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Page No. 260th Anniversary of Five Principles of Peaceful

Coexistence (Panchsheel)

Page No. 5Iraq Crisis

Page No. 78Washington Accord

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Page No. 79Delhi University FYUP Row

Page No. 61. Kudankulam is India’s first nuke

Plant to produce 1,000 MW of power

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AUGUST, 2012SEPTEMBER, 2014 Index

General Studies Paper-I Solved PaperHeld On: 24-08-2014

General Studies Paper-I Model PaperFor IAS Preliminary Examination–2015

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CCI

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6060606060ththththth Anniversary of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel) Anniversary of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel) Anniversary of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel) Anniversary of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel) Anniversary of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel)

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Panchsheel was born in 1954,in response to a world asking for anew set of principles for the conductof international relations that wouldreflect the aspirations of all nations toco-exist and prosper together inpeace and harmony. Sixty years later,the chord that was struck in 1954 stillrings pure and true in a world.Panchsheel, or the Five Principles ofPeaceful Co-existence, were firstformally enunciated in theAgreement on Trade and Intercoursebetween the Tibet region of Chinaand India signed on April 29, 1954,which stated, in its preamble, that thetwo Governments “have resolved toenter into the present Agreementbased on the following principles: -

i. Mutual respect for each other’sterritorial integrity andsovereignty,

ii. Mutual non-aggression,iii. Mutual non-interference,iv. Equality and mutual benefit,

andv. Peaceful co-existence.”

Panchsheel, as envisioned by itscreators, gave substance to the voiceof newly established countries whowere seeking the space toconsolidate their hard wonindependence, as it provided analternative ideology dedicated topeace and development of all as thebasis for international interaction,whether bilateral or multilateral. Thisvision caught the imagination of thepeoples of Asia and the world.Panchsheel was incorporated intothe Ten Principles of InternationalPeace and Cooperation enunciatedin the Declaration issued by the April1955 Bandung Conference of 29Afro-Asian countries. The universalrelevance of Panchsheel was

emphasised when its tenets wereincorporated in a resolution onpeaceful co-existence presented byIndia, Yugoslavia and Sweden, andunanimously adopted on 1957, bythe United Nations.

Panchsheel were the guidingprinciples for negotiations on theTibet issue in early 1950s. Theagreement was signed mainly torevoke special privileges andextraterritorial rights inherited byIndia in Tibet by British. In additionto this, signing of the agreementdemonstrated that India recognisesTibet as a legitimate part of China.India and China decided to mark the60th anniversary of the Five Principlesof Peaceful Coexistence in 2014 bydesignating it as the “Year of FriendlyExchanges”.

Pursuit of world peace is afundamental tenet of India’s foreignpolicy. India believes thatglobalisation should transform theworld into, as Mahatma Gandhi hadenvisaged, “a federation of friendly,interdependent nations”, withoutdomination or exploitation.Panchsheel is the basis of such aworld order. It draws inspiration fromour ancient civilizational value ofconsidering the world as one family.This shapes and guides our actions ininternational relations. Even beforeIndia became an independentnation, the leaders of our freedomstruggle had outlined thefundamental precepts and values thatembody the Five Principles ofPeaceful Existence or Panchsheel.The Constitution of India enjoins theState to endeavour to promoteinternational peace and security andto maintain just and honourablerelations between nations.

In retrospect, the violation ofthe principles of Panchsheel hasbeen a common phenomenon. In thewords of prominent strategic analyst,K. Subrahmanyam, “Panchsheel hasbeen practised more in breach thanin observance and that China nevertook the doctrine of peacefulcoexistence seriously was, however,never in doubt”. The military stand-off at Longju in 1959 and thesubsequent 1962 India-China Warwere the first two major setbacks inthe relations and put Panchsheel onthe backburner. Later, China’s supplyof arms to India’s archrival, Pakistanand its alleged support to Nagarebels in 1960s further violated theseprinciples.

In such a situation, the verycredibility of the first principle,mutual respect for each other’sterritorial integrity and sovereignty, isput to test. Second principle mutualnon-aggression was also violated in1962. In fact, proposal for signing aformal non- aggression pact betweenIndia and China had been put forthbut it is yet to be formulated. InOctober 2013, Border DefenceCooperation Agreement (BDCA) wassigned to avoid military face- offsalong the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

Signing of the BDCA can beperceived as a way of strengtheningPanchsheel and improving relationsin general but Chinese incursions inDepsang Valley in April-May 2013and December 2013 incident ofChumar Valley, when five Indiancitizens were detained by Chinesetroops and taken to the Chinese sideof LAC, raised severe doubts on theviability of peaceful coexistence ofIndia and China.

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Kudankulam Nuclear PowerPlant is a nuclear power station inKoodankulam in the Tirunelvelidistrict of the southern Indian stateof Tamil Nadu. The plant’s reactor isthe first Pressurised Water Reactor(PWR) belonging to the Light WaterReactor (LWR) category in India, andthe 21st nuclear power reactor in thecountry. Construction on the plantbegan on 31 March 2002, but facedseveral delays.

With this, the total nuclearenergy contribution will increase to5789 MW. Work on the Unit-first ofKudankulam Plant was completed in2013. The original cost of the twounits was Rs. 13,171 crore, but it waslater revised to Rs. 17,270 crore. Acredit of Rs. 6,416 crore wasadvanced by Russia to both the units-I and II of Kudankulam.

Plans for the Kudankulam facilitywere first drawn up in 1988. It wassupposed to open in 2011 but it wasdelayed due to the large publicprotests. The project remained inlimbo for a decade due to thedissolution of the Soviet Union, anddifferences cropping up betweenIndia and Russia over the rupee-rouble repayment ratio. There werealso objections from the UnitedStates, on the grounds that theagreement did not meet the 1992terms of the Nuclear Suppliers Group(NSG).

However, the project wasrevived on 1998, when asupplementary agreement to theearlier IGA was signed in New Delhiby the Russia and India. The move isconsidered to be a testament ofRussian friendship with India, as itcame within a month of Indiaconducting five nuclear tests in May1998 which led to internationalsanctions.

Nuclear power in IndiaNuclear power in IndiaNuclear power in IndiaNuclear power in IndiaNuclear power in India

Nuclear power is the fourth-largest source of electricity in Indiaafter thermal, hydroelectric andrenewable sources of electricity. Asof 2012, India has 20 nuclear reactorsin operation in six nuclear powerplants,having an installed capacity of4780 MW and producing a total of29,664.75 GWh of electricity. Afterfukushima accident several protests

erupted against nuclear power plantin India as well. There have been massprotests against the French-backed9900 MW Jaitapur Nuclear PowerProject in Maharashtra and theRussian-backed 2000 MWKudankulam Nuclear Power Plant inTamil Nadu. The state government ofWest Bengal state has also refusedpermission to a proposed 6000 MWfacility near the town of Haripur thatintended to host six Russian reactors.

India’s three-stage nuclear power programmeIndia’s three-stage nuclear power programmeIndia’s three-stage nuclear power programmeIndia’s three-stage nuclear power programmeIndia’s three-stage nuclear power programme

Unlike the advanced countrieswhere nuclear power came about asa spin-off from the development ofthe strategic programme and relatedmilitary research, in India, nuclearenergy development began with theobjectives of improving the quality oflife of the people and selfreliance inmeeting their energy needs. Theorigin of the atomic energyprogramme in India can be tracedunambiguously to a remarkably boldinitiative taken by Homi JehangirBhabha. Sir Dorabji Tata Trustgranted an initial financial approvalfor settingup the Tata Institute ofFundamental Research (TIFR),

Bombay, jointly with the BombayGovernment.

On 10th August 1948, theGovernment of India constituted theAtomic Energy Commission (AEC),under the Atomic Energy Act toestablish the atomic energyprogramme. One of the first tasks ofthe Commission was to explore theavailability of raw material resourceswithin the country. Based on initialexplorations by Atomic MineralsDivision, it became clear that thecountry had limited uraniumresources but was endowed with oneof the largest thorium reserves in theworld. This led Bhabha to conceive a

Kudankulam is India’s first nuke plant to produce 1,000 MW of powerKudankulam is India’s first nuke plant to produce 1,000 MW of powerKudankulam is India’s first nuke plant to produce 1,000 MW of powerKudankulam is India’s first nuke plant to produce 1,000 MW of powerKudankulam is India’s first nuke plant to produce 1,000 MW of power




three-stage nuclear powerprogramme for efficient exploitationof available resources, unique toIndia.

The adoption of the uniquesequential three-stage nuclear powerprogramme and associatedtechnologies is based on theoptimum utilization of the indigenousnuclear resource profile of modestUranium and abundant Thorium inthe country. The three-stage powerprogramme objective is to judiciouslyutilize mined uranium and thoriumresources of the country to amaximum extent. Uranium has just0.7% fissionable 235U isotope while238U, the balance dominant isotopeof uranium is a fertile material. Itneeds to be converted to fissile239Pu for further use. The process ofthis conversion does take place in anuclear reactor where uranium fuelis used. Uranium’s fissile isotope,

235U present as a very small fractionin uranium, produces excessneutrons over and above thoserequired for maintaining a steadyfission chain reaction. Some of theseexcess neutrons invariably getabsorbed in the major isotope 238Uand result in production of 239Pu. Bysuitable reactor physics design of anuclear reactor the production of Pucan be optimized. Thus the spent fuelfrom thermal reactors contains a smallquantity of 239Pu, along with residualuranium (predominantly 238U).These excess neutrons are used byproper reactor physics design toconvert 238U into additionalPlutonium.

The second stage, comprisingof Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) arefuelled by fuels based on Plutoniummixed with reprocessed Uraniumrecovered by reprocessing of the firststage spent fuel. Thorium232 is not

fissile and has to be converted toUranium233 by transmutation in areactor for use as a fissile material. Inthe second stage, once sufficientnuclear power capacity is builtthrough Plutonium-based FBRs,Thorium232 will be introduced as ablanket material to be converted toUranium233. The third stage of theprogramme will be using aThorium232– Uranium233 fuel cyclein the reactors. Direct use ofThorium232 as a fuel will thus be inthe third stage reactors. Thorium232–Uranium233 fuel cycle does notpermit attractive breedingcharacteristics like that of Pu–U cyclebut would facilitate the nuclearpower capacity built during secondstage of the programme to besustained for as long as Thorium,which is quite large in the country, isavailable.

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Chronology of Events in IraqChronology of Events in IraqChronology of Events in IraqChronology of Events in IraqChronology of Events in Iraq

2014 January - Pro-al-Qaedafighters infiltrate Fallujah and Ramadiafter months of mounting violence inmainly-Sunni Anbar province.Government forces recapture Ramadibut face entrenched rebels inFallujah.

2014 March - The electoralcommission board tendersresignation in protest at what it says ispolitical interference ahead ofparliamentary elections, amidallegations opposition candidates arebeing barred using a controversiallegal clause.

2014 April - Prime Minister Al-Maliki’s coalition wins a plurality at firstparliamentary election since 2011withdrawal of US troops, but fallsshort of a majority.

2014 June - Sunni rebels led bythe Islamic State of Iraq and theLevant (ISIS) surge out of AnbarProvince to seize Iraq’s second cityof Mosul, moving on to the oil refinerycentre of Baiji. Tens of thousands fleeamid reports of atrocities. Iran and theUS offer assistance.

2014 July- U.S. said it will notinvolve ground troops in the Iraq war.It will only send a small team forassistance and training of Iraq forces.

Iraq has descended into bloodywar , it has to fight ISIS led sunnimilitant as well as Kurdish fighters.Overall, at least 1,300 people werekilled and another 1,250 injured inIraq. Government has lost a Northernand eastern portion to sunni andkurdish seperatist respectively. Thebeleaguered Prime Minister of Iraq,Nouri al-Maliki, is the latest in the longlist of the West’s favorite politicalleaders turned into pariahs. Theconventional wisdom now is thatMaliki’s flaws and wrong policies,especially his alienation of the Sunnis

and dictatorial style of governance,are at the root of Iraq’s problems. Butin truth this war is a spillover of manyfactors like Syrian war, Geopolitics,Internal politics of Iraq anddemography of Iraq.

First let’s look at the externalfactors involved in the crisis:-

Conflicting U.S. policyobjectives in the region have led tocurrent problem. It has proved to bedifficult — indeed impossible — toeliminate Saddam but produce astable Iraq; to isolate Iran and possiblychange its regime; to get rid of Assadin Syria without exacerbating its civilwar; to forge a Sunni-Israeli allianceagainst Shia Iran. They removed andexecuted Saddam Hussain on thegrounds of terrorism and mass killing.On the other hand they have notstopped ISIS militant group to gainground in the region and now ISIS iskilling people on religious grounds.Analyst say West could have donemore to stop Saudis and others,including Turkey and Qatar, fromfunding Sunni insurgents.

The most significant factorbehind Iraq’s problems has been theinability of Iraq’s neighbours to comein terms with Iraq government. This isprimary because of Shia and sunnidivide, with Turkey and Saudi Arabiabeing Sunni dominated and Iraqbeing predominantly Shiadominated. Turkey which used torule the Ottoman empire alsosupported the possibility of whatTurkey’s Foreign Minister AhmetDavutog lu favoured as “neo-Ottomanism,” the Turkishgovernment called for the removal ofSyrian President Assad and theemergence of a pro-Istanbul government there. Turkeyopened its borders to internationalmilitants, with fighters from

Libya and Chechnya flying intoTurkey to cross into Syria to fight forISIS and its offshoots. Saudi Arabiaalso funded and providedpolitical support for jihadis in theregion.

Now look at the internalNow look at the internalNow look at the internalNow look at the internalNow look at the internalproblems of Iraq government:-problems of Iraq government:-problems of Iraq government:-problems of Iraq government:-problems of Iraq government:-

PM of Iraq maliki has beenblamed of being sectarian andpromoting Shia’s for job’s ingovernment and also for all importantdecision making positions. AfterNATO forces left Iraq, littlehas beeninvested for the modernization andtraining of armed forces. Recruitmentfor armed forces has been done onsectarian grounds and Shia’s arepromoted.

This is fueled by deep dividebetween Shia’s and sunni’s in muslimworld in general and Iraq in particular.Sunni’s have traditionally ruled Iraqfor centuries in ottoman empire andafter independence also found itdifficult to come in terms with Shiadominated government.

Iraq’s Sunni Arabs have notbeen alone in undermining theauthority of the country’s Shialeadership. Masood Barzani, whodreams of an independent Kurdistan,has also done what he can toundermine the authority of thegovernment in Baghdad, byessentially running his owneconomic, oil, and foreign policies.A factor in Barzani’s attitude has beenhis anti-Iran sentiments, which goback to the troubles that his father,Mulla Mustafa Barzani, had with theShah.

Iraq and IndiaIraq and IndiaIraq and IndiaIraq and IndiaIraq and India

An estimated 22,000 Indiannationals were in Iraq at thebeginning of the conflict. Thisincluded 500 in Baghdad, 2,300 inNajaf, 1,000 in Karbala, 3,000 in Basra,

Iraq CrisisIraq CrisisIraq CrisisIraq CrisisIraq Crisis




15,000 in Kurdistan and about 200 inother cities.

Some Indians got trapped in theconflict areas following suddenattacks and capturing of several citiesin northern and central Iraq by theIslamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS)beginning 8 June. A group of 46nurses working in a local hospital inthe city of Tikrit got stuck due to theconflict, but were safely broughtback to India in a special Air Indiaflight on 5 July. Another group ofabout 41 Indian nationals working ina construction company in Mosulwere taken captive by an unidentifiedgroup.

On 19 June, the Governmentsuspended emigration clearance toIraq, until further notification andadvised Indian nationals to avoid alltravel to Iraq.

The Government issued traveladvisories on 15 June, 24 June and28 June advising Indian nationals toleave Iraq by commercial means. Ournationals living in areas affected bythe ongoing armed conflict havebeen advised to stay indoors as far aspossible and to remain in contact withour Embassy in Baghdad fornecessary guidance and updatedinformation on the evolving securitysituation.

Those Indian nationals, who donot have travel documents or needother consular services, have beenadvised to seek assistance from ourEmbassy in Baghdad. India’s Missionin Baghdad and the Ministry ofExternal Affairs have established 24hour help lines to assist Indian’s in Iraqand their concerned family membersin India. The Government has set upspecial camp offices in Najaf, Karbalaand Basra and strengthened ourEmbassy in Baghdad through theaddition of 25 staff members.

India negotiated with ISIS whohave kidnapped its nationals in Mosulwith the assistance of Saudi Arabia,which has influence in the region andwithin ISIS. Government of Indialooked for every other help as well. Itcontacted red crescent onlyInternational organisation in theregion.

It has approached Russia toassist them in release of abductedIndians. The US is providing Indiainformation by decoding messages ofthe ISIS from cyberspace. The IndianNavy has deployed INS Mysore,warship in the Persian Gulf. The Navyhas another warship INS Tarkashdeployed in the Gulf of Aden and ifrequired, both the ships can be

pressed into evacuation operationsCrisis of Iraq has long term

repercussions for the region andbeyond. ISIS chief Bakr-al-Baghdadi, declaring theformation of the Caliphate, with himas the Caliph. It is the first return ofa Caliphate since KemalAtaturk’s Turkish National Assemblyabolished it in 1924. He declaredthat borders inside the world of Islamare no longer applicable. Al-Baghdadi’s declaration comes afterISIS threatened to make itspresence felt outside the territory itnow controls. Bomb blasts in Beirut,Lebanon, hinted at ISIS’ reach. Whichcould be a threat to democracy’s andterrorist activities could riseworldwide.

With Iraq controlling large oilreserves, petroleum prices havealready seen a spike. The advance ofthe Al-Qaeda splinter group, theIslamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS)and its allies towards Baghdadappears to have been stalled, but thegrave situation in Iraq needs to bedealt with militarily as well aspolitically. Need for national dialogue,for unity, and, very importantly, for thefull participation of the all communityin the political process is absolutenecessity for peace in Iraq.

National IssuesNational IssuesNational IssuesNational IssuesNational Issues




Chief Justice of India R.M.Chief Justice of India R.M.Chief Justice of India R.M.Chief Justice of India R.M.Chief Justice of India R.M.Lodha made a frontal attackLodha made a frontal attackLodha made a frontal attackLodha made a frontal attackLodha made a frontal attackon the Centreon the Centreon the Centreon the Centreon the Centre

• Chief Justice of India R.M.Lodha made a frontal attack onthe Centre for unilaterallysegregating senior advocateGopal Subramanium’s name forelevation as a Supreme Courtjudge without his knowledgeand concurrence.

• Speaking at a farewell functionfor Justice B.S. Chauhan on hissuperannuation, the CJI said“the segregation of Mr. GopalSubramanium’s name was doneunilaterally by the Executivewithout my knowledge andconcurrence which was notproper.”

• Referring to the appointmentcontroversy, the CJI said: “Thisis one subject which is non-negotiable. At no cost theindependence of the judiciarywill be allowed to becompromised. I will not holdmy office if I feel that theindependence of theinstitution of the judiciary hasbeen compromised. I failed tounderstand that theappointment to a highconstitutional position has

been dealt with in a casualmanner.

Central govt. extends validityCentral govt. extends validityCentral govt. extends validityCentral govt. extends validityCentral govt. extends validityof industrial licencesof industrial licencesof industrial licencesof industrial licencesof industrial licences

• The Modi Government,announced its first steptowards greater ease of doingbusiness by addressing theindustry’s demand on thesimplification of the process forthe extensions of industriallicences.

• In a new Press Note, thegovernment extended theperiod of validity of industriallicences from two years to threeyears and relaxed therequirement for companies tohave to go back to the LicensingCommittee for the extensions.The extensions will now bedone with the approval of theJoint Secretary concerned ofthe administrative ministry.

• The new guidelines will applyto those cases where eventhree years after the issue of theindustrial licence, the licenceholder has not commencedproduction. The renewalswould be allowed for a periodof two years.

• The Press Note also clarifiedthe preconditions for theextensions. These include:

Land should have beenacquired, either underownership or on lease for aminimum period of 30 years andthe orders for plant andmachinery for the projectshould have been placed.Certificates from an appropriatelocal body such as theMunicipal Corporation statingconstruction on the project hascommenced will also berequired.

J&K visit: Development,J&K visit: Development,J&K visit: Development,J&K visit: Development,J&K visit: Development,security to top Modi’s agendasecurity to top Modi’s agendasecurity to top Modi’s agendasecurity to top Modi’s agendasecurity to top Modi’s agenda

• Development and security willtop Prime Minister NarendraModi’s agenda on his visit toJammu and Kashmir, whichcomes just a month after he wassworn-in.

• The Prime Minister is making ashort one-day visit, buttouching both Jammu and theKashmir Valley, with stops inJammu, Katra, Srinagar and Uri,inaugurating a railway line, apower project, addressing agathering in Katra andaddressing the troops inSrinagar. However, there willbe no political outreach as inthe past. There are no officialmeetings with the Chief

NATIONAL ISSUES





Minister, his cabinet, or anypublic gatherings in the Valley.

• The Prime Minister’s agendaisn’t the only departure fromthe past. He will be stopping inSrinagar for a couple of hoursonly, to address a ‘SainikSammelan’, speaking to a groupof soldiers posted at variousplaces in the State. He will alsohold a security review meetingwith corp commanders.

Modi is the third mostModi is the third mostModi is the third mostModi is the third mostModi is the third mostfollowed on Twitterfollowed on Twitterfollowed on Twitterfollowed on Twitterfollowed on Twitter

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi,an avid user of social media, isthe third most followed worldleader on micro bloggingwebsite Twitter, next only toU.S. President Barack Obamaand the Pope.

• Mr. Modi, who overtookIndonesian President S.B.Yudhoyono on Thursday, has5.09 million followers. Mr.Obama has 43.9 millionfollowers, while the Pope hasover 14 million and Yudhoyonohas 5.08 million.

• This shows how Mr. Modi hasbeen actively using Twitter toconnect with the massesreinforcing the tool of digitaldiplomacy in a larger contextmaking the social mediaplatform a powerful channel forcommunicating and engagingwith all Indians across thecountry.

Government favours AadhaarGovernment favours AadhaarGovernment favours AadhaarGovernment favours AadhaarGovernment favours Aadhaar

• In a bid to clear confusion andduplication between theNational Population Register(NPR) and Aadhaar cards, theNDA government has decidedto explore the possibility of asynergy between the twoambitious projects of theprevious UPA government.

• The issue was discussed at ahigh-level meeting, convenedby Union Home MinisterRajnath Singh and attended byLaw and Justice and TelecomMinister Ravi Shankar Prasadand Minister of State forPlanning Rao Inderjit Singh. Themeeting discussed how thetwo could be made“complementary.

• The issue will now bediscussed by officials of allMinistries concerned and a waywill be found soon.

• The Home Ministry has alreadysuggested that the NPR andAadhaar schemes be mergedunder the Registrar General ofIndia (RGI) or division of workbetween the two should be insuch a way that enrolment isdone entirely by NPR while theUnique Identification Authorityof India (UIDAI), which runsAadhaar, carries outreduplication ahead ofgenerating the unique number.

• The UIDAI was set up by theUPA government in 2009under the chairmanship ofNandan Nilekani. It comesunder the PlanningCommission.

Centre to sort out GSTCentre to sort out GSTCentre to sort out GSTCentre to sort out GSTCentre to sort out GSTcompensationcompensationcompensationcompensationcompensation

• Finance Minister Arun Jaitleysaid the Centre would sort outcompensation issues withStates to ensure early roll-outof Goods and Service Tax(GST), a new indirect tax

regime that will subsumevarious levies.

• After meeting State financeministers, he said there was abroad consensus onimplementing the GST regime,and efforts would be made tosort out the pending issues,especially with regard tocompensation for loss ofrevenue.

ED books TyagiED books TyagiED books TyagiED books TyagiED books Tyagi

• The Enforcement Directoratehas registered a moneylaundering case against retiredAir Chief Marshal S.P. Tyagi andothers in connection with thealleged payment of over •21.4million by AgustaWestland toIDS Infotech India and itserstwhile Tunisia subsidiary.

• Transferred in seveninstalments between 2007 and2011, the money was allegedlymeant to pay kickbacks for theRs.3,700 crore VVIP chopperdeal. While IDS Infotechallegedly received a total of•2.14 million, the rest went toIDS Tunisia.

Supreme Court stays orderSupreme Court stays orderSupreme Court stays orderSupreme Court stays orderSupreme Court stays orderQuashing VC’s AppointmentQuashing VC’s AppointmentQuashing VC’s AppointmentQuashing VC’s AppointmentQuashing VC’s Appointment

• The Supreme Court stayed anorder of the Madurai Bench ofthe Madras High Court,quashing the appointment ofKalyani Mathivanan as Vice-Chancellor of Madurai KamarajUniversity.





• After hearing senior counselK.K. Venugopal, who appearedfor Ms. Kalyani, a Bench ofJustices S.J. Mukhopadhayaand Ranjan Gogoi issued noticeto the respondents, includingthe petitioner who got theappointment quashed.

• Since 1965, Madurai KamarajUniversity, like every otheruniversity in Tamil Nadu, hadprescribed no qualification forappointment as Vice-Chancellor, going instead bythe wisdom of the Chancellorand the experience of thesearch committee. The UGCRegulations, introduced in2010, upset the existingmechanism, affecting thefederal structure of theConstitution.

Goa Governor also QuitsGoa Governor also QuitsGoa Governor also QuitsGoa Governor also QuitsGoa Governor also Quits

• Goa Governor Bharat VirWanchoo, who was quizzed by

a team of the Central Bureau ofInvestigation as a “witness” inAgustaWestland Chopper dealscam, submitted his resignationin the evening.

• He forwarded his resignation tothe President of India.TheGovernor, a former chief of theelite Special Protection Group,recorded his statement as a“witness” in the VVIPhelicopter case under Section161 CrPC. Continuing its probeinto allegations of over Rs.360crore bribe paid in thepurchase of VVIP helicopters,a team of CBI comprisingofficials from Mumbai and Delhirecorded Mr. Wanchoo’sstatement.

• His questioning comes a weekafter former West BengalGovernor M.K. Narayanan wasquizzed by the CBI; Mr.Narayanan resigned thereafter.

Maharashtra had the highestMaharashtra had the highestMaharashtra had the highestMaharashtra had the highestMaharashtra had the highestnumber of police suicidesnumber of police suicidesnumber of police suicidesnumber of police suicidesnumber of police suicides

• Maharashtra has had thehighest number of recordedsuicides by police personnel inthe past year, according tolatest data released by theNational Crime Records Bureau.

• The State recorded 40 cases ofsuicides by men in uniform in2013, edging out Tamil Nadu(31) and West Bengal (29) totop the charts. Overall, 222police suicides were reportedfrom all States last year.In 2012,the State ranked second with28 police suicides.

• Between 2006 and 2013, theState reported 267 policesuicides, the highest among allStates including Uttar Pradesh,which has the largest policeforce in terms of sanctionedstrength. During the same timeperiod, Tamil Nadu stood

second with 216, while WestBengal was a distant third with96.

• Maharashtra has consistentlybeen among the two worstperformers for the pastdecade.distant third with 96.Maharashtra has consistentlybeen among the two worstperformers for the past decade.

Gujarat Governor KamlaGujarat Governor KamlaGujarat Governor KamlaGujarat Governor KamlaGujarat Governor KamlaBeniwal transferredBeniwal transferredBeniwal transferredBeniwal transferredBeniwal transferred

• Gujarat Governor KamlaBeniwal transferred to Mizoramfor the remainder of her term.

• Vakkom Purushothaman,Governor of Mizoram, wasshifted and appointed asGovernor of Nagaland for therest of his term. However, Mr.Purushothaman will continue tohold the additional charge ofthe office of the Governor ofTripura.

• According to thecommuniqué, RajasthanGovernor Margaret Alva willdischarge the functions of theGovernor of Gujarat, in additionto her own duties, until regulararrangements are made. Hertenure finishes in August.

• Among the names doing therounds for appointment asGovernors are BJP leaders KesriNath Tripathi, Lalji Tandon fromU.P., Kailash Joshi from MadhyaPradesh, V.K. Malhotra fromDelhi, O. Rajagopal from Keralaand Balramji Dass Tandon from





Punjab. Eminent jurist SoliSorabjee, who served as theAttorney-General during NDArule, was also said to have beenshortlisted.

Government extends NDA’sGovernment extends NDA’sGovernment extends NDA’sGovernment extends NDA’sGovernment extends NDA’ssenior citizen pension schemesenior citizen pension schemesenior citizen pension schemesenior citizen pension schemesenior citizen pension schemefor one more yearfor one more yearfor one more yearfor one more yearfor one more year

• Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana,first introduced by theprevious NDA government hasbeen revived again for theperiod of one year.

• Govt. also proposed setting upa committee to examineunclaimed amounts lying asdeposits in accounts of PPF,Post Office and other savingschemes and recommend howthis amount can be used toprotect and further financialinterests of the senior citizens.

Budget 2014 Highlights-Aim:Budget 2014 Highlights-Aim:Budget 2014 Highlights-Aim:Budget 2014 Highlights-Aim:Budget 2014 Highlights-Aim:a second green revolutiona second green revolutiona second green revolutiona second green revolutiona second green revolution

• Government announced in itsBudget a technology-drivensecond green revolution withemphasis on higherproductivity and a “proteinrevolution.”

• A Kisan TV channel will belaunched for providing real-time information on newtechniques, water conservationand organic farming.

• The agri-tech fund will be usedto make farming competitiveand profitable, develop agro-technology and moderniseexisting agri-businessinfrastructure.

• Two more institutions on thelines of the Indian AgricultureResearch Institute, Pusa, will beset up in Assam and Jharkhand.

Housing for all by 2022 and Rs.Housing for all by 2022 and Rs.Housing for all by 2022 and Rs.Housing for all by 2022 and Rs.Housing for all by 2022 and Rs.7,060 crore for 100 smart cities7,060 crore for 100 smart cities7,060 crore for 100 smart cities7,060 crore for 100 smart cities7,060 crore for 100 smart cities

• Finance Minister offered a taxsop for homeowners byextending the additional taxincentive on home loans.

• A sum of Rs. 4,000 crore hasbeen earmarked for NationalHousing Bank with a view toincrease the flow of cheapercredit for affordable housing tothe urban poor.

• Slum development has beenadded to the list of CorporateSocial Responsibility (CSR)activities.

• Government announced 100smart cities, which will beenabled with the latesttechnology like wi-ficonnectivity and infrastructureand will have concepts such assustainability, walking spacesand specialised domains.

Seven NewSeven NewSeven NewSeven NewSeven NewDwarf Galaxies DiscoveredDwarf Galaxies DiscoveredDwarf Galaxies DiscoveredDwarf Galaxies DiscoveredDwarf Galaxies Discovered

• Astronomers have used a newtype of telescope made bystitching together telephotolenses to discover seven newdwarf galaxies.

• Their Dragonfly TelephotoArray uses eight telephotolenses with special coatingsthat suppress internallyscattered light, This makes thetelescope uniquely adept atdetecting the very diffuse, lowsurface brightness.

• The previously unseen galaxiesmay yield important insightsinto dark matter and galaxyevolution

• These are the same kind oflenses that are used in sportingevents like the World Cup.

President Pranab MukherjeePresident Pranab MukherjeePresident Pranab MukherjeePresident Pranab MukherjeePresident Pranab Mukherjeeasks CPWD to become moreasks CPWD to become moreasks CPWD to become moreasks CPWD to become moreasks CPWD to become moredynamicdynamicdynamicdynamicdynamic

• President Pranab Mukherjeeurged the Central Public WorksDepartment (CPWD) under theMinistry of Urban Developmentto focus on areas whereinnovation and modernisationin the infrastructure sector.

• Speaking at a ceremony to markthe 160 years of CPWD’sservice, Mr. Mukherjee urgedthe organisation to evolve into“a smarter, more dynamic andhighly professionalorganisation”.

• He asked the Department toaim at providing last mileconnectivity of rural roads,health and educationalinfrastructure, water supplyand sanitation and referring tosustainable habitats as theneed of the hour and energy-efficient building.

• He also completed the CPWDfor undertaking andcomplementing challengingassignments in the Rann ofKutch, Thar Desert, in highaltitude areas of the Himalayas,North-Eastern Region and alsoin Afghanistan.

Pay revised wages forPay revised wages forPay revised wages forPay revised wages forPay revised wages forMGNREGA, says SCMGNREGA, says SCMGNREGA, says SCMGNREGA, says SCMGNREGA, says SC

• The Supreme Court on Fridaydirected all States to payworkers under the Mahatma





Gandhi National Rural Employment Act (MGNREGA) revised wagesas per the notification issued by the Centre in February this year.

Chhattisgarh, West Bengal,Gujarat and Nagaland.

• Former Union Minister Ram Naikappointed as Governor of UttarPradesh and veteran Delhileader O.P. Kohli will move toGujarat as Governor.

• 80-year-old Mr. Naik has the raredistinction of being the onlyMinister who completed fiveyears as Petroleum and Naturalgas minister in one government.

• According to thecommunique, Keshari NathTripathi, a former Uttar PradeshSpeaker will take over the postof Governor in West Bengal.

• Balram Das Tandon, 87, foundermember of Jan Sangh in 1951,was appointed Governor ofChhatisgarh.

• Padmanabha Acharya, wasappointed as Governor ofNagaland.

Warship damaged in mishap,Warship damaged in mishap,Warship damaged in mishap,Warship damaged in mishap,Warship damaged in mishap,Navy orders probeNavy orders probeNavy orders probeNavy orders probeNavy orders probe

• INS Kuthar, a Khukri classcorvette, suffered damagewhile entering the harbour of anaval base in the Andamans.

• It is the 15th reported mishapinvolving naval personnel andassets after the sinking of theRussian-origin submarine INS

• It further asked the governmentto find a way out to end thedisparity between the wagespaid under the MGNREGA andState-mandated rates underthe Minimum Wages Act.

• As per the February 13, 2014notification issued by theMinistry of Rural Development,the wages per day to be paidby the States and UnionTerritories range from Rs. 156in Uttarakhand to Rs. 236 inHaryana.

INS Kamorta handed over toINS Kamorta handed over toINS Kamorta handed over toINS Kamorta handed over toINS Kamorta handed over toNavy and Navy gets its largestNavy and Navy gets its largestNavy and Navy gets its largestNavy and Navy gets its largestNavy and Navy gets its largestdestroyerdestroyerdestroyerdestroyerdestroyer

• INS Kamorta, the first in seriesof anti-submarine corvettesindigenously built by Kolkatabased Garden ReachShipbuilders & Engineers Ltd.

(GRSE), was handed over toIndian Navy.

• It is first Indian Naval warshipever built in the country withalmost 90 per cent ofindigenous content.

• The Indian Navy has got itslargest-ever destroyer after theaddition of the 163 metre-longvessel Kolkata (D63).

• Kolkata (D63) is India’s firstdomestically built guidedmissile destroyer to feature aWestern-style air search radarand stealth technology.

• Kolkata has an all-roundcapability against enemysubmarines, surface warships,anti-ship missiles and fighteraircraft.

• It incorporates modernweapons and sensors havingadvanced information warfaresuite, an auxiliary controlsystem with sophisticatedpower distribution architectureand modular crew quarters.

Ram Naik is new UP Governor,Ram Naik is new UP Governor,Ram Naik is new UP Governor,Ram Naik is new UP Governor,Ram Naik is new UP Governor,O.P. Kohli for GujaratO.P. Kohli for GujaratO.P. Kohli for GujaratO.P. Kohli for GujaratO.P. Kohli for Gujarat

• New governors have beenappointed in Uttar Pradesh,





Sindhurakshak in August lastyear in which all the 18personnel on board werekilled.

• INS Kuthar is understood to bepart of the fleet of theV i s h a k h a p a t n a m - b a s e dEastern Naval Command,which is in-charge ofoperations in Bay of Bengal andareas beyond it.

• The spate of accidents in theNavy resulted in the resignationof former Navy Chief AdmiralD.K. Joshi, who took moralresponsibility for the accidents.

Parliament passes bill onParliament passes bill onParliament passes bill onParliament passes bill onParliament passes bill onPolavaram projectPolavaram projectPolavaram projectPolavaram projectPolavaram project

• Parliament on Monday passeda bill to facilitate transfer of 205villages spread across sevenmandals in the newly formedState of Telangana to theresidual state of AndhraPradesh for the multi-purposePolavaram irrigation project.

• The bill, approved by LokSabha last week, was opposedby members of the House fromTelangana and the States ofOdisha and Chattisgarh on theplea that it would causeunwarranted displacement of52 thousand scheduled castefamilies from the three States.

• The project is a difficult projectto implement as it involvesmassive resettlement. It is on parwith Sardar Sarovar Dam (inGujarat) and Indira Sagarproject in Madhya Pradesh.

SC Constitution Bench toSC Constitution Bench toSC Constitution Bench toSC Constitution Bench toSC Constitution Bench todecide on ‘living will’ to diedecide on ‘living will’ to diedecide on ‘living will’ to diedecide on ‘living will’ to diedecide on ‘living will’ to diewith dignitywith dignitywith dignitywith dignitywith dignity

• A five-judge ConstitutionBench of the Supreme Courtwill take up for consideration apetition seeking to declare theexecution of a ‘living will’ of

persons, suffering from chronicterminal diseases and likely togo into a permanent vegetativestate, to refuse treatment topave way for their death.

• Petition was filled by NGOCommon Cause.

• AG Mr. Rohatgi said the issuehad lot of legal, social and moralaspects concerning thehumanity as a whole. He saidright to die merely because ofpain and suffering would notbe in the interest of society asit was against public policy.

• Ruling in ‘Aruna Shanbaug’scase’ decided that passiveeuthanasia is wrong.

• In November 2012 the LawCommission had submitted areport relating to passiveeuthanasia and ‘living will’.

States want review of keyStates want review of keyStates want review of keyStates want review of keyStates want review of keyprovisions in Land Acquisitionprovisions in Land Acquisitionprovisions in Land Acquisitionprovisions in Land Acquisitionprovisions in Land AcquisitionActActActActAct

• A conference of state revenueministers recently suggestedwide-ranging changes to dilutethe Land acquisition act, andchief among them was to re-examine the consent clause, asownership of land rests with

the government in PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP)projects, and also scrap themandatory social impactassessment (SIA).

• Kerala felt that obtainingconsent of land owners prior topreliminary notification was aherculean task as theidentification of land owners atsuch initial stages may pose aproblem.

• Madhya Pradesh felt that theprovision of consent from 70per cent land owners in caseof PPP projects should eitherbe deleted or eased out.

• States also want to do awaywith the mandatory socialimpact assessment (SIA) studyprescribed in the act andshould be confined to largeprojects or PPP projects as itmay delay the acquisitionprocess, which is called theRight to Fair Compensation andTransparency in LandAcquisition, Rehabilitation andResettlement, 2013.

• States also wanted thedefinition of “affected family”in the act to be re examined asit is very elaborate and includeslivelihood losers working in theaffected area for three yearsprior to the acquisition of landand whose primary source oflivelihood is affected.

•· The clause specifying sharingof 40 per cent enhanced costwith original land owners whenthe land is transferred onhigher consideration should bedeleted as it leads to disputes,states felt.

NCW backs amendments toNCW backs amendments toNCW backs amendments toNCW backs amendments toNCW backs amendments toJuvenile Justice ActJuvenile Justice ActJuvenile Justice ActJuvenile Justice ActJuvenile Justice Act

• National Commission forWomen (NCW) chairpersonMamta Sharma on Wednesdaysaid the Commission would





back amendments to theJuvenile Justice Act to ensureproper punishment in rapecases.

• Ms Sharma reiterated that timeswere changing and keeping inmind that 45 per cent of theregistered rape cases wereperpetrated by juveniles,amendments were necessary inthe law.

• Union Minister for Women andChild Development saidjuveniles committing rapeshould be tried as adults, theNational Commission ofProtection of Child Rights(NCPCR) and child rightsgroups had opposed it.

• Uttar Pradesh reported thehighest number cases againstwomen at 8252, with Delhicoming second with 2000cases and Haryana -864 cases.

• She also called for a Code ofConduct for Parliamentarians.

• The NCW is also short of fundsand last year the annual budgetwas down to Rs nine crore, halfof which goes for salaries.

SC/ST Amendment bill sent toSC/ST Amendment bill sent toSC/ST Amendment bill sent toSC/ST Amendment bill sent toSC/ST Amendment bill sent tostanding committeestanding committeestanding committeestanding committeestanding committee

• A Bill that makes it a punishableoffence for public servants to“wilfully neglect” duties onmatters relating to atrocitiesagainst Scheduled Castes andTribes was referred to aStanding Committee.

• The Bill replaces an Ordinancethat states that if a non-SC/STpublic servant wilfully neglectsduties required to beperformed under this Act, heor she shall be punished withimprisonment for a term fromsix months to one year.

• The Bill also makes provisionsfor States to set up specialcourts to try offences under theAct.

Kharif production may fall due to deficient monsoonKharif production may fall due to deficient monsoonKharif production may fall due to deficient monsoonKharif production may fall due to deficient monsoonKharif production may fall due to deficient monsoon

• Kharif production is likely to belower by about 10 milliontonnes owing to deficient andpoorly distributed southwestmonsoon.

• The worst hit will be soyabean,cotton and groundnut harvestin key growing States such asGujarat, Maharashtra andMadhya Pradesh.

• However, rice output will beunaffected as rainfall has beenbetter in northeast India, andNorth India has good irrigationfacilities.

• Monsoon is lower by 41 percent with 53 per centdeparture from normal in north-west India and 55 per centlower in central India.

Centre seeks to allay fears ofCentre seeks to allay fears ofCentre seeks to allay fears ofCentre seeks to allay fears ofCentre seeks to allay fears ofcivil services aspirantscivil services aspirantscivil services aspirantscivil services aspirantscivil services aspirants

• The Union government onWednesday said that it wasworking to address theconcerns of those aspiring fora career in the civil services andhad sought a report that wouldbe used to draw a road map forthe future with respect to therecruitment examinationconducted by the Union

Public Service Commission.• Union Minister of State in the

Prime Minister’s Office said thegovernment had asked a three-member committee set up inMarch to expedite submissionof the report.

• On Tuesday, the Centre urgedthe commission to considerpostponing the Civil ServicesAptitude Test (CSAT), part ofthe preliminary examinationscheduled for August 24, until“clarity” emerged on thesyllabus and its pattern.

Govt to extend Ganga actionGovt to extend Ganga actionGovt to extend Ganga actionGovt to extend Ganga actionGovt to extend Ganga actionplan to major riversplan to major riversplan to major riversplan to major riversplan to major rivers

• The government on Thursdaysaid that based on the outcomeof the action plan on Ganga, itmay extend it to other majorrivers of the country.





• Central assistance is beingprovided to states under twoschemes — Repair, Renovationand Restoration (RRR) of WaterBodies and Flood ManagementProgramme (FMP) during 12thPlan.

• Under the RRR scheme, a totalof 3341 water bodies weretaken up for restoration in 12states, out of which 2033 waterbodies have been completedtill date. Under the FMP, a totalof 420 workers were approvedduring XI Plan out of which 252works were completed.

Modi government to go withModi government to go withModi government to go withModi government to go withModi government to go withUPA policy on FDI in retailUPA policy on FDI in retailUPA policy on FDI in retailUPA policy on FDI in retailUPA policy on FDI in retail

• The Narendra ModiGovernment is unlikely torescind the foreign directinvestment (FDI) policy formulti-brand retail that theCongress-led UnitedProgressive Alliancegovernment had notified.

• The decision to continue withthe UPA Government’s policyhas been taken as the Centredoes not want to deny thefreedom of choice that thenotified FDI rules gives to Statesfor choosing whether or not tolet foreign retailers set up shop.

• The Modi Government alsodecided to carry on with theUPA Government’s initiative ofAadhaar card for targettedschemesbut new Government

will issue Aadhaar numbers toIndian citizens only.

CAG files adverse report onCAG files adverse report onCAG files adverse report onCAG files adverse report onCAG files adverse report onPPP projectsPPP projectsPPP projectsPPP projectsPPP projects

• The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG) haspicked holes in the way thePublic Private Partnership(PPP) was handled in two vitalinfrastructure sectors.

• The Mumbai airport and threeof the Railways projects mostlyfaulted on procedural grounds.

• In case of the Mumbai airport,the CAG has asked thegovernment to review theoperator’s performancebecause when project costhad doubled, the gap wasfilled by asking passengers toshell out a development cess.

• On the other hand, the revenueshare of another consortiummember — the public sectorAirports Authority of India(AAI) — was “set to declinewith the outsourcing ofactivities as noticed in the caseof domestic and internationalcargo activities and the AirportHotel project.”

• Railway projects include arailway line to a port, somethingthat new Railway Minister D. V.Sadananda Gowda hopes topromote in a big way to solvethe ‘last mile problem’.

• A CAG report on the Railways ,said it had violated rules whileselecting private players. Also,the Railways did not formulate

any model agreement forexecution of the projectswithin the time frame nor did itadopt the model prescribedby the Planning Commission forPPP projects.

Activists: WHO advisory onActivists: WHO advisory onActivists: WHO advisory onActivists: WHO advisory onActivists: WHO advisory onMSM needs rethinkMSM needs rethinkMSM needs rethinkMSM needs rethinkMSM needs rethink

• Activists working on gay andtransgender rights feel the newguidelines from the WorldHealth Organisation (WHO) onHIV services for key groupshave not been very wellthought out specially in thecontext of providing anti-retroviral therapy (ART) to menwho have sex with men (MSM).

• The WHO in a news release onJuly 11 for the first time stronglyrecommended that men whohave sex with men considertaking antiretroviral medicinesas an additional method ofpreventing HIV infectionalongside the use of condoms.

• Rates of HIV infection amongmen who have sex with menremain high almost everywhereand new prevention optionsare urgently needed, the WHOsaid.

• In India, the numbers of MSMwas much lesser than othercountries, compared to thepopulation size.

• ART is being given to thosewith CD 4 cell counts below350 (CD4 cells or T-cells are thecells that send signals toactivate your body’s immuneresponse when they detectviruses or bacteria).

• The National Aids ControlProgramme (NACP) IV aims toprovide universal access to freeART to all those who require it.

• The WHO warned that failureto provide adequate HIVservices for key groups – men





who have sex with men,people in prison, people whoinject drugs, sex workers andtransgenders – threatens globalprogress on the HIV response.

Special court to hear coalSpecial court to hear coalSpecial court to hear coalSpecial court to hear coalSpecial court to hear coalscam cases: SCscam cases: SCscam cases: SCscam cases: SCscam cases: SC

• The Supreme Court decided toset up a special court to trycases arising from the coalblock allocation scam and alsoappoint a special publicprosecutor to lead the casesthere.

• The petitioner NGO commoncause and CBI both acceptedthe name of GopalSubramanium as the specialprosecutor.

• Court on Friday issued noticeto seven private and publicsector companies on centralgovernment’s plea seekingtransfer, to apex court of allcases, challenging thecancellation of coal blocksallocated to them, pendingbefore various high courts.

Chasing black money, IndiaChasing black money, IndiaChasing black money, IndiaChasing black money, IndiaChasing black money, Indiagets Swiss invite forgets Swiss invite forgets Swiss invite forgets Swiss invite forgets Swiss invite fordiscussionsdiscussionsdiscussionsdiscussionsdiscussions

• Swiss authorities have invitedIndian officials to Berne todiscuss further cooperation inthese matters.

• Switzerland has been refusingto share details on namesobtained by Indian authoritiesthrough other countries, namelyFrance and Germany, saying

they figured in lists stolen bycertain ex-employees of theconcerned banks and nodetails can be shared on thebasis of illegally-obtainedinformation.

• Typically, there are two typesof information exchangeframeworks followed by Swissauthorities — ‘spontaneous’exchange where details aregiven voluntarily to a foreigncountry if any irregularity isfound with regard to a foreignclient; and exchange ofinformation in reply to arequest.

• A high-level delegation fromSwitzerland had helddiscussions on tax matters withthe Indian government officialsin New Delhi in February thisyear.

• Latest data from the SwissNational Bank showed that totalmoney of Indians in Swissbanks increased to Rs. 14,100crore at the end of 2013, fromRs. 8,547 crore a year ago.

• Following amendments to theDouble Taxation AvoidanceConvention (DTAC) withSwitzerland in October 2011,India has made several requestsseeking information about itsnationals holding bankaccounts in Swiss Banks.

• Google must adhere to maprestriction policy’

• Surveyor-General of IndiaSwarna Subba Rao said

“Google, which has beenpopulating geospatial data inthe cyber space for some time,has to follow the law of the landand adhere to the maprestriction policy of thecountry”.

• Map restriction policy of thecountry does not allowdetailed maps of defence andsensitive locations to beavailable in public domain.

• The Government of India hasspecific guidelines laid downwith regard to publication ofmaps in the public domain andall the maps have to be vettedby defence authorities beforebeing published and Googlehas refused to follow it.

• The Survey of India isredefining vertical data of thecountry and in due coursebenchmarks like the mean sealevel may be corrected in linewith the new data.

• The work on building thenational reference frameworkfor the purpose of creating anindigenous land based GISsystem is going on and it wouldtake time to be completed.

Combing operations steppedCombing operations steppedCombing operations steppedCombing operations steppedCombing operations steppedup in Maoist-affected districtsup in Maoist-affected districtsup in Maoist-affected districtsup in Maoist-affected districtsup in Maoist-affected districts

• Combing operations havebeen stepped up in Maoist-affected Ganjam, Gajapati andKandhamal districts of Odishafollowing the arrest of top leftwing extremist leaderSabyasachi Panda.

• Police suspect that Maoistcadres from neighbouringAndhra Pradesh andChhattisgarh were still active inKandahmal-Gajapati-Rayagadaand Rayagada-Kandhamal-Kalahandi border areas.

• OMP, which had been formedby Panda in 2012, had been





dominating the southerndistricts of Ganjam, Gajapati,Kandhamal, Rayagada andNayagarh during the last severalyears and the rebel is believedto have been involved in over60 different cases in thesedistricts.

Central government officialsCentral government officialsCentral government officialsCentral government officialsCentral government officialsto declare assets under newto declare assets under newto declare assets under newto declare assets under newto declare assets under newLokpal rulesLokpal rulesLokpal rulesLokpal rulesLokpal rules

• The Union government hasnotified rules on declaration ofassets and liabilities of itsemployees under the LokpalAct.

• Though system of declarationof assets and liabilities hasbeen in vogue, the Lokpal Actseeks to systematise it withadditional information.

• As per the new rules notifiedby the government, itsemployees have to file returnswith details on cash in hand,bank deposits, investment inbonds, debentures, shares andunits in companies or mutualfunds, insurance policies,provident fund, personal loansand advance given to a personor any entity, among others.

• The returns should giveinformation about spouses aswell. The employees’ need todeclare motor vehicles, aircraft,yachts or ships, gold and silverjewellery and bullion

possessed by them, theirspouses and dependentchildren, according to theform.

• The employees also to have togive details of their immovableproperties along withstatement of debts and otherliabilities on first appointmentor as on March 31 of everyfinancial year.

Government promisesGovernment promisesGovernment promisesGovernment promisesGovernment promisesbroadband facility in everybroadband facility in everybroadband facility in everybroadband facility in everybroadband facility in everyvil lagevil lagevil lagevil lagevil lage

• The Centre on Mondaypromised to extendbroadband facility to everyvillage in the country with theactive cooperation of Stategovernments.

• More than 1.34 lakh internet

enabled centres have been setup in rural areas to promote anddevelop informationtechnology in rural areas of thecountry.

• Problem of unavailability ofbandwidth and regionallanguage barrier haveimpeded thee-governanceinitiatives in India, governmentsaid availability of bandwidthto important places will bedone on priority basis.

• Mobile web in regionallanguages also has manychallenges such as characterencoding, bandwidth cost,presentation issues, devicelimitations, lack ofstandardisation, fonts,backward compatibility withlegacy devices, renderingissues, lack of availability for allcharacters, issue of multiplescripts, standardization of glyphsupport, syllable compositionand logic dependency onimplementation level ofhandset manufacturer.

India home to one in every three child brides in world: UNIndia home to one in every three child brides in world: UNIndia home to one in every three child brides in world: UNIndia home to one in every three child brides in world: UNIndia home to one in every three child brides in world: UN

• According to a United Nationsreport, India has the sixthhighest prevalence of childmarriages in the world, with

one in every three child brideliving in India.

• Child marriage among girls ismost common in South Asia and





sub—Saharan Africa and Indiais among the top 10 countrieswith the highest rates of childmarriage.

• Worldwide, more than 700million women alive today weremarried as children or beforetheir 18th birthday.

• In India, about 27 per cent ofwomen aged 20 to 49 yearswere married before age 15.About 31 per cent of womenin that age group were marriedafter age 15 but before theyturned 18.

• The report added that in India,the median age at first marriageis 19.7 years for women in therichest quintile compared to15.4 for the poorest women.

Shipping firms needn’t renewShipping firms needn’t renewShipping firms needn’t renewShipping firms needn’t renewShipping firms needn’t renewlicences every yearlicences every yearlicences every yearlicences every yearlicences every year

• The Ministry of Shipping hasdecided to reduce paperworkby scrapping the requirementof annual renewal of licensesfor Indian ships and any othervessel charted by an Indiancitizen or company.

• Such licences will now beissued with a life-time feeinstead of annual fee but thelicence will be co-terminuswith the certificate of Registryof the Ship.

• The decision also provides forall the five Registrars of Ships atMumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Goaand Cochin to issue theselicenses under the provisions ofthe Merchant ShippingAct,1958.

‘Force-feeding’ by Shiv Sena‘Force-feeding’ by Shiv Sena‘Force-feeding’ by Shiv Sena‘Force-feeding’ by Shiv Sena‘Force-feeding’ by Shiv SenaMP’s rocks ParliamentMP’s rocks ParliamentMP’s rocks ParliamentMP’s rocks ParliamentMP’s rocks Parliament

• Parliament was rocked overreports of 11 Shiv Sena MPs,incensed at not being servedMaharashtrian food, forcing aMuslim catering supervisor tobreak his Ramzan fast at the

New Maharashtra Sadan in NewDelhi.

• Opposition MPs protested inboth Houses of Parliament,even as Parliamentary AffairsMinister M. Venkaiah Naidudismissed the allegations as“unsubstantiated”.

Whistleblowers toWhistleblowers toWhistleblowers toWhistleblowers toWhistleblowers toGet Security from Govt.Get Security from Govt.Get Security from Govt.Get Security from Govt.Get Security from Govt.

• Whistleblowers or peopleexposing corruption can getsecurity from the government,The government hasauthorised Chief VigilanceOfficers (CVOs) of ministries ordepartments of the CentralGovernment as designatedauthority to receive any writtencomplaint or disclosure on anyallegation of corruption ormisuse of office in respect ofany employee working underthem.

• If the designated authority inthe ministries or departments,either on the application of thecomplainant, or on the basis ofthe information gathered, is ofthe opinion that thecomplainant needs protection,the designated authority shalltake up the matter with theCentral Vigilance Commissionfor issuing appropriatedirections to the authoritiesconcerned.

• The Commission, after receiptof such reference from thedesignated authority, takes upthe matter with the Ministry ofHome Affairs, the nodal agency,

to undertake the responsibilityof providing security cover tothe genuine whistleblowers.

Fewer Girls-onlyFewer Girls-onlyFewer Girls-onlyFewer Girls-onlyFewer Girls-onlyFamilies now, Says ReportFamilies now, Says ReportFamilies now, Says ReportFamilies now, Says ReportFamilies now, Says Report

• In the context of falling sexratios in India, a United Nationsreport points to a new level of‘daughter aversion,’ moststarkly visible in the negligiblenumber of girls-only families insome parts of the country.

• The report,”Sex Ratios andGender Based Sex Selection,History Debates and FutureDirections”, which reviewsexisting studies, says it’s timeto look at girls-only families,which are starting to disappear— they are only two per centin Haryana, Punjab andRajasthan.

• Contemporary India iswitnessing a highly genderedversion of fertility decline innorthwest India.

• Families are planning to haveat least one son and at most onedaughter. It points toinstitutions and personneldirectly mediating sex ratios atbirth, for example clinics andmedical practitioners, as animportant area for research.

India to Place SpecialIndia to Place SpecialIndia to Place SpecialIndia to Place SpecialIndia to Place SpecialEmphasis on Neighbourhood:Emphasis on Neighbourhood:Emphasis on Neighbourhood:Emphasis on Neighbourhood:Emphasis on Neighbourhood:SushmaSushmaSushmaSushmaSushma

• India will place specialemphasis on its





neighbourhood, stretchingfrom West Asia to East Asia,while playing a role to fulfill itsinternational responsibilities tobuild a peaceful andprosperous world.

• In the emerging globalenvironment, it is essential forIndia to pursue pro—activeand broad—basedinternational engagement toadvance our nationaldevelopment and security andto fulfill our internationalresponsibilities to build apeaceful and prosperousworld.

India keen on WTOIndia keen on WTOIndia keen on WTOIndia keen on WTOIndia keen on WTOendorsement on food subsidyendorsement on food subsidyendorsement on food subsidyendorsement on food subsidyendorsement on food subsidy

• India is unlikely to allowratification of a trade facilitationprotocol at a crucial WorldTrade Organisation (WTO)meeting in Geneva, if it doesnot simultaneously endorse itsconcerns about food subsidiesto feed its poor.

• Most developed countries arepressuring India to drop itsdemand on food subsidy andendorse only the protocol fortrade facilitation agreed uponDecember by WTO membersin Bali last year, If India dropsits demand, it risks facing legalaction by WTO members incase its food subsidy exceeds10 per cent of the total

production value of a basicagricultural commodity.

• New Delhi has gained thesupport of several developingcountries, small and big alike,which might find themselves ina similar quandary.

• However, the Geneva meetwon’t be the last word on thesubject because even if thereis no unanimity on Thursday,there is still a week left for thedeadline for signing the tradefacilitation protocol to end.

Include third gender childrenInclude third gender childrenInclude third gender childrenInclude third gender childrenInclude third gender childrenin schools: HRD Ministryin schools: HRD Ministryin schools: HRD Ministryin schools: HRD Ministryin schools: HRD Ministry

• The Union Human ResourceDevelopment (HRD) Ministryhas advised all States andUnion Territories (UTs), barringJammu and Kashmir, to takeappropriate action for theinclusion of “third gender’’children among socially andeducationally backwardclasses for admission ineducational institutions underthe Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan(SSA).

• Supreme Court ordered to treatand grant legal recognition tothe “third gender”. The Courthad directed the Centre andStates to take steps to treattransgenders as socially andeducationally backwardclasses and extend reservationfor admission in educational

institutions and for publicappointments.

• The affirmative action providedfor transgenders under the SSAis aimed at pushing up theirliteracy levels, which is around44 per cent as opposed to thenational average of 74 per centas recorded in the 2011Census.

Congress ineligible for LoPCongress ineligible for LoPCongress ineligible for LoPCongress ineligible for LoPCongress ineligible for LoPpost, says A-Gpost, says A-Gpost, says A-Gpost, says A-Gpost, says A-G

• Attorney-General MukulRohatgi, on a reference fromSpeaker Sumitra Mahajan,holding that the Congress wasnot eligible for the status.

• Mr. Rohatgi said the Congresslacked the requisite one-tenthstrength of the Lok Sabha (55in a House of 545). Mr. Rohatgi’sopinion is not binding on theSpeaker.

• The Leader of the Opposition,which is of the rank of a CabinetMinister, is a member of panelsthat select candidates for keyConstitutional posts.

Govt. mulls use of radiationGovt. mulls use of radiationGovt. mulls use of radiationGovt. mulls use of radiationGovt. mulls use of radiationtech to preserve vegetablestech to preserve vegetablestech to preserve vegetablestech to preserve vegetablestech to preserve vegetables

• The government proposes to





adopt radiation technologydeveloped by the BhabhaAtomic Research Centre(BARC) for improving the shelf-life of fruits and vegetablesespecially onions, potatoes andtomatoes to address the issueof supply side shortage thatoften results in price rise.

• Radioactive technology hadbeen available in the countryfor some time and already in usein Maharashtra, though on asmall scale, Safety concernsshould be taken care of asexisting norms do not permitradiation above a permissiblelimit.

• Food irradiation is a physicalprocess in which food and farmcommodities, in pre-packedform or in bulk, are exposed tocontrolled radiation energy toprevent sprouting, delayripening, kill insects, pests,pathogenic and spoilagemicro-organisms.

Budget Passed inBudget Passed inBudget Passed inBudget Passed inBudget Passed inLok Sabha by Voice VoteLok Sabha by Voice VoteLok Sabha by Voice VoteLok Sabha by Voice VoteLok Sabha by Voice Vote

• The Lok Sabha on Fridaypassed the Finance Bill, 2014by voice vote giving effect tothe legislative tax proposals inthe Budget.

• In Budget debate ahead of itspassage in Lok Sabha, theFinance Minister reiterated theGovernment’s intent to fulfil itspromise of bringing backmoney stowed away in foreignbanks.

• Mr. Jaitley also said that theNDA Government will not be ahigh-tax government as itintends to create more jobs,industry and give a fillip toeconomy.

• Referring to the GAAR, theMinister said he will take a finalcall on contentious issue at alater date and said to reviveinvestor’s sentiment which hadbeen damaged byretrospective amendment tothe Income Tax.

• Union Finance Minister ArunJaitley clarified that the higherlong term capital gains tax rateof 20 per cent on non-equitymutual funds passed as part ofthe Budget would come intoeffect from July 1o onwardsinstead of April 1. The Provisionto raise the holding period forunlisted shares and debt fundsunits to 36 months from 12months for them to qualify aslong-term capital assets will alsotake effect July 10 onwards.

President inaugurates museumPresident inaugurates museumPresident inaugurates museumPresident inaugurates museumPresident inaugurates museumat Rashtrapati Bhavanat Rashtrapati Bhavanat Rashtrapati Bhavanat Rashtrapati Bhavanat Rashtrapati Bhavan

• President Pranab Mukherjee,who completed two years inoffice, inaugurated a museumwith fibre-glass statues offormer Presidents within theRashtrapati Bhavan.

• The Museum has an interactivezone where visitors can learnmore about former Presidentsand see audio-video clippingsrelated to them.

• The President also inaugurateda ‘Knowledge Hub’ in the Dr.Rajendra Prasad SarvodayaVidyalaya within theRashtrapati Bhavan and 16serviced apartments. The‘Knowledge Hub’ will be aspace for innovative teachingand learning practices and usecollaborative, interactivepedagogical practices to helpteachers connect to the worldoutside their classroom.

Monsoon improving, normalMonsoon improving, normalMonsoon improving, normalMonsoon improving, normalMonsoon improving, normalrainfall likely in August: IMDrainfall likely in August: IMDrainfall likely in August: IMDrainfall likely in August: IMDrainfall likely in August: IMD

• In a forecast that would bringcheer to vast swathes of thecountry, weather officials havesaid that the momentumpicked up by southwestmonsoon in July is likely tocontinue in August with normalrainfall expected next month.

• While July is likely to receiverainfall of 93 per cent of thelong period average (LPA),rainfall of 96 per cent of the LPAis expected in August.

• According to the IndiaMeteorological Department,96-104 per cent of the LPAmeans normal rainfall whereas90-96 makes for below normalmonsoon showers.

PM reviews infrastructurePM reviews infrastructurePM reviews infrastructurePM reviews infrastructurePM reviews infrastructureprojects progressprojects progressprojects progressprojects progressprojects progress

• Prime Minister Narendra Modihad his second monthlymeeting on the setting oftargets and monitoring of





progress in the implementationof key projects with theSecretaries of infrastructureministries including roads,power, telecom and railways.

• Mr. Modi has introduced asystem of monthly setting oftargets and weekly monitoringof progress on them forinfrastructure projects.

• Infrastructure sector is a focusarea for the Modi governmentand a key to its agenda for theeconomy’s revival.

DoPT launches e-serviceDoPT launches e-serviceDoPT launches e-serviceDoPT launches e-serviceDoPT launches e-servicerecord system for govt.record system for govt.record system for govt.record system for govt.record system for govt.employeesemployeesemployeesemployeesemployees

• With the objective to promotea paperless regime and betterhuman resource management,the Department of Personneland Training (DoPT) haslaunched an e-service recordbook portal for governmentemployees.

• Earlier documented in paperfiles, the service recordprovides information on variousportfolios and posts held by aparticular governmentemployee.

• In future, it would also prove tobe of great assistance in anefficient management ofhuman resource. The systemcan facilitate work allocationbased on the skills andexperiences of the employeesunder consideration for aparticular post or department.

• The DoPT has also launched aBasic Leadership Skills Modulefor Central Secretariat Servicesofficers at the Institute ofSecretariat Training andManagement. The module isexpected to equip civilservants with the skills that helpthem function efficiently in acomplex and challengingenvironment.

• A Learning Resource Centre hasalso been set up with amandate to identify and adoptthe leading national andinternational practices in thefield of training techniques andtechnologies to strengthen theTrainers DevelopmentProgramme, to develop a cadreof high quality trainers.

Facebook extends closing ofFacebook extends closing ofFacebook extends closing ofFacebook extends closing ofFacebook extends closing ofWhatsApp acquisition by a yearWhatsApp acquisition by a yearWhatsApp acquisition by a yearWhatsApp acquisition by a yearWhatsApp acquisition by a year

• Social networking giantFacebook has extended by ayear the closing of its landmark$ 19 billion deal to acquireinstant messaging appWhatsApp. The California-based firm will have to payWhatsApp $ 1 billion in cashand $ 1 billion in stock optionsin case it fails to close the dealin the stipulated time.

• Facebook said the acquisitionis subject to customary closingconditions, includingregulatory approvals, and isexpected to close in thesecond half of 2014.

• The firm added that at presentit expects that these conditionswill be satisfied and that “wewill extend the date to August19, 2015.”

• The hefty transaction - whichincludes $ 12 billion worth ofFacebook shares, $ 4 billion incash and $ 3 billion in restrictedstock units - will boost theworld’s biggest social network

presence by adding 450 millionusers of WhatsApp, includinga significant number of youth.

Farmers deserve a standingFarmers deserve a standingFarmers deserve a standingFarmers deserve a standingFarmers deserve a standingovation: Narendra Modiovation: Narendra Modiovation: Narendra Modiovation: Narendra Modiovation: Narendra Modi

• Prime Minister Narendra Modion Tuesday asked the scientificcommunity to set specific goalsfor themselves to ensure thatlab research reaches farmersand helps raise their incomes.

• Mr. Modi said that Indianfarmers deserve a standingovation for providing for thenation and changing the faceof the country in the food andfarm sector. Yet, there ispotential for more not only incrops but in fisheries andanimal husbandry.

• Bemoaning the supply-demand gap in pulses andedible oilseeds, Mr. Modi askedscientists to dedicatethemselves in the research ofsuitable variety so that thecountry is not dependent onimport of these commodities.

• PM also highlighted the needto conserve the water, hesighted the example form thehistory of Mahatama Gandhi.

• Collegium system should go’-Law Ministry

• At a high-level meetingbetween the Law Ministry andeminent jurists , absoluteconsensus was reached thatthe collegium system shouldgo.





• The meeting sawparliamentarians and retiredChief Justices of Indiaparticipating along with UnionFinance Minister Arun Jaitleyand Law Minister Ravi ShankarPrasad, Law CommissionChairperson Justice A.P. Shah,Attorney-General MukulRohatgi and Solicitor-GeneralRanjit Kumar attended.

• The government was very clearin its assurance that it did notwant to go back to the pre-collegium system days whenthe Executive had veto powerover judges’ appointments.

Members to 18 PanelsMembers to 18 PanelsMembers to 18 PanelsMembers to 18 PanelsMembers to 18 PanelsAppointed UnanimouslyAppointed UnanimouslyAppointed UnanimouslyAppointed UnanimouslyAppointed Unanimously

• NDA government managed theappointments of members tothe various parliamentarycommittees “unanimously.”

• All the parties agreed tochoose members throughconsensus rather than insist onan election, the last time suchan initiative was pulled off wasin 1984.

• Appointments have beenmade to 18 parliamentarycommittees and governmentbodies, which include thecrucial committees – PublicAccounts Committee, PublicEstimates Committee, PublicUndertaking Committee – andto the Committee on theWelfare of Scheduled Castesand Scheduled Tribes, OtherBackward Classes and theOfficial Languages.

HSGPC: Centre may seekHSGPC: Centre may seekHSGPC: Centre may seekHSGPC: Centre may seekHSGPC: Centre may seekPresidential referencePresidential referencePresidential referencePresidential referencePresidential reference

• The Centre is exploring theoption of making a Presidentialreference to the SupremeCourt for its opinion on thevalidity of the controversial law

enacted by the Haryanagovernment to create a newboard to manage Sikh shrinesin Haryana.

• Attorney-General MukulRohatgi gave an opinion thatthe Haryana Sikh Gurdwaras(Management) Bill, 2014,which got the assent of thethen Governor on June 14, wasunconstitutional.

• Mr. Rohatgi told the Centre thatthe Haryana Assembly did nothave the legislativecompetence to pass the Bill asthe Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925,came under the Union List.

• The gurdwaras in Haryana aremanaged by the ShiromaniGurdwara ParbandhakCommittee (SGPC). But, underthe new law passed by theAssembly, 72 of them will bemanaged by the Haryana SikhGurdwara PrabhandhakCommittee, with the SGPClosing control over them.

• According to the Punjabgovernment, the SGPC is an“inter-State body” as definedunder Section 72 of the PunjabReorganisation Act, 1966,indicating that its jurisdictionextends beyond Punjab and itsmembers are elected fromplaces beyond the State’sboundaries. And The move toset up a separate committee inHaryana was in contraventionwith the provisions of theReorganisation Act, as it

affected the SGPC’s ‘inter-State’ status.

Panel suggests separate lawPanel suggests separate lawPanel suggests separate lawPanel suggests separate lawPanel suggests separate lawto protect northeast peopleto protect northeast peopleto protect northeast peopleto protect northeast peopleto protect northeast people

• A separate law with specificprovisions to protect peoplefrom the northeast living indifferent parts of the countryalong with amendment ofsections of IPC has beensuggested by M P Bezbaruahcommittee that was set up afterincreased attacks on citizensfrom the region.

• Committee had recommendeda new law based on anobservation by Delhi HighCourt which said one personfrom a State must not bediscriminated in another State.

• The Bezbaruah Committee wasset up after the death of NidoTania, 20, following analtercation with shopkeepersand others at the Lajpat Nagarin south Delhi in January. Lastweek, another youth fromManipur, Akha Salouni (29),was killed after he wasallegedly beaten by a group offive men in a suspected caseof road rage in KotlaMubarakpur in South Delhi.

Government mullsGovernment mullsGovernment mullsGovernment mullsGovernment mullsAmendments to anti-dowry LawAmendments to anti-dowry LawAmendments to anti-dowry LawAmendments to anti-dowry LawAmendments to anti-dowry Law

• Keeping in view the risingnumber of complaintsregarding the misuse of anti-dowry law, the Centre is mullingto introduce penal provisions





in the Act that will ensurepunishment or penalty to thosewho make false charges.

• Earlier this month, the SupremeCourt had directed the Stategovernments to instruct police“not to automatically arrestwhen a case under Section498A of IPC (dowryharassment) is registered but tosatisfy themselves about thenecessity for arrest under theparameters laid down flowingfrom Section 41 of CriminalProcedure Code.”

• The Apex court had expressed

concern over the misuse of theanti-dowry law by “disgruntled”wives against her husband andin-laws and noted that the Actwas being increasingly used toharass in-laws.

• The amendments may includewidening the definition of‘dowry’ by changing the words‘in connection with marriage’to ‘given before the marriage,at the time of marriage and atany time after the marriage’.

• Notifying the list of giftsexchanged during thewedding may also be mademandatory and failure to do socould invite heavy penaltiesincluding a three-year jail termnot only to the bride and thegroom but also to their parents.

Increase compensation forIncrease compensation forIncrease compensation forIncrease compensation forIncrease compensation foracid attack victims: SCacid attack victims: SCacid attack victims: SCacid attack victims: SCacid attack victims: SC

• The Supreme Court on Friday

issued notices to Stategovernments on steps taken toenhance the rehabilitation andmonetary compensationawarded to acid attack victimsstruggling to survive and getmedical treatment.

• In February 6, 2013, theSupreme Court in another casehad directed the governmentto draft appropriate regulationsfor sale of acid andrehabilitation of victims.

• “There is laxity on your part.Everyday, we have one or twosuch incidents of acid attack,”CJI Lodha observed.

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India amongIndia amongIndia amongIndia amongIndia amongJihad Targets of ISISJihad Targets of ISISJihad Targets of ISISJihad Targets of ISISJihad Targets of ISIS

• Ibrahim Awwad al-Badri,commander of the insurgentgroup Islamic State of Iraq andal-Shams (ISIS), has vowed waragainst several countries,including India, in a Ramzanspeech released online.

• The reference to India, the firstin an ISIS manifesto, raises newconcerns for the safety of thealmost hundred of its nationstrapped in Iraqi citiescontrolled by the Islamistgroup, which is battling thegovernments of Iraq and Syria.

• The Ramzan speech by Mr al-Badri — also known by thepseudonym Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi — calls on believersto take up arms during themonth of penitence, and“terrify the enemies of Allahand seek death in the placeswhere you expect to find it, forthe dunya (worldly life) willcome to an end”.

• “Muslims’ rights”, Mr. al-Badristates in his speech, are forciblyseized in China, India,Palestine, Somalia, the ArabianPeninsula, the Caucasus, Sham(the Levant), Egypt, Iraq,

Indonesia, Afghanistan, thePhilippines, Ahvaz, Iran (by therafidah (shia)), Pakistan,Tunisia, Libya, Algeria andMorocco, in the East and in theWest.

Iraq’s New ParliamentIraq’s New ParliamentIraq’s New ParliamentIraq’s New ParliamentIraq’s New ParliamentBroke up in ChaosBroke up in ChaosBroke up in ChaosBroke up in ChaosBroke up in Chaos

• Iraq’s new Parliament broke upin chaos, with lawmakersthreatening each other orwalking out despite global callsfor fractious politicians to forma government needed to facea Sunni militant onslaught.

• After a break called to calmsoaring tempers, so many Sunniand Kurdish deputies stayedaway that the quorum was lost,so a Speaker could not beelected as was constitutionallyrequired, and the sessionended in disarray.

• Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’sbid for a third term has beenbattered by the jihadist-ledoffensive that has seized largechunks of five provinces,adding fuel to dissatisfactionover persistent allegations ofsectarianism and monopolisingpower.

• The latest crisis has alarmedworld leaders, displacedhundreds of thousands of

people and polarised Iraq’sShia, Sunni and Kurdishpopulations.

• The disunity quicklymanifested itself in what wasthe opening session of aparliament elected in April,which included walkouts,threats and confusion over theconstitution.

The European Court of HumanThe European Court of HumanThe European Court of HumanThe European Court of HumanThe European Court of HumanRights upheld France’sRights upheld France’sRights upheld France’sRights upheld France’sRights upheld France’scontroversial burqacontroversial burqacontroversial burqacontroversial burqacontroversial burqa

• The European Court of HumanRights (ECHR) upheld France’scontroversial burqaban,rejecting arguments thatoutlawing full-face veilsbreaches religious freedom.

• In a case brought by a 24-year-old French woman with thesupport of a British legal team,the court ruled that France wasjustified in introducing the banin the interests of socialcohesion.

• The court emphasised thatstates should be allowed adegree of discretion — “a widemargin of appreciation” — ona policy issue which is subjectto significant differences ofopinion. Two of the 17 judgeswho spent several monthsdeliberating on the case

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

International IssuesInternational IssuesInternational IssuesInternational IssuesInternational Issues




dissented from the majorityview that the ban did notbreach the EuropeanConvention on Human Rights’provisions protecting thefreedom of thought,conscience and religion.

Japan’s DefenceJapan’s DefenceJapan’s DefenceJapan’s DefenceJapan’s DefencePolicy shift SlammedPolicy shift SlammedPolicy shift SlammedPolicy shift SlammedPolicy shift Slammed

• China has slammed the moveby Japanese Prime MinisterShinzo Abe’s government toreinterpret the country’sPacifist Constitution to enablea wider role for the Japanesemilitary overseas, terming thedecision “a brutal violation” ofthe spirit of the post-SecondWorld War Constitution.

• Mr. Abe’s Cabinet approved areinterpretation of the post-war imposed PacifistConstitution that severelylimited the use of the Japanesemilitary, even when on overseaspeacekeeping missions. Thereinterpretation now allows for“collective self-defence” thatwould permit Japan to come tothe aid of its allies overseas.

• That the move came amid themost heightened tensionsbetween China and Japan inmany years over disputed EastChina Sea islands and questionsover war-time history hasprompted analysts in Beijing tosee the reinterpretation asbeing directed at China.

• “The new policy raises doubts

about Japan’s approach topeaceful development. Weurge Japan to sincerely respectthe rightful concerns ofneighbouring Asian countries,diligently solve any relatedissues, and not affect China’srights and the stability of theregion,Foreign Ministryspokesperson Hong Lei wasquoted as saying by the officialXinhua news agency.

India Refuses toIndia Refuses toIndia Refuses toIndia Refuses toIndia Refuses toRatify TF ProtocolRatify TF ProtocolRatify TF ProtocolRatify TF ProtocolRatify TF Protocol

• Protesting against theimbalance in favour ofdeveloped countries at theongoing World TradeOrganisation (WTO)negotiations at Geneva, Indiaon Wednesday broke awayfrom the consensus on theTrade Facilitation (TF)Protocol. India’s refusal to ratifythis agreement that has beenreadied to their satisfaction asa follow up to the BaliMinisterial decisions of lastDecember has led to astalemate at the talks.

• In a strong statement India saidit will support the TF agreementonly if there is progress inGeneva on mechanisms forensuring permanent protectionof the government’s MinimumSupport Price (MSP) againstthe WTO’s subsidy caps.

• The new government is clearthat the MSP is a tool importantenough for us to take this standat the WTO.

• India has repeatedlyexpressed concern over theuneven pace of work at thenegotiations in Geneva over thepast few months but despitethat the imbalance in progresshas persisted.

Xi Jinping’sXi Jinping’sXi Jinping’sXi Jinping’sXi Jinping’sHistoric Sri Lanka VisitHistoric Sri Lanka VisitHistoric Sri Lanka VisitHistoric Sri Lanka VisitHistoric Sri Lanka Visit

• China’s President Xi Jinping willthis year become the firstChinese head of state to visitSri Lanka in three decades,underlining Beijing’s renewedpush to deepen its strategicand economic presence in theneighbourhood and in theIndian Ocean.

• Mr. Xi’s visit was discussed inBeijing this week as Sri LankanMinister of EconomicDevelopment Basil Rajapaksa,as the President’s SpecialEnvoy, met with the Chineseleadership.

• The Chinese leader willbecome the first President tovisit Sri Lanka since formerleader Li Xiannian in 1986. Hisvisit assumes significance in thecontext of strengthening tiesbetween the two countries,with China investing heavily inthe island nation.

• A $500 million- built port builtby the Chinese wasinaugurated in Colombo lastyear giving Beijing a strongfoothold in one of the busiestinternational shipping routes inthe world. With heavyinvestment in infrastructure,including in a massive port ithelped build in Hambantotaalong Sri Lanka’s southerncoast, China is said to havesurpassed Japan and India as





the biggest contributor toinvestments in the island nation.

• Foreign policy experts haveoften pointed to Sri Lankaplaying the “China card” againstIndia, which has invested insome key projects in theneighbouring country,including a massive housingproject targeting 50,000 homesin the war-torn north that it iscurrently engaged in.

• For Chinese President Xi, SriLanka has become aparticularly important countryas a crucial point on hisgovernment’s signature“maritime silk road” economicinitiative, which the Presidentunveiled in October in a bid toboost maritime connectivityand economic ties in theneighbourhood.

Bomb exploded nearBomb exploded nearBomb exploded nearBomb exploded nearBomb exploded nearSomaliaSomaliaSomaliaSomaliaSomalia’s Parliament’s Parliament’s Parliament’s Parliament’s Parliament

• Several people were killedwhen a powerful suicide carbomb exploded near Somalia’sParliament in the capitalMogadishu on Saturday, policeand witnesses said.

• Al-Qaeda-linked Shababrebels claimed responsibilityfor the bombing, the latest in asurge of attacks in Mogadishuduring Islam’s holy month ofRamadan.

• A car loaded with explosiveswas intercepted near theParliament and it went off.

• Police and witnesses at thescene said three police officers

and the suicide bomber diedin the blast.

Germany Seeks SwiftGermany Seeks SwiftGermany Seeks SwiftGermany Seeks SwiftGermany Seeks SwiftResponse on SpookResponse on SpookResponse on SpookResponse on SpookResponse on Spook

• German ministers called for aswift response from the U.S. toallegations of spying by asuspected double agent,which have raised fears of freshtensions between the twoallies.

• Interior Minister Thomas deMaiziere in pre-releasedexcerpts from Monday’s Bildnewspaper called for a “quickand clear” statement by theU.S. on the allegations.

• Foreign Minister Frank-WalterSteinmeier said in a tweet,following reports of U..S spyingthat have sparked anger inGermany after revelations theNSA allegedly tappedChancellor Angela Merkel’sphone. The U.S. ambassador,who was called to a meeting atthe foreign ministry late onFriday, had been toldWashington is expected toshed light on the reports “asquickly as possible.

• The 31-year-old employee ofthe German foreignintelligence agency known asthe BND arrested last week hadbeen working for the CIA foraround two years.

• “All signs indicate that he wasacting for the Americans,” theFrankfurter AllgemeineSonntagszeitung (FAS) Sundaynewspaper quoted an

unnamed senior official atGermany’s foreign intelligenceservice as saying.

Iraqi officials analysingIraqi officials analysingIraqi officials analysingIraqi officials analysingIraqi officials analysingBaghdadi videoBaghdadi videoBaghdadi videoBaghdadi videoBaghdadi video

• Iraqi officials are working todetermine the authenticity of avideo that purportedly showsthe leader of the Islamicextremist group that has seizedlarge swaths of the countrydelivering a sermon this weekin the nation’s second-largestcity, authorities.

• The 21-minute video said toshow Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi,the head of the Islamic Stategroup, was reportedly filmedon Friday at the Great Mosquein the northern city of Mosul. Itwas released on at least twowebsites known to be used bythe organisation and bore thelogo of its media arm.

Clashes on Syria-LebanonClashes on Syria-LebanonClashes on Syria-LebanonClashes on Syria-LebanonClashes on Syria-LebanonBorder Kill SeveralBorder Kill SeveralBorder Kill SeveralBorder Kill SeveralBorder Kill Several

• Heavy clashes along the Syria-Lebanon border killed severalpeople, including a number ofHezbollah fighters and Syrianrebels.





• The area has long been aflashpoint in the Syrian civil war.

• The Britain-based SyrianObservatory for Human Rightssaid the fighting left sevenHezbollah fighters dead and31 injured.

• The Iran-backed Hezbollah

openly joined the Syrianconflict last year. The group’sfighters have been instrumentalto President Bashar Assad’ssuccess on the battlefield,tipping the balance of powerin the 3-year-old conflict in thegovernment’s favor.

Ukraine near Russian borderUkraine near Russian borderUkraine near Russian borderUkraine near Russian borderUkraine near Russian border

• A passenger plane carrying 295people was shot down over atown in the east of the Ukraine.killing all 295 people aboard.

• Ukraine separatist groupblames Ukraine Air Force forthe incident. Pro-Russianseparatists have told Russiannews agency Ria that they arewilling to have up to 3-dayceasefire in Ukraine to allow forrecovery work at site.

• Ukrain has categorically deniedthe charges.

• European Union called for aninternational investigation intothe crash of the Malaysianjetliner in eastern Ukraine andfor parties to “share all relevantinformation”.

• The aircraft, which othersources said was a Boeing 777flying from Amsterdam to KualaLumpur, came down near thecity of Donetsk, stronghold ofpro-Russian rebels, adding thatit was hit by a ground-to-airmissile.

• The region has seen severefighting between Ukrainianforces and pro-Russia separatistrebels in recent days.

Israel resumes strikes on GazaIsrael resumes strikes on GazaIsrael resumes strikes on GazaIsrael resumes strikes on GazaIsrael resumes strikes on Gaza

BRICS summit to reflect new global political architectureBRICS summit to reflect new global political architectureBRICS summit to reflect new global political architectureBRICS summit to reflect new global political architectureBRICS summit to reflect new global political architecture

• Global political issues such asthe unrest in Iraq and Ukraineand the surveillance of worldleaders by the U.S. NationalSecurity Agency are likely tofind their way into thediscussions at the BRICSsummit.

• In particular, BRICS countrieswill announce the BRICS bankand contingency reserve fundas a counterpoint to the U.S.-led World Bank andInternational Monetary Fund.

• BRICS countries have areas ofcooperation on varioussubjects, from energy toeducation, and there are newproposals, such as a Braziliansuggestion on the creation of astatistics platform differentfrom the OECD methodology(The OECD analyses GDP,employment and otherindices).

Israel Resumes air Strikes onIsrael Resumes air Strikes onIsrael Resumes air Strikes onIsrael Resumes air Strikes onIsrael Resumes air Strikes onGaza as Ceasefire FailsGaza as Ceasefire FailsGaza as Ceasefire FailsGaza as Ceasefire FailsGaza as Ceasefire Fails

• Israel on Tuesday resumedairstrikes on Gaza after anEgyptian-brokered ceasefirefailed to stop the escalatingviolence that has killed 192Palestinians in nine days offighting as Hamas continued tofire rockets at the Jewish state.

• Earlier Israel accepted, whileHamas refused the Egyptianproposal for a ceasefire.

• The Egyptian-proposedceasefire plan was aimed athalting Israel’s deadly nine-dayoffensive on the Gaza Strip thathas killed 192 Palestinians butthe Israeli premier had warnedthat the operation would beintensified if Hamas militantsrefused to accept the truce.

Malaysia Airlines plane withMalaysia Airlines plane withMalaysia Airlines plane withMalaysia Airlines plane withMalaysia Airlines plane with295 on board crashes over295 on board crashes over295 on board crashes over295 on board crashes over295 on board crashes over





• Israeli jets struck three sites inGaza after a rocket waslaunched at Israel. The strikesfollowed an almost 12-hourpause in fighting and came asinternational efforts intensifiedto end the three-week conflictbetween Israel and Hamas. TheUN called for an “immediate”ceasefire.

• In New York, an emergencymeeting of the UN SecurityCouncil called for “animmediate and unconditionalhumanitarian ceasefire.” It wasthe Council’s strongeststatement yet on the conflictthat has already killed 1,030Palestinians, 43 Israeli soldiersand three civilians on the Israeliside, but it was not a resolutionand therefore not binding.

• Both Israel and Palestinecriticised the statement ondifferent grounds. While Israelcriticesed that statement doesnot mention rockets launchedby palestine and Palestinecriticised that it is not legallybinding.

International arbitration courtInternational arbitration courtInternational arbitration courtInternational arbitration courtInternational arbitration courtorders Russia to pay $50 billionorders Russia to pay $50 billionorders Russia to pay $50 billionorders Russia to pay $50 billionorders Russia to pay $50 billionto former Yukos shareholdersto former Yukos shareholdersto former Yukos shareholdersto former Yukos shareholdersto former Yukos shareholders

• In one of the biggest suchcases ever, the PermanentCourt for Arbitration in theHague, Netherlands,determined Russia was notacting in good faith to collecttaxes when it levelled massiveclaims against Yukos in 2003.

• The tax case led to the

imprisonment of Yukos CEOMikhail Khodorkovsky and hasbeen widely seen as retaliationfor his support of oppositionpolitical parties.

• The ruling adds to tensionsbetween Russia and theinternational community at atime when relations are at theirlowest ebb since the end of theCold War. Following thedowning of Malaysia AirlinesFlight 17 over eastern Ukraine,the U.S. and European Unionare debating further economicsanctions against Moscowbecause of its support for

rebels suspected of launchingthe attack.

• The Yukos takeover was thebeginning of a process underwhich Russia, under PresidentVladimir Putin, retook control ofthe country’s energy industry.Yukos’ main assets were sold atauction to a shell company.

• Russia was ordered to pay thejudgment within 180 days orbegin paying interest. If Russiadeclines to pay, shareholderscan attempt to seize Russianassets abroad such ascommercial properties,travelling art collections orairplanes.

Russia Violated Missile Treaty: U.S.Russia Violated Missile Treaty: U.S.Russia Violated Missile Treaty: U.S.Russia Violated Missile Treaty: U.S.Russia Violated Missile Treaty: U.S.

• U.S. President Barack Obamasaid in a letter to his Russiancounterpart Vladimir Putin in aletter on Monday that Russiahad violated a 1987 armscontrol treaty when it allegedlyground-launched a cruisemissile.

• The Obama administration’scharge against Russia,described as the “most seriousallegation of an arms controltreaty violation,” made to date,follows reports by U.S. officialsthat Russia began testing cruise

missiles as far back as 2008.• The INF Treaty was signed on

December 8, 1987 byerstwhile U.S. President RonaldReagan and Soviet leaderMikhail Gorbachev, and wasconsidered to be an agreementthat would limit the risk ofstrikes against Europe.

• This risk increased after theSoviet Union achieved “roughstrategic parity” with the U.S.in the mid-1970s and thenbegan replacing olderintermediate-range SS-4 and





SS-5 missiles with a newintermediate-range missile, theSS-20.

Israel unleashes heaviestIsrael unleashes heaviestIsrael unleashes heaviestIsrael unleashes heaviestIsrael unleashes heaviestbombardment on Gazabombardment on Gazabombardment on Gazabombardment on Gazabombardment on Gaza

• Israel unleashed its heaviestbombardment in a three-week-old war against Hamas, strikingsymbols of the militant group’scontrol in Gaza and firing tankshells.

• The heavy strikes, which camea day after Prime Minister

BenjaminNetanyahuwarned ofa“prolonged”campaigna g a i n s tH a m a s ,were anew blowto international efforts to reacha sustainable truce in thefighting.

•On Tuesday,Israeli warplanescarried out dozensof attacks, levellingthe home of the topHamas leader inGaza, IsmailHaniyeh, anddamaging theoffices of the

movement’s Al-Aqsa satelliteTV station, a central mosque inGaza City and governmentoffices.

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India & The WorldIndia & The WorldIndia & The WorldIndia & The WorldIndia & The World




China’s Xi invites Modi toChina’s Xi invites Modi toChina’s Xi invites Modi toChina’s Xi invites Modi toChina’s Xi invites Modi tovisit, calls for ‘early’ bordervisit, calls for ‘early’ bordervisit, calls for ‘early’ bordervisit, calls for ‘early’ bordervisit, calls for ‘early’ bordersettlementsettlementsettlementsettlementsettlement

• In Fortaleza to attend the BRICSSummit, Mr. Modi and Mr. Ximet for 80 minutes – extendingbeyond the scheduled 40minutes.

• China’s President Xi Jinping onTuesday invited Prime MinisterNarendra Modi to visit China inNovember and called for a“negotiated resolution” to theboundary dispute “at an earlydate”.

• China had invited Mr. Modi toattend the APEC leaders’meeting in Beijing inNovember. However, withscheduled SAARC and G20meetings that same month, thevisit may take place at a laterdate.

• Mr. Xi called for a “negotiatedsolution to the border issues atan early date”

• Prime Minister Modi said thatmaintaining peace andtranquility on the border wasessential for resolving the issueand India is willing topeacefully settle the boundaryissue through exisitingmechanisms and friendlynegotiations.

• India and Russia havecommenced naval manoeuvresin the Sea of Japan whichcoincide with their growingenergy ties that could, in thefuture, include transit of oilthrough the Arctic route.

• Russia’s guided missile cruiserVaryag and destroyer Bystry areparticipating in the exercise, inwhich the Navy is showcasingINS Shivalik, a modern stealthfrigate, and INS Ranvijay, aRajput class destroyer.

India to HostIndia to HostIndia to HostIndia to HostIndia to HostIBSA Summit Next YearIBSA Summit Next YearIBSA Summit Next YearIBSA Summit Next YearIBSA Summit Next Year

• India will be hosting the 7thIBSA (India-Brazil-SouthAfrica) Summit in 2015.

• IBSA is a trilateral initiativeamongst India, Brazil and SouthAfrica “to promote, inter-alia,South-South cooperation andexchange”.

• The platform was announced,following a meeting of theforeign ministers of the threecountries in Brasilia in 2003,through the adoption of theBrasilia Declaration.

• The IBSA summit involvesconsultations at the Heads ofState level while meetingsbetween Ministers and officialsare held at the Trilateral Joint

• The Prime Minister alsoreferred to India and China’scommon civilisational heritage,and links through Buddhism,and called for both countriesto do more together to tackletheir common challenge offighting terrorism.

• The Chinese President said hewanted both countries tolaunch “a batch of exemplaryprojects” in infrastructure, suchas railway construction, toenable more balanced andsustainable trade. The risingtrade deficit in China’s favour,reaching $ 29 billion last year,was raised by Mr. Modi.

• Mr. Xi also said Chinawelcomed India to join itsinitiative to set up a new AsianInfrastructure Investment Bankas a founding member, theofficial Xinhua news agencyreported.

India, Russia begin naval drillsIndia, Russia begin naval drillsIndia, Russia begin naval drillsIndia, Russia begin naval drillsIndia, Russia begin naval drillsin Sea of Japanin Sea of Japanin Sea of Japanin Sea of Japanin Sea of Japan

• Two countries fielded animpressive array of warshipsand aircraft during the Indra-14 exercise, will work togetherto check piracy, renderassistance to ships in distressand counter the threat fromsubmarines.

INDIA & THE WORLD





Commission and Focal Pointlevels respectively.

• New Delhi would also behosting the India Africa Forumin December this year.

Bank in Shanghai, butBank in Shanghai, butBank in Shanghai, butBank in Shanghai, butBank in Shanghai, butpresidency for Indiapresidency for Indiapresidency for Indiapresidency for Indiapresidency for India

• BRICS countries ironed outtheir differences over theannouncement of the BRICSbank and the contingentreserve fund. The twoeconomic initiatives are themajor announcements of theFortaleza declaration.

• Shanghai won out as thelocation for the headquartersfor the BRICS bank with equalshareholding for all BRICSmembers. India would assumethe first presidency of thebank, which would be named,as per the Indian suggestion,the “New Development Bank”.

• The NDB, to be headquarteredin Shanghai, will have an initialauthorised capital of $100billion and an initial subscribedcapital of $50 billion equallyshared by the five membercountries.

• What has clouded the bank’sfuture in recent months is theunexpected move by China topush forward the setting up ofanother financial institution —the Asia InfrastructureInvestment Bank (AIIB).

• The AIIB is expected to focuson China and Southeast Asia,while the BRICS bank effort

which would emphasiseprojects in the membercountries and in Africa.

• The AIIB move is being seen asan effort by China to challengethe influence of Japan in theregion, as seen in Japaneseinfluence in the functioning ofthe Asian Development Bank.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modialso said that The U.N. SecurityCouncil and the IMF are inneed of “urgent reform”.

• He also pitched for a commonoutlook on global crises suchas the conflict in Israel, Syriaand Iraq, and called for BRICScountries to help “Afghanistanfight the forces of terrorism.”He said that cyber security wasa priority for BRICS countries,and called for a united standon “zero terrorism”.

• Mr. Modi invoked mantra of“Vasudaiv kutumbakam” (theglobal family), and called formore “people to people” tieswithin the BRICS countries,including a BRICS university,more travel, scientificexchanges and sharing ofhealthcare facilities.

For IAF,For IAF,For IAF,For IAF,For IAF,Rafale makes the gradeRafale makes the gradeRafale makes the gradeRafale makes the gradeRafale makes the grade

• Despite an aggressive countercampaign by the British andAmericans, the Indian side isfirm about wrapping up theRafale deal.

• The Rafale has made the gradebecause it is a safer twin-engine

aircraft, which the IAF wants tofly for the next 40 years.

• The French have modified theRafale for atomic weapondelivery, which opens up thepossibility of its role inimparting “second strike”capability, which is central forvalidating India’s posture ofcredible nuclear deterrence.

• Presently Russia’s Su-30 MKIforming the core of the IAF’sstrike force, supplemented bythe air superiority Mirage-2000jets and the Jaguar bombers.

• Russia is fast losing itsdominance in Indian skies asthe Indian Air Force, instead ofanother batch of IL-78 air-to-airrefuellers, which are central forextending the strike range offighter aircraft, the IAF hasdeclared its preference for theFrench A330 MRTT refuellingplanes.

• Anticipating a loss of turf, theRussians are, neverthelessshowing signs of mounting ariposte by developingweapons in partnership withIndian companies, takingadvantage of the 49 per centstake that foreign companiesare now allowed in Indiandefence industry.

‘U.S., E.U. can’t be trusted on‘U.S., E.U. can’t be trusted on‘U.S., E.U. can’t be trusted on‘U.S., E.U. can’t be trusted on‘U.S., E.U. can’t be trusted onBali package’Bali package’Bali package’Bali package’Bali package’

• India said on Thursday that itno longer trusts the UnitedStates at the ongoing WorldTrade Organisation (WTO)negotiations on the Balipackage in Geneva.

• Commerce and IndustryMinister Nirmala Sitharaman islikely to meet WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo,United States TradeRepresentative and the EUTrade Commissioner in Sydney





in India and needed India tosucceed in order to endextreme poverty by 2020,According to Jim Yong Kim,president of the World BankGroup.

• He also mentioned, If theranking of India in DoingBusiness Report(DBR) wasbased just on Gujarat, [thecountry] would improve 50places. So our hope is that whatMr. Modi did in Gujarat inimproving the businessenvironment is scaled to all ofIndia, if that does happen,India will rise very quickly in theDBR rankings.

• WB will provide financialsupport to India worth $15-18billion over the next threeyears.

• He added, “The world needsIndia to succeed. If Indiareaches its economic goals,several million people will belifted out of poverty in ageneration’s tim. Thisrepresents an historicopportunity [which is] criticalnot only for India but for theworld if we are to end extremepoverty by 2020.”

West Asia: dialogue onlyWest Asia: dialogue onlyWest Asia: dialogue onlyWest Asia: dialogue onlyWest Asia: dialogue onlyviable option, says Indiaviable option, says Indiaviable option, says Indiaviable option, says Indiaviable option, says India

• India expressed “deepconcern” over the escalation ofconflict between Israel andPalestine. India also reiteratedits joint stand — with IBSA andBRICS partners — to promote

at the G20 Summit in an attemptto find a solution to thegridlocked Bali Dealnegotiations.

• India is sticking to its ground inGeneva and refusing to supporta Trade Facilitation Agreement[TFA] unless work starts onfinding a permanent solutionfor its minimum support pricesfor procuring food from poorfarmers for below poverty lineIndians that are in danger ofbreaching the WTO caps onsubsidies.

Pipeline to Pakistan mayPipeline to Pakistan mayPipeline to Pakistan mayPipeline to Pakistan mayPipeline to Pakistan mayrevive stalled mega projectsrevive stalled mega projectsrevive stalled mega projectsrevive stalled mega projectsrevive stalled mega projects

• India’s decision to pipe naturalgas and other petroleumproducts to Pakistan is beingseen as a first step that couldlead to the revival of two stalledmega undertakings involvingIslamabad — the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) pipeline and theTurkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) project.

• Instability in Pakistan’sBaluchistan, through which theproposed IPI would pass,coupled with the policy of theUnited States so far to seekIran’s political and economicisolation, have impeded theproject.

• But the IPI could revive, shoulda breakthrough be achieved inthe ongoing nuclear talksbetween Iran and the six globalpowers.

India, U.S, Japan joint navalIndia, U.S, Japan joint navalIndia, U.S, Japan joint navalIndia, U.S, Japan joint navalIndia, U.S, Japan joint navalexercise in Pacificexercise in Pacificexercise in Pacificexercise in Pacificexercise in Pacific

• India, the United States andJapan are embarking on jointnaval manoeuvres in the PacificOcean on Thursday as part ofthe Malabar series of exercises.The exercise, in which 800personnel from the Navy willparticipate, follows the U.S.’sstrategic pivot to Asia — adoctrine that will result in theshifting of a bulk of Americannaval assets in the Asia-Pacificover the next decade.

• The shift in the U.S. militaryposture is seen as part of a newinitiative to contain China.However, Indian officials saythat India will exercise its“strategic autonomy” but willnot participate in a U.S. ledcounter-China policy withJapan and Australia as partners.

• The Navy is fielding a frigate, adestroyer, and a supply vesselin the week-long exercisemeant to focus on anti-piracyand anti-terrorism operations.The three countries earlierparticipated in joint exercisesin 2009, and Singapore andAustralia were also part of themanoeuvres in 2007. Thisexercise follows the Indra-14drills that India and Russia heldin the Sea of Japan.

World needs India toWorld needs India toWorld needs India toWorld needs India toWorld needs India tosucceed: WB presidentsucceed: WB presidentsucceed: WB presidentsucceed: WB presidentsucceed: WB president

• The world was closelywatching the new government





dialogue and understanding inPalestine and Israel.

• In a statement made at the 21stspecial session of the UNHRC— on the human rights situa-tion in occupied Palestinianterritory — India urged for animmediate ceasefire andcalled on both sides to resumedialogue.

• The solution to the “Palestineissue,” India said, should bebased on relevant U.N. resolu-tions, the Arab Peace Plan andthe Quartet Roadmap resultingin a “sovereign, independent,viable and united State of Pal-estine within secure andrecognised borders side-by-side at peace with Israel andwith East Jerusalem as its capi-tal”.

India summons Pakistan envoyIndia summons Pakistan envoyIndia summons Pakistan envoyIndia summons Pakistan envoyIndia summons Pakistan envoyover 26/11 trial delayover 26/11 trial delayover 26/11 trial delayover 26/11 trial delayover 26/11 trial delay

• India summoned the DeputyHigh Commissioner of Pakistanand lodged a strong protestagainst the delay in the ongo-ing 2008 Mumbai terror attackstrial in Pakistan.

• The trial of the seven Pakistaniaccused, going on in a Pakistananti-terrorism court, was ad-journed for the seventh time onWednesday, leading India tolodge a “strong diplomatic pro-test” with Islamabad.

• Indian officials also reiteratedthe “high importance India at-taches to bring to justice allthose responsible in Pakistanfor the Mumbai terrorist at-tacks”.

• The last two hearings in the trialcould not take place becauseof the presiding judge being onleave. Earlier, on fouroccasions, trial could not beheld owing to the prosecutionlawyers being absent oversecurity reasons.

India lags behind BRICS onIndia lags behind BRICS onIndia lags behind BRICS onIndia lags behind BRICS onIndia lags behind BRICS onhuman developmenthuman developmenthuman developmenthuman developmenthuman development

• According to the 2014 UNDPHuman Development Report,India’s human developmentindex has improved veryslightly but remains among themedian countries in terms ofhuman development, justseven places aboveBangladesh.

• The Human Development In-dex is a composite index thatmeasures income, education(average years of educationcompleted by adults, and ex-pected years of education forchildren entering school) andhealth (life expectancy).

• With an HDI value of 0.586 outof a maximum possible 1, Indiais ranked 135. India’s humandevelopment index improvedslower in the 2000s than it didin the 1980s despite muchfaster economic growth.

• When inequality is factored in,India loses nearly 30% of its HDIvalue. India’s human develop-ment indicators are also sub-stantially different for men andwomen; the HDI for men aloneis much higher at 0.627, whilethe HDI for Indian womenalone is just 0.519.

• The report cites ILO estimatesthat a “basic social floor -universal basic old age anddisability pensions, basicchildcare benefits, universalaccess to essential health care,social assistance and a 100-dayemployment scheme” wouldcost India less than 4 per centof its GDP.

Chinese RailChinese RailChinese RailChinese RailChinese RailLines up to India BorderLines up to India BorderLines up to India BorderLines up to India BorderLines up to India Border

• China is planning theconstruction of two railwaylines in Tibet that will extendup to the border with India andare expected to be completedby 2020.

• The railway lines will run fromthe town of Shigatse, whichnext month will be connectedto the Qinghai-Tibet railwayline that extends to Lhasa.

• Railway line will be furtherextended during the 13th fiveyear plan period (2016-2020),running to two regions near theborder with India: Yatung, atrade centre close to Sikkimand Bhutan, and to Nyingchi inthe east, near the ArunachalPradesh border.

• A third railway line will be buildto Gyirong, where there is atrade and border checkpointconnecting Tibet’s Yatungcounty and Nepal.

• It will accelerate transportationof the mineral products, whichcould only be transmittedthrough highways that often





risk being cut off during rainyseasons or see vehicleturnovers, the bargaining chipswill be increased on theChinese side if people in theSouth Tibet region see bettereconomic development insouthwestern Tibet.

India Links TradeIndia Links TradeIndia Links TradeIndia Links TradeIndia Links TradePact to Food Subsidies DealPact to Food Subsidies DealPact to Food Subsidies DealPact to Food Subsidies DealPact to Food Subsidies Deal

• India said at the WTO GeneralCouncil meeting in Geneva thatthe failure of the trade body towork in the interests of all itsmembers and to delivermeaningfully on thedevelopment mandate of theDoha Development Roundwould pose a far more seriousrisk to its credibility than anyother factor.

• India suggested that theadoption of the TradeFacilitation Agreement (TFA)be postponed till satisfactoryprogress is made on the issueof finding permanentprotection for India’s minimumsupport prices to farmersagainst the WTO subsidy capsthat are benchmarked to foodprices of the 1980s.

• India said it was not opposedto the TFA but demanded thatother decisions of Bali be takenforward in the same time frameand demanded that theadoption of the TF Protocol bepostponed till a permanentsolution on public stockholdingfor food security is found.

• India proposed modificationsto the Protocol, includingsetting December 31, 2014 asthe deadline for finding apermanent solution on publicstockholding for food security,Other suggestions include theimmediate establishment of aninstitutional mechanism such as

a dedicated Special Session ofthe Committee on Agricultureto arrive at the permanentsolution by the deadline.

• India pointed out that thedeveloping countries hadaccepted the Bali package ingood faith reassured by therenewed affirmation ofcommitment to the DohaDevelopment Agenda and itsdevelopment dimension.

Boko Haram: Ready forBoko Haram: Ready forBoko Haram: Ready forBoko Haram: Ready forBoko Haram: Ready fornegotiations to free abductednegotiations to free abductednegotiations to free abductednegotiations to free abductednegotiations to free abductedgirls, says Nigeriagirls, says Nigeriagirls, says Nigeriagirls, says Nigeriagirls, says Nigeria

• Nigeria’s PermanentRepresentative to the UN, saidthe country is open tonegotiations in order to securethe release of over 200schoolgirls who wereabducted in April.

• It is now more than 100 daysafter the schoolgirls wereabducted by Islamist militantgroup Boko Haram in Chibok,Borno.

• According to the HumanRights Watch, Boko Haram hasbeen responsible for the deathof 2,053 civilians in 95 attacksduring the first six months of thisyear.

China asks India, U.S., Japan toChina asks India, U.S., Japan toChina asks India, U.S., Japan toChina asks India, U.S., Japan toChina asks India, U.S., Japan toensure naval drills will beensure naval drills will beensure naval drills will beensure naval drills will beensure naval drills will be‘helpful’ to peace in the region‘helpful’ to peace in the region‘helpful’ to peace in the region‘helpful’ to peace in the region‘helpful’ to peace in the region

• India, the United States andJapan kicked off three-waynaval exercises, China hascalled on the three countriesto ensure that the Malabar drills

in the Pacific Ocean would behelpful to build mutual trust ina region grappling withrenewed maritime tensions.

• India for the first time in morethan five years agreed to a long-pending Japanese request toparticipate in the India-U.S.“Malabar” naval exercises.

• Chinese leaders and State me-dia have, in recent months, fre-quently praised India’s statedpolicy of strategic indepen-dence amid increasing debatein China on the U.S. “pivot” orrebalancing to strengthen mili-tary ties with countries in theAsia-Pacific.

U.S. criticises India’sU.S. criticises India’sU.S. criticises India’sU.S. criticises India’sU.S. criticises India’s“restrictive” religious laws“restrictive” religious laws“restrictive” religious laws“restrictive” religious laws“restrictive” religious laws

• Indian authorities implemented“restrictive laws” and did not“always efficiently or effec-tively prosecute those who at-tacked religious minorities,”according to the 2013 Interna-tional Religious Freedom re-port, released by the U.S. StateDepartment.

• Citing a long list of notable in-cidents where religious rightswere curbed, the IRF reportsaid that although the Indiangovernment “generally re-spected” religious freedom,some laws and policies re-stricted this freedom and offi-cials invoked several sectionsof the Indian Penal Code thatresulted in minorities’ freedomof speech being curtailed onInternet sites.





India, U.S. to discuss problems in nuclear tradeIndia, U.S. to discuss problems in nuclear tradeIndia, U.S. to discuss problems in nuclear tradeIndia, U.S. to discuss problems in nuclear tradeIndia, U.S. to discuss problems in nuclear trade

• Mr. Kerry will be meetingExternal Affairs MinisterSushma Swaraj along with a fulldelegation for the fifth Indo-U.S.Strategic Dialogue.

• Mr. Kerry will also meet Mr.Jaitley, and sources saiddiscussions on defencepurchases that the U.S. ispushing, including helicopters,missiles, and ultra-light howitzerguns, are expected to be

positive.• During the strategic dialogue,

India and the U.S. will try andiron out the issues inconducting civil nuclear trade.Despite interest fromcompanies such asWestinghouse and GE, tradehas been blocked over U.S.concerns on India’s suppliers’liability clause. India hasalready been able to cross

similar hurdles with France andRussia.

Indians inIndians inIndians inIndians inIndians inLibya told to leave countryLibya told to leave countryLibya told to leave countryLibya told to leave countryLibya told to leave country

• Amid spiralling violence inLibya, India’s mission in Tripoliadvised its nationals to leave thestrife-torn country using allavailable means and not totravel to that country.

• Andhra Pradesh governmentwrote to External Affairs Minis-ter Sushma Swaraj seeking theCentre’s intervention to evacu-ate people from the State whowere working in the north Afri-can country.

• Prior to the uprising in Libya, thenumber of Indians engagedthere was estimated to be morethan 18,000.

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EconomyEconomyEconomyEconomyEconomy




RBI Committee for Indices onRBI Committee for Indices onRBI Committee for Indices onRBI Committee for Indices onRBI Committee for Indices onLabour to Improve Decision-Labour to Improve Decision-Labour to Improve Decision-Labour to Improve Decision-Labour to Improve Decision-MakingMakingMakingMakingMaking

• Seeking to address data gapproblems, a Reserve Bank ofIndia panel, made a case forcompilation of separate indiceson producer price, labourforce, urban wages andhousehold indebtedness witha view to improving monetarypolicy formulation.

• To address major data gaps inmonetary policy-making, thecommittee recommends thecompilation of variousindicators, such as producerprice index, services sectoroutput and price index, labourforce survey, urban wages,retail sales, construction activitysurvey, and surveys ofhousehold indebtednessthrough co-ordination with therelevant government agencies.

• The panel, headed by RBIExecutive Director DeepakMohanty, said: “with increasingintegration with the globaleconomy and the growingcomplexity of the economicstructure, information needshave increased considerably

• rural infrastructuredevelopment fund of Rs. 5,000crore will be available.

• rovision has been made fordeveloping agriculturalwarehouses at a cost of Rs.5,000 crore.

• The National Rural LivelihoodMission will be extended to 100more districts.

• Soil health cards will beprovided to farmers and a newurea policy will be developed.•1000 crore for “Pradhan mantrikrishi sinchayee yojana” forassured irrigation.

• Shyam Prasad Mukharji RurbanMission for integrated productbased infrastructure.

• Deen Dayal upadhayaya gramjyoti yojana for rural power.

11 per cent jump in Home11 per cent jump in Home11 per cent jump in Home11 per cent jump in Home11 per cent jump in HomeMinistry’s budgetMinistry’s budgetMinistry’s budgetMinistry’s budgetMinistry’s budget

• The Home Ministry wasallocated Rs. 65,745 crore inthe 2014-15 Budgetannounced on Thursday, a 11per cent jump over last year’soutlay.

• It is also proposed to set up‘Crisis Management Centres’ inall the districts of NationalCapital Territory of Delhi thisyear in all government andprivate hospitals. The funding

and data gaps are beingexperienced in variousdomains of central banking.

Highlights of the Budget:-Highlights of the Budget:-Highlights of the Budget:-Highlights of the Budget:-Highlights of the Budget:-• Arun Jaitley retains fiscal deficit

target at 4.1%, outlinesroadmap-

• Government will retain thefiscal deficit (Totalexpenditure- Toal governmentnon debt creating revenue)target for 2014-15 at 4.1 percent of GDP and brought downto 3.6 per cent in 2015-16 and3 per cent by 2016-17. Thereare many challenges tolowering fiscal deficit like lowfrowth, High interest rate,subsidy burden etc.

• The CAD, which is thedifference between inflowsand outflows of foreignexchange, was brought downto 1.7 per cent of GDP in 2013-14, from a record 4.7 per centin the previous year, becauseof actions taken byGovernment, RBI and Sebi.

Strong Emphasis onStrong Emphasis onStrong Emphasis onStrong Emphasis onStrong Emphasis onRural DevelopmentRural DevelopmentRural DevelopmentRural DevelopmentRural Development

• Agriculture credit availabilitywill be Rs. 8 lakh crore. Farmerswho make prompt repaymentwill be given loan at 4 per centinterest.

ECONOMY





will be provided from theNirbhaya Fund setup after 16thdecember 2012 incident inDelhi.

• CRPF which is involved in anti-Naxal operations besides main-taining security situation inJammu and Kashmir and theNortheastern region has beenallocated Rs. 12,169.51 crorecomparison to Rs. 11,373.72crore it received last year.

• The BSF, which guards Indo-Pak and Indo-Bangladesh bor-ders ; Assam Rifles, which playsa key role in anti-insurgency

operations in the Northeast andguards the Indo-Myanmar bor-der ; The ITBP, which guardsthe icy heights along the Sino-Indian border etc. have all seena rise in their allocation.

• A sum of Rs. 11.37 crore hasbeen allocated for developingtraffic and communication net-works and model traffic sys-tems in NCR, Rs. 11.50 crore forinstallation of traffic signals inthe national capital and Rs 110crore for construction of forti-fied police stations in Naxal-af-fected states.

the NRI community towards theconservation of the river Ganga,an ‘NRI Fund for Ganga’ will beset up which will financespecial projects.

• A sum of Rs. 100 crore has beenset aside for Ghat developmentand beautification of the riverfront at Kedarnath, Haridwar,Kanpur, Varanasi, Allahabad,Patna and Delhi.

• The budget also contains thefirst ever effort to link the riversacross the country with theFinance Minister setting asidea sum of Rs. 100 crore in thecurrent budget to expedite thepreparation of Detailed ProjectReports.

Govt to continue Aadhaar,Govt to continue Aadhaar,Govt to continue Aadhaar,Govt to continue Aadhaar,Govt to continue Aadhaar,provides Rs. 2k cr in 2014-15provides Rs. 2k cr in 2014-15provides Rs. 2k cr in 2014-15provides Rs. 2k cr in 2014-15provides Rs. 2k cr in 2014-15

• A sum of Rs 2,039.64 crore hasbeen provided for 2014-15 toexecute the task ofimplementing UniqueIdentification as entrusted toUnique Identification Authorityof India (UIDAI).

• UIDAI was mandated tocollect biometrics of 600million residents in the countryand rest of the population wasto be covered under the

Govt to Review DTC bill in its Present FormGovt to Review DTC bill in its Present FormGovt to Review DTC bill in its Present FormGovt to Review DTC bill in its Present FormGovt to Review DTC bill in its Present Form

• Draft DTC Bill prepared by thethen Finance Minister PranabMukherjee in 2010 whichproposed the slabs at Rs 2-5lakh (10 per cent) , Rs 5-10 lakh(20 per cent) and Rs 10 lakhand above (30 per cent). Herethe corporate tax wasproposed at 30 per cent.

• The Standing Committee onFinance headed by Senior BJPleader Yashwant Sinhasuggested raising the incometax exemption limit to Rs 3 lakhas against Rs 2 lakh proposedin the DTC Bill, 2010.

• The Standing Committee in itsrecommendation suggestedthe slabs in the brackets of Rs3-10 lakh, Rs 10-20 lakh and Rs20 lakh and above. Oncorporate tax, it recommendedthat the rate be retained at 30per cent.

Govt proposes over Rs. 2,000 crGovt proposes over Rs. 2,000 crGovt proposes over Rs. 2,000 crGovt proposes over Rs. 2,000 crGovt proposes over Rs. 2,000 crfor Ganga Conservation Missionfor Ganga Conservation Missionfor Ganga Conservation Missionfor Ganga Conservation Missionfor Ganga Conservation Mission

• An integrated programme forthe conservation of river Gangacalled “Namami Gange” with anoutlay of Rs 2,037 crores hasbeen proposed.

• To harness the enthusiasm of





National Population Register(NPR) project.

• Cabinet Committee on UIDAIdecided that all residentswould be issue National Multi-purpose Identity Cards underNPR and UIDAI wouldgenerate Unique identificationnumber for the entirepopulation. Both UIDAI andNPR were to share thebiometric data collected bythem for issuing NMIC andgenerating uniqueidentification number.

• The NPR is a comprehensiveidentity database maintainedby the Registrar General andCensus Commissioner of Indiaunder the Home Ministry.

FDI limit in insurance,FDI limit in insurance,FDI limit in insurance,FDI limit in insurance,FDI limit in insurance,defence hiked to 49%defence hiked to 49%defence hiked to 49%defence hiked to 49%defence hiked to 49%

• Government proposed hikingthe foreign direct investmentlimit in insurance and defencesectors to 49 per cent, with fullIndian management andcontrol, through the FIPB(Foreign Investment PromotionBoard) route.

• Government also proposed Rs.5,000 crore hike in defenceallocation over the previousinterim budget.

• Mr. Jaitley also announced thatRs. 1,000 crore were beingearmarked for strategic railwayprojects in border areas.

Rs. 37,880 crore to be PumpedRs. 37,880 crore to be PumpedRs. 37,880 crore to be PumpedRs. 37,880 crore to be PumpedRs. 37,880 crore to be Pumpedinto Nation’s Road Networkinto Nation’s Road Networkinto Nation’s Road Networkinto Nation’s Road Networkinto Nation’s Road Network

• Union Budget 2014 has givenimportance to fast-trackinghighways and improving theroad infrastructure.

• Proposal of investment inNational Highways Authority ofIndia and State roads of anamount of Rs. 37,880 crorewhich includes Rs. 3,000 crorefor the North East.

• Mr. Jaitley also proposedsetting up of an institution,called 3P India, with a corpusof Rs. 500 crore to providesupport to mainstreaming PPPs.

• Mr. Jaitley proposed todevelop an additional 15,000km of gas pipeline systems inthe country using appropriatePPP models.

IIP grows toIIP grows toIIP grows toIIP grows toIIP grows to19-month high of 4.7% in May19-month high of 4.7% in May19-month high of 4.7% in May19-month high of 4.7% in May19-month high of 4.7% in May

• IIP grew at 4.7 per cent in May,a 19-month high.

• The growth is mainly on theback of recovery in the outputof manufacturing, mining andelectricity production andcapital goods.

• Manufacturing, whichconstitutes over 75 per cent ofthe index, grew 4.8 per cent inMay against 3.2 per centdecline in output a year ago.

RBI Governor LaunchesRBI Governor LaunchesRBI Governor LaunchesRBI Governor LaunchesRBI Governor Launches

Indian Bank’s mobile BranchesIndian Bank’s mobile BranchesIndian Bank’s mobile BranchesIndian Bank’s mobile BranchesIndian Bank’s mobile Branches

• Indian Bank has, as part of theurban financial inclusioninitiative, launched two mobile

branches with ATM facility inChennai.

• Under the financial inclusioninitiative, Indian Bank hasprovided banking services to5,098 villages, of which 4,934villages have been coveredthrough smart card enabledbusiness correspondentmodel.

• Bank already operates eightmobile branches providingbanking services in 70 villages.

NabardNabardNabardNabardNabardLaunches Rupay Kisan CardsLaunches Rupay Kisan CardsLaunches Rupay Kisan CardsLaunches Rupay Kisan CardsLaunches Rupay Kisan Cards

• National Bank for Agricultureand Rural Development(Nabard) today rolled outRuPay Kisan Card and RuPayDebit Card, it is in the nature ofATM cum Debit Card, is beingissued by any cooperative bankin the state of Haryana.

• RuPay cards by cooperativebanks will enable them toimprove their customer serviceand bring it on par with anyother bank to farmers and othercustomers.

GGGGGovernment to take on GAARovernment to take on GAARovernment to take on GAARovernment to take on GAARovernment to take on GAARimplementation soon:implementation soon:implementation soon:implementation soon:implementation soon:Revenue SecretaryRevenue SecretaryRevenue SecretaryRevenue SecretaryRevenue Secretary

• Revenue Secretary ShaktikantaDas on Saturday said thegovernment would shortly takea view on whether controversialtax law GAAR should beimplemented from the





scheduled date of April, 2015.

• The Government had earlierproposed imposing theGeneral Anti-Avoidance Rules(GAAR) from April 1, 2015, forthose claiming tax benefit ofover Rs. 3 crore. The rules areaimed at minimising taxavoidance for investmentsmade by entities based in taxhavens.

• As per the existing proposal,investments made after March2013 will be covered underGAAR with effect fromassessment year 2016-17.

BSE forms 11-memberBSE forms 11-memberBSE forms 11-memberBSE forms 11-memberBSE forms 11-memberadvisory group on REITsadvisory group on REITsadvisory group on REITsadvisory group on REITsadvisory group on REITs

• The Bombay Stock Exchange(BSE) has launched an advisorygroup on REITs (real estateinvestment trusts), which areaimed at attracting long-termfunds to the cash-strappedrealty sector from both foreignas well as domestic investors.

• REITs can bring in USD 10billion of foreign funds into thesector by the end of this fiscal.

• REITs were originallyannounced in FY 2014 Budget,but at that time the governmentdid not offer any tax sops toattract investors. But ArunJaitley had announced taxincentives like exemption fromlong-term capital gains tax topopularise REITs.

Rs. 2923 cr fine on telcos forRs. 2923 cr fine on telcos forRs. 2923 cr fine on telcos forRs. 2923 cr fine on telcos forRs. 2923 cr fine on telcos forviolating issuance normsviolating issuance normsviolating issuance normsviolating issuance normsviolating issuance norms

• The Government has imposeda penalty of about Rs 2,923crore on telecom operators inthe past seven years for issuingmobile connections withoutproper verifications.

• TERM cells have imposedpenalty on non—compliantconsumer application form(CAF) and filing of complaints/FIR against forged cases.

• Major deficiencies in issuingmobile connections wererelated to missing CAF, missingphoto or document proof,subscriber’s acquisition basedon forged or fake documents,pre—activated mobileconnections, more than 9connections to an individual inone service area etc.

• James Rodriguez of Colombiawon the Golden boot award formost number(6) of goals in thetournament.

WPI Inflation Eases to 5.4 % in JuneWPI Inflation Eases to 5.4 % in JuneWPI Inflation Eases to 5.4 % in JuneWPI Inflation Eases to 5.4 % in JuneWPI Inflation Eases to 5.4 % in June

• Annual wholesale price index-based (WPI) inflation eased to5.4 per cent in June, it was 6per cent in May.

• Retail inflation fell to 30-monthlow of 7.31 per cent in June,mainly on account of lowerprices of food items, includingvegetables, cereals and meat.

• The retail inflation, measured onconsumer price index (CPI),was 8.28 per cent in May. Itslowest was 7.65 per cent inJanuary, 2012, the month thegovernment started releasingthe data in percentage terms.

• According to the data, thecorresponding provisionalinflation rates for rural and

urban areas for June are: 7.72per cent and 6.82 per centcompared to 8.86 per cent and7.55 per cent in May,respectively.

• The moderation in inflationtogether with the rebound inindustrial production, as perthe recently released data,provides a positive signal thatthe structural bottlenecksafflicting the economy couldbe gradually showing signs ofreceding.

• Prices of vegetables, though ona downward trend, continuedto remain elevated despite aseries of steps from newGovernment for a crack-down





on high food inflation. Theseinclude restrictions on exportsof key kitchen commodities.

Govt slaps $579 m additionalGovt slaps $579 m additionalGovt slaps $579 m additionalGovt slaps $579 m additionalGovt slaps $579 m additionalpenalty on Reliance Industriespenalty on Reliance Industriespenalty on Reliance Industriespenalty on Reliance Industriespenalty on Reliance Industries

• The government has slappedan additional penalty of $579million on Reliance Industriesfor producing less thantargeted natural gas from itsKG-D6 block.

• With this, the total penalty onRIL for missing the target in fourfiscal years beginning April 1,2010 now stands at acumulative $2.376 billion.

• The Production SharingContract (PSC) allows RIL andits partners BP Plc and NikoResources to deduct all capitaland operating expenses fromthe sale of gas before sharingprofit with the government.

• The creation of excess orunutilised infrastructureimpacts the government’s profitshare and this is sought to becorrected by disallowing partof the expenses incurred.

• Gas output from the Dhirubhai-1 and 3 gas field in the easternoffshore KG-D6 block wassupposed to be 80 millionstandard cubic meters per daybut actual production was only35.33 mmscmd in 2011-12,20.88 mmscmd in 2012-13 and9.77 mmscmd in 2013-14.

RBI eases reserve norms forRBI eases reserve norms forRBI eases reserve norms forRBI eases reserve norms forRBI eases reserve norms forbanks issuing infra bondsbanks issuing infra bondsbanks issuing infra bondsbanks issuing infra bondsbanks issuing infra bonds

• The objective of these

instructions is to mitigate theAsset-Liability Management(ALM) problems faced bybanks in extending projectloans to infrastructure and coreindustries sectors, and also toease the raising of long termresources for project loans toinfrastructure and affordablehousing sectors

• The RBI said that apart fromwhat is technically defined asinfrastructure, affordablehousing is another segment ofthe economy which requireslong-term funding.

• India is looking at investing $1trillion in infrastructuredevelopment by 2017, half ofwhich is expected to comefrom the private sector.

• Finance Minister duringbudget speech also said thatbanks will be encouraged toextend long term loans toinfrastructure sector withflexible structuring to absorbpotential adversecontingencies, sometimesknown as the 5/25 structure.

• Under the 5/25 structure, bankmay fix longer amortisationperiod for loans to projects ininfrastructure and coreindustries sectors, say 25 years,with periodic refinancing, sayevery five years. This ensuresthat banks Asset and Liability isproperly managed.

Finding life beyond Earth is within reach: NASAFinding life beyond Earth is within reach: NASAFinding life beyond Earth is within reach: NASAFinding life beyond Earth is within reach: NASAFinding life beyond Earth is within reach: NASA

•· Experts from NASA and itspartner institutions haveoutlined a road-map to thesearch for life in the universe,an ongoing journey thatinvolves a number of currentand future telescopes.

• NASA’s quest to study

planetary systems around otherstars started with ground-basedobservatories, then moved tospace-based assets like theHubble Space Telescope, theSpitzer Space Telescope, andthe Kepler Space Telescope.

• Today’s telescopes can look at





many stars and tell if they haveone or more orbiting planets.Even more, they can determineif the planets are the rightdistance away from the star tohave liquid water, the keyingredient to life as we know it.

• The NASA road-map willcontinue with the launch of theTransiting Exoplanet SurveyingSatellite (TESS) in 2017, theJames Webb Space Telescopein 2018, and the proposedWide Field Infrared SurveyTelescope — AstrophysicsFocused Telescope Assets(WFIRST-AFTA) early in thenext decade.

• The Webb telescope andWFIRST—AFTA will lay thegroundwork, and futuremissions will extend the searchfor oceans in the form ofatmospheric water vapour andfor life as in carbon dioxide andother atmospheric chemicals,on nearby planets that aresimilar to Earth in size and mass,a key step in the search for life.

India, Brazil to expand tradeIndia, Brazil to expand tradeIndia, Brazil to expand tradeIndia, Brazil to expand tradeIndia, Brazil to expand trade

• Prime Minister Narendra Modimet Brazilian President DilmaRousseff and two countriessigned agreements oncooperation in the field ofenvironment and remotesensing.

• During the meeting, the twoheads of nations agreed to takesteps to further expand anddiversify trade and investmentflows and deepen cooperation

transport equipment shrank (-)11 per cent, machinery (-) 3.4per cent and pearls and stones(-) 2.2 per cent. The growth inoil imports is likely to have beenled by the pace of recovery inindustrial output seen in June.

Core steps will be taken toCore steps will be taken toCore steps will be taken toCore steps will be taken toCore steps will be taken tosustain economic recoverysustain economic recoverysustain economic recoverysustain economic recoverysustain economic recovery

• Finance Minister said that therewas “no contradiction in beingpro-business and being pro-poor.” Only a spike in economicactivity could create theresources “to service the poor”through social welfareprogrammes.

• Mr. Jaitley outlined a road mapfor economic recovery througha stable tax regime, targetedsubsidies for the poor andmarginalised and using privateinvestment to boostinfrastructure and housing,foreign direct investment (FDI)in defence and insurance.

• He said that new governmenthas pushed for fiscal disciplinethan populism and it intendedto rationalise subsidies so thatthey benefitted the poor, notthe middle class throughsubsidies in the oil sector andeducation.

Contingent liabilities of statesContingent liabilities of statesContingent liabilities of statesContingent liabilities of statesContingent liabilities of statesa cause for concern, says RBIa cause for concern, says RBIa cause for concern, says RBIa cause for concern, says RBIa cause for concern, says RBIpaperpaperpaperpaperpaper

• A working paper of the Reserve

in agriculture and dairy science,conventional and renewableenergy, space research andapplication, defence, cybersecurity and environmentconservation.

• They also agreed to intensifycooperation in internationalforums and multilateralinstitutions, including the G20.

• The two sides signedMemoranda of Understandingon environment; oncooperation in augmentation ofa Brazilian earth station forreceiving and processing datafrom Indian Remote Sensingsatellites; and on cooperationin the establishment of aconsultation mechanism onmobility and consular issues.

Exports grow 10.2% in JuneExports grow 10.2% in JuneExports grow 10.2% in JuneExports grow 10.2% in JuneExports grow 10.2% in June

• Exports grew at above 10 percent year-on-year for the thirdmonth in a row in June, up 10.2per cent to $26.5 billion.

• Imports in June also grew forthe first time in 13 months, up8.3 per cent to $38.2 billion.

• Monthly trade deficit rosemarginally to $11.8 billion inJune from $11.2 billion in May.The partial relaxation in goldimport norms in May resultedin higher imports at $3.1 billionin June against the average of$1.5 billion during the past 12months.

• Export growth was thestrongest in petro products at38 per cent, followed byengineering goods that grew 22per cent. Electronic goodsexports shrank (-) 25 per centand gems and jewelleryexports contracted (-) 5 percent in June.

• Chemicals imports were up 19per cent and petroleumimports 11 per cent. Imports of





Bank of India titled “Debtsustainability at the State levelin India’’ sounded a warningthat the contingent liabilities,primarily in the form of issuanceof guarantees by the stategovernments, remained an areaof concern.

• Going forward, there could bedownside risks in case theslowdown in growthmomentum observed duringthe last two years persisted.

• The debt position of stategovernments witnessed asignificant improvement from2004-05 onwards. This hasbeen attributed, among others,to the implementation of ofFiscal Responsibility andBudget Management (FRBM)Acts/Fiscal ResponsibilityLegislations (FRLs) at the statelevel in early 2000s.

• Karnataka was the first to enactits FRBM Act in September2002, followed by Kerala(2003), Tamil Nadu (2003) andPunjab (2003).

• This was also supported by theimplementation of Debt SwapScheme (DSS) from 2002-03 to2004-05 and DebtConsolidation and Relief Facility(DCRF) from 2005-06 to 2009-10. These two debtrestructuring schemesprovided debt relief throughdebt consolidation, andreduced the interest burden onthe states.

• These developments weremirrored in lower debt-GDPratio at 26.6 per cent in end-March 2008, before decliningfurther to 21.7 per cent in end-March 2013.

SEBI finalises draft norms forSEBI finalises draft norms forSEBI finalises draft norms forSEBI finalises draft norms forSEBI finalises draft norms forInfra Investment TrustsInfra Investment TrustsInfra Investment TrustsInfra Investment TrustsInfra Investment Trusts

• The Securities and Exchange

Board of India, came out withdraft guidelines forInfrastructure InvestmentTrusts (InvITs), which willenable creation of a newinvestment product forarranging long-term financingfor infrastructure projects.

• These InvITs can be listed onthe stock exchanges, will gettax benefits and will invest thefunds collected from investorsin infrastructure projects,including PPP.

• An InvIT prior to making an offerof units, either through publicissue or private placement, mayhave strategic investors such asbanks, international multilateralfinancial institutions, FPIsincluding sovereign wealthfunds, which together investnot less than 5 per cent of thesize of the InvIT or such amountas may be specified by Sebi.

• The proposed holding of anInvIT in the underlying assetsshall be not less than Rs.500crore, and the offer size of theInvIT shall not be less thenRs.250 crore at the time of initialoffer of units.

• The aggregate consolidatedborrowing of the InvIT and theunderlying SPVs shall neverexceed 49 per cent of thevalue of InvIT assets. Further,for any borrowing exceeding25 per cent of the value of InvITassets, requirement of creditrating and unit holders approvalhas been made mandatory.

• InvITs would allow investors toinvest in specific productslinked to infrastructureprojects, while providingnecessary safeguards. Besides,it would help the corporatesraise significant amounts ofcapital for their projects.

• An InvIT which proposes toinvest at least 80 per cent ofthe value of the assets in thecompleted and revenuegenerating infrastructure assets,The remaining 20 per cent maybe invested in underconstruction infrastructureprojects.

SEBI easesSEBI easesSEBI easesSEBI easesSEBI easesdisclosure norms for AIFsdisclosure norms for AIFsdisclosure norms for AIFsdisclosure norms for AIFsdisclosure norms for AIFs

• Alternative Investment Funds(AIFs) are basically fundsestablished, or incorporated inIndia, for the purpose ofpooling in capital from Indianand foreign investors forinvesting as per a pre-decidedpolicy.

• The Securities and ExchangeBoard of India said that all AIFhave to disclose the‘disciplinary history’ of thefund, its sponsor, manager,directors, partners, promotersand associates for the last fiveyears.

• Further, SEBI said any changein placement memorandum(which consists of details ofdisciplinary actions of thefunds) to all would beintimated to investors and toSEBI once every six months on





a consolidated basis, as againstthe current practice of sevendays.

• Under SEBI guidelines, AIFscan operate broadly in threecategories. The Category-I AIFsare those funds that getincentives from thegovernment, SEBI or otherregulators and include SocialVenture Funds, InfrastructureFunds, Venture Capital Fundsand SME Funds. The Category-III AIFs are those trading with aview to making short-termreturns and it includes hedgefunds, among others. TheCategory-II AIFs can investanywhere in any combinationbut are prohibited from raisingdebt, except for meeting theirday-to-day operationalrequirements. These AIFsinclude private equity funds,debt funds or fund of funds, asalso all others falling outside theambit of two other categories.

Recapitalisation of PSU banksRecapitalisation of PSU banksRecapitalisation of PSU banksRecapitalisation of PSU banksRecapitalisation of PSU bankson high priority: Jaitleyon high priority: Jaitleyon high priority: Jaitleyon high priority: Jaitleyon high priority: Jaitley

• Finance Minister Arun Jaitleyon Saturday saidrecapitalisation to the tune ofRs 2.4 lakh crore in publicsector banks to meet Basel IIInorms is a ‘high priority’ item forthe government.

• The UPA Government’s InterimBudget had allocated Rs11,200 crore for the currentfiscal towards this.

• The Government owns 58.60

per cent stake in SBI right now.For SBI to raise capital formeeting the Basel III norms, theGovernment could need tolower its shareholding.

• He said the capital would beraised by the banks withoutdiluting public sectorcharacteristics in them. So, thegovernment stake in the bankswould remain over 51 per cent.

• This programme has to berapidly expanded so that theremaining 42 per cent offinancially excludedpopulation is brought into thebanking system.

IMD says monsoon deficit hasIMD says monsoon deficit hasIMD says monsoon deficit hasIMD says monsoon deficit hasIMD says monsoon deficit hascome down to 31%come down to 31%come down to 31%come down to 31%come down to 31%

• The monsoon deficit has comedown to 31 per cent with rainspicking up in July across thecountry, giving relief to farmers.

• Central and northwestern Indiahave been receiving deficientrainfall, but even in these partsthe monsoon has been makingprogress.

• The monsoon is expected toremain good for the next twoweeks in north, central,southern peninsula and easternIndia.

• However, parts of northwesternIndia, which includes westernRajasthan and Kutch region,may still receive weak rainfall.

• In the next 24 to 48 hours, theweather system will bring inwidespread good monsoonrains over Telangana,Chhattisgarh, east MadhyaPradesh and Vidarbha. The rainbelt will gradually shift to bringrest of Madhya Pradesh andadjoining Maharashtra under itspurview. By July 22-23, a freshweather system will bring rainsover Gangetic West Bengal,Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha.

GEAC clears field trials forGEAC clears field trials forGEAC clears field trials forGEAC clears field trials forGEAC clears field trials forGM cropsGM cropsGM cropsGM cropsGM crops

• The Genetic EngineeringApproval Committee (GEAC)has given the green signal forfield trials of geneticallymodified (GM) rice, mustard,cotton, chickpea and brinjal.

• While the GEAC has approvedthe commercial release of Btbrinjal it has been stayed by theMinistry of Environment and Mr.Pande said the governmentwould have to take a decisionon this.

• The only genetically modifiedcrop approved for release inIndia is cotton.

• Three companies - Bayer BioSciences, Monsanto and BASFhave been allowed to importthe Soyabean oil, which isgenetically modified. The lasttime Central FoodTechnological ResearchInstitute (CFTRI), gave a cleanchit to imported samples.

World Bank chief to meetWorld Bank chief to meetWorld Bank chief to meetWorld Bank chief to meetWorld Bank chief to meetModi, review keyModi, review keyModi, review keyModi, review keyModi, review keydevelopment prioritiesdevelopment prioritiesdevelopment prioritiesdevelopment prioritiesdevelopment priorities

• World Bank Group President





Jim Yong Kim will meet PrimeMinister Narendra Modi thisweek to understand hisdevelopment priorities.

• “The historic mandate from thepeople of India represents atremendous opportunity tounlock India’s growth potentialand take advantage of itsimmense demographicdividend,” said Mr. Kim

• Mr. Kim will visit World Bank-supported project sites in TamilNadu to see the challenges ofIndia’s rural-urbantransformation, and how,empowered with the rightskills, rural women in the stateare taking advantage ofemerging urban employmentopportunities.

• World Bank Group’s privatesector arm, the InternationalFinance Corporation (IFC) hassuccessfully mobilised its $1billion offshore rupee bondprogram, aimed atstrengthening India’s capitalmarkets and attracting foreigninvestments.

• India is home to the largestoperations of the InternationalBank for Reconstruction andDevelopment (IBRD), theInternational DevelopmentAssociation (IDA), and theInternational FinanceCorporation (IFC).

• World Bank Group assistance toIndia between July 2013 andJune 2014 amounted to $6.4billion.

Revenue collection expected toRevenue collection expected toRevenue collection expected toRevenue collection expected toRevenue collection expected toexceed target this fiscal: Jaitleyexceed target this fiscal: Jaitleyexceed target this fiscal: Jaitleyexceed target this fiscal: Jaitleyexceed target this fiscal: Jaitley

• After missing target in the lastfinancial year, the governmenton Monday exudedconfidence that tax collectionduring the current fiscal wouldexceed budget estimate of Rs.

13.64 lakh crore.• During 2013-14, tax collection

fell short of target by awhopping Rs. 77,000 crore.The government collected Rs.11.58 lakh crore against thebudget estimate of Rs. 12.35lakh crore.

• Mr. Jaitley emphasised that thecredibility of Income Taxdepartment is its greatest asset.“Credibility of income taxdepartment is its greatest asset,that’s why highest standards ofethics are expected fromofficers of the department,”.

• There are doubts about themeeting of indirect taxcollection target for the currentfiscal as there is slowdown inthe economy. On income taxfront, however, there ispossibility of surpassing target.

TRAI suggests Rs.2,400-croreTRAI suggests Rs.2,400-croreTRAI suggests Rs.2,400-croreTRAI suggests Rs.2,400-croreTRAI suggests Rs.2,400-croreplan for two island chainsplan for two island chainsplan for two island chainsplan for two island chainsplan for two island chains

• The Telecom RegulatoryAuthority of India (TRAI),recommended a Rs.2,400-crore project to connect India’stwo major outlying islandchains ;Andaman & NicobarIslands (ANI) and

Lakshadweep, with stable andstrong cable-based networks toreplace the satellite mode oftransmission.

• The move is expected toencourage more operators torun services in these islandchains. At the same time, theregulator has recommendedthe retention of the satelliteoption.

• For ANI, TRAI has suggestedconnecting 22 islands, whichincluded 18 islands with apopulation of above 100 andfour islands which have thepresence of police, forestcamps and tourists. Only 29 outof 576 islands in ANI areinhabited and 90 per cent ofthe population lives on justthree islands — North, Middleand South Andaman Islands.

• For Lakshadweep, TRAI hasprojected connectivity in teninhabited villages. Here, 11 outof 36 islands are inhabited.Lakshadweep is part of theKerala circle and only twooperators — BSNL and Airteloperate services — as againsteight in mainland Kerala.

RBI Working onRBI Working onRBI Working onRBI Working onRBI Working onBankruptcy Exit SystemBankruptcy Exit SystemBankruptcy Exit SystemBankruptcy Exit SystemBankruptcy Exit System

• In the absence of a goodbankruptcy code in India,Reserve Bank is working on asystem to enableentrepreneurs seeking to exitinsolvent business.

• RBI have been thinking how tocreate a system so that people





should voluntarily withdrawfrom an unattractive business.

• While there is a talk of providinglegal provision in theCompanies Act in this regard,but the RBI would like to workon examining the regulatoryframework for the voluntarywithdrawal by theentrepreneur.

• To identify stressed assets, RBIhas established a Credit CentralRepository of Information. Itensures that if a large borrowerdefaults with one bank, theinformation about the same ispassed on to the other bankson quarterly basis.

Firms with 10 or moreFirms with 10 or moreFirms with 10 or moreFirms with 10 or moreFirms with 10 or moreemployees may come underemployees may come underemployees may come underemployees may come underemployees may come underEPF ActEPF ActEPF ActEPF ActEPF Act

• The government is consideringa proposal to reduce thresholdlimit for coverage of firms underthe EPF Act to 10 persons, Atpresent, all those firmsemploying 20 or more workersare covered by the retirementfund body Employees’Provident Fund Organisation(EPFO) for providing a socialsecurity net.

• The timeframe forimplementing this proposal hasnot been fixed. The number ofemployees to be benefitedfrom this proposal has not beenworked out. And EPFO has noplan to bring unorganisedworkers under the providentfund scheme.

• EPFO runs social securityschemes including Employees’Provident Fund Scheme 1952,Employees’ Pension Scheme1995 and Employees DepositLinked Insurance Scheme1976 for the organised sectorworkers at present.

Ultra high net worth householdsUltra high net worth householdsUltra high net worth householdsUltra high net worth householdsUltra high net worth householdsgrew 16% in FY14: reportgrew 16% in FY14: reportgrew 16% in FY14: reportgrew 16% in FY14: reportgrew 16% in FY14: report

• India’s economic recovery iswell and truly under way if onewere to track the growth of ultrahigh net worth households/individuals (UHNHs/UHNIs) inIndia.

• UHNIs are those with wealthexceeding Rs. 25 crore and thereport said their number couldtriple in the next three years.UHNHs net worth is projectedto grow at CAGR of 34 per centfrom an estimated Rs. 104 lakhcrore in FY14 to Rs. 408 lakhcrore in FY19.

• HNIs were returning to equitymarkets compared to the lullfor the last five years. “Investorshad earlier preferred fixedincome investments but equityallocation rose from 35 per centin 2012 to 38 per cent in 2013while debt investmentsreduced to 24 per cent.

Govt. raises FDI cap inGovt. raises FDI cap inGovt. raises FDI cap inGovt. raises FDI cap inGovt. raises FDI cap ininsurance to 49%insurance to 49%insurance to 49%insurance to 49%insurance to 49%

• Cabinet Committee onEconomic Affairs (CCEA)approvED the raising ofForeign Direct Investment(FDI) cap in insurance from 26per cent to 49 per cent throughthe Foreign InvestmentPromotion Board route.

• The government will bring a Billbefore Parliament in the currentsession in this regard. The Billfor the same proposal that wasmoved by the UPAgovernment, lapsed after thelast Lok Sabha’s dissolution.

• The insurance industry hasbeen demanding a hike in theFDI limit for long. As theinsurance business grows, sodo capitalisation needs. Butinsurance firms are restrictedby the existing FDI cap from

tapping overseas investors forcapital while Indian investorsdon’t always have deeppockets.

Cabinet clears bill to empowerCabinet clears bill to empowerCabinet clears bill to empowerCabinet clears bill to empowerCabinet clears bill to empowerSEBI to deal with ponziSEBI to deal with ponziSEBI to deal with ponziSEBI to deal with ponziSEBI to deal with ponzischemesschemesschemesschemesschemes

• A Bill to effectively empowerthe market regulator SEBI tocrack down on ponzi schemesand investment frauds wasapproved by the Cabinet.Following the CCEA approval,the Securities Laws(Amendment) Bill will beintroduced in Parliament.

• The Bill seeks to give SEBIsweeping powers likeattachment of properties,launch of recoveryproceedings, seeking call datarecords to investigate cases andordering search and seizureagainst manipulators andfraudsters.

Central Bank of Sri Lanka inCentral Bank of Sri Lanka inCentral Bank of Sri Lanka inCentral Bank of Sri Lanka inCentral Bank of Sri Lanka ininvestment pact with RBIinvestment pact with RBIinvestment pact with RBIinvestment pact with RBIinvestment pact with RBI

• The Central Bank of Sri Lanka(CBSL) and the Reserve Bankof India (RBI signed anagreement, enabling the RBI toaccess the Sri Lankangovernment securities market,up to a maximum value of $500million.

• The CBSL, in turn, will be ableto further diversify its reserves





management activities intoIndian rupee denominatedassets.

SAT extends stay on SEBISAT extends stay on SEBISAT extends stay on SEBISAT extends stay on SEBISAT extends stay on SEBIorder on Karvy Stock Brokingorder on Karvy Stock Brokingorder on Karvy Stock Brokingorder on Karvy Stock Brokingorder on Karvy Stock Broking

• Securities Appellate Tribunal(SAT) extended the stay onimplementing the Securities

and Exchange Board of India(SEBI) order that barred KarvyStock Broking from taking upnew assignment or launchingnew schemes.

• SEBI’s ruling was with regardto the IPO scam of 2003-2005.Earlier in June, SAT had stayedthe SEBI order till a hearing.

• SEBI had charged that KarvyStock Broking had “failed tomaintain high standards of in-tegrity and further indulged inmanipulation and malpracticesand thereby violated the codeof conduct” specified in its Bro-ker Regulations.

MSME: a road map forMSME: a road map forMSME: a road map forMSME: a road map forMSME: a road map forexecuting budgetexecuting budgetexecuting budgetexecuting budgetexecuting budgetannouncementsannouncementsannouncementsannouncementsannouncements

• This year’s budget hasannounced specific steps thatprovide a positive direction tothe micro, small and mediumenterprises (MSME) sector forgrowth. One such long-overdue step is theannouncement of revision ofthe existing definition.

• The threshold limits of definingMSMEs were set way back in2006 and, while global MSMEsare a lot larger than IndianMSMEs, the definition makes itdifficult to create linkagesbetween MSMEs in India andthe MSMEs worldwide.

• Definition is based oninvestment in plant andmachinery. Inflation hasincreased the cost ofinvestment under plant andmachinery, and this strengthensthe case to expeditiouslyreview the definition based oninvestment criteria.

• Access to finance remains achallenge for MSMEs. Settingup a committee to examine thefinancial architecture ofMSMEs is welcome; however,what is required is concreterecommendations for fasteravailability of credit at low cost.

• Issues related to service tax forMSMEs are yet to be resolved.For instance, an increase in thethreshold limit for levy ofservice tax is desirable.

No proposal to lower gold import duty: FinMinNo proposal to lower gold import duty: FinMinNo proposal to lower gold import duty: FinMinNo proposal to lower gold import duty: FinMinNo proposal to lower gold import duty: FinMin

• The Finance Ministry on Fridaysaid at present it has noproposal to lower customs dutyon gold from the current 10 percent.

•· There have been demands forreduction in the levy on theprecious metal as importsdeclined to 638 tonnes in2013-14 from 845 tonnes in theprevious fiscal.

• Following a sudden spurt ingold import in the beginning of2013, the government had

hiked import duty on theprecious metal to 10 per centin phases. The government andthe Reserve Bank also imposedcertain other restrictions onshipments, including linking ofimports to exports to preventoutflow of foreign exchange.

• Government said the cases ofgold smuggling had gone up in2013-14 to 2,441. In 2012-13and 2011-12 the number ofsuch cases stood at 869 and500 respectively.





• The proposedentrepreneurship-friendlyBankruptcy Law is a muchneeded breather for theindustry, and will facilitate easyexit for loss-making units.

• Finally, the focus on SMEdevelopment in the Northeastand Jammu & Kashmir, asannounced in the budget, willlead to balanced regionaldevelopment, especiallythrough better rail connectivityin the Northeast.

India has to decide on tradeIndia has to decide on tradeIndia has to decide on tradeIndia has to decide on tradeIndia has to decide on traderules: Kerryrules: Kerryrules: Kerryrules: Kerryrules: Kerry

• U.S. Secretary of State JohnKerry said, while India and theU.S. have one of the mostimportant relationships, “Indiahas a decision to make aboutwhere it fits in the tradingsystem”.

• India’s willingness to support arules-based trading order andfulfil its obligations would helpto welcome greater investmentfrom the U.S. and from aroundthe world.

• Mr. Kerry said the fact thatPrime Minister Narendra Modiput in place greatertransparency andaccountability during his timeas Chief Minister of Gujarat “tellsus he has already provided amodel of how raising standardscan actually increase economicgrowth.”

World Bank rolling backWorld Bank rolling backWorld Bank rolling backWorld Bank rolling backWorld Bank rolling backsafeguards: leaked reportsafeguards: leaked reportsafeguards: leaked reportsafeguards: leaked reportsafeguards: leaked report

• The World Bank may be on theverge of rolling back a widerange of in-built environmentaland community protectionssurrounding its developmentprojects worldwide.

• The impact on India could besubstantial, especially as WorldBank President Jim Yong Kimsaid after meeting Indian PrimeMinister Narendra Modi on July23 that the Bank “will be readyto provide financial supportworth $15-18 billion over thenext three years,”.

• Under the broad rubric of‘more carve-outs thancoverage,’ critics of the Bank’slatest proposed move notedthat borrower systems mayreplace application of thesafeguards, with no clearminimum standard fordetermining their adequacy;and sub-projects classified byborrowers as Substantial Riskneed only comply with nationallaws, not the safeguards.

• On human rights BHR notedthat the vision statement didnot contain any enforceableclauses, rather they were,“limited in scope, and takes forgranted that the Bank’soperations are supportive ofhuman rights without providinga framework for ensuring this.”

Study Kit for Preliminary Examinations:

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v Armed Police Forces (CAPF) http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/capf

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Science & TechnologyScience & TechnologyScience & TechnologyScience & TechnologyScience & Technology




Mars orbiter Spacecraft toMars orbiter Spacecraft toMars orbiter Spacecraft toMars orbiter Spacecraft toMars orbiter Spacecraft toReach Target in 75 DaysReach Target in 75 DaysReach Target in 75 DaysReach Target in 75 DaysReach Target in 75 Days

• Exactly 75 days from Saturday,India’s Mars spacecraft isscheduled for a rendezvouswith the red planet, MarsOrbiter Spacecraft has

pathogens, which increases therisks of disease transmission.The loss of animals is drivenprimarily by loss of habitat andglobal climate disruption, andcould have trickle-up effects inour everyday lives.

Contact Re-established withContact Re-established withContact Re-established withContact Re-established withContact Re-established withRussian Satellite CarryingRussian Satellite CarryingRussian Satellite CarryingRussian Satellite CarryingRussian Satellite CarryingGeckosGeckosGeckosGeckosGeckos

• Russia’s space agency lostcontact last week with aPhoton-M satellite carrying fiveof the lizards for an experimenton weightlessness and sexualbehaviour.

• But mission control outsideMoscow said this weekend ithad re-establishedcommunications with thesatellite and the intrepid geckosexplorers’ research wouldcontinue.

• The satellite was launched fromKazakhstan’s Baikonurcosmodrome on July 19 afterelectrical problems delayed itfor three weeks.

Science and TechnologyScience and TechnologyScience and TechnologyScience and TechnologyScience and Technology

• Sea state forecasts improvevessels’ operational safety atports

• Forty-eight hour forecasts onsea state conditions are coming

travelled 525 million km on itsheliocentric arc.

• In the last crucial milestone onJune 11, ISRO performed thesecond Trajectory CorrectionManoeuvre (TCM—2) on theorbiter as a mid-coursecorrection to keep thespacecraft on course.

• The ambitious Mars missionunder a Rs 450 crore projectwas launched from Sriharikotain Andhra Pradesh onboard thePollar Satellite Launch Vehicleon November 5 2013.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Biodiversity Loss Pushing Earth Towards Sixth Mass ExtinctionBiodiversity Loss Pushing Earth Towards Sixth Mass ExtinctionBiodiversity Loss Pushing Earth Towards Sixth Mass ExtinctionBiodiversity Loss Pushing Earth Towards Sixth Mass ExtinctionBiodiversity Loss Pushing Earth Towards Sixth Mass Extinction

• Scientists now warn that thepersistent loss and decline ofbiodiversity is leading humanityto early days of the planet’ssixth mass biological extinctionevent.

• Since 1500, more than 320terrestrial vertebrates havebecome extinct. Populations ofthe remaining species show a25 per cent average decline inabundance. The situation is

similarly dire for invertebrateanimal life.

• While previous extinctionshave been driven by naturalplanetary transformations orcatastrophic asteroid strikes,the current die-off can beassociated with human activity.

• Where human density is high,you get high rates ofdefaunation, high incidence ofrodents and thus high levels of





to the aid of crews and vesselsin ensuring operational safetyacross all major and many minorports in the country.

• Indian National Centre forOcean Information Services(INCOIS) are currentlyproviding the forecasts to 12major and 64 of the 200 minorports along the Indiancoastline.

• The forecast service basicallyprovides sea state up to adistance of 50 km from the portlocations.

• Strategically located, the majorports with excellentinfrastructure handle bothregional and international multicargo, while the minor portshandle around 30 per cent ofthe total traffic, there wasscope for development ofminor ports into major ones,given the huge internationaldemand for bulk transport ofmulti-cargo.





Germany Lift FIFA World Cup 2014 titleGermany Lift FIFA World Cup 2014 titleGermany Lift FIFA World Cup 2014 titleGermany Lift FIFA World Cup 2014 titleGermany Lift FIFA World Cup 2014 title ascent in sports achievementswith another record-breakingshow in the 2010 Asian Gamesin Guangzhou where India won65 medals. Two years later, thecountry won six medals inLondon, almost half of theindividual medals won in theentire Olympic history.

• The Games will see 4,500athletes from 71 nations of theerstwhile British empirecompete for the top honourswith superstar sprinter UsainBolt of Jamaica and middle andlong distance king Mo Farah ofEngland expected to set theHampden Park Stadium ablaze.

• India, which has sent 215athletes in 14 sports, will be hithard by the scrapping ofarchery and tennis fromGlasgow Games and thereduction in the number ofmedal events in shooting andwrestling. The country had wona combined 12 medals fromarchery and tennis in 2010while bagging 14 medals fromthe 18 events dropped thistime from shooting. Greco-Roman category in wrestling,from which India won eightmedals in 2010, has also beendone away with in Glasgow.

U.S. Lawmakers Ask FIBA toU.S. Lawmakers Ask FIBA toU.S. Lawmakers Ask FIBA toU.S. Lawmakers Ask FIBA toU.S. Lawmakers Ask FIBA toReview its Policy on Sikh TurbansReview its Policy on Sikh TurbansReview its Policy on Sikh TurbansReview its Policy on Sikh TurbansReview its Policy on Sikh Turbans

• Appalled by reports that Sikhplayers from India were askedto remove their turbans at aninternational basketball match,top U.S. lawmakers havelaunched a campaign askingInternational Basketball

SPORTS

• Germany’s Mario Götze kicks insecond half of extra time to win1-0 against Argentina in final ofthe FIFA World Cup 2014.Germany became the first sidefrom Europe to win a World Cupin South America.

• Lionel Messi Of Argentina wasawarded Golden Ball, which isgiven to best player of thetournament.

• This was Germanies fourthworld cup, last coming in 1990against the same opponent.This is the first World Cup forunified Germany, the previousthree having been won by WestGermany in 1954, 1974 and1990.

• Argentina last won world cupin 1986, which was played inMexico.

• Manuel Neuer of Germany wonthe Golden Glove, award forbest goalkeeper.

• James Rodriguez of Colombiawon the Golden boot award for

most number(6) of goals in thetournament.

India aims top three finish inIndia aims top three finish inIndia aims top three finish inIndia aims top three finish inIndia aims top three finish inGlasgow CWGGlasgow CWGGlasgow CWGGlasgow CWGGlasgow CWG

• The unprecedented successachieved in the last edition inIndia would be hard toreplicate this time after thedropping of a few disciplines,a 215-strong Indian contingentwould nonetheless seek a top-five finish in the 20thCommonwealth Games.

• India finished second behindAustralia with a record 101medal haul in New DelhiGames.

• The Delhi CWG triggered an

SportsSportsSportsSportsSports




Federation(FIBA) to reviewthe discriminatory policy.Sikh players participatingwithin FIBA were told that theirturbans violate Article 4.4.2 ofFIBA’s official rules, whichstates that “Players shall notwear equipment (objects) thatmay cause injury to otherplayers.”

• There is no evidence showingthat a turban has beendangerous during basketballgames or other popular sportsevents, the Congressmenargue, The letter cited theexample of Darsh Preet Singhwho captained the basketballteam at Trinity University whilemaintaining his turbanthroughout a successful careerat the National CollegiateAthletic Association (NCAA).

ON TARGETON TARGETON TARGETON TARGETON TARGETApurvi and Rahi Shoot GoldApurvi and Rahi Shoot GoldApurvi and Rahi Shoot GoldApurvi and Rahi Shoot GoldApurvi and Rahi Shoot Gold

• Apurvi Chandela and RahiSarnobat were the toast of theIndian camp as the duo wongold in the women’s 10m airrifle and 25m pistolrespectively.

• Apurvi went to the final toppingthe preliminaries with a Games

Hazare, Deodhar tourneys toHazare, Deodhar tourneys toHazare, Deodhar tourneys toHazare, Deodhar tourneys toHazare, Deodhar tourneys tobe Played First forbe Played First forbe Played First forbe Played First forbe Played First forWorld Cup SelectionWorld Cup SelectionWorld Cup SelectionWorld Cup SelectionWorld Cup Selection

With the ICC Cricket World Cupto be played in Australia andNew Zealand in February-March 2015, two 50-over one-day tournaments — the inter-State Vijay Hazare and the inter-zonal Prof. Deodhar Trophy —will gain precedence over thenational championship for theRanji Trophy, which is a firstclass tournament.

• The BCCI’s TechnicalCommittee, headed by AnilKumble, which met at theCricket Centre here , hasrecommended the change inthe annual tournamentschedule to the WorkingCommittee, which is expectedto ratify the same.

• The only home internationalseason this year will featurethree Tests against the WestIndies at Bangalore,Hyderabad and Ahmedabad,five ODIs at Kolkata,Visakhapatnam, Cuttack,Dharamsala and Kochi and aTwenty20 match at New Delhi.

ICC warns Ali againstICC warns Ali againstICC warns Ali againstICC warns Ali againstICC warns Ali againstRepeat of Gaza ProtestRepeat of Gaza ProtestRepeat of Gaza ProtestRepeat of Gaza ProtestRepeat of Gaza Protest

• England’s Moeen Ali has beenwarned by world cricket chiefsnot to wear wristbandsdeclaring his support for thepeople of Gaza again duringinternational matches.

record total of 415.6 points.She shot brilliantly rightthrough the final, going into thelead with a score of 31.4 pointsand staying there through thenext eight rounds.

• Ayonika had finished fourth inthe preliminaries with a scoreof 413.2 points. However, theMumbai girl was in no mood tosurrender and showed steelyresolve as she clawed her wayback to second with threerounds remaining. In the end,Ayonika had a score of 204.9points as against Apurvi’swinning total of 206.7 points.

• India also picked up a silvermedal through PrakashNanjappa in the men’s 10m airpistol. Australia’s DanielRepacholi took the gold.

Red Bull driver Ricciardo winsRed Bull driver Ricciardo winsRed Bull driver Ricciardo winsRed Bull driver Ricciardo winsRed Bull driver Ricciardo winsHungarian Grand Prix aheadHungarian Grand Prix aheadHungarian Grand Prix aheadHungarian Grand Prix aheadHungarian Grand Prix aheadof Alonsoof Alonsoof Alonsoof Alonsoof Alonso

• Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bullwon the Hungarian Grand Prix, overtaking Ferrari’s FernandoAlonso near the end of the race.

• Lewis Hamilton, who startedfrom pit lane after crashingduring qualifying, was third,holding off Mercedesteammate Nico Rosberg, whostarted from pole position.

• It was Ricciardo’s secondvictory of the season and hiscareer, having won theCanadian Grand Prix inMontreal in June.

SportsSportsSportsSportsSports




• But the International Cricket

Council (ICC) said Ali wouldface no disciplinary action onthis occasion after beingwarned about his futureconduct by match refereeDavid Boon.

• Ali wore wristbands during thethird Test against India onMonday that read “Save Gaza”and “Free Palestine”

Indians wrest three GoldsIndians wrest three GoldsIndians wrest three GoldsIndians wrest three GoldsIndians wrest three Golds

• It rained gold medals for India,as the freestyle wrestling

competitions got underway,The fine show also helped the

country get into a double countin terms of gold medals.

• Besides the three titles won bySushil Kumar, Amit Kumar andVinesh, India also picked up asilver medal through RajivTomar while Jyoti finishedfourth in the women’s 75kgcategory.

Mali adds to India’s tallyMali adds to India’s tallyMali adds to India’s tallyMali adds to India’s tallyMali adds to India’s tally

• Chandrakant Mali boosted theIndian tally by winning abronze medal in the 94kgcategory of the weightliftingcompetitions.

• The Indian had a best of 150kgin the snatch and 188kg in theclean and jerk to finish with atotal of 338kg, behind StevenKukuna Kari (Papa NewGuinea) and Simplice Ribouem(Australia). Kari won the goldon lower body weight after heand Ribouem finished with349.

• India is ranked 6th after NavjotKaur won the latest bronzemedal for the Indian side takingtheir medal tally to 42 with 10gold, 20 silver and 12 bronze.

Civil Services is the dream of many students. No wonder, there is a great competition for this examination, given the prestige and power linked to the profile of a civil servant. However, a large majority of students are struggling without any proper guidance. Thus, at IASEXAMPortal we have come up with an initiative to guide the aspirants, in their journey through the IAS, IPS exam.

We have started with a series called- Getting Started with Civil Services Examinations, to guide you in your preparations. Every other day, we would come up with motivational and informative articles, discussing the various aspects of the civil services examination, and the possible strategies, that a candidate might choose to get success.

The Vision Our aim is to guide the candidate, in making different decisions while facing the UPSC. We welcome the aspirants to discuss, with us, their problems and confusions, anytime. Any aspirant may subscribe to the Getting Started Series, and enjoy our support free of cost. You may, later, take our other products and services, if you so like.

We wish the candidates All the Best for the their preparations!!

• Civil Services Exam: What, Why and How ?

• How to Read A Newspaper for IAS Exam

• Two more attempts in UPSC Exams: all boon and no bane!!

• How to Study? The Ultimate Dilemma

• Preparing for Civil Services without Coaching

• IAS Preparation for Rural/Remote Areas Students

• Why do Online Test Series?

• NCERT and NIOS Books for IAS Preparations

• Strategy for IAS Exam for Working Professionals

Getting Started with IAS Exam Preparations - FAQ for New Aspirants

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Awards and PrizesAwards and PrizesAwards and PrizesAwards and PrizesAwards and Prizes




Russian award forRussian award forRussian award forRussian award forRussian award forViswanathan AnandViswanathan AnandViswanathan AnandViswanathan AnandViswanathan Anand

• Chess greats ViswanathanAnand (India) and BorisGelfand (Israel) have beenselected for the RussianFederation’s ‘Order ofFriendship’ award.

• The awards recognise foreignnationals’ contribution toexpanding friendship andcooperation with the RussianFederation and to thedevelopment of economic,scientific and cultural ties.

• Anand and Gelfand played theFIDE world chesschampionship match at theState Tretyakov Gallery inMoscow in 2012.

President Pranab MukherjeePresident Pranab MukherjeePresident Pranab MukherjeePresident Pranab MukherjeePresident Pranab Mukherjeeto award Gandhi Peace prizeto award Gandhi Peace prizeto award Gandhi Peace prizeto award Gandhi Peace prizeto award Gandhi Peace prize

• Environmentalist ChandiPrasad Bhatt will be awardedthe prestigious Gandhi Peaceprize for 2013 by PresidentPranab Mukherjee.

AWARDS & PRIZES• The Gandhi Peace Prize was

instituted by the government in1995 on the occasion of the125th birth anniversary ofMahatma Gandhi.

• This annual award is given toindividuals and institutions fortheir contributions towardssocial, economic and politicaltransformation through non-violence and other Gandhianmethods. It carries a plaque,

citation and an amount of Rs. 1crore.

• The recipients of this awardinclude former TanzanianPresident Dr Julius K Nyerere,founder President of SarvodayaSharamadana movement in SriLanka Dr A.T. Ariyaratne, DrGerhard Fischer of RamaKrishna Mission in Germany,Baba Amte, Dr Nelson Mandelaetc.

Environmentalist Chandi Prasad gets Gandhi Peace PrizeEnvironmentalist Chandi Prasad gets Gandhi Peace PrizeEnvironmentalist Chandi Prasad gets Gandhi Peace PrizeEnvironmentalist Chandi Prasad gets Gandhi Peace PrizeEnvironmentalist Chandi Prasad gets Gandhi Peace Prize

• Environmentalist and socialactivist Chandi Prasad Bhattwas presented the GandhiPeace Prize by PresidentPranab Mukherjee.

• Mr. Bhatt is a dedicated,tireless and invaluable workerfor the conservation of theenvironment, the Chipkomovement started by him in1973 followed the method ofpeaceful and non-violentSatyagraha for the redressal ofthe legitimate rights of the hillpeople to collect wood and

fodder and saving them fromnatural calamities owing tolarge-scale deforestation.

• A Gandhian and a member ofthe Sarvodaya movement, Mr.Bhatt organised the DashauliGram Swarajya Sangh in 1964.He dedicated himself throughthe Sangh to improve the livesof villagers, providingemployment near their homesin forest-based industries, andfighting against wrong policiesthrough Gandhian non-violentsatyagraha.





Emotional ReunionsEmotional ReunionsEmotional ReunionsEmotional ReunionsEmotional Reunions she was also a determinedpolitical activist in the struggleto end white minority rule in hercountry.

• Gordimer won the Nobel Prizefor literature in 1991 for novelsthat explored the complexrelationships and human cost ofracial conflict in apartheid-eraSouth Africa.

• Gordimer’s first novel, TheLying Days appeared in 1953,and she acknowledged that ithad autobiographicalelements. A New York Timesreviewer compared it to AlanPaton’s Cry the BelovedCountry, saying Gordimer’swork “is the longer, the richer,intellectually the moreexciting.”

• She won the Booker Prize in1974 for The Conservationist, anovel about a white SouthAfrican who loses everything.

Syrian President Assad swornSyrian President Assad swornSyrian President Assad swornSyrian President Assad swornSyrian President Assad swornin for third termin for third termin for third termin for third termin for third term

• President Bashar Assadmarked the start of his thirdseven-year term in office amid

IN THE NEWS

• “It’s our second life,” said arelieved Sona Joseph as shearrived at the CochinInternational Airport Limited(CIAL) along with her twin sisterVeena Joseph and 44 otherIndian nurses on special AirIndia flight, AI 160, from Erbilin strife-torn Iraq.

• In what came as a relief to theModi government after days ofplanning a rescue mission inIraq, the plane carrying 183evacuees, including workersfrom Telangana and AndhraPradesh, touched down safelyat Kochi though five hoursbehind schedule.

• Kerala Chief Minister OommenChandy, who was at the airportwith a host of leaders andofficials, attributed thesuccessful evacuation to theconcerted and coordinatedefforts of the Ministry ofExternal Affairs, the Stategovernment, and the Indianembassy.

Pinky Anand appointed ASGPinky Anand appointed ASGPinky Anand appointed ASGPinky Anand appointed ASGPinky Anand appointed ASG

• Senior Advocate Pinky Anandhas been appointedAdditional Solicitor-General inthe Supreme Court.

• She is the second womanlawyer to be appointed ASGafter senior advocate IndiraJaising.

Nobel laureate, activistNobel laureate, activistNobel laureate, activistNobel laureate, activistNobel laureate, activistNadine Gordimer diesNadine Gordimer diesNadine Gordimer diesNadine Gordimer diesNadine Gordimer dies

• Nadine Gordimer, diedpeacefully in her sleep at herhome in Johannesburg onSunday. She was 90 years old.

• Nadine Gordimer was first awriter of fiction and a defenderof creativity and expression,

In the NewsIn the NewsIn the NewsIn the NewsIn the News




a bloody civil war that hasravaged the Arab country.

• In the past year, Syria haveseized the momentum in thecivil war and troops madesteady advances on severalfronts against outgunned rebelsbogged down in infighting.

• Throughout the crisis, Mr. Assadhas maintained that the conflictthat has torn his nation apart wasa Western-backed conspiracyexecuted by “terrorists” andnot a popular revolt by peopleinspired by the Arab Springuprisings, seeking democracyand disenchanted with hisauthoritarian rule.

• Syria’s civil war, now in itsfourth year, has killed morethan 170,000 people anddisplaced one third of thecountry’s population.

• Mr. Assad declared victoryover “terrorism” and saidcountries that supported theSyrian opposition “will pay ahigh price”.

Jakarta Governor Widodo winsJakarta Governor Widodo winsJakarta Governor Widodo winsJakarta Governor Widodo winsJakarta Governor Widodo winsIndonesian presidentialIndonesian presidentialIndonesian presidentialIndonesian presidentialIndonesian presidentialelectionelectionelectionelectionelection

• Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo,who won the hearts ofIndonesians with his commonman image, won Indonesia’spresidential election with 53per cent of the vote.

• The numbers were releasedshortly after his opponent,former general PrabowoSubianto, declared he waswithdrawing from the contest,saying there was massive fraud

during the election.

Exoplanet withExoplanet withExoplanet withExoplanet withExoplanet with704-day-long Year Found704-day-long Year Found704-day-long Year Found704-day-long Year Found704-day-long Year Found

• Using NASA’s Keplerspacecraft, researchers havediscovered an exoplanet withthe longest known year.

• The newly discovered Kepler-421b circles its star in 704 days.It is the longest period ofrevolution known yet for aplanet outside of our solarsystem.

MH17 black boxes handedMH17 black boxes handedMH17 black boxes handedMH17 black boxes handedMH17 black boxes handedover to British expertsover to British expertsover to British expertsover to British expertsover to British experts

• The British government hasconfirmed that the two blackboxes from Malaysian airlinesFlight MH 17 that crashed ineastern Ukraine killing 298 onboard have been handed overto British investigators.

• Boxes will contain recordingsof all cockpit conversationsprior to the crash, The AAIBcan now analyse hours ofconversation and the contentsof the flight data recorder forclues on why and how theplane went down.

• The boxes were handed overby a joint technical protocolsigned by representatives ofthe Netherlands, Malaysia,Ukraine and the UnitedNations’ International CivilAviation Organisation.

• The AAIB is responsible for theinvestigation of civil aircraftaccidents and seriousincidents within the U.K.

Sachin Tendulkar bats forSachin Tendulkar bats forSachin Tendulkar bats forSachin Tendulkar bats forSachin Tendulkar bats forclean water with Livpureclean water with Livpureclean water with Livpureclean water with Livpureclean water with Livpure

• Livpure Foundation, the CSRarm of SAR group, announcedan initiative to spreadawareness on safe drinkingwater as water borne diseasesare one on the biggest causesof mortality in India.

• As part of the initiative, thefoundation would focus onurban slums and various statesincluding West Bengal, Biharand Uttar Pradesh.

• Cricket legend SachinTendulkar said”There are somany children under 5 who areaffected by water bornediseases…not just affectedmany lives are lost. It is amovement to help eradicatethe mortality rate amongchildren due to waterbornediseases”.

Iraq ElectsIraq ElectsIraq ElectsIraq ElectsIraq ElectsFuad Masum as PresidentFuad Masum as PresidentFuad Masum as PresidentFuad Masum as PresidentFuad Masum as President

• Iraqi lawmakers elected aveteran Kurdish politician asthe nation’s new president,hours after an attack on a prisonconvoy killed dozens ofpeople.

• In the past, Islamic militantshave staged several jailbreaks,including a complex, military-





style assault on two Baghdad-area prisons in July 2013 thatfreed more than 500 inmates.

• Masum’s election comes as Iraqis facing its worst crisis sincethe 2011 withdrawal of U.S.troops amid the blitz offensivelast month by Islamic Stategroup that captured largeswaths of land in the country’swest and north, including Iraq’ssecond largest city of Mosul.

• The vote for president a postpreviously held by ailingKurdish leader Talabani iswidely viewed as a step towardachieving consensus among

political rivals, seen asnecessary for tackling thedeteriorating security crisis.

• Masum is considered a soft-spoken moderate, known forkeeping good relations withSunni and Shiite Arabpoliticians.

• Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’sbloc won the most seats in Aprilelections, but he has facedmounting pressure to stepaside, with critics accusing himof monopolizing power andalienating the country’s Sunniand Kurdish minorities,contributing to the latestunrest.

PM launches engagement platformPM launches engagement platformPM launches engagement platformPM launches engagement platformPM launches engagement platform

• Prime Minister Narendra Modilaunched an online platformmygov.nic.in to engage citizensin the task of “goodgovernance” (surajya) as hecompleted 60 days in office.MyGov is a technology-drivenplatform that would providepeople with the opportunity tocontribute towards goodgovernance.

• Groups and corners are animportant part of MyGov. Theplatform has been divided intovarious groups namely CleanGanga, Girl Child Education,

Clean India, Skilled India,Digital India, Job Creation.Each group allows for onlineand on-ground tasks to beundertaken by contributors.

• In a video address posted onthe Prime Minister’s website,Mr. Modi pointed out there wasa widespread belief in thecountry that after a governmentis elected, a gap developsbetween the people and theexecutive.

UPSC row:UPSC row:UPSC row:UPSC row:UPSC row:Rajnath apprises ModiRajnath apprises ModiRajnath apprises ModiRajnath apprises ModiRajnath apprises Modi

• Union Home Minister RajnathSingh apprised Prime MinisterNarendra Modi of measuresbeing taken to address issuesraised by civil services aspirantsholding protests against the“discriminatory” Civil ServicesAptitude Test (CSAT).

• The Home Minister earlier helda high-level meeting withFinance Minister Arun Jaitley,Minister of State for PrimeMinister’s Office Jitendra Singhand other senior governmentofficials to explore all possiblesolutions.

• While angry students havebeen organising protests for thepast several weeks, thesituation turned violent twodays ago after the UPSC issuedadmit cards for the preliminaryexamination scheduled to beconducted on August 24.

Construction of bridge withConstruction of bridge withConstruction of bridge withConstruction of bridge withConstruction of bridge withworld’s tallest pillar beginsworld’s tallest pillar beginsworld’s tallest pillar beginsworld’s tallest pillar beginsworld’s tallest pillar begins

• Construction of the world’stallest railway bridge with thetallest pillar — it’ll be 141metres-high — has begun nearNoney in Manipur.

• The bridge, which spans overa gorge with an overall lengthof about 700 meters, is part ofthe 111-km long Jiribam-Tupul-

In the NewsIn the NewsIn the NewsIn the NewsIn the News




Imphal broad gauge railwayline under construction that willconnect Manipur’s capitalImphal with the country’srailway network.

• This bridge is slated to becomethe tallest in the world from thepoint of view of pillar heightsurpassing the existing tallest ofMala-Rijeka viaduct onBelgrade-Bar railway line in

Europe where the height ofpillars is 139 m.

White TigressWhite TigressWhite TigressWhite TigressWhite TigressGives Birth to a Black CubGives Birth to a Black CubGives Birth to a Black CubGives Birth to a Black CubGives Birth to a Black Cub

• Nandankanan Biological Parkauthorities claimed on Mondaythat the zoo was first in thecountry to have a melanistic(black) tiger cub born incaptivity.

• The zoo celebrated the GlobalTiger Day with joy as the five-year-old white tigress Snehagave birth to four cubs,including the black cub.

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Selected Articles from Various Newspapers & JournalsSelected Articles from Various Newspapers & JournalsSelected Articles from Various Newspapers & JournalsSelected Articles from Various Newspapers & JournalsSelected Articles from Various Newspapers & Journals




SELECTED ARTICLES FROM VARIOUSNEWSPAPERS & JOURNALS

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Telangana birth-pangsTelangana birth-pangsTelangana birth-pangsTelangana birth-pangsTelangana birth-pangs

By getting a resolution rejectingthe Andhra Pradesh ReorganisationBill for creating Telangana passedby the State Assembly just beforethe deadline set by President PranabMukherjee to consider the Bill endedon Thursday, Chief Minister N. KiranKumar Reddy did what little he couldto protect what he saw as his politicalconstituency: those standing for aunited Andhra Pradesh in theRayalaseema and Coastal Andhraregions. Neither the delay nor theultimate rejection of the TelanganaBill by the Assembly will have anybearing on the creation of the newState if the Centre stands firm on itsdecision on Telangana. The ChiefMinister, in raising legal and technicalobjections to the Bill, might havemanaged to convey the oppositionof large sections of the people inSeemandhra to the division of AndhraPradesh, but the manner in which theproceedings of the House wereconducted from the day the Bill wasintroduced till the day it was rejectedreflects badly on his government andthe democratic traditions of thelegislature. Speaker NadendlaManohar, who too is politicallyopposed to Telangana, put the ChiefMinister’s contentious resolution to avoice vote amid noisy scenes, anddeclared the motion carried in amatter of two minutes. It was obviousfrom the regional representation in theHouse that those opposed to the Billconstituted a majority. The Billpresented a chance to address theconcerns raised by the proposal tobifurcate Andhra Pradesh. Instead,the time was used for politicalposturing and the reiteration ofknown positions by both sides. Pro-Telangana members, on their part,did not press for a division amid thedin, perhaps because they did notwant to expose their lack of numbers.

The voice vote was, in effect, the onlymode of expression of the views ofthe legislature.

Now that the onus is on theCentre to shepherd the Bill throughParliament, the Congress musteschew any temptation to use thisissue as part of any electoral strategybefore the Lok Sabha polls. With thenational leadership of the partybacking the creation of Telangana,and the State unit divided ongeographical lines, making this acampaign issue is anyway fraught withrisks. No political consensus on theBill is possible at this late stage, butthe Centre can bring in amendmentsto the Bill to incorporate the concernsof other parties and representativesof Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra.As the support of the Bharatiya JanataParty is necessary in the Rajya Sabha,the Congress will have to keep theBill open for amendments. The Statelegislature was robbed of a free,reasoned debate on the issue, buthopefully Parliament will consider allaspects of the Bill before bringingTelangana into being.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Keeping people and tigersKeeping people and tigersKeeping people and tigersKeeping people and tigersKeeping people and tigerssafesafesafesafesafe

As conservation of wild speciesbecomes more successful, higherlevels of human-wildlife conflict arebeing reported in many parts of thecountry. The outcome of suchencounters is a distressing number ofhuman lives lost, and the tragicelimination of the wild creaturesinvolved in the attacks. The ‘man-eating tiger’ incident in Dodabetta inthe Nilgiris, which ended in thegunning down of the cat, brings tothe fore the dilemma of ensuring asafe distance between wild animalsand people. Evidently, there are noeasy answers to this question, not justin India but in several other countriesthat have well-protected wildlife.

Two strategies often adopted toprevent conflict rely on modificationof human and animal behaviour.Farmers are encouraged to switch tocash crops to avoid attractingelephants, while forest departmentsprovide access to water withinprotected areas to stop animals frommoving out. Wild creatures in turnlearn to avoid places renderedinaccessible through trench-diggingand building of fences. Yet, these areby no means fail-safe interventions. Itis necessary to identify areas forintensive protection, and encourageforest-dwelling communities to moveout — of course, with sufficientattention devoted to theirrehabilitation at a new location.

Removal of problem animals of-ten becomes unavoidable if there arehuman casualties and there is a pros-pect of more people being killed. Itwould appear ironic, but conservationadvice in such circumstances is usuallyto swiftly eliminate the lone animal, suchas the Dodabetta tiger, rather than at-tempt slow capture and risk negativepublic attitudes to tigers as a whole.Unfortunately, it is not easy to identifythe individual tiger or leopard, and theconflict may continue even after oneanimal is shot dead. In Chikmagalur dis-trict, for instance, 17 leopards had tobe shot in 1995 before the problem ofattacks on people stopped. Researchevidence supports a strategy that relieson ‘spatial separation’ of people andanimals as a more rewarding means ofconflict reduction. If isolated villagesand free ranging cattle are moved outof the small land area that makes upIndia’s protected forests, the risk of anencounter with fierce creatures can bebrought down. The problem today is thatsuccessfully managed national parksand sanctuaries are witnessing a rise intiger and leopard numbers, leading tothe dispersal of old and injured animalstowards habitations on the peripheryand even beyond. Future conservationstrategies would have to rely on well-administered wildlife sanctuaries, andequally on a voluntary resettlement





programme for forest communities.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ‘U.S. spied on‘U.S. spied on‘U.S. spied on‘U.S. spied on‘U.S. spied on2009 climate Summit’2009 climate Summit’2009 climate Summit’2009 climate Summit’2009 climate Summit’

The U.S. government spied ondelegates at the high-profile UNclimate summit in Copenhagen,Denmark, in 2009, a documentobtained by some media houses viawhistle-blower Edward Snowdenhas revealed.

The talks were spied on to getcritical prior information on the hostcountry and others’ negotiatingpositions even as U.S. PresidentBarack Obama flew in to sign a dealwith them.

The summit saw the comingtogether of more than 90 heads ofstate and delegates from more than180 countries to hammer out abinding global deal on climatechange, but the talks collapsed. Apolitical agreement, TheCopenhagen Accord, worked out bythe U.S., taking the lead to negotiatewith four other BASIC countries —Brazil, India, China and South Africa— could not be adopted byconsensus as a UN agreement. Thedocument, an internal U.S. NationalSecurity Agency text, reads:“Analysts here at NSA, as well as ourSecond Party partners, will continueto provide policymakers with unique,timely, and valuable insights into keycountries’ preparations and goals forthe conference, as well asdeliberations within countries onclimate change policies andnegotiating strategies.”

It goes on to record, “A late No-vember report detailed China’s effortsto coordinate its position with India andensure that the two leaders of the de-veloping world are working towards thesame outcome. Another report pro-vided advance details of the Danish pro-posal and their efforts to launch a “res-cue plan” to save COP-15.” The Danishhosts prepared an alternative agreementthat they intended to float at the annualsummit. This after talks for a new dealfloundered through the year under im-

mense global scrutiny and civil societypressure to stitch up an ‘ambitious cli-mate deal’. An early sketch of the ele-ments of this draft was floated by Den-mark in a round of informal meetings —referred to in the climate negotiationsjargon as the pre-COP — some weeksbefore the summit, but delegates werenot allowed to take back copies of thedocuments. Delegates from the selectcountries did take notes as time per-mitted. The media reported on theseelements days before the summit gotoff the ground.

But the NSA document revealsthat the U.S. administration had got earlyaccess to the entire document whichhelped it keep ahead of other countriesat the negotiations during the fortnightof talks. The NSA document, authoreddays ahead of the talks, said, “While theoutcome of the Copenhagen ClimateChange Conference remains uncertain,signals intelligence will undoubtedlyplay a significant role in keeping our ne-gotiators as well-informed as possiblethroughout the 2-week event.”

For days the rumours of the‘Danish document’ floated at theCopenhagen talks, with manycountries expressing anger andanguish at the opaque and covertoperations of the hosts along withgeopolitically-powerful countries.The climate talks are meant to bedriven by consensus andtransparency, but mistrust brewedfast and led to the ultimate crash ofthe negotiations in 2009. This despitethe U.S. being able to stitch togethera non-binding political agreementwith a very low ambition — somethingthat suited its interests. Oversubsequent years, the U.S. got manyelements of the political dealembedded in the UN climatenegotiations while the distrust gotembedded in the talks trenchantly.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ No South China Sea airNo South China Sea airNo South China Sea airNo South China Sea airNo South China Sea airzone,zone,zone,zone,zone,China assures ASEANChina assures ASEANChina assures ASEANChina assures ASEANChina assures ASEANcountriescountriescountriescountriescountries

China has rejected reportssuggesting it was planning to set up

an air defence zone over the disputedSouth China Sea, saying it was “yet tofeel any air security threat” from itsSoutheast Asian neighbours.

In November, China establishedits first Air Defence IdentificationZone (ADIZ) over parts of the EastChina Sea, amid an increasingly tensestand-off with Japan over thedisputed Diaoyu/Senkaku islands. AnADIZ is a defined area in internationalairspace within which countriesmonitor and track aircraft headingtowards their territory.

The setting up of the ADIZheightened tensions with Japan, as itoverlapped with Japan’s zone andincluded the disputed islands. Chinaat the time defended the move,pointing out that Japan hadestablished its own ADIZ in 1969.After a Japanese newspaperreported last week that China wasconsidering setting up a second suchzone over the South China Sea – amove that would be certain to worrythe half a dozen or so countries thathave competing claims over the sea’swaters and islands – the ChineseForeign Ministry was quick to denythe report, and also, at the same time,accuse Tokyo of attempting to fantensions.

“In a general view, the Chineseside has yet to feel any air securitythreat from the ASEAN countries andis optimistic about its relations withthe neighbouring countries and thegeneral situation in the South ChinaSea region”, Foreign Ministryspokesperson Hong Lei said in astatement.

He blamed “right-wing forces ofJapan” for “repeatedly clamor[ing]”about the alleged plan of China toset up ADIZ over the South ChinaSea”. “We sternly warned these forcesnot to mislead public opinions withrumors and play up tensions for theirown selfish benefit,” he said.

China-Japan relations havesoured over the past year over the





disputed islands, and issues relatingto wartime history and the Japaneseoccupation of China during theSecond World War. China wasespecially angered by a visit by theJapanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abeto the controversial Yasukuni warshrine - a memorial for Japanese whodied during the war that alsoenshrines 14 Class-A war criminals –which was the first by a Japaneseleader in seven years. The risingtensions with Japan have coincidedwith an apparent diplomaticoutreach by China to other Asiancountries, ostensibly aimed atattempting to isolate Tokyo. China’sties have warmed with South Korea,which was also angered by Mr. Abe’sYasukuni visit.

Last year, both President XiJinping and Premier Li Keqiangvisited ASEAN countries. A year afterChinese vessels had run-ins withships from both Vietnam and thePhilippines near contested SouthChina Sea islands, tensions with bothcountries have subsided. Chinarecently signed an agreement forjoint exploration with Vietnam. Mr.Hong said China and ASEANcountries were “working together toimplement the declaration on theconduct of parties in the South ChinaSea in a comprehensive andeffective way to safeguard peaceand stability in the region”. He alsohit out at the Japanese media reportabout the ADIZ as being “of ulteriormotive and simply aimed to shiftinternational attention from andcover up the plot to change Japan’spacifist constitution and expand itsmilitary power.”

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ U.S. warns Sri Lanka onU.S. warns Sri Lanka onU.S. warns Sri Lanka onU.S. warns Sri Lanka onU.S. warns Sri Lanka onpace of reconciliationpace of reconciliationpace of reconciliationpace of reconciliationpace of reconciliation

Voicing frustration over thepace of reconciliation in Sri Lanka fiveyears after the end of the war, avisiting official from the United Stateson Saturday warned that thepatience of the international

community was wearing thin.Assistant Secretary of State for Southand Central Asian Affairs Nisha DesaiBiswal said deterioration in humanrights, transparency and governancewas taking a toll on democracy in SriLanka. “We reiterated ourcommitment to Sri Lanka butconveyed our concerns to seniorgovernment officials about theinsufficient progress in addressingjustice, reconciliation, andaccountability,” Ms. Biswal said at apress conference here. Ms. Biswal,who arrived in Colombo on Friday,met top government officials,politicians in the ruling coalition andthe Opposition – including NorthernProvince Chief Minister C.V.Wigneswaran – and civil societyrepresentatives. On Saturday, shetravelled to Jaffna, and held meetingswith civil society representativesthere. Amid growing speculation ona strong U.S.-sponsored resolutionagainst Sri Lanka, she said: “We areconcerned about the worseningsituation with respect to humanrights, including continued attacksagainst religious minorities, as well asthe weakening of the rule of law andan increase in the levels of corruptionand impunity.”

Only about a week ago did theNorthern Provincial Council pass aresolution calling for an internationalinquiry into the alleged war crimes.Asked if the U.S.-resolution was likelyto push for an international probe, Ms.Biswal — who maintained that it wastoo early to comment on how itwould be worded — said the U.S.always had a strong desire to have aSri Lanka-led reconciliation process,but the international community wasfrustrated and sceptical of the paceof the government’s progress in thisregard.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Australia claims substantialAustralia claims substantialAustralia claims substantialAustralia claims substantialAustralia claims substantialprogress on reef protectionprogress on reef protectionprogress on reef protectionprogress on reef protectionprogress on reef protection

Australia said that it had madesubstantial progress on the U.N.

request for better protection of theGreat Barrier Reef and the worldheritage site should not be listedamong “in danger”.

Environment Minister Greg Huntsaid there was genuine improvementin key reef indicators in regards todugongs, turtles, seagrass and coral.

“Early indications are that theseare important and well receiveddevelopments internationally,” hewas quoted as saying by The Agenewspaper.

“It is a permanent task for everyAustralian government to protect andmaintain the reef; nobody can everrest on that. But there should be noway the reef can and should beconsidered ‘in danger’.”

The World Heritage Committeehad threatened to put the reef on alist of world heritage sites considered“in danger” after Great Barrier ReefMarine Park Authority approveddumping of dredging spoil inside themarine park.

In a progress report to the U.N.World Heritage Committee, thefederal and Queenslandgovernments have said the naturalvalues the reef was protected for arestill largely intact, although in parts— such as inshore areas south ofCooktown — they are declining.

Australian Coral Reef Societypresident Peter Mumby referred toconcerns raised in past that the reefwas in the worst shape sincemonitoring began and said theprogress report played downindustrial development threats.

He said development alreadyon the table would add 14 milliontonnes a year of damaging sedimentto reef waters.

“We have real concerns overdevelopments that have not beenaddressed,” he said.

University of Queensland coralreef ecologist Selina Ward said theAbbot Point decision was dangerousbecause the best modelling showed





dumped sediment would drift toouter areas, hurting coral andseagrass.

The progress report saidextreme weather events and climatechange were the biggest threats tothe reef. It also pointed to nutrientand sediment run-off from landclearing and agriculture, andassociated crown-of-thornsoutbreaks.

It said pollution from othersources, including port developmentand dredging, “is minor but may behighly significant locally and overshort time periods”.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Caught off guard by taperCaught off guard by taperCaught off guard by taperCaught off guard by taperCaught off guard by taper

The recent announcement bythe U.S. Federal Reserve of a furtherreduction in its monthly bond-buyingprogramme by $10 billion, to $65billion, seems to have caughtemerging market economies off-guard. This is quite in contrast to theirequanimous reaction in Decemberwhen the stimulus-reductionprogramme was launched. This isattributed to the fact that theannouncement of January 29completely ignored the concerns ofemerging- market countries.

Many of them were underpressure even earlier and theannouncement, withoutacknowledging the volatility that ithad already caused, offered norespite to a number of countries, fromArgentina to South Africa. Theircurrencies weakened, in some casesprecipitously. Their stock markets fellin conjunction and bond marketsreacted violently. Threatened with apossible choking of easy money,investors started selling emergingmarket stocks and currencies to investin the developed countries that offerbetter risk-adjusted returns at thisjuncture. Predictably, many centralbanks of developing countries hikedinterest rates to stabilise theircurrencies, but with mixed results.

India has shown greater resiliencethis time compared to many othersimilarly placed economies, andeven in relation to its record lastSeptember when the news of apossible tapering sent global marketsinto a tizzy. Improvedmacroeconomic fundamentals andthe RBI’s determination to checkinflation have boosted investorconfidence.

However, given that growthrates are still sluggish and given thepossibility of fiscal slippages, Indiawill continue to faces challenges.Over-reliance on short-term flows tobridge balance of payments hasbeen the bane of external sectormanagement, and at times like thisthe policy shortcomings standexposed.

There are two broad lessons tobe drawn from the taper and thereactions to it. RBI GovernorRaghuram Rajan has pointed out thatpolicy coordination among countrieshas been a casualty. In the immediatepost-crisis period, emergingeconomies helped boost globaldemand through well-coordinatedfiscal stimulus programmes. Acomplete synchronisation ofmonetary and fiscal policies might notbe possible in practice but certainseminal policy measures such as theU.S. taper do require widerconsultation and coordinationamong countries. This has been theconsensus view at several forums —including the G-20 and IMF-WorldBank meetings. Second, it needs tobe noted that U.S. monetary policy isframed with reference to the U.S.economy. The gradual withdrawal ofthe stimulus is dependent on the U.S.economy reaching some welldefined milestones such as reductionin unemployment. The ongoing tapersignals a stronger U.S. economy, andthat should be good news for Indiaand other emerging economies — atleast in the long run.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ C.N.R. Rao,C.N.R. Rao,C.N.R. Rao,C.N.R. Rao,C.N.R. Rao,Sachin conferred Bharat RatnaSachin conferred Bharat RatnaSachin conferred Bharat RatnaSachin conferred Bharat RatnaSachin conferred Bharat Ratna

Renowned scientist C.N.R. Raoand former cricketer SachinTendulkar were on Tuesdayconferred the Bharat Ratna, thehighest civilian award of the countryfor exceptional contribution in anyfield of human endeavour.

The award was presented byPresident Pranab Mukherjee at a briefceremony in the historic Durbar Hallof Rashtrapati Bhavan. Mr. Tendulkaris the first sportsperson and sittingRajya Sabha member to receive theprestigious award.

Prof. Rao, Chairperson of theScientific Advisory Council to thePrime Minister, dedicated the awardto his mother and students. Mr.Tendulkar dedicated the feat to hismother and “all the mothers whosacrificed their wishes for theirchildren.”

“It is the biggest honour for me.I will continue to bat for my country.Even though my cricket has stopped,I will try my best to give people ofIndia a reason to smile,” he said afterthe function.

Mr. Tendulkar, dressed in a darkoutfit, was accompanied by his wife,Anjali, and daughter, Sara.

Rashtrapati Bhavan staff had aharrowing time controlling the guests,most of whom wanted to shake handswith the cricketer, who retired fromactive cricket last year, and take hisautograph.

Even security personnel wereseen jostling for a glimpse of thecricketer, and many of them managedto take his autograph as well.

Prof. Rao, who has 1,400 papersand 45 books to his credit, said: “It isfantastic. It is more important thananything. Nothing comparable toIndia honouring me.” He hoped thathe would be able to accomplish“something important” in the comingyears.





Prof. Rao, who is the thirdscientist to receive the Bharat Ratnaafter Nobel laureate C.V. Raman andformer President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,said that while India was doingreasonably well in science, othercountries were doing better. SouthKorea and China were spendingmore on research.

Prof. Rao’s contributions havebeen recognised by most majorscientific academies across the worldby way of memberships andfellowships, and numerous nationaland international awards.

Both Prof. Rao and Mr. Tendulkarhave received the Padma Vibhushanearlier. The two join the club of 41eminent personalities who have beenhonoured with Bharat Ratna since itwas instituted in 1954. Vice-President Hamid Ansari, PrimeMinister Manmohan Singh, Congresspresident Sonia Gandhi and a host ofMinisters were among those presentat the function.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ UN delegation meetsUN delegation meetsUN delegation meetsUN delegation meetsUN delegation meetswith armed groups in Maliwith armed groups in Maliwith armed groups in Maliwith armed groups in Maliwith armed groups in Mali

The U.N. Security Council meton Monday with representatives ofarmed Tuareg groups active innorthern Mali as part of an effort toaccelerate peace talks with thegovernment, though participants saiddisagreements on conditions for thetalks had not been resolved.

Tuareg rebels launched arebellion in northern Mali in early2012 that gave way to a military coup,allowing them to take control of thecountry’s north. However, al-Qaeda-linked Islamic extremists later tookover much of the north, promptingFrance to launch a militaryintervention in early 2013.

Though Mali held successfulpresidential and legislative electionslast year, security in the north remainsprecarious, and the NationalMovement for the Liberation of theAzawad in particular maintains a

strong presence in and around thenorthern city of Kidal.

Despite the efforts of variousmediators, negotiations between thearmed groups in the north and thegovernment of President IbrahimBoubacar Keita have stalled. Lastmonth, Tuareg rebels withdrew fromnegotiations set to take place inAlgeria after concluding that theirpush for greater autonomy would notbe addressed. Authorities in Bamakoare emphasizing a decentralizationprocess that would bolster theBamako-based government’spresence throughout the country.

One of the chief goals of theSecurity Council visit, which endedon Monday, was to accelerate peacetalks with all groups in northern Mali.

The visiting U.N. delegation alsomet with local authorities andreceived briefings on the work of thecountry’s U.N. peacekeepingmission. On Sunday France’s U.N.ambassador Gerard Araud said themission would reach its fulloperational capacity in July, one yearafter it took over peacekeepingactivities.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ India better prepared toIndia better prepared toIndia better prepared toIndia better prepared toIndia better prepared todeal with US Fed tapering:deal with US Fed tapering:deal with US Fed tapering:deal with US Fed tapering:deal with US Fed tapering:RajanRajanRajanRajanRajan

India is better prepared to dealwith any further U.S. Fed tapering,but the country needs to remainvigilant to face eventualities, ReserveBank Governor Raghuram Rajan saidhere on Tuesday.

“We have done a lot to make theeconomy robust and we are betterprepared (to deal with impact oftapering). (But) I will never say weare fully prepared for any eventuality.We have to be vigilant.

“We are better preparedcertainly now than we were sixmonths ago and that is because ofhard work by the government as wellas regulators,” Mr Rajan told reportersafter the FSDC meeting.

Finance Minister PChidambaram had chaired the fullmeeting of the Financial Stability andDevelopment Council (FSDC)comprising all financial sectorregulators.

The meeting took place againstthe backdrop of tapering ofQuantitative Easing (QE) in the U.S.,and the Reserve Bank revising thecurrent financial year’s growthprojection to less than 5 per cent.

Last week, the U.S. FederalReserve decided to cut its bondpurchases further by another USD 10billion. It has decided to purchaseUSD 65 billion per month of mortgagebacked securities and longer-termtreasury securities as against USD 75billion per month earlier.

Mr Rajan also said the new USFederal Reserve chief Janet Yellen isa very experienced central banker.

“I have full faith that she will dowhatever is appropriate and she willbe very reliable central banker,” theGovernor said.

FSDC meetingFSDC meetingFSDC meetingFSDC meetingFSDC meetingReferring to the FSDC meeting,

he said the government andregulators discussed a broad set ofissues facing the economy anddecided to move forward on someof issues, including non-performingassets.

“As and when the precisemeasures (on NPAs) are determined,we will obviously announce them,”Mr Rajan added.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Pressure on farmlandPressure on farmlandPressure on farmlandPressure on farmlandPressure on farmland

The government, it appears, isyet to find ways to addressconflicting demands on land. Insteadof quickly charting a comprehensiveapproach to land utilisation, itcontinues to speak in different voicesand at cross purposes. The latestaddition to the policy confusion is themove to consider Foreign DirectInvestment (FDI) in agricultural landbought for real estate purposes.





Existing Foreign ExchangeManagement Act regulations prohibitthe use of FDI funds to buy farmland.However, real estate companies havetried to bypass these restrictions. Lastyear, the Enforcement Directorateimposed a fine of Rs. 8,600 crore onEmaar MGF for allegedly usingforeign funds to buy agricultural land.The Ministry of Urban Developmentnow wants to ease these restrictions,and the government has constituteda three-member Cabinet committeeto look into it. The reasoning behindthis move is that 100 per cent FDI isalready permitted in developingtownships, housing and otherinfrastructure projects. Hence, itwould be only logical to extend it andallow the purchase of agriculturalland for construction purposes. Theother arguments are that restrictionscreate bottlenecks and delayprojects, and that buying ofagricultural land on the outskirts of acity is inevitable and necessary.

On the face of it, relaxing FDInorms may appear to be a rationalstep, but in the absence of a clear-cut land use policy and plans, it willhasten unrestricted acquisition andunplanned conversion of farmlandand lead to hoarding of land. In 2013,the Ministry of Rural Developmentpublished a draft National LandUtilisation Policy. It convincinglyargued that the shrinkage of percapita ownership of agricultural landand the demand to produce morefood — 245 million tonnes in 2013 to307 million tonnes in 2020 —necessitates the protection of fertileland. The National Policy for Farmers,announced in 2007, insisted that thegovernment conserve productiveland and allow any change in use onlyunder “exceptional circumstances.”These two policies make nodistinction between foreign and localinvestment. The government has notacted on a recommendation to reviveland use boards, which could

provide guidelines to Stategovernments. Nor has itimplemented the idea of delineatingand integrating land utilisation zonesunder the development plans. Thesemeasures are necessary to map theavailability of land and coordinatedemands for it. It is imperative tocorrect any institutional deficienciesand strengthen local level land-management plans to ensure anorderly process of urbandevelopment and preventdetrimental effects on agriculture andenvironment.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ An unjustified delayAn unjustified delayAn unjustified delayAn unjustified delayAn unjustified delay

The interminable delay inresolving the outstanding issuesconcerning the prosecution of twoItalian marines accused of killing twoIndian fishermen off the Kerala coastin February 2012 is becoming adiplomatic embarrassment to India.The Supreme Court has beenadjourning the matter repeatedly inthe hope that the Union governmentwould find a solution, and in the latestinstance it has given the Centre onemore week to report a settlement. Themain issue appears to be the NationalInvestigating Agency’s insistence oninvoking an anti-piracy law — theSuppression of Unlawful Acts againstSafety of Maritime Navigation andFixed Platforms on Continental ShelfAct, 2002 — which prescribes thedeath penalty for those causing deathduring an act of violence against anyship or vessel. The NIA is ready withits charge sheet, but is awaiting theoutcome of proceedings in theSupreme Court before filing it in aspecial court. While there may begenuine reasons for the delay inresolving the matter, the countrycannot afford to be seen as the cause.Italian President Giorgio Napolitanohas said Indian authorities havemanaged the case in contradictoryand disconcerting ways. TheEuropean Union, which opposes the

death penalty in all circumstances,has also warned of a possible adverseimpact on trade relations with India.

It is particularly surprising thatIndia’s approach should be markedby doubt and uncertainty even afterthe Supreme Court mapped thecontours of the proposedprosecution in a January 2013verdict, in which it held that only theCentre, and not Kerala, would havejurisdiction to try the case.

The issue raised by the marinesis whether the anti-piracy and anti-terrorism law can be invoked againstthem after the court had directed thatthe proceedings be under theMaritime Zones Act, 1976, the IPCand the CrPC, and the provisions ofthe UN Convention on the Law of theSea, 1982. The wisdom of invokingthe anti-piracy law in a case involvinga crime that was possibly committedunder the impression that the targetswere pirates, is open to question.

As the incident took place inIndia’s Contiguous Zone, theSupreme Court had held that theUnion government was entitled toprosecute the marines, but that itwas subject to Article 100 ofUNCLOS 1982, which says all statesshall cooperate in the repression ofpiracy. Caught between nationaloutrage against what many here seeas wanton killing by trigger-happymarines, and the imperative ofaccording a fair trial to the suspects,India seems to be faltering at boththe diplomatic and legal levels. Itneeds to finalise a credible andlegally sustainable approach to avoiddiplomatic setbacks or, worse, ajudicial invalidation.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ CCEA approves CADCCEA approves CADCCEA approves CADCCEA approves CADCCEA approves CADplan for women’s safetyplan for women’s safetyplan for women’s safetyplan for women’s safetyplan for women’s safety

The Cabinet Committee onEconomic Affairs (CCEA) hasapproved the proposal of the Ministryof Home Affairs to establish anIntegrated Computer Aided Dispatch





(CAD) platform. This is an emergencyresponse system for women andother vulnerable groups who mayface violence. The GeographicalInformation System (GIS) based call-taking and Geographical PositioningSystem (GPS)-based police vehicledispatch system will be able torespond to distress calls and ensurespeedy assistance to women.

Distress or emergency alarms gen-erated by panic buttons, landlines, mo-biles through individual devices pio-neered by the Department of Informa-tion Technology (DIT) or mobile phoneapplications would be tracked andEmergency Response (ER) units will bedispatched to attend the call. It will beintegrated with the existing Dial 100 sys-tem for seamless operation and coor-dination between the two systems.

This project would obtain fundingfrom the Nirbhaya Fund. The project in-volves a total expenditure of Rs. 321.69crore which includes an implementationcost (one time) of Rs.204.25 crore, re-curring expenditure (operational cost for5 Years) of Rs.102.12 crore and expensesfor the central monitoring and evalua-tion project management unit of approxRs.15.32 crore.

The initiative will provide 24hours and 24X7 helpline service towomen in distress and an efficientand effective response system toattend to their calls as well as foralarms related to other emergencyservices such as medical and disaster(fire etc.) by other responders in anintegrated manner. It will also help inproviding speedy assistance forhelpless women/children of adefined area, who face any form ofviolence, such as eve teasing, dowrydemands, sexual assault, molestationor any other abuse either in public orat home.

The proposed system wouldalso be integrated with Crime andCriminal Tracking and NetworkingSystem (CCTNS), and State ServiceDelivery Gateway (SSDG) and followthe DIT guidelines for scalability, andinteroperability. The project involvessetting up of city wise hi-tech Control

Rooms to cover 114 cities anddistricts in different states and unionterritories of India, as identified bythe Ministry of Women and ChildDevelopment, which includes 71cities having a population of morethan a million or which areheadquarters of the State/UT as wellas headquarters of 41 highly crimeprone districts. The 71 cities wouldcover a population of over 231.23million and the 43 districts wouldcover a population of 160.27 millionthat is a total coverage of 32.6 percent of the country.New Indian OceanNew Indian OceanNew Indian OceanNew Indian OceanNew Indian Oceanexercise shows reach ofexercise shows reach ofexercise shows reach ofexercise shows reach ofexercise shows reach ofChina’s NavyChina’s NavyChina’s NavyChina’s NavyChina’s Navy

The Chinese Navy hasconducted rare exercises in theLombok Strait in the Indian Oceannear Indonesia, with the drills seenby analysts as underlining China’sexpanding capabilities in carryingout operations in waters far beyondits borders.

A three-ship flotilla of the SouthSea fleet, which included the largeamphibious aircraft Changbaishanand two destroyers, conducted 10exercises, including anti-piracy,search and rescue, and damagecontrol drills, over a five-day exercisestarting January 29, based out of theLombok Strait, a narrow strip of waterthat runs from the Java Sea, nearIndonesia, and is north of Australia.

On Monday, the ships left theIndian Ocean for drills in the WestPacific Ocean, the officialXinhuanews agency reported. TheLombok drills also includedsimulations for warfare to test theresponse of command systems andsoldiers’ “combat skills”. The drillsaren’t China’s first in the IndianOcean: the People’s Liberation ArmyNavy (PLAN) has carried out 16 drills,but mostly in the western IndianOcean near the Gulf of Aden. As withthe Gulf of Aden exercises, the drills

focused on anti-piracy and searchand rescue measures.

However, last week’s drills wereseen by analysts as being significantby breaking new ground in severalways. This was the first drill of thisnature in the Lombok Strait, and alsomarked the first time the PLAN had,in its drills, charted a new route fromthe South China Sea to the IndianOcean. In earlier drills, ships sailedup the much-traversed MalaccaStraits, a significant waterway forglobal trade that opens out near theAndaman Sea, and is a crucial linkbetween the Indian Ocean and EastAsia. This also marked the firstdeployment of the Changbaishan,China’s largest landing ship which isequipped with advanced weaponssystems, in a drill of this kind.

Srikanth Kondapalli, an experton the Chinese military at JawaharlalNehru University, said the drill mayhave been a signal from China aboutthe dispute over the South China Sea,whose waters and islands arecontested by a number of countries.“The drill took place in Lombok, whichis beyond the nine-dotted line [thatreflects China’s claims]. This issomething new,” he said, andsuggested that the PLAN may bedemonstrating its capabilities toaccess the disputed region fromanother direction “from behind”.

A second signal was tied to theMalacca Straits, which are a key routefor China’s energy imports. Thedependence on the narrow strait ledformer leader Hu Jintao to warn ofChina’s “Malacca dilemma”,triggering fresh initiatives by Beijingto establish alternate routes forimports, such as through ports inMyanmar and on-going projects inBangladesh and Pakistan. “A thirdmessage,” Professor Kondapalliadded, “is that they can come closerto the Andaman & Nicobar jointcommand through Lombok, and notjust through Malacca”.





He said the drill could be seenas “a preliminary attempt” by thePLAN to see how they can fare inoperations far away from China’sborders in the Indian Ocean, wherethey lack bases for logistics andsupport. China has recently pushedcommercial ties with several littoralstates, and is also involved in portprojects in a number of countriesneighbouring India.

Last year, a Chinese think-tankreleased a first “blue book” or policyadvisory on the Indian Ocean,stressing that Beijing should bedriven by commercial, rather thanmilitary, objectives, considering theimportance of the Indian OceanRegion to its energy security. At thesame time, it called for “a cleardevelopment strategy in the IndianOcean Region” which would “notonly [be] a sign of China’s self-confidence [but] also a cleardemonstration of China’s strategicinterests.”

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Green TribunalGreen TribunalGreen TribunalGreen TribunalGreen Tribunalbans tyre burning in publicbans tyre burning in publicbans tyre burning in publicbans tyre burning in publicbans tyre burning in public

The National Green Tribunal hasbanned the burning of tyres at publicplaces, such as roads and areassurrounded by residential buildingsand also during protests by politicaland religious groups as it is likely tocause health hazard.

The Western Zone Bench ofNGT was hearing the petition againstthe Maharashtra Pollution ControlBoard (MPCB) and the State ofMaharashtra, filed by a group of 14lawyers who argued that burningtyres on the streets creates toxicsmoke and poses a serious threat tothe environment by increasing airpollution. The petition hadspecifically sought relief through aban on burning tyres during agitationsby political and religious groups.

“There has been a completeabsence of any rule on environmentprotection when it comes to burning

of tyres on the streets,” said AsimSarode, one of the petitioners, addingthat the NGT order is a positive stepin the direction of reducing airpollution.

As per the tribunal’s ad-interimorder, the local police shall takeimmediate cognisance of burning oftyres. “Any dereliction in thedirections given as above may entailpenal consequences as enumeratedin Section 26 of the National Greentribunal Act, 2010,” said the order.

Under Section 26, a failure tofollow the order can result in a penaltyof up to Rs 10 crore, which may beextended to Rs 25 crore and/orimprisonment of three years.

U.S. issues penalties overviolations of Iran sanctions

The Obama administrationpenalised nearly three dozencompanies and individuals in eightcountries on Thursday, accusingthem of evading sanctions on doingbusiness with Iran.

It was the administration’s mostextensive enforcement action totarget Iran since a temporaryinternational agreement on thatcountry’s disputed nuclear programwas completed in November andput into effect last month.

Announced by the TreasuryDepartment office that overseessanctions enforcement, thepunishments were at least partlydevised to send a message that theU.S. is not relaxing economicpressures on Iran, apparently to bluntan atmosphere of optimism that hasresulted from the temporary nuclearagreement. This week, Secretary ofState John Kerry criticised Franceafter it sent a large trade delegationto Iran.

“Today’s action should leave nodoubt that those who seek to evadeour sanctions, support Iran’s nuclearprogram or assist in Iran’s promotionof international terrorism willcontinue to be called to account,” a

senior Treasury Department officialsaid in a conference call withreporters.

A Treasury announcement saidthe enforcement action had singledout “a diverse range of entities andindividuals located around the world”for evading U.S. sanctions aimed atIran.

There was no immediatecomment from the Iraniangovernment.

Under U.S. sanctions laws andregulations, violators face severepenalties, including restrictions ondoing business in the United Statesand the seizure of any property underU.S. jurisdiction.

Eighteen businesses and 14individuals were identified asviolators in the Treasuryannouncement, in a list of countriesthat included Turkey, Spain,Germany, Georgia, Afghanistan, theUnited Arab Emirates andLiechtenstein.

Some were accused of helpingIran circumvent U.S. sanctions onfinancial transactions and oil sales.Others were accused of involvementin what the U.S. regards as Iran’s illicitactivities in Afghanistan and Syria.

A Spanish company, AdvanceElectrical and IndustrialTechnologies SL, and its soleshareholder, Pere Punti, werepenalised for helping Iran procurespecialized nuclear equipment. ATurkish citizen, Ali Canko, waspenalised for helping an Iraniancompany’s attempts to reverse-engineer an armed speedboat to beused by Iran’s Islamic RevolutionaryGuards Corps. An Iranian-ownedairline in the United Arab Emirates,Blue Sky Aviation, was accused ofobscuring banned financialpayments for aircraft, engines andparts.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Moment of truth for IndiaMoment of truth for IndiaMoment of truth for IndiaMoment of truth for IndiaMoment of truth for India

For the first time in the history





of independent India, a high officialof its intelligence services standsindicted for cold-blooded killing inthe service of the Republic.Thursday’s Central Bureau ofInvestigation charge sheet againstformer Intelligence Bureau SpecialDirector Rajinder Kumar and hissubordinates for the alleged extra-judicial execution of Maharashtraresidents Ishrat Jahan Raza and JavedSheikh, as well as two allegedPakistani Lashkar-e-Toiba operatives,marks an unprecedented challengefor India’s national security system.The CBI’s charge sheet has blownthe lid off the comforting fiction thatextra-judicial killings are aberrations,crimes carried out by brutishpolicemen and villainous provincialpoliticians. In this case, the GujaratPolice might have playedexecutioner, but the charges againstMr. Kumar give reason to believe thatthe death warrants were signed, soto speak, in North Block. Loud andacrimonious political debate hasbroken out on whether the fourvictims were linked to terrorism or not,which really is an irrelevant issue.Instead, political leaders mustintrospect on the role of governmentsin encouraging murder as a tool ofnational security, and demonstratethe legislative will needed to setwrongs right.

India is exceptional amongdemocracies in having no legalframework for its intelligenceservices, nor a system of oversight andaccountability for covert operations.For individual officers, the absenceof a regulatory law for covertoperations creates perverseincentives for wrongdoing: who, afterall, would want victims of theircriminal acts to tell the story in court?In its absence, kidnapping has beensubstituted for legal detention,torture for criminal investigation, andthe bullet delivered to the back ofthe skull, for trial. Leaders of all

parties, though, have been loath tochange the system. For years now,figures like Union Minister ManishTewari, and former intelligencechiefs, have campaigned for the legalregulation of the intelligence services,arguing that the status quo will endup undermining national security. Tocontinue to ignore these voices willensure the destruction of theintelligence services, and threatenthe security of the republic they arecharged with defending.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Divesting to bridge theDivesting to bridge theDivesting to bridge theDivesting to bridge theDivesting to bridge thedeficitdeficitdeficitdeficitdeficit

The Specified Undertaking ofUnit Trust of India (SUUTI, for short),formed specifically to take over theregular income schemes of the UnitTrust of India, has been in the newsrecently. Reversing an earlier decisionto form an asset managementcompany to take it over, the CabinetCommittee on Economic Affairsrecently decided to encash someblue chip shares held by it. The earlierproposal, while being technically andtheoretically sound, would be time-consuming and will not suit agovernment in a great hurry to raisemoney to bridge its deficit by March,A divestment of some of SUUTI’sprized shareholdings, on the otherhand, will be a quicker way to meetfiscal targets. The government holdsthrough SUUTI 20.72 per cent of AxisBank with a market value of overRs.8,060 crore. It also owns 11.3 percent of ITC (Rs.19,800 crore) and 8.2percent of L&T (Rs.6,640 crore). Asale of these would fetch thegovernment over Rs.34,500 crore atcurrent prices. Assuming that themodalities of the sale could be gonethrough in the remaining less-than twomonths of the current fiscal year, thedisinvestment target of Rs.40,000crore will be very nearly met. Thoughthe 2G spectrum auctions are oncourse to exceed initialexpectations, the boost in

disinvestment proceeds willstrengthen government finances andmake the target of reining in fiscaldeficit at less than 4.8 per cent of GDPthat much easier.

That said, it is important tochoose the correct method of sellingthese shares. The objective is not onlyto meet financial targets but also fulfilsome of the broad objectives of thedisinvestment programme. Over theyears, the government had adoptedingenious methods to meet itsdisinvestment targets, including saleto state undertakings, buybacks,cross-holdings, special dividendsand setting up of exchange-tradedfunds. None of these benefit thecommon man. The disinvestmentprogramme has theoreticallyespoused retail investors’ interests.The vision statement of theDepartment of Disinvestment seeksto “promote people’s ownership ofshares through disinvestment” andspread the equity culture. Over theyears, however, the government hasignored retail investors, offering themmere token incentives such as a smalldiscount in the few share offerings ofpublic sector companies. In contrast,large investors have benefitedsubstantially. In fact, the capitalmarket regulator SEBI introducednew schemes that completelybypassed small shareholders. Thegovernment could recompense retailinvestors by selling its shares in SUUTIexclusively to them. That way, retailinvestors will get to own some bluechips, and the capital market will getsome depth.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ US to announceUS to announceUS to announceUS to announceUS to announcetrade action against Indiatrade action against Indiatrade action against Indiatrade action against Indiatrade action against India

US Trade RepresentativeMichael Froman will announce a new“trade enforcement action” withregard to India in Washington onMonday, the federal agency said,raising concerns that there could beanother spike in tensions in the





bilateral relationship. The upcomingannouncement comes in the wake ofreports highlighting the lobbying byindustrial collectives such as the USChamber of Commerce, to get theObama administration to press Indiafurther over its intellectual propertyrights (IPR) protection.

Indian Commerce MinisterAnand Sharma however indicatedthat the USTR had not given NewDelhi any advanced notice about thetrade enforcement action.

Other groups such as the USInternational Trade Commission havescheduled hearing this week to “lookinto Indian trade and investmentpractices.”

In particular, the US Chamberof Commerce is said to be urging theUSTR to classify India as a “PriorityForeign Country,” described as “a taggiven to the worst offenders when itcomes to protecting intellectualproperty,” and potentially a tradesanctions trigger. In its annual“Special 301 Report” on theadequacy and effectiveness of IPrights protection by US tradingpartners, the USTR in 2013 noted,“India remains on the Priority WatchList… [after it made] limited progressin improving its weak IPR legalframework and enforcement system.”

That report further emphasised,“In many areas, however, IPRprotection and enforcementchallenges are growing, and there areserious questions regarding the futurecondition of the innovation climatein India across multiple sectors anddisciplines.” The USTR said at the timethat Washington “continues to urgeIndia to reconsider how it can meetlegitimate domestic policy objectivesby fostering rather than underminingthat innovation climate.”

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ India’s economic growthIndia’s economic growthIndia’s economic growthIndia’s economic growthIndia’s economic growthlikely to be ‘below trend’:likely to be ‘below trend’:likely to be ‘below trend’:likely to be ‘below trend’:likely to be ‘below trend’:OECDOECDOECDOECDOECD

Indian economy’s growth is

expected to be “below trend” evenas neighbouring China and most ofthe developed nations are expectedto see better prospects, accordingto Paris-based think tank OECD.

The conclusions are based onComposite Leading Indicator (CLI),which are designed to anticipateturning points in economic activity.

“In the emerging economies,the CLIs point to growth around trendin China, Brazil and Russia, and togrowth below trend in India,” OECDsaid on Monday.

The Organisation for EconomicCooperation and Development(OECD) is a grouping of mostlydeveloped nations. India’s CLIslipped to 97 in December last yearfrom 97.2 registered in November.

The country’s CLI has beenfalling since August 2013 when itstood at 97.7. It dropped to 97.5 inSeptember and then to 97.4 inOctober.

The OECD assessment comes ata time when the Indian economy isexpected to clock a growth of 4.9per cent in the current financial yearending March 2014, higher than 4.5per cent GDP expansion recordedin the year-ago period, as peradvanced estimates released fromthe Central Statistics Office.

Meanwhile, OECD said mostadvanced economies continue toshow signs of an improving economicoutlook.

“The CLIs continue to point toeconomic growth firming in theUnited States and the UnitedKingdom and to growth above trendin Japan. In the euro area as a whole,and in France and Italy, the CLIscontinue to indicate a positivechange in momentum. In Germany,the CLI shows signs of firminggrowth,” OECD said in a statement.

These readings also indicatethat a re-balancing is happening inthe global economy with bettergrowth anticipated in the developed

world than in the developingcountries.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ A chance not to beA chance not to beA chance not to beA chance not to beA chance not to besquanderedsquanderedsquanderedsquanderedsquandered

The Bill now placed beforeParliament is the best chance yet toenact a ground-breaking law for anestimated 70 million people withimpairments — an overwhelmingmajority of whom, and their care-givers, live in conditions of abjectpoverty and deprivation. Thedefinition of disability in the Bill is abig departure: it means all long-termphysical, mental, intellectual andsensory impairments which, ininteraction with barriers in theenvironment, hinder persons’effective participation in society onan equal basis. As many as 19impairments are sought to beaccorded legal protection, asopposed to seven under the 1995Persons with Disabilities Act.Correspondingly, the proportion ofreservations is proposed to beincreased to 5 per cent from theexisting 3 per cent. The provision toensure that the disabled enjoy legalcapacity on an equal basis with everyother person is a strong protection,especially for people with mentalretardation. And finally, theincorporation of penal provisions toensure accountability for lawenforcement — a lacuna in thecurrent law — could potentiallybridge the gap between professedintentions and practice.

The issue of disabilities hasseldom in the past been regarded aspolitically divisive and the Bill standsa fair chance of mustering the supportof parties across the politicalspectrum. Moreover, theconstituents in the Bharatiya JanataParty-led National DemocraticAlliance government wereinstrumental in the incorporation ofthe question on disability in the 2001decennial population census. This





was a step that perhaps haspermanently reversed the earlierexclusion of this segment from acrucial national exercise in post-Independence India. Similarly, thepolitical parties of the Left had alwayssupported the passage of importantsocial legislation. Members of bothHouses should demonstrate a strongsense of purpose, urgency andsensitivity to make a new law a realityduring the current term of Parliament,overcoming the continuing impasseon various other counts. While theconcerns expressed by well-meaning non-governmentalorganisations may be valid inprinciple, they should weigh the hugepractical gains to be made fromseeing through this Bill, rather thanwait for eternity for the perfect pieceof legislation. Parliament couldconsider incorporating a provision inthe new law, mandating thatrevenues from the levy on corporatesocial responsibility be channelled topromote employment for thedisabled. The disabled are said toconstitute the single largest minorityin society, as per the World HealthOrganization and the World Bankreport of 2011. Legal protectionswould go a long way to promote theirfull participation in society as equalmembers.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Sri Lanka to sign landmarkSri Lanka to sign landmarkSri Lanka to sign landmarkSri Lanka to sign landmarkSri Lanka to sign landmarktrade pact with China soontrade pact with China soontrade pact with China soontrade pact with China soontrade pact with China soon

China has said it will takeforward plans to boost maritimeconnectivity with Sri Lanka, where itis already building a major portproject, with both countries this weekalso agreeing to deepen economiclinks and sign a landmark Free TradeAgreement (FTA) before the end ofthe year.

A push for closer economic tieswas emphasised during this week’sfour-day visit by Sri Lankan ForeignMinister G.L. Peiris to Beijing.

Mr. Peiris said on Thursday a

feasibility study for the FTA was “onthe verge of completion.”

“It will be a landmark, historicachievement since the Rubber-RicePact in 1952,” he told the state-runXinhua news agency.

The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministerhailed China’s support, particularlyfollowing the end of the civil war in2009, saying it was “among the nationscontributing most to Sri Lanka’seconomy” in terms of developmentassistance.

China is now the biggestprovider of loans to Sri Lanka,overtaking countries such as India andJapan that had earlier been the largestsource of financing for infrastructureprojects.

Today Beijing is involved inprojects ranging from roads andrailways to the massive port projectin Hambantota, with investmentsamounting to $4 billion according tostate media reports.

Both sides also discussedbuilding a “21st century maritime silkroad,” Chinese Foreign Ministryspokesperson Hua Chunying toldreporters. This would involveboosting “maritimeinterconnectivity,” besides workingtogether on disaster prevention andexpanding people-to-peopleexchanges.The visit of Mr. Peiris thisweek had been somewhatovershadowed by next month’sUnited Nations Human Rights Councilmeeting, where the United States isexpected to put forward a resolutioncriticising the country’s post-war rightrecord.

The main objective of his trip toChina was seen by many analysts hereas aimed at reinforcing Chinesesupport to Sri Lanka ahead of theUNHRC meet.

China, which was among 14countries elected to serve on the 47-member UNHRC in November for athree-year term, has been among themost vocal backers of the Sri Lankan

government amid increasinginternational criticism of the post-warreconciliation process and the humanrights situation.

Chinese Foreign Minister WangYi this week underlined that support,telling Mr. Peiris that China opposed“some countries’ interference,”without directly naming the U.S., “inthe internal affairs of Sri Lanka underthe pretext of human rights issues.”

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ World’s largest solarWorld’s largest solarWorld’s largest solarWorld’s largest solarWorld’s largest solarpower plant opens in Nevadapower plant opens in Nevadapower plant opens in Nevadapower plant opens in Nevadapower plant opens in Nevada

A windy stretch of the MojaveDesert once roamed by tortoises andcoyotes has been transformed byhundreds of thousands of mirrors intothe largest solar power plant of itstype in the world, a milestone for agrowing industry that is testing thebalance between wildernessconservation and the pursuit of greenenergy across the American West.

The Ivanpah Solar ElectricGenerating System, sprawling acrossroughly 5 square miles (13 sq.kilometers) of federal land near theCalifornia-Nevada border, formallyopens on Thursday after years ofregulatory and legal tangles rangingfrom relocating protected tortoises toassessing the impact on Mojavemilkweed and other plants.

The $2.2 billion complex ofthree generating units, owned byNRG Energy Inc., Google Inc. andBrightSource Energy, can producenearly 400 megawatts enough powerfor 140,000 homes. It began makingelectricity last year.

Larger projects are on the way,but for now, Ivanpah is beingdescribed as a marker for the UnitedStates’ emerging solar industry. Whilesolar power accounts for less than 1percent of the nation’s power output,thousands of projects from large,utility-scale plants to smallproduction sites are underconstruction or being planned,particularly across the sun-drenched





Southwest. The opening of Ivanpahis “a dawn of a new era in powergeneration in the United States,” saidRhone Resch, president of the SolarEnergy Industries Association, a tradegroup. “We are going to be a globalleader in solar generation.”

The plant’s dedication comes asgovernment continues to push fordevelopment of greener, cleanerpower.

President Barack Obama hasmounted a second-term drive tocombat climate change, proposingfirst-ever limits on carbon pollutionfrom new and existing power plants.His plan aims to help move the U.S.from a coal-dependent past into afuture fired by wind and solar power,nuclear energy and natural gas.

According to U.S. EnergyInformation Administration data, thecost of building and operating a newsolar thermal power plant over itslifetime is greater than generatingnatural gas, coal or nuclear power. Itcosts a conventional coal plant $100,on average, to produce a megawatt-hour of power, but that figure is $261for solar thermal power, according to2011 estimates. The figures do notaccount for incentives such as stateor federal tax credits that can impactthe cost.

Ken Johnson, a spokesman forthe solar association, said in astatement that solar systems haveseen “dramatic price declines” in thelast few years.

That’s good for utilities inCalifornia, which must obtain a thirdof their electricity from solar and otherrenewable sources by 2020.

The Ivanpah site, about 45 miles(75 kilometers) southwest of LasVegas, has virtually unbrokensunshine most of the year and is neartransmission lines that carry power toconsumers.

Using technology known assolar-thermal, nearly 350,000computer-controlled mirrors —

roughly the size of a garage door —reflect sunlight to boilers atop 459-foot (140-meter) towers. The sun’spower is used to heat water in theboilers’ tubes and make steam, whichdrives turbines to create electricity.

While many people are familiarwith rooftop solar, or photovoltaicpanels, “these are a little bit different.This takes the sun’s rays and reflectsthem onto towers,” said NRGspokesman Jeff Holland.

The plant can be a startlingsight for drivers heading toward LasVegas along busy Interstate 15. Amidmiles of rock and scrub, its vast arrayof mirrors creates the image of anethereal lake shimmering atop thedesert floor. In fact, it’s built on a drylakebed.

Google announced in 2011 thatit would invest $168 million in theproject. As part of its financing,BrightSource also lined up $1.6billion in loans guaranteed by the U.S.Energy Department.

Ivanpah can be seen as asuccess story and a cautionary tale,highlighting the inevitable trade-offsbetween the need for cleaner powerand the loss of fragile, open land. TheCalifornia Energy Commissionconcluded that while the solar plantwould impose “significant impacts onthe environment ... the benefits theproject would provide override thoseimpacts.”

Such disputes are likely tocontinue for years as more companiesseek to develop solar, wind andgeothermal plants on land treasuredby environmentalists who alsosupport the growth of renewableenergy. At issue is what is worthpreserving and at what cost, asCalifornia pushes to generate moreelectricity from renewable sources.

In 2012, the federal governmentestablished 17 “solar energy zones”in an attempt to direct developmentto land it has identified as havingfewer wildlife and natural—resource

obstacles. The zones comprise about450 square miles (1,165 sq.kilometers) in six states: California,Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado andNew Mexico.

The Western Watershed Projectis continuing to push a lawsuit againstfederal agencies that reviewed theIvanpah project. Its Californiadirector, Michael J. Connor, saidalternatives to the site were notconsidered and seriousenvironmental impacts, includingfragmenting the tortoise population,were ignored.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Challenges for a new IOAChallenges for a new IOAChallenges for a new IOAChallenges for a new IOAChallenges for a new IOA

For more than 14 months, theIndian Olympic Association (IOA)stubbornly refused to listen to reason.It engaged in a ‘no-win’ stand-off withthe International Olympic Committee(IOC), staking the country’s Olympicfuture. It drew contempt for itsofficials amidst a power struggle,before accepting the inevitable.Suspended by the IOC in December2012 for violation of the OlympicCharter, the IOA eventually bowedto every diktat of the former inholding fresh elections on February9 under IOC-dictated rules. This haspaved the way for India’s return tothe Olympic fold. What started off asa tussle between the Uniongovernment and the IOA regardingthe implementation of the NationalSports Code, ended up in a‘cleansing’ operation that kept outofficials “charge-framed” by courtsfrom the elections ordered by theIOC. The IOC advocates ‘principlesof good governance’ while the IOAhas through the years tried to hidebehind the cloak of ‘autonomy’ordained in the Charter. Thegovernment, faced with criticismboth within and outside Parliamentabout poor administration of sportsin the country, had started tighteningthe rules governing the IOA and thenational federations, when the IOC





slapped the suspension on India.The quick response of the IOC

in lifting the suspension to enable theIndian tricolour to be flown at theongoing Winter Olympics at Sochi,Russia, showed that it was completelysatisfied with a repentant IOA. TheIOC might have managed to pushthrough more stringent clauses thanthat could have been possible inother times while demanding clarityto the IOA constitution. But problemareas still remain.

The IOA could be expected tobargain hard with the government inorder to retain what is left of itsautonomy and that of the nationalfederations when the draft NationalSports Development Bill is amended.The 25 per cent representation in theExecutive to Athletes’ Commissionmembers, as incorporated in the draft,is far from reality. The continuation ofState Olympic associations as voting-members in the IOA, in a clear attemptto manipulate vote banks, is muchagainst the provisions in the OlympicCharter, and the wishes of the IOCand the government. Nationalfederations in boxing, fencing andtaekwondo remain suspended bythe respective internationalfederations and were barred fromvoting in the recent IOA elections.The IOA needs to facilitate theirquick return to international sports.Faction feuds within federationsshould be tackled urgently, and sotoo questions related to thedemocratic functioning of the sportsbodies that have come up in courtcases. The IOA chief, N.Ramachandran, who represents a newphase and has taken over inchallenging circumstances, has histask cut out

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Spectrum of successSpectrum of successSpectrum of successSpectrum of successSpectrum of success

After the two relativelyunsuccessful attempts to sell 2Gspectrum in November 2012 andMarch 2013, it was a case of third time

lucky for the government as it hit paydirt with the latest round ofauctioning that ended on Thursday.With all the spectrum on offer in the900 MHz band sold out and 80 percent of that offered in the 1800 MHzband sold for a total of Rs.61,162 crore— which is substantially higher thanthe reserve price — the governmentis patting itself on the back for what itcalls a big success. Yet, this has to beviewed in the backdrop of a coupleof issues. First, this auction was criticalfor two of the biggest telecomoperators in the country, Bharti Airteland Vodafone, because theirlicences are set to expire later thisyear, and to continue in business theyhad to pick up spectrum irrespectiveof the price. So, an element ofdesperation was built into thebidding from the moment it began,pushing up valuations. With a newentrant in the form of Reliance JioInfocomm queering the pitch byadding to the competitive element,it is not surprising that the final valuesof the 900 MHz spectrum for Delhiand Mumbai were 105 per cent and72 per cent more than the reserveprice. Of course, it could be arguedthat this is exactly how markets workand as the owner of the spectrum thegovernment is entitled to get the bestprice.

That brings us to the secondpoint. The auction can be trulytermed as successful only whentelecom services develop ataffordable prices for the consumer.If the high spending by operators inthe auction forces them to raisetariffs, the objective will be lost.

This is exactly what happenedin the 3G arena where companiesoutbid each other paying big bucksfor spectrum, only to discover thatthe market was not willing to absorbthe high tariffs. The net result is that3G services have not taken off in abig way. The signals on tariff now aremixed, with the operators

complaining about the money theyhad to cough up for the spectrum— which they are bound to anyway— but they have stopped short ofsaying that tariffs will rise. Thecompetition in the market willprobably ensure that tariffs do notshoot up immediately, at least forvoice telephony. Groaning as theyare under high debt levels, it isunlikely that telecom companies willbe able to convince banks to lendmore to them now; banks are underpressure from the RBI anyway as theyare over-exposed to the sector. Itremains to be seen how thesecompanies manage their funds. Yet,all things considered, the bottomlineis this: the auction and the moneyput on the table by the operatorsprove, yet again, the attractiveness ofthe telecom market in the country,notwithstanding the fact that it isalready 900 million connectionsstrong.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ China to push PakistanChina to push PakistanChina to push PakistanChina to push PakistanChina to push Pakistancorridor despite terrorcorridor despite terrorcorridor despite terrorcorridor despite terrorcorridor despite terrorconcernsconcernsconcernsconcernsconcerns

China does not see the risingthreats from terror groups as derailingits new “economic corridor” planlinking the troubled western Xinjiangregion with Pakistan-occupiedKashmir (PoK), officials told TheHindu on Monday.

Both countries are planning to ac-celerate development of the projectwhen Pakistani President MamnoonHussain arrives here on a three-day visit,starting Tuesday.

The economic corridor, which en-visages expanding road links, buildingrailway lines and installing energy pipe-lines linking Xinjiang with the Gwadarport in Pakistan, was flagged as a prior-ity project by both countries last year.

However, its feasibility has re-mained a matter of debate. Some Chi-nese companies have voiced concernabout stability and security in Pakistan,while violent attacks in southernXinjiang, located next to the PoK bor-der, have been blamed by local offi-





cials on terror outfits with links to Paki-stan-based groups.

Recent attackRecent attackRecent attackRecent attackRecent attackOnly on Friday, 11 people were

killed in Aksu, on an attack blamed byXinjiang police officials on “extremists”.State media said, after the incident,“overseas separatism forces” had in-tended to “penetrate” into the southernXinjiang regions of Kashgar, Hotan andAksu.

Many local Uighurs and rightsgroups have, however, accused the gov-ernment of playing up the terror threatto clamp down on dissent.

Following attacks in Hotan in2011, Xinjiang’s Governor Nur Bekri saidhis government had discovered thatmembers of the separatist EastTurkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and“terrorists in our neighbouring stateshave a thousand and one links”.

Xinjiang officials had alsoblamed knife and bomb attacks inHotan on groups with links toPakistan-based outfits. But Beijing hasappeared keen to play down terrorconcerns in light of its “all-weather”ties with Islamabad.

Responding to questions fromThe Hindu, officials on Mondayclaimed that Xinjiang officials had“never” linked Pakistan-based groupsto terror attacks, although Mr. Bekri,the Governor, had specifically doneso two years ago. “We have neverheard of similar statements fromofficials in the Xinjiang AutonomousRegion in China,” the Foreign Ministrysaid. “China is a victim of terrorism.Some regions, including Xinjiang, arefacing a threat from ‘East Turkestan’terrorist forces as represented byETIM. The terrorist activities are notonly a severe threat to the nationalsecurity of China, but also a severethreat to the peace and stability ofrelevant countries and regions.”

The government said the ETIMwas “increasing its usage of theInternet to incite and spread terroristextreme thoughts” and was looking“to increase collusion withinternational terrorist forces”.

The Ministry, however, did notdirectly respond to a question onwhether China would discuss theterror problem with Pakistan duringMr. Hussain’s visit, only saying bothsides would exchange “in-depthviews” in “various fields”.

It said China had “goodcooperation with countries likePakistan” in fighting the ETIM, andhad “appreciated” and supportedPakistan’s implementation of anti-terror strategies “according to its ownnational conditions”.

‘Far-reaching’‘Far-reaching’‘Far-reaching’‘Far-reaching’‘Far-reaching’The Ministry said it believed the

economic corridor plan would havea “far-reaching” impact on the region.

Officials said the secondmeeting of the corridor’s jointcooperation committee will be heldthis week, to follow up on threeworking groups that discussedenergy links, transportationinfrastructure and comprehensiveplanning projects.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Scrap 15 of 44 damsScrap 15 of 44 damsScrap 15 of 44 damsScrap 15 of 44 damsScrap 15 of 44 damsplanned across Siang inplanned across Siang inplanned across Siang inplanned across Siang inplanned across Siang inArunachal: CWC reportArunachal: CWC reportArunachal: CWC reportArunachal: CWC reportArunachal: CWC report

A report commissioned by theCentral Water Commission hasrecommended scrapping of 15 of the44 dams planned across the Siangriver in Arunachal Pradesh. It has alsosuggested stricter regulations for theones that are to be built in future.

The report has warned that theproposed 44 dams, meant toestablish a capacity of 18,293 MW,will affect the river ecology andbiodiversity and the region all the waydown to Assam. Cumulatively, theprojects will impact more than 500km of river stretch. Of this, 353 kmwill be converted into reservoirs, andwater will travel through tunnels foranother 160.8 km. More than 18,000hectares of forests will be impacted.The Union Ministry of Environmentand Forests will consider the reportat the next meeting of its Forest

Advisory Committee before itassesses the controversial 700-MWTato II project, which the UPAgovernment has pushed hard to clear.But the CWC report notes that thedownstream impact of the dams willbe felt all the way to Guwahati. Thereport notes: “Siang Lower HEP(2,700 MW), Siang Upper Stage II(3,750 MW) and Siang Upper Stage I(6,000 MW) are planned to coveralmost the entire length of the Siangin India. 208.5 km of the river will beconverted into one continuousreservoir as all three projects areplanned back-to-back without anyfree flowing intermediate riverstretch.” The report only asks for thesmaller capacity dams, with a totalcapacity of 473.5 MW, to be doneaway with. “It is stronglyrecommended that after droppingthese projects, these river reachesshould be kept free. These projectsshould not be re-allotted by alteringtheir features, locations and names.Also on other free stretches/tributaries, no further hydropowerprojects should be planned/allottedin the entire Siang basin even if theyare small (less than 25 MW) and donot fall within the purview of the EIAnotification,” says the report.

The Ministry has decided toassess the Tato II project forclearance, claiming it is the firstproject in the river basin, though itassessed the 1,000-MW Siyom(Middle Siang) project forenvironmental clearance as far backas 2004-05. The Ministry’s panel forforest clearances will also review theLower Yamne State I and II projects,which fall in the Siang river basin andadd up to 184 MW. The CWC reporthas assessed this sub-basin to be ofthe highest biodiversity value in theoverall Siang basin.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Iran, P5+1 eyeIran, P5+1 eyeIran, P5+1 eyeIran, P5+1 eyeIran, P5+1 eyecomprehensive dealcomprehensive dealcomprehensive dealcomprehensive dealcomprehensive deal

Envoys from Iran and six world





powers noted the positivenegotiating atmosphere but keptexpectations low as they started talkson Tuesday in Vienna on acomprehensive deal to end thestand-off over Tehran’s nuclearprogramme.

“We had a promising start thismorning and we hope to continuethis trend in the next three days,”Iranian Deputy Foreign MinisterAbbas Araghchi said.

Building on an interim deal thatwas reached in November in Geneva,Iran and the five permanent UNSecurity Council members plusGermany are aiming to agree onfurther limits to Iran’s nuclearprogramme to rule out that it couldbuild a nuclear weapon, in return forthe permanent lifting of all sanctionsagainst Tehran.

However, officials stressed thisweek’s round had the modest goal ofagreeing on the timing and politicallevel for the diplomatic processahead.

“The aim is to create a workableframework to make the talks proceedas smoothly as possible,” said MichaelMann, the spokesman of EU foreignpolicy chief Catherine Ashton.

Iranian Foreign MinisterMohammad Javad Zarif, said that “thisis the first step of the end phase;therefore, expectations must not behigh.”

Both sides want to agree on along-term timeframe during whichIran would further cut back itsuranium enrichment, limit its uraniumstock, remove doubts about itsplutonium-producing Arak reactorproject and allow even more intrusiveinspections.

In return, the sextet is offeringto permanently scrap all remainingsanctions, including the ban onIranian oil exports that have addedto Tehran’s economic woes.

The Geneva deal, which hasbeen implemented since January,

consists of only partial enrichmentcurbs and the suspension of a limitedset of sanctions.

While many countries worry thatIran could use uranium or plutoniumto build a nuclear weapon, Tehran’sleaders insist that they are onlyinterested in civilian nucleartechnology.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ A glimmer of Syrian hopeA glimmer of Syrian hopeA glimmer of Syrian hopeA glimmer of Syrian hopeA glimmer of Syrian hope

The Geneva II conference onSyria ended on Saturday in apredictable standoff betweenPresident Bashar al Assad’s regimeand a section of the oppositionNational Council for SyrianRevolutionary and Opposition Forces(SNC), but it was remarkable that thetalks, held indirectly with UnitedNations and Arab League mediatorLakhdar Brahimi moving between thetwo sides, took place at all. Theconflict will enter its fourth year onMarch 15; it has so far killed 136,000people and displaced over twomillion amid atrocities by all involved.Even a short truce a few days ago forthe residents of the besieged city ofHoms to leave or acquire food wasnegotiated not in Geneva but by theHoms Governor, Talal al Barazi, andthe UN’s resident coordinator,Yacoub El Hillo. Meanwhile, positionsat Geneva II – where the parties wereto start implementing the planreached at Geneva I on June 30, 2012– remain bitterly entrenched.Damascus brands the oppositionterrorists and insists that Mr. Assad willnot step down; the SNC, for its part,only attended under pressure fromits Western and West Asian allies andafter a series of internaldisagreements. Of its 119 members,only 75 attended the vote in Istanbul,voting 58-14 to go to Geneva II; therepresentatives of Syria’s 10 per centKurdish minority also boycotted theSwiss talks. Any chance of widerparticipation had ended on January16, when the officially sanctioned

opposition National CoordinationCommittee (NCC) said it would notattend.

Even worse complicationsobtain. The Syrian situation has beencalled a proxy war involving the West,Saudi Arabia, and Qatar on theopposition side, and Russia and Iranplus the Hezbollah on the regime’sside, but certain opposition leadersresent being used thus, andgovernment officials speak of beingtreated like vassals by Iran, Russia, andthe Hezbollah. In addition, the alQaeda-linked faction, the IslamicState of Iraq and al Shams (ISIS), holdsthe provincial capital of Rakka incentral Syria, and serves a purposeboth for Damascus, which tells theWest that if the government fell alQaeda would win, and for the SNC,which submerges its internaldifferences to fight ISIS. Furthermore,Iran, which could well have someleverage on Mr. Assad, had no optionbut to pull out of Geneva II whenWashington stated the preconditionthat Mr. Assad step down in anytransition process. The one glimmerof hope in all this is that since October2013, opposition and governmentmembers have been meetingprivately at the Château de Bossey inSwitzerland. As the United States andRussia will almost certainly back anyagreement they reach, it is imperativethat those involved continue talkingand that all others stay away.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Vatican’s moral imperativeVatican’s moral imperativeVatican’s moral imperativeVatican’s moral imperativeVatican’s moral imperative

The UN Committee on theRights of the Child has in a reportindicted the Catholic Church for actsof clerical child abuse, a scandal thathas dogged it for more than a decadenow. Acting under the authority ofthe UN Convention on the Rights ofthe Child, to which the Vatican is asignatory, the panel hasrecommended that the Churchremove priests suspected or knownto have resorted to abuse, open its





records on abusers and the bishopswho covered up for them, and turnthe cases over to the civil justicesystem rather than let the Vatican’sown justice department handle thembehind closed doors. The committeehas blamed the Vatican for valuing itsown reputation above the protectionof child-victims, and maintaining a“code of silence.” It has also urgedthe Holy See to ensure that issues ofreproductive health, including accessto information about contraceptionand preventing HIV, are included inthe curriculum in Catholic schools,and to use its moral authority tocondemn discrimination againstchildren raised by same-sex couples.The Vatican promptly hit back,accusing the committee ofexceeding its mandate and adoptingthe “prejudiced” positions of anti-Catholic advocacy groups. Reactingto the recommendation that theChurch amend canon law to allowabortion in some cases, it complainedthat religious freedom was beingtrampled upon, saying that thecommittee had “gone beyond itscompetence and interfered in themoral and doctrinal positions of theCatholic Church.” The Vaticanaccused the committee of havingignored its unique status and itsefforts to address the abuse crisis.

Even more problematic is theVatican’s effort to wash its hands ofbroader responsibility for thestaggering scale of priestly misdeeds.The argument is that the Church isnot comparable to a global businessoperation and cannot be expectedto keep in check all clergymen in allparts of the world. This is a dodge.The committee has rightly said thatby ratifying the convention theVatican “committed itself toimplementing the convention notonly on the territory of the VaticanCity state, but also as the supremepower of the Catholic Churchthrough individuals and institutions

placed under its authority.” PopeFrancis has generated hopes of a newdawn, but on the question of abuse,he is simply not there yet, althoughlast year he termed it “the shame ofthe Church.” His predecessorBenedict XVI apologised to abusevictims and called for zero tolerance,but rhetoric seems to haveoutstripped real action. The Churchhierarchy should appreciate theurgency of the issue. There will be aheavy moral cost involved if it insistson looking for legal loopholes.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Japan’s FukushimaJapan’s FukushimaJapan’s FukushimaJapan’s FukushimaJapan’s Fukushimaplant leaks radioactive waterplant leaks radioactive waterplant leaks radioactive waterplant leaks radioactive waterplant leaks radioactive water

About 100 tons of watercontaining high levels of radioactivematerial leaked at the damagedJapanese nuclear power plant inFukushima, the operator of the plantsaid on Thursday.

Tokyo Electric Power Co(TEPCO) said it had detected theleak from a storage tank at theFukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear PowerStation on Wednesday night.

The leaked water contained230 million becquerels per litre ofbeta-ray emitting substances,consisting mainly of strontium 90,broadcaster NHK reported, citingTokyo Electric officials.

The level is about 7.6 milliontimes the government’s limit for waterallowed to be released into theocean, NHK said.

The cause of the leak is stillunder investigation, said TokyoElectric spokesman Masaaki Fukai.

But he said it was likely to havebeen caused by a faulty valve in thepipes that transfers water from adecontamination facility to storagetanks.

Two other valves leading to thetroubled storage tank were also leftopen, which seems to have resultedin the unexpected flow of water intothe tank and caused an overflow, Mr.Masaaki said.

Tokyo Electric said the latestleak had stopped earlier on Thursday,six hours after the trouble was firstdetected.

The operator did not believethe contaminated water had reachedthe Pacific Ocean because “the tankis located several hundred metresaway from the sea and there are nospillways near the tank,” Mr. Masaakisaid.

Tokyo Electric is injecting waterinto the three reactors to keep themcool, and has been battling leaks fromstorage containers where theresulting radioactive water is beingstored

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ IMF projects 5.4%IMF projects 5.4%IMF projects 5.4%IMF projects 5.4%IMF projects 5.4%growth for India in 2014-15growth for India in 2014-15growth for India in 2014-15growth for India in 2014-15growth for India in 2014-15

Projecting a growth rate of 4.6per cent this year, the InternationalMonetary Fund (IMF) on Thursdaysaid the Indian economy is likely toexpand by 5.4 per cent on strongerglobal scenario, improving exportcompetitiveness, a favourablemonsoon and a confidence boostafter recent policy actions.

The multilateral agency alsosees inflation, driven by food prices,remaining near double digits in 2014-15. It also said tight monetary policyis likely to slow growth recovery.

“Growth is projected at 4.6 percent for fiscal year 2013-14, andshould pick up to 5.4 per cent in2014-15 (at factor cost),” the IMF saidin its report after concluding annualdiscussions with India.

Stronger global growth,improving export competitiveness, afavourable monsoon and aconfidence boost from recent policyactions should deliver a modestgrowth rebound, it added.

“However, fiscal restraint and atighter monetary stance will act asheadwinds, slowing the recovery,”IMF said.

Finance Minister P.Chidambaram in his interim budget





on last Monday had said economywas picking up and 6 per centgrowth was doable in the 2014-15.

Stressing that the economy ismore stable now than what it was twoyears ago, he had said, “Efforts mustbe to ensure that this upturn remainsan upturn ...towards our goal of 6 percent in 2014-15. It’s doable.”

The IMF said consumer pricesbased inflation is expected to remainnear double-digits well into next year,driven by high food inflation thatfeeds into wages and core inflation.

Well-entrenched inflationexpectations, a weaker rupee andongoing energy price increases areother factors that could push up theconsumer price index (CPI), IMF said.

Retail inflation, as measured byconsumer price index, fell to 24-month low of 8.79 per cent in Januarymainly due to a drop in food prices.

The Reserve Bank factors both,retail and wholesale price based,inflation data in its monetary policy.Recently, an RBI appointedcommittee has suggested the centralbank should focus on CPI inflation andaim to bring it down to 8 per cent byyear, and to 6 per cent by 2016.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Pension deal for veteransPension deal for veteransPension deal for veteransPension deal for veteransPension deal for veterans

As a parting gift that wouldpresumably fetch some electoralreturns from families of ex-servicemenand serving defence personnel, whorepresent a vocal vote bank inthemselves, the UPA-II governmenthas announced the acceptance ofthe long-pending demand for ‘onerank, one pension’ (OROP) fordefence veterans. The removal ofanomalies in the pension regime,caused following the Fifth and SixthPay Commission awards, is only fairand just. Soldiers of the same rank andsame length of service should thusreceive a similar quantum of pension,regardless of when they retire.Currently, those who retired before2006 receive less than their

counterparts, even their juniors,retiring later. The scheme will cost anestimated Rs.2,000 crore a year,although the interim budget hasmade a provision only for Rs.500 crorefor the current year. While the detailsemerge, some scepticism overwhether it truly meets the OROPconcept or will only provide modifiedparity in pension, seems to be doingthe rounds. But by and large, thedecision appears set to benefit somethree million defence pensionersfrom 2014-15. There are 2.4 millionretired military personnel in India,besides widow-pensioners andothers. In pitching the demand,defence personnel have long arguedthat they work in a sharply pyramidalsystem, with retirements coming earlyon in service unlike their civil servicecounterparts who serve until the ageof 60. While just a few men in uniformmake the cut and rise to higherpositions in the services, almost everycivil servant attains superannuationwhile at the top of the ladder. Thisleads to a marked difference in theirpensions as well. While othergrievances relating to medical anddisability benefits and so on remain,OROP is a well-deserved deal forretired defence personnel.

While the concerns ofveterans’ welfare are addressed,issues that India’s armed forces areconfronted with on the personnelfront should not be lost sight of. Justthis week, the Standing Committeeon Defence in a report tabled inParliament expressed “dismay” atthe shortage of personnel in thearmed forces. It noted that the Armyhas a “record shortage” of 9,384officers: while the authorisedstrength is 52,859, it is making dowith 43,475 officers. Shortages facethe Navy and Air Force as well. Inthe other ranks, the Army is short of20,561 personnel, while the Navy isshort of 1,561 officers and 11,825sailors. The Air Force is short of 659

officers and 3,674 Airmen. Shortfallsand gaps in force levels need to berealistically assessed and addressedto meet India’s defence needs. Itshould also be ensured that armedforces personnel continue to get amorale boost in terms of pay,perquisites, working conditions andcareer prospects

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Back from the brink inBack from the brink inBack from the brink inBack from the brink inBack from the brink inUkraineUkraineUkraineUkraineUkraine

Ukraine’s President ViktorYanukovych has recognised theincreasingly dangerous nature of thesituation in his country by announcingearly elections and a return to the2004 Constitution, which will limit thePresident’s powers. This followsescalating violence over the lastseveral days, in which — accordingto the Health Ministry — 77 people,including police personnel, havebeen killed and 577 injured.International condemnation wasrapid, with U.S. President BarackObama warning against Ukrainianmilitary involvement and calls forsanctions coming from GermanChancellor Angela Merkel and FrenchPresident François Hollande.Reactions within Ukraine haveincluded the occupation of civicbuildings in the western city of Lviv;rail services between the capital,Kiev, and Lviv were suspended, andat least 45 Ukrainian athletes havereturned home from the WinterOlympics in Sochi. The violencecaused severe divisions throughoutthe country, with several policeofficers siding with or joining theprotesters; as it was, the Yanukovychgovernment had long incurred publicdistrust for corruption and nepotism.

In addition, the President’s ownmoves had exacerbated theuncertainty; for example, hereplaced the head of the armedforces, Colonel-General VolodymyrZamana, with Admiral Yuriy Ilyin, butwithout giving reasons. The Defence





Ministry also said the military mightbe used for “antiterrorist” operations,but legally the government is obligedfirst to impose a state of emergency,and the armed forces have rightlyresisted getting involved. One uglydevelopment has been the risingpolitical star of far-right groups suchas Prawy Sektor (Right Sector) andthe anti-Semitic Svoboda, the third-largest opposition party. Right Sectorsays it did not agree to the February19 “truce” and that there was“nothing to negotiate.” The focusnow, however, must be on orderlyand peaceful progress towardselections which must be impeccablyconducted if the country is not toface further crises. That particularlyrequires genuinely constructiveconduct on the part of Russia and theEuropean Union; the latter has beenless than straightforward at times, asits earlier association agreement withUkraine — which Mr. Yanukovychabandoned in December 2013 —was tied to International MonetaryFund conditions and to closer militarycooperation between Ukraine andthe EU’s NATO-dominated militaryinstitutions. Crucially, only 30 percent of Ukrainians supported thedeal, which also incurred Moscow’sdispleasure. Now, however,Ukrainians have an opportunity tomake their own decisions about theirfuture in the best possible way, witha democratic election; they mustmake the most of it.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Whistleblowers’Whistleblowers’Whistleblowers’Whistleblowers’Whistleblowers’Protection Bill passedProtection Bill passedProtection Bill passedProtection Bill passedProtection Bill passed

A Bill to set up a regularmechanism to encourage persons todisclose information on corruption orwilful misuse of power by publicservants, including Ministers, waspassed by the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

The Whistleblowers’ ProtectionBill also seeks to provide for“adequate protection to personsreporting corruption or wilful misuse

of discretion which causes ademonstrable loss to the government,or commission of a criminal offenceby a public servant.”

The Bill sets forth theprocedure for inquiring into thedisclosures and provides forsafeguards against victimisation. Atthe same time, it provides punishmentfor false or frivolous complaints.

In his reply, Minister of State forPersonnel V. Narayanasamy said thelaw would supplement the RTI Actin checking corruption.

He said some members soughtto bring amendments. However,since it was the last day of the session,he was not pushing them as the Billwould lapse. “But appropriate stepswill be taken to address theirconcerns through constitutionalmethods in 10 days.”

The Bill was passed by the LokSabha in 2011 and was taken up bythe Rajya Sabha in 2012. However, itcould not be passed because of thedeath of Union Minister VilasraoDeshmukh.

Responding to a suggestion thatsteps be taken to protect those whohad blown the whistle on corruptionprior to the passage of the Bill, Mr.Narayanasamy said the governmenthad already brought a resolution in2004, empowering the CentralVigilance Commission to protect thewhistleblowers.

The definition of ‘disclosure’ hasalso been amended to include wilfulmisuse of power or discretion, whichleads to a demonstrable loss to thegovernment or a demonstrable gainto a public servant or any third party.The definition of competent authorityto which a complaint can be madehas also been expanded.Mr.Narayanasamy said the Centre wouldwrite to the Jammu and Kashmirgovernment for enactment of a similarlaw, after Karan Singh of the Congressmade the suggestion. The Bill doesnot cover the State due the special

status enjoyed by it.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Democracy in perilDemocracy in perilDemocracy in perilDemocracy in perilDemocracy in peril

Indian democracy has over timeshown a resilience that has beenmarvelled at the world over. Yet, 67years after its birth, the world’s largestdemocracy is faced with a crisis offaith too scarily large to be ignored.As the 15th Lok Sabha comes to anignominious end, it is no longerpossible to put off the question: arewe a democracy only in name?Without a proactive coursecorrection, India’s robust record inconducting elections could end upbeing just that — a ritualistic, five-yearly obeisance to democracy thathides the appalling state of thecountry’s institutions, in particularParliament which today resembles awrestling arena. In truth, thecomparison would insult the sport ofwrestling, which is governed by welllaid-out rules and regulations. Bycontrast, parliamentary misbehaviourwould seem to have no boundaries,with new lows marked in everysession, and progressively higherlevels of tolerance required ofpresiding officers, who have had tothrow up their hands in the face ofaggression by those they have beenmandated to monitor.

Even by this abysmal standard,few could have bargained for what hap-pened in the concluding session of the15th Lok Sabha. An irate MP fromSeemandhra used pepper spray, caus-ing immense distress to fellow- parlia-mentarians. A dark chapter was addedto this saga when the Lok Sabha passedThe Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Billamidst a TV blackout. There cannot bea worse commentary on the state ofdemocracy than the blackout of the pro-ceedings of the lower House of Parlia-ment where the collective will of thepeople is deemed to reside. It wouldseem only natural then that the 15th LokSabha should have recorded the worstperformance in more than 50 years; pro-ductivity, which was 107 per cent in thethird Lok Sabha, scaled a peak of 120per cent in the seventh, only to crash to





61 per cent in the 15th; the outgoing LokSabha passed 177 of the 326 Bills sched-uled for passage. Tragically, Indian par-liamentarians are second to none in leg-islative acumen and debating skills —as was witnessed during the debates onthe Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011, aswell as on the occasions when the Op-position skewered the executive on itsinterminable scams. The Congress andthe Bharatiya Janata Party also set asidetheir differences to help pass the Billson the Lokpal and the Telangana state.This shows that with some will, Parlia-ment can yet be salvaged. The time hascome for presiding officers to redeemthe pledge they have repeatedly madeat countless conferences, to “evolve andobserve” a “code of conduct” for legis-lators and create strong disincentivesagainst disruption. The start for this hasnecessarily to be the realisation thatIndia’s future is imperilled if its Parlia-ment is imperilled.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Iran keeps the door openIran keeps the door openIran keeps the door openIran keeps the door openIran keeps the door open

The Vienna talks between Iranand the E3/EU+3 group, acting forthe P5+1, reached a constructiveconclusion on February 20, with Iran’sForeign Minister Javad Zarif and theEuropean Union’s HighRepresentative for Foreign Affairs andSecurity Policy Catherine Ashtonmaking identical statements, in Farsiand English respectively, that theparties had identified all the issuesnecessary for a long-term deal. Ineffect, they have agreed on theframework for a “comprehensive andfinal agreement.” The next round oftalks is to start on March 17, again inthe Austrian capital. Under theinterim agreement, Iran will stopproducing uranium enriched tonearly 20 per cent, will dilute half thestockpile it has already enriched tothe same level, and will continueconverting the rest to a formunsuitable for further enrichment. Inaddition, Tehran will not enrichuranium in about half the centrifugesat Natanz and three quarters of thoseat Fordo. It will manufactureequipment only to repair existing

machines, and will put the Arakheavy-water reactor on indefinitehold. It will not build any moreenrichment facilities. Furthermore,the International Atomic EnergyAgency will be able to inspect Natanzand Fordo on a daily basis, and theArak reactor at least on a monthlybasis.

On the other side, the westerncountries in particular haveundertaken not to impose furthernuclear-related sanctions if Iran fulfilsits Vienna commitments; they will alsopay Iran a total of $4.2 billion in oilrevenues, allow Iran to resumeexporting precious metals, suspendsanctions on Iran’s petrochemicalexports, and permit the IslamicRepublic to import goods andservices for automobilemanufacturing plants. In addition,they will maintain their current levelsof crude oil imports from Iran, andwill allow Iran’s civil airlines to acquirespare parts and services. Yet the dealalready faces interference.

Israel is pushing certain westerngovernments to include Iran’s missileprogramme in future talks, therebyshowing its own anxiety that a finalagreement will be reached withoutit. Saudi Arabia, which sees Iran as atheological and political rival, will alsoview the current prospects withalarm. Iran’s willingness, however, tokeep the door open need causeneither surprise nor suspicion. It wasin fact the United States which, byproviding uranium enriched to 93 percent, helped start Iran’s nuclearprogramme in 1967, and Tehranaimed for nuclear self-sufficiencyonly after the West imposed sanctionson the Khomeini regime in the 1980s.There could be no clearer evidencefor continued engagement betweenthe P5+1 and Iran, and both sidesmust reach fair and just final-statusarrangements without delay.

Studying Earth’s distant pastcan teach us lessons about its climate

for the future How can air bubblestrapped in ice for millions of years, orfossilised fern fronds, or the chemicalmake-up of rocks that wereunderwater in the distant past provideus with an inkling of our future?

The answer lies in these cluesprovided by studying the Plioceneepoch, the span of geological timethat stretched from 5.3 to 2.6 millionyears ago. This period of Earth’shistory is interesting for many reasons,but one of the most profound is thatthe Earth’s atmosphere apparentlycontained high concentrations ofcarbon dioxide. Our best estimatessuggest concentrations of about 300-400 parts per million (ppm) – muchhigher than concentrations of 100years ago, but the same or lower thantoday after centuries ofindustrialisation and fossil fuelburning.

So studying the Pliocene couldprovide valuable insight into the typeof planet we are creating via globalwarming. Our researchers at theCabot Institute recently released avideo on the topic, which hascoincided with pronouncedflooding across the UK and renewedattention focused on our weather andclimate. There is little doubt thatincreased carbon dioxideconcentrations will cause globalwarming. The key questions are howmuch, and with what consequences.

One of the key lessons fromEarth history is climate sensitivity.Climate sensitivity can be expressedin various ways, but in its simplestsense it is a measure of how muchwarmer the Earth becomes for a givendoubling of atmospheric carbondioxide concentrations.

This is well known for thePleistocene, and especially the past800,000 years of Earth history, aperiod for which we have detailedtemperature reconstructions andcarbon dioxide records derived frombubbles of gas trapped in ancient ice





cores. During that time, across severalice ages, the planet’s climatesensitivity showed warming of about2.5-3°C for a doubling of carbondioxide, which falls in the middle ofthe range of predictions given bymodels. Ice core records, however,extend back no more than a millionyears, and this time period is generallycharacterised by colder climatesthan those of today. If we want toexplore climate sensitivity on awarmer planet, we must look furtherback into Earth history, to times suchas the Pliocene.

Reconstructing atmosphericcarbon dioxide concentrationswithout relying on ice cores isadmittedly more challenging. Insteadof directly measuring theconcentration of carbon dioxide ingas bubbles, we must rely on indirectrecords. For example, carbondioxide concentration influences thenumber of stomata (pores) on plantleaves, and this can be measured onthe fossils of ancient leaves.Alternatively, there are a number ofgeochemical tools based on howcarbon dioxide affects the pH ofseawater, or how algae take upcarbon dioxide as theyphotosynthesise – these arerecorded in the chemicalcomposition of ancient fossils.

These means of drawingestimates come with larger marginsof error, but they still provide keyinsights into climate sensitivity on awarmer Earth. Recent researchindicates that these various carbondioxide estimates of Pliocenecarbon dioxide levels areconverging, giving addedconfidence from which to deriveestimates of climate sensitivity. Inparticular, it seems an increase ofcarbon dioxide from about 280ppm(equivalent to that before theindustrial revolution) to about400ppm in the Pliocene resulted inan Earth warmer by 2°C.

Taking into account otherfactors, this suggests a climatesensitivity of about 3°C, whichconfirms both the Pleistocene andmodel-based estimates. It alsosuggests that we have yet toexperience the full consequences ofthe greenhouse gases alreadyadded to the atmosphere, let alonethose we are still putting into it.

So then, what was this muchwarmer world like? First of all, it wasnot an inhospitable planet – plantsand animals thrived. This should notbe a surprise – in fact, the Earth wasmuch warmer even further back intothe past. The changes in the climatewe are inducing is a problem for ushumans, and for our societies, not theplanet we’re on. However, thePliocene was a rather different world.For example – relevant consideringcurrent events in Britain – higherglobal temperatures were associatedwith a climate that was also wetterthan at present. That providesimportant corroborating evidencefor models that predict a warmer andwetter future.

Perhaps most striking, sea levelappears to have been between 10 to40 metres higher than today,indicating that both the GreenlandIce Sheet and Antarctic Ice Sheetwere markedly smaller. To put thatinto context, the Met Office hasalready commented on how floodingin the UK has been affected by sealevel rise of 12cm over the last 100years, and will be exacerbated furtherby another 5-7cm by 2030.

We must be careful in how weextract climate lessons from thegeological record, and that isparticularly true when we considerice sheet behaviour. One widelydiscussed concept is ice sheethysteresis. This is a fancy way ofsaying that due to feedbackmechanisms, it could be easier tobuild an ice sheet on Greenland orAntarctica than it is to melt one. If

hysteresis is a force stabilising ourcurrent ice sheets, then it may be thata planet with today’s carbon dioxidelevels of 400 ppm will not necessarilyhave a sea level 20 metres higher thanthat of today – as it was during thePliocene. On the other hand ifhysteresis is rather weak, then thequestion is not whether we will seesuch a massive sea level change, buthow long it will take to arrive(probably hundreds or eventhousands of years).

Most importantly, thecollective research into Earth history,including the Pliocene, reveals thatEarth’s climate can and haschanged. It also reveals that climatedoes not just change randomly: itchanges when forced in ways thatare relatively well understood – oneof these is the concentration ofcarbon dioxide in our atmosphere.And consequently, there is littledoubt from Earth’s history thattransforming fossil carbonunderground into carbon dioxide inthe air – as we are doing today – willsignificantly affect the climate weexperience for the foreseeablefuture.

Professor Rich Pancost gives apublic lecture on howbiogeochemical cycles haveregulated the global climate systemthroughout Earth’s history today,February 25th, in Bristol. The event isfree and open to all. Richard Pancostreceives funding from the RCUK(NERC) to support this research.

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Panel on newPanel on newPanel on newPanel on newPanel on newbank licences submits reportbank licences submits reportbank licences submits reportbank licences submits reportbank licences submits report

The Bimal Jalan panel whichwas scrutinising applications for newbank licences has submited its reportto the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) onTuesday.

“We have submitted report (onnew bank licences) to RBI,” Mr. Jalan,a former Reserve Bank Governor, saidafter a four-hour meeting here.





The report contains names ofentities eligible for bank licences. Itwas not immediately known howmany applicants have beenshortlisted by the high-level advisorypanel. The panel started the processof evaluations with the first meetingon November 1, 2013.

Other members of thecommittee are former RBI DeputyGovernor Usha Thorat, formerSecurities and Exchange Board ofIndia Chairman C B Bhave andNachiket M Mor, Director of theCentral Board of Directors of the RBI.

The central bank issuedguidelines for licensing of new bankson February 22 last year and issuedclarifications in June.

Public sector units India Postand IFCI and private sector AnilAmbani group and Aditya Birlagroup are among the 25 players inthe fray for bank licences. BajajFinance, Muthoot Finance, ReligareEnterprises and Shriram Capital havealso applied.

In the past 20 years, the RBI haslicensed 12 banks in the private sectorin two phases. Ten banks werelicensed on the basis of guidelinesissued in January 1993. KotakMahindra Bank and Yes Bank werethe last two entities to get bankinglicences from the RBI in 2003—04.

India has 27 public sectorbanks, 22 private sector banks and56 regional rural banks.

In the 2001 round of guidelinesfor new licences, the committeemembers were C G Somiah, formergovernment auditor CAG, I G Patel,

former RBI Governor, and DipankarBasu, former head of State Bank ofIndia

⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Giving agriculture its dueGiving agriculture its dueGiving agriculture its dueGiving agriculture its dueGiving agriculture its due

There are obviously severaldimensions to India’s recentagricultural performance whichFinance Minister P. Chidambaram inhis budget speech termed as “stellar”.A week before the budget,Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawarhad announced that foodgrainproduction is on course to touch anew record of 263 million tonnes, upfrom 255.36 million tonnes last year.The good performance is seen withregard to other crops too. Estimatesof production of sugarcane, pulses,cotton and oilseeds are alsoencouraging. A good agriculturalseason has contained farm prices, andmoderating food prices are behindthe steep fall in both retail and WPIinflation in January. Just as important,news of a bumper agricultural harvesthas, to some extent, dampenedinflation expectations. Arguably, themost noticeable feature has been thecontribution of agriculture to overallGDP growth this year. The CentralStatistical Organisation in its advanceestimates has projected growth inagriculture and allied activities at 4.6per cent during the current year, withoverall GDP growing at only 4.9 percent. Since industry and the usuallydependable services sector havedisappointed, the farm sector is seento have almost single-handedlyunderpinned recent economicgrowth. Even over a longer period the

track record has been good. Over thepast ten years, agriculture has grownby around 4 per cent a year on anaverage, but it must be pointed outthat during most of that period themonsoons were satisfactory.

It is obvious from recentexperience that supportivegovernment policies by themselvescannot keep agricultural productiongrowing at a high rate during periodswhen the monsoons fail or are belowpar. The question has therefore beenasked whether during 2014-15, themonsoons will continue to bebeneficial. With dependence on themonsoons still being high, for nextyear the contribution of agricultureto economic growth cannot be takenfor granted. Ironically, the verysuccess of agriculture has exposedthe weakness of some governmentpolicies, which are tilted towardscereals, to the detriment of otheressential food products. Specifically,the periodic hikes in minimumsupport prices and open-endedprocurement have resulted in animbalance, leading to a glut in theproduction of rice. Minimum supportprices have in practice becomeprocurement prices, and with Stategovernments adding to it a bonus, thecost of procurement has becomehigh. Besides, storage has been aserious problem. Governmentgodowns are overflowing at a timewhen cereal inflation is still high. Allthis suggests that the government’smajor intervention in the farm sectorthrough minimum support pricesneeds a closer look.

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India becomes permanentIndia becomes permanentIndia becomes permanentIndia becomes permanentIndia becomes permanentmember of Washington Accordmember of Washington Accordmember of Washington Accordmember of Washington Accordmember of Washington Accord

A long wait for India endedwhen the country became apermanent member of theWashington Accord, an esteemedinternational treaty on engineeringstudies and mobility of engineersacross signatory countries includingthe US, the UK and Australia.Permanent membership reflects onthe country’s stature in the technicaleducation space. The WashingtonAccord, originally signed among sixcountries in 1989, is an InternationalAgreement among bodiesresponsible for accreditingundergraduate engineering degreeprograms.

It recognizes the substantialequivalency of programs accreditedby those bodies and recommendsthat graduates of programsaccredited by any of the signatorybodies be recognized by the otherbodies as having met the academicrequirements for entry to the practiceof engineering in the area of theirjurisdiction.

The membership of WashingtonAccord is an international recognitionof the quality of undergraduateengineering education offered by

the member country and is an avenueto bring it into the world classcategory. As of 2014, the signatoriesare: Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei,Hong Kong China, India, Ireland,Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand,Russia, Singapore, South Africa,Turkey, the United Kingdom, and theUnited States. The accordacknowledges that there is significantuniformity of programs accredited bythose signatories. Every signatorycountries recognizes the graduatesof accredited programs by everyother signatory countries as havingmet the academic requirements forentry to the practice of engineering.Recognition of accredited programsis not retroactive but takes effect onlyfrom the date of admission of thecountry to signatory status.

The road to becoming apermanent member did not comeeasy for India as it had been workingfor several years to achieving this goal.Until now, India has been just aprovisional member since 2007. Themeeting of the InternationalEngineering Alliance of WA membernations met in Wellington, NewZealand and gave India the signatorystatus to join the select group ofnations who are permanent

signatories to the Washington Accord(WA).

Membership means globalrecognition of Indian degrees and islikely to increase the mobility ofengineers to the USA and othercountries for jobs. This will ensurehighest quality assurance standardsto be implemented in our technicaland engineering programs andprovide global mobility to ourengineering graduates. It willsignificantly enhance theiremployment opportunities aroundthe world.

The accord doesn’t take intoaccount engineering technology andpostgraduate programs, althoughsome engineering technologyprograms are covered under theSydney Accord and the DublinAccord.

Only qualifications granted afterthe signatory country or regionbecame part of the WashingtonAccord are recognized. The pact isnot directly responsible for thelicensing or registration ofProfessional Engineers and CharteredEngineers, but it does cover theacademic prerequisites that are partof the licensing processes incountries party to the accord.

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The FYUP Row is part of severalongoing protests against theimplementation of certaincontroversial reforms at the Universityof Delhi. The protests intensifiedbetween 2013 and 2014, when anew four year undergraduateprogramme was started by theadministrative authorities at theuniversity.

In June 2014, the UniversityGrants Commission (UGC) sent a legalnotice to the management, directingthe university to immediately scrapthe four year programme and revertback to the earlier three yearundergraduate degree, as it found thefour year programme to be in violationwith the National Policy of Educationin India.

The programme was structuredsuch that it would be inter-disciplinary, which was not the casein the traditional honours programme.The syllabus of the four yearundergraduate programmeconsisted of eleven compulsoryfoundation courses, which includedthe following:

• Language, Literature and Cre-ativity I

• Information Technology• Business, Entrepreneurship

and Management• Science and Life OR History of

Science (for Visually ImpairedStudents)

• Indian History and Culture• Building Mathematical Ability

OR Mathematical Awareness(for Visually Impaired Stu-dents)

• Governance and Citizenship• Philosophy, Psychology, Com-

munication and Life Skills• Geographic and Socio-Eco-

nomic Diversity• Environment and Public Health

A few pointers on benefitsA few pointers on benefitsA few pointers on benefitsA few pointers on benefitsA few pointers on benefitswith FYUP programme:with FYUP programme:with FYUP programme:with FYUP programme:with FYUP programme:

Practical Knowledge: In thefinal year, students shall be expectedto pursue two Research basedpapers/ Innovation projects,something which does not existunder the current framework formajority of the courses. Hence, theFYUP might encourage theassimilation of knowledge, and notjust learning for an upcomingexamination.

Integration of Sports andIntegration of Sports andIntegration of Sports andIntegration of Sports andIntegration of Sports andECA to the curriculum:ECA to the curriculum:ECA to the curriculum:ECA to the curriculum:ECA to the curriculum: Studentswho often contemplate aboutleaving passion in these fields due toacademics can actually stay on andpursue them and gain credits fromthe same. Heads up for encouragingextra-curricular activities!

Better opportunities forBetter opportunities forBetter opportunities forBetter opportunities forBetter opportunities forhigher education: higher education: higher education: higher education: higher education: People whowant pursue education at theseplaces, opt to spend a year in otherinterim courses to bridge therequirement. With the FYUP in place,you would be eligible for applyingfresh out of college.

Multiple degree options:Multiple degree options:Multiple degree options:Multiple degree options:Multiple degree options:While most people have beendebating that the multiple degreeoption in the FYUP is meant to createdisparity, the fact that the course givesa ‘choice’ is one to be appreciated.

A step towards anA step towards anA step towards anA step towards anA step towards anInternational model: International model: International model: International model: International model: Adoptingthe credit system leaves room forstudying a certain course at yourpace. We can also assume that soonlike the international system,community work and internships willalso contribute to your credit score.It’s about giving the student a choiceof how they wish to approach theirunder graduation.

These are a few things that strikeright about Delhi University’s four year

programme. By stating these we don’twish to contemplate that everythingabout the FYUP is great, but ratherstress on the fact that apart from thenegative debates, there existspositivity on the subject as well.

There are some validThere are some validThere are some validThere are some validThere are some validapprehensions about FYUP asapprehensions about FYUP asapprehensions about FYUP asapprehensions about FYUP asapprehensions about FYUP aswell:well:well:well:well:

Employability:Employability:Employability:Employability:Employability: Will the FYUPactually lead to an increase in theoverall employability of a student?There is some valid apprehensions tothis point..

Work Load:Work Load:Work Load:Work Load:Work Load: Workload almostdoubled with the coming of thesemester system. And given that a bigapprehension is that with the FYUPthe workload shall also balloon out ofhand. Courses are being added-sometimes some courses beingdiluted (more on that in a bit) butgiven the overall increase in subjectsand projects.

The Course:The Course:The Course:The Course:The Course: Adding coursesmay dilute the main (major) course,mind body and heart courses. Whilethe syllabus that has been rolled outfor most courses is decentlystructured, understanding the newconcepts and it’s suitability is stillunchecked.

Dropouts: Dropouts: Dropouts: Dropouts: Dropouts: While theUniversity uses the ‘mid- coursemultiple exits’ but university alreadyhave many dropouts who leavecourse before it’s completion. Theissue is that the dropouts do not havea degree to speak for their time spentin college.

Extra Curricular activities:Extra Curricular activities:Extra Curricular activities:Extra Curricular activities:Extra Curricular activities:DU has been an ECA inclinedperson’s delight, even in the face ofthe semester system. So, arecompulsory ECA and Mind BodyHeart courses might not benecessary.

Teachers:Teachers:Teachers:Teachers:Teachers: It is an obvious fact

Delhi University FYUP RowDelhi University FYUP RowDelhi University FYUP RowDelhi University FYUP RowDelhi University FYUP Row




that there is a shortage of academicstaff, the number runs in the hun-dreds. And the staff members whoare already part of the system is re-luctant to embrace the FYUP. This willlead to the suffering of students only.

UGC finally decide to end FYUPand convert it into a three yearunderfraduate program. The Commis-

sion has also decided to set up aStanding Committee to advise DelhiUniversity on the modalities for mi-gration from the FYUP to the three-year programme. Committee’s mainmandate would be to ensure that stu-dents admitted to FYUP in 2013-14acquire the necessary academic and

other competencies over the nexttwo years while migrating to thethree-year programme. Newprogramme would adhere to theNPE’s 10+2+3 structure. The Univer-sity clarified that the fourth year ofthe FYUP was an optional year forthose students who wanted to get an‘Honours’ degree.

Solved PaperSolved PaperSolved PaperSolved PaperSolved Paper




DiDiDiDiDirrrrrececececectttttiiiiiooooon: n: n: n: n: The following ques-tion consists of two statements;one labelled as the ‘Assertion (a)’and the other as ‘Reason (R)’ Youare to examine these statementscarefully and select the answers tothese items using the codes givenbelow:Code:Code:Code:Code:Code:

(a) Bo th A and R areindividually true and R is thecorrect explanation of A.

(b) Bo th A and R areindividually true but R is notthe correct explanation ofA.

(c) A is true but R is false. (d) Ais false but R is true.

1 .1 .1 .1 .1 . Consider the following Mughalnobles:1. Afzal Khan2. Mahabat Khan3. Ali Mardan Khan4. Asaf Khan

What is the co rrectchronological sequence ofthe above nobles ?

(a) 1 - 2 - 3 - 4(b) 4 - 3 - 2 - 1(c) 3 - 1 - 4 - 2(d) 4 - 2 - 3 - 1

2 .2 .2 .2 .2 . Who among the fol lowingplayed an important role insigning at the Gandhi Irwin Pact?1. Motilal Nehru2. Tej Bahadur sapru3. Madan Mohan Malaviya4. M.R. Jayakar5. C.Y. Chintamani

Select the correct answerusing the code givenbelow:

(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 4(c) 2 and 3(d) 4 and 5

3 .3 .3 .3 .3 . Which one of the followingstatements is not true in rela-tion to Annie Besant ?

(a) She was an Irish Lady(b) She was actively

connectedwith thetheosophical society.

(c) She was connected withthe Home-Rule Movement.

(d) She was the founder of awomens university.

4 .4 .4 .4 .4 . Which comment among thefollowing is not true in relationto the politics at the MuslimLeague after the provinciallegislative Assembly electionsof-1937 ?

(a) Muslim league was inclinedto form coalition ministrieswi th Indian Nationalcongress

(b) Jinnah crit icised thecongress as ‘drunk withpower’

(c) Muslim league got a Reportprep ared aboutilltratement of the Mulslimsin congress governmentprovinces.

(d) Muslim league ministries ofBengal, Sindh and N.W.F.P.resigned

5 .5 .5 .5 .5 . Consider the following:1. The Amrita Bazar Patrika was

started in 1868.2. Aruna A saf Ali was the

founder of the congresswomen volunteers corps.

3. Bina Das tried at theGovernor while reciving herdegree at the convocation.

4. Latika Ghose took part inthe chittgong armoury raid.which of the statementsgiven above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 1, 3 and 4

(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 2 and 4 only

6 .6 .6 .6 .6 . Match List I with List II and se-lect the correct answer usingthe code given below the lists:

List IList IList IList IList I List IIList IIList IIList IIList II( f o u n d e r )( f o u n d e r )( f o u n d e r )( f o u n d e r )( f o u n d e r ) ( w o m e n ’ s( w o m e n ’ s( w o m e n ’ s( w o m e n ’ s( w o m e n ’ s

political aspolitical aspolitical aspolitical aspolitical asgomisa t ion)gomisa t ion)gomisa t ion)gomisa t ion)gomisa t ion)

A. Latika Ghosh 1 . Rashtriya StreeSangha

B. Sarojini Naidu 2 . Mahila RashtriyaSangha

C . Krishnabai Rao 3 . Nari SatyagrahaSamiti

D. Urmila Devi 4 . Desh Sevika

Sangha

Code:Code:Code:Code:Code:A B C D

(a) 2 4 1 3(b) 3 4 1 2(c) 2 1 4 3(d) 3 1 4 2

7 .7 .7 .7 .7 . Consider the following state-ments: Surendranath BanerjeeIndian Association1. Was concerned with a plea

for the admission of Indiansto the civil service.

2. Carr ied on a campaignagainst the Arms Act andthe Vernacular Press Act.Which of the statementsgiven above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and2(d) Neither 1 nor 2

8 .8 .8 .8 .8 . With reference to the Govern-ment of India Act, 1935, con-sider the following statements:

1. As per the Act, in the Gover-nors provinces, diarchywas abolishedand pr o vin-cial Autonomy introduced.

2. All the provincial Legislaturesconsisted of only one chambercalled Legislative Assembly.

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER-IGENERAL STUDIES PAPER-IGENERAL STUDIES PAPER-IGENERAL STUDIES PAPER-IGENERAL STUDIES PAPER-ISOLVED PAPERSOLVED PAPERSOLVED PAPERSOLVED PAPERSOLVED PAPERHeld On: 24-08-2014Held On: 24-08-2014Held On: 24-08-2014Held On: 24-08-2014Held On: 24-08-2014





Which of the statementsgiven above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 29 .9 .9 .9 .9 . Which one of the following

was not actual ly part of theoriginal plan of the non-coop-era tion movement, but ac-quired great popularity amongthe movement in many parts ofthe country ?

(a) Picketing of shops sellingforeign cloth

(b) Boycott of Governmentschools and colleges

(c) Picketing of today shops(d) Picketing of today shops

10 .10 .10 .10 .10 . Match List I with List II and se-lect the correct answer usingthe code given below the lists:List IList IList IList IList I List IIList IIList IIList IIList II(Founders)(Founders)(Founders)(Founders)(Founders) (journals)(journals)(journals)(journals)(journals)

A. Zafar Ali khan 1. Kudi ArasuB. B.C Horniman 2. Kisan BulletinC. E.V.R. Naicker 3. Bombay

periyar chronicleD. Indulal Yagnik 4. Zamindar

Code:Code:Code:Code:Code:AAAAA BBBBB CCCCC DDDDD

(a) 4 2 3 1(b) 4 3 1 2(c) 1 3 2 4(d) 1 2 3 4

11 .11 .11 .11 .11 . ‘Mitra Mela’ was later on re-named as

(a) Anushilan samiti(b) Abhinava Bharti Samiti(c) Jugantar(d) Nibandhamala

12 .12 .12 .12 .12 . In the context of Non-coop-eration Movement underwhose chairmanship was theAll India college student’sconference held at Nagpur inDecember 1920 ?

(a) B.C. Pal(b) C.R. Das(c) Lala Lajpat Rai(d) Pandit Motilal Nehru

13 .13 .13 .13 .13 . What is the correct chronologi-

cal order of the Buddhistcouncils held at the undermentioned four places ?

(a) Vaishali, Rajgriha,Kundalvan, Pataliputra

(b) Rajgr iha, Vaishali,Pataliputra, Kundalvan

(c) Pataliputra, Kundalva n,Vaishli, Rajgriha

(d) Rajgr iha, Pataliputra,Kundalvan, Vaishli

14 .14 .14 .14 .14 . Who was the first to sign thesubsidiary Alliance in India ?

(a) Peshwa(b) Nawab of Awadh(c) Nizam of Hyderabad(d) Ruler of Tanjore

15 .15 .15 .15 .15 . Which one was the most seri-ous political blunder ofDalhousie ?

(a) Prohibiting adoption(b) Beginning of Railways(b) Attempt to capture Burma(d) Take over of Awadh

16 .16 .16 .16 .16 . Which one of the followingstatements is not true ?

(a) Nana Saheb led the revoltin Kanpur.

(b) Tatya To pe was a nassociate of Nana Saheb

(c) Nana Saheb was hanged(d) Nana Saheb was the

adopted son of peshwa BajiRao-II

17 .17 .17 .17 .17 . Which one of the followingacts was not done by the Brit-ish after the Revolt of 1857 ?

(a) Contemplation over theorganization of the army.

(b) Works to woo the rulers andzamindars.

(c) Interfering in the re ligionand practices in India.

(d) Demolishing the HinduMuslim unity.

18 .18 .18 .18 .18 . Which one of the following isnot correct ?

(a) Indian National Congress,Calcutta Session (1887)

(b) Indian National congress,Lucknow Session (1916)

(c) Indian National Congress,Gaya Session (1922)

(d) Indian Nationa Congress,Tripuri Session (1939)

19 .19 .19 .19 .1 9 . The author of “India nMussalmans” is

(a) W.W. Hunter(b) Sir Aga khan(c) Atulanand Chakravarti(d) Rizaul Karim

20 .20 .20 .20 .20 . Who among the following di-rected to throw bomb on vice-roy Lord Hardings ?

(a) Khudiram Bose(b) Rashbihari Bose(c) Chandrashekhar Azad(d) Ramprasad Bismil

21 .21 .21 .21 .21 . The grant of ‘Diwani’ in Bengal,Bihar and Orissa was given tothe English East India companyby the Treaty in 1765 with

(a) Shah Alam II(b) Mir Qasim(c) Siraj-ud-daula(d) Fran cis Josept Dupleix

22 .22 .22 .22 .22 . With reference to the swadeshmovement during the indianfreedom struggle, which of thefollowing statement is not cor-rect?

(a) The theme song atswadesh movement inBengal was Ravindranath’s“Amar Sonar Bangala”

(b) Sayed Haider Raza led theswadesh movement in India

(c) The Ganpati and Shivajifestival become a mediumof the movement.

(d) The Surat spli t in 1907weakened the swadeshimovement.

23 .23 .23 .23 .23 . In which order Europeanscome to India for carrying ontrade ?

(a) Portuguese, Dutch, English,French

(b) Portuguese, English, Dutch,French

(c) English, Portuguese Dutch,French





(d) Dutch, Portuguese, French,English

24. 24. 24. 24. 24. Who were the signatories of thetreaty at Salabai ?

(a) Peshwa and the East Indiacompany

(b) Haider Ali, Peshwa and EastIndia company

(c) Haider Ali and Peshwa(d) Mahadaj i S indhia and

Warren Hastings25 .25 .25 .25 .25 . What was the British policy to-

wards My sore a fter TipuSultan’s death ?

(a) Establishing control overthe whole of Mysore

(b) The whole Mysore washanded over to thesuccessor of Tipu Sultan.

(c) The whole of Mysore washanded over to thesuccessor of Wadya rdynasty

(d) Only the central part oferstwhile Mysore washanded over to thesuccessor at wadya rdynasty.

26 .26 .26 .26 .26 . Historians are of the view thatthe British signed the Treaty ofBassien (1802) with a ‘cypher’.Who was this ‘cypher’?

(a) Baji Rao II(b) Raghunath Rao(c) Nana Phadanvis(d) Daulat Rao Sindhia

27 .27 .27 .27 .27 . During the Indian freedomstruggle, who of the followingstarted the weekly Yugantar inApril 1906?

(a) Jnanendra nath Basu andBipin Chandra Pal

(b) Barindra Kumar Ghosh andBhupendranath Dutta

(c) Aswini Kumar Dutta andSatish Chandra Mukherji

(d) Krishna Kumar Mitra andHemchandra Kanungo

28 .28 .28 .28 .28 . In the year 1911, who of thefollowing founded the socialservice league with its aim be-

ing to secure for the masses atthe people better and reason-able. Condition at of life andwork ?

(a) G.K. Gokhale(b) M.G. Ranade(c) N.M. Joshi(d) Srinivasa Sastri 38.

29 .29 .29 .29 .29 . Consider the following state-ments:1. The Nawab of Awadh

surrendered Allahabad andKora to the Englishcompany by the treaty ofAllahabad.

2. The english company soldAllahabad and Kora to theNawa b of Awadh forRupees two crores by thetreaty of Banaras.Which of the statementsgiven above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 or 2.

30 .30 .30 .30 .30 . Who of the following was thefirst president ot the IndianTrade Union Congress in 1920?

(a) Bipin Chandra Pal(b) Chittaranjan Das(c) Lala Lajpat Rai(d) Dr. Rajendra Prasad

31 .31 .31 .31 .31 . Consider the following state-ments:1. The southern part of the

India lies within the tropics.2. The northern part of the

co untry lies in the sub-tropical zone.Which o f the abovestatements is/are correct?

(a) only 1 (b) only 2(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2

32 .32 .32 .32 .32 . Consider the following state-ments:1. Mercury is the smallest and

closest planet to the sun.2. It is considered as Earth’s

twin because of their closeproximity in size, mass and

density.Which o f the abovestatements is/are correct?

(a) Only 1(b) only 2(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2

33. 33. 33. 33. 33. Consider the following state-ments:1. Uranus orbits around the

sun in a clockwise directionfrom east to west.

2. It is a giant planet 50 timeslarger than the earth. Whichof the above statements is/are correct?


34 .34 .34 .34 .34 . Consider the following state-ments:1. The largest planet Jupiter’s

surface is cold probablyabout –13°C.

2. It takes 29½ years tocomplete its orbit. Which ofthe above statements is/arecorrect?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2

35 .35 .35 .35 .35 . Consider the following state-ments:1. Gavity anomalies gives us

information about thedistribution of mass of thematerial in the crust of theearth.

2. Seismic activity is one of themost important sources ofinformation about theinterior of the earth.Which o f the abovestatements is/are correct?


36 .36 .36 .36 .36 . Consider the following state-ments about the primarywaves.1. P-waves move faster and





are the first to arrive at thesurface.

2. They travel only throughsolid material.

3. They are similar to soundwaves.Which o f the abovestatements is/are correct?

(a) only 1 and 2(b) only 1 and 3(c) only 2 and 3(d) All the above

37 .37 .37 .37 .37 . Consider the following state-ments:1. It has observed that

seismographs located atany distance within 105°C.from the ep icenter,recorded the arrival of bothP and S- waves.

2. A zone between 105°Cand 145°C from epicenterwas identified as theshadow zone for both typesof waves.Which o f the abovestatements is/are correct?


38 .38 .38 .38 .38 . Consider the following state-ments:1. The mercalli scale takes

into account the visibleda mage caused by theearth quake

2. The range of the intensityscale is from 0-12. Which ofthe above statements is/arecorrect?


39 .39 .39 .39 .39 . In context of the structure ofthe earth consider the follow-ing statements.1. The core mantle boundary

is located at the depth of2,900 km.

2. The core is made up of very

heavy ma terial mostlyconstituted by nickel andiron.

3. The outer core is in liquidstate while the inner core isin solid state.Which o f the abovestatements is/are correct?

(a) only 1(b) only 2 and 3(c) only 1 and 3(d) All the above

40 .40 .40 .40 .40 . Consider the following state-ments:1. A tectonic plate is a

massive, irregularly- shapedslab of solid rock, generallycomposed of bothcontineutal and oceniclithosphere.

2. Nazca pl ate betweensouth America andPacific plate is one of themajor plate. Which of theabove statements is/arecorrect?

(a) only 1 (b) only 2(c) Both 1 and 2(d) neither 1 nor 2

41 .41 .41 .41 .41 . Consider the following state-ments:1. The concept of sea floor

spreading was fi rstpropounded by Hary Hess.

2. The theory o f platetectonics proposes that theearth’s lithosphere isdivided into seven majorand some minor plates.

3. Alfred wegnerpropounded thedisplacement hypothesis.Which o f the abovestatements is/are correct?

(a) only 1 and 2(b) only 2(c) only 2 and 3(d) All the above

42 .42 .42 .42 .42 . Consider the following state-ments:1. Three fourths of the earth’s

surface is covered withsedimentary rocks.

2. 87 percent of the mineralsin earth’s crust are silicates.

3. Most of the sedimentaryrocks have been formedunder water.Which o f the abovestatements is/are correct?


43 .43 .43 .43 .43 . Consider the following state-ments:1. Carbon dioxide and water

vapour are found only up to90 km from the surface ofthe earth.

2. Ozon e is i mportantcomponent of theatmosphere foundbetween 10 and 50 kmabove the earth’s surface.

3. The troposphere’s height atthe poles is 18 km andabout 8 km at the equator.Which o f the abovestatements is/are correct?

(a) only 1 and 2(b) only 1 and 3(c) only 2 and 3(d) All the above

44 .44 .44 .44 .44 . Consider the following state-ments?1. Dolerite is a igneous rock2. Eclogite is an example of

metamorphic rock3. Limestone is a sedimentary

rock.Which o f the abovestatements is/are correct?


45 .45 .45 .45 .45 . Consider the following state-ments:1. The great rift valley of the

world runs for about 6,000kilometres from East Africa





to Syria through the Redsea.

2. Vindhyachal andHercynian are relict foldmountains.

3. Nilgiris and parasnath areexamples of blo ckmountains.Which o f the abovestatements is/are correct?

(a) only 1 and 3(b) only 1 and 2(c) only 2 and 3(d) all the above

46 .46 .46 .46 .46 . Consider the following state-ments.

(1) 7th constitutionalAmendment Act of 1956facilitated the appointmentof the same person as agovernor for two or morestates.

(2) The governor is the chiefexecutive head of the state.

(3) Part VI of the constitution isnot applicable to the stateof Jammu and Kashmir.Which of the statementgiven above is / are correct.

(a) 1 only (b) 1 & 3 only(c) 2&3 only(d) 1,2&3 only

47 .47 .47 .47 .47 . Consider the following state-ments about governor.

(1) The governor should notbe a member of eitherHouse of Parliament.

(2) The governor should be amember of the statelegislature.

(3) Governor should havecompleted the age of 40years before theappointment.Which of the statementgiven above is / are correct.

(a) 1 only(b) 2 & 3 only(c) 1 & 3 only(d) 1, 2 & 3 only 3.

48 .48 .48 .48 .48 . Consider the following state-

ments(1) All executive actions of the

government of a state areformally tak en bygovernor’s name.

(2) The governor can notpromulgate ordina nceswhen the state legislature isnot in session.

(3) No demand for a grant canbe made except ongovernor recommenda-tions.Which of the statementgiven above is / are correct.

(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) 1 & 3 only(d) 1, 2 & 3 only

49 .49 .49 .49 .49 . Which of the following authori-ties has the power to declarean area as disturbed area underthe Armed Forces SpecialPower Act (AFSPA).

(a) President of India(b) Governor of a state(c) Bo th the President and

governor of a state(d) Armed Forces

50 .50 .50 .50 .50 . Which of the following state-ments re lating to executiveclemency is not correct?

(a) The power excercised bythe President under Article72 is judicially reviewable.

(b) A mercy petitioner doesnot enjoy the r ight to beheard before the President.

(c) The President but not theGovernor of a state enjoysthe power to reduce deathsentence to l ifeimprisonment.

(d) The power under Article 72is excercised by thePresident on the aid andAdvice of the council ofMinister.


(1) The governor may with hold

His assent to the bill, the billthen ends and does notbecome an Act.

(2) Governor can summon orproroque the statelegislature but cannotdissolve the state legislativeassembly.Which of the statementgiven above is / are correct.

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only(c) Both 1 & 2(d) None of above


(1) Governormakesappointments, postingsand promotions of thedistrict judges isconsulta tion with thesupreme court.

(2) Governor is consulted bythe President whileappointing the judges ofthe concerned state highcourt.Which of the statementgiven above is / are correct.

(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 & 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2


(1) Governor nominates one-sixth of the member of thestate legislat ive councilfrom amongst personshaving special knowledge.

(2) Governor can nominate onemember to the statelegislature assembly fromthe Anglo- India ncommunity.Which of the statementgiven above is / are correct.


54 .54 .54 .54 .54 . Consider the following state-





ments.(1) The 52nd Amendment Act

1985 provided fo r thedisq ualificat ion of theMember of Parliament.

(2) An independent membercan be disqualified if Hejoins any political party afterelection.

(3) If the nominated memberjoins any political party aftersix month from the date onwhich he takes his seat inthe house then member willdisqualified.Which o f the statementgiven above is / are correct.

(a) 1 only (b) 2 & 3 only(c) 1 & 3 only(d) All of the above55 .55 .55 .55 .55 . Consider the fol lowing

statements.(1) The A ntidefectio n law

gives for the first time aclear-cut constitutionalrecognition to the existenceof political parties.

(2) The total number ofMinister including the PrimeMinister in the centralcouncil of Minister shall notexceed 15% of the totalstrenght of the Lok Sabha.Which o f the statementgiven above is / are correct.

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only(c) Both 1 & 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2


(1) The inter-state council wasset up under Article 283 ofthe constitution of India bythe President in 1990.

(2) The President is thechairman of the inter-statecouncil.

(3) In inter-state council, theSix Central Ca binetMinisters, including the

Home Minister, to benominated by thePresident.Which o f the statementgiven above is / are correct.

(a) 1 & 3 only(b) 1 only(c) 1 & 2 only(d) All of the above

57. 57. 57. 57. 57. Which of the following state-ments meets the objective ofthe zonal councils.

(1) To achieve an emotionalintegration of the country.

(2) To secure some kind ofpo litical equilib riumbetween different regionsof the country.

(3) To enable the centre andstates to cooperate w itheach other in social andeconomic matters.Which o f the statementgiven above is / are correct.

(a) 1 & 3 only(b) 1 & 2 only(c) 2 & 3 only(d) All of the above

58 .58 .58 .58 .58 . Consider the following state-ments about zonal council.

(1) Northern Zonal councilHeadquarter situated inNew Delhi.

(2) Central Zo nal councilHeadquarter established inMadhya Pradesh.

(3) North-Eastern councilHeadquarter established inMeghalaya.Which o f the statementgiven above is / are correct.

(a) 1 only(b) 2 & 3 only(c) 1 & 3 only(d) 1, 2 & 3 only


(1) The Election commissionis a permanent and anindependent bodyestab lished by the

Parliament.(2) The appointment of the

Chief electio nCommissioner andothere l e c t i o nco mmissioners shall bemade by the President.

(3) The condition of serviceand tenure of office of theElection Commissionersshall be determined by theParliament.Which o f the statementgiven above is / are correct.

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only(c) 1 & 3 only(d) All of the above


(1) Theremoval of the ChiefElection Commissioner assimilar as the removal of aJudge of Supreme Court.

(2) The Chief Electio nCommissioner can beremoved by the Presidenton the basis of a resolutionpassed to that effect by thebo th the house ofparliament with specialmajority.Which o f the statementgiven above is / are correct.


61 .61 .61 .61 .61 . Consider the following state-ments with regards to powers& functions of the ElectionCommission.

(1) The Election Commissionwill noti fy the dates andschedules of elections andto scrutinise the nominationpapers.

(2) To determine theterritorial areas of theelectoral constitutenciesthroughoutthe country onthe basis of the delimination





commission Act ofparliament.

(3) To advice the President onmatter rela ting to thedisqualifications of themember of the statelegislature.Select the correct codegiven below.

(a) 1 only (b) 1 & 3 only(c) 2 & 3 only(d) 1 & 2 only62 .62 .62 .62 .62 . Consider the fol lowing

statements.(1) The Chief Election

Commissioner holds off icefor a term of six years.

(2) The Chief ElectionCommissioner holds off icetill he at tain the age of 63years.

(3) Election Commissioner &Chief ElectionCommissioner draw salariesand allowances at per withthose of the judges of theSupreme Court.Which of the statementsgiven above is / are correct.

(a) 1 only (b) 1 & 3 only(c) 2 & 3 only(d) All of the above


(1) Lowering the voting ageto 18 year by amendingArticle 326.

(2) No candidate can contestto Lok Sabha from morethan two constituenciesexcept in Union Territory.

(3) President can extend theNational emergency on therecommendation of theElection Commission.Which of the statementsgiven above is / are correct.



(1) Bye-election are to heldwi thin 1 year ofoccurrence of the vacancyin any house of parliament.

(2) If the contestingcandidate is dead beforethe actual polling thenpa rty sho uld pro poseanother candidate withinseven days.

(3) 1999 the provision wasmade for voting throughpostal Ballot to theirconstituency.Which of the statementsgiven above is / are correct.

(a) l only(b) 2 & 3 only(c) 1 & 3 only(d) All of the above


(1) A candidate should havedomicile of that which statewhere the contesting anelection for the Ra jyaSabha.

(2) A candidate sponsoredby a recognised politicalparty only one proposer isrequired in election.

(3) Rajya Sabha uses the openballot system.Which of the statementsgiven above is / are correct.


66 .66 .66 .66 .66 . In the context of economicslowdown, fiscal and monetarystimuli were implemented bythe Government of India. Thesewere in the form of:

(1) Expansio na ry monetarypolicy

(2) Contractionary monetarypolicy

(3) Expansionary fiscal policy(4) Contractionary fiscal policy

Select the correct answer from thecode given below

(a) 1 and 4 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 2 and 4 only(d) 1 and 3 only

67 .67 .67 .67 .67 . Which of the following clearlydef ines the objective of thescheme “Assistance Indiaclub”?

(a) To provide economicassistance to India.

(b) To provide intensive cashpackage for developmentof SCIST

(c) Assistance for education ofminorities

(d) Special help package forwomen and children(below age of 6 years)

68 .68 .68 .68 .68 . Economic reforms intiated in1991 comprised of the follow-ing:

(1) Stabllity programme(2) Structural Adjustment

programme(3) Condi tio nally clause &

imposed by the IMF andWorld Bank.Select the correct answerfrom the codes givenbelow:

(a) 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 2 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 only

69 .69 .69 .69 .69 . Which of the following de-scribes the objective of inten-sive Agriculture Areaprogramme?

(a) Development of fertilisersspecific to certain crops

(b) Development ofintensiveirrigationin infrastructure.

(c) Development ofintensivearea b a s e dagriculture complexes.

(d) Development ofspecialized crops.

70 .70 .70 .70 .70 . Which of the following com-prised “monetary stimulus





package” by the RBI to revivethe economy after the 2008global meltdown?

(1) Reduction of CRR(2) Reduction o f Repo and

Reserve Repo notes(3) Reduction of SLR(4) Curbs on commercial

ba nks lending fo rconsumer durables.Select the correct answerfrom the codes below:

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4(b) 1, 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 2 only(d) 2 and 3 only

71 .71 .71 .71 .71 . Which of the following bestdefines the objective of com-mand area Devel opmentprogramme?

(a) Making irrigational facilitiesavailable for big and smallprojects

(b) Making irrigational facilitiesavailable for big, mediumand small projects

(c) Making irr igational facilitiesavailable for medium andsmall projects

(d) None of the above72 .72 .72 .72 .72 . Consider the following:

(1) Downsizing of bureaucracy(2) Disinvestment of shares of

public sector undertakings(3) Reduction of subsidies

Which of the above can beused as measures to controlthe fiscal defic it in India?

(a) 2 and 3 only(b) 1 and 3 only(c) 1, 2 and 3 only(d) 3 only

73 .73 .73 .73 .73 . The twenty point programmewas launched in 1975. whichof the following can best bedescribed as the ultimate ob-jective envisioned by theprogramme?

(a) To ensure employment forBPL urban area.

(b) To accelerate pending

irrigation projects in states.(c) To focus on livelihood

crea tio n for women inurban areas

(d) To enhance living status ofthe people.

74 .74 .74 .74 .74 . Which one the following wasnot stipulated in the fiscal Re-sponsibility and Budget man-agement Act 2003?

(a) Elimin ation of revenuedeficit

(b) Elimina tion of primarydeficit

(c) Non-borrowing by thecentral Government fromRBI except under certaincircumstances.

(d) Fixing governmentguarantees in any financialyear as a percentage ofGDP.

75 .75 .75 .75 .75 . Which of the following belowdefines the aim of farmer &Agriculture services centresscheme?

(a) To popularize us age ofagriculture equipment

(b) To popularize micro creditto farmers.

(c) To popularize provisionof extension & services tofarmers.

(d) To provide for and tolandless farmers.

76 .76 .76 .76 .76 . Regarding the Term ‘GeneticErosian’ consider the followingstatements:1. Genetic E rosim means

decrea se of crops,diversity and their coidforms.

2. Transformation ofAgriculture is help inGenetic Erosion.

3. Genetic Erosio nhappened when humaninvent new crops and givethem preference.

4. Economic and industrialdevelopment also make a

big role in genetic Erosion.Which o f the statementgiven above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2(b) 2 and 3(c) 1, 2 and 3(d) All the above.

77 .77 .77 .77 .77 . One atom of ehlonive destroyhow may atoms of ozone?

(a) One thousand(b) Ten thousand(c) Fifty thousand(d) One Lakh

78 .78 .78 .78 .78 . Bioremediation process eventto decrease the pollution inatmosphere: Consider thefollowing statement aboutthis process.1. To decrease the

environmental polutent2. Living micro organism use in

this process3. By this process polluted

places were came in theirpre-stage

4. By this process life cycleof elements in environmentcan’not maintain.Select co rrect answer-codes given below:

(a) Only 1 (b) Both 1 and 2(c) 1, 2 and 3(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

79 .79 .79 .79 .79 . StatemenStatemenStatemenStatemenStatement t t t t AAAAA: : : : : Environ-ment is store house of maxi-mum energy.RRRRReeeeeaaaaasssssooooon n n n n R: R: R: R: R: Due to environ-mental powers and processcomes new environmental ele-ments.Select the correct codes givenbelow:

(a) A and R both are right(b) A & R both are wrong(c) A is wrong R is right(d) A is wright R is wrong.

80 .80 .80 .80 .80 . To cutting of forests which oneof the following problem cre-ate?

(a) increase in rain(b) soi l degrudation and





uncontrolled flood. (c)Decrease in temperature

(d) None of the above81 .81 .81 .81 .81 . Which one of the following sys-

tem is not controlled by NaturalLaws?

(a) Food chain(b) Huma n based ernade

ecological system(c) Flow of energy(d) Biological chemical cycle.

82 .82 .82 .82 .82 . A sustanable Bio-group calledin a Ecosystem is?

(a) Ecotone(b) Sucsesation(c) Climax(d) Ciral

83 .83 .83 .83 .83 . In any ecosystem human and allanimals are as:

(a) Consumers(b) Producers(c) Decomposers(d) Secondary Consumers

84 .84 .84 .84 .84 . The primary source of energyin an ecosystem is:

(a) Chlorophill(b) A.T.P.(c) Sunlight(d) Green Plants

85 .85 .85 .85 .85 . In a grassland ecosystem, pyra-mid of numbers is:

(a) Straight (b) Linear(c) Opposite(d) Uncontrolled

86 .86 .86 .86 .86 . i)NASA’s newest robotic ex-p lorer, Maven stands forMountain Atmosphere andVolatile EvolutioN .ii)Study shows that the earlyatmosphere of Mars was thickenough to hold water andpossibly support microbial life,but much of that atmospheremay have been lost to space,eroded by the sun.Which of the above state-ment/statements is/are NOTtrue?

(a) Only i(b) Only ii(c) Both i and ii(d) Neither i nor ii

87 .87 .87 .87 .87 . i)Duronto trains, which wasintro duced by MamataBanerjee runs from one endto another without any stop-page .ii) The Duronto trains are thehighest revenue- earning trainsin India .Which of the above state-ment/statements is/are true?

(a) Only i (b) Only ii(c) Both i and ii(d) Neither i nor ii

88 .88 .88 .88 .88 . i)The venue for the CHOGMmeeting in Sri Lanka — theBandaranaike Memorial Inter-national Conference Hall —was donated by China which isalso currently the single largestprovider of financial supportto Sri Lanka.ii) The ‘Sikh Genocide Com-pla int ’ f iled by SFJ, AISSF,‘Movement Against Atrocitiesa nd Repression andgurudwara representativesacross Europe and NorthAmerica, is likely to come upbefore the UN “Working Groupon Communications” .Which of the above state-ment/statements is/are true?


89 .89 .89 .89 .89 . i)Branches of the first womencommercial bank of the coun-try, the Bharatiya Mahila Bankare in Chennai, Bangalore,Guwahati, Kolkata, Lucknowand Ahmedabad.ii) A gradual increase in thequantum of indigenously pro-duced silk yarn over the last fiveyears has brought about a cor-responding decline in India’sdependence on imported silkyarn, mostly from China.Which of the above state-ment/statements is/are NOTtrue?

(a) Only i

(b) Only ii(c) Both i and ii(d) Neither i nor ii

90 .90 .90 .90 .90 . i)German Chancellor AngelaMerkel will be honoured withthe Indira Gandhi Prize forPeace, Disarmament and De-velopment for 2013 for herexemplary leadership in Eu-rope and the world during thefinancial crisis and her steward-ship of German economicgrowth.ii) Indian-American VivekMurthy has been nominated forthe post of Surgeon General USPresident Barack Obama.Which of the above state-ment/statements is/are true?


91 .91 .91 .91 .91 . i)Section 62 (5) of the RP Actsays, “No person shall vote atany election if he/she is con-fined in a prison, whether un-der a sentence of imprison-ment or transportation or other-wise, or is in the lawful cus-tody of the police: Providedthat nothing in this sub- sec-tion shall apply to a person sub-jected to preventive detentionunder any law for the time be-ing in force.”ii) However RP (Amendmentand Validation) Act, 2013, saysthat by reasons of the prohibi-tion to vote, “ a person whosename has been entered in theelectoral roll shall not cease tobe an elector.”


92 .92 .92 .92 .92 . i)Afganistan needs to have apartnership with a country likethe United States because itcan protect them from threatsfrom neighboring countries,especial ly Pakistan, and theTaliban.





ii)Dominique Burgeon, direc-tor of the FAO’sEmergencyand Rehabilitation Division saidthat despite the devastating ef-fects of Typhoon Haiyan therewas no disruption in the foodcrop planting for the 2013-2014 secondary season inPhil ippines .Which of the above state-ment/statements is/are true?


93 .93 .93 .93 .93 .i)Delhi is amongst the first cit-ies to have a branch of thenewly opened Bharatiya MahilaBank (BMB) .

ii) ESPS stands for (employeestock purchase scheme) andSAR stands for (stock apprecia-tion right).Which of the above statement/statements is/are true?


94 .94 .94 .94 .94 . i)Graphene, a single atomiclayer of carbon, is the world’sstrongest material, and also haselectrical properties superiorto the silicon used to make thechips found in modern elec-tronics.ii) India alone carries nearly 50per cent of the global MDR-TB(multi-drug resistant T(B) bur-den.Which of the above state-ment/statements is/are NOTtrue?


95 .95 .95 .95 .95 . i)Olympics gold medallist andcoach V. Baskaran has beenappointed as the chief coachfor the Indian team.ii)Barcelona forward LionelMessi was presented with a

record third Golden Boot forscoring the most goals inEurope’s domestic leagues lastseason.Which of the above state-ment/statements is/areNOT true?


96 .96 .96 .96 .96 . i) India’s minimum supportprices for farmers and foodsubsidies is the main issue itwould raise for the NinthWTO Ministerial scheduledfor next month in Bali .

ii) The clause providing nocountry being able toinitiate a ction againstanother that was in breachof the WTO caps isfavorable for India.Which o f the abovestatement/statements is/are true?


97 .97 .97 .97 .97 . i)A Delhi court is to considerthe criminal defamation com-plaint f iled by former IPS of-f icer R B Sreekumar againstGujara t Chief MinisterNarendra Modi, BJP presi-dent Rajnath Singh and twoothers over attacks on him inthe ISRO spying case.ii) Tehelka magazine editorTarun Tejpal after admitting“ misconduct” aga inst awoman journalist has offered toresign from office for an indefi-nite time. the back of buoyantglobal demand according toexperts.Which of the above state-ment/statements true?

(a) Only i (b) Only ii(c) Both i and ii

(d) Neither i nor ii98 .98 .98 .98 .98 . i)U.S. Secretary of State John

Kerry and AfghanP r e s i d e n tHamid Karzai had agreed onthe terms of the bilateral secu-rity agreement (BS (A) to coverthe presence of Americantroops beyond 2014.

ii) Recently Australian PM was ac-cused of tapping phone ofPhilippine's president, thatraised a lot of hue and cry.Which of the above statement/statements true?


99. i)Current account deficit(CAD) would see a dramatic re-duction during the next twoyears, mainly driven by pick upin export growth on the backof buoyant global demand ac-cording to experts.(ii) Kinetic Engineering Ltd.(KEL) is planning to launch itshybrid electric three-wheeler(auto) in the next 12 months.Which of the above statement/statements is/are false?


100.100.100.100.100. i) A volca nic eruptio n hasraised an island in the seas tothe south Anda ma n andNicobar Island in the IndianOcean.ii) There has been “a phenom-enal increase” in the levels offine part icles in the atmosphereover India, especially thosegenerated by human activity,according to research pub-lished recently by a team of In-dian scientists.Which of the above state-ment/statements true?






ANSWERSANSWERSANSWERSANSWERSANSWERS

1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (d)5. (c) 6. (c) 7. (c) 8. (d)9. (c) 10. (b) 11. (b) 12. (c)

13. (b) 14. (c) 15. (a) 16. (c)17. (c) 18. (a) 19. (a) 20. (b)21. (A) 22. (b) 23. (a) 24. (d)25. (c) 26. (a) 27. (b) 28. (c)29. (d) 30. (c)

31. (c)32. (a) Venus is often considered

as Earth’s twin because of theirclose proximity in size, massand density.

33. (c)34. (a) Not Jupiter but Saturn is so

far from the sun that is takes29½ years to complete its orbit.

35. (c)36. (b) Primary waves travel though

gaseous, liquid and solid ma-terials.

37. (c)38. (a) The range of the Mercalli

Scale (Intensity Scale) is from1-12.

39. (d)40. (a) Nazca plate between South

America and pacific Plate isminor plate.

41. (d)42. (d) Roughly to a height of 8 km

near the poles and about 18 kmat the equator.

44. (d)45. (b) Nilgiris and Parasnath are

examples of Residual or Dis-sected Mountains.

46. (d)47. (a) The governor’s should not

be member of state legislature& He should have completed35 years of age.

48. (c) The governor can promul-gate ordinance when the statelegislature is in session.

49. (d)50. (c)51. (a) Governor dissolve the state

legislative assembly.52. (b) Governor consult with High

Court.53. (c)54. (d)55. (a) Article 75.56. (b) Prime Minister is the Chair-

man of the ISC.57. (d)58. (a) Central-Zonal co uncil

Headquarter is in Allahabad.59. (b) It established by the consti-

tution of India.60. (c)61. (d) It advice the governor.62. (b) He hold office till the age of

65 years.63. (a)64. (b) Bye-election are to be held

within 6 months.65. (b) No domicile is need more

for Rajya Sabha election.66. (d)67. (a) [it was started in 1958 and

the aim of the scheme was toprovide economic assistanceto India in the form of cashdonations]

68. (d)69. (d) [extensive Agriculture Area

programme was started wasstarted in the 1964-95 budgetthe main aim was developmentof specialized crops].

70. (b)71. (a) [Command Area Develop-

ment was started in 1974-75 tomake irrigational facilities avail-

able for big and small projectsonly. Medium size projectswere excluded under the pre-view of this scheme]

72. (c)73. (d) [it was launched with 66

items and aimed to enhancethe living status of the people.Now there are 65 items underthe scheme as MGNREGA isnow a separate scheme].

74. (b)75. (a) [it was started in 1983-84

the main aim was technologyinfusion in to the agriculturesector toenhance the pro-ductivity, so Agriculture ser-vice center were establishedand they popularished the us-age of Agricultural equipment].

76. (d) All statements are trueabout Genetic Erosion and itshappened during a long pe-riod.

77. (d)78. (c) Bioremediation process

does not harm the life cycle ofelements in environment.

79. (c)80. (b)81. (b) Artificial ecological system

not controlled by nature.82. (a) Ecotone is term used for

sustainable Bio-group stage inecosystem.

83. (a) All human and animals areconsumers in an ecosystem.

84. (c) Due to sunlightphotosynthessis occurs.

85. (a) 86. ( a) 87. (a) 88. (c)89. (d) 90. (c) 91. (c) 92. (a)93. (b) 94. (b) 95. (a) 96. (c)97. (a) 98. (a) 99. (d)100. (b)

Vedic CivilizationVedic CivilizationVedic CivilizationVedic CivilizationVedic Civilization

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VEDIC CIVILIZATION

The Vedic period ischaracterised by Indo-Aryan cultureassociated with the texts of Vedas,sacred to Hindus, which were orallycomposed in Vedic Sanskrit. TheVedas are some of the oldest extanttexts in India. The Vedic period,lasting from about 1750 to 500 BCE,contributed the foundations ofHinduism and other cultural aspectsof Indian subcontinent. In terms ofculture, many regions of thesubcontinent transitioned from theChalcolithic to the Iron Age in thisperiod.

Vedic SocietyVedic SocietyVedic SocietyVedic SocietyVedic Society

Historians have analysed theVedas to posit a Vedic culture in thePunjab region and the upperGangetic Plain. Most historians alsoconsider this period to haveencompassed several waves of Indo-Aryan migration into the subcontinentfrom the north-west. Vedic peoplebelieved in the transmigration of thesoul, and the peepal tree and cowwere sanctified by the time of theAtharva Veda. Many of the conceptsof Indian philosophy espoused laterlike Dharma, Karma etc. trace theirroot to the Vedas.

The swastika is a major elementof Hindu iconography.

Early Vedic society is describedin the Rigveda, the oldest Vedic text,believed to have been composed c.1500-1200 BCE in the northwesternregion of the Indian subcontinent. Atthis time, Aryan society consisted oflargely tribal and pastoral groups,distinct from the Harappanurbanisation which had beenabandoned. The early Indo-Aryanpresence probably corresponds, inpart, to the Ochre Coloured Potteryculture in archaeological contexts.

At the end of the Rigvedicperiod, the Aryan society began toexpand from the northwestern regionof the Indian subcontinent, into the

western Ganges plain. It becameincreasingly agricultural and wassocially organised around thehierarchy of the four varnas, or socialclasses. This social structure wascharacterized both by syncretisingwith the native cultures of northernIndia, but also eventually by theexcluding of indigenous peoples bylabelling their occupations impure.During this period, many of theprevious small tribal units andchiefdoms began to coalesce intomonarchical, state-level polities.

SanskritizationSanskritizationSanskritizationSanskritizationSanskritization

Since Vedic times, "people frommany strata of society throughout thesubcontinent tended to adapt theirreligious and social life to Brahmanicnorms", a process sometimes calledSanskritization. It is reflected in thetendency to identify local deities withthe gods of the Sanskrit texts.

The Kuru kingdom was the firststate-level society of the Vedicperiod, corresponding to thebeginning of the Iron Age innorthwestern India, around 1000BCE, as well as with the compositionof the Atharvaveda (the first Indiantext to mention iron, as ?y?ma ayas,literally "black metal"). The Kuru stateorganized the Vedic hymns intocollections, and developed theorthodox srauta ritual to uphold thesocial order. When the Kuru kingdomdeclined, the center of Vedic cultureshifted to their eastern neighbours,the Panchala kingdom. Thearchaeological Painted Grey Wareculture, which flourished in theHaryana and western Uttar Pradeshregions of northern India from about1100 to 600 BCE, is believed tocorrespond to the Kuru and Panchalakingdoms.

During the Late Vedic Period,the kingdom of Videha emerged as anew center of Vedic culture, situatedeven farther to the East (in what is

today Nepal and Bihar state in India).The later part of this periodcorresponds with a consolidation ofincreasingly large states andkingdoms, called mahajanapadas, allacross Northern India.

Sanskrit EpicsSanskrit EpicsSanskrit EpicsSanskrit EpicsSanskrit Epics

In addition to the Vedas, theprincipal texts of Hinduism, the corethemes of the Sanskrit epicsRamayana and Mahabharata are saidto have their ultimate origins duringthis period. The Mahabharata remains,today, the longest single poem in theworld. Historians formerly postulatedan "epic age" as the milieu of thesetwo epic poems, but now recognizethat the texts (which are both familiarwith each other) went throughmultiple stages of development overcenturies. For instance, theMahabharata may have been basedon a small-scale conflict (possiblyabout 1000 BCE) which waseventually "transformed into agigantic epic war by bards and poets."The existing texts of these epics arebelieved to belong to the post-Vedicage, between c. 400 BCE and 400CE. There is no conclusive proof fromarchaeology as to whether thespecific events described thereinhave any historical basis.

"Second Urbanisation""Second Urbanisation""Second Urbanisation""Second Urbanisation""Second Urbanisation"(800-200 BCE)(800-200 BCE)(800-200 BCE)(800-200 BCE)(800-200 BCE)

During the time between 800and 200 BCE the Shramana-movement formed, from whichoriginated Jainism and Buddhism. Inthe same period the first Upanishadswere written. After 500 BCE, the so-called "Second urbanisation" started,with new urban settlements arisingat the Ganges plain, especially theCentral Ganges plain. The CentralGanges Plain, where Magadha gainedprominence, forming the base of theMauryan Empire, was a distinctcultural area, with new states arising


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after 500 BCE during the so-called"Second urbanisation". It wasinfluenced by the Vedic culture, butdiffered markedly from the Kuru-Panchala region. It "was the area ofthe earliest known cultivation of ricein South Asia and by 1800 BCE wasthe location of an advanced neolithicpopulation associated with the sitesof Chirand and Chechar". In this regionthe Shramanic movementsflourished, and Jainism andBuddhism originated.

MahajanapadasMahajanapadasMahajanapadasMahajanapadasMahajanapadas(600-300 B.C.E)(600-300 B.C.E)(600-300 B.C.E)(600-300 B.C.E)(600-300 B.C.E)

The Mahajanapadas were thesixteen most powerful kingdoms andrepublics of the era, located mainlyacross the fertile Indo-Gangeticplains, there were a number of smallerkingdoms stretching the length andbreadth of Ancient India.

In the later Vedic Age, anumber of small kingdoms or citystates had covered the subcontinent,many mentioned in Vedic, earlyBuddhist and Jaina literature as farback as 500 BCE. sixteen monarchiesand "republics" known as theMahajanapadas-Kashi, Kosala, Anga,Magadha, Vajji (or Vriji), Malla, Chedi,Vatsa (or Vamsa), Kuru, Panchala,Matsya (or Machcha), Shurasena,Assaka, Avanti, Gandhara, andKamboja-stretched across the Indo-Gangetic Plain from modern-dayAfghanistan to Bengal andMaharastra. This period saw thesecond major rise of urbanism in Indiaafter the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Many smaller clans mentionedwithin early literature seem to havebeen present across the rest of thesubcontinent. Some of these kingswere hereditary; other states electedtheir rulers. Early "republics" such asthe Vajji (or Vriji) confederationcentered in the city of Vaishali,existed as early as the 6th centuryBCE and persisted in some areas untilthe 4th century CE. The educated

speech at that time was Sanskrit,while the languages of the generalpopulation of northern India arereferred to as Prakrits. Many of thesixteen kingdoms had coalesced tofour major ones by 500/400 BCE, bythe time of Gautama Buddha. Thesefour were Vatsa, Avanti, Kosala, andMagadha.The Life of Gautam Budhhawas mainly associated with these fourkingdoms.

This period corresponds in anarchaeological context to theNorthern Black Polished Wareculture.

Upanishads andUpanishads andUpanishads andUpanishads andUpanishads andShramana MovementsShramana MovementsShramana MovementsShramana MovementsShramana Movements

Nalanda is considered one ofthe first great universities in recordedhistory. It was the centre of Buddhistlearning and research in the worldfrom 450 to 1193 CE.

Main articles:Main articles:Main articles:Main articles:Main articles: History ofHinduism, History of Buddhism andHistory of Jainism

Further information:urther information:urther information:urther information:urther information:Upanishads, Indian Religions, Indianphilosophy and Ancient universitiesof India

The 7th and 6th centuries BCEwitnessed the composition of theearliest Upanishads. Upanishads formthe theoretical basis of classicalHinduism and are known as Vedanta(conclusion of the Vedas). The olderUpanishads launched attacks ofincreasing intensity on the ritual.Anyone who worships a divinity otherthan the Self is called a domesticanimal of the gods in theBrihadaranyaka Upanishad. TheMundaka launches the most scathingattack on the ritual by comparingthose who value sacrifice with anunsafe boat that is endlesslyovertaken by old age and death.

Increasing urbanisation of Indiain 7th and 6th centuries BCE led tothe rise of new ascetic or shramanamovements which challenged theorthodoxy of rituals. Mahavira (c. 549-

477 BCE), proponent of Jainism, andBuddha (c. 563-483), founder ofBuddhism were the most prominenticons of this movement. Shramanagave rise to the concept of the cycleof birth and death, the concept ofsamsara, and the concept ofliberation. Buddha found a MiddleWay that ameliorated the extremeasceticism found in the Sramanareligions.

Around the same time, Mahavira(the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism)propagated a theology that was tolater become Jainism. However, Jainorthodoxy believes the teachings ofthe Tirthankaras predates all knowntime and scholars believe Parshva,accorded status as the 23rdTirthankara, was a historical figure.The Vedas are believed to havedocumented a few Tirthankaras andan ascetic order similar to theshramana movement.

Magadha EmpireMagadha EmpireMagadha EmpireMagadha EmpireMagadha Empire

Magadha (Sanskrit: ???) formedone of the sixteen Mah?-Janapadas(Sanskrit: "Great Countries") orkingdoms in ancient India. The coreof the kingdom was the area of Biharsouth of the Ganges; its first capitalwas Rajagriha (modern Rajgir) thenPataliputra (modern Patna). Magadhaexpanded to include most of Biharand Bengal with the conquest ofLicchavi and Anga respectively,followed by much of eastern UttarPradesh and Orissa. The ancientkingdom of Magadha is heavilymentioned in Jain and Buddhist texts.It is also mentioned in the Ramayana,Mahabharata, Puranas. A state ofMagadha, possibly a tribal kingdom,is recorded in Vedic texts muchearlier in time than 600BCE.

The earliest reference to theMagadha people occurs in theAtharva-Veda where they are foundlisted along with the Angas,Gandharis, and Mujavats. Magadhaplayed an important role in the





development of Jainism andBuddhism, and two of India's greatestempires, the Maurya Empire andGupta Empire, originated fromMagadha. These empires sawadvancements in ancient India'sscience, mathematics, astronomy,religion, and philosophy and wereconsidered the Indian "Golden Age".The Magadha kingdom includedrepublican communities such as thecommunity of Rajakumara. Villageshad their own assemblies under theirlocal chiefs called Gramakas. Theiradministrations were divided intoexecutive, judicial, and militaryfunctions.

Persian and Greek conquestsPersian and Greek conquestsPersian and Greek conquestsPersian and Greek conquestsPersian and Greek conquests

In 530 BCE Cyrus the Great,King of the Persian AchaemenidEmpire crossed the Hindu-Kushmountains to seek tribute from thetribes of Kamboja, Gandhara and thetrans-India region (modernAfghanistan and Pakistan). By 520BCE, during the reign of Darius I ofPersia, much of the northwesternsubcontinent (present-day easternAfghanistan and Pakistan) cameunder the rule of the PersianAchaemenid Empire. The arearemained under Persian control fortwo centuries. During this time Indiasupplied mercenaries to the Persianarmy then fighting in Greece.

Under Persian rule the famouscity of Takshashila became a centrewhere both Vedic and Iranianlearning were mingled. The impactof Persian ideas was felt in many areasof Indian life. Persian coinage androck inscriptions were adopted byIndia. However, Persian ascendencyin northern India ended withAlexander the Great's conquest ofPersia in 327 BCE.

By 326 BCE, Alexander theGreat had conquered Asia Minor andthe Achaemenid Empire and hadreached the northwest frontiers of theIndian subcontinent. There hedefeated King Porus in the Battle of

the Hydaspes (near modern-dayJhelum, Pakistan) and conqueredmuch of the Punjab. Alexander'smarch east put him in confrontationwith the Nanda Empire of Magadhaand the Gangaridai of Bengal. Hisarmy, exhausted and frightened bythe prospect of facing larger Indianarmies at the Ganges River, mutiniedat the Hyphasis (modern Beas River)and refused to march further East.Alexander, after the meeting with hisofficer, Coenus, and learning aboutthe might of Nanda Empire, wasconvinced that it was better to return.

The Persian and Greek invasionshad important repercussions onIndian civilisation. The politicalsystems of the Persians were toinfluence future forms of governanceon the subcontinent, including theadministration of the Mauryandynasty. In addition, the region ofGandhara, or present-day easternAfghanistan and northwest Pakistan,became a melting pot of Indian,Persian, Central Asian, and Greekcultures and gave rise to a hybridculture, Greco-Buddhism, whichlasted until the 5th century CE andinfluenced the artistic developmentof Mahayana Buddhism.

VEDIC LITERATURE• The word Veda is derived from

the Sanskrit word Vedameaning, to know orknowledge par excellence.

• Vedic texts are dividedbetween Sruti (based onhearing), which is distinct fromSmriti (based on memory).

• Four Vedas and their Samhitas,the Brahmanas, the Aranyakasand the Upanishads form aclass of literature known asSruti.

Rig VedaRig VedaRig VedaRig VedaRig Veda

• It is divided into 10 Books orMandalas. Books II to VII areconsidered the oldest. Book I,

VIII and X seem to be lateradditions.

• A collection of 1028 hymns ofa number of priestly families.

• Written between 1700-1500B.C. when Aryans were still inPunjab.

• Books II to VII are earliest andare also called as family books.They are attributed toGritsamada, Visvamitra,Vasudeva. Am. Bhardwaj,Vashishtha. Kanva and Angiras.

• The IX Mandala is dedicatedexclusively to Soma

• The X Mandala contains thefamous Purushsukta hymn thatexplains the origin of fourVarnas.

Words Mentioned in Rig Veda

Word Times mentionedOm 1028Ashva 315Jana 275Gau 176Vis 171Brahmana 14Kshatriya 9Yamuna 3Sudra 1Vaishya 1Rajya 1Kulpa 1Ganga 1Samudra 1

Yajur VedaYajur VedaYajur VedaYajur VedaYajur Veda

• A ritualistic Veda.• It is divided into Shukla

Yajurveda and KrishnaYajurveda.

• Atharvaveda mentions beliefsand practices of non-Aryans.

• In Atharvaveda, Sabha andSamiti are described as uterinesisters – the two daughters ofPrajapati.

• Written in prose, it deals withprocedure for performance of





sacrifices and contains rituals aswell as hymns.

Sama VedaSama VedaSama VedaSama VedaSama Veda

• Sam Veda derives its roots fromSaman. which means a melody.

• A collection of melodies.• A collection of 1603 hymns.

Except 99, all others werederived from Rig Veda.

Atharva VedaAtharva VedaAtharva VedaAtharva VedaAtharva Veda

• A collection of 711 hymns, it isdivided into 20 Kandas.

• It is the latest Veda.• Atharva Veda is a book of

magical formula.• It contains charms and spells to

ward-off evil and disease.• Its content throws light on the

practices of non-Aryans.

Chief PriestsChief PriestsChief PriestsChief PriestsChief Priests

• The chief priests who wereengaged in performing thesacrifices were –

a. Hotri – the Invoker, herecited hymns fromRigveda.

b. Adhvaryu – the executor,he rected hymns fromYajurvada.

c. Udgatri - the singer, herecited hymns fromSamveda.

d. Brahman - Atharvveda• Although the hymns are

attributed to rishis, piousHindus have always laid stressupon their divine origin. Thus,the Vedas are calledapaurusheya (not created byman) and nitya (existing in alleternity) while the rishis areknown as inspired seers whoreceived the mantras from theSupreme deity.

The UpanishadsThe UpanishadsThe UpanishadsThe UpanishadsThe Upanishads

• The word Upanishad means,‘be seated at feet of Guru to

receive teaching.’ Upanishadsconstitute Vedanta (Vedaanta),end of Vedas.

• Upanishads represent spiritualteachings and investigationswhich are a common referencepoint for all subsequent Indianphilosophy.

• Upanishadic tradition has itsroots in mystical experiencebut it seeks rational andintelligible expression andinvites testing of itsconclusions.

• The term Upanishada indicatesknowledge acquired by sittingclose to the teacher. Theyconsisted of discussions onseveral problems such as thecreation of the universe, thenature of God. The origin ofmankind etc. They are anti-ritualistic and define thedoctrine of Karma (Action),Atman (Soul) and Gad(Brahma).

• They are spiritual andphilosophical in nature.Theyare called the Vedanta or theend of Vedas. They advocate Jnana Marga and are anti-ritualistic in nature.

• There are 108 Upanishads.Generally, the period from 800to 500 BC is known as theperiod of Upanishads.

• The Aitareya and KaushitakiUpanishads belong to Rig Veda.

• Chhandogya and KenaUpanishad belong to SamaVeda. Taittiriya. Katha andSvetasvatara Upanishad belongto the Krishna Yajur Veda.

• Brihadaranyaka and Isa belongto the Shukla Yajur Veda.

• Prasna, Mundaka andMundukya belong to theAtharva Veda.

AranyakasAranyakasAranyakasAranyakasAranyakas

• There were some sages

dwelling in the forests whoexplained the Vedic scripturesto their pupils in the form ofAranyakas (Aranyaka meansbelonging to the forest) andthey came to be known as“forest texts”.

• They explain metaphysics andsymbolism of sacrifice.

• They are the forest books andwere taught in the forests dueto their magical powers.

• They form the concluding partof Brahmanas.

BrahmanasBrahmanasBrahmanasBrahmanasBrahmanas

• The Brahmanas are the prosecommentaries on various Vedichymns. They explain the Vedasin an orthodox way. Theyexplain the hidden meaningbehind the hymns They areritualistic by nature They areexpressive of the cause hetu).etymology (nirvachana),censure ninda). dount(samshaya) and injunction(vidhi).

VedangasVedangasVedangasVedangasVedangas

• In order to understand theVedic Literature, it wasnecessary to learn-Vedangas orthe limbs of Vedas. These aretreatises on science and arts.They are:

a. Shiksha (Phonetics)

b. Kalpa (Ritual)c. Vyakarana (Grammar)

d. Chhand (Metrics)

e. Nirukta (Etymology)

f. Jyotisha (Astronomy)• Yaska’s Nirukta (5th century BC)

is the oldest Indian linguistictext.

• Panini wrote Ashtadhyayi (4th

Century BC) on Vyakaran,

UpvedasUpvedasUpvedasUpvedasUpvedas

• There were four Upvedas-





• Ayurveda dealing withmedicine

• Dhanurveda dealing with theart of the warfare

• Gandharvaveda dealing withmusic

• Shilpaveda dealing with art andLiterature.

RIGVEDIC GODS• The early Vedic religion was

naturalistic. Evidently, therewere neither temples nor idols.The mode of prayer wasrecitation of mantras. Sacrificewas offered for Praja(children). Pasu (cattle) andDhana (wealth) and not forspiritual upliftment or misery.

The Sun GodThe Sun GodThe Sun GodThe Sun GodThe Sun God

• Surya Similar to that of theGreek God Helios. Savitri Thefamous Gayatri mantra isaddressed to Savitri. Pusan Hismain function was that ofguarding of roads, herdsmenand cattle. Vishnu A relativelyminor God at that time.

IndraIndraIndraIndraIndra

• He was the Aryan warlord andalso controlled the weather.Has been called Purandhar ordestroyer of forts.

• He was the proverbial Rain God(prajanya),responsible forcausing rainfall. 250 hymns areattributed to India.

• He was associated with thunderand storm and bore thethunderbolt (Vajra), with whichhe destroyed his He has beenaddressed by various names -Ratheshtha, Jitendra, Somapa,Purandra, Vritrahan andMaghayan.

VarunaVarunaVarunaVarunaVaruna

• He was the upholder of Rita orcosmic order and whatever

happened in the world wasthought to be reflection of hisdesire.As an administrator ofthe cosmic law (Rita), heregulated all activities in theworld. It is he who has spreadout the earth and set the sun inmotion.

• He is therefore called the worldsovereign and is also regardedat the of human morality.

Agn iAgn iAgn iAgn iAgn i

• He was the intermediarybetween Gods and men. Heconsumed the sacrificialofferings and carried them toGods. About 200 hymns on theRig Veda are attributed to Agni.He dwelt in heaven in the formof lightning. On earth heexisted in many forms.

YamaYamaYamaYamaYama

• A sort of Adam - The first manto die, who became theguardian of the world of dead.

SomaSomaSomaSomaSoma

• The God of plants. Anintoxicant drink was alsonamed Soma. The Somasacrifice was an importantVedic rituals.

• He is the special God ofBrahamans, who referred to himas their patron deity.

Other Gods

Vayu Wind GodDyaus Father of HeavenAditi Mother of SuryaPusan Morals Storm spiritsGandharvas Divine musiciansAshvins Healers of diseases

and experts in surgicalart

Ribhus Gnomes

Apsaras Mistresses of Gods.Rudra An archer God, whose

arose brought disease

Female Deities

Usha Goddess of dawn.Aditi Mother of Gods.Prithivi Earth Goddess.Aryani Forest GoddessSaraswati The River deity.

Later Vedic ReligionLater Vedic ReligionLater Vedic ReligionLater Vedic ReligionLater Vedic Religion

• Towards the end of the VedicAge, a section of society beganto resent priestly domination.The Upanishads criticised thecult of rituals and sacrifices andlaid stress on Right Belief andRight Knowledge.

• They emphasised thatknowledge of self (Atman)should be acquired andrelation of Atman with Brahma(God) should be properlyunderstood.

• Deeds of one life affected thenext. This gave the theory ofKarma.

Later Vedic GodsLater Vedic GodsLater Vedic GodsLater Vedic GodsLater Vedic Gods

• India and Varuna lost theirprevious importance andPrajapati attained the Supremeposition.

• Rudra and Vishnu becamemore important than before.Pushan became the God ofShudras.

• Brahmin monopoly over divineknowledge was established.An elaborate system of Yajnasdeveloped. Among theimportant ones were—Rajasuya, Ashvamedha andVajapeya.

Important RitualsImportant RitualsImportant RitualsImportant RitualsImportant Rituals

• Rajasuya:Rajasuya:Rajasuya:Rajasuya:Rajasuya: The King’s influencewas strengthened by rituals. Heperformed this sacrifice, whichwas supposed to confersupreme power on him.

• Asvamedha:Asvamedha:Asvamedha:Asvamedha:Asvamedha: A Kingperformed the Asvamedha,





which meant unquestionedcontrol over the area in whichthe royal horse ranuninterrupted. The ceremonylasted for 3 days at the end ofwhich horse sacrifice wasperformed.

• Vajapeya:Vajapeya:Vajapeya:Vajapeya:Vajapeya: A King performedthe Vajpeya or the chariot race,in which the royal chariot wasmade to win the race againsthis kinsmen. The ritual lastedfor 17 days and was believednot only to restore the strengthof the middle-aged king butalso to elevate him from theposition of Raja to that ofSamrat.

ASHRAMAS• The ashrama system is found

mentioned for the first time inthe Aitareya Brahmana andChandogya Upanishad for thefirst time and so belonged tothe later Vedic period forregulating the life of the malemembers of the higher casts.Meant mainly for regulating thelife of the male members of thehigher castes, they consisted offour stages:

(i) Brahmacharya: Brahmacharya: Brahmacharya: Brahmacharya: Brahmacharya: In thisashrama, after the investiturewith the sacred thread, a per-son leads a celibate life as astudent at the home of histeacher.

(ii) Grihastha: Grihastha: Grihastha: Grihastha: Grihastha: Having masteredthe Vedas or part of them. aperson returns to his parentalhome, gets married and be-comes a householder(grihastha). Grihastha hasmanifold duties broadlymarked out as (i) yajna (ii)adhyayana, and (iii) dana andhas to release himself fromthree debts: debt to Gods, byyajna; to pitris (ancestors) byoffsprings; and to rishis(teachers) by continuing

learning and leading a reli-gious life.

(iii) Vanaprastha: Vanaprastha: Vanaprastha: Vanaprastha: Vanaprastha: When welladvanced in middle age anda person has seen his grand-children, he leaves home forthe forest to become a her-mit. As a hermit he must nothave any possessions, abstainfrom movement in rains, do-ing from village to village forthe exclusive purpose ofbegging. Wearing only loin-cloth or old rags duly washed,to cover nakedness, not stay-ing in the same village for thesecond night and not de-stroying seeds for the pur-pose of food. (e.g. by pound-ing rice by a pestle) but de-pending on cooked food ifgiven as alms.

(iv) Sanyas: Sanyas: Sanyas: Sanyas: Sanyas: In Sanyas by medi-tation and penance one freeshis soul from material things,leaves hermitage and be-comes a homeless wandererand thus earthly ties are bro-ken. This fourth ashrama is theone when person abandonstruth and falsehood, pleasureand pain, the Vedas, thisworld and the next, seeksonly atman.

• Full recognition of the fourthstage was done only in thepost-Vedic period. Society inthe Later Vedic Age camebecame increasingly complexand came to be divided intofour Varnas - Brahmanas,Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras.

• BrahamanasBrahamanasBrahamanasBrahamanasBrahamanas: The growingcult of sacrifice enormouslyadded to the power ofBrahmanas, who performedvarious rituals and sacrifices fortheir clients. In the beginning,they were merely one of thesixteen classes of priests, butlater on they overshadowedothers

• KshatriyasKshatriyasKshatriyasKshatriyasKshatriyas: They constituted

the warrior class. Majority of therulers belonged to this class.

• VaisyasVaisyasVaisyasVaisyasVaisyas: They were theagriculturists, cattle-rearers,traders, artisans and metalworkers, which formed the bulkof population. In some texts,the Kshatriyas are representedas living on the tributescollected from the Vaisyas.

• SudrasSudrasSudrasSudrasSudras: They were the lowestin social hierarchy and weremeant to serve the upper threevarnas.

• The upper three varnas wereknown as the Dvijas (twiceborn).The upper three varnaswere entitledto ‘upanayana’ orinvestiture with the sacredthread.

• Certain sections of artisans suchas Rathakara or chariot-makerenjoyed high status and wereentitled to the sacred threadceremony.

TYPES OF MARRIAGE(i) Brahma:Brahma:Brahma:Brahma:Brahma: Marriage of a duly

dowered girl to a man of thesame class.

(ii) Daiva: Daiva: Daiva: Daiva: Daiva: The father gives adaughter to a sacrificial priestas a part of his fee.

(iii) Arsa: Arsa: Arsa: Arsa: Arsa: A token bride-price of acow and a bull is given in placeof the dowry.

(iv) Prajapatya: Prajapatya: Prajapatya: Prajapatya: Prajapatya: The father givesthe girl without dowry andwithout demanding the bride-price.

(v) Gandharva: Gandharva: Gandharva: Gandharva: Gandharva: Marriage by theconsent of the two parties (lovemarriage).

(vi) Asura: Asura: Asura: Asura: Asura: Marriage in which thebride was bought from herfather. It was looked downupon with disfavour by allsacred texts, thoughArthashastra allows it withoutcriticism.





(vii) Rakshasa: Rakshasa: Rakshasa: Rakshasa: Rakshasa: Marriage bycapture, was practisedespecially by warriors.

(viii Paishacha: Paishacha: Paishacha: Paishacha: Paishacha: Marriage byseduction. Of these eight formsthe first four were generallyapproved and werepermissible to Brahmans.

• Daiva marriage was considered‘the ideal’. The other formswere looked down upon withvarying degrees of disfavour.Gandharva marriage. Whichoften might amount to no morethan a liaison, was surprisinglyrespected. A special form ofthe Gandharva marriage wasthe Swayamvara.

POTTERY• Various types of pottery known:

(a) Black and Red ware

(b) Black Slipped ware

(c) Plain Grey ware(d) Red ware

• Red ware was mostpopular.However, the mostdistinctive type of pottery wasPainted Grey Ware.

INDIAN PHILOSOPHY• Indian Philosophy originated in

the speculations of Vedicsages and reached its Zenith inthe Advaita Vedanta ofSankara. In Indian Philosophythere seems to be a generalagreement among all on thefollowing:(i) The Ultimate, Enduring,

and Unitary Reality, in theindividual is Atman (self).

(ii) The pure Atman andBrahma are one. Anindividual would be rightin saying “I am Brahma “.

(iii) To realise the Atman onehas to give up all desiresfor worldly and finite

objects, purify one’sintellect, and live arighteous life.

(iv) The Ultimate Reality in andbeyond the objectiveworld is called Brahma. Itis from Brahma that theentire world originates: Itis in Brahma that it existsand it is in Brahma that itmerges. Brahma is real,infinite and blissfulconsciousness.

• The Bhagavad Gita says oneshould remain balanced bothin happiness and sorrow, inprofit and loss and in victory anddefeat. It tells that Atman isindestructible, neitherweapons can pierce it nor firecan burn it. Death is always thatof body and not of Atmanwhich takes another body as itsabode. The god incarnateshimself with a view to punishthe wicked and protect thegood people.

• One can attain moksha in threeways- by acquiring highestknowledge (janan), bydevotion to God (bhakti) andby action, i.e. selfless,performance of one’s duties(karma) without caring forreward.

• According to the doctrine ofkarma, one’s present birth andcondition is determined by thekarma of his previous birth. Mostthinkers have said that by ourforesightedness and righteousdeeds in the present life wecan change these conditions.

SIX SYSTEM OF PHILOSOPHY

1. Vaisesika by Kanada1. Vaisesika by Kanada1. Vaisesika by Kanada1. Vaisesika by Kanada1. Vaisesika by Kanada

• The Vaisesika recognises theVedas as the final authority ingaining true knowledge about

Man and the Universe.It tries todistinguish between thevarious kinds of ultimate thingsand to classify all the objectsunder five elements— Earth,Water, Air, Fire andEtherexisting in the form ofAtom, Time, Space, Minds andSelf.

• The creation of the world beginwhen the atoms of these fiveelements start to combine, andwhen they disintegrate, theworld comes to an end.

2. Nyaya by Gautam2. Nyaya by Gautam2. Nyaya by Gautam2. Nyaya by Gautam2. Nyaya by Gautam

• The Nyaya system accepts allthe categories recognised bythe Vaisesika system and addsone Abhava (negation). Nyayamakes a detailed study of thesources of knowledge(pramana).

• According to Nyaya schoolthere are four pramanas, namelyperception (pratyaksha),inference (anumana),comparison (upamana) andverbal testimony i.e. “words’(sabda).

3. Sankhya by Kapil3. Sankhya by Kapil3. Sankhya by Kapil3. Sankhya by Kapil3. Sankhya by Kapil

• The Samkhya is the oldest of allsix systems of philosophy. Itteaches the existence oftwenty-five basic principles(tattva). Of these twenty-fivetattvas, first is Prakriti i.e.“matter”.The Samkhya systembelieves that the evolution ofuniverse is not due to God butdue to the inherent nature ofthe Prakriti.

• A very important feature ofSamkhya is the doctrine ofthree qualities (guna). Theseare virtue (Sattva), passion(Rajas) and dullness(Tamas).The Sattvagunarepresents the truth, wisdom,beauty and goodness; the Rajas





signifies fierceness, activeness,violence, energy and; while theTamas is darkness, foolishness,gloomy, unhappy etc.

4. Yoga by Patanjali4. Yoga by Patanjali4. Yoga by Patanjali4. Yoga by Patanjali4. Yoga by Patanjali

• According to yoga, the god isnot the creator but an exaltedsoul which has existed allthrough without ever havingmerged with the matter. In thissystem the self-control and self-mortification is supreme. Thesalvation in this system is bypractising the following eightthings:

(i) Yama (self-control):Yama (self-control):Yama (self-control):Yama (self-control):Yama (self-control):yama means the practice offive moral rules which aretruth, non-violence,chastity, not stealing andno greed.

(ii) Niyama (observance):Niyama (observance):Niyama (observance):Niyama (observance):Niyama (observance):complete and regularobservance of five moremoral rules which arepurity, contentment,austerity, study of Vedasand devotion to God.

(iii) Asanas (postures):Asanas (postures):Asanas (postures):Asanas (postures):Asanas (postures):sitting in certainprescribed postures whichare an essential part ofyoga. These are known asyogasanas. The mostfamous is Padmasana inwhich gods and sages arecommonly depicted.

(iv) Pranayama (control ofPranayama (control ofPranayama (control ofPranayama (control ofPranayama (control ofbreath): breath): breath): breath): breath): the control ofbreath at will is anotherstep in this doctrine. Thisis considered to be ofgreat physical and spiritualvalue.

(v) Pratyahara (restrain): Pratyahara (restrain): Pratyahara (restrain): Pratyahara (restrain): Pratyahara (restrain): inwhich the sense organs are

trained in such a way thatthey do not take notice oftheir own perceptions andfeelings.

(vi) Dharana (steadyingDharana (steadyingDharana (steadyingDharana (steadyingDharana (steadyingthe mind): the mind): the mind): the mind): the mind): concentratingon a single object such astip of the nose or a sacredsymbol.

(vii) Dhyana (meditation):Dhyana (meditation):Dhyana (meditation):Dhyana (meditation):Dhyana (meditation):by concentration the mindcan be filled only by thatobject on whichconcentration is beingmade and completelyemptied of all other things.

(viii) Samadhi (deepSamadhi (deepSamadhi (deepSamadhi (deepSamadhi (deepmeditation): meditation): meditation): meditation): meditation): in which itis only the soul whichremains and the wholepersonality is temporarilydissolved.

5. Purva Mimansa by Jaimini5. Purva Mimansa by Jaimini5. Purva Mimansa by Jaimini5. Purva Mimansa by Jaimini5. Purva Mimansa by Jaimini

• The Mimamsa system is aphilosophy of interpretation,application and use of the textsof the Sanhita and Brahnianaportions of Vedas.

• It recognises two paths ofsalvation. One is concernedwith the karmakanda (ritualism)and other with the jnanakanda(pursuit of knowledge) of theVedas i.e. the Samhitas,Brahmanas, and theUpanishads respectively.

6. Uttar Mimansa (Vedanta)6. Uttar Mimansa (Vedanta)6. Uttar Mimansa (Vedanta)6. Uttar Mimansa (Vedanta)6. Uttar Mimansa (Vedanta)BadrayanBadrayanBadrayanBadrayanBadrayan

• The ancient Indian thoughts onphilosophy reached its peak inthe philosophy of Vedanta.Sankara’s commentaries onUpanishads, Brahmasutra andBhagvada-Gita are important forunderstanding the VedantaPhilosophy. Sankara held that

all works teach the UltimateReality i.e. Brahma is One.

• The Vedanta philosophyexpanded by Sankara is,known as Advaita Vedanta.Forthe purpose of carrying out thework of creation, preservationand destruction, God (Ishvera)assumes three distinct namesand forms. namely, Brahma,Vishnu and Rudra (also knownas Shiva or Mahesha).

• The doctrine clearly recognisesthat the highest level of truth isthat the whole world and all theexists is Maya-an illusion, adream, a mirage and is figmentof imagination. The only realityis Brahma (the Universal Soul)with which the individual soulis identical. The salvation of theindividual soul is possible onlyby merging it with Brahma.

• The six systems are usuallycoupled in pairs. The secondsystem of each pair is more amethodology than ametaphysical school. Theyare— Samkhya and Yoga,Vaisesika and Nyaya & Vedantaand Mimamsa.

Some OtherSome OtherSome OtherSome OtherSome Other

• Apart from these there weresome other philosophyalsowhich wre the the result ofcontinuous quest by sages.Theimportant systems are Charvaka,Jaina, Buddha, Aajivak,etc.

• The Charvaka system (alsocalled Lokayata) believes onlyin materialism. Enjoyment ofpleasures are the only objectsin life. There is no life beyonddeath, no heaven or hell, noLaw of karma’, and no rebirth.The Charvaka - system does notbelieve in soul, god or any otherlife beyond the present one.


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OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS1. The Rigvedic Bharatas were

settled in(a) Saraswati valley(b) Indus valley(c) Ravi valley(d) Yamuna valley

2. The Rigvedic Tritsus were settledin(a) West of Kabul river(b) East of Ravi(c) West of Yamuna(d) None of the above

3. Which of the following pairs is/ arecorrectly matched?(a) The Family – Kula(b) The Village – Grama(c) The Clan –Vis(d) All of the above

4. Which of the following arranged isthe correct ascending order (Thepolitical structure of Rig vedic In-dia)?(a) Rashtra, Jana, Vis, Grama,

Kula(b) Jana, Vis, Grama, Kula,

Rashtra(c) Vis, Jana, Grama, Kula,

Rashtra(d) Kula, Grama, Vis, Jana,

Rashtra5. An aggregate of several families

made up the grama like, today andits head man was called(a) Mukhiya(b) Gramini(c) Pramukh(d) King

6. Which of the following pairs is/ arecorrectly matched?(a) Purohita – Cheif priest(b) Senani – Army Chief(c) Gramini head of village(d) All of the above

7. Which of the following assemblieswas a more select body of the el-ders or nobles?(a) Sabha(b) Samiti(c) Vidatha(d) None of the above

8. The Rig Vedic society comprisedfour varnas. This classification of/society was based on:(a) Birth(b) Occupation of individuals(c) Harappan Society(d) None of the above

9. There were rules which governedthe debate in Sabha, Which of thefollowing texts mention that err-ing members were rebuked?(a) Aitareya Brahmana(b) Kathopanisad(c) Vajsaneyi Samhita(d) Maitrayani Samhita

10. Which of the followingorganisations choose the king andin another it with draws that choicefor the kings misdeeds and tyr-anny?(a) Vidatha(b) Gana(c) Samiti(d) None of the above

11. Which of the following pairs is/ arecorrectly matched!(a) Suta - Charioteer(b) Sangrahitri - Treasurer(c) Bhagadugha - Collector of

taxes(d) All of the above

12. (In the later Vedic age) killing ofcow, slaying of Brahmana, drink-ing, intoxicating liquor etc. werepunishable by(a) Wealth(b) Slavery(c) Death(d) None of the above

13. In which of the following texts wefind that rigidity in terms of jati iscoming up?(a) Satapatha Brahmana(b) Mundaka Upanishad(c) Vajsaneyi Samhita(d) Aitareya Brahmana

14. A person says:I am a singermy father is physicianmy mother is a grinder of corn

having various occupations; istaken from

(a) The Rig Veda(b) The Sama Veda(c) The Yajur Veda(d) The Atharva Veda

15. Which one of the following state-ments is not correct (in Vedic so-ciety)?(a) There are few references to

the freedom of choice inmarriage

(b) A widow could marry theyounger brother of herdeceased ‘husband

(c) Child marriage was in vogue(d) The father’s property was

inherited by his son16. The Vedas prescribe a penalty of

death or expulsion from the king-dom to those who kill or injure(a) Buffaloes(b) Dogs(c) Goats (d) Cows

17. The term ‘aghanya’ was used (invedic age) for:(a) Men (b) Cow(c) Horse (d) Dog

18. The economic life of the Rig Vedicpeople centered around(a) Agriculture(b) Cattle rearing(c) Trade and commerce(d) All of the above

19. The grains were collectively calledin the Vedic economy(a) Yava(b) Bhukti(c) Dhanya(d) Both (a) and (c)

20. Which of the following metalscame to be known as lohit ayasand shyam ayas respectively?(a) Copper and Gold(b) Gold and Iron(c) Silver and Gold(d) Copper and Iron

21. Which of the following statementsis not correct?


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(a) The trade and traders(vanik) were known in theRigvedic period

(b) Barter was in vogue(c) Money lending was not

known(d) The sea is mentioned in the

context of trade and oceanwealth

22. The Vedic gods Prithivi, Agni,Soma, Brihaspati and rivers belongto group(a) Intermediate (antariksha-

sthana)(b) Terrestrial (prithivisthana)(c) Celestial (dyusthana)(d) None of the above

23. Which one of the following godswas revered as the messenger be-tween the earth and the heaven?(a) Soma (b) Varuna(c) Agni (d) Surya

24. Which one of the following Godsis the only God who is regarded aspresent among all the categoriesof Gods?(a) Surya (b) Savitri(b) Mitra (d) Agni

25. The Rig Veda also mentions of busi-ness and mercantile people towhom it calls vanik and panis re-spectively and refers to the Vedicpeople such as(a) Bharat and Purus(b) Purus and Sibis(c) Vishanins and Yadus(d) Yadus and Turvasa

26. We find the mention of lohit ayasand syam ayas meaning copperand iron respectively in the(a) Rig Veda(b) Sama Veda(c) Atharva Veda(d) Yajur Veda

27. Which of the following literatureis/are attached to one or the otherof the four Vedas?(a) The Brahmanas(b) The Aranyakas(c) The Upanishadas(d) All of the above

28. Arrange the following literatures in

a chronological order:(1) The Vedas(2) The Upanishadas(3) The Aranyakas(4) The BrahmanasSelect the correct answer(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4(b) 2, 1, 3 and 4(c) 3, 1, 2 and 4(d) 1, 4, 3 and 2

29. Which of the following literatureare called apaurusheya and nitya?(a) The Puranas(b) The Brahmanas(b) The Vedas(d) None of the above

30. Which of the following Vedic godsare mentioned in the Boghuzkoiinscription (1400 B.C.)?(a) Agni, Indra, Mitra and

Nasatya(b) Mitra, Nasatya, Varuna and

Yama(c) Nasatya, Varuna, Yama and

Agni(d) Indra. Mitra, Nasatya and

Varuna31. Which of the following inscriptions

record a treaty between the Hittiteand the Mitanni kings? ;(a) The Mathura inscription(b) The Varanasi inscription(c) The Boghazkoi inscription(d) None of the above

32. The Rig Vedic geography coverspresent day

(a) Western Uttar Pradesh andHaryana

(b) Punjab and Rajasthan(c) Gujarat and the whole of

Pakistan(d) All of the above

33. The battle of ten kings was foughton the bank of(a) Satudri (Sutluj)(b) Chenab (Asikni)(c) Jhelum (Vitesta)(d) Parushni (Ravi)

34. Which of the following aspects iselaborated in the Brahmanas?(a) Ritualistic aspect

(b) Philosophical aspect(c) Scientific aspect(d) None of the above

35. The two oldest and most impor-tant of the Upanishads are:(a) Katha and Isa(b) Mundaka and Prasna(c) Chhandogya and Brihad-

aranyaka(d) None of the above

36. During the period (later Vedic) rep-resented by the later Samhitas andBrahmanas, the settlements covredvirtually:

(a) The whole of southern India(b) The whole of eastern India(c) The whole of western India(d) The whole of northern India

37. The episode of how VideshMadhav migratd forn Saraswatiregion, the land of vedic culture,crossed Sadanira, occurs in(a) Aitareya Brahmana(b) Brihadaranyaka upanishad(c) Satapatha Brahmana(d) Kathopanisad

38. Which of the following books tes-tify the growth of three kingdomsnamely, Koshalam Kashi andVideha.(a) Kathopanisad(b) Satapatha Brahmana(c) Aitareya Brahmana(d) None of the above

39. Which of the followingorganisations functioned as a par-liament for disposal of public busi-ness by debate and discussion?(a) Gana(b) Vidatha(c) Sabha(d) None of the above

40. Members of Sabha were called:(a) Sabheya(b) Sabhasad(c) Sabhasina(d) All of the above

41. The growth of economic prosper-ity is indicated in many prayerscontained in the(a) Rig Veda





(b) Sama Veda(c) Yajur Veda(d) Atharva Veda

42. The whole universe is unreal, i.e.Maya. The only reality is Brahmawith which the individual soul isidentical. This philosophy is asso-ciated with(a) Vaisesika(b) Mimamsa(c) Vedanta(d) Samkhya

43. One of the great sages who dif-fered with Sankara was(a) Charvaka(b) Kapila(c) Ramanuja(d) Gautam

44. Which of the following texts enu-merate various operations of agri-culture such as ploughing, sowing,reaping and threshing?(a) Aitareya Brahmana(b) Satapatha Brahmana(c) Maitrayni Samhita(d) Athar Veda

45. Cattle wealth was considered tobe of great significance and a fairlylong hymn in the text is devotedto them. Which of the followingtexts show reverence to cow anddeath penalty is prescribed forcow-killing?(a) Narad Smiriti(b) Vayu Purana(c) Atharva Veda(d) Vajsaneyi Samhita

46. Bali, which was earlier only a vol-untary gift to chief. In which of thefollowing periods did it become aregular tax and was collected to

maintain the political and admin-istrative structure?(a) Rigvedic period(b) Later Vedic period(c) Sutra period(d) Maurya period

47. Education began with theupanayana ceremony which wasconsidered as second birth of thechild and that is why after this cer-emony he came to be known as(a) Brahmana(b) Kshatriya(c) Nisakarman (d) Dviya

48. Which of the following pairs is/ arecorrectly matched?(a) Janaka - Videha(b) Pravahana Jaivali Panchala(c) Asvapati Kai Keya - Kashi 1(d) All of the above

49. Which of the following texts men-tion such subjects as the study ofVedas. Mathematics, Mineralpogy,Logic, Ethics, military science,etc.?(a) Yajur Veda(b) Brihadaranyaka Upanishad(c) Kathopanisad(d) Chhandogya Upanishad

50. Which of the following text say oneshould remain balanced both inhappiness and sorrow, it tells thatatma is indestructible neither weap-ons can pierce it nor fire can burnit :(a) The Upanishadas(b) The Ramayana(c) The Brahmanas(d) The Bhagavad-Gita

51. By which of the following ways canone attain ‘Moksha’?

(a) Acquiring highestknowledge, (Janan)

(b) Devotion to God (Bhakti)(c) Action, i.e. selfless

performance of one’s duties(Karma)

(d) All of the above52. Which of the following systems of

philosophy try to distinguish be-tween the various kinds of ulti-mate things and to classify all theobjects under five elements earth,water, air, fire and ether-existingin the form of atom?(a) Yoga (b) Samkhya(c) Vaisesika(d) Nyaya

53. According to which of the follow-ing systems of philosophy thereare four pramanas, namely per-ception (paratyaksha), inference(anuman), comparison (upamana)and verbal testimony i.e. words(sabda):(a) Samkhya(b) Nyaya(c) Vedanta(d) Mimamsa

54. (As in Jainism) which of the fol-lowing systems of philosophy be-lieve that there are infinite numberof souls and purusa is not depen-dents on prakriti is which dependson purusa?(a) Mimamsa(b) Nyaya(c) Vaisesika(d) Samkhya

55. The salvation is attained by prac-tising the eight things like, yama,niyama, asanas, pranayama,pratyahara, dharana, dhyana andsamadhihis is. According to(a) Vedanta(b) Nayaya(c) Yoga (d) Mimamsa

ANSWERS1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (d) 5. (b) 6. (d) 7. (a) 8. (b) 9. (c) 10. (c)

11. (d) 12. (c) 13. (d) 14. (a) 15. (c) 16. (d) 17. (b) 18. (b) 19. (d) 20. (d)21. (c) 22. (b) 23. (c) 24. (d) 25. (d) 26. (c) 27. (d) 28. (d) 29. (c) 30. (d)31. (c) 32. (d) 33. (d) 34. (a) 35. (c) 36. (d) 37. (c) 38. (b) 39. (c) 40. (d)41. (d) 42. (c) 43. (c) 44. (b) 45. (c) 46. (b) 47. (d) 48. (d) 49. (d) 50. (d)51. (d) 52. (c) 53. (b) 54. (d) 55. (c) 56. (d) 57. (d)





1. The Partition of Bengal madeby Lord Curzon in 1905 lasteduntil

(a) The First World War whenIndian troops wereneeded by the British andthe partition was ended

(b) King George V abrogatedCurzon’s Act at the RoyalDurbar in Delhi in 1911

(c) Gandhiji launched his CivilDisobedience Movement

(d) The Partition of India is 1947when East Bengal becameEast Pakistan

2. The 1929 Session of Indian Na-tional Congress is of signifi-cance in the history of the Free-dom Movement because the

(a) Attainment of Self-Government was declaredas the objective of theCongress

(b) Attainment of Poorna Swarajwas adopted as the goal ofthe Congress

(c) N o n - C o o p e r a t i o nMovement was launched

(d) Decision to participate inthe Round TableConference in London wastaken

3. With reference to the famousSattriya dance, consider thefollowing statements:1. Sattriya is a combination of

music, dance and drama.2. It is a centuries – old living

tradition of Vaishnavites ofAssam.

3. It is based on classical Ragasand Talas of devotionalsongs composed byTulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.Which of the statementsgiven above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 2 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3

4. Chaitra 1 of the national calen-dar based on the Saka Era cor-responds to which one of thefollowing dates of theGregorian calendar in a normalyear of 365 days?

(a) 22nd March (or 21st March)(b) 15th May (or 16th May)(c) 31st March (or 30th March)(d) 21st April (or 20th April)

5. With reference to the Indianhistory of art and culture, con-sider the following pairs: Fa-mous work of Site Sculpture1. A grand image : Ajanta of

Buddha’s MahaparinirvanaWith numerous celestialmusicians above and thesorrowful figures of hisfollowers below

2. A huge image of : MountAbu Varaha Avatar (boarIncarnation) of Vishnu, as herescues Goddess Earth fromthe deep and chaoticwaters sculpted on rock

3. “Arjuna’s Penance”/ :Mamallapuram “Descent ofGanga” sculpted on thesurface of huge bouldersWhich of the pairs givenabove is/are correctlymatched?

(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3

6. The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a(a) revolutionary association of

Indians with headquarters atSan Francisco

(b) nationalist organization

operating from Singapore(c) militant organization with

headquarters at Berlin(d) communist movement for

India’s freedom withheadquarters at Tashkent

7. With reference to India’s cul-ture and tradition, what is‘Kalaripayattu’?

(a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult ofShaivism still prevalent insome parts of South India

(b) It is an ancient style bronzeand brasswork still found insouthern part ofCoromandel area

(c) It is an ancient form ofdancedrama and a livingtradition in the northern partof Malabar

(d) It is an ancient martial art anda living tradition in someparts of South India

8. Consider the following pairs:1. Garba : Gujarat2. Mohiniattam : Odisha3. Yakshagana : Karnataka

Which of the pairs givenabove is/are correctlymatched?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3

9. With reference to Buddhist his-tory, tradition and culture inIndia, consider the followingpairs: Famous shrine Location1. Tabo monastery : Spiti Valley

and temple complex2. Lhotsava Lhakhang : Zanskar

Valley temple, Nako3. Alchi temple : Ladakh

complexWhich of the pairs givenabove is/are correctlymatched?

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER-IGENERAL STUDIES PAPER-IGENERAL STUDIES PAPER-IGENERAL STUDIES PAPER-IGENERAL STUDIES PAPER-IMODEL PAPERMODEL PAPERMODEL PAPERMODEL PAPERMODEL PAPER

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10. Consider the following state-ments:1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the

teachings of Saint DaduDayal.

2. The Philosophy of PushtiMarg was propounded byMadhvacharya.Which of the statementsgiven above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2

11. A community of people calledManganiyars is well-known fortheir

(a) martial arts in North-EastIndia

(b) musical tradition in North-West India

(c) classical vocal music inSouth India

(d) pietra dura tradition inCentral India

12. What was/were the object/ob-jects of Queen Victoria’s Proc-lamation (1858)?1. To disclaim any intention to

annex Indian States2. To place the Indian

administration under theBritish Crown

3. To regulate East IndiaCompany’s trade with IndiaSelect the correct answerusing the code given below


13. Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikriwas

(a) the mosque for the use ofRoyal Family

(b) Akbar’s private prayerchamber

(c) the hall in which Akbar helddiscussions with scholars ofvarious religions

(d) the room in which thenobles belonging todifferent religions gatheredto discuss religious affairs.

14. In the context of food and nu-tritional security of India, en-hancing the ‘Seed Replace-ment Rates’ of various cropshelps in achieving the foodproduction targets of the fu-ture. But what is/are the con-straint/ constraints in its wider/greater implementation?1. There is no National Seeds

Policy in place.2. There is no participation of

private sector seedcompanies in the supply ofquality seeds of vegetablesand planting materials ofhorticultural crops.

3. There is a demand-supplygap regarding quality seedsin case of low value and highvolume crops.Select the correct answerusing the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2(b) 3 only(c) 2 and 3(d) None

15. With reference to ‘Eco-Sensi-tive Zones’, which of the follow-ing statements is/are correct?1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the

areas that are declaredunder the Wildlife(Protection) Act, 1972.

2. The purpose of thedeclaration of Eco-SensitiveZones is to prohibit all kindsof human activities in thosezones except agriculture. Select the correct answerusing the code given below.

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2

16. Consider the following state-ments:1. Animal Welfare Board of

India is established underthe Environment(Protection) Act, 1986.

2. National Tiger ConservationAuthority is a statutory body.

3. National Ganga River BasinAuthority is chaired by thePrime Minister.Which of the statementsgiven above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 2 only(d) 1, 2 and 3

17. Consider the following pairs:Vitamin Deficiency disease1. Vitamin C : Scurvy2. Vitamin D : Rickets3. Vitamin E : Night blindness

Which of the pairs givenabove is/are correctlymatched?

(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 3 only(c) 1, 2 and 3(d) None

18. There is some concern regard-ing the nanoparticles of somechemical elements that areused by the industry in themanufacture of various prod-ucts. Why?1. They can accumulate in the

environment, andcontaminate water and soil.

2. They can enter the foodchains.

3. They can trigger theproduction of free radicals.Select the correct answerusing the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3

19. Which of the following organi-zations brings out the publica-tion known as ‘World EconomicOutlook’ ?





(a) The International MonetaryFund

(b) The United NationsDevelopment Programme

(c) The World Economic Forum(d) The World Bank

20. With reference to Union Bud-get, which of the following is/are covered under Non-PlanExpenditure?1. Defence expenditure2. Interest payments3. Salaries and pensions4. Subsidies

Select the correct answerusing the code given below.

(a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4(d) None

21. Which of the following havecoral reefs?1. Andaman and Nicobar

Islands2. Gulf of Kachchh3. Gulf of Mannar4. Sunderbans


(a) 1, 2 and 3 only(b) 2 and 4 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

22. In India, the problem of soilerosion is associated withwhich of the following?1. Terrace cultivation2. Deforestation3. Tropical Climate

Select the correct answerusing the code given below


23. The Seasonal reversal of windsis the typical characteristic of

(a) Equatorial climate(b) Mediterranean climate(c) Monsoon climate(d) All of the above climates

24. With reference to the culturalhistory of India, the term‘Panchayatan’ refers to

(a) an assembly of village elders(b) a religious sect(c) a style of temple

construction(d) an administrative

functionary25. Consider the following rivers:

1. Barak2. Lohit3. Subansiri

Which of the above flows /flow through ArunachalPradesh?


26. Consider the following Pairs :Wetlands Confluence of rivers1. Harike Wetlands :

Confluence of Beas andSatluj/Sutlej

2. Keoladeo Ghana :Confluence of National ParkBanas and Chambal

3. Kolleru Lake : Confluence ofMusi and KrishnaWhich of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3(c) 1 and 3(d) 1, 2 and 3

27. Which one of the followingpairs does not form part of thesix systems of Indian Philoso-phy?

(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika(c) Lokayata and Kapalika(d) Sankhya and Yoga

28. Consider the following Pairs : Hills Region1. Cardamom Hills :

Coromandel Coast2. Kaimur Hills : Konkan Coast3. Mahadeo Hills : Central India4. Mikir Hills : North-East India

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2(b) 2 and 3(c) 3 and 4(d) 2 and 4

29. Which one of the followingSchedules of the Constitutionof India contains provisions re-garding anti-defection?

(a) Second Schedule(b) Fifth Schedule(c) Eighth Schedule(d) Tenth Schedule

30. The most important strategy forthe conservation ofbiodiversity together with tra-ditional human life is the estab-lishment of

(a) biosphere reserves(b) botanical gardens(c) national parks(d) wildlife sanctuaries

31. Turkey is located between(a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea(b) Black Sea and

Mediterranean Sea(c) Gulf of Suez and

Mediterranean Sea(d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea

32. What is the correct sequenceof occurrence of the followingcities in South-East Asia as oneproceeds from south to north?1. Bangkok2. Hanoi3. Jakarta4. Singapore

Select the correct answerusing the code given below:

(a) 4 – 2 – 1 – 3(b) 3 – 2 – 4 – 1(c) 3 – 4 – 1 – 2(d) 4 – 3 – 2 - 1

33. The scientific view is that theincrease in global temperatureshould not exceed 2°C abovepre-industrial level. If the glo-bal temperature increases be-yond 3°C above the pre-indus-trial level, what can be its pos-





sible impact/impacts on theworld?1. Terrestrial biosphere tends

toward a net carbon source2. Widespread coral mortality

will occur3. All the global wetlands will

permanently disappear.4. Cultivation of cereals will not

be possible anywhere in theworldSelect the correct answerusing the code given below:

(a) 1 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 2, 3 and 4 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

34. The national motto of India,Satyameva Jayate’ inscribedbelow the Emblem of India istaken from

(a) Katha Upanishad(b) Chandogya Upanishad(c) Aitareya Upanishad(d) Mundaka Upanishad

35. In the constitution of India,promotionof internationalpeace and security is includedin the

(a) Preamble to the Constitution(b) Directive Principles of State

Policy(c) Fundamental Duties(d) Ninth Schedule

36. What are the benefits of imple-menting the Integrated Water-shed DevelopmentProgramme?1. Prevention of soil runoff2. Linking the country’s

perennial rivers withseasonal rivers

3. Rainwater harvesting andrecharge of groundwatertable.

4. Regeneration of naturalvegetation.Select the correct answerusing the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only(c) 1, 3 and 4 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

37. Which of the following are as-sociated with ‘Planning’ in In-dia?1. The Finance Commission2. The National Development

Council3. The Union Ministry of Rural

Development4. The Union Ministry of Urban

Development.5. The Parliament


(a) 1, 2 and 5 only(b) 1, 3 and 4 only(c) 2 and 5 only(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

38. Which of the following is/arethe function/functions of theCabinet Secretariat?1. Preparation of agenda for

Cabinet Meetings.2. Secretarial assistance to

Cabinet Committees3. Allocation of financial

resources to the Ministries.Select the correct answerusing the code given below.


39. Consider the following state-ments: A Constitutional Gov-ernment is one which1. places effective restrictions

on individual liberty in theinterest of State Authority

2. places effective restrictionson the Authority of the Statein the interest of individualliberty.Which of the statementsgiven above is/are correct?


40. Which of the following are thediscretionary powers given tothe Governor of a State?1. Sending a report to the

President of India forimposing the President’srule.

2. Appointing the Ministers3. Reserving certain bills

passed by the StateLegislature for considerationof the President of India

4. Making the rules to conductthe business of the StateGovernment.Select the correct answerusing the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 1 and 3 only(c) 2, 3 and 4 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

41. In medieval India, the designa-tions ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’were used for

(a) military officers(b) village headmen(c) specialists in vedic rituals(d) chiefs of craft guilds

42. Lichens, which are capable ofinitiating ecological successioneven on a bare rock, are actu-ally a symbiotic association of

(a) algae and bacteria(b) algae and fungi(c) bacteria and fungi(d) fungi and mosses

43. If you travel through theHimalayas, you are likely to seewhich of the following plantsnaturally growing there?1. Oak2. Rhododendron3. Sandalwood



44. Which of the following aresome important pollutants re-





leased by steel industry in In-dia?1. Oxides of sulphur2. Oxides of nitrogen3. Carbon monoxide4. Carbon dioxide


(a) 1, 3 and 4 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 4 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

45. Which of the following King-doms were associated with thelife of the Buddha?1. Avanti2. Gandhara3. Kosala4. Magadha


(a) 1, 2 and 3(b) 2 and 4(c) 3 and 4 only(d) 1, 3 and 4

46. Every year, a month long eco-logically important campaign /festival is held during whichcertain communities / tribesplant saplings of fruit-bearingtrees. Which of the followingare such communities / tribes?

(a) Bhutia and Lepcha(b) Gond and Korku(c) Irula and Toda(d) Sahariya and Agariya

47. The sales tax you pay whilepurchasing a toothpaste is a

(a) tax imposed by the CentralGovernment

(b) tax imposed by the CentralGovernment but collectedby the State Government

(c) tax imposed by the StateGovernment but collectedby the Central Government

(d) tax imposed and collectedby the State Government

48. What does venture capitalmean?

(a) A short-term capital

provided to industries(b) A long-term start-up capital

provided to newentrepreneurs

(c) Funds provided toindustries at times ofincurring losses

(d) Funds provided forreplacement and renovationof industries.

49. The main objective of the 12thFive- Year Plan is

(a) inclusive growth andpoverty reduction.

(b) inclusive and sustainablegrowth

(c) sustainable and inclusivegrowth to reduceunemployment

(d) faster, sustainable and moreinclusive growth.

50. With reference to Balance ofPayments, which of the follow-ing constitutes / constitute theCurrent Account?1. Balance of trade2. Foreign assets3. Balance of invisibles4. Special Drawing Rights


(a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3(c) 1 and 3(d) 1, 2 and 4

51. The terms ‘Marginal StandingFacility Rate’ and ‘Net Demandand Time Liabilities’, some-times appearing in news, areused in relation to

(a) banking operations(b) communication networking(c) military strategies(d) supply and demand of

agricultural products52. What is/are the facility/facilities

the beneficiaries can get fromthe services of Business Corre-spondent (Bank Saathi) inbranchless areas?1. It enables the beneficiaries

to draw their subsidies andsocial security benefits intheir villages.

2. It enables the beneficiariesin the rural areas to makedeposits and withdrawals.Select the correct answerusing the code given below.


53. In the context of Indianeconomy, which of the follow-ing is/are the purpose/pur-poses of ‘Statutory Reserve Re-quirements’?1. To enable the Central Bank

to control the amount ofadvances the banks cancreate

2. To make the people’sdeposits with banks safe andliquid.

3. To prevent the commercialbanks from makingexcessive profits.

4. To force the banks to havesufficient vault cash to meettheir day-to-dayrequirementsSelect the correct answerusing the code given below.

(a) 1 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 2 and 3 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

54. Recently, a series of uprisingsof people referred to as ‘ArabSpring’ originally started from

(a) Egypt(b) Lebanon(c) Syria(d) Tunisia

55. Consider the following coun-tries:1. Denmark2. Japan3. Russian Federation4. United Kingdom5. United States of America





Which of the above are themembers of the ‘ArcticCouncil’?

(a) 1, 2 and 3(b) 2, 3 and 4(c) 1, 4 and 5(d) 1, 3 and 5

56. Consider the following pairs:Region often Country in news1. Chechnya : Russian

Federation2. Darfur : Mali3. Swat Valley : Iraq

Which of the above pairs is /are correctly matched ?


57. With reference to Agni – IVMissile, which of the followingstatements is / are correct ?1. It is a surface-to-surface

missile.2. It is fuelled by liquid

propellant only.3. It can deliver one-tonne

nuclear warheads about7500 km away.Select the correct answerusing the code given below:


58. With reference to twononconventional energysources called ‘coalbed meth-ane’ and ‘shale gas’, considerthe following statements :1. Coalbed methane is the

pure methane gas extractedfrom coal seams, while shalegas is a mixture of propaneand butane only that can beextracted from fine-grainedsedimentary rocks.

2. In India, abundant coalbedmethane sources exist, butso far no shale gas sourceshave been found.‘

Which of the statementsgiven above is/ are correct ?


59. With reference to ‘Changpa’community of India, considerthe following statements :1. They live mainly in the State

of Uttarakhand.2. They rear the Pashmina

goats that yield a fine wool.3. They are kept in the

category of ScheduledTribes.Which of the statementsgiven above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 only

60. In India, cluster bean (Guar)istraditionally used as a veg-etable or animal feed, but re-cently the cultivation of this hasassumed significance.Which one of the followingstatements is correct in this con-text ?

(a) The oil extracted from seedsis used in the manufactureof biodegradable plastics

(b) The gun made from its seedsis used in the extraction ofshale gas

(c) The leaf extract of this planthas the properties of anti-histamines

(d) It is a source of high qualitybiodiesel

61. If the interest rate is decreasedin an economy, it will

(a) decrease the consumptionexpenditure in theeconomy

(b) increase the tax collectionof the Government

(c) increase the investmentexpenditure in theeconomy

(d) increase the total savings inthe economy

62. Consider the following state-ments :1. The President shall make

rules for the moreconvenient transaction ofthe business of theGovernment of India, and forthe allocation amongMinisters of the saidbusiness.

2. All executive actions of theGovernment of India shall beexpressed to be taken in thename of the Prime Minister.Which of the statementsgiven above is/are correct ?


63. Consider the following state-ments regarding a No-Confi-dence Motion in India :1. There is no mention of a No-

Confidence Motion in theConstitution of India.

2. A Motion of No-Confidencecan be introduced in the LokSabha only.Which of the statementsgiven above is/are correct ?


64. With reference to Need tree,consider the following state-ments :1. Neem oil can be used as a

pesticide to control theproliferation of somespecies of insects and mites.

2. Neem seeds are used in themanufacture of biofuels andhospital detergents.

3. Neem oil has applications inpharmaceutical industry.Which of the statements





given above is / are correct?


65. Which one of the following isthe process involved in photo-synthesis ?

(a) Potential energy is releasedto form free energy

(b) Free energy is convertedinto potential energy andstored

(c) Food is oxidized to releasecarbon dioxide and water

(d) Oxygen is taken, andcarbon dioxide and watervapour are given out

66. In addition to fingerprint scan-ning, which of the followingcan be used in the biometricidentification of a person ?1. Iris scanning2. Retinal scanning3. Voice recognition


(a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 only

67. Which of the following state-ments is / are correct regardingvegetative propagation ofplants ?1. Vegetative propagation

products clonal population.2. Vegetative propagation

helps in eliminating the virus.3. Vegetative propagation can

be practiced most of theyear.Select the correct answerusing the code given below:


68. Which of the following pairs is/

are correctly matched ? Space-craft Purpose1. Cassini –Huygens Orbiting

the: Venus and transmittingdata to the Earth

2. Messenger: Mapping andinvestigating the Mercury

3. Voyager 1 and 2: Exploringthe outer solar systemSelect the correct answerusing thecode given below:


69. Consider the following pairs :Region Well-known for the pro-duction of1. Kinnaur : Area nut2. Mewat : Mango3. Coromandel : Soya bean

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched ?

(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3(d) None

70. Which of the following is/arethe example /examples ofchemical change ?1. Crystallization of sodium

chloride.2. Melting of ice3. Sourcing of milk



71. The power of the SupremeCourt of India to decide dis-putes between the Centre andthe States falls under its

(a) advisory jurisdiction(b) appellate jurisdiction(c) original jurisdiction(d) writ jurisdiction

72. Consider the following tech-niques / phenomena:1. Budding and grafting in fruit

plants

2. Cytoplasmic male sterility3. Gene silencing

Which of the above is/areused to create transgeniccrops ?

(a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3(c) 1 and 3(d) None

73. Consider the following state-ments :1. Maize can be used for the

production of starch.2. Oil extracted from maize

can be a feedstock forbiodiesel.

3. Alcoholic beverages can beproduced by using maize.Which of the statementsgiven above is / are correct?


74. Among the following organ-isms, which one does not be-long to the class of other three?

(a) Crab (b) Mite(c) Scorpion(d) Spider

75. The power to increase thenumber of judges in the Su-preme Court of India is vestedin

(a) the President of India(b) the Parliament(c) the Chief Justice of India(d) the Law Commission

76. Consider the following townsof India :1. Bhadrachalam2. Chanderi3. Kancheepuram4. Karnal

Which of the above arefamous for the production oftraditional sarees/fabric?

(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1, 2 and 3(d) 1, 3 and 4





77. Consider the following pairs :National Cities Highway Con-nected1. NH 4: Chennai and

Hyderabad2. NH 6: Mumbai and Kolkata3. NH 15: Ahmedabad and

JodhpurWhich of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?


78. Consider the following interna-tional agreements :1. The International Treaty on

Plant Genetic Resources forFood and Agriculture.

2. The United NationsConvention to CombatDesertification.

3. The World HeritageConvention.Which of the above has/have a bearing on thebiodiversity?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3

79. Consider the following state-ments regarding ‘Earth Hour’ :1. It is an initiative of UNEP and

UNESCO.2. It is a movement in which

the participants switch offthe lights for one hour on acertain day every year.

3. It is a movement to raise theawareness about theclimate change and theneed to save the planet.Which of the statementsgiven above is/are correct?


80. Which one of the following isthe correct sequence of a foodchain\

(a) Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings.

(b) Crustaceans-Diatoms-Herrings.

(c) D i a t o m s - H e r r i n g s -Crustaceans.

(d) Crustaceans-Herr ings-Diatoms.

81. What are the significances ofapractical approach to sugar-cane production known as ‘Sus-tainable Sugarcane Initiative’ ?1. Seed cost is very low in this

compared to theconventional method ofcultivation.

2. Drip irrigation can bepracticed very effectively inthis.

3. There is no application ofc h e m i c a l / i n o r g a n i cfertilizers at all in this.

4. The scope forintercropping is more in thiscompared to theconventional method ofcultivation.Select the correct answerusing the code given below.

(a) 1 and 3 only(b) 1, 2 and 4 only(c) 2, 3 and 4 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

82. If a wetland of international im-portance is brought under the‘Montreux Record’, what doesit imply?

(a) Changes in ecologicalcharacter have occurred,are occurring or are likely tooccur in the wetland as aresult of humaninterference.

(b) The country in which thewetland is located shouldenact a law to prohibit anyhuman activity within fivekilometers from the edge ofthe wetland.

(c) The survival of the wetlanddepends on the cultural

practices and traditions ofcertain communities living inits vicinity and therefore thecultural diversity thereinshould not be destroyed.

(d) It is given the status of ‘WorldHeritage Site’.

83. Which one of the followingpairs of islands is separatedfrom each other by the ‘TenDegree Channel’ ?

(a) Andaman and Nicobar.(b) Nicobar and Sumatra(c) Maldives and Lakshadweep(d) Sumatra and Java

84. Consider the following pairs :Programme/Project Ministry1. Drought-Prone : Minsitry of

Area Programme Agriculture2. Desert Development :

Minsitry of ProgrammeEnvironment and Forests

3. National Watershed :Minsitry of DevelopmentProject Rural for RainfedAreas DevelopmentWhich of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3(d) None

85. With reference to Bombay Natu-ral History Society (BNHS),consider the following state-ments :1. It is an autonomous

organization under theMinistry of Environment andForests.

2. It strives to conserve naturethrough action basedresearch, education andpublic awareness.

3. It organizes and conductsnature trails and camps forthe general public.Which of the statementsgiven above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only(b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3





86. With reference to ‘Global Envi-ronment Facility’,

Which of the followingstatements is/are correct?

(a) It serves as financialmechanism for ‘Conventionon Biological Diversity’ and‘United Nations FrameworkConvention on CliamteChange’.

(b) It undertakes scientificresearch on environmentalissues at global level.

(c) It is an agency under OECDto facilitate the transfer oftechnology and funds tounderdeveloped countrieswith specific aim to protecttheir environment.

(d) Both (a) and (b).87. With reference to technologies

for solar power production,consider the following state-ments :1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a

technology that generateselectricity by directconservation of light intoelectricity, while ‘SolarThermal’ is a technology thatutilizes the Suns’s rays togenerate heat which isfurther used in electricitygeneration process.

2. Photovoltaics generatesAlternating Current (AC),while Solar Thermalgenerates Direct Current(DC).

3. India has manufacturingbase for Solar Thermaltechnology, but not forPhotovoltaics.Which of the statementsgiven aboveis/are correct?

(a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1, 2 and 3(d) None

88. Consider the following lan-guages :

1. Gujarati2. Kannada3. Telugu

Which of the above has/have been declared as‘Classical Language/Languages’ by theGovernment?


89. Consider the following pairs :1. Dampa Tiger : Mizoram

Reserve2. Gumti Wildlife : Sikkim

Sanctuary3. Saramati Peak : Nagaland

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?


90. With reference to a conserva-tion organization called ‘Wet-lands International’, which ofthe following statements is/arecorrect?1. It is an intergovernmental

organization formed by thecountries which aresignatories to RamsarConvention.

2. It works at the field level todevelop and mobilizeknowledge, and use thepractical experience toadvocate for betterpolicies. Select the correct answerusing the code given below:


91. With reference to a groupingof countries known as BRICS,consider the following state-ments :1. The First Summit of BRICS

was held in Rio De Janeiroin 2009.

2. South Africa was the last tojoin the BRICS grouping.Which of the statementsgiven above is/are correct?


92. Consider the following dis-eases:1. Diphtheria2. Chickenpox3. Smallpox

Which of the above diseaseshas/ havebeen eradicated inIndia?


93. Which of the following phe-nomena might have influencedthe evolution of organisms?1. Continental drift2. Glacial cycles



94. Other than poaching, what arethe possible reasons for thedecline in the population ofGanges River Dolphins?1. Construction of dams and

barrages on rivers.2. Increase in the population

of crocodiles in rivers.3. Getting trapped in fishing

nets accidentally.4. Use of synthetic fertilizers

and other agriculturalchemicals in crop-fields inthe vicinity of rivers.Select the correct answerusing the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only





(c) 1, 3 and 4 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

95. The Radcliffe Committee wasappointed to

(a) solve the problem ofminorities in India

(b) give effect to theIndependence Bill

(c) delimit the boundariesbetween India and Pakistan

(d) enquire into the riots in EastBengal

96. Brominated flame retardantsare used in many householdproducts like mattresses andupholstery. Why is there someconcern about their use?1. They are highly resistant to

degradation in theenvironment.

2. They are able to accumulatein humans and animals.Select the correct answerusing the code given below.

(a) 1 only(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2

97. Consider the following :1. Bats 2. Bears3. Rodents

The phenomenon ofhibernation can beobserved in which of theabove kinds of animals?

(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 only(c) 1, 2 and 3(d) Hibernation cannot be

observed in any of theabove.

98. Which one of the following isthe largest Committee of theParliament?

(a) The Committee on PublicAccounts

(b) The Committee onEstimates

(c) The Committee on PublicUndertakings

(d) The Committee on Petitions99. Which of the following adds/

add carbon dioxide to the car-bon cycle on the planet Earth?1. Volcanic action2. Respiration3. Photosynthesis4. Decay of organic matter


(a) 1 and 3 only(b) 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

100. If you walk through country-side, you are likely to see somebirds stalking alongside thecattle to seize the insects dis-turbed by their movementthrough grasses. Which of thefollowing is / are such bird/birds?1. Painted Stork2. Common Myna3. Black-necked Crane


(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only(c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only

ANSWERSANSWERSANSWERSANSWERSANSWERS

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

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