current affairs india and world jan to oct2013

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Indian Navy and Royal Omani Navy conduct Exercise: Naseem Al BahrSeptember 27th, 2013

Naseem Al Bahr- the 9th edition of biennial naval exercise between Indian Navy and Royal

Omani Navy kicked off in Oman.

In Indian fleet participating in the drill were Indian Naval Ship(INS) Mysore (guided missile

destroyer), INS Tarkash , INS Tabar (stealth frigates) and INS Aditya (fleet tanker).

On the side of Royal Omani Navy, ships participating were Royal Navy of Oman Vessels (RNOV)

missile and gun vessels, RONV Al Muazzar, RONV Al Mussandam, RONV Al Naja and a Landing ship

RNOV Temsah, along with RoyalAir Forceof Oman aircraft F-16, Hawks and Jaguars amongst

others.

Russia offers India to joint venture in defence manufacturingSeptember 24th, 2013

Russiaproposed to build manufacturing units inIndiato undertake co-production

ofdefenceequipment and also agreed to set up two major projects in a joint venture for

manufacturing civil choppers and aircraft.

Both nations agreed on collaboration to jointly develop and manufacture civilian aircraft and

helicopters especially for emergency relief and medical purposes. These aircrafts could be used not

only for domestic use but also to export to third country exports. There is also a joint project under

consideration that envisages for manufacturing in Indian factories different modifications of light

helicopters Ka-226T for medical, rescue and other purposes. Russia has also made a new proposal

involving IL-112V.

India to buy six more C-130J Super Hercules aircraftSeptember 16th, 2013

TheDefenceAcquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister A K Antony has given approvalfor the purchase of 6 more C-130J Super Hercules aircraft fromthe USin a deal worth over Rs

4,000 crore. It will now need a final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security.

The DAC also gave nod for placing an order for 235 T-90 tanks worth Rs 6,000 crore with the

Ordnance Factory Board. These battle tanks would be manufactured under the Transfer-of-

Technology agreementIndiahas inked withRussia.

The IndianAir Forcealready has six C-130J planes which are deployed at its Hindon airbase. The

new lot of six planes will be positioned at Panagarh inWest Bengal, which would be headquarters

of the proposed Mountain Strike Corps of the army along theChinaborder.

Factbox: C-130J Super Hercules

Manufactured by the United States. Worlds most advanced and tactical aircraft. Primarily designed to support Indias special operations requirement. Equipped with an Infrared Detection Set (IDS), the aircraft can perform precision low-level

flying, airdrops and landing in blackout conditions.

Self-protection systems and other features are included to ensure aircraft survivability in hostileair defense environments. The aircraft also is equipped with air-to-air receiver refueling

capability for extended range operations.
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Ideally suited to Indias missionenvironment, which often involves operating out of austere,high-elevation airstrips in hot conditions.

Powered by four Rolls Royce AE2100 engines and Dowty six bladed props which provide theaircraft with tremendous power.

The aircraft has already demonstrated its responsiveness during therecentUttarakhandflood disaster and 2012Sikkimearthquake where it played a major

role in relief operations.

The aircraft demonstrated its agility when IAF landed it at the worlds highest airstripin Daulat Beg Oldi, in J&K, the place where Indian and Chinese troops had a stand-off

recently.

India, Kyrgyzstan agree to bolster defence tiesSeptember 16th, 2013

Indiaand Kyrgyzstan have agreed to further strengthen bilateraldefencecooperation in areas,

including training, UN peacekeeping and defence industry. It was decided at a meeting between

Defence Minister A K Antony and Kyrgystan Defence Minister Taalaibek Omuraliev who is on India

visit.

Indo-Kyrgyztan relations:

India has traditionally warm and friendly political ties with the Kyrgyz Republic. Kyrgyzstan also

supports Indias stand on Kashmir and have welcomed the ongoing peace process. Kyrgyzstan also

supports Indias claim for permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council and Indias role in

the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO).

On the trade side, Indo-Kyrgyz trade totaled US$23.56 million in 2010-11. Indias exports to

Kyrgyzstan was US$22.56 million whereas Kyrgyz exports to India amounted to only US$1.2M.

Apparel and clothing, leather goods, drugs and pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and tea are some

of the important items in Indias export basket to Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz exports to India consist of

raw hides, metalifers ores and metal scrap etc.Indian regains WHO-SEAR directorship after 44 yearsSeptember 14th, 2013

The member nations of the WorldHealthOrganizations South-East Asia

Region (SEAR) have chosen Poonam Khetarpal Singh, a former Indian IAS officer, as the

regional director of WHO (SEAR). It is after a gap of 44 years that an Indian has been elected for

the post.Indiahad last occupied the chair from 1948 to 1968 but has not held it since then. Singh

succeeds Plianbangchang ofThailand, who has served as regional director for 10 years now.

She will serve the post for 5 years.

Which are the countries in WHO-SEAR group?

World Health Organizations South-East Asia Region (SEAR)has 11 nations. They are:

1. Bangladesh2. Bhutan3. Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea4. India5. Indonesia6. Maldives7. Myanmar8. Nepal
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9. Sri Lanka10.Thailand11.Timor-Leste

Russia removes ban on non-basmati rice and oilseeds imports from IndiaSeptember 12th, 2013

In what can be a major boost to Indian agricultural exports, Russiahas removed the ban onimport of non-basmati rice and oilseeds fromIndia.

Why Russia had earlier imposed a ban on import of Indian non-basmati rice and oilseeds?

Russia had imposed the ban on import of Indian non-basmati rice due to the presence ofkhapra

beetles pest in rice and aflatoxin contamination of peanuts.

India suggest to avoid any action against Syria without UN reportSeptember 9th, 2013

Indiais not in support of any action againstSyriawithout a report of the UN Inspectors on the

alleged use of chemical weapons and it asserted that no action should be taken without UN

authorization.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh clarified Indias stance in the recently concluded G-20 Summit

in St. Petersburg condemning the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria and anywhere else in

the world. Indias view is that what happened in Syria should be ascertained before taking any

action.

Indias view were also supported by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki moon as he noted

that the ongoing conflict in Syria must be resolved diplomatically and arms must not be supplied to

any conflicting side.

Current Affairs: Top Headlines September 6, 2013September 6th, 2013

Iran to set free Indian tanker after 24 days of detention

Iran ordered release of an Indian tanker detained by it for the past 24 days at its Bandar Abbas

port after being seized in Persian Gulf while carrying crude from Basrah in Iraq. The move comes

after hectic negotiations between the two nations withIndiashowing strong objections to the

detention, saying it was a colourable exercise in violation ofUN Convention on the Laws of

the Sea (UNCLOS) and warning of serious consequences. The tanker belonging to Indias largest

ocean liner SCI was impounded by Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on August 12,

2013 citing environmental and pollution concerns.

BRICS to contribute $100 bn to Forex fund

The BRICS group of nations will commit $100 billion to a fighting fund to stabilize currency markets

destabilised by an expectations of tapering of U.S. monetary stimulus. The major portion of the

currency pool will come fromChinawhich holds worlds largest foreign exchange reserves.

IOC not ready to compromise on chargesheet clause, delays Indias return to Olympic

TheInternationalOlympic Committee (IOC) has clarified that theIndian Olympic

Association (IOA) has to adopt the chargesheet clause in its constitution which bars charge-

sheeted persons from contesting elections for key posts of thesportsbody. The stand taken by IOC
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has further delayed Indias return to Olympic group. IOA had proposed a compromise formula

according to which the sanction will apply only to those officials who are convicted and sentenced

to a jail term of more than two years.

Crisis risks are high in Pakistan: IMF

IMF suggestedPakistanto bring in comprehensive economic reforms to tackle the serious

economic challenges its faces amid subpar growth and unsustainable fiscal and balance of

payments positions. The International Monetary Fund suggested it after approving financialassistance of $6.7 billion to Pakistan to save it from economic crisis.

Sub-debt ratings of 11 Indian banks downgraded by Moodys

The subordinated debt ratings of 11 Indian banks including SBI, ICICI BankandHDFC Bankhave

been downgraded by Moodys Investors Service. The other banks affected areAxis Bank,Bank of

Baroda,Bank of India,Canara Bank,IDBI Bank,Indian Overseas Bank,Syndicate BankandUnion

Bank of India. The downgrade has been keeping in mind the increasing international trend of

imposing losses on holders of subdebt securities as a pre-condition for distressed banks to receive

government support. As a result, Moodys assumes that Indian government support is less likely to

be approaching for the holders of such securities.

Current Affairs: Top Headlines for September 3, 2013September 3rd, 2013

Washington moves USS Nimitz towards Red Sea

In what could be seen as a surge in tension in the West Asia region, the Washington has moved

the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz towards the Red Sea, though the warship had not yet received

orders to support a strike onSyria. US President Obama and his team are lobbying hard to seek US

Congress approval for a military strike against the Syrian regime over the use of chemical weapons

in the country.Russiahas warned that any US military aggression in Syria would derail the Geneva

peace plan and has suggested US Congress to take a balanced view of the situation in Syria.

IAF inducts C-17 Globemaster III heavy-lift transport aircraft

The IndianAir Forceinducted three Boeing C-17 Globemaster III,heavy-lift transport aircraft

into the newly-formed 81 Skylord Squadron at the Hindan Air Base,Delhi. C-17 has the potential

to carry 75 tonnes of load which is almost double the capacity of Russian IL-76 in the IAF inventory

which can carry only around 40 tonnes. It will boost up IAFs flexibility in terms of operational

response and with the heavy lift capability it could easily move troops and heavy tanks to required

locations.

India, Japan to restart talks on civil nuclear agreement

After a hiatus of nearly 3 years,IndiaandJapanwill resume talks on the civil nuclear pact in Tokyotoday. The nuclear-energy negotiations were initiated in 2010 but have been on hold since the

Fukushima nuclear disaster March 2011. This will be the fourth round of talks which

comes following a meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart

Shinzo Abe in Tokyo in May, 2013 when they resolved to direct to expedite the negotiations of an

Agreement for Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy towards an early conclusion.

Process of opening bank accounts for foreign students simplified: RBI

Simplifying bank account opening procedure for foreign students, RBI issued a notification asking

banks to open a Non-Resident Ordinary bank account of a foreign student on the basis of his/her

passport along with appropriate visa and immigration endorsement. As per the notification foreign
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students who intend to open a bank account will have to submit a valid address proof giving local

address, in the form of a rent agreement or a letter from the educational institution in case of

hostel facility within 30 days of opening the account. Banks have been asked not to insist on the

landlord visiting the branch for verification of rent documents and to take up alternative means of

verification of local address.

Afghanistan permits SAIL to develop Hajigak assets in phasesAugust 26th, 2013

Afghanistanconveyed the SAIL-led team that it did not have any objections to the $10.8 billion

iron ore and steel plant project being developed in phases in Hajigak Mine.

Where is Hajigak mine?

Hajigak Mine is the best known and largest iron oxide deposit in Afghanistan is located at Hajigak

in Bamyan Province, it is also Asias biggest untapped iron ore deposits.The deposit itself

stretches over 32 km and contains 16 separate zones, up to 5 km in length, 380 m wide and

extending 550 m down dip, seven of which have been studied in detail. The ore occurs in both

primary and oxidized states. The primary ore accounts for 80% of the deposit and consists

of magnetite, pyrite and minor chalcopyrite. The remaining 20% is oxidized and consists of three

hematitic ore types.

Who is developing the Hajigak mining project?

The project is being developed by Afghan Iron and Steel Consortium (AIFSCO) which won the

bid for the project in 2011. AIFSCO which consists of state-owned SAIL, RINL and NMDC is

holding a combined 56%stake. The balance is held by private firms such as JSW, JSPL and

Monnet Ispat & Energy.

AIFSCO will set up a steel plant of 1.25 mtpa and a 120 MW captive power plant with $2.9 billion

investment. The investment is likely to be between $10 billion and $11 billion. It will be done in

phases. Steel plant will be developed in phases and it will be of 7 mtpa size. The local government

would also allow the SAIL-led team to market its products in the neighbouring region.

Afghanistans annual steel demand now stands at 1-1.5 mtpa. However, the demand would go up

while rebuilding the war-torn nation.

India urges U.S. to renew GSP schemeAugust 24th, 2013

Indiahas expressed to the United States that it must issue an immediate renewal of the US

Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme that expired on July 31, 2013.

What is the importance of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme?

The GSP programme helps developing countries expand their economies by increasing exports tothe U.S. It also aids U.S. businesses by lowering the cost of imported goods that are used as inputs

in value-added US production. U.S. businesses imported $19.9 billion worth of products under the

GSP programme in 2012, including many inputs used in U.S. manufacturing.

As per the recently released Trade Policy Agenda of the U.S. administration, helping developing

countries grow and expand their economies through trade would also help the U.S. by providing its

exporters greater opportunity to sell products to billions of new consumers abroad.
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The U.S. holds 16 % ofIndias total services imports. Indian imports of US services is expected to

rise sharply in the coming years as Indias middle class market expands and key services sectors

bring in further reforms.

AERB nod to run KKNPP first reactor at 50 % capacityAugust 20th, 2013

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has granted permission to the Kudankulam

Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) to run its first reactor at 50 % (500 MW) capacity and

synchronization of its generator.

What is the significance of approval to Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) by Atomic Energy

Regulatory Board (AERB)?

The approval means functioning of every component of the 1,000 MW-reactor supplied byRussia.

The KKNPP first reactor is likely to generate 400 MW before August 2013 end and the reactor is

expected to attain its full capacity of 1,000 MW by November 2013 end after getting mandatory

clearances from the AERB.

Indian Parliament rejects Pakistan resolution against Indian ArmyAugust 20th, 2013

The Indo-Pak political relations hit a new low due to recent border incidents. In a bitter exchange

between the Parliaments of the two countries, both Houses of Indian Parliament together passed a

stern-worded resolution rejecting and condemning the baseless and unsupported allegations made

byPakistanin its resolution against the Indian Army and the people ofIndia.

What is the issue, why Indian Parliament rejected Pakistan resolution against Indian

Army?

Recently, tension between the two nations escalated after the incident of unprovoked firing fromthe side ofPakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK)along the Line of Control (LoC) with India that

killed 5 Indian soldiers. The incidence further strained the relations between the two nations with

parliament of both sides alleging each other of unprovoked aggression. Pakistan passed a

resolution in its parliament accusing Indian troops of unprovoked aggression by Indian military

forces. Pakistan has rejected the involvement of its army in the LoC incident. The resolution by

Pakistan also deplored the unjustified public vilification of Pakistan in the Indian media.

India wins 83 medals at World Police & Fire Games-Belfast 2013August 20th, 2013

The 39 member Indian Police team won a record breaking 83 medals when they participated inthe

World Police & Fire Games held atBelfast, NorthernIreland. As a result of this the record of2005 World Police & Fire Games held in Quebec (Canada) whereIndiahad won 82 medals including

39 Gold was broken.

The medals include 48 Gold, 22 Silver and 13 Bronze Medals.

Key achievements of Indian Team at World Police & Fire Games-Belfast 2013 :

The performance of the Indian team was outstanding in Athletics where a 14 member team

comprising 7 males and 7 female police athletes won 22 Gold, 9 Silver and 6 Bronze medals. The
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male athletes won 15 medals including 7 Gold and the female athletes did exceptionally well

winning 22 medals including 15 Gold.

No plan to increase research stations in Arctic and AntarcticaAugust 19th, 2013

Union Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences has clarified thatIndiadoes not intend

to increase research stations in Arctic and Antarctica.

What is the status of Indias scientific presence in Arctic and Antarctica?

Status of Indias Scientific presence in Antarctica:India presently has two research stations at Antarctica namely Maitri and Bharati. The new

station Bharatiin Larsemann Hills has just been constructed and established in March,

2013. Maitri station has been in operation since 1989. At both the stations research and

investigations are undertaken to understand the Polar processes and phenomenon.

Observations and studies are carried out in atmospheric, biological, geological, ecological sciences

etc.

Status of Indias Scientific presence in Arctic:Indian station in Arcticis known asHimadri is located at Ny Alesund, Spitsbergen

Island,Norwayand serves as a hub of Indian scientific investigations since 2008.

INS Sindhurakshak (submarine of Indian Navy) sinksAugust 15th, 2013

In a major blow to the Indian Navy, a recently refurbished submarine sank following an explosion

and fire leaving 18 crew of its on board dead. INS Sindhurakshak sank into the shallow waters of

its berth at the naval dockyard in Mumbai.

INS Sindhurakshak:

INS Sindhurakshak was a Russian-made Kilo-class Type 636 diesel-electric submarine of

the Indian Navy. It was commissioned on 24 December 1997, It was the ninth of the ten Kilo-class

submarines in the Indian Navy. The submarine had recently undergone modernization under a

contract signed withRussia. After the overhaul, it had returned toIndiafrom Russia between May

and June 2013.

World Bank & ADB to provide $ 400m to disaster-hit UttarakhandAugust 8th, 2013

TheWorld Bankand the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide $ 400 million for

reconstruction and rehabilitation in the disaster-hit areas inUttarakhand. The fund would be spent

in works in sectors including the housing, tourism, irrigation,agriculture,education,

andhealthsector.

Of the total money received, $ 95 million would be spent in the construction of roads. Also, $ 20

million would be given to the five hydro-power projects that are funded by the ADB and have been

damaged due to the recent flood-disaster.

France to reduce Rafale order, programme depends upon Indian defense dealAugust 6th, 2013
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Francegovernment has decided to cut back its orders for Rafale fighter jets from the current 11

per year to just 26 over the next six years. The move is likely to de-stabilize the entire Rafale

programme unless Dassault Aviation is able to ink theIndiacontract for the sale of 126 fighters for

over 10 billion.

How the French decision to reduce the order can impact the Rafael programme?

France, in its newDefenceReview, known in French as the Draft Military Programme (LPM),for

French forces from 2014 to 2019, has announced to make savings particularly througha Reduction in Force (RIF) exercise, through the sale of immovable assets belonging to the

countrys armed services and by limiting its orders for the Rafale. Earlier, Dassault Aviation,

who is running the Rafael programme, had obtained the purchase by the military of 11 jets a year

from the French government. But now the government has decided to cut back the order to 26

fighters in next six years creating a shortfall of 4 billion for Dassault. Now, the position is such

that Dassault Aviation should count only on exports to support the production of the multirole

combat aircraft. Dassault Aviation will have to sell some 40 planes to Frances commercial partners

if it is to juggle production costs, the armys requirements and the minimum number of aircraft it

must build to maintain the commercial validity of the Rafale programme.

BrahMos receives orders worth Rs 25,000 croreAugust 3rd, 2013

Indo-Russian (49.5 % stake) joint venture, BrahMos Aerospace developed the worlds first

supersonic cruise missile and has already bagged orders worth Rs 25,000 crore from the

Indiandefenceforces.

The deliveries to the Indian Army and Navy have started and the joint venture will begin deliveries

of a slightly modified version to the IndianAir Forcefrom 2015.

Export opportunities and issues with BrahMos:

The 290-km-range BrahMos having multiple platforms to launch and its low cost has also attracted

the world. There is lot of export opportunity with about 14 countries showing interest. However,

there are issues like the countrys security interests and what model (of the missile) that can be

exported. The production order for BrahMos would rise from $7 billion to $10 billion by 2015.

Upcoming Modified version of BahMos:

The slight modification of the version of the missile is being done to suit the needs of the Indian Air

Force. It is being fitted to the Air Forces deep-strike Sukoi aircraft. In the mid of 2014, the live

flight trials will be done and it will be ready for induction with the Air Force by 2015. The joint

venture will later start work on new versions of the missile such as a hypersonic model.

DD Direct Plus to telecast Australias ABC International ChannelAugust 3rd, 2013

An agreement was signed between Prasar Bharati and Australian channel ABCInternationalwhich

will make available the ABC International channel to the viewers of Doordarshans Direct to Home

(DTH) platform.

The channel is the international service of the Australian public service broadcaster and is

telecasted to more than 40 countries in Asia and the Pacific. The channel service will be available

on DD Direct Plus from November 1 along with 59 other channels on Doordarshans DTH

platform. The partnership between Prasar Bharati and the Australian broadcaster would extend into
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other areas like co-production activities, exchange of TV programmes, exchange of radio

programmes and aspects.

India offers Vietnam credit for military wareJuly 31st, 2013

Indiahas offered $ 100 million credit line toVietnamfor the purchase military equipment. It will be

used for purchasing four patrol boats.

Indias interests in Vietnam

India aims to remain involved in oil exploration activity in the Phu Kanh basin of the

SouthChinaSea. But China has to claim that it is its zone of influence. Earlier, Vietnam and India

have focused on strategic ties that include cooperation in the civil nuclear sector, training slots for

Vietnamese military officers and frequent exchange of visits.

India seeks to expand itsdefenceties with Vietnam to military hardware and Brahmos missile is

one of the key items on Vietnams wish-list. India has co-produced the missile withRussia, which,

however, has close ties with both Vietnam and China. Indian wants to enhance security ties with all

countries beyond its eastern end as a key component to its East Look Policy.

British government to go ahead with Rs 2.7 lakh visa bondJuly 31st, 2013

The British government decided to go ahead with Rs 2.7 lakh Visa bond despite Prime Minister

David Camerons gave assurance to exemptIndiafrom the controversial visa bond scheme though

the Home Office insisted that it was meant to target only high risk applicants.

What is Pilot scheme by UK Govt. for the Rs 2.7 Lakh Visa bond?

Under this scheme that is to be introduced in November, 2013 for the first time visitors from six

Commonwealth countries including India,PakistanandBangladesh,SriLanka,GhanaandNigeriawill need to deposit a cash bond of 3,000 for a British visa. It will

apply only to those seeking a six-month visitors visa.

Why this Visa Bond Scheme by UK?

As perthe UKgovernment, the citizens of these six countries pose the major risk of abuse of visas.

So they are interested in a system of bonds that deters overstaying and recovers costs if a foreign

national has used their public services.

British traders ire for the UKs Pilot visa bond Scheme:

Britainsbusinesscircles stated that with the Pilot scheme wealthy tourists from countries like India

and Nigeria would be put off and would damage their business who were otherwise a boost for

their business.

India and France concur to expand defence tiesJuly 31st, 2013

IndiaandFrancediscussed about the ongoing military cooperation and future cooperation in the

areas ofdefenceequipment and technology. This will be a mutual benefit for both the countries.

The cooperation fields will include high technology joint research and development and transfer of

technology.
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Key outcomes of the discussion between India and France:

Negotiations have been made for Rs. 50,000 crore for procuring 126 Rafale combataircraft for the IndianAir Force.

Rs. 30,000 crore project for co-developing the Maitri surface-to-air missile defencesystem.

A deal was done for building six Scorpene submarines for the Navy.Both nations agreed to enhance exchanges between their defence institutions and armed forces

including in the areas of militaryeducationand training and through the conduct of military

exercises.

Navies of both countries are working towards finalizing the schedule for the conduct of Exercise

Varuna off the coast of India and the nextAir Force exercise Garudato be held during the

first half of 2014.

India to restore kerosene and LPG subsidy to BhutanJuly 31st, 2013

Giving a significant relief , especially its 12 % poor,Indiahas decided to restore the subsidy oncooking gas and kerosene by the first week of August 2013. TheMinistry of External Affairsclaimed

that the Petroleum Ministry misinterpreted the Foreign Offices request for review of subsidies and

there was no political consideration behind this.

How to Political Analysts see Indias move to restore kerosene and LPG subsidy to Bhutan?

Many political analysts see this as a step taken to affect the outcome of the recently held polls

inBhutan. India was not happy with Bhutan under the rule ofDruk Phuensum Tshogpa

(DPT) and its Prime Minister Jigmey Thinley who was seeking Chinese support for a non-

permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Bhutan without taking India into

confidence held two rounds of talks with the Chinese once in Thimphu and then a summit in Rio in

order to settle its border.

Indias withdrawal of the subsidy led to substantial increase in the prices of LPG and kerosene. With

the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winning the elections it was claimed that India was

successful in making high LPG and kerosene prices a poll issue as it added to the charges of

economic mismanagement.

Parliament to approve 1974 Indira-Mujib pactJuly 31st, 2013

The government will bring a constitutional amendment Bill in Parliament during the forthcoming

session for implementation of theIndo-Bangla land boundary agreement.Indiaintends to ratify

the 1974 Indira-Mujib pact fordemarcation of boundaries and for exchange of 161

adversely held enclaves with a population of about 50,000 people.

Both the countries have discussed the modalities for implementation of the extradition

treaty signed that will give the way for deportation ofULFA general secretary Anup Chetia,

currently lodged in a Bangladeshi jail.

India has also conveyedBangladeshto ensure the release the remaining six Indians who were

abducted by different Indian insurgent groups like NSCN, PLA and NDFB to that country. The six

are part of 13 people whom the insurgents had kidnapped and taken to Bangladesh.
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India, Nigeria ink Solar Power Plant AgreementJuly 30th, 2013

IndiaandNigeriainked a Solar Power plant pact to locate sites for solar power plants in Niger

state. This would provide additional energy for the African countrys national grid. With

this agreement Bharat Heavy Electricals will begin first round of studies of siting independent

solar powered plants in selected locations in Niger.

India expressed its interest in the provision of funds in various forms for the development of

Nigerias power sector.

India, Belarus sign a deal to enhance trade tiesJuly 30th, 2013

Indiaand Belarus signed a deal to enhance the trade ties during the sixth session of the Inter-

Governmental Commission.

Sectors to be focused in deal between India and Belarus:

The major focus will be on the following sectors i.e. Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological

and Cultural Cooperation.

Also sectors like pharmaceutical, fertilizers, information technology and research anddevelopment will offer tremendous potential for cooperation between India and Belarus.

India is looking for long term contracts for supply of potash to meet its growing requirements asfar as fertilizer sector is concerned and Indian companies can look for setting up joint ventures in

Belarus for production of potash based fertilizers.

MoU will also be signed between the Ministry of Textiles, India and the Belarusian State Concernfor Manufacturing and Marketing of Light Industry Goods in the Field of Textiles, Clothing andFashion Industries.

INSAT-3D and Alphasat satellites launched successfullyJuly 28th, 2013

European space consortium Arianespaces Ariane 5 rocket launchedINSAT-3D and Alphasat

satellites from the spaceport ofKourou in French Guiana, giving a boost to weather

forecasting and disaster warning services.

About INSAT-3D:

Designed to provide meteorological observation and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces. INSAT-3D also carried the newly developed 19 Channel Sounder, the first such payload to be

flown on an ISRO satellite mission. It will perform weather monitoring through its atmospheric

sounding system, which provides vertical profiles of temperature, humidity and integrated ozone

from surface to top of the atmosphere.

It will provide continuity to earlier missions and further augment the capability to provide variousmeteorological as well as search and rescue services.

The Data Relay Transponder (DRT) will be used to receive meteorological, hydrological andoceanographic data from remote, uninhabited locations over the coverage area from Data

Collection Platforms (DCPs) like automatic weather station, automatic rain gauge and agro

met stations.
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It is equipped with a Search and Rescue payload that picks up and relays the alert signalsoriginating from the distress beacons of maritime, aviation and land based users to the Indian

Mission Control Centre located at Isro Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network here.

Who will be the major users of Satellite Aided Search and Rescue service in India?

The major users of Satellite Aided Search and Rescue service inIndiaare Indian Coast Guard,Airports Authority of India, directorate general of shipping,defenceservices and fishermen.

What will be the expanse of service region of INSAT-3D?

The Indian service region includes a large part of the Indian Ocean region coveringIndia,Bangladesh,Bhutan,Maldives,Nepal,Seychelles,Sri LankaandTanzaniafor rendering

distress alert services.

What are Alphasat satellites?

Alphasat isEuropes largesttelecommunicationsatellite-ever manufactured and resultsfrom a large-scale public-private partnership between the European Space Agency and Inmarsat.

India, Saudi Arabia decided to establish Saudi-Indian Business NetworkJuly 27th, 2013

IndiaandSaudi Arabiahave decided to create a Saudi-IndiaBusinessNetwork

(SIBN) separately in Riyadh and Dammam.

What will be the focus of SIBN?

SIBN would catalyze the promotion of India-Saudi bilateral commerce and trade relations,

investment, Business-to-Business interactions and exchanges. The proposed network would

comprise of both Indian and Saudi businessmen, entrepreneurs, industrialists and members ofbusiness Chambers. Membership of SIBN would be open to all Indian and Saudi businessmen and

entrepreneurs.

Salient facts about India-Saudi Arabia Trade:

Saudi Arabia is the 4th largest trade partner of India. Bilateral trade stood at 43.19 billion dollars in 2012-13. India imports 17% of its crude oil needs from the Kingdom which makes it largest supplier of

petroleum.

It is also one of the major markets for Indian exports and the destination for more than 1.86%of Indias global exports.

India is the 5th largest export market for Saudi Arabia, accounting for 7.55% of its globalexports.

Both the nations have an established framework of cooperation which includes Joint CommissionMeetings (JCM), India-Saudi Business Council.

Several companies from both countries are collaborating in the spheres of designing,consultancy, financial services and software development.

Saudi Arabia is also emerging as a big investor in India.India emerges as the 2nd largest investor in LondonJuly 25th, 2013
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Indiahas come up as the 2nd largest investor in the city of London with Indian companies

led by software majorInfosyswith the investment eagerness generated by the 2012 Olympic

Games in the British capital.

Infosys leads the inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) made by a total of 28 Indian

companies, which generated 429 additional jobs for the Britisheconomyin 2012.

Major sectors of growth:

India has registered exceptional growth in the common areas of interest, such as transport andcity planning.

India brought in a large amount ofadditional 2.5 billion-pound foreign investment intotheUKsince the Games and Indian FDI projects in 2012-13 are estimated to generate 24 million

pounds in gross valueadded for Londons economy over the next 3 years.

Information and communications technology (ICT) was the key sector in terms of IndianFDI into London, followed by financial services and retail.

In the financial services sectorAxis Bankstood out for setting up its global operations inLondon as it has the right mix of potential wholesale and retailbusinessto make it the ideal

location for their firstinternationalsubsidiary.

The latest figures were released as part of an overall estimate of the economic impact of

the Olympic Games on Londons economy. British government research indicated that the UK

economy has seen a 9.9 billion-pound boost in trade and investment from hosting the Games.

British Government decorates Krishna Menons London home with blue plaqueJuly 20th, 2013

In commemoration to V.K. Krishna Menons long and eventful association with London, the British

government has decided to put up an English Heritage blue plaque at the house where he lived

when he first moved to the city. Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel are among

the other Indian leaders previously honoured by English Heritage.Who was V.K. Krishna Menon?

(Born: May 3, 1896, died October 6, 1974)

Vengalil Krishnan Krishna Menon was an Indian nationalist, diplomat and statesman. He

wasIndias first High Commissioner tothe UKand later becameDefenceMinister of India from

1957 to 1962.

Menon in the UK

While his stay in the UK, he served as a Labour councillor for the Borough of St. Pancras in

1930s,and is still remembered for introducing travelling libraries and childrens corners. During

the Second World War, he served as an air warden around Camden Square, where he lived at the

time, and in 1955 St. Pancras conferred on him the Freedom of the Borough, the only other

person so honoured being George Bernard Shaw. He was described by the former Labour

Prime Minister, James Callaghan as the embodiment of the movement within Britain for Indias

freedom.

Who are the other Indian leaders honored with Blue Plaque previously?

Other Indian leaders namely Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Jawaharlal Nehru and

Sardar Patel have been honoured by this English Heritage, previously.
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Why is the significance of blue plaque?

The Blue Plaque Scheme of London was founded in 1866 is run by the William Ewart MP and the

Royal Society of Arts to commemorates the association between the notable figures of past and

Britains famous residents. More than 760 plaques have been placed across London by now. It is a

uniquely successful means of connecting people and place. The Royal Society launched the scheme

in 1867 with the unveiling of a commemorative tablet for Lord Byron.

Indian oil companies considering Irans gas offerJuly 19th, 2013

Indiais thinking over Irans offer ofProduction Sharing Contracts (PSCs) in the energy sector,

including one for developing the prolificFarzad B gasfield in the Farsi block of the Persian Gulf.

This is the first time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that Iran has offered three Indian oil

companies ONGC Videsh Limited, Oil India Limited and Indian Oil Corporation PSCs at a time

of diminishing crude purchases by India.

The offer marks a departure from Irans earlier practice of offering Indian companies 15% fixed

returns under a buy-back arrangement with the national oil company of Iran and also indicatestowards Irans intention of improving ties with India. The PSCs offer the Indian companies a

guaranteed share of production. However, India would have to analyse the advantages and

disadvantages before accepting the offer, because of the sanctions the U.S. and the European

Union imposed on Iran, primarily aiming its oil industry, to pressurize Tehran to give up its nuclear

programme.

In past:

2011: Indian companies opened talks with Iran for developing the gas field. But a subsequentmeeting did not materialise because India was apprehensive of the impact of the sanctions on its

companies. The impact of sanctions led to cut down in Irans crude supplies to India in the pastfew years.

May 2013: Iran had offered the Indian firms PSCs to increase investment in the upstreamsector. As a matter of fact, Iran offered to ship gas to India in liquefied form through Oman. Iran

does not have the technology to liquefy gas, so it agreed to do the process in Oman.

During 2012-13, Indias import plummeted by over 26.5% to 13.3 million tonnes from 18.1million tonnes the year before. In 2012-13, Iranian share was 7.2% of Indias oil imports, down

from 10.5% the previous year.

Farzad B Gas Field - Indian exploration in Iran

Since 2009, the Indian companies are negotiating with Iran for developing the Farzad B

gasfield. As per initial estimates, it contains 21.68 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas, with recoverable

reserves of 12.8 tcf. The investment in exploration is put at $5.5 billion, with an extra $8 billion-$9

billion for developing the field and building a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, and for

transport. This gas could go directly to India as LNG.

PDP victorious in Bhutan General Assembly pollsJuly 19th, 2013

Led by Tshering Tobgay, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has registered their victory in

the polls to the General Assembly ofBhutan. It won 32 out of 47 seats, while the outgoing party,

the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), managed to retain the remaining seats in the election.
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The focus of the PDPs election campaign in the last few days was thestrainedIndia-Bhutan

relations- where it laid the blame for withdrawal of subsidy on LPG and kerosene among other

things, on the mishandling by the DPT.

India, Japan to strengthen defense relationshipJuly 17th, 2013

In a recent meeting betweenIndias National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon and visiting

Japanese Senior Vice-Minister ofDefenceAkinori Eto, both the nations discussed on the possibilitiesof expanding the defence ties, which will include joint development and production of defence

equipment.

It must be noted thatJapan, which normally has strict rules prohibitinginternationaltrade in

defence equipment, has offered to sell India the ShinMaywa US-2, a highly sophisticated

amphibious plane.

Current defence ties between India and Japan:

The current defence collaboration between the India and Japan primarily involves joint exercises,

innumerable rounds between the Coast Guards and plans for an expanded second-ever interaction

between the navies later this year.

Why Japan is strict on defence equipment trade?

In 1967 Japan voluntarily gave up international trade in defence equipment under the Three

Principles on Arms Exports.

These principles are:

1. No exports of arms to communist countries2. No exports of arms to countries under U.N. sanctions3.

No exports of arms to countries engaged in international conflicts.

Nine years later, Japan added a ban on arms-related facilities and technologies to the list.

What are the changes in Japanese defence equipment sales policy now?

Now, Japan has relaxed some of the defence equipment sale norms. India intends to take the

advantage of this opportunity and could become the second country after the U.S. to gain from

this.Australiaand some European countries are already serenading Japan after it announced some

exemptions in overseas transfer of defence equipment in 2011.

Instead of simply buying the finished product, both sides will be looking at transfer of technology of

some of the parts to Indian companies. The intention is to replicate a Maruti-Suzuki kind ofventure. India feels the move to provide some of the inputs from India would benefit both sides

because costs are high in Japan.

India, Maldives and Sri Lanka ink Indian Ocean security agreementJuly 17th, 2013

India,Sri Lankaand theMaldiveshave signed a tripartite pact on maritime cooperation to secure

sea routes in the Indian Ocean region. The three nations will share capacities and information to

address threats to maritime security such as piracy, terrorism and gunrunning in the Indian

Ocean and to pursue sustainable development of maritimeenvironment. The agreement was signed

at a meeting on Trilateral Cooperation on Maritime Security held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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India clarifies views to Sri Lanka on 13th AmendmentJuly 15th, 2013

Indian National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon has clearly voicedIndias view on the

13th Amendment ofSri Lankas Constitution emphasizing on the need for Colombo to fulfill its

commitment to India and theinternationalcommunity regarding the same.

Sri Lanka has also shared the development being taking place towards the implementation of the13th Amendment. It has formed a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to reach a consensus on

the implementation of the 13th Amendment. The PSC, which was constituted in June 2013,

presently has 19 members, all from the ruling coalition United Peoples Freedom Alliance led

by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

Sri Lankan President has explained the practical problems in devolving land and police powers to

the provinces of a small country such as Sri Lanka and stressed that the structure that is

implemented should apply and be acceptable to all parts of the country. The President also urged

India to encourage the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to participate in the PSC and said the

government was committed to taking the process forward despite obstacles.

Challenges before PSC:

Despite all efforts of the PSC, there is still a cynicism as some politicians doubt over the PSCs

ability to arrive at a fair decision on the 13th Amendment. The United National Party (UNP), the

main Opposition led by Ranil Wikremesinghe, has not nominated its representative to the PSC as

yet. The TNA, an amalgam of Tamil parties which has significant support base in the primarily

Tamil-speaking north of Sri Lanka, has opposed the PSC. The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) in

the ruling alliance, which has been in favor of implementing the 13th Amendment in its original

form, is not part of the PSC, either.

What is the 13thAmendment of Sri Lankas Constitution?

The Thirteenth Amendment (13A) to the Constitution of Sri Lanka is amendment to

the Constitution of Sri Lanka which created Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka.This also

made Sinhala and Tamil as the official language of the country and English as link language.

Background:

Signed on July 29, 1987 b/w India and Sri Lanka. The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord is also known as the Rajiv-Jayewardene Accord, after its architects

Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and President J.R. Jayewardene.

On November 14, 1987 the Sri Lankan Parliament passed the 13thAmendment to the1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka and the Provincial Councils Act No 42 of 1987 to establishprovincial councils.

IOR countries to pursue open regionalism to stimulate growthJuly 10th, 2013

Trade and industry ministers of Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC)

member nations agreed to promote trade within the grouping to encourage economic cooperation

and development in the strategic Indian Ocean region.India(Gurgaon) andMauritiusco-

hosted the first economic andbusinessconference under the theme ofDeepening

Economic Linkages for Balanced, Inclusive & Sustainable Growth.
http://currentaffairs.gktoday.in/2013/07/india-clarifies-views-sri-lanka-13th-amendment-7450/http://currentaffairs.gktoday.in/2013/07/india-clarifie

current affairs india and world jan to oct2013

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