical Symbol: Uus
8 Atomic number: 117
8 CAS ID: 87658-56-8
8 Chemical series: Period 7 element, Halogen
Super-heavy elements: Elements with atomic number greater than 104 are referred to as Super-Heavy
Elements. Although super-heavy elements have not been found in nature, they can be created by accelerating
beams of nuclei andshooting them at the heaviest possible target nuclei. Fusion of two nuclei a very
uncommon event at times produces a super-heavy element. Those currently accessible generally only exist
for a short time.
Island of Stability: A theoretical concept of Nuclear Physics first propounded by Glenn T. Seaborg in the
late 1960s. As per this theory, the island of stability is a set of as-yet undiscovered heavier isotopes of
transuranium elements which are supposed to be much more stable than some of those closer in atomic
number to uranium. Specifically, they
are
to have radioactive
surya
pratapexpected
singh | surya.careerlauncher@gmail.com
| 8967 decay half-lives of minutes or days,
with some researchers expecting half-lives of millions of years.
Utility of this Experiment and discovery: The successful experiments on element 117 are an important
step on the path to the production and detection of elements situated on the island of stability of superheavy elements.
NASA to grow plants on International Space Station (ISS)

May 6, 2014
The US space agency NASA plans to grow plants on the International Space Station (ISS) by the end of year
2014. Astronauts on board will be able to grow plants with the help of the Veggie plant pillows taken to the
ISS during a recent supply mission. This will be the first time NASA astronauts will taste something grown in
orbit.
Until now, all supplies to the ISS have been transported from Earth. Veggie which is a deployable vegetable
production system is a pop-up greenhouse that can be packaged to the size of a briefcase during launch. The
main obstruction to growing plants in space is the absence of gravity, since the soil tends to float away. The
solution has been to design the equivalent of something like a grow bag which NASA describes as plant
pillows. Two of the three plant pillows sent to ISS contain seeds for a variety of red romaine
lettuce called Outredgeous, the third has the flowering plant zinnia.
Sarvada Vijay: Indian Armys desert exercise conducted to tests its fighting skills
May 6, 2014
Indian Army conducted Sarvada Vijay combat drill in West Rajasthan as part of regular training aimed at
honing war-fighting skills in temperatures as high as 45 degree Celsius. Composite infantry and mechanized
forces practised swift manoeuvres as part of the air land battle.
Networked radars, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and aerial surveillance platforms ensured continuous flow of
information resulting in battlefield transparency which enabled Commanders to assess and suitably modify
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their operational plans to meet the emerging challenges. Mobile communication systems integrated with
terrestrial network provided efficient communication during manoeuvres.
Gary Becker, economist and winner of Nobel Prize passed away

May 6, 2014
Gary Becker (83), a professor in University of Chicago who was conferred the Nobel Prize in economic
sciences in 1992, passed away. He is credited for his path-breaking approach toeconomics as
the study of human behavior. Becker applied his economic analysis to a wide array of
human behavior and interactions. He also studied issues such as marriage and divorce, crime
and punishment, addiction and household decisions.
Before 1950s, most experts considered habit and often emotion or irrationality as the main
factors in human behavior such as having children or committing crimes. It was Becker who theorized that
human behavior follows the same rational principles, whether it involves a household, a business or an
organization. Although initially his views were received skeptically, his work influenced sociology,
demography and criminology.
Finance Ministry: Withdrawal of fiscal stimulus programme in US will not affect

much the foreign investments into India
May 6, 2014
The Finance Ministry has tried to lessen fears that the withdrawal of fiscal stimulus programme in the US will
affect foreign investments into India. A report by the Finance Ministry alleviates the fears saying India is an
attractive destination with its liberal FDI policy, a globally competitive workforce, a rapid GDP growth rate and
rapidly growing market and has remained the third most preferred nation for FDI since 2010.
The US has already begun tapering of its Quantitative Easing (QE) or fiscal stimulus programme. In 2013,
capital markets and currencies across the world, including India, witnessed knee-jerk reactions at the news of
QE reduction by the US Federal Reserve. The US Fed had been purchasing bonds worth $80 billion a month
to stimulate its economy after the 2009 global financial crisis. It has now started trimming the amount in a
phased manner prompting concerns that the step will slash investments into countries like India.
FDI into India, estimated as the sum total of equity inflows, reinvested earnings and other capital, was $46.55
billion in 2011-12 and $34.29 billion in the following fiscal. In 2013-14, the inflows stood at $28.8 billion for the
period of April-January.
Excavation suspended at Keralas Padmanabhaswamy Temple

May 6, 2014
Excavation activities which were being conducted by the Kerala Archeology Department to study the
underground granite pavements, paths and artifacts at the Vadakke Nada (north entrance) of the treasure
richPadmanabhaswamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram have been suspended by the five-member
temple management committee.
The panel, constituted as per instructions of the Supreme Court, put the excavations on halt because of
security reasons.
The temple grabbed worldwide attention when gold, precious stones, historical coins and other articles
which are worth over Rs 120,000 crore were found stored in the six secret vaults (Kallaras) inside the
temple on July-August, 2011. In this context the security cover of the temple was beefed up.
Recently, on the basis of a report of Gopal Subramaniam, amicus curiae appointed to look into the affairs of
the temple, the apex court had ordered dissolving of the traditional temple management committee
controlled by a representative of the former royalty of Travancore, the erstwhile custodians of the shrine and
everything in it.
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The apex court had advised the setting up of a new five-member temporary management panel headed
by the district judge. The amicus curiae had found discrepancies in temple management. He also suspected
pilferage of invaluable articles stored in the temple vaults.
Govts nod not required to investigate corruption charges on senior bureaucrats:

Supreme Court
May 8, 2014
As per the Supreme Court, the legal provision which makes approval of competent authority mandatory for
CBI to investigate a corruption case against an officer of joint secretary-rank or above is invalid and
unconstitutional and has the propensity of protecting the corrupt. The judgement was delivered after the
court examined Section 6A of the DelhiSpecial Police Establishment Act (DSPEA), which shields top
bureaucrats from being probed in corruption cases without prior approval.
Key observations in the judgment by the SC:
8 The requirement of Central Governments approval to probe corruption charges against officer of the
rank of joint secretary and above under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), is invalid and
violates Article 14 of the Constitution.
8 Equal treatment of corrupt public servants for the purpose of inquiry of offence under the PCA,
irrespective of the rank they hold.
Prior approval under Section 6A would result, indirectly, in obstructing the probe and if the CBI is not allowed
to carry on the preliminary inquiry how the investigation can proceed.
The issue of protection from inquiry against senior bureaucrats had come under the scanner of the SC 17
years ago when the Centres argument was scrapped that being policy makers, they required protection from
frivolous complaints. The first petition
in filed
1997 had contested
surya pratap
singh | in
| 8967 that execution of criminal law gets
affected due to the presence of Section 6A in the statute.
Rising NPAs is making public sector banks unfit for private Provident Fund
deposits
May 8, 2014
Surging Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) have rendered public sector banks such as State
of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Canara Bank unfit to take deposits from non-government
Provident Funds (PF). As per the current rules governing investments by PFs, non-government Provident
Funds (PF) are barred from being deposited in a commercial bank in case the NPAs of that bank exceed 2%
of net advances. The Indian Banks Association (IBA) has requested the Union Finance Ministry to relax the
norms pertaining to deposits by non-government provident funds and gratuity funds in scheduled
commercial banks.
Conditions banks are required to meet for taking PFs deposits:
8 Continuous profitability for immediately preceeding three years
8 Maintain minimum capital adequacy of 9%
8 Have net NPAs of not more than 2% of net advances
8 Maintain minimum net worth of not less than Rs 200 crore
Dont levy penalty if minimum balance is not maintained in bank account: RBI to
banks
May 8, 2014
The RBI has asked banks not to impose penalties on customers who dont maintain a minimum balance in
any dormant account as part of a consumer protection initiative. A number of banks, including the State Bank
of India, do not levy any penalty if the minimum balance is not maintained in an inoperative savings
account. In 2012, the RBI directed banks not to charge customers for non-operation or activation of basic
savings bank deposit accounts.
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RBI allows minors over 10 years to operate bank accounts

May 8, 2014
As per the guidelines issued by the RBI, minors above 10 years of age have been allowed to open and operate
independently savings bank account and use other facilities like ATM and cheque books. The central bank has
taken this step with a view to promote financial inclusion and bring uniformity in opening of such accounts in
banks. Earlier, minors were allowed to open fixed and savings deposit bank account with mothers as
guardian.
As per the modified guidelines by RBI:
8 All minors can now open a savings/fixed/recurring bank deposit account through either his/her
natural guardian or legally appointed guardian.
8 The minors, who have attained 10 years of age, will be permitted to open and operate savings bank
accounts independently.
8 The banks can also decide on the minimum documents which are required for opening of accounts
by minors.
The minor would be required to confirm the balance in his/her account as he attains majority.
If the account is operated by the natural/legal guardian, fresh operating instructions and specimen signature
of the minor will be obtained and kept on record for all operational purposes.
Maintain status quo on INS Vikrant: Supreme Court

May 8, 2014
The Supreme court has ordered maintenance of status quo on Indias first aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which
is on the brink of being converted into scrap. The court has issued notices to Ministry of Defence and other
authorities concerned on the petition.
The petition challenges the Bombay High Court decision which
quashed the plea to preserve INS Vikrant by converting it into a maritime museum. The Indian Navy in
March 2014 had auctioned INS Vikrant to the highest bidder, a Mumbai-based Ship breaking company IB
Commercial for Rs 63 crore, much above its reserve bid of Rs 3 crore. As per the deal, the ship will be
dismantled part-by-part and will be sold as lucrative scrap.
Click Here for related NEWS on INS Vikrant
El Nino effect may shrink Indias GDP by 1.75%: Assocham

May 10, 2014
As per a report by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India(ASSOCHAM), the 5%
deficiency in rains due to possible El Nino factor in this monsoon could impact Indias Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) by 1.75% in the 2014-15 fiscal, affecting lakhs of unskilled jobs. Rain deficit could also impact
food inflation, which has always been a concern to policy makers. The loss to the GDP of about 1.75 % would
be equivalent to around Rs 1,80,000 crore.
Indian agriculture in heavily dependent on rains as about 60% of net sown area of the country is rainfed. With every 1% deficit in rains, the countrys GDP plummets by 0.35%. Therefore, a good agricultural
output is a must for India to increase demand for services and industrial products.
India is forecasted to have below normal monsoon in 2014 with Meteorological department predicting 95%
rainfall because of the El-Nino effect, which is generally linked with the warming of ocean water.
SC upholds constitutional validity of Right to Education Act

May 10, 2014
The constitutional validity of Right to Education Act (RTE Act) has been upheld by the Supreme Court. RTE
Act mandates that 25% seats in all schools be reserved for the economically disadvantaged children.
As per the Supreme Court decision:
The 93rd Amendment Act, 2005, inserting clause (5) in Article 15 enables the State to make special provisions
for members of the SCs, STs and socially and educationally backward classes, for admission to all educational
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institutions, including private unaided institutions,but except minority institutions, did not violate basic
structure of the Constitution.
The RTE Act will not be applicable to minority schools, whether aided or unaided. The minority aided
educational institutions could not be compelled to provide free and compulsory education to children
belonging to weaker sections.
Articles 15(5) and 21-A of the Constitution in so far as it relates to unaided educational institutions to
provide compulsory education for children in the age group of 6 to 14 years are constitutional.
The 93rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2005, is in line with the socialistic aspirations mentioned in the
Preamble and the directive principles of the Constitution and to ensure the progress of the weaker sections
in the democratic state, aiming at the egalitarian ethos.
Provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and the Right of Children to
Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2010, are valid.
Thailand court sacks PM Yingluck Shinawatra

May 10, 2014
The Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatraand several cabinet ministers

have been ordered to resign by the Constitutional Court of the country. The court
ordered that Ms Yingluck acted illegally when she transferred her national security
chief Thawil Pliensri to another position in 2011. The order has come after months of
political impasse. Anti-government protesters have been trying to topple Ms Yingluck
regime since November 2013. The remaining cabinet members have nominated the
commerce minister to replace Ms Yingluck. Ms Yingluck had been accused of abuse of power in improperly
transferring Thawil Pliensri, her national security chief appointed by the opposition-led administration, in
2011.
Political situation in Thailand:
Thailand has been undergoing a power struggle since Ms Yinglucks brother, Thaksin Shinawatra who was PM
was thrown out in 2006 by a military coup. Mr Thaksin and his family are detested by some urban and
middle-class elites who accuse them of corruption and abuse of power. But Mr Thaksins policies hugely
popular in rural areas won both the elections since the coup have returned Thaksin-allied governments to
power. Court rulings have, in the past, been a key factor amid political turmoil in Thailand.
Indian Navy operationally deploys INS Vikramaditya

May 10, 2014
As per the announcement made by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Robin Kumar Dhowan, the newly
inducted aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, is now operationally deployed and its integral MiG-29K fighters
have been fully integrated with the carrier. The 44,500-tonne aircraft carrier bought from Russiaat a cost of
$2.33 billion had arrived in India in January, 2014 and is positioned at Karwar in Karnataka.
Also, INS Vikrant, the first indigeneously built aircraft carrier being built at the Cochin shipyard, will be ready
for trials in 2017 and for delivery by 2018-end.
Do not charge penalty on pre-payment of floating loans: RBI to Banks

May 10, 2014
The RBI gave relief to borrowers as it directed banks not to levy any penalty on individual borrowers for prepayment of floating loans. The central bank has barred banks from imposing foreclosure charges or prepayment penalties on all floating rate term loans sanctioned to individual borrowers, with immediate effect.
Floating loan products include housing, corporate, vehicle and personal loans. Some banks are charging
pre-payment penalty of up to 2% of the outstanding loans.
In 2012, RBI had disallowed banks from charging foreclosure charges or pre-payment penalties on home
loans on floating interest rate basis. It is assumed that elimination of foreclosure charges or prepayment
16 | P a g e
penalty on home loans will bring down the discrimination between existing and new borrowers and the
competition among banks will result in better pricing of home loans with the floating rate.
DGCA directs airlines to track flights in real time

May 10, 2014
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in its directives, has made it mandatory for airlines and
private operators to track their aircrafts flight on real-time basis and ensure that necessary devices are
functional before take-off.
As per the instructions issue by the DGCA:
Indian scheduled and non-scheduled operators are required to track aircraft in real time using
onboard Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) or Automatic Dependent
Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B).
Airlines and private operators have to ensure that all essential devices are functional before take-off.
The instructions apply to both passenger and cargo planes.
DGCA will review implementation of the directives during surveillance inspections.
Backdrop:
The directives have been issued close on the heels of vanishing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, which has
been missing for two months now. MH370 which took-off from Kuala Lumpur for Beijing disappeared
on March 8, 2014.
DGCA grants Flying License to AirAsia India

May 10, 2014
Indias aviation regulator DGCA granted flying license or Air Operators Permit (AOP) to the new airline AirAsia
India. AirAsia India plans to have a 10-aircraft fleet within a year of start of its operations and these planes
would be drawn from A-320 family of aircraft ordered by the AirAsia Group. The air carrier would initially
concentrate on connecting non-metro towns and imitate its low-cost, no-frills model that has seen substantial
success in Southeast Asia.
The $30 million venture was the first airline to be launched after the FDI norms in aviation were relaxed in
September 2012. While AirAsia owns 49% stake in the Indian carrier, Tata Sons has 30% and Telstra
Tradeplace holds the rest.
Supreme Court bans use of bulls in sports

May 10, 2014
The Supreme Court put a ban on the use of bulls and bullocks in sports. These animals have been used in
sports like Jallikattu (traditional bull fight of Tamil Nadu) and bullock-cart race (Maharashtra) for
centuries. The court banned use of bullocks and bulls in these events on the ground that it amounted to
cruelty against animals. Key observations of the Supreme Court:
Bulls cannot be used as performing animals, either for the Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races in the States
of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra or elsewhere in the country.
8 The Animal Welfare Board is permitted to take disciplinary action against defaulters.
8 Parliament recommended raising rights of animals to that of constitutional rights to ensure
observance of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act 1960.
8 As per PCA Act Section 3 and Section 11(1)(m), it is an offence against a person who incites any
animal to fight with a view to provide entertainment.
Supreme Court allows Tamil Nadu to raise Mullaperiyar height

May 10, 2014
The Supreme Court has given permission to Tamil Nadu to raise the height of a 116-year-old Mullaperiyar
Dam from 136 feet to 142 feet quashing the objections raised by Kerala which opposed the move citing safety
concerns of the dam and nearby areas.
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The decision marks second consecutive defeat for Kerala as on February 27, 2006 the court permitted Tamil
Nadu to raise the dam height and carry out necessary repairs setting aside Keralas objections on safety. A
month after the judgment, Kerala passed a law Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation
(Amendment) Act 2006 fixing the full reservoir level of dam at 136 feet.
Tamil Nadu challenged the constitutional validity of this law that has now been declared null and void by the
apex court. The court was fully satisfied that the dam was safe after an Expert Committee submitted its
report assuring safety of dam from all aspects hydrological, structural and seismic safety. Besides, it
observed no change in circumstances since its earlier order of 2006. However, the courts judgment would
facilitate TN to divert more water for its agricultural purposes.
RuPay, Indias indigenous card payment network launched

May 11, 2014
Rupay, Indias own payment gateway was launched to compete with

networks such as Visa and Mastercard. The indigenous network will
work on ATMs and merchant outlets and help in bringing down cash
transactions.
The RuPay is a blend of two terms Rupee and Payment. It has been developed by the National
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and is being used by certain banks such as ICICI, State Bank of
India, Punjab National Bank, among others, for clearing and settlement. The RuPay, which works on three
channels ATMs, Point of Sales (PoS) and online sales, is the seventh such payment gateway in the
world. A variant of the pre-paid RuPay card would be launched by IRCTC soon, which will help in booking
railway tickets.
Benefits of RuPay platform:
8 Reduce the transaction cost
8 Support creation of more domestic products

8 Reach the unbanked sections
8 Reducing number of cash transactions
8 Availability at a cost much less than those of international cards
54 Indian companies among Forbes Global 2000

May 11, 2014
In the latest released Forbes Global 2000 list, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries leads the set of 54
Indian companies in the annual list of the worlds 2000 largest and most powerful public companies. The top
three positions of the list is occupied by the Chinese companies.
The Forbes Global 2000 is a comprehensive list of the worlds largest, most powerful public companies, as
measured by revenues, profits, assets and market value.
Some notable points from Forbes Global 2000:
8 Worlds top three biggest public companies and five of the top 10 are from China.
8 564 companies enlisted are from the US which marks its dominance as the country with the most
Global 2000 companies.
8 Japan follows the US with 225 companies in total.
8 India is home to 54 of the worlds biggest companies.
8 Reliance Industries, with a market value of $ 50.9 billion and $ 72.8 billion in sales, ranked 135.
8 State Bank of India ranked 155 with a $ 23.6 billion market value.
Some other Indian companies making it to the list are: Oil and Natural Gas ranked 176, ICICI
Bank (304), Tata Motors (332), Indian Oil (416), HDFC Bank(422), Coal India (428), Larsen & Toubro (500), Tata
Consultancy Services (543), Bharti Airtel (625), Axis Bank (630), Infosys (727), Bank of Baroda (801), Mahindra
& Mahindra (803), ITC (830), Wipro (849), Bharat Heavy Electricals (873), GAIL India (955), Tata Steel (983),
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Power Grid of India (1011), Bharat Petroleum (1045), HCL Technologies (1153), Hindustan Petroleum (1211),
Adani Enterprises (1233),Kotak Mahindra Bank (1255), Sun Pharma Industries (1294), Steel Authority of India
(1329), Bajaj Auto (1499), Hero Motocorp (1912), Jindal Steel & Power (1955), Grasim Industries (1981) and
JSW Steel (1990).
Biologists discover 14 new Dancing Frog species in Western Ghats

May 11, 2014
Indian scientists have found 14 new species of Dancing Frogs in the Western
Ghats. The tiny agile amphibians earned their name for the unusual kicks they use to
attract mates.
The kicking or foot-flagging is a breeding behavior shown only by the males. They
stretch, extend and whip their legs out to the side to draw the attention of females
who might have difficulty hearing mating croaks over the sound of water flowing
through perennial hill streams. Compared with other frogs, these frogs are so sensitive to this habitat that
any change might be ravaging for them.
Indian economy showing signs of improvement

May 11, 2014
Indian economy appears to be improving as the sectors which were significantly affected by the crisis and
slowdown are now showing visible signs of improvement.
Some key observations:
8 Order from the apex court on relaxation in mining ban in Goa andKarnataka will be helpful in
resurrecting sentiments in mining sector.
8 Telecom sector, after incurring
losses in the years 2011 and 2012, seems to gain in future as telecom
companies have managed to enhance their Average Revenue Per User (ARPUs) significantly.
8 Infrastructure sector is also showing some positive signs with a major road project approved
in Maharashtra.
Rise quickly to counter China: Vietnam to India

May 11, 2014
Vietnam wants India to rise quickly in the South-East region as it expressed

concerns over Chinas rising assertiveness in the South China Sea. Vietnam
Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy voiced his concerns at a round table meeting
of Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), and said that Chinese navy was acting
without provocation and that Chinese topmost leadership is behind in these
decisions.
The meeting was held for the delegates to share information with Australian scholars around regional
security matters such as US-China relations, maritime issues in the Indo pacific region and to talk about more
extensively Australias engagement with Asia.
Google loses copyright case over Android to Oracle

May 11, 2014
Oracle Corp won a suit against Google Inc. as an appeals court in the US gave Oracle
permission to copyright parts of the Java programming language, which Google used
to develop its Android smartphone operating system. Googles Android operating
system is the worlds largest-selling smartphone platform. Oracle filed a lawsuit against
Google in 2010, claiming that Google had improperly used parts of Java into Android. Oracle seeks around $1
billion as its copyright claims.
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CANWFZ Treaty signed to recognize Central Asia as Nuke-Free Zone

May 12, 2014
Five recognized nuclear weapon states- China, France, Russia, UK and USA inked the Protocol to the Central
Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone (CANWFZ) Treaty in New York, marking a major positive development in
the global non-proliferation efforts. The treaty was signed on the sidelines of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) Preparatory Committee Meeting at the United Nations.
CANWFZ Treaty
The CANWFZ Treaty was inked on September 8, 2006 in Semipalatinsk by the five Central Asian nations
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It came into force on March 21,
2009. As chair of the CANWFZ Treaty, Kazakhstan has steered the negotiations with the five nuclear states on
behalf of its Central Asian neighbors.
Central-Asian parties to the CANWFZ treaty aim to make the region a nuclear-weapon free zone. For the zone
to be recognized internationally, it also requires to get the so-called negative guarantees from the five
nuclear weapon countries, meaning legally-binding assurances not to use nuclear weapons against the
parties of the treaty and not to use the threat of the use of nuclear weapons against them. The Protocol
signed on May 6, 2014 in New York provides all these guarantees. The Protocol awaits ratification by the
parliaments of the signing states enter into effect.
The CANWFZ Treaty complements the NPT and strengthens the internationalnonproliferation regime by
forbidding, among other things, the development and testing of nuclear weapons within Central Asia. Under
the CANWFZ Treaty, the five Central Asian zone states may not allow the stationing of nuclear weapons
within their territories. The Central Asian states are also mandated to adopt the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) Additional Protocol, which provides the IAEA with increased access and power to ensure that all
nuclear activities are used only for peaceful purposes.
Other Nuclear-Weapons Free Zones in the World
Apart from the newly created Central-Asian zone, there are four other nuclear weapons free zones in the
world, including in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, South-East Asia and the South Pacific. The
Central Asian zone is different from the other four in a way that it is the only such zone fully located in the
northern hemisphere, the only zone adjoining two nuclear weapon states, Russia and China, and the only
zone where nuclear weapons once existed, until Kazakhstan relinquished the weapons it inherited from the
Soviet Union in the early 1990s.
RBI restricts companies from refinancing of rupee loans via External Commercial
Borrowings (ECB) route
May 12, 2014
RBI has barred Indian companies from raising money from subsidiaries of Indian banks overseas via the
External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) to refinance their rupee loans. Thus, Indian companies will not be
allowed to raise ECB from overseas branches or subsidiaries of Indian banks for the purpose of
refinance/repayment of the rupee loans raised from the domestic bankingsystem.
In April 2014, the RBI also restrained the banks from issuing guarantees to offshore joint ventures and
subsidiaries of Indian companies to avail foreign currency loans to repay rupee credit.
Earlier, Indian companies in manufacturing, infrastructure and hotel industries were permitted to raise a
maximum of $10 billion from this route. The maximum permissible ECB that could be availed of by an
individual company was 75% of the average annual export earnings realized during the past 3 financial years.
Typically, an Indian companys overseas subsidiary approaches an Indian bankfor a guarantee or letter of
credit to use it for availing loans from another bank there. Banks were permitted to issue non-fund based
credit to overseas subsidiaries of Indian companies up to 20% of unimpaired capital of the bank.
20 | P a g e
The step by RBI has come close on the heels of warning the banks against issuing letter of credit and
guarantees to Indian companies overseas subsidiaries. It said that such non-fund based credit was being
used for purposes other than the business the company is involved.
The restrictions are applicable in cases like take-out financing, infrastructure financing and spectrum
allocation and other repayments. The direction were issued under sections 10(4) and 11(1) of the Foreign
Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999).
The ECB loans are much cheaper than the domestic loans and therefore companies use the arbitrage available to
their benefit.
Scientists succeed in replicating semi-synthetic DNA containing unnatural bases

May 13, 2014
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have succeeded in replicating deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA) which contained artificially inserted synthetic pair of DNA letters, or bases, not found in nature. It
was done through an engineered E. coli bacterium which replicated the unnatural semi-synthetic DNA.
Replication is the process whereby DNA makes a copy of itself before cell division.
Scientists have been working for long to identify bases other than organic that could serve as new, functional
DNA bases and could code for proteins and organisms that have never existed before. Generally, organisms
on earth have natural nucleoside base-pairs adenine-thymine and cytosine-guanine which forms their DNA.
This experiment was lead by TSRI Associate Professor Floyd E. Romesberg. In 2008, his lab had identified sets
of nucleoside molecules that can hook up across a double-strand of DNA practically as comfortably as
organic base pairs (A, T, C, G) and showed that DNA containing these unnatural base pairs can replicate in the
presence of the correct enzymes. In the following year, the researchers had been able to locate enzymes that
transcribe this semi-synthetic DNA into RNA. But all this was carried out in vitro (in test tube) and this time
they wanted to see them working in the significantly extra complicated atmosphere of a living cell.
Latest Experiment:
This time scientists engineered a stretch of circular DNA known as a plasmid and inserted it into cells of the
typical bacterium E. coli. The plasmid DNA contained all-natural T-A and C-G base pairs along with the
unnatural base pair Romesbergs lab had discovered, two molecules identified as d5SICS anddNaM. The
objective was to get the E. coli cells to replicate this semi-synthetic DNA as typically as possible.
Why it is not easy to get a DNA with synthetic base pair/pairs replicated in a living cell?
There are a number of obstacles in making a living cell replicate a semi-synthetic DNA. Any functional new
pair of DNA bases would have to bind with an affinity comparable to that of the natural nucleoside base-pairs
adenine-thymine and cytosine-guanine. Such new bases also would have to line up stably alongside the
natural bases in a zipper-like stretch of DNA. They would be required to unzip and re-zip smoothly when
worked on by natural polymerase enzymes during DNA replication and transcription into RNA. And somehow
these nucleoside interlopers would have to avoid being attacked and removed by natural DNA-repair
mechanisms.
In this experiment, as d5SICS and dNaM are not naturally in cells, the building blocks for their replication had
to be provided artificially, by adding them to thefluid resolution outside the cell. To get the creating blocks,
recognized as nucleoside triphosphates, into the cells, scientists had to find unique triphosphate transporter
molecules.
Challenges tackled:
In a significant breakthrough, scientists found a triphosphate transporter, created by a species of microalgae,
that was efficient at importing the unnatural triphosphates. Surprisingly, the semi-synthetic plasmid
replicated and did not greatly hamper the development of the E. coli cells, and showed no sign of losing its
unnatural base pairs to DNA repair mechanisms.
21 | P a g e
Importantly, this process can be performed in a controlled manner as it was found that when the flow of the
unnatural triphosphate transporter or building blocks is stopped, the DNA reverts to normal A, T, G, C base
pairs and the d5SICS and dNaM disappear from the genome.
Possible Applications:
In future this research could be useful in encoding new proteins produced from new, unnatural amino
acidswhich would give us higher power than ever to design protein therapeutics and diagnostics and
laboratory reagents to have desired functions. Other applications, such as nano-materials, are also possible.
Indian Railways releases: India Junction A Window to The Nation

May 13, 2014
Indian Railway released a book, titled India Junction A Window to the Nation. The book
has been brought out by Public Relations Directorate, Railway Board. The book has been
edited by Ms Seema Sharma.
About the Book:
India Junction A Window to the Nation is a book which tells the story of the long an
eventful journey of Indian Railways starting from 1853 to the present day through indepth, analytical essays that are rich in history; scrumptious travel pieces; and some truly
amazing and rare photo featurescelebrates the changes the Railways has brought about
in our lives; and examines how the Railways itself has transformed over time.
The Indian Railways provides us with a practical, convenient mode of transport, but its contribution to Indian
life goes much beyond that. The Railways is the lifeline of the nation and, in many ways, its development has
been deeply intertwined with the destiny of India. India Junctionfeaturing in-depth, analytical essays that are
rich in history; delectable travel pieces; and some truly amazing and rare photo featurescelebrates the
changes the Railways has brought about in our lives; and examines how the Railways itself has transformed
over time.
Some quotes in INDIA JUNCTION:
Without the railways, the three great cities of Calcutta, Bombay and Madras would have remained small colonial
trading ports. Sir Mark Tully
Railways was the greatest force of modernization and unity that India had ever seen. Sandipan Deb
The development of the railways has been deeply intertwined with the destiny of the Indian subcontinent.
Sharmila Kantha
In Mumbai locals, there is even a new subgroup of intimacy: the train friend. Jerry Pinto
No Railways, no India.Ian J. Kerr
China expresses concern over Indias role in South China Sea issue
May 14, 2014
China seems a little disturbed with India voicing its concern over the tensions in the South China Sea. Chinese
Foreign Ministry said India need not worry too much about the issue.
The remarks from China came in response to India voicing its concern over the recent developments in the
South China Sea where Chinese and Vietnamese ships had a tense standoff. These tensions have intensified
with Chinas oil rigs attempts for oil exploration in the waters of disputed islands claimed by both countries.
China was critical of reactions by the US and Japan over the region last week. China objected to Indias ONGC
participating in the drilling in the area specified by Vietnam which Beijing called disputed. Both Vietnam and
the Philippinestogether with Malaysia and Brunei have serious disputes with China in the South China Sea
and have been exhorting ASEAN to take a firm stand against Beijing on the issue. China also objected to the
Philippines arresting 11 Chinese fishermen in the disputed waters.
Recent development over South China Sea:
22 | P a g e
Vietnam wants India to rise quickly in the South-East region as it expressed concerns over Chinas rising
assertiveness in the South China Sea. The comments came a few days after Chinese and Vietnamese ships
had a tense stand-off.
A significant defense deal inked between the Philippines and the US which will allow a bigger US military
presence on Filipino territory. The pact would give U.S. forces temporary access to selected military camps
and allow them to pre-position fighter jets and ships. It allows more US troops into the Philippines for joint
military training exercises.
Exit polls and Post-Poll Survey: Are both same?

May 14, 2014
Although both the two terms Exit polls and Post-Poll Survey are used in the same context i.e. prediction of
elections, there is a technical difference between the two. Exit polls are done outside the polling stations
immediately after voters exit the polling booths/station. A Post-Poll Survey, on the other hand, is conducted a
day or two after the voting, preferably at the homes of the voters.
In terms of accuracy, a post-poll survey helps gauge the results better as they are held in the confines of
somebodys home. Unlike exit polls where voters are caught immediately after they come out from the
booths, post-poll survey are based on relatively leisurely and detailed interactions.
Most agencies have switched to post-poll surveys to gain from the process, given that polls are mostly held in
phases. Exit polls are conducted only when there are single-phase elections. Agencies, nowadays, utilize a mix
of post-poll survey and exit polls on the last day of elections to generate immediate results.
Effectiveness of Medication is Gene-dependent: Research; thats why a particular

drug is effective for certain people but not for others.
May 14, 2014
A new research attempts to answer why a particular drug is effective for certain people but not for
others. The research team has found that genes play a significant role. Scientists have generated a database
associating 145 genetic regions with more than 400 molecules involved in metabolism in human blood. This
compendium of genetic links with metabolism provides many new opportunities to understand the molecular
pathways underlying associations with common, complex diseases.
Metabolic molecules, known as metabolites, include a wide range of different molecules such as vitamins,
lipids, carbohydrates and nucleotides. They constitute parts of, or are the products of, all biological pathways.
This new database of associations between genetic regions and metabolite levels provides a powerful tool to
identify genes that could be used in drug and diagnostic tests for a wide range of metabolic disorders. It will
help in drug discovery for metabolic disorders and also facilitate scientists to understand
the biology behind disease.
RBI permits foreign branches of banks to sell derivatives not allowed in India
May 14, 2014
Foreign branches and overseas subsidiaries of Indian banks have been allowed by the RBI to sell structured
financial and derivative products in established financial centres even if these products are not permitted
in India. However, these products like Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and Bond Derivatives are not allowed in
the domestic market.
As per earlier norms, banks were not allowed to offer structured financial products through their branches or
subsidiaries outside India that are not specifically permitted in the domestic market.
This was the outcome of the review of an earlier December 2008 circular that made it mandatory for banks to
get prior approval of the RBI by rendering details of the products, including their regulatory treatment
prescribed by the host-country regulators.
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Shrinking ice moving the Earths crust upwards in the Northern Antarctic
Peninsula
May 14, 2014
As per scientists, earths mantle under Antarctica is moving rapidly, changing the shape of the land at a rate
that can be recorded by GPS. Researchers have explained for the first time why the upward motion of
Earths crustin the Northern Antarctic Peninsula is currently occurring so rapidly.
At the surface, Antarctica is a motionless and frozen landscape. Yet hundreds of miles down the Earth is
moving at a rapid rate.
Earlier studies have found that the Earth is rebounding due to the overlying ice sheet shrinking in response
to climate change. This movement of the land was understood to be due to an instantaneous, elastic
response followed by a very slow uplift over thousands of years. But Global Positioning System (GPS) data has
shown that the land in this region is actually rising at a phenomenal rate of 15mm a year much greater
than what can be accounted for by the present-day elastic response alone. And scientists have shown
for the first time how the mantle below the Earths crust in the Antarctic Peninsula is flowing much
faster than expected, probably due to subtle changes in temperature or chemical composition. This
shows that the mantle can flow more easily and therefore responds much more rapidly to the reduction of
load hundreds of kilometers above it, changing the shape of the land. So as the glaciers slenderize and the
load in that localized area decreases, the mantle pushes up the crust.
Since 1995, several ice shelves in the Northern Antarctic Peninsula have melted and caused ice-mass
unloading, leading to the solid Earth to bounce back. The ice puts downward pressure on the Earth and as
this weight reduces the crust bounces back.
surya pratapfirst
| 8967
Gmails Android version becomes
single app to pass
1 billion installations
May 15, 2014
Googles Android version of Gmail app has become the first individual smartphone app to pass one
billion installations on Android devices. The rankings were done by Google Play Store which ranks apps by
downloads in different ranges and the Gmail Android app figured into the one to five billion bracket.
The figure doesnt take into account updates, so there is no double-counting when an update is provided.
And the Google Play services app is disqualified from the counting, as it is required as part of the Google Play
Store.
Many groups of apps, such as Outfit7s range of Talking Friends apps, have already passed the one billion
downloads, but downloaded of an individual app one billion times is unprecedented. In 2012, the Angry
Birds collection of games passed one billion downloads.
By 2025, India to replace Japan as third-largest oil consumer: US

May 16, 2014
According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA),India will overtakeJapan to become the worlds
third largest oil consumer behind the US andChina by 2025.
As per EIAs Annual Energy Outlook:
8 Indias oil consumption will increase from 3.68 million barrels per day (bpd), or 173.5 million tonnes,
in 2012 to 5.19 million bpd in 2025, catching up with Japans 4.38 million bpd consumption. Japan
consumed 4.75 million bpd of oil in 2012.
8 At present, India is the fourth largest oil consumer in the world behind the US, China and Japan.
8 Though the US will remain the worlds biggest oil consumer but its demand growth will be almost
negligible.
8 With 3% compounded annual growth rate, Indias oil consumption growth rate from 2012 to 2040 will
be highest in the world. Its oil consumption will reach 6.11 million bpd in 2030 and 8.33 million bpd in
2040.
24 | P a g e
8 India meets around 80% of Indias oil requirements through imports.

8 In 2013, India overtook Japan as the worlds third-biggest importer of crude oil.
According to International Energy Agency, India will become the worlds largest oil importer by 2020.
Google rankings can influence Elections: Study

May 16, 2014
As per a new study conducted in India during the just concluded Lok SabhaElections 2014, Google rankings
can dramatically swing ill-informed voters leading to influence the election outcome.
The study done by Robert Epstein, a former editor of Psychology Today and noted Google critic, found that
manipulating the Google search results can significantly influence the candidate preferences of the voters
who are not well-informed and are undecided as they tend to sway towards candidates appearing on the top
of the search results/ranking.
In the experiment it was found that search rankings biased in favour of a candidate could push the
preferences of undecided voters towards that candidate by 15% or more. If there are two candidates and
both vying to push their rankings higher then thats fine. But if Google, which has a monopoly on search in
India, were to favour one candidate, it could easily put that candidate in office by manipulating search
rankings, and no one could counter that.
These manipulations can pose a serious threat to democracy. To prevent too much influence, election-related
search rankings need to be regulated and monitored, as well as subjected to equal-time rules.
To know about the candidates contesting elections is a fundamental right of

citizens under Article 19(1)(a): Supreme Court
May 16, 2014
The apex court held that it is mandatory

for the candidates contesting elections to disclose information about
assets and liabilities of even their spouse and dependent children failing which they can be disqualified.
A person fighting elections is also under legal obligation to reveal information on his or her criminal
antecedents and educational qualifications.
Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution makes it a fundamental right of the citizens to know about the
candidates contesting the elections and this is the main reason that makes it obligatory to the candidates
to furnish details regarding the criminal antecedents, educational qualifications and assets held by the
candidate, his spouse and dependent children.
As per the court, at the time of filing the nomination paper, if a candidate leaves blank any column seeking
information on criminal antecedents, educational qualifications and assets and liabilities, then it would result
in disqualification by the returning officer at the scrutiny stage itself. If it is found that it is a case of improper
acceptance, misinformation or suppression of material information, rejection in such a case can only be
postponed for a later date.
Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag appointed as new Army chief

May 16, 2014
The government appointed Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag as the next Chief of the Indian Army. The Union
Cabinet cleared the name of Vice Army Chief Lieutenant General Dalbir Singh Suhag as the successor to Gen
Bikram Singh, who will retire on July 3, 2014.
Suhag was the most senior officer in the Indian Army after Bikram Singh. He was recommended by the
Ministry of Defence for further consideration by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC).
Govt should reduce its shareholding in PSBs to below 50%: RBI Committee
May 16, 2014
An RBI committee headed by former chairman of Axis Bank PJ Nayak has said in its report that the
government should bring down its stake in Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to below 50%.
Key Suggestions proposed by the RBI Panel:-
25 | P a g e
1) On existing Governance pattern of PSBs:

Criticizing the way in which the 26 PSBs are being currently governed, the panel blamed several externally
imposed constraints like dual regulation by the RBI and finance ministry and external vigilance by agencies
like the CVC and CAG for the distress of banks.
The government should reduce its stake in these banks to less than 50%, along with certain other executive
measures for the removal of these constraints.
The Centre should distance itself from the governance of banks and the Bank Nationalization Acts of 1970
and 1980, along with the SBI Act and SBI Subsidiary Banks Act, be repealed as it finds the selection process
for directors is increasingly compromised.
2) On Governments powers in relation to the governance of banks
All banks should be incorporated under the Companies Act and a Bank Investment Company (BIC) be set
up to which the government transfers its holdings in banks. BIC should be given power of governance of the
banks. Until BIC becomes functional, a Bank Boards Bureau comprising former senior bankers should advise
all board appointments, including those of chairmen and executive directors.
3) On existing Human Resource Policy in Banks
Change in human resource policy to encourage younger people joining top management. Private sector
banks should be provided a more level-playing field with the public sector counterparts.
4) On governance issues in private sector banks
Ownership constraints that could misalign the interests of shareholders with those of top management must
be removed. Allowing larger block shareholders generally enhances governance.
5) On distressed banks
Distressed banks, private equity funds, including sovereign wealth funds, should be allowed to take control of
stakes of up to 40%.
6) On Evergreening of bad loans
Boards of banks need to be vigilant about the quality of the loans. The policy of private sector banks can be
considered which incentivises senior management on the basis of bank profitability, and disburses the
compensation through stock options. There is potential incentive to evergreen assets in order that provisions
do not make a dent in profitability.
In the case of evergreening, fines can be slapped through cancellations of unvested stock options and clawback of monetary bonuses on officers concerned and on whole-time directors, and that the chairman of the
audit committee be asked to step down from the board.
Bharti Airtel raises about $2 billion in Dual Currency Bond sale

May 16, 2014
Indias largest telecom company Bharti Airtel raised around $2 billion in a dual currency international bond
sale. It is the largest debt issuance by a domestic company till date. Bharti sold dual currency dollar and
euro bonds to raise the money which will be used for repayment and refinancing of existing foreign currency
debt. It is a first dual currency issuance by an Indian issuer and also largest fund raising exercise at a single
time by an Indian issuer.
What are Dual Currency Bonds?
Dual Currency Bonds pay interest coupons in one currency and principal redemption for a fixed sum in a
second currency, often the dollar.
A company may prefer issuing a dual currency bond to hedge any foreign exchange flows from its operations,
or take a speculative view on currencies in order to get a lower cost of capital. Investors generally get an
above-market coupon, but run the risk that, in this example, the dollar could plunge below the exchange rate
used when the amount was fixed. Such bonds are enticing to borrowers who operate in the redemption
currency because they have no long-term exchange rate risk.
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Indias IIP remains negative, declines 0.5% in March 2014

May 16, 2014
As per the Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) with base year 2004-05 for the month of
March 2014 released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation (MoSPI), the industrial production remained negative for the second consecutive month,
shrinking 0.5% in March 2014 due to poor performance in manufacturing, especially capital goods.
Output as assessed by the IIP remained almost flat in 2013-14 and slumped 0.1% compared with an
expansion of 1.1% in 2012-13.
The General Index for the month of March 2014 stands at 193.2, which is 0.5% less as compared to the level
in March 2013. The cumulative growth for the period April-March 2013-14 over the corresponding period of
the previous year is at (-) 0.1%.
Compilation Sources for IIP:
IIP is compiled using data gathered from 16 source agencies viz. Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion
(DIPP); Indian Bureau of Mines; Central Electricity Authority; Joint Plant Committee; Ministry of Petroleum &
Natural Gas; Office of Textile Commissioner; Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals; Directorate of
Sugar; Department of Fertilizers; Directorate of Vanaspati, Vegetable Oils & Fats; Tea Board; Office of Jute
Commissioner; Office of Coal Controller; Railway Board; Office of Salt Commissioner and Coffee Board.
General Election 2014: Resounding victory for BJP, Congress faces drubbing in 6
states
May 17, 2014
Worlds biggest democratic exercise- Indias 16th Lok Sabha (Lower House) elections which ran from April, 7 to
May 12, 2014 are over and its verdict is out. Of the total 543 seats for which elections were contested, BJP led
NDA achieved a thumping victory on 336 seats, whereas, Congress led UPA has faced thorough defeat in 6
key states winning just 59 seats, and the Congress, 44 seats. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which contested on
424 seats has faced debacle as it could win just 4 seats. AAP leader and former Chief Minister ofDelhi, Arvind
Kejrival, who contested against the Narendra Modi from Varanasi, defeated by a huge margin of more than 3
lakh votes.
With this NDA victory, BJPs Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi is all set to be the head of the newly
elected Indian Government.
Some high spots of Lok Sabha polls 2014:
8 It was 16th Lok Sabha election.
8 Election Commission of India conducted election in 9 phases, longest election in the countrys history.
8 8,251 candidates contested for 543 constituencies in India.
8 814.5 million People were eligible voters, with an increase of 100 million voters since the last general
election in 2009, making this the largest-ever election in the world.
8 Average election turnout was around 66.38%, the highest ever in the history of Indian general
elections.
8 With more than six times the seats of its closest contenders, Modis is the most decisive mandate for a
leader since the 1984 assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi propelled her son to office. Since
1989, India has been governed by coalitions.
8 With 282 seats, the BJP has won the highest number of seats by a single party in the modern, postregional politics era, compared with 244 for the Congress in 1991 and 206 for it in 2009.
8 It is the worst ever performance by Congress compared to its show in other previous General
Elections.
27 | P a g e
8 Since 1977, the BJP is the first non-Congress party to defeat Congress by such a huge margin.
However, the biggest tally of seats achieved by a non-Congress party is 295 won by the Janata Party in
the 1977 post-Emergency election that ousted Mrs. Gandhi from office.
BJP registered its biggest win in Uttar Pradesh winning 71 seats despite a big coalition partner, the best
performance by a single party in the state since 1984 when the Congress won 83 of 85 seats.
Results Lok Sabha Polls 2014:
ALLIANCE
NDA (BJP + Allies)
UPA (Congress + Allies)
AAP
SP
BSP
AITC
JD(U)
LEFT
ADMK
OTHERS
TOTAL
TALLY
336
58
4
5
0
34
2
11
37
56
543/543
VOTE SHARE of NDA and UPA:

Alliance
Vote share (%)
NDA
31
UPA
19.3
Sikkim Assembly elections 2014: SDF to retain power for fifth term in a row
May 17, 2014
Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) led by incumbent Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling has emerged as the
single largest party by winning 22 seats out of total 32 in the 2014 assembly elections of Sikkim. The newly
established party Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) led by Prem Singh Tamang won 10 assembly seats and will
sit in opposition.
The SDF which came into being in 1993 has been in power in Sikkim since 1994. This will be partys fifth
consecutive term in power.
Odisha assembly polls 2014: BJD emerged largest party in the state
May 17, 2014
The results of the 2014 assembly elections of Odisha have been announced. Of the total 147 assembly seats,
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) led by incumbent Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has won 117 seats, making it the single
largest party in the state.
Odisha assembly polls 2014 results:
Political Party
Seats Won
BJD
117
BJP
10
Indian National Congress
16
Others
Arunachal Pradesh assembly polls: INC to form government

May 17, 2014
The results of the 2014 assembly elections of Arunachal Pradesh are out. The Indian National Congress (INC)
led by the incumbent Chief Minister Nabam Tuki won 42 seats of the total 60 assembly seats in the state.
BJP with 11 seats is the first runner up whereas Peoples Party of Arunachal finished third with 5 seats.
Results:
28 | P a g e
Political Party
Seats Won
Bharatiya Janata Party
11
Indian National Congress
42
Peoples Party of Arunachal
Independent
Andhra Pradesh assembly polls results: TDP wins largest number of seats
May 17, 2014
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) led by N. Chandra Babu Naidu emerged as the largest party with 117 seats out of
the total 294 assembly seats of the Andhra Pradesh in the recently concluded Assembly Elections in the state.
Results:
Political Party
Seats Won
TDP
117
Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress

Party
70
Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS)
63
Indian National Congress (INC)
21
BJP
Others
14
Representation of Muslims in 16th Lok Sabha plunges all-time low at 22

May 19, 2014
th
The 16 Lok Sabha will have lowest Muslim representation (Muslim MPs) of all-time at 22. The previous low in
the history of Indian Parliament was witnessed in 1957 when there were only 23 Muslim MPs. While Muslims
constitute 10.5% of Indias population, its percentage representation in the new Lok Sabha will be 4.2%. In
1957, it was slightly high at 4.6%. The highest representation was in 1980 when 49 Muslims were elected as
MPs.
West Bengal sends the largest number of Muslim MPs with 4 from Trinamool Congress and 2 each from
Congress and CPI. The second highest number is from Bihar with RJD, NCP, Lok Jan Shakti Party and Congress
sending 1 MP each. In Assam 2 Muslim MPs, both from All India United Democratic Front, have won. Kashmir
has elected 3 Muslim MPs while Kerala elected 3. Tamil Nadu andAndhra Pradesh have elected 1 Muslim MP
each while no Muslim MP has been elected from Uttar Pradesh.
Indias Steel Man Former Tisco chief Russi Mody passed away
May 19, 2014
Russi Mody (96), regarded as Indias Steel Man for his role in elevating Tata Steel (then known as Tisco) to its
present status of Indias largest steel manufacturing company, passed away.
He was born on January 17, 1918, joined Tisco in 1939, and rose through the ranks to become its chairman
and managing director in 1984. The man who was with Tata Steel for nearly four decades was credited with
laying the foundation for what Tata Steel is today.
Mody was removed from the top position at Tata Steel in 1993 as the result of differences in opinions with
Ratan Tata, who had just assumed charge as chairman of the Tata Group. He was then appointed as the joint
chairman of Air India and Indian Airlines by then Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao.
Mody received Padma Bhushan (nations third highest civilian award) in 1989 for his exemplary contribution
to the Indian industry.
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Photon-Photon Collider Experiment: Researchers develop technique to turn light

into matter
May 20, 2014
Scientists in the UK have discovered how to turn light into matter. Until now, it was not practically shown
what was theorized by scientists G Breit and John A Wheeler in 1934- the simplest technique of turning light
into matter by colliding only two particles of light (photons), to create an electron and a positron. It has
never been observed in a lab and past experiments as it necessitates the addition of massive high-energy
particles.
8 Scientists from Imperial College London have unraveled the theory. They will perform a PhotonPhoton Collider experiment to prove this in practise. The experiment would recreate a process that
was significant in the first 100 seconds of the universe, also seen in gamma ray bursts the biggest
explosions in the universe and one of physics greatest unsolved puzzles.
Two main steps of Photon- Photon Collider experiment:
Using an extremely powerful high-intensity laser to speed up electrons to just below the speed of light and
then shoot these electrons at a slab of gold to create a beam of photons a billion times more energetic than
visible light.
Firing a high-energy laser at the inner surface of a tiny gold can called a hohlraum to create a thermal
radiation field, generating light similar to the light emitted by stars.
The photon beam from the first stage would be directed through the centre of the can, causing the photons
from the two sources to collide and form electrons and positrons. It would then be possible to observe the
formation of the electrons and positrons when they exited the can.
This discovery would help in understanding
how we can create matter directly from light using the
technology.
SpaceX Dragon capsule leaves space station, heads back to Earth

May 20, 2014
US private firm SpaceXs unmanned Dragon capsule undocked from theInternational Space Station (ISS),
to return to Earth. The capsule is carrying more than 1,580 kilograms of science samples and NASAs old
equipment.
NASA depends on SpaceX and other private companies to replace the Space Shuttles, which were finally
retired in July 2011, and had brought supplies and astronauts to and from the space station.
SpaceX has signed a $1.6 billion deal with NASA for a total of 12 of supply missions. SpaceX, Boeing and
Sierra Nevada have also been engaged by NASA to develop private space ships capable of transporting
people to the space station and other destinations in orbit, with a launch expected in 2017. That would end
the US reliance on Russias Soyuz capsules to carry US astronauts to and from the space station, at a cost of
$70 million per person.
RBI to launch Plastic notes in 2015

May 20, 2014
As per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan, Plastic currency notes will be launched
in 2015 after field trial which is likely to be conducted in the latter half of 2014. The pilot testing would be
conducted in five cities- Kochi, Mysore, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar and Shimla.
One billion plastic notes of Rs.10 denomination will be released in the field trial in these cities chosen for
their geographical and climatic diversity. Plastic currency notes have an average life span of about 5
years and are difficult to counterfeit. Also, these notes are cleaner than paper notes.
Adani Ports buys Dhamra Port of Odisha

May 20, 2014
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Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone acquired the strategic Dhamra port inOdisha on the east coast
of India for an enterprise value of Rs 5, 500 crore. The company inked a definitive pact to acquire the port
from a 50:50 joint venture of Tata Steel and Larsen & Toubro. After the 2005 acquisition of Pipapav Port
inGujarat by APM Terminals BV from SKIL Infrastructure, the Dhamra deal is
the largest port sector deal in India.
Dhamra Port:
Dhamra port is one of the deepest ports on the eastern coast of India. It was
granted the rights by the Odisha government in 2004 to develop and operate
for 30 years. The port is considered strategic as it is located to serve the
mineral belt of the eastern states and in between competitors and
government-controlled Haldia and Paradip ports.
Adani Ports and SEZ:
Gautam Adani-led Adani Ports and SEZ is listed on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and is 75% owned by Adani
Enterprises, the flagship of Adani group. The company owns and operates 5 ports, of which three Dahej,
Hazira and Mundraare in Gujarat. Dhamra port will help the company enhance its capacity to over 200
million tonne by 2020, making it a leader among private sector port operators in the country. Adanis family
firm also operates a coal loading terminal at Abbot Point in Queensland in Australia.
Chibok Kidnapping of Schoolgirls: Nigerias President calls off town visit

May 20, 2014
Nigerias PresidentGoodluck Jonathan has cancelled a visit to

Chibok, the town from where more than 200 schoolgirls have
been abducted by militant Islamist group Boko Haram. Jonathan
has been criticised for not visiting the town more than a month
after the girls were abducted.
The president will now go direct to Paris to participate in a
meeting convened by French President Francois Hollande to
discuss the issue of Boko Haram militants.
Around 276 female students were abducted from the
Government Secondary School in the town of Chibok in Borno
State, Nigeria on the night of April 14-15, 2014. Boko
Haram, an Islamic Jihadist, and Takfiri terrorist organization based in northeast Nigeria have claimed these
kidnappings. Boko Haram, had earlier said the girls should not have been at school and should be married
instead.
Boko Haram:
It is a militant Islamist group Boko Haram active mainly in Nigeria and is responsible for wreaking mayhem in
the country through a series of bombings, assassinations and now kidnappings. It intends to bring down the
government and create an Islamic state.
Boko Haram promotes a version of Islam which makes it haram, or forbidden, for Muslims to participate in
any political or social activity associated with Western society. This includes voting in elections, wearing shirts
and rousers or receiving a secular education.
The group was set up in 2002 as Jamaatu Ahlis Sunna Liddaawati wal-Jihad, which in Arabic means People
Committed to the Propagation of the Prophets Teachings and Jihad. It was dubbed Boko Haram, a phrase in
the local Hausa language meaning, Western education is forbidden.
Swiss electors disapprove worlds highest minimum wage, thwart new fighter jets
buying plans
May 21, 2014
31 | P a g e
The voters in Switzerland turned down the proposals to introduce the worlds highest minimum wage and
also blocked spending of $3.5 billion for buying new Gripen fighter jets from Saab. Saab Group (originally
Svenska Aeroplan AB, later SAAB) is a Swedish aerospace and defence company was founded in 1937. About
76% voters rejected the proposal made by Swiss union SGB and backed by the Socialist and Green parties for
a minimum wage of 22 Swiss francs ($25) per hour.
Around 53% blocked a plan to replace Switzerlands senescent fleet of fighter jets with 22 Gripen jets from
Saab. Had the proposal been accepted, it would have led to job cuts, particularly in remote and structurally
weaker regions.
The initiative was proposed to address a widening income gap in the generally egalitarian country. Though
voters approved giving shareholders a binding say on executive pay, but rejected a proposal to cap the
salaries of top executives at 12 times that of a companys lowest wage.
Researchers unravel why olive oil reduces blood pressure

May 21, 2014
Scientists have discovered why olive oil reduces blood pressure. As per a new research, consuming
unsaturated fats, like those in olive oil, along with leafy greens and other vegetables forms a certain kind of
fatty acid that lowers blood pressure. These nitro fatty acids are created when consuming spinach, celery and
carrots that contain nitrates and nitrites, along with avocado, nuts and olive oils that contain healthy fats.
Nitro fatty acids appear to inhibit an enzyme known as soluble epoxide hydrolase which regulates blood
pressure. Scientists can now explain why previous research found that a Mediterranean diet supplemented
with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts can reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular problems like stroke, heart
failure and heart attacks.
Thus far, it was only known that the Mediterranean diet which consists of lots of vegetables, fish, grains, red
wine and fatty nuts and oils is salubrious, there has been little scientific consensus about how or why.
RBI to start managing Telanganas public debt from June 2, 2014

May 21, 2014
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the newly created state Telangana have inked a pact according to which
the RBI shall carry on the general bankingbusiness of the Government of Telangana, manage its rupee public
debt and act as the sole agent for investment of Governments funds. The agreement is consistent to
the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill 2014, which received Parliaments approval February 20, 2014, got
the Presidential assent in March 2014 and paved the way for the formation of 29th state of India by
bifurcating Andhra Pradesh.
The remaining Andhra Pradesh will have 13 districts while Telangana will have 10 districts,
including Hyderabad city.
Pension Payment Order (PPO) to be given soon after retirement to Central Govt
employees
May 21, 2014
The Centre has decided to give Pension Payment Order (PPO) to all central government employees at the
time of retirement along with their other dues. This step has been taken to check the delay in disbursal of
pension. Currently, the scheme for payment of pensions to central government civil pensioners is
implemented through authorised banks. The scheme issued by the Central Pension Accounting
Office provides for an undertaking to be submitted by the retiring government servant or pensioner to the
pension disbursing bank before commencement of pension.
It has been found that the first payment of pension after retirement gets delayed mainly due to two
reasons:1. Delay in receipt of intimation by the pensioner that pension papers have reached the bank.
32 | P a g e
2. Delay on part of the pensioner in approaching the bank for submission of undertaking.
Now, the pensioner is not required to visit the bank to activate the first payment of pension. The Ministry of
Personnel has directed Office of Controller General of Accounts to instruct all Pay and Accounts Offices and
all pension disbursing banks to follow its directives. There are about 30 lakh Central government pensioners.
Modi is not the first instance when CM becomes PM

May 21, 2014
Prime Minister-to-be Narendra Modi is not the first Chief Minister to ascend to the seat of the head of
Government of India. The distinction goes to formerKarnataka CM H.D. Deve Gowda, who, moved to the post
of Prime Minister in 1996.
Mr. Gowda resigned as Chief Minister and gave up his membership of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly
after he was named PM. The Constitution of India permits a person, who enjoys the support of the majority
of Lok SabhaMPs, to be sworn in as PM without being a member of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.
However, the person has to get elected to either House of Parliament within a period of 6 months. Mr. Gowda
chose to become a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Narendra Modis Case:
Because Mr. Modi is already elected as a member of the Lok Sabha from Vadodara and Varanasi, he will have
to step down as CM and resign as the member of the Gujarat Assembly as well as one of the two Lok Sabha
seats he has been elected. As per the law, an individual cannot be a member of the Lok Sabha/ Rajya Sabha
as well as the Legislative Assembly. The person has to give up his membership of one of the two within 14
days of the notification of the election result by the Election Commission. The same rule applies to a person
who is elected from more than one Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly seat.
The unique case of Narasimha Rao:
The case of the late Narasimha Rao is one of its kind. He had almost retired from politics and did not fight the
1991 Lok Sabha (LS) polls. But the situation took a sharp turn with the assassination of Congress prime
ministerial candidate Rajiv Gandhi at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu, where he was campaigning for the
same LS elections.
The Congress won the elections and the party proposed Sonia Gandhi to be the PM but she declined the
proposal. Then Mr. Rao, who had the support of Ms. Gandhi, was chosen for the job of Prime Minister.
Subsequently, he contested a by-election from the Nandyal Lok Sabha constituency in Andhra Pradesh and
won with a record margin of over 5 lakh votes as the Telugu Desam Party endorsed his political campaign in
the name of Telugu pride.
Jitan Ram Manjhi sworn-in as Bihar Chief Minister

May 21, 2014
Jitan Ram Manjhi is the new Chief Minister of Bihar. He was administered oath of office and secrecy by
Governor D.Y. Patil at a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan in Patna. The 15 members of the previous Nitish Kumar
government have retained their place in the new Jitan Ram Manjhi Ministry, while two independent MLA have
also been added.
It may be recalled that chief minister Nitish Kumar had resigned from the post taking the responsibility of his
partys (JDU) dismal performance in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls.
Jitan Ram Manjhi:
Manjhi is from Mahkar village in Gaya district. He is a legislator from the Makhdoompur assembly
constituency in Jehanabad district. He is the third Dalit CM of Bihar after Bhola Paswan Shastri and Ram
Sundar Das. Prior to his appointment as CM, Manjhi was SC/ST welfare minister in the Nitish Kumar cabinet.
RBI permits banks to provide loans to exporters for up to 10 years

May 21, 2014
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Banks have been allowed by the RBI to give loans with tenures of up to 10 years to exporters to help them
ensure capital flows to fulfil long-term contracts. As per current rules, banks are allowed to provide loans for
up to 1 year only.
RBI has permitted banks to allow exporters having a minimum of 3 years satisfactory track record to get
long-term export advance up to a maximum tenor of 10 years to be utilized for execution of long-term supply
contracts for export of goods.
This facility is available with certain caveats, including:8 An interest rate limit of 200 basis points above the London interbank offered rate (Libor), a global
benchmark.
8 Exporters getting loans of $ 100 million or above are required to report the transaction immediately
to the RBI.
8 There should be irrevocable supply orders in place.
8 The contract with the overseas party or buyer should be examined and must clearly specify the
nature, amount and delivery timelines of products over the years and the penalty in case of nonperformance or contract cancellation.
8 Export advances which are classified as non-performing assets as per RBI norms cant be used to
liquidate rupee loans.
8 Exporters should have the capacity, systems and processes in place to ensure that orders over the
duration of the tenure can be executed.
Flipkart acquires Myntra

May 22, 2014
Indias largest online retailer, Flipkart.com,

acquired
fashion e-retailer| 8967
Myntra.com. While the exact size of the
surya pratap
deal could not be ascertained, some reports estimate it to be of Rs 1,800-2,000 crore
The deal is expected to consolidate Rs 62,000-crore e-commerce market of India. The acquisition by Flipkart
reflects the companys intention to tap into the online sales of apparel and fashion accessories where it has
had limited. Apparel and fashion domain is the largest shopping categories in the online retail space.
As per experts, by 2019, the electronics and fashion domain will account for 30% of the sales in the online ecommerce space.
All banks need to install talking ATMs from July 1, 2014: RBI
May 22, 2014
As per the directions of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), all banks will be required to make all new ATMs
installed from July 1, 2014 as talking ATMs with Braille keypads.
As per RBIs guidelines to all banks:
8 All new ATMs installed from July 1, 2014 should be talking ATMs with Braille keypads.
8 Banks should lay down a roadmap for converting all existing ATMs as talking ATMs with Braille
keypads. The same may be reviewed from periodically by the Customer Service Committee of the
Board.
Banks should provide magnifying glasses in all bank branches for the use of persons with low vision,
whenever they need for performingbanking transactions with ease. A notice about the availability of
magnifying glasses and other facilities available for persons with disabilities should be displayed at a
prominent place.
Anandiben Patel: First woman CM of Gujarat

May 22, 2014
Anandiben Patel (73) will succeed PM-designate Narendra Modi as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Prior to her
election as CM, she was states revenue minister. Modi was the longest-serving chief minister of the
state. Anandiben Patel is the first woman chief minister of Gujarat.
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Anandiben Patel is a former school teacher, a gold-medalist in MSc and also a winner of the Presidents
Medal. She held important portfolios of urban development, revenue and disaster management and was
earlier in charge ofeducation ministry, steering successfully some of the key Modi projects, including the one
for boosting female literacy.
Members of Planning Commission resign

May 23, 2014
Following the standard practice, all members of the Planning Commission (PC) including Deputy Chairman
Montek Singh Ahluwalia and all the other members of the Commission submitted their resignations to the
Prime Ministers Office to enable its reconstitution. Dr. Ahluwalia and the rest of the members will continue as
acting members till a new Commission is set up.
The Prime Minister is the ex-officio chairman of the PC and all members of the commission submit their
resignations to the Prime Minister after the general elections. The term of members of the PC is coterminous
with the government. The reconstitution of the new PC will be decided by the newly elected government.
This outgoing Planning Commission had formulated the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17), which envisages an
annual average economic growth of 8% during the plan period.
Pawan Chamling takes oath as Sikkim CM for fifth consecutive term

May 23, 2014
Sikkims Governor Shriniwas Patil administered the oath of office and secrecy toPawan Chamling as Sikkim
Chief Minister for the record fifth term in a row.
In the recently concluded assembly polls, the Chamling-led Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) had won a twothirds majority securing 22 seats out of total 32.
Chamling has been in power since December 12, 1994 and has already completed two decades as the CM of
state which merged with India in 1975.
Naveen Patnaik takes oath as fourth time CM in Odisha

May 23, 2014
Naveen Patnaik was sworn-in as Chief Minister of Odisha for the fourth term in a row. Mr. Patnaik was
administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor S.C. Jamir.
It was in 2005 when Mr. Patnaik, head of Biju Janata Dal (BJD), became the CM for the first time when the BJDBJP alliance came to power defeating the Congress.
Mr. Patnaik continued his second term from 2004 to 2009 when the BJD separated itself from the BJP and
contested the elections by having seat sharing arrangements with Communist Party of India, Communist
Party of India (Marxist) and Nationalist Congress Party.
Bharatiya Mahila Bank included in second schedule to RBI Act 1934

May 23, 2014
Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB), Indias first all-women bank, has been included in the second schedule to the
RBI Act 1934.
With the inclusion in the second schedule or commercial bank category, the bank has become eligible for
loans from RBI on bank rate and also gets membership of clearing houses. Furthermore, it assures that any
activity of the bank would not adversely affect the interests of depositors.
BMB has been in existence since November 2013 which began with a seed capital of Rs 1,000 crore. To focus
on the banking needs of women and promote economic empowerment is one of the main objectives of BMB.
At present, the loan portfolio of the BMB is about Rs 80-90 crore. It offers loan to girl child at a concessional
rate which is 1% lower than the normal rates.
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RBI eases gold import to promote its export under its 20:80 formula
May 23, 2014
Star trading houses big importers and exporters has been permitted by the RBI to import gold under its
existing 20:80 scheme. Thus far, the facility was available to select banks only and other big entities like star
trading houses were forbidden from importing the yellow metal.
As per the extant rules, importers can buy gold, on a condition that 20% of it is exported as finished
products. In July 2013, the RBI had imposed severe restrictions on gold imports in order to curb surging
Current Account Deficit (CAD) and the declining rupee. The central bank had tied imports with exports and
prescribed a 20:80 formula.
As per the 20:80 scheme, an importer has to ensure that at least 20% of every lot of imported gold is
exclusively made available for exports as finished good and the balance for domestic use.
The RBI has also permitted banks to provide gold metal loans to domestic jewellery manufacturers, out of the
eligible domestic import quota of 80%.
Genral Polls 2014: Dhubri recorded highest Voter Turnout; Srinagar the lowest
May 23, 2014
The 16th Lok Sabha polls registered a record average voter turnout of 66.4%.Dhubri of Assam witnessed
the highest turnout at 88.22% followed byNagaland at 87.82%; Srinagar of J&K registered the lowest
turnout at 25.90%, followed by Anantnag of the same state.
Table 1: Top 10 Parliamentary Constituencies in terms of Voter Turnout
Sl. No Parliamentary Constituency State/UT
Voter Turnout
Dhubri
Assam
88.22%
1
Nagaland
Nagaland
87.82%
2
Tamluk
West Bengal
87.59%
3
Bishnupur
Westsurya
Bengal
86.72%
4
Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep 86.61%
5
Kanthi
West Bengal
86.61%
6
Bardhaman Purba
West Bengal
86.21%
7
Tripura West
Tripura
85.92%
8
Basirhat
West Bengal
85.45%
9
Birbhum
West Bengal
85.33%
10
Source: Election Commission of India
Table 2: Bottom 10 Parliamentary Constituencies in terms of Voter Turnout
Sl. No Parliamentary Constituency State/UT
Srinagar
Jammu & Kashmir
1
Anantnag
Jammu & Kashmir
2
Baramulla
Jammu & Kashmir
3
Kalyan
Maharashtra
4
Patna Sahib
Bihar
5
Bhind
Madhya Pradesh
6
Nalanda
Bihar
7
Mumbai North Central
Maharashtra
8
Arrah
Bihar
9
Bansgaon
Uttar Pradesh
10
Source: Election Commission of India
Voter Turnout
25.90%
28.84%
39.13%
42.88%
45.33%
45.62%
47.22%
48.61%
48.75%
49.88%
Donald Levine, man behind G.I. Joe, passed away

May 23, 2014
Donald Levine (86), the man credited as the father of G.I. Joe (toy) for
developing the worlds first action figure, passed away. As the head of
research and development at toy manufacturer Hasbro, Levine led the
team which developed the figure complete with 21 moving parts that
made it popular among kids. Mr Levine was not the inventor of the iconic
toy, that was merchandiser Stan Weston, but he gauged its potential and developed the model as a mass
seller. G.I. Joe first hit the shelves of American toy shops in Christmas 1964, and was an instant success.
G.I.Joe
36 | P a g e
G.I. Joe is a range of action figures produced by the toy manufacturing company Hasbro. The term G.I. stands
forGovernment Issued and after the First World War became a common term for U.S. soldiers. G.I. Joe was
inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong in Rochester, New York, in 2003.
Mercedes Nico Rosberg clinches Monaco F1 Grand Prix

May 24, 2014
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany defeated main rival Lewis Hemilton of Britain to win
2014 Monaco F1 Grand Prix. This was his second victory of the season and fifth of his career.
With this victory, the Mercedes finished first and second position for the fifth time in a row and has won all six
races this season.
The drivers ranking after Monaco Grand Prix:
1. Nico Rosberg of Germany
2. Lewis Hamilton of Britain
3. Fernando Alonso of Spain
4. Daniel Ricciardo of Australia
5. Nico Hulkenberg of Germany
Top five teams:
1. Mercedes
2. Red Bull Racing
3. Ferrari
4. Force India
5. McLaren
Hiroshi Naka is new vice-president

of| surya.careerlauncher@gmail.com
World Bank | 8967
surya pratap singh
May 24, 2014
Hiroshi Naka has been appointed as vice-president and auditor general ofWorld Bank (WB). His
appointment was announced by Banks President Jim Yong Kim.
Naka who is Japanese citizen brings in more than 25 years of experience working with the Japanese ministry
of finance and multilateral organizations, where he specialized in issues such as economic sanctions, antimoney laundering, and supervision of financial institutions
He will shoulder the responsibility of providing leadership on evaluating and improving the effectiveness of
the organizations risk management, control, and governance processes.
Badminton: China beats Japan to win Uber Cup

May 24, 2014
Defending champion China defeated Japan to win its 13th Uber Cup womensbadminton title. The victory
comes after Chinas recent loss to Japan in the semifinals of the Thomas Cup tournament.
The 2014 Thomas & Uber Cup was the 28th tournament of the Thomas Cup and 25th tournament of the Uber
Cup, the premier badminton team championships for men and women respectively. The Uber Cup (also
called World Team Championships for Women), is a major internationalbadminton competition contested by
womens national badminton teams. India earned bronze in Uber Cup
It was held at the Siri Fort Sports Complex in New Delhi, India. This was the first time India hosted
both the events i.e. Thomas Cup and Uber Cup.
Sanskrit Scholar and Indologist Sukumari Bhattacharji passed away

May 25, 2014
Indologist and Sanskrit scholar Sukumari Bhattacharji (92) who was known for her grasp over English and
Sanskrit language, passed away.
She started her career as a lecturer in English at Lady Brabourne College in Kolkata. She joined Jadavpur
Universitys Comparative Literature department and later switched to the Sanskrit department.
37 | P a g e
Her grasp over Sanskrit helped her to do in-depth study of the Vedas and Bhagavad Gita and uncover the
societal patterns in ancient India and evolution of culture and religion.
She penned some 34 books such as The Gita Its Why and How, Human & Society in Ancient India, Fatalism
in Ancient India. She presented an analysis on how the Goddess Lakshami in pre-Aryan agrarian society
became alakshami in the Aryan society in her book Legend of Devis which became very popular.
Some other books written by her include Bede Samsay O Nastikko, Bede Khuda O Khadya and Balmikir Ram.
Exhibition in Germany observes 100 years of World War I

May 25, 2014
An exhibition marking 100 years of World War I (WW I) has been organized at the German Historical
Museum, Berlin (Germany). The exhibition will run until the end of 2014. It will take overall view of the war
like events leading up to the war, the war itself and the consequence (both from a European and a global
perspective). The WW I began on June 28, 1914 and ended in 1918.
It puts on display around 500 objects of WW I, including paintings of soldiers, royalty of Europe at the time
and anti-war protests. Weapons and historical documents are also being displayed in the exhibition.
The exhibition looks at the escalation of violence through 14 major battlefields of WW I, including Verdun and
Gallipoli. It also focuses at the effect of the modernization of warfare during World War I, where poison gas
was used for the first time (in Ypres, Belgium), and its physical and mental effect on soldiers and civilians.
Around 9 million people lost their lives in the WW I. It was during this war that the major ideologies of the
20th century Communism, Fascism, Nazism, emerged.
Scientists create Nano-diamonds which last only for seconds

May 25, 2014
Researchers at Rice University in the US accidentally created microscopic diamonds from coal which exist
only for some seconds. Scientists witnessed this intriguing effect while working on ways to chemically reduce
carbon from anthracite coal and make it soluble. They used a powerful electron beam for the purpose
knocking the hydrogen atoms off the coal. Surprisingly, the energy input brought clusters of hydrogenated
carbon atoms together, some of which transformed into the lattice-like structure of nano-diamonds. Even
without the kind of pressure needed to make macroscale diamonds, the energy knocked loose hydrogen
atoms to kick off a chain reaction between layers of graphite in the coal that resulted in diamonds between 2
and 10 nanometres wide.
But the most of the nanodiamonds were seen to fade away under the power of the electron beam in a
succession of images taken over 30 seconds. The small diamonds are not stable and they revert to the
starting material, the anthracite.
Anti-Terrorism Day observed on MAY 21

May 25, 2014
May 21, 2014 was observed as Anti-Terrorism Day throughout the nation. The day is observed annually to
spread awareness among the people of all sections of the society, about the danger of terrorism and violence
and its effect on the people, society and the country as a whole. The day commemorates theassassination of
former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi fell to the designs of terrorists in on the same day in 1991.
Objective: The objective behind the observance of Anti-Terrorism Day is to wean away the people from
terrorism and violence. On this occasion, debates, discussions, symposia, seminars, etc. are organized in
schools, colleges and universities on the threats of terrorism and violence.
Indian-American Akhil Rekulapelli clinches National Geographic Bee Championship

May 25, 2014
Akhil Rekulapelli (13), an Indian American student from Virginia, has bagged the prestigious National
Geographic Bee Championship that includes a $50,000 college scholarship. Rekulapelli beat fellow Indian
American Ameya Mujumdar in the final round of the contest held in Washington. His triumph as the national
38 | P a g e
Geographic Bee champion continues a series of Bee dominance exhibited by Indian American students, who
have also regularly topped the Scripps National Spelling Bee in recent years, too.
DeitYs Mobile Seva project wins UN Public Service Award

May 25, 2014
Indias Mobile Seva Project started by Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) has won
the 2014 United Nations Public Service Award. The award has been given in the category of promoting whole
of government approaches in Information Age.
The United Nations Public Service Awards is the most prestigiousinternational recognition of excellence in
public service. It honors the creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions that lead to
a more effective and responsive public administration in countries across the world. These awards promote
the role, professionalism and visibility of public service through an annual competition.
The Mobile Seva Project is lead by Dr. Rajendra Kumar, joint secretary (e-Governance), Deit. It was launched
in January 2012, and won in second prize the category Promoting Whole of Government Approaches in the
Information Age for Asia Pacific.
The project mainly develops and provides mobile apps for government and citizen use. Available on the
government website, mgov.gov.in, some of the active 299 apps include those for passport services, election
commission or more. For example, the passport service app -mPassport Seva facilitates users to locate
centres, calculate fee for a particular service, track application status and more. There are other apps for
intra-departmental use like the employee Leave Management System app, currently live only for Rajasthan.
The project covers over 1,000 government departments and agencies from across the country.
The first prize in the category was bagged by the Korean health and welfare information service.
Gujarats Rani ki Vav to be surya

replicated
digitally in UK
pratap singh | surya.careerlauncher@gmail.com
| 8967
May 25, 2014
Gujarats famous archeological monument Rani ki Vav (The Queens Stepwell) is among
five international heritage sites to be recreated digitally using latest technology in Scotland, UK. The Scottish
Ten an ambitious five-year-project aims to create accurate digital models of Scotlands fiveUnescodesignated World Heritage Sites and five international heritage sites in order to help in conservation and
management of these sites.
The digital models will help conserve significant historical sites for the benefit of future generations
and provide 3D digital models and data to site staff to better preserve these sites. The laser scanning
measurements will enable identification of problems and rate of decay of the monuments which can then be
addressed quickly. Scotland hopes that digitally documenting stepwell would bring the site to a much wider
audience and enhance both its national and international profile.
SIMBEX 14: India-Singapore naval drill starts in Andaman Sea

May 25, 2014
The navies of India and Singapore are conducting the 2014 edition of the SIMBEX 14 series of annual
bilateral naval exercises in the Andaman Sea. SIMBEX 14 is the 21st in the series, designed to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding between Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
The two navies started formal bilateral cooperation in 1994 when RSN ships began training in Anti-Submarine
Warfare (ASW) with the Indian Navy. SIMBEXstands for Singapore Indian Maritime Bilateral Exercise.
Rajiv Mathur appointed new Chief Information Commissioner

May 25, 2014
President Pranab Mukherjee appointed former Intelligence Bureau chief Rajiv Mathur (64) as the new Chief
Information Commissioner (CIC). Mathur succeeds Sushma Singh as the head of the transparency
watchdog. His name was recommended by a three-member selection panel headed by outgoing PM
Manmohan Singh. His term will be of just 3 months.
39 | P a g e
At present, there are seven Information Commissioners Vijai Sharma, Basant Seth, Yashovardhan Azad,
Sharat Sabharwal, Manjula Prasher, M A Khan Yusufi and Prof Madabhushanam Sridhar Acharyulu.
WHO concerned about MERS virus

May 25, 2014
The WHOs Emergency Committee for MERS-CoV has raised concerns about the sharp surge in the number of
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus(MERS-CoV) cases since March 2014. The sharp increase
has been seen particularly in Saudi Arabia and in the United Arabian Emirates. The Emergency Committee
has advised a number of measures to be urgently taken, including better national policies for infection
prevention and control inhealthcare facilities.
Since the virus was first detected in humans 2 years back, a total of 152 people have now died and 495 have
been confirmed to have contracted the virus in Saudi Arabia. Recently, cases have also been reported
from Egypt, Greece,Malaysia, Philippines, and the U.S. in which infected individuals had travelled there from
the Middle East.
Although it is known that the virus is widespread in camels in the Middle East and north-east Africa, it is yet
to be ascertained how transmission from animals to humans takes place. As MERS-CoV causes
mostly respiratory disease in humans, the common thinking is that such transmission takes place via a
respiratory route.
It is also speculated that milking a camel exposes the milker and those around them, as well as the drinker of
fresh frothy milk, to an aerosol which may contain MERS-CoV. The WHO has called for studies to better
understand the epidemiology of the disease and risk factors related to the spread of the virus.
Chinas maritime Silk Road development to get a boost with 10 billion yuan
May 25, 2014
The development of Chinas Maritime Silk Road will be supported by 10 billion yuan (1.6 billion US dollars).
The city government of Fuzhou, capital of east Chinas Fujian province, inked a pact with the
China Africa Development Fund (CAD Fund) and the Fujian branch of the China Development Bank to
establish a joint fund.
Chinese President Xi Jinping had proposed a 21st century maritime Silk Road during his visit to Indonesia in
October 2013. The sea route from ports in Fujian to overseas markets has been providing China a channel to
trade its silk, ceramics and tea to the world for centuries.
The fund will aid such projects as establishing marine aquaculture farms and industrial parks in South-East
Asian countries.
The CAD Fund is a private equity fund that is devoted to bridging and connecting China and Africa, as well as
governments and companies. It is specialized in operating funds on cross-country cooperation projects.
Maritime Silk Road development project
The project is an initiative by China to resurrect the ancient maritime Silk Road. It is perceived to be an
attempt by China to ameliorate relations with South and Southeast Asiain this case the focus is on maritime
trade security. The project will prioritize construction ports and infrastructure in strategically significant
countries in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region, which includes Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. China has
already begun building of port projects in Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka) and Chittagong
(Bangladesh) respectively.
However, the map of the project does not show Gwadar port though it mentioned Kolkata and Colombo as
cities with which China to build closer trade linkages.
Through this project China also plans to establish free trade zones connecting Chinas coastal areas with
Southeast Asian nations and in the Indian Ocean. These are the regions with which China had trade relations
through ancient maritime Silk Road.
Importance for China
40 | P a g e
The global economic crisis and domestic social problems have rendered Chinas current export- and FDIdriven economic model less effective. China needs to search for new export markets or maintain existing
ones, as well as narrow the development gaps between the well-developed coastal areas and the lessdeveloped inland parts of the country and preserve stability inside China and its neighbourhood. This is the
main reason why the Chinese current leadership has launched this project.
Route of proposed Maritime Silk Road
Starts: Quanzhou (Fujian province)
Via: Guangzhou (Guangdong province) Beihai (Guangxi) Haikou (Hainan)turns south to Malacca Strait
Kuala Lumpur Kolkata (crosses Indian Ocean) Nairobi (Kenya) towards north around Horn of Africa
through Red SeaMediterranean SeaAthens meets the land-based Silk Road in Venice.
Performance ratings of Banks customer services to be made public from 2015

May 25, 2014
From 2015, performance ratings of Banks on customer services will be put in public domain
by Banking Codes Standards Board of India (BCSBI).
BCSBI is rating banks on customer services on 5 parameters:
Information dissemination
8 Transparency
8 Customer-centricity
8 Grievance redressal system
8 Customer feedback.
BCSBI rated 48 banks for customer service of which only 5 scored high ratings; 25 were rated above average;
17 average; and one below average. The
ratings
be made public |in
2015. However, banks are not allowed
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to use these ratings to solicit business.
Code of Banks Commitment to Customers
The Code of Banks Commitment to Customers is a Code of Customer Rights, which sets minimum standards
of banking practices that member banks have to comply with when they deal with individual customers. The
Code provides protection to customers and explains the manner in which banks are supposed to deal with
customers in their day-to-day operations.
Banking Codes Standards Board of India (BCSBI)
The Reserve Bank of India established BCSBI in 2007 to ensure that the common consumer of financial
services from the banking industry gets what he/she has been promised. The Board operates as an
independent and autonomous body. Membership of BCSBI is voluntary and open to scheduled banks.
Olive Ridley Conservation programme restarted after nearly 25 years

May 25, 2014
The wildlife flank of the Forest Department has re-started the Olive
Ridley conservation after nearly 25 years by setting up a hatchery
at Besant Nagar in Chennai. The department set up the hatchery in
January 2014 near the broken bridge behind the Theosophical Society
premises. Around a dozen people have been employed to guard the
hatchery and collect eggs.
The Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), also known as the Pacific ridley sea turtle, is a mediumsized species of sea turtle found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Olive Ridley Turtles:
8 Scientific name: Lepidochelys olivacea .
8 Also known as the Pacific ridley sea turtle.
8 Found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific andIndian Oceans.
41 | P a g e
8 Global population of annual nesting females of these turtles reduced to 852,550 by 2008.
8 Considered vulnerable because of their few remaining nesting sites in the world.
8 Largest breeding ground for these turtles: The Gahirmatha
of Odisha (India), now a part of theBhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary.
Beachin Kendrapara
district
8 Bhitarkanika Mangroves designated a Ramsar Wetland ofInternational Importance in 2002.

8 Worlds largest known rookery of Olive Ridley sea turtles.
8 Two other mass nesting beaches on the mouth of rivers Rushikulyaand Devi.
Real Madrid defeats Atletico to clinch Champions League title

May 25, 2014
Real Madrid clinched the Champions League for a record 10th time beating Atletico Madrid in the final match
held in Lisbon, Portugal.
The UEFA Champions League which is popular as Champions League, is an annual continental
club football competition organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) since 1992. It is
one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world and the most prestigious club event in European
football.
Real Madrid has been the most successful club in the competitions history, having won the tournament 10
times, including its first five editions. Spanish clubs have achieved the highest number of wins (14), followed
by England andItaly (12 wins each).
Japan defeats Australia to lift AFC Womens Asian Football Cup 2014
May 25, 2014
Japan won its maiden womens Asian Football Cup (AFC) defeating defending champion Australia in the
final match held in Vietnam. With this
win,
became the first country
to simultaneously hold both the
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FIFA Womens World Cup (2011) and AFC Womens Asian Football Cup (2014). Aya Miyama, the captain of
Japan, was awarded the tournaments Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for her efforts.
Delhi Govt approves scheme to provide financial help to children of prisoners

May 26, 2014
A scheme that will provide a fixed amount of money to children of imprisoned parents has been approved by
the Delhi Government. The scheme will provide money on a monthly basis to children of incarcerated parents
till they attain the age of 18 or until his or her parents are released from prison. The Women and Child
Development Department will provide Rs.3,000 for the first child, Rs.2,000 for the second child and Rs.1,500
for the third child.
Badminton: Japan beat Malaysia to win its first Thomas Cup

May 26, 2014
Japan clinched its first Thomas Cup defeating Malaysia in the final match held at Siri Fort Sports Complex in
New Delhi. Japan defied all the odds and pre-tournament predictions to carve their name in history winning
their first Thomas Cup.
The 2014 Thomas & Uber Cup was the 28th tournament of the Thomas Cup and 25th tournament of the Uber
Cup, the prestigious badminton team championships for men and women respectively. The Thomas
Cup (World Mens Team Championships), is an international badminton competition.
This was the first time India hosted both the events i.e. Thomas Cup and Uber Cup.
Ahmed Maitiq is Libyas new PM

May 27, 2014
Ahmed Maitiq took oath as Libyas new Prime Minister along with his cabinet ministers amidst objections
against his election process. Libyan Parliament has been in an impasse since former leader Muammar
Gaddafi was ousted in 2011 after protests.
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Politicians have raised objections against Maitiqs election as PM because out of the 200 lawmakers, only 93
were present in the confidence vote. Out of the 93 votes, 83 votes supported Maitiq as the PM. Many have
called the confidence vote meaningless considering the absence of over 50% of lawmakers.
Sachin Tendulkar chosen as Goodwill Ambassador of the 35th National Games

May 27, 2014
Kerala Government has announced cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as the Goodwill Ambassador for the
35th edition of National Games, slated to be held across seven cities in Kerala early in 2015.
Sachin was chosen as the ambassador during his meeting with Oommen Chandy, the Chief Minister of
Kerala. Besides, Mr. Chandy also announced the name of the Kochi franchise team owned by Sachin
Tendulkar in the Indian Super League Football Tournament. The team will be called Kerala Blasters
Football Club.
9,800 US troops to remain in Afghanistan after 2014

May 27, 2014
The US President Barack Obama announced that he will leave 9,800 US troops in Afghanistan through much
of 2015 and refrained from ending Americas longest war until at least his final year in office.
The positioning of residual forces in Afghanistan engages the US in a conflict that has lasted longer than any
other US war and which many consider related to long-term US strategic interests.
As per the plan, the US troops would no longer conduct direct combat missions, as it has for the past 13
years, with the exception of supporting counter-terrorism operations against remnants of al-Qaida. US
special operations forces are almost certain to remain in the country for that purpose. Apart from the
counter-terrorism mission, the US will continue training the Afghan armed forces they have supported for
years.
PM Modi sets up new Ministry for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

May 27, 2014
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created a Ministry for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in order to
address the challenge of skills deficiency in the country. Sarbananda Sonowal has been appointedMinister of
State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
As per National Skill Development Corporation India (NSDC), a PPP initiative for skill development, India is not
producing sufficient number of people with skills for an economy as a whole to grow at a 10-12% growth. As
per an NSDC survey of the skills gap, over the next 12 years Indian industries need 240 million people just to
sustain the current growth rate. The whole educationsystem only produces about 12 million graduates and
another 4.3 million people who come out of the education system as skilled people in a year.
India aims skilling / upskilling 500 million people in the country by 2022, mainly by furthering private sector
initiatives in skill development programmes and providing viability gap funding.
Bangladesh nationals settled in India before 1971 are Indians and can vote:
Meghalaya HC
May 27, 2014
As per a judgment by the Meghalaya High Court, Bangladesh nationals who have settled in Meghalaya
before March 24, 1971 should be treated as Indians and they should be enrolled in the voters list.
The verdict was based on a petition filed by over 40 refugees, living Amjong village near the AssamMeghalaya border in Meghalayas Ri-Bhoi district who were originally from Bangladesh, who were refused
enrolment in the electoral roll and their citizenship certificates were seized by the district administration
citing their citizenship as doubtful.
The court held that there was an understanding between the two nations as to who should be permitted to
stay and who should be sent back to Bangladesh. It observed that as the forefathers of the petitioners
entered India much before March 24, 1971 there was no question of deporting them now when they have
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acquired the right of permanent rehabilitation in Amjong village. The court dismissed the contention that
they were Bangladesh citizens and directed the state government and the Centre not to disturb them, but to
provide them proper rehabilitation. Earlier, the state government had contended that the petitioners and
their forefathers were not permanent citizens and were rehabilitated temporarily by the autonomous district
council.
5.5 million invisible babies are born and die each year
May 27, 2014
About 5.5 million babies (around 3 million neonates + 2.6 million stil-births) die every year globally. Every day,
about 8,000 neonates die and about 7, 000 are stillbirths. Stillbirths occur at about 28 weeks of gestation and
also during labor. Nearly half of all stillbirths are those who die during labour- just 5 minutes before birth.
8 Five countries account for half of all the newborn mortality across the world. These are:
8 India (highest): 7,79,000 deaths
8 Nigeria: 2,76,000
8 Pakistan: 2,02,400
8 China: 1,57,000
8 Democratic Republic of Congo: 1,18,000
While significant achievement has been made in reducing the number of deaths in children aged under-five
by half, the progress in bringing down the number of newborn deaths has been slower.
The progress is even worse in the case of stillbirths. Stillbirths are not counted in the Millennium
Development Goals.
What is shocking is that most of the 2.6 million stillbirths every year across the globe go unrecorded
as in most countries stillbirths do surya
notpratap
getsingh
birth
or death certificates,
which makes these births and
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deaths invisible.
Singapore replaces Mauritius as the top source of FDI in India

May 27, 2014
As per the data of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), during the financial year
2013-14, India received $5.98 billion in FDI from Singapore, whereas it was $4.85 billion from Mauritius. With
this, Singapore has replaced Mauritius as the top contributor to Indias FDI. FDI inflow recorded in 2013-14 is
the highest ever received from Singapore since 2006-07 which accounts for around 25% of total FDI inflow
in India.
Experts believe that the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)with Singapore incorporates Limitof-Benefit (LoB) clause which has provided comfort to overseas investors based there. LoB clause in IndiaSingapore treaty justifies the substance in Singaporean entities, bringing certainty and avoiding possibilities
of litigations.
FDI inflows from Mauritius have begun enervating on apprehensions over the impact of General Anti
Avoidance Rules (GAAR) and possible re-negotiation of the tax avoidance treaty. The debatable General Anti
Avoidance Rules provision, which seeks to curb tax avoidance by investors routing their funds through tax
havens, will come into effect from April 1, 2016 in India. The rule will be applicable to entities claiming tax
benefit of at least Rs 3 crore. It will apply to Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) that have claimed benefits
under any DTAA.
The DTAA signed between India and Mauritius DTAA is under revision amid concerns that Mauritius is being
used for round-tripping of funds into India even though that country has always maintained that there have
been no strong evidence of any such misuse.
Ranchis Kanke Dam endangered by waste

May 27, 2014
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Ranchis key water reservoir Kanke Dam that hitherto provided water to thousands of houses located
around it has been receiving waste emanating from human activities concentrated around its periphery
which has become a threat of extinction to the water body. The dam situated in the Kanke area of Ranchi is
famous for its beautiful picnic spot besides a place that offers tranquility.
But the Dam has been an object of neglect for the State Government. The Dam which was built in 1954 has
not been cleaned even once since it came into existence. Algal bloom has started in the dam and it is
creating a lot of problem for the treatment plant. It affects quality of the water. Besides, the water body has
reduced in area.
TGCN: Newly created graphene-type material

May 27, 2014
Scientists have created a new material- Triazine-based Graphitic Carbon Nitride (TGCN) similar to
Graphene, which has the potential to improve transistors used in electronic devices. Though TGCN was
predicted theoretically in 1996, but this is the first time that it has been created.
Graphene is one atom thick, strong and conducts heat and electricity highly efficiently. The new TGCN
material is also two-dimensional, but it has an electronic band gap, making it potentially suitable for use
in transistors.
Normally, Transistors are made of costly silicon that produces heat when used in electronic devices. There
has been a search for a material that is carbon-based and that has the electronic band gap needed for use as
a semiconductor.
Vineet Taneja to be Micromax CEO

May 27, 2014
Gurgaon
based mobile-maker Micromax has
appointed
Samsung Indias
former
mobile
and
IT business chief Vineet Taneja as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Micromax, the countrys second largest smartphone player, hopes the step will help it further strengthen
its position in the market, which is witnessing sharp growth.
Mauritius to provide India automatic exchange of tax information

May 28, 2014
In a step taken to address Indias concerns about Mauritius being used formoney laundering activities, the
island nation has decided to provideautomatic exchange of tax related information with India.
India and Mauritius have also agreed upon to have an innovative partnership to strengthen their bilateral
ties. In this direction, the Prime Ministers Office (PMOs) of both nations would set up special cells for effective
implementation of ideas.
Around 70% population of Mauritius is of the people of Indian descent. The incumbent Prime Ministers
father, late Seewoosagur Ramgoolam was a leader in Mauritian independence movement and also served as
the first Chief Minister and Prime Minister of Mauritius. Seewoosagur Ramgoolam is also known as Father
of Nation of Mauritius.
RhoDIS: DNA-based tool to probe poaching

May 28, 2014
Assam government is considering introducing RhoDIS (Rhino DNA Indexing System), a DNA-based forensic
tool to probe and prosecute suspects involved cases of rhino poaching. The tool will be used in the collection
of each individual rhinos unique DNA profile and developing a database which can be referenced when
producing legal evidence in cases of rhino poaching.
It has been observed that poachers often go scot-free for want of irrefutable evidence. Poachers killed and
dehorned 41 rhinos in Assam and about 1,000 rhinos in South Africa in 2013. In 2014, as many as 16 rhinos
have been killed in Kaziranga, Assam. The Assam government is also mulling over the option of establishing
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fast-track courts to conduct speedy trials against poachers. The RhODIS would help provide concrete
evidence, as required for conviction in poaching cases.
Punjab approves mega food park in Ludhiana

May 28, 2014
Punjab government gave in-principle approval for establishing a Rs. 150-crore mega food park at Ladowal in
Ludhiana to promote food processing industry in the state.
The Central Governments scheme of Mega Food Park, which aims at providing a mechanism to link
agricultural production to the market, provides for a one-time capital grant of 50% of the project cost, subject
to a limit of Rs. 50 crore in general areas and 75% of the project cost, subject to a limit of Rs. 50 crore in
difficult and hilly areas.
Mega Food Parks Scheme
This scheme was launched in the 10th Plan as Scheme of Food Parks and was revised during the 11th Plan
period and was rechristened as Mega Food Parks Scheme (MFPS). The scheme was approved by the Union
Government in September 2008.
Objectives of MFPS:
8 To accelerate growth of food processing industry in the country.
8 Enhance the processing of perishables in the country from the current 6% to 20%.
8 Raising value addition from existing 20% to 35%.
8 Increase Indias share in global food trade from 1.5% to 3% by year 2015.
CCI approves purchase of 50% stake of Tatas Trent Hypermarket by Tesco

May 28, 2014
The Competition Commission Indiasurya

(CCI)
approved
British retail giant
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Tata Group firm Trent Hypermarket, the firstForeign Direct Investment (FDI) transaction in multi-brand
retail since the sector was opened up in 2012. As per CCI, it doesnt expect the proposed combination to
have appreciable adverse effect on competition in India. Trent Hypermarket currently operates just 16 retail
stores and its total revenue, as per the annual report of Trent, during the financial year 2012-13 was only
around Rs 785 crore, which is negligible as compared to the size of the overall retail market as well as the
organized retail market in India.
According to CCI, as Tesco is not present in the retail market in India, there is no horizontal overlap between
the business activities of the two firms in the local retail market.
While the central government has permitted FDI in supermarkets, some states have stalled the plans of
foreign retailers to set up businesses by deciding against implementing this FDI policy.
DRDO successfully test-fired Akash supersonic missiles

May 28, 2014
Akash air defence missiles were test-fired successfully by Defence Research and Developmet Organization
(DRDO) off the coast of Balasore in Odisha. Three Akash missiles were fired from the Integrated Test Range
(ITR) at Chandipur (Odisha), on tow body target of Lakshya Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA) moving at low
altitude for boundary and ripple mode missions. The missiles were successfully guided by multi-function
phased array radar developed by Electronics and Radar Development Establishment, a DRDO Lab and
produced by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL).
Ordinance promulgated to appoint Nripendra Misra as Principal Secretary

May 28, 2014
The Centre promulgated an ordinance to clear the way for retired IAS officer and former chairman of
Telecom
Regulatory
Authority
of India (TRAI)Nripendra
Misras
appointment
as Principal
Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ordinance expedited by the government designed to
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amend the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Act, 1997, which prohibits a chief of the
regulatory body from future employment under the central and state governments.
When Misra was TRAI Chairman, he wrote to the Communications Ministry saying Section 5(h) of the TRAI Act,
which forbade the head of the telecom regulator from seeking further employment, was unreasonable and
should be eliminated. He argued that no such prohibitions applied to chairpersons and members of other
important regulators like Competition Commission of India and SEBI.
As per Section 5(h) of the original TRAI Act, the chairperson of the regulatory body, upon ceasing to hold such office,
shall be ineligible for further employment under the central or state government, and cannot accept any
commercial employment for a period of 2 years. It is for this reason the Centre took ordinance route to amend
the TRAI Act which was drafted by the Ministry of Law and Justice and moved for clearance by the Cabinet.
After Cabinet nod, the legislation was sent to the President.
Reliance India Ltd acquires Network18

May 28, 2014
Mukesh Ambani owned Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is buying a majority stake in Raghav Bahls Network18
Media and Investments and its subsidiary TV18 Broadcast through Independent Media Trust (IMT), of which
RIL is the only beneficiary.
The RIL gave nod to funding of up to Rs 4,000 crore to IMT, which will utilize the funds to acquire a 78% stake
in Network18, a 9% stake in TV18 and shares tendered in an open offer to be made for public shareholders
equity stake in Network18, TV18 and Infomedia Press Ltd (the publishing branch of Network18).
Network 18 owns a range of premier digital internet properties, e-commerce businesses and differentiated
broadcast content.
Channels of Network TV
CNBC Awaaz, IBN-7, CNBC TV18 Prime HD, MTV India, CNN-IBN, CNBC-TV18, IBN-Lokmat, Nick India, Nick Jr.
India, Sonic, VH1 India, Colors, Colors HD, Comedy Central,HomeShop18,Topper, ETV Network, History TV18,
History TV18 HD
Internet Properties
moneycontrol.com, in.com, firstpost.com, Bookmyshow.com, poweryourtrade.com, commoditiescontrol.com,
homeshop18.com, Cricketnext.com, Compareindia.com, tech2.in.com.
Father of Malaysian Hockey Sultan Azlan Shah passed away

May 28, 2014
Hockey pioneer and Father of Malaysian Hockey, Sultan Azlan Shah(86) passed away. He was known for
his stupendous contribution to the sport for over 41 years both as a player and an administrator.
His intense love for hockey inspired him to start the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in 1983.
The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup began as a biennial event but became an annual event after 1998 and is hosted in
the Perak capital of Ipoh.
Under his aegis, Malaysia hosted two hockey World Cups 1975 and 2002 editions. In 1997, he was elected as
the president of the Asian Hockey Federation and he held the post until his death. He also became the VicePresident of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in 1992 and served two terms.
Diamond Quadrilateral for High-Speed Rail

May 28, 2014
The ruling BJP promised in the election manifestos for 2014 Lok Sabha election, introduction of High-Speed
Rail (HSR) in the country. It pledged to build theDiamond Quadrilateral project connecting four major
cities of Indialocated in four edges of the country.
If implemented properly, the Diamond Quadrilateral HSR project has the potential to dramatically transform
India much like the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Governments Golden Quadrilateral highway project.
Current Status:
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Let us compare speed of trains in China with that in India. The distance between Shanghai Hongqiao and
Beijing South railway stations is 1318 kilometers; the distance between New Delhi and Mumbai Central
railway stations is 1380 kilometers. While the fastest train (several of them) between the former pair of
stations takes exactly 4 hours and 48 minutes, the time taken by the fastest train between the latter pair of
stations takes 16 hours and 5 minutes, three times longer.
Although India has one of the largest rail networks in the world, it does not have any HSR rail tracks capable
of supporting speeds of 200 km/h (124 mph) or more. High-speed corridors have been proposed but not
executed.
Now, a standardization body will examine different options available and provide a common standard to be
emulated in implementation across India. Though HSR is still under discussion with no official long-term
implementation plan announced, but first railway lines are expected to become operational between 2030
and 2035.
Right now, India is concentrating on high-speed railway track rather than high-speed rail, so that Indian
rails can run faster on the current tracks, with a maximum speed at around 160 to 200 km/h; clocking
average of 130 km/h.
Indian Railways approach to High Speed
Indian Railways will exercise an approach of incremental improvement to high-speed on current
conventional lines for up to 160 km/h, with a foresight of speed above 200 km/h on new tracks with state-ofthe-art technology, such as Shinkansen/TGV/etc. While they do not define high-speed, Indian Railways
approach matches the high-speed definitions of the Trans-European high-speed rail network, for upgraded
lines and new lines built for high-speed.
Dedicate tracks to passenger trains
Separate corridors for freight trains will be built which will provide dedicates tracks on existing trunk lines to
passenger trains. Separate tracks will also be constructed for busy suburban traffic in Mumbai and other
cities where traffic is equally intense. Without slower freight and suburban traffic, fast-express trains can run
at the speed limit of rolling stock, the railway track or railroad switch, whichever is lowest among those that
apply.
Track-Upgrade for 250300 km/h
The dedicated passenger tracks will be upgraded with heavier rails, and will build the tracks to a close
tolerance geometry fit for 250300 km/h. Automation will be used for maintenance and inspection of highspeed tracks. Design, manufacture and deploy railroad switches, with thick web construction and movable
crossings that permit 50 km/h to alleviate this obstruction to speed.
Upgrade locomotives and coaches
The train coaches will be improved to support 160 km/h, with stainless steel bodies and crash-worthy
designs, incorporating passenger and crew protection, and fire-retardant materials. Electro-pneumatic brake
systems will be fitted with coaches to enhance safe operations at 160200 km/h.
Golden Quadrilateral contributing in economic growth

May 28, 2014
The Golden Quadrilateral, the highway network that links many Indias four key cities Delhi, Mumbai,
Kolkata and Chennai thus connecting the major industrial, agricultural and cultural centres of India- is helping
in the economic growth and national integrity of the country.
Golden Quadrilateral (GQ):
The project was started in 2001 by Atal Bihari Vajpayee under the NDA government, and was completed in
January 2012. It was the Phase-1 of the bigger National Highway Development Project that was launched
in 1998 by the same government. GQ, consisting of 5,846 km (3,633 mi) four/six lane express highways, was
the largest highway project in India and the fifth longest in the world when it was launched. It is so named as
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it forms a quadrilateral of sorts by connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. Other cities among the
top metropolises namely Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kanpur, Surat at north and Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam &
Bhubaneswar at south are also connected by the network. It is managed by the National Highways
Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways.
Economic benefits
8 The projected economic benefits of the GQ project
8 Faster transport networks between major cities and ports.
8 Smoother movement of products and people within India.
8 Impetus to industrial and job development in smaller towns through access to markets.
8 Opportunities for farmers, through improved transportation of produce from the agricultural hinterland to
major cities and ports for export, through lesser wastage and spoils.
8 Driving economic growth directly, through construction as well as through indirect demand for cement,
steel and other construction materials.
8 Boosting truck-transport throughout India.
New government, capital inflow make Rupee best performing Asia-Pacific currency
May 28, 2014
Strengthened by capital inflows and excitement about the new incoming government, the Rupee reached 11month high which has made it the best performing currency in Asia-Pacific region against the US dollar so
far in 2014.
It has gained 5.3% since the start of 2014 and has leapt ahead of its other Asia-Pacific peers,
including Indonesias rupiah and New Zealand dollar, in terms of year-to-date increase.
pratap singh
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The rupee, which was at 58.52 levels surya
in recent
days,
has shown remarkable
recovery since August 2013 when
rupee fell to its life-time low of 68.80. Since the start of 2014 when rupee was at Rs.61.8 level per US dollar, it
has recorded a gain of 327 paise in less than 6 months.
Russia and China veto UN resolution to refer Syrian crisis to ICC

May 28, 2014
A draft UN resolution proposing Syrian crisis to be referred to theInternational Criminal Court (ICC) has
been vetoed by Russia and China. The two permanent members of the United Nations Security Council
(UNSC) ignored the support for the measure by 65 other countries and all other members of the UNSC. It is
the fourth time Russia has blocked a UNSC resolution on Syria.
The draft resolution was favored by 13 of the 15 members of the UNSC. Russia and China both cast their
vetoes the power which is restricted to the 5 permanent members (Russia, China, the US, France and the
UK).
The Syrian conflict has caused an estimated loss of 160,000 lives and displaced millions of people since it
started in March 2011.
65 nations had appealed to all 193 UN member states to co-sponsor the resolution, under which the ICC
would be empowered to investigate allegations of heinous crimes by the Syrian government, pro-government
militias, and armed opposition groups.
The draft resolution was proposed by the France before the 15-nation UN body. 13 votes were in favour and
2 voted against the proposal.
As Syria is not a state party to the Rome Statute that established the ICC, the only way to refer its case to the
ICC is by the UN Security Council. So, France introduced the resolution among the council members to refer
Syrian Civil war to ICC.
For a draft resolution to be adopted by the UNSC, it needs 9 votes in favour and the absence of a negative
vote (veto) by any of the 5 permanent members of the Security Council.
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NASA designs high-tech cages to transport rats to ISS

May 28, 2014
The US space agency has developed high-tech cages to transport rodents from Earth to
the International Space Station (ISS) to enable researchers to study the long-term effects of
microgravity on mammalian Physiology. These Rodent Habitat modules will first fly in August 2014 aboard
an unmanned SpaceX Dragon cargo ship.
The newly designed habitats allow carrying the animals to the space station as well as provide for their longterm accommodation. Each habitat module accommodates 10 mice or six rats with all of the basics they need
to live comfortably aboard the station including water, food, lighting and fresh air. A visible light and infrared
video system enables the crew in space and researchers and veterinarians on the ground to monitor
behaviour and overallhealth of the rodents on a daily basis.
Since rodents physiology matches with that of humans and the former develop and age much faster than
humans, studying rodent model organisms will speed up the understanding of diseases that may take years
or decades to develop in humans. Furthermore, rodents may be studied in space during different
developmental stages of life. Spaceflight rodent studies are important for developing countermeasures
procedures, drugs or devices to protect health during spaceflight.
Indias OVL and Russias Rosneft ink pact to explore hydrocarbons

May 28, 2014
The overseas subsidiary of the state-owned explorer ONGC- ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), has struck a deal
with Russias largest oil and gas producer Rosneft to jointly explore hydrocarbons in the offshore Arctic. The
agreement will facilitate the OVLs cooperation in subsurface surveys, exploration and appraisal activities and
hydrocarbons production in Russias offshore Arctic. Rosneft is also considering supplying crude oil to Indian
refineries.
India does not have a firm contract to import crude oil from Russia. It receives small volumes occasionally
from OVLs Sakhalin-1 project in Far East Russia. OVL has a 20% stake in the Sakhalin-1 oil and gas field in
the Russian Pacific Ocean.
ONGC starts drilling in Palar basin in Tamil Nadu

May 28, 2014
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has begun drilling its first-ever well in the Palar
basin at Chinnapuliyur village near Gummidipoondi, about 55 km from Chennai.
ONGC had already started exploration in six out of seven sedimentary basins inIndia. The Palar basin was the
seventh.
The Palar basin, spanned over an area of 1,800 sq.km., lies between the two petroleum-bearing KrishnaGodavari and Cauvery basins. The ONGC hopes to discover significant columns of hydrocarbons in the basin.
The block called PR-ONN-2005/1, where Chinnapuliyur is located, was a joint venture with the ONGC and
Tata Petrodyne Limited (TPL). TPL holds 20% stake in the joint venture.
T.R Zeliang take oath as Nagaland CM

May 28, 2014
T.R. Zeliang, leader of Naga Peoples Front (NPF), was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Nagaland following
the resignation of Neiphio Rio, who has been elected to Lok Sabha. The NDF-led ruling Democratic Alliance of
Nagaland (DAN-III) government was formed in March 2013. Mr. Rio resigned from the office after serving
Chief Minister of the state for over 11 years following his victory in the recent Lok Sabha polls.
Malavath Purna- Girl from Andhra becomes youngest woman to climb Everest
May 28, 2014
In a historic achievement, Malavath Purna (13) became the youngest female mountaineer to scale the
Mount Everest. Purna was accompanied by Sadhanapalli Anand Kumar (16), a Class IX student from the
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Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh. Anand and Purna are both students of Andhra Pradesh Social Welfare
Educational Society.
Justice MB Shah Committtee: SIT to probe black money

May 29, 2014
In its first major step after assuming charge, Prime Minister Narendra Modis government has ordered the
formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate black money, mostly hoarded abroad.
Composition of SIT
The SIT will be headed by retired Supreme Court judge MB Shah. Its other members include Secretary
revenue, deputy governor of the Reserve Bank ofIndia, director of the Intelligence Bureau, director of the
Enforcement Directorate, director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), chairman of the Central Board
of Direct Taxes and director of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
As per an estimate by the US-based think tank Global Financial Integrity, the illegal money outflow from India
is around $462 billion.
The black money refers to the money that is earned and transferred illegally abroad in tax havens like Cayman
Islands and Mauritius, generally to evade tax. Real estate is believed to account for nearly a third of black
money transactions. Other major areas of black money transactions include manufacturing, gold and
consumer goods purchases.
Sushma Swaraj -The first woman to head MEA

May 29, 2014
In yet another first for BJP leader Sushma Swaraj (62), she has become the first woman External Affairs
Minister of India.
She has several other first to her name:
1. At the age of 25, she became the youngest cabinet minister inHaryana government in 1977.
2. First woman Chief Minister of Delhi in 1998.
3. She was the first woman spokesperson for any political party in India and won the Outstanding
Parliamentarian Award.
Pinaka rockets test-fired successfully

May 29, 2014
Indias Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL)Pinaka rockets, capable of decimating hostile targets at
40kms-range with rapid salvos, successfully test- fired thrice at an armament base in Chandipur, Odisha. The
rockets, which have been subjected to several tough tests since 1995, have been already inducted into the
armed forces and the current trials were performed with some improvements in the weapon system. Three
rounds of Pinaka rockets were successfully tested from the Proof and eXperimental Establishment (PXE) at
Chandipur.
Indigenously developed by DRDO, Pinaka is an unguided rocket system meant to neutralise large areas with
rapid salvos. With a battery of 6 launchers, the system can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds and
neutralise a target area of 3.9 sq km. It gives an edge to the army with its quick reaction time and high rate of
fire, thus, supplementing artillery guns.
India Infrastructure Index launched by Asia Index

May 29, 2014
Anticipating investment boom in infrastructure sector as the government re-starts stalled projects, Asia Index,
a joint venture of BSE and S&P Dow Jones Indices, launched India Infrastructure Index that comprises the top
30 companies based on market capitalisation from five sectorsEnergy, Transportation, NonBanking Financial Institutions, Telecommunications and Utilities. The 30 companies will be picked from
the BSE 500 index.
51 | P a g e
As per Asia Index, the 30-stock index is designed to serve as both a benchmark and an investable index. This
is the third index launched by Asia Index after theShariah Index and the S&P BSE India 10-year Sovereign
Bond Index.
Vishwanath Tripathi awarded Vyas Samman

May 29, 2014
Noted Hindi author Vishwanath Tripathi awarded the prestigious Vyas Samman for the year 2013. He
was awarded for his memoir Vyomkesh Darvesh, a biolgraphy of noted Hindi scholar Acharya Hazari
Prasad Dwivedi. Vyomkesh Darvesh is a biographical criticism and its speciality is that the personality (Hazari
Prasad Dwivedi) that it describes, has been written about by his own student in his (Dwivedis) own style.
Vyas Samman is an annual literary award instituted in 1991 by the K K Birla Foundation which carries an
amount of Rs 2.5 lakh and is given to an outstanding literary work in Hindi published during the last 10 years.
Mukul Rohatgi is the new Attorney General of India

May 29, 2014
The new government at the Centre appointed senior advocate Mukul Rohatgias the new Attorney General
of India (AGI) to take over from G E Vahanvati as the 14th AG of the country.
The AGI is the Indian governments chief legal advisor, and its primary lawyer in the Supreme Court of India.
He is appointed by the President of India underArticle 76(1) of the Constitution and holds office during
the pleasure of the President. He must have qualification to be appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
Like the Advocate General of a State, the Attorney General is not supposed to be a political appointee, in
spirit, but this is not the case in practice. Every time a new government attains power at the Centre, all the law
officers resign and law officers loyal to the new party are appointed.
Ajit Doval appointed as the new

National
Security Advisor
surya pratap
| 8967
May 29, 2014
The new government at Centre appointed former Intelligence Bureau Chief Ajit Doval as National Security
Adviser.
He retired in January 2005 as the chief of Intelligence Bureau. His tenure will be co-terminus with the term
of the Prime Minister or till further orders, whichever is earlier.
Doval is a 1968-batch IPS officer and is known for his sharp intelligence skills. He was Indias main negotiator
with the hijackers of Indian Airlines plane IC-814 taken to Kandahar in 1999.
India inks $ 1006.20 million loan pact with World Bank US for Sarva Shiksha
Abhiyan III
May 29, 2014
India inked $1006.20 million International Development Assistance (IDA)loan agreement with World
Bank for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan III.
At present, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is the largest ongoing EducationFor All (EFA) program in the world. It
is the flagship programme for universalizing elementary education. The project aims to achieve universal
access and retention, bringing down gender and social category disparity in elementary education and
enhancement of learning levels of children. The World Bank aid to Sarva Siksha Abhiyaan-III will mainly focus
on qualitative improvement in the learning process of the children.
This will also facilitate smooth and effective implementation of the whole Sarva Siksha Abhiyan project. The
objective of this project with World Bank IDA is to improve education outcomes of elementary school children
in India. It will aid in bringing qualitative improvements in the programme by putting into use the World
Banks global experience. About 200 million children enrolled in elementary schools and 4.5 million teachers
in the sector are expected to benefit with this project. The benefits of the project also include development of
grade and subject specific learning indicators to measure childrens progress in acquiring expected
52 | P a g e
knowledge and skills at different grade level. It will also bolster monitoring and evaluation for teachers
accountability.
The project will be implemented by the Ministry of HRD (Human Resource Development0 in a period of 3
years.
Two additional attempts, no change in pattern and syllabus of the Civil Services
Examination: UPSC
May 30, 2014
The government has decided to allow two additional attempts with consequential age relaxations to all
categories of candidates with effect from Civil Service Examination (CSE), 2014. However, contrary to the
speculations in the market, the format and syllabus will remain the same. The Union Public Service
Commission will release CSE notification by May 31, 2014.
At present, candidates from General category are allowed a maximum of four attempts for the examination.
However, there is no restriction on number of attempts by a candidate belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs)
and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Aspirants belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are allowed as many as
seven attempts.
Goa Day was observed on May 30

May 30, 2014
Goa observed Goa Day on May 30 as its 27th Statehood anniversary. It was on this day in 1987 when Goa
became 25th State of the Indian Union.
Story of Goa joining Union of India
Goa remained a territory under Portuguese Empire from 1510 to 1947. After Independence India requested
Portuguese to cede Goa and few other holdings to India, which was refused by Portugal.
On the contrary, Portugal lodged a complaint against India in the InternationalCourt of Justice at The Hague.
In 1960, the court held in its judgment that Portugal had right to the enclaves but that India equally had a
right to deny Portugal access to the enclaves over Indian Territory.
In December 1961, Indian forces launched Operation Vijay and entered Goa as a result of which the
Portuguese forces surrendered. Following this action, a resolution condemning the action of India was
proposed in the United Nations Security Council which was vetoed by the USSR. Then, under Indian control,
Goa voted in a referendum to become an autonomous, federally administered territory. Goa was attained
statehood on May 30, 1987.
Note: Goa Day is different from Goas Liberation Day that is observed on December 19 every year.
Kamal Nath will Pro-tem Speaker of 16th Lok Sabha

May 31, 2014
Senior Congress leader and former union minister Kamal Nath will be the Pro-tem Speaker of the newly
elected Lok Sabha. As the Pro-tem Speaker of 16th Lok Sabha, Mr Nath will be responsible to formally start
the proceedings to the new Lok Sabha. Among his responsibilities will be to swear-in the newly-elected MPs
and help the election of the new Speaker of the 16th Lok Sabha.
FIFA World Cup ball Brazuca has in-built cameras

May 31, 2014
In a latest development showing how much the technology has mingled

with sports, Brazuca- the balls to be used in the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil- has
been designed with six in-built HD cameras to capture 360 degree view of the onfield action.
Brazuca has shades of blue, orange and green, and stars on it reflecting the vibrancy
and flair associated with the game in the Mecca offootball. This time the ball is said to
have much improved touch and accuracy. The technology involves a new structural innovation with a unique
53 | P a g e
symmetry of six identical panels alongside a different surface structure that will provide improved grip, touch,
stability and aerodynamics on the pitch.
Dalia Grybauskaite to become President of Lithuania for second consecutive term

May 31, 2014
Lithuanias incumbent President Dalia Grybauskaite(58) has been declared the

winner in the countrys run-off Presidential elections. She got 58% votes whereas her
Social Democrat rival Zigmantas Balcytis only 42% votes. The election was held
amid rising concerns in the region after Russias annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
RBI tightens merger rules for NBFCs

May 31, 2014
According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) to take its prior approval
before buying shares of other NBFCs or for merger and acquisition with another entity.
This rule will be applicable to both deposit taking and non-deposit accepting companies and any infringement
of it may cost the company its registration.
Prior written clearance of RBI would also be mandatory before approaching the Court or Tribunal seeking
order for mergers or amalgamations with other companies or NBFCs.
Indias Forex reserves up by $ 15.5 billion in FY14: RBI

May 31, 2014
As per RBI, Indias foreign exchange (Forex) reserves jumped by $15.5 billion in the Financial Year (FY) ended
March 2014. The reserves stood at $303.67 billion.
As per data released by the RBI on Indias Forex status:
On Balance of Payments (BoP) basis (excluding valuation effects), the forex reserves surged by $15.5 billion
during FY14 as compared to an increase of $3.8 billion during FY13.
8 If the valuation effects are included, the reserves rose by $12.2 billion in FY14 as against a decrease of $2.4
billion in the same period of the FY13.
8 The valuation loss, showing the cross currency movements and the reduction in gold prices, amounted to
$3.3 billion in FY14 as compared to a valuation loss of $6.2 billion in FY13.
8 The current account balance in the FY 14 reduced to $32.4 billion compared to $ 88.2 billion last fiscal.
8 Capital account balance decreased by half to $47.9 billion in FY14 from $92 billion in FY13, mainly due to
sharp drop in portfolio investment.
8 During FY14 portfolio investment dropped to $4.8 billion as compared to $26.9 billion in FY13.
8 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) increased slightly by $21.6 billion in FY14 as compared to $19.8 billion in the
FY13.
8 Foreign Institutional Investors (FII) investment declined to $5 billion as compared to $27.6 billion in 2012-13.
8 NRI deposits more than doubled to $38.9 billion as against $14.8 billion in the FY 13.
In FY14 External Commercial Borrowings jumped to $11.8 billion compared with 8.5 billion in FY13.
CSIR & IMD collaborate for joint production of Drishti System

May 31, 2014
In a major development in the field of aviation safety CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL),
Bangalore and India Meteorological Department (IMD) inked a partnership pact for joint production
of Drishti System; a sophisticated instrument for assessment of Runway visual range, which is a vital
parameter for safe landing and takeoff of aircraft in poor visibility.
The joint agreement between two government sector entities will lead to indigenization of a technology which
so far was the exclusive domain of few developed countries. The indigenous production of this advanced
instrument will not only result in considerable saving of foreign exchange but will also make the country selfreliant in the field of front-end technology.
54 | P a g e
Drishti Transmissometer (Drishti System)

A visibility measuring system indigenously designed and developed by CSIR-NAL to cover the wide span of
lowest to highest visibility (< 25 to > 2000 meters) assisting pilots for safe landing and take-off. This costeffective product is a mandatory system required at all airports as per International Civil Aviation
Organisation (ICAO) and World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). At present, Seven Drishti systems are
functioning in three international airports, viz., Choudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow,
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. Five systems are working in countrys most stringent CAT
IIIB airport, viz., Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, for the last 2 years. Other important features
of this system include web enabled health monitoring and remote control of the system from any location in
the country for accessing the data and for maintenance.
Drishti has also won several awards during 2013-14 from National Research Development
Corporation (NRDC), Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE), India, and
Indian Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA) as the most innovative, meritorious product of
the year.
Army Chief endorsed as the new leader by Thai king

May 31, 2014
Thailands King Bhumibol Adulyadej (86) has backed the army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, who
captured power in a coup, to run Thailand.
Why is Thailand under military rule?
The political situation in Thailand has been restive for past few months. At present, the country is under junta
rule (army rule) after army seized power in a recent coup. According to its Army, the military has taken
control of the government and suspended the constitution in order to reinstate order and enact political
reforms.
There has been agitation in the country with the opposition accusing the current democratically elected
government of corruption and demanding its dissolution. The coup comes after months of surging tensions.
The cabinet has been directed to report to the military and gatherings of more than five people have been
prohibited.
Have there been coups before in Thialand?
Yes, this is the 12th military coup since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932. The last coup was witnessed in
2006, when then PM Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted by the army after he was accused of corruption. Many
accuse the army of being kind to the cause of his opponents in the current anti-government drive.
What are the roots of the Thailand crisis?
The politics in Thailand is polarized with mostly rural, often poor, supporting Mr Thaksin, whereas, the urban
middle class is against him.
Ever since Mr Thaksins regime was toppled in 2006, there have been regular protests. But in the past few
years the focus has been on the current Thaksin-aligned Pheu Thai government.
The protests began to aggravate into violence in November 2013, after the lower house passed a
controversial amnesty bill which, as per critics, could make possible Mr Thaksins return from exile without
serving time in jail.
As per the anti-government camp, at least 28 people have died since then.
The situation exacerbated further in May 2014, after a controversial court judgment removed Mr Thaksins
sister Yingluck from her position as Prime Minister, saying she had abused her power by illegally transferring
the National Security Chief to another position.
Peter Mutharika takes oath as President of Malawi

May 31, 2014
55 | P a g e
After being victorious in the recently held presidential polls in Malawi, Peter Mutharika (74) was sworn in as
the new President of the southern African country. He will replace outgoing President Joyce Banda.
Malawi (The Warm Heart of Africa)
Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa that was formerly known
as Nyasaland. It shares its boundaries with Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to
the northeast, and Mozambique on the east, south and west. Malawi is known as
The Warm Heart of Africa.
Capital: Lilongwe
President: Joyce Banda
Currency: Malawian kwacha
Official language: English Language
Malawi is amongst the worlds least-developed countries. Malawis economy is highly dependent
on agriculture, and majority of the population is rural. The government depends heavily on foreign aid to
meet its development needs.
Vitamin E Beneficial or Harmful depends on its source

May 31, 2014
According to new research, certain forms of Vitamin A can be harmful for the lungs while certain other can be
helpful in normal functioning of lungs. The research has found that a form of Vitamin E found in vegetable
oils like Corn and Canola can harm lungs, while another form of the same vitamin found in Olive Oil can aid
normal functioning of lungs. The scientists claimed that this could be one of the reasons why studies of
the health effects of the vitamin have had given conflicting results so far.
Vitamin E exists in various forms called tocopherols and it is found in fats and oils. Supplements of the
vitamin may contain a single type of tocopherol, or a mix. The study found that a form of the vitamin called
gamma tocophero, which is found in corn, canola and soybean oils, are harmful for lungs.
The research suggests that consumers who use the vitamin and doctors who prescribe must be careful towards the
source and formulation of the vitamin. It is sometimes mentioned on the labels of supplements, but not always.
Google agrees to provide Right to be Forgotten

May 31, 2014
Google has launched a service to allow Europeans to ask for personal data to be removed from online search
results.
It will now be possible for Europeans to request Google for the removal of their personal data from online
search results. The move comes after a landmark European Union court judgment in May 2014, which gave
people the Right to be Forgotten.
What is the Right to be Forgotten?
Links to irrelevant and outdated data should be erased on request. It would assess each request and
balance privacy rights of the individual with the publics right to know and distribute information.
It is a latest term which came out of a ruling of a European Court which was adjudicating over a case in which
a Spaniard named Mario Costeja Gonzalez had argued that some of his old personal information put up on
the internet 16 years back continue to appear in search results even today which, according to him, damages
his reputation. Around 16 years ago when he was facing financial difficulties he had put up a property of his
for auction the details of which were covered in a newspaper, which subsequently went online. The auction
happened in 1998, and with those troubles now behind him, Mr Gonzalez now wants to move on. But the old
details on internet still hound him. Whenever you search for his name, news about the auction still features
prominently. He argued that it should be removed from Googles search results. The Luxembourg-based
Court of Justice of the European Union agreed with him, and in doing so set a major precedent over what is
referred to as theRight to be Forgotten.
56 | P a g e
What next?
Following this ruling Google has made available Right to be Forgotten Form which a person in EU can fill to
request the search engine to prevent his/her unwanted personal information from appearing in the search
results.The EU has been crusading for a new law on data privacy of which right to be forgotten is a key
component since it proposed guidelines in January 2012. It argues that old, inaccurate or even just
irrelevant data should be taken out of search results if the person involved requests it.
Does Right to be Forgotten allows a person to request any of his information to be removed from the
Internet?
No. Decisions on whether information should be removed from search engines depend on the nature of the
information in question and its sensitivity for the data subjects private life and on the interest of the public in
having that information, an interest which may vary, in particular, according to the role played by the data
subject in public life. It means the information would only be removed if the impact on the individuals
privacy is greater than the publics right to find it.
As per guidelines, removal of information in the current context doesnt mean deletion of information. They just
wouldnt appear in search results.
57 | P a g e

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Current Affairs May 2014

Google rankings can influence Elections: Study ........................................................................................................................... 25

Anti-counterfeit fingerprints made from silver nanowires

PaMZ: High potential drug combo against drug-sensitive and MDR-TB

surya pratap singh | surya.careerlauncher@gmail.com | 8967

Polo, Indias only gorilla, breaths his last

Significant defence deal inked between Philippines and US

The Philippines and

Egypt: 683 alleged supporters of ex-President Morsi sentenced to death

SOLAR-JET: An EU project makes solar kerosene from sunlight

What is the significance of SOLAR-JET Experiment?

Now city-specific domain names (.london, .nyc, etc.)

India emerged as 3rd largest economy in 2011: World Bank

India launches Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana Scheme in UAE

Supreme Court creates a Third Gender for transgenders

Akash missile test fired successfully

25 km, medium range

Namibia purchases India-made EVMs for its presidential polls

UK conducts worlds biggest human organ imaging project

Foreign Portfolio Investors can invest up to $81 billion in debt securities

Category I: Lowest risk entities comprising foreign government and government-related

regulated, university funds, university-related endowments and pension funds etc.

Existence of 117th element Ununseptium (Uus) confirmed

NASA to grow plants on International Space Station (ISS)

Gary Becker, economist and winner of Nobel Prize passed away

Finance Ministry: Withdrawal of fiscal stimulus programme in US will not affect

Excavation suspended at Keralas Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Govts nod not required to investigate corruption charges on senior bureaucrats:

RBI allows minors over 10 years to operate bank accounts

Maintain status quo on INS Vikrant: Supreme Court

El Nino effect may shrink Indias GDP by 1.75%: Assocham

SC upholds constitutional validity of Right to Education Act

Thailand court sacks PM Yingluck Shinawatra

The Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatraand several cabinet ministers

Indian Navy operationally deploys INS Vikramaditya

Do not charge penalty on pre-payment of floating loans: RBI to Banks

DGCA directs airlines to track flights in real time

DGCA grants Flying License to AirAsia India

Supreme Court bans use of bulls in sports

Supreme Court allows Tamil Nadu to raise Mullaperiyar height

RuPay, Indias indigenous card payment network launched

Rupay, Indias own payment gateway was launched to compete with

surya pratap singh | surya.careerlauncher@gmail.com | 8967

8 Support creation of more domestic products

54 Indian companies among Forbes Global 2000

Biologists discover 14 new Dancing Frog species in Western Ghats

Indian economy showing signs of improvement

Rise quickly to counter China: Vietnam to India

Vietnam wants India to rise quickly in the South-East region as it expressed

Google loses copyright case over Android to Oracle

CANWFZ Treaty signed to recognize Central Asia as Nuke-Free Zone

Scientists succeed in replicating semi-synthetic DNA containing unnatural bases

Indian Railways releases: India Junction A Window to The Nation

Exit polls and Post-Poll Survey: Are both same?

Effectiveness of Medication is Gene-dependent: Research; thats why a particular

surya pratap singh | surya.careerlauncher@gmail.com | 8967

May 15, 2014

By 2025, India to replace Japan as third-largest oil consumer: US

8 India meets around 80% of Indias oil requirements through imports.

Google rankings can influence Elections: Study

To know about the candidates contesting elections is a fundamental right of

The apex court held that it is mandatory

Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag appointed as new Army chief

1) On existing Governance pattern of PSBs: