current affairs june 2013
TRANSCRIPT
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Noted filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh passes awayJune 1st, 2013
Noted film-maker Rituparno Ghosh (49), who created a new wave in Bengali cinema withhis thought-provoking work passed away.
Rituparno Ghosh:
Rituparno Ghosh was an Indian Bengali film director. During his two-decade long filmy career, he made 19 movies and won 12
National Awards and several international honours His acclaimed and award winning Bengali films include Bariwali, Asukh, Utsab, Shubho
Mahurat, Chokher Bali, Dosar, Shob Charitro Kalponik and Abohoman.
Telecom Ministry clears project for setting up mobile towers in Naxal-affectedStatesJune 1st, 2013
The government has swung into action to beef up security in Naxal affected States aftertop Chhattisgarh Congress leaders including several people were killed in recent Naxalattacks. In one such step, the telecom ministry has decided to fast-track the ambitiousproject of setting up 2,199 mobile towers in nine Naxal-affected States, a move that wouldgive operational advantage to security forces while dealing with the menace of Left Wing
Extremism (LWE). The project has been long delayed mainly due to costing issues.
The proposed towers will be set up in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha,AndhraPradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra andMadhya Pradesh. Centralarmed police forces as well as State police have been demanding setting up of mobile
towers to aid them in executing operations against the Naxals more effectively. The projectis expected to commence within next few months by the State-owned Bharat SancharNigam Limited (BSNL). Of the total amount, Rs.1,469 crore would go for setting up of 2,199cellular towers, while around Rs.1,600 crore would be spent on operating these towers overthe next 5 years.
GoM approves Coal Regulatory Authority BillJune 1st, 2013
The Coal Regulatory Authority Bill which seeks to set up an independent regulatory
authority for the coal sector to address contentious issues such as pricing, supply andquality has been approved by a Group of Ministers (GoM). The bill will now be forwarded to
the Cabinet for further approval.
Why this Bill?
The bill has been proposed to address issues related to pricing, quality and supply of coal bysetting up an independent regulatory authority. The regulator would be empowered toresolve disputes including those arising out of Fuel Supply Agreements (FSAs) related toprice, quality, and supplies. However, the proposed regulator will not determine fuel rates, a
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job that will continue to be vested with the producers. An independent regulator for thesector is considered significant for fixing guidelines for price revision, improvingcompetitiveness in the e-auctions, setting up trading margins and increasing transparencyin the allocation of reserves.
The need for an independent regulatory assumes importance in the wake of coal major CILand NTPC frequently disagreeing on quality of dry-fuel being supplied to power firms.
India, Japan to expedite negotiation on civil nuclear pactJune 1st, 2013
Prime Ministers of India and Japan have inked a joint statement directing officials of theircountries to speed up the negotiations of an Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Usesof Nuclear Energy. The statement didn‘t fix any timeline and will take at least two years for
its implementation. Talks on energy cooperation had virtually stopped after the FukushimaDaiichi nuclear catastrophe late in 2011.
What is special with the signed statement?
The most favorable point for India is that the statement mentions no reference toNew Delhi signing the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as a precondition for Tokyo toconsider civil nuclear cooperation. India has reiterated its commitment to unilateral andvoluntary moratorium on nuclear explosive testing.
Other commitments:
To work together for immediate commencement and an early conclusion of negotiationson a non-discriminatory, multilateral and internationally effectively verifiable Fissile
Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT). To collaborate to prepare the ground for India to become a full member in
the International Export Control Regimes. To work to further consolidate and strengthen the Strategic and Global Partnership,
keeping in mind changes in the strategicenvironment. To establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) to explore modalities for the cooperation on the
U.S.-2 amphibious aircraft.
What are International Export Control Regimes and why India wants to become its
member?
There are four key International Export Control Regimes (IECR):
1. The Wassenaar Arrangement: Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-UseGoods and Technologies
2. The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG): A group of countries that controls nuclear relatedtechnology andglobal nuclear commerce.
3. The Australia Group (AG) : Informal forum of countries that aims to harmonize exportcontrols to ensure that exports do not contribute to the development of chemical orbiological weapons.
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4. The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR): Informal and voluntary associationof countries that share the goals of non-proliferation of unmanned delivery systems forweapons of mass destruction.
India has been striving to gain membership of the IECR. Membership of these groups will
allow the country entry into the mainstream of decision making rather than being kept onthe margins of international rule making on such issues as export controls and non-proliferation.
Archaeopteryx regains Bird statusJune 1st, 2013
Fossil creature Archaeopteryx that lived about 150 million years ago is back on its perch.It has again been brought in the class of Birds.
Background:
Archaeopteryx fossil was discovered in 1861 in Germany. It possessed part-bird, part-reptile traits with broad wings and feathers like a bird, but it
also had three-fingered claws, sharp teeth and a long bony tail similar to a dinosaur. Classified as most primitive bird and as a transition b/w feathered dinosaurs and modern
birds. Some fossil discoveries of feathered dinosaurs in northeasternChina over the past two
decades have challenged Archaeopteryx‘s place in bird evolution. In July 2012, Chinese scientists excavated Xiaotingia zhengi , a previously unknown
chicken-sized dinosaur. They carried out a statistical analysis of its anatomical traitsthat placed it in a group of bird-like dinosaurs called deinonychosaurs.
Recently an international team led by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences usedmore sophisticated statistical method to confirm the creature as Bird.
Fact Box: induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC)June 1st, 2013
Scientists improve Yamanaka‘s invention to make iPSCs
Scientists at the Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinahave claimed thatthey have improved the efficiency of Shinya Yamanaka‘s invention of producing induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) which won Nobel Prize in Medicine.
What are iPSCs and how they are produced?
iPSCs are body (somatic) cells which have been reprogrammed to function like embryonicstem cells, thereby sidestepping the controversial use of killing the embryos whileharvesting the stem cells.
This is done by introducing four regulatory factors (pieces of DNA) into the cells.
What are the four regulatory factors?
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The four regulatory factors which are also called Yamanaka‘s factors are Oct4, Klf4, c-
Myc and Sox2. These factors when when introduced in somatic cells activate or repress target
genes. Expressed together they can, at low- frequency, convert cells to a relatively stablestate of gene-expression similar to that seen in embryonic stem cells.
What is the problem with Yamanaka‘s method?
The challenge is the success rate of conversion of somatic cells into iPSCs which is just0.01%.
What is the current finding?
As per the latest studies, it has been found that the same Yamanaka‘s factors
when introduced in a specific sequence and timing enhances the efficiency of
formation of iPSCs.
What is the importance of research on stem cells?
The fundamental importance lies in understanding how humans develop and inunderstanding and treatment of disease and in regeneration.
India, Thailand to make trilateral highway ready by 2016June 1st, 2013
Indian PM Dr. Manmohan Singh who was on a visit to Thailand and Thailand PM YingluckShinawatra have expressed hope for the completion of the ambitious project to develop a3,200-km highway connectingIndia, Myanmar and Thailand by 2016.
India has already granted Myanmar a loan of $500 million, a part of which will be used tofund the project.
Thailand informed India of the progress Thailand and Myanmar had made in thedevelopment of the Dawei Special Economic Zone in southern Myanmar. Onceoperational, the project would further enhance connectivity and openenormous business opportunities for the region.
Both nations have reiterated their commitment to push further the talks for a Thailand-IndiaFree Trade Agreement.
India, Thailand sign extradition treatyJune 1st, 2013
India and Thailand have signed an Extradition Treaty, concluded a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to exchange intelligence related tomoney laundering and terrorismfinancing and ratified the Treaty on Transfer of Sentenced Persons. The agreements wereinked in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Thai counterpart YingluckShinawatra.
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The extradition treaty provides the legal framework for seeking extradition of fugitiveoffenders, including those involved in terrorism, transnational crimes and economic offencesamong others.
What does the treaty provide for?
The treaty provides for the extradition of any person who is wanted for trial or for theimposition or enforcement of a sentence by one ‗Contracting State‘ and is found in the
territory of the other ‗Contracting State‘. The agreement will help both the nations in
speeding up extradition of fugitives. It would further fortify the ties b/w two lawenforcement agencies by providing a firm legal basis for their bilateral cooperation. Thailandhas long been a refuge for underworld dons and illegitimate groups.
Madhya Pradesh govt to listen to oustees of the Omkareshwar dam projectJune 2nd, 2013
The MP government has decided to hear out the issues of the oustees of the Omkareshwardam project who have been protesting standing in waist to neck-deep water, for the lasttwo weeks as part of their jal satyagraha.
Why this protest?
The jal satyagraha was started by the oustees in May 2013 to at Ghogalgaon village inM.P.‘s East Nimaar region to protest against the state government‘s decision to raise the
water level in the dam to 193 metres from 189 without ensuring prior relief andrehabilitation, including land for land, to the oustees.
As per State‘s official release, some affected families, having already received monetary
compensation in lieu of land, have been misled into demanding land for land and have not
moved from the dam site. But as per court orders, only those displaced families who havenot received any compensation money from the banks are eligible for land in lieu of landand those protesting should keep that in mind before assessing the validity of theirmovement.
The Omkareshwar Project:
The 520 MW Omkareshwar project is one of the several big dams in the Narmada Valley,built by the Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation, a joint venture between NHPCLtd and the government of Madhya Pradesh.
IFC provides $5 million funds to NSL Renewable PowerJune 2nd, 2013
NSL Renewable Power which develops and operates renewable energy projects across India, will be provided funding of of $5 million by theInternational Finance Corporation (IFC) – amember of the World BankGroup (not to be confused with World Bank). This financing willsupport the company to double its power generation capacity over the next 18 months. Thisis for the second time the company is receiving funds from the IFC after getting a $20-million equity investment that IFC had made in the company in 2011.
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About NSL Renewable Power:
NSL Renewable Power develops and operates renewable energy projects using biomass,wind, hydro, and solar technologies. It has an operational capacity of 185 MW across India.
What is the difference b/w World Bank and World Bank Group?
The World Bank was created at the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference, along with three otherinstitutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The World Bank and the IMFare both based in Washington DC, and work closely with each other.
Difference:
World Bank Group is a large group which comprises of five institutions
collectively:
1. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)2. International Development Association (IDA)3. International Finance Corporation (IFC)4. Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)5. International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)
Whereas, World Bank is comprised of only two institutions:
1. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)2. International Development Association (IDA)
One Stop Crisis Centre facility for women victims in Haryana
June 2nd, 2013
Faridabad and Gurgaon (Haryana) will soon have ―One-Stop Crisis Centre‖
(OSCC) facility which will provide legal aid, police services and counselling to womenvictims under one roof.
What is OSCC?
OSCC is a comprehensive service which will provide medical facility along with other supportservices such as legal aid, police services and counselling under one roof to the victims of domestic violence and assaults. The centre will be headed by a coordinator, who will be a
senior doctor of the hospital where OSCC is located. Besides the coordinator, there would bea team of around eight to 10 people comprising a counsellor, a police officer, a lawyer, twoon-duty doctors and support staff like nurses, helpers, sweepers.
Punjab government gives nod to online lottery systemJune 2nd, 2013
The Punjab government has given approval for starting an online lottery system to enhancerevenues of the state.
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How will it work?
The online lottery system would be conducted, operated and regulated in accordance to theLottery Regulation Act, 1998 and the Punjab State Lotteries Rules, 1998. Computerterminals or other such devices, as approved by the government, will be set up at retail
locations for offering lottery games. The terminals would be connected to a main datacenter at a central headquarter. The government would appoint a distributor or a sellingagent who would design and procure, install and commission, operate and maintain,promote and market and carry out other activities to be required for managing the onlinelottery. The selection of the distributor or the selling agent would be done through tendersand a monitoring committee.
Tension escalate b/w Egypt and Ethiopia over Nile water diversionJune 4th, 2013
Dispute b/w Egypt and Ethiopia has resurfaced over the diversion of a major Nile tributaryeven as Ethiopia continues construction of Africa‘ s biggest dam, the Grand Ethiopian
Renaissance Dam, on the world‘s longest river.
What is the issue?
Background:
Nile, which is also famous as the longest river on the planet, is considered to originatefrom Lake Victoria. The river is lifeline to 11 countriesnamely Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, SouthSudan, Sudan and Egypt who share its waterresources.
The Nile has two major tributaries, the White Nile and Blue Nile. The White Nile is longerand rises in the Great Lakes region of central Africa, with the most distant source stillundetermined but located in eitherRwanda or Burundi. It flows north through Tanzania,Lake Victoria, Uganda and South Sudan. The Blue Nile is the source of most of the waterand fertile soil. It begins at Lake Tana in Ethiopia and flows into Sudan from the southeast.The two rivers meet near the Sudanese capital of Khartoum.
Conflict:
As the water resources of the Nile is shared by many countries, the self-interest of each country and their political, strategic, and social differences has led to disputes over
water sharing. Several attempts have been made to establish agreements between thecountries sharing the Nile water which is largely dominated by Egypt. Countries includingUganda, Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya have complained about Egyptian domination.
Ethiopia, which is constructing Africa‘s biggest dam, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance
Dam on the Nile, has diverted the course of the Blue Nile to commence construction of the dam. The 6000-megawatt, $4.3 billion hydropower project has stirred controversy sinceit was first announced in March 2011. Ethiopia is the source of the Blue Nile, a major
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tributary that joins the White Nile in Sudan and accounts for nearly 60% of Nile water. Oncecomplete, the dam shall stand at the head of a 74 billion cubic metre reservoir, the filling of which is expected to critically disrupt downstream flows to Egypt and Sudan.
Egypt is against the diversion of water as it depends on the river for almost all its fresh
water requirements and consumes two-thirds of the water under a colonial agreement firstsigned in 1929. The treaty divides the water b/w Sudan and Egypt and overlooks the claimsof eight other nations that share the waters.
IndusInd Bank ties up with American Express to launch credit card for affluentcustomersJune 2nd, 2013
IndusInd Bank has joined hands with American Express to unveil IndusInd Bank
Iconia American Express Card for its rich customers.
Card Benefits
The card offers its customers reward points and lifestyle benefits such asgolf, entertainment, travel and dining.
Subscribers of the card will get a reward of 1.5 point on weekdays and of 2 points on theweekends on every Rs 100 they spend. These points can then be redeemed for cash creditat full value, i.e, a rupee for each reward point and for partner air miles.
IndusInd Bank ventured into the credit card sector after acquiring Deutsche Bank‘s loss
making credit card business from its Indian operations in 2011.
Fact Box: India Post 2012 ProjectJune 2nd, 2013
What is ‗India Post 2012‘ project?
‗India Post 2012‘ project is a multi-faceted IT automation programme which was cleared inyear 2010 by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs with a total outlay of 1877.2 crores.
Vision of the Project:
India Post 2012 aims at transforming Department of Posts into a ―Technology Enabled, Self
Reliant Market Leader‖. This translates into 5 initiatives covering increased market share
and revenues, new products and services, improved service delivery, motivated workforceand rural development.
As part of 11th five year plan, this IT modernization project has been undertaken in twophases. In Phase-I, post offices up to double handed levels were supplied with IT hardwareand in Phase-II, the program has been built on 3 cornerstones as follows:
Infrastructure – The project aims to establish Data Centre / disaster recovery centres tohouse all transactions and data, nationwide networking of all post offices including rural post
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offices, supply of computer hardware to non computerized post offices, mail offices andrural post offices with a vision to create a fully managed, secure and centrally governed ITinfrastructure.
Software Solutions – Creation of integrated, modular software solution covering Postal
operations, Banking, Insurance, logistics, help desk and call centre. The IT project alsoenvisages accrual based accounting and centralized payroll processing. The project will alsobring in ecommerce solution enabling India Post to make all web and mobile basedtransactions.
Change/Project Management – The IT Project mandated changes in operationalprocedures and processes. The Department has done a detailed business processreengineering exercise and prepared the ‗To Be‘ document for future applications.
Therefore, during the implementation of the project, there would be an immenserequirement of employee participation and change management activities to ensurereadiness of employees to adopt the solution. The IT Project will carry out this importantactivity by conducting workshops, training, re-skilling for enabling change and addressing
concerns and issues of employees. It will also cater to communication and awareness atregular intervals to drive change.
Project Benefits:
Benefits for Customers:
· Better financial inclusion for the common man in the rural and semi-urban locationsat par with the urban locations, through mobile remittances, mobile banking, mobileinsurance etc.
· Effective and transparent delivery of social security and employment guaranteeschemes
· Increased consistency and reliability in mail, parcels and logistics delivery system inline with global standards
· Multiple channels of access to customers through post office counters, kiosks,internet, mobiles, ATMs etc.
· Better visibility of various articles in the mail stream and transparency in financialservices such as banking, insurance etc.
· Improved customer satisfaction due to faster and more reliable services in postal,logistics, banking, insurance and retail operations
Benefits for Department of Post (DoP):
· Significant enhancement in revenue & market shares as multitude of products will beimproved and new products/ services will be launched (e.g. eGovernance, Rural ICT)
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· Better decision making and operational planning due to availability of managementinformation in a timely manner
· Potential reduction in the transaction cost and availability of manpower forredeployment in marketing and other revenue generating capabilities
· Increased productivity and accountability
Benefits for Employees:
· Employees will have an opportunity to learn, build and enhance new skills andexpertise
· Reduction in manual work which will result in enhanced productivity levels
· Opportunity to deliver enhanced IT enabled services to their customers leading to asignificant reduction in customer complaints
· Improvement in employee engagement and empowerment
· Provide an opportunity to work in an innovation based culture
· Opportunity to be part of a growing and vibrant organization
TCS gets Rs 1,100-cr contract from India PostJune 2nd, 2013
Tata Consultancy Services, India‘ s largest software exporter has bagged a six-year Rs1,100-crore systems integration contract from India Post as part of the latter‘s ‗India Post
2012‘ programme to modernize its technology infrastructure.
The scope of the project, includes developing and supporting mail, finance and accounts,HR, and customer interaction management solutions for all channels including Rural ICTplatform.
Under the contract, TCS will also manage data migration, infrastructure, Service LevelAgreement (SLA), call centre and centralised 24x7 service desk operation for Department
of Post (DoP).
Increased urbanization, demand for financial services, increased funding by the governmentfor the weaker sections and the rural sector have opened up new opportunities for IndiaPost, which has necessitated development of new processes and supporting technology.
Russia to supply sophisticated MiG fighter planes to SyriaJune 4th, 2013
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Russia is planning to supply its latest MiG fighter planes to Syria which would strengthen tothe country‘s air defence capabilities. As per the contract signed with Syria, Russia woulddeliver more than 10 MiG-29M2 planes. The MiG-29M2 will enhance the Syrian capabilityagainst possible attacks by Israel or NATO.
The issue supply of arms has become a cause of concern for the West and the Arabcountries who doubt that these arms would be used by the Syrian army to suppress the
uprising going there.
However Russia has maintained that it had given Syria only ―defensive‖ weapons, mainly
short-range air defence systems and anti-ship missiles, to protect itself against foreignintervention. Russia has strong, stable, and friendly relationship with Syria in terms of bothtrade and strategic.
Defense Ministry promulgates new Defence Procurement ProcedureJune 4th, 2013
With the aim to enhance transparency and probity in defence purchases and to give a boostto indigenous industries, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) has promulgated a new procedure- The Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2013.
What are the key features of DPP 2013?
The Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2013 aims to balance the competingrequirements of expediting capital procurement, developing a robust indigenous defencesector and conforming to the highest standards of transparency, probity and publicaccountability, while laying a strong emphasis on promoting indigenisation and creating alevel playing field for the Indian industry.
The new procedure gives the first right of refusal to Indian vendors to promote
indigenous industry. To give impetus to indigenization, higher preference explicitly to the Buy [Indian], Buy
and Make [Indian] and Make categorisation, besides bringing further clarity in thedefinition of the ‗Indigenous Content‘ and simplifying the Buy and Make [Indian] process.
To expedite procurement procedure, the new policy has slashed the validity of Acceptanceof Necessity (AoN) from two years to one year with a stipulation to freeze the ServiceQualitative Requirements before the accord of the AoN.
Any request for extending the timeline for submitting bids will have to be made twoweeks prior to the bid submission dates. This has been done in order to encourage timelysubmission of the bids by the vendors and to discourage last minute requests forextension of time.
Kerala launches Seaplane serviceJune 4th, 2013
With an aim to boost tourism in the state launched the seaplane service at a function on theAsramam banks of Ashtamudi Lake amid protests from the fishing community who are of the view that the service would affect their business.
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What would the Seaplane service offer?
The seaplane service will be available for tourists who wish to have a panoramic viewof Kerala landscape. The service will be offered by using six-seat Cessna 206 H amphibianaircrafts which can land and take-off from both land and water.
Union Government approves National Oil Spill Contingency PlanJune 4th, 2013
In order to mitigate the impact of oil spills on the marine environment the UnionGovernment has approved the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSDCP).
The central objective behind this plan is to reduce the impact of all oil spills on theenvironment by setting specific standards for oil spill equipment stockpiles, establishingtime frames for oil spill response and enhancing collaboration among partner agencies.
Massive efforts were put in by the various resource agencies and stakeholders for cleaningof oiled mangroves at Sikka and Sarmat in the Gulf of Kutchchh, capping of gas leak fromthe ONGC well off Kakinada, and response to the fire onboard M.V Amsterdam Bridge off theMumbai harbour.
The government feels the need for periodical review of contingency plans in order to ensurespeedy and efficient mobilisation of critical resources in the event of any oil spill exigency.
PSC seeks public views on Agriculture Biosecurity Bill, 2013June 5th, 2013
The Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) on Agriculture which is headed by BasudebAcharia has sought public opinion on Agriculture Biosecurity Bill, 2013 that envisages for thesetting up of an Integrated National Biosecurity System which will cover plant, animal,marine and farm microorganisms to fight threats of bioterrorism from pests and weeds.
It has also sought suggestions from experts, stakeholders, individuals and institutions onpricing of agricultural produce, particularly on the methodology of fixing the minimumsupport price, need to broad-base the crops covered, market intervention to protect farmersfrom distress sale and need for an integrated price structure.
What are the key proposals in Agriculture Biosecurity Bill, 2013?
The Agriculture Biosecurity Bill, 2013, introduced in Lok Sabha inMarch 2013, willrepeal the Destructive Insects and Pests Act and the Livestock Importation Act of
1898. It proposes to set up an Agriculture Biosecurity Authority (ABA) for prevention,control, eradication and management of pests and diseases of plants and animals andunwanted organisms. The Bill is also meant to fulfill India‘ sinternational obligations tofacilitate import and export of plants, plant products, animals, animal products, aquaticorganisms and regulation of agriculturally important microorganisms. The ABA will regulatethe export and import of plants, animals and related products, prevent entry of quarantinepests from outside India and take steps for post-entry quarantine measures.
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What is need for Agriculture Biosecurity Bill, 2013?
With increasing liberalization of international trade in agriculture there is an elevated risk of introduction of exotic pests and weeds in the country that can cause serious economicdamage. It is also imperative to properly assess the risk Genetically Modified Organisms for
their proper management. Climate change too has the potential to alter the habitat of known pests and even introduce new pests. The emergence and spread of trans-boundarydiseases such as avian influenza, the Ug-99 wheat stem rust fungus pose new dangers tohuman, animal and plant safety. To combat these issues effectively, the Agriculture
Biosecurity Bill, 2013 has been proposed which seeks to set up ABA to improve safety,efficiency, transparency and compliance of quarantine and pest management regulationsand respond swiftly to contain biosecurity problems. It will also ensure the conduct of bio-secure international trade in agriculture.
Scripps National Spelling Bee contest: Indian-Americans dominate for 6thconsecutive yearJune 4th, 2013
Indian-American Arvind Mahankali (13) won the Scripps National Spelling Bee contest,as children from the community created history by dominating the prestigious contest forthe 6th year in a row, holding top three positions this year.
This is the sixth consecutive year that an Indian-American has won the contest,which was watched live by millions of people in the United States.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee (commonly called the National Spelling Bee) is anannual spelling bee held in the United States. Anyone who is in eighth grade or below andis under 16 years old is eligible for this contest. Participants from countries other than theU.S. must be regional spelling-bee winners as well. The winner of the Scripps National
Spelling Bee receives a $30,000 cash prize
A ‗spelling bee‘ is a competition in which contestants are asked to spell words.
‗Project Ananta‘: Planning Commission approves the project June 4th, 2013
The Planning Commission has given its ‗in principle‘ approval to the ―Project
Ananta‖ which is a pilot project aimed at development of the drought-prone Anantapurdistrict of Andhra Pradesh. The Rs 8,000-crore project will take a holistic approach toachieve the target.
The project has been approved after a high-level committee headed by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) had visited the drought-hit Anantapur district last year andsubmitted a report. It suggested that the district needed a five-year plan to take stock of the situation and prepare a plan to address issues such as natural resource management,crops and livestock. The report envisages a shift in agricultural topography of the districtsuggesting the farmers to go for cluster bean, pulses and horticulture while also taking updairy and allied activities in a big way for employment generation.
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The government currently spends over Rs.1,000 crore as input subsidy, crop insurances,beside other compensatory measures, to ease the financial stress of the farmers.
The new project would be the biggest ever targeted at handling the problems of the districtafter the Desert Development Programme a decade ago.
Egypt highest court declares Shura Council illegalJune 4th, 2013
In a major blow to Islamists in Egypt, country‘s highest court declared the nation‘s Islamist-dominated legislature and constitutional panel illegal questioning the legal basis of theIslamists‘ hold on power.
Shura Council is the upper house of Parliament which was given legislative powers last
year after Parliament was dissolved.
As per the court ruling, the Shura Council, a historically powerless body elected by 7% of the electorate which was pushed into a legislative role when Parliament was dissolved,would maintain its powers until Lower House is elected later this year.
However, the constitution of the country will remain in place because it was adopted by apopular referendum. The constitution was adopted in a nationwide vote in December with arelatively low turnout of about 35%.
The court also invalidated the clauses in a 1958 law giving the President far-reachingpowers under a state of emergency. The invalidated clauses had allowed suspects to bearrested with little recourse and imposed restrictions on the freedoms of movement andassembly.
Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP): UGC forms advisory committeeon DU‘s new format June 5th, 2013
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has set up an advisory committee, headedby S. K. Joshi, member UGC and former Director-General of CSIR, to monitor theprogress of the implementation of the new Four-Year Undergraduate Programme
(FYUP) being introduced by Delhi University. The panel will also offer corrective advice onthe issue of curriculum.
There is a widespread confusion and protest over the new four-year format of undergraduate degree courses being implemented by the DU.
Enforcement Directorate serves Rs.8,600-cr penalty notice on Emaar MGFJune 5th, 2013
Construction giant Emaar MGF Land Limited has been served a show-cause notice by theEnforcement Directorate for alleged breach of the Foreign Exchange Management Act(FEMA) worth about Rs.8,600 crore by false representation on utilization of Foreign DirectInvestment (FDI).
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What is the violation?
The RBI provides this FDI scheme facility to Indian companies under an automatic route toreceive funds from abroad for a number of businessactivities, including constructiondevelopment projects. The companies receiving funds have to disclose the purpose — from
the list of permitted activities by RBI — for which the FDI had been received.
As per allegations, the Emaar company which received funds from its four subsidiaries fromDubai, Cyprus, Mauritius and other foreign countries under the FDI scheme gave falseinformation about the use of those funds as it stated the funds were used in constructionproject but it allegedly utilized the overseas funds in the purchase of agricultural land andother plots in India. This use of overseas funds was not disclosed to the RBI nor was itpermitted under the FDI scheme. The ED has found Emaar MGF and its four subsidiariesguilty of contravention of Section 6(3)(b) of the FEMA Act, for a total amount of aboutRs.8,600 crore.
It is possible that the penalty proceedings against these violations would also be undertakenwhich could take up the total penalty amount to Rs.25,000 crore, which is 300% of theviolations detected.
Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA):
Passed in 1999 Objective: To replace FERA (Foreign Exchange Regulations Act), 1973 which had become
incompatible after economic reforms and pro-liberalization policies of the Government of India.
Seeks to make offenses related to foreign exchange civil offenses. Allows only the authorized people to deal with foreign security or foreign exchange.
Real Estate (Regulation and Development) BillJune 5th, 2013
Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill gets Cabinet‘s nod
With the aim to bring uniformity in the regulation of realty sector, the Union Cabinet hascleared the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill.
What does the Bill hold?
The bill seeks to:
Set up a regulator for the real estate sector with provisions for a jail term for thedeveloper for putting out misleading advertisements about projects.
Provide a uniform regulatory environment to the real estate sector. Make it mandatory for developers to launch projects only after acquiring all statutory
clearances from relevant authorities.
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To deter builders from putting out misleading advertisements related to the projectscarrying photographs of the actual site.
Slap a penalty of up to 10% of the project cost to the first time offenders and a repeatoffence could land the developer in jail.
Make it mandatory for a developer to maintain a separate bank account for every project
to ensure that the money raised for a particular task is not diverted. Provide for clear definition of ‗carpet area‘ and would prohibit private developers fromselling houses or flats on the basis of ambiguous ‗super area‘.
Builders will be able to sell property only after getting all necessary clearances. Forbid developers from collecting money from buyers before completing all necessary
permits to start construction on the project.
Rajasthan to get two new airportsJune 5th, 2013
As per Airports Authority of India (AAI), the civil airportsin Jaisalmer and Bikaner in Rajasthan will be made operational before the end of this
year. Both airports will be inaugurated in August this year. The AAI will conduct surveysabout unused airstrips and old airport buildings in Rajasthan which could be renovated anddeveloped for improving air connectivity in the State. Besides, the authority will soon beginwork on the proposed airport at Kishangarh in Ajmer for which the State government hasalready provided land.
Duty hiked on the import of Gold and PlatinumJune 6th, 2013
With an aim to curb the soaring CAD and depletion in the value of rupee, the governmenthas raised the import duty on Gold and Platinum from previous 6% to 8%. The increase istargeted at discouraging import of gold, which is a key factor contributing in the rise in
Current Account Deficit (CAD) affecting country‘s foreign exchange reserves as well as therupee value.
This is the second in the duty in six months as gold imports reached a worrying 162 tonnesin May 2013. In the last two months the imports of the metal has led to the outflow of 15billion US dollars. The CAD, which is a difference between inflow and outflow of foreigncurrency, touched a historic high of 6.7% of GDP in the quarter ending December 2012.
Nawaz Sharif takes oath to the PM office of PakistanJune 6th, 2013
Nawaz Sharif of PML-N party has sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan for his 3rd term
after formally being elected as the Prime Minister by the National Assembly. Sharif hasregained the reigns of Pakistan after 14 years after he was forced to leave the office in amilitary coup and went into exile. He was sworn-in by the President Asif Ali Zardari. Sharif is a leading industrialist of Pakistan and the owner of Ittefaq Group, aleading business conglomerate of Pakistan.
India, 8 other nations exempted from sanctions for Iranian oil importJune 6th, 2013
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An ROFR differs from a Right of First Offer (ROFO, also known as a Right of FirstNegotiation) in that the ROFO merely obliges the owner to undergo exclusive goodfaith negotiations with the rights holder before negotiating with other parties. A ROFR is anoption to enter a transaction on exact or approximate transaction terms. A ROFO is merelyan agreement to negotiate.
ONGC adopts six monuments under Campaign Clean IndiaJune 7th, 2013
The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has agreed to the initiative of Ministry of Tourism forpermitting ONGC for adopting six monuments under Campaign Clean India. The sixmonuments/tourist destinations are: Taj Mahal at Agra, Ellora Caves in Maharashtra,
Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra, Red Fort in Delhi, Golkonda Fort Hyderabad and
Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu.
ONGC is adopting these monuments as part of their corporate social responsibilities and it isthe endeavor of Ministry of Tourism that Campaign Clean India is carried out for maximum
number of monuments/tourist destinations so that tourists instill the feelings and spirit of cleanliness and respect for such monuments.
What is ―Campaign Clean India‖?
The ―Campaign Clean India‖ is a programme being run by the Ministry of Tourism aimed at
undertaking both sensitization and action at field level on bringing our tourism destinationsand their surroundings to an acceptable level of cleanliness and hygiene. The Campaign willensure that these levels are sustained through ownership and involvement of private andpublic sector stakeholders. The campaign will be part of Government‘s strategy of the
12th five year plan for improving the quality of services and environs in and around touristdestinations across India.
Uttarakhand CM opposes declaring Gomukh-Gangotri as eco-sensitive zoneJune 7th, 2013
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has urged the Centre to review the recentnotification declaring the 100 km stretch from Gomukh to Uttarkashi as an eco-sensitivezone. The declaration is being opposed by the locals in that area who are saying that if thenotification is implemented it would adversely affect the infrastructuredevelopment in theborder district.
As per the Chief Minister, the locals are hopeful that the power projects under constructionor planned there would help in developing the backward economy of the region. Besides, heis also of the view that if the notification is implemented then it will impede Border roadprojects which is also needed to be constructed at the earliest keeping in mind theinfrastructure development being carried out by China close to the Indian border.
Japan conducts successful test of new Maglev Bullet TrainJune 7th, 2013
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Japan has successfully performed the first successful test of new generation L0 Series
Trains (maglev bullet trains) designed to travel at speeds of 311 mph. These trainshave latest Magnetic levitation technology (maglev) instead of the conventionalwheels. The commercial services of this series of trains will start in 2027.
What is special about these trains?
These trains are also called ‗floating‘ trains as there is lack of friction due to the new maglev
technology which makes acceleration and deceleration faster and they are unaffected byweather conditions. The train will have 16 carriages and will carry up to 1000 passengers ata time.
Japan had launched its first bullet train named Shinkansen in 1964 to concur with itshosting of the Olympic Games. Currently, Japan has the World‘s most sophisticated rail
network.
First All-Women Police Station starts functioning in Itanagar (Arunachal
Pradesh)June 6th, 2013
To combat the issue of increasing crimes against the women, the first all-women policestation started functioning in Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh).
The state cabinet had recently passed a proposal to set up all-women police station. To dealwith crime against women, the state cabinet has also approved the creation of separatecells in all the seventeen district headquarters and the Police headquarters of the state. Torun these cells the state is also running a special recruitment drive for recruiting womenpolice personnel.
Susan Rice will be US National Security AdviserJune 7th, 2013
President Barack Obama to appointment Ms Susan Rice as national security adviser for USGovt. Ms Susan Rice who currenttly US ambassador at the UN, will take over the position inJuly 2013 from Mr Tom Donilon.
The decision to appoint Ms Rice is a noncompliant gesticulate towards Republicans inCongress. The position of national security adviser does not necessitates Senateconfirmation. Ms Rice‘s appointment underscores the President Obama‘s orientation forfilling his inner circle with people he knows well.
Amazon.in launched in IndiaJune 7th, 2013
Online retailing giant Amazon unveiled its India marketplace, ‗Amazon.in‘, offering books, movies and television shows for sale. However, currently, Amazon will not own any of themerchandise that is sold but will act as channel for any retailer who wants to sell itsproducts on the website.
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World Environment Day Observed globally with the theme: ―Think. Eat. Save-Reduce Your Foodprint‖ June 7th, 2013
World Environment Day was observed in India and across the globe on June 5. The daywas dedicated by the UN Conference on Human Environment in 1972 for the cause of
spreading awareness about environment protection. The United Nations EnvironmentProgramme (UNEP) disseminates environmental awareness through the celebration of WorldEnvironment Day to get citizens‘ support for environment protection across the globe.
This year‘s World Environment Day theme: ―Think. Eat. Save- Reduce Your Foodprint ―
The campaign bespeaks minimizing waste of food at all stages of the food chain,
from farm to fork. This is to increase awareness about the environmental consequences of our food choices and find solutions to reduce our environmental ―foodprint‖, as food
production has heavy impact on environmental resources.
Agriculture is responsible for 70% of fresh water consumption, 80% of deforestation, and30% of greenhouse gas emissions. It is the cause of land-use change, biodiversity loss, andresponsible for large-scale soil, water and air pollution. The campaign is also to remind eachone of us that despite producing enough food for everyone, 90 crore people still go hungryworld over. It is time we took pledge to make a difference, individually as well ascollectively, to reduce food loss or wastage and move towards a world where everyone hasenough to eat and no one is malnourished or undernourished.
Tomas Brunegard is new WAN-IFRA presidentJune 7th, 2013
Tomas Brunegård, chairman of Sweden‘ s Stampen Media Group, has been elected as the
new president of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-INFRA).
He will have a two-year term. He succeeds Jacob Mathew of the Kerala-based Malayala
Manorama .
The 65th World Newspaper Congress, the 20th World Editors Forum, and the 23rd
World Advertising Forum were held in Bangkok.
About WAN-IFRA
WAN-IFRA, based in Paris, France, and Darmstadt, Germany, with subsidiariesin Singapore and India, is the global organisation of the world‘s newspapers and news
publishers. It represents more than 18,000 publications, 15,000 online sites and over 3,000
companies in more than 120 countries. Its core mission is to defend and promote press freedom, quality journalism and editorial
integrity and the development of thriving businesses.
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NAC re-constituted, tribal expert Virginius Xaxa replaces Aruna RoyJune 7th, 2013
Union Government has restructured the National Advisory Council by inducting eminentsociologist Virginius Xaxa into the 12-member panel headed by Sonia Gandhi. Xaxa isa Professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati and has worked extensively
on tribal communities of the country
Aruna Roy who had criticised PM Manmohan Singh for refusing to pay the beneficiaries of the MGNREGA in line with the Minimum Wages Act, had written to Sonia Gandhi requestingnot to consider her for another term of the Council and result was that her request wasaccepted.
Some facts about National Advisory Council (NAC):
The NAC comprises prominent professionals chosen from diverse fields of developmentactivity who serve in their individual capacities.
NAC provides inputs in the formulation of policy by the Government and supports theGovernment in its legislative workings.
NAC has a special focus on social policy and the rights of the disadvantaged groups. It must be noted that the term of panel has been made co-terminus with the term of the
present government.
Obesity and poor nutrition costs world economy $1.4 trillion: FAOJune 7th, 2013
As per the latest report of the Rome based U.N.‘s Food and AgricultureOrganisation
(FAO), obesity and poor nutrition cost dearly for the global economy and suggested thegovernments that investing in foodhealth would bring big economic as well as social returns.
As per the report:
World economy incurs loss of around $1.4 trillion a year on the account of lostproductivity and spiralling health care bills linked to obesity.
12.5 % of the world‘s population — or 868 million people — are still undernourished,while 26% of children are stunted by malnutrition.
Low and middle-income countries are witnessing rapid rise in obesity cases, Mexico is thecountry with highest rates of obesity in the world.
Some 1.4 billion people in the world are now overweight and a third of them are obese. Some countries have both under-nourishment and obesity problems. The costs of undernutrition are estimated at two-three percent of global GDP, equivalent
to $1.4 to $2.1 trillion per year.
What are the possible Solutions ?
Governments across the world can enhance nutritional outlook by investing in betteragricultural policies on nutrition include changes in production, with micronutrient fertilisers,
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bio-fortified crops and crop and livestock diversification. They must encourage dietary
diversity and promote agricultural systems which are not oriented solely to production of cereals but also giving equal importance to other nutrient-rich foods like fruit, vegetables,fish, meat and eggs. Investing in the reduction of micronutrient deficiencies, for example,would result in better health, fewer child deaths and increased future earnings. Improving
nutrition would boost earnings, ―with a benefit-to-cost ratio of almost 13 to 1‖. UK‘s Northern Ireland gears up for G-8 summitJune 7th, 2013
The 39th G8 summit will be held in the United Kingdom‘s NorthernIreland on June 17-18,2013.
G-8
The Group of Eight (G8) is a group made upof Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the UnitedStates.
Initially the group had only 6 member Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom and UnitedStates were the initial member countries and it was then known as G6 or group of six.
Russia is the country to last join the group in 1997, making it G-8 from G-7.
Fact Box: Indian Banks‘ Association (IBA) June 7th, 2013
K R Kamath re-elected as IBA‘s Chairman
K R Kamath, the chairman and managing director of Punjab National Bank (PNB), has beenre-elected as the Chairman of the Indian Banks‘ Association (IBA) for 2013-14 tenure.
Indian Banks‘ Association (IBA)
Established on September 26, 1946. It is an association of Indian banks and financial institutions. It is based in Mumbai. Currently represents a total of 173 banking companies which are operating in India.
Objective: Strengthening, development and coordination of the Indian banking. It alsofacilitates various member banks.
The Managing Committee of the IBA consists of a chairman, three deputy chairmen,
one honorary secretary as well as 26 members.
Fact Box: e-BRC (Bank Realization Certificate)June 8th, 2013
MoU inked b/w DGFT and Government of Delhi to use e-BRC (Bank Realization
Certificate)
An MoU was signed b/w the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and Commissioner(Trade and Taxes) and Government of NCT of Delhi for making use of electronic Bank
Realization Certificate (e-BRC).
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With this, Delhi has become the second state to sign the MoU. The first state to sign thisMoU was Maharashtra.
What is e-BRC?
e-BRC is electronic form of earlier physical Bank Realization Certificate. It waslaunched in 2012 by thethe Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to reducetransaction cost to exporters, who will not be required to make any request to bank forissuance of bank export and realisation certificate (BRC).
BRC is issued by a bank after realization of export proceeds in the country. It is animportant document required for claiming benefits under various Foreign Trade Policyschemes. In addition, BRC data is used by VAT, Income Tax and Drawback departments.
Finance Ministry asks IBA to set up independent body to oversee CDR mechanismJune 8th, 2013
The Indian Banks‘ Association (IBA) has been asked by the Finance Ministry to set upan independent body to oversee the Corporate Debt Restructuring (CDR) mechanism.The step has taken after witnessing a surge in the number of debt restructurings over thepast two years. Both the IBA and the finance ministry has expressed concern that banksand their clients are taking undue advantage of the CDR mechanism, deferring the issue of Non-Performing Assets‘ (NPA) formation. Under CDR, there were 106 cases of restructuredloans, of Rs 76,470 crore, in 2012-13. This was a rise from 50 cases (exposure of Rs39,600 crore) the previous year.
The Independent Body:
The independent oversight mechanism will not have any government representative orany serving banker but some experts who will scrutinize from the correctness point of view whether the case referred is genuine.
The committee will act as an advisory body which will help the banks examine a particularcase and it will not be mandatory for a bank to go to the committee.
The finance ministry has been asking banks to deal strictly with wilful defaulters and tobecome more aggressive on loan recovery.
The Reserve Bank of India has also made the debt recast norm tougher. It has said allloans to be restructured after April 1, 2015, should be classified as NPA.
45% of deaths of under-five children caused by malnutrition: ReportJune 7th, 2013
As per a latest report published in The Lancet , malnutrition has been blamed to be thereason behind the deaths of nearly 45% children under-five.
As per the research report:
Malnutrition is responsible for around 3.1 million deaths in children under five every year.
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Stunting (reduced growth) affected at least 165 million children worldwide in 2011 whileat least 52 million children were affected by wasting (low weight for height), and 100million children were underweight.
Over 90% of these were in Asia or Africa, with Africa the only major world
region where the number of children with stunting increased.
In 2012, a study report titled HUNGaMA brought shame to the nation by revealing thegrim picture of nutrition in India. The study was conducted on more than one lakhchildren across six States of India which found that as many as 42% of under-fives wereseverely or moderately underweight and that 59% of them suffered from moderate tosevere stunting.
Undernutrition affects development of a child, with consequences ranging from poorerschool performance to increased susceptibility to infectious disease.
Low-and middle-income countries also face the problem of maternal under-nutritionwhich leads to premature birth and stunted growth which in turn makes the infantvulnerable to several diseases. Maternal undernutrition is estimated to be responsiblefor more than a quarter of all newborn deaths.
The consequences of malnutrition, including stunting, wasting and underweight (low
weight for age), all of which result in increased risk of death and illness for both pregnantwomen and children.
Deficiencies of vitamin A and zinc result in deaths; deficiencies of iodine and iron,together with stunting, can contribute to children not reaching their developmentalpotential.
Suboptimum breastfeeding results in an increased risk for mortality in the first 2 years of life.
Maternal overweight and obesity result in increased maternal morbidity and infantmortality.
Childhood overweight is becoming an increasingly important contributor to adult obesity,diabetes, and non-communicable diseases.
Centre returns West Bengal ponzi Bill for rectificationJune 7th, 2013
The Centre has returned the West Bengal Bill, aimed at reining in ponzi firms. The Centreexpressed reservations about the ―retrospective effect‖ clause and asked the State
government to rectify it.
The West Bengal Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishments Bill, 2013was passed recently, after the Saradha Group scam shocked the State.
The Opposition parties argued that in criminal laws, retrospective effect could not be given.The law also authorizes officials to visit any premises, search documents and seize andconfiscate property of offenders.
DIPP clarifies: MBRT doesn‘t allow trading through franchise routeJune 8th, 2013
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The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion has clarified the queries on FDI policyfor Multi-Brand Retail Trading (MBRT) from global retailers. The clarification is asfollows:
Foreign retailers entering India‘ s multi-brand segment will not be allowed to franchise
their stores. Front-end stores set up by MBRT entity will have to be company-owned andcompany operated only. Mandatory 30% sourcing from small industries will be counted only for sales through the
front-end stores. Foreign retailers will have to put 50% of their investments in back-
end infrastructure specifically for the chain they are setting up and any amount spent inacquiring front-end retail stores would not be counted towards back-end infrastructure
The front-end retail stores must also be set up as an additionality, and not throughacquisition of existing stores.
Investment in the equity of the existing infrastructure company will not be treatedtowards the fulfillment of the conditionality of 50% investment in back-end infrastructure.
Investment towards back-end infrastructure can be made across all States irrespective of
whether FDI in MBRT is allowed in that State or not. The sourcing condition pertains only to manufactured and processed products.
Procurement of fresh produce is not covered by this condition. FDI in non-FDI approved States in back-end infrastructure will be counted for the
compulsory 50% investment norm provided it is an additionality. Entire investment in back-end infrastructure has to be an additionality, and the foreign
retail chain can invest only in greenfield (new) assets and it will not be possible toacquire supply/chain/backend assets or stakes from an existing entity.
The MBRT entity is not envisaged to undertake wholesale activity, that is, B2B. The cash& carry trading cannot be considered to be providing back-end infrastructure to the multi-brand retail store.
National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) established by GovernmentJune 8th, 2013
In order to Coordinate and Harmonize the Skill Development Efforts of the Governmentof India and the Private Sector to Achieve the Skilling Targets of the 12th Plan, theGovernment has set up the National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) by subsumingthe Prime Minister‘s National Council on Skill Development (PMNCSD), the National
Skill Development Coordination Board (NSDCB) and the Office of the Adviser to the PMon Skill Development.
Aim: To coordinate and harmonize the skill development efforts of the Government of Indiaand the private sector to achieve the skilling targets of the 12th Plan and beyond. It willendeavor to bridge the social, regional, gender and economic divide by ensuring that theskilling needs of the disadvantaged and marginalized groups like SCs, STs, OBCs,minorities, women and differently-abled persons are addressed through the various skilldevelopment programmes.The NSDA will develop and monitor an overarching framework for skill development, anchorthe National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and facilitate the setting-up of professional certifying bodies in addition to the existing ones. It will be an autonomous
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body headed by a person of the rank and status of a Cabinet Minister supported by aDirector General and other support staff.
The existing Central Ministries and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) willcontinue to implement schemes in their responsibility.
Fact Box: ―ROSHNI‖ – A new programme launched by Rural DevelopmentMinistry in 24 naxal affected districtsJune 8th, 2013
The Ministry for Rural Development has launched a new skill development schemecalled Roshni for rural youth from 24 most critical left-wing extremism affected districts inthe country.
ROSHNI:
Aim: Skilling and Placement of 50,000 youth from 24 selected naxal affected districts. Cost : Rs 100 crore over the next 3 years, will be shared jointly by the centre and state
governments in the ratio of 75:25 Districts Targeted: Six districts each from Jharkhand andOdisha, five
from Chhattisgarh, two from Bihar and one each fromAndhra Pradesh, UttarPradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradeshand Maharashtra.
Monitoring and coordination of the programme will be done by national level agencies. At least 50% of the candidates covered under the scheme shall be women and special
efforts will be made to proactively cover Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups on a prioritybasis.
Beneficiaries aged b/w 18-35 years with requisite aptitude depending upon the trade or job requirements are to be selected as per the Participatory Identification of Poor.
Training will be imparted through public-private and public-public partnerships. Educational institutions, corporate entities, entities that train and place for improved
public service delivery, commercial and not for profit training providers will be roped in. Four training models with duration ranging from 3 months to one year shall be taken up
to meet the diverse needs of youth depending on their entry level qualifications.
World Oceans Day observed on June 8, 2013June 8th, 2013
World Ocean Day was observed across the globe on 8 June 2013.
The theme for this year is: Together, we have the Power to Protect the Oceans .
Although World Ocean Day was introduced in 1992 at Rio de Janeiro, it was in 2008 whenUnited Nations General Assembly decided to designate June 8 as the World Oceans Dayfrom 2009 onwards with its resolution number 63/111, Paragraph 171.
Importance: The day focuses on raising global awareness of the current challenges facedby the international community in connection with the oceans.
Bryan brothers clinch French Open men‘s doubles 2013
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June 10th, 2013
American Twin brothers Bob and Mike Bryan bagged their record 14 th major doubles title byvanquishing Michael Llodra and Nicolas Mahut of France in the French Open men‘s doubles
final. The Bryans had won their only other French Open in 2003.
Fact Box: Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum (GFRG)June 8th, 2013
IIT-Madras develops new technology for mass housing
Researchers in the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) have developed a methodof design and construction to make use of Glass Fibre Reinforced Gypsum
(GFRG) panels to construct rapid, cost-effective mass housing. The institute has alsoinaugurated a ‗GFRG demo building‘ comprising four flats in a two-storeyed building hasbeen constructed inside the campus.
What is GFRG?
Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum (GFRG) is comprised of a mixture of raw gypsum andcement, laminated to layers of long strand, continuous glass fiber matting.
What are the applications of GFRG?
GFRG can be used wherever a light, strong and fire retardant material is required(casinos, hotels, theaters, residential, etc.). GFRG is for use where it is not subject todampness.
It should not be exposed to rain or for fountains, pools or wet locations. It is usedinMoldings, Ceilings, Columns, Light coves, Bas Relief, Domes, Capitals, Fireplace
Surrounds, Medallions, Custom shapes etc.
What is special about GFRG?
GFRG is a mineral and will not burn. In addition, the nature of gypsum acts like a thermalregulator when exposed to flame.
GFRG is not only incombustible, but it also protects the materials behind it from the heatof the flame for up to two hours.
GFRG is relatively light in weight compared to traditional stone or plaster ornaments. Its installation is quick and relatively easy. GFRG can be cast to virtually any shape.
10.2 % rise in Cost Inflation Index (CII) for 2013-14June 8th, 2013
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has specified a rise of 10.2% in the value forthe Cost Inflation Index (CII) for 2013-14. In 2012, the index was ‗852‘, and this year it
is ‗939‘ which shows a 10.2% increase in the cost inflation index for 2013 -14.
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What is Cost Inflation Index?
It is a measure of inflation that finds application in tax law, when computing long-term
capital gains on sale of assets. Section 48 of the Income-Tax Act defines the index as whatis notified by the Central Government every year, having regard to 75% of average rise in
the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for urban non-manual employees for the immediatelypreceding previous year.
How does it help?
A cost inflation index helps reduce the inflationary gains, thereby reducing the long-termcapital gains tax payout for a taxpayer. Currently, the income-tax law allows long-termcapital gains to be computed after adjusting for inflation. At present,
The cost of acquisition as well as the cost of improvement is adjusted for inflation b/w thedate of purchase and date of sale (through the CII) before the long-term capital gain isascertained. Currently, the holding period is different for different assets for deciding theapplicability of long-term capital gains.
Under the new Direct Taxes Code which will be effective from April 1, 2014, the test fornon-business assets will be a uniform holding period of one year.
Dhoni stands at 16th spot on Forbes list of highest-paid athletesJune 8th, 2013
As per the Forbes latest rankings of the highest paid athletes in the world, India skipper M SDhoni, with earnings of $31.5 million, has been ranked at 16th place as leaped 15 positionsfrom his previous 31st rank in 2012.
US golfer Tiger Woods is at the pinnacle of the list with total earnings of $78.1 million
last year.The magazine said 31-year-old Dhoni moved up 15 positions this year. In 2012, he wasplaced at 31st position.
Top 10 on the Rankings:
Rank Name Country Pay (Salary + Endorsements) ($) Sport
1. Tiger Woods USA 78.1m Golf
2. Roger Federer Switzerland 71.5m Tennis
3. Kobe Bryant USA 61.9m Basketball
4. LeBron James USA 59.8m Basketball
5. Drew Brees USA 51m Americanfootball 6. Aaron Rodgers USA 49m American football
7. Phil Mickelson USA 48.7m Golf
8. David Beckham UK 47.2m Soccer
9. Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 44m Soccer
10. Lionel Messi Argentina 41.3m Soccer
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applicable tax rates, documentation requirements, brokerage fee and others vis-a-visother competing destinations, and make suggestions aimed at achieving competitiveness.
Examine related policy/operating frameworks and the performance of various segmentsof Indian capital/financial markets and make recommendations aimed at improving theircompetitiveness and efficiency, as also the completeness of these markets in terms of
fully meeting client needs as per global standards through provision of requisite servicesand financial instruments Examine the scope for reform measures aimed at increasing transparency, promoting
development of and strengthening governance in the Indian capital markets/financialsector while ensuring that risks are contained and investor interests are protected.
Who are on the Council?
The SCE will have financial experts from Government as well as private sectors as itsmember. The composition is as follows:
Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs-Chairperson Chief Economic Adviser (CEA)- Member and Alternate Chair Joint Secretary (Capital Markets), DEA: Convener – Member Secretary to the Council.
Bio-food gaining attraction at weddings, luncheonsJune 10th, 2013
Bio-food is gaining the interest of people desiring for food produced with least syntheticinputs and for experiencing something new. Many people with health and environmentsconcerns are switching to organic foods and are buying into the principles of chemical-freecultivation. They are making their dietary vote known to friends and family by throwingorganic parties and ‗health‘ luncheons and even supplementing wedding and anniversary
reception menus with organic dishes.
What is Bio-food?
Bio-foods or Organic foods are foods that are produced using methods of organic farming – that do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as synthetic pesticides and chemicalfertilizers. Organic foods are also not processedusing irradiation, industrial solvents, orchemical food additives. The organic farming movement arose in the 1940s in response tothe industrialization of agriculture known as the Green Revolution.
Organic food production is a heavily regulated industry, distinct from private gardening.Currently, the European Union, the United States, Canada, Japan and many other countries
require producers to obtain special certification in order to market food as organic withintheir borders. In the context of these regulations, organic food is food produced in a waythat complies with organic standards set by national governmentsand international organizations.
There is no sufficient scientific evidence to substantiate that organic food is safer orhealthier than conventional food or it tastes better than conventional food.
Indian firm proposes to set up power plants to Pakistan
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June 11th, 2013
Delhi-based Desein Private Ltd, a power consultancy firm, has submitted proposals foroffered its services to the Pakistan government for the production of cheap electricity.Pakistan is currently going through a massive energy crisis. The Indian company hasproposed the setting up of power plants that will use local coal or lignite.
Desein, which provides services in India and the U.A.E., has proposed to conceptualize thepower plant, including site selection, project development, engineering, construction andcommissioning.
What is Lignite?
Lignite is a low grade variety of coal which has low carbon content and thus it has lowheating capacity.
Coal is found mainly in four varieties:
1. Anthracite: Highest rank of coal, is a harder, glossy black coal used primarily for
residential and commercial space heating. 2. Bituminous: It is also of good quality, used primarily as fuel in steam-electric power
generation, with substantial quantities used for heat and power applications inmanufacturing and to make coke.
3. Peat: It has industrial importance as a fuel in some regions, forexample, Ireland and Finland. In its dehydrated form, peat is a highly effective
absorbent for fuel and oil spills on land and water. It is also used as a conditioner
for soil to make it more able to retain and slowly release water.4. Lignite: Lowest grade of coal and used almost exclusively as fuel for electric power
generation.
RBI will intervene in forex market to prevent instabilityJune 11th, 2013
RBI has said that it doesn‘t target any exchange rate but it will intervene in the Forex
market to only to curb volatility and prevent disruption of macroeconomic stability. Thestatement has come amid weakening of Rupee as it declines to 57 mark against US dollar.
Why does RBI intervene in the Forex market?
With the decline of the Indian currency against dollars, the imports (mainly petroleum, rawmaterials) become costly as we have to buy dollars by shelling out more rupees. Thesedollars are then used to pay for our imports because it is acceptable everywhere. Thus, aswe pay higher prices for our imports of petroleum, it affects the prices of other commoditieslinked with petrol/diesel through increased cost of production or transportation which addsto inflation. In order to prevent inflation due to Forex market volatility, it becomes
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imperative for the central bank to take mitigate measure to manage the disruption to themacro economic situation.
What can RBI do?
RBI can opt for releasing dollars into the market which will help curb sentiment and panicpurchase.
Vesnina, Makarova clinch French Open women‘s doubles title 2013 June 11th, 2013
Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina of Russia won their first Grand Slam title together bydefeating defending champions Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy in the women‘s
doubles final of the French Open.
Government to start National Higher Education Campaign (Rashtriya UcchatarShiksha Abhiyan)June 10th, 2013
The Union Government has decided to launch National HigherEducation Campaign
(Rashtriya Ucchatar Shiksha Abhiyan), to focus on equity based development,
improvement in teaching-learning quality and research. Under this programme, fundswill be granted to public Universities and Colleges so that higher educational institutes donot depend heavily on the affiliation fees.
The programme will encourage the Universities to give more emphasis on life-skilldevelopment activities which would ultimately aid in employment generation.
Banks to audit documents of credits of Rs 5 Crore and above periodically: RBIJune 11th, 2013
As per the directions made by RBI, Banks will have to do periodical audits and re-verification of the documents of all credits of and above Rs 5 crore, till the loan iscompletely repaid. The instructions have been made in order to check frauds.
As notified by the RBI, the banks should provide quarterly review notes of such audits thatinclude information like number of accounts where rectification is required, list of deficiencies observed by auditors and steps taken to rectify the deficiencies.The direction came up after RBI found a large volume of frauds at the time when thebranches of banks were under concurrent audit. The bank found that frauds wereperpetrated on account of the submission of forged documents of the borrower, which were
certified by advocates/chartered accountants/valuers.200 Indians victim of cheating stranded in Saudi ArabiaJune 11th, 2013
Around 200 skilled and unskilled laborers from different states of India are strandedin Saudi Arabia after their Bangladeshi employer cheated them. The worker were promised
jobs in a plastic factory, but were made to clean toilets. They have appealed to thegovernment of India for help to return home.
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Duped by Agents
It has become a serious problem for India to deal with these sorts of situation when peopletake improper route to go abroad and the ramifications which follow. In the present case,the laborers were recruited for a plastic factory after they paid Rs 80, 000- Rs 1,50,000 to
the agents who made arrangements for their travel and ended up in a manpower supplyingcompany managed by two Bangladeshis.
Rs 10 crore transferred through DBT of LPGJune 11th, 2013
The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of LPG which was launched in 18 districts of thecountry has successfully disbursed a subsidy of Rs 435 to each of 250,000 householdswithin the first week of its launch.Under the scheme launched on June 1, LPG consumers get Rs 435 in their bank accountswhen they book an LPG cylinder. They are then expected to use this cash subsidy to buy aLPG refill at market price which is roughly the double of Rs 410 per 14.2-kg subsidized rate
in Delhi.
The government intends to expand the scheme to rest of the country before the end of theyear but wants to see results in the 20 districts first. The districts selected havehigh Aadhaar unique identification number penetration.
The scheme is expected to save government‘s Rs 8,000-10,000 crore in LPG subsidyannually after the scheme is extended throughout the country.
BJP appoints Narendra Modi as Chairman of its Campaign Committee for 2014pollsJune 11th, 2013
All the uncertainties about who will head the major opposition party- Bharatiya JanataParty (BJP) were brought to an end as party President Rajnath Singh announced NarendraModi as the Chairman of the party‘s Campaign Committee for 2014 general elections. Modiwas recently appointed a member of the party‘s parliamentary board.
French Open 2013: Serena Williams won the women‘s title June 11th, 2013
World no.1 American tennis player Serena Williams defeated her Russian opponent MariaSharapova to clinch the French Open 2013 women‘s title.
This victory brought up her 16th grand slam title, taking her to within two of the great 1980sduo of Chris Evert and Martina Navatilova.
Railways to introduce SMS-based OPCRS service for cleanliness relatedcomplaintsJune 11th, 2013
As envisaged in the Rail Budget 2013-14, Indian Railways will launch an SMS-based servicenamed ―On-site Passenger Complaint Redressal System (OPCRS)‖ for quick response
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to passenger complaints regarding housekeeping service in coaches. The service will bestarted on a pilot basis on a few select trains to facilitate passengers to contact on-boardstaff through SMS or phone call for complaints related to hygiene in coaches, toilets andother problems faced during journey. OPCRS is likely to be launched in either Mumbai
Rajdhani or Bangalore Rajdhani as a pilot project soon.
How will it work?
The system will provide a common number like the one used for PNR enquiry which to whicha passenger can send SMS for any issue related to coach housekeeping like dirty toilets,compartment or absence of liquid soap. Once the SMS is sent, the information will beregistered on OPCRS connected with GSM network, and it will be immediately routed to aGSM hand held unit (mobile phone) available with housekeeping supervisor on train.Simultaneously, an acknowledgement would be sent on the mobile phone of thecomplainant with a complaint ID with instruction to disclose the ID to the housekeepingsupervisor after he attends to the problem to his satisfaction. Housekeeping supervisor onreceipt of passenger information would locate him, get briefing of his requirements and
attend to the problem besides giving him feedback.
More accurate test for early detection of Down‘s syndrome developed June 11th, 2013
Researchers at the King‘s College London have claimed to have developed a more
accurate test for Down‘s syndrome which can also be given earlier in pregnancy
than current tests.
The newly developed testing method in non-invasive and involves the test of foetal DNA inmaternal blood to find the possibility of Down‘s in the baby with high accuracy. Unlike
existing tests, the latest technique has no chances of causing miscarriage. It could reduce
the number of high risk women needing an invasive test by adding an extra level of screening.
Current Tests:
In UK, all the pregnant women are offered Down‘s testing. These tests initially use
ultrasound, during which a pocket of fluid at the back of a baby‘s neck – the nuchaltranslucency – is measured. Babies with Down‘s syndrome tend to have more fluid thannormal. If it shows positive, the women are advised to undergo further testing likeAmniocentesis or Chorionic Villus Sampling which are invasive procedure and carry 1%chance of miscarriage.
What is Down‘s syndrome?
Down‘s syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presenceof all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21.Down‘s syndrome is the most common
chromosome abnormality in humans.It is typically associated with a delay in cognitiveability (mental retardation, or MR) and physical growth, and a particular set of facialcharacteristics.
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shareholding till such time they comply. Restrictions have been put on their dealing in thenon-compliant shares and in becoming directors in other companies.
In June 2010, the rules were amended to provide for minimum and continuous publicshareholding of 25% in private listed companies. The deadline was June 3, 2013, on which
date some 100-odd companies were found to be non-compliant. The regulator is nowproceeding against them.
SEBI had given ample time to the companies to comply. It even introduced two newmethods — the Offer for Sale (OFS) and theInstitutional Placement Programme
(IPP) — to expedite the share divestment.
Haryana notifies new Communication Infra policyJune 13th, 2013
The Haryana government has notified a new Communication Infra Policy which is aimedat encouraging use of latest technology advancements in the telecom and communicationsector.
New Communication Infra Policy
It will encourage the use of latest technology advancements in the telecom sector suchas Fibre to The Home (FTTH) and innovative business models such as the Open
Access Network (OAN) where physical access to the network is separated from thedelivery of services.
It intends to bring uniformity in guidelines and parameters for laying telecom andcommunication infrastructure in the state.
To ensure communication infrastructure providers stick to various safety standards ornorms like radiation norms as envisaged by the Centre.
To encourage setting up of telecom and communication infrastructure in non-congestedareas.
The policy allows every telecom infrastructure provider registered with the Department of Telecommunications or an infrastructure provider duly authorized by a licensee to laycommunication and connectivity infrastructure is eligible to seek permission under it.
Rafael Nadal wins French Open 2013June 12th, 2013
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal defeated David Ferrer to win men‘s French Open 2013
title. With this victory, Nadal now owns eight French Open titles.
With 12 majors overall, the Nadal moves into a tie for third place with Roy Emerson. Hetrails only Roger Federer (17) and Pete Sampras (14) and is the second youngest, afterFederer, to reach a dozen Grand Slam titles.
Fact Box: What is Citrus greening?June 13th, 2013
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Citrus greening or Huanglongbing is a deadly disease of citrus which greatly affects theproduction of the fruits in several parts of India.
Causing agents:
It is caused by motile bacteria, Candidatus Liberibacter
Symptoms:
Yellowing of leaf veins and adjacent tissues Premature defoliation Dieback of twigs Decay of feeder rootlets and lateral roots. Infected fruits are small, lopsided with bitter taste, may fall prematurely
How does it spread?
In India the bacteria are spread by a vector- the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina
citri). It is a sap-sucking, hemipteran bug in the family, Psyllidae.
How can it be controlled?
It can be managed by focus Integrated Pest Management (IPM) efforts using disease-freenursery trees, reducing infection sources (inoculum) by frequent surveys and diseasedtree removal, and suppressing Asian citrus psyllid through area-wide management.
Fact Box: Who was William Lambton?
June 13th, 2013
Lieutenant-Colonel William Lambton was a British soldier, surveyor, and geographer.
He made remarkable contribution as the Superintendent of the Trigonometrical
Survey of India, which he began in 1802. He launched his work from St Thomas Mount in Chennai and mapped the south India. Trigonometrical Survey of India was launched by the British who had conquered vast
territories in India but didn‘t have geographic knowledge of the areas they conquered. Anextensive survey was essential for their administrative purposes, which eventuallybecame the Great Trigonometrical Survey.
He took part in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799. After the capture of MysoreLambton proposed that the territory be surveyed, using the new techniques of geodesyemployed by William Roy in Great Britain, and this was approved.
It was Lord Wellesley who realized the necessity of a survey in the southern part of Indiaafter the fall of Srirangapatnam in 1799. Three surveys started simultaneously. WhileFrancis Buchanan started the agricultural survey of Malabar and Mysore, Colin Mackenziebegan a survey based on topography. William Lambton, who participated in the Mysorewar in 1799, was made the superintendent of the Trigonometrical Survey.
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India-US collaborate on Space Solar Power InitiativeJune 13th, 2013
Working in the direction of realizing the idea of tapping solar energy from space andbeaming it to earth to meet the energy needs of the future and mitigate climatechange, India and a top US science body have forged an international organisation to
develop space solar power. It was declared through a joint statement made by the twosides at the 2013 National Space Society‘s International Space DevelopmentConference (ISDC 2013).
The renowned scientist of India Abdul Kalam and Executive Committee Chairman of theNational Space Society of US, Mark Hopkins announced to have a clear plan of action tomarket the idea of a livable planet Earth through space solar power to G8 or G20 nationswithin a year.
The vision will include specific mechanisms such as the Global Space Knowledge
Platform, the International Virtual Laboratory, and the International Advisory
Committee that Abdul Kalam has elaborated through discussion papers.
What is Space-based Solar Power?
Space-based solar power (SBSP) is an idea of collecting solar power in space (using an ―SPS‖, that is, a ―solar power satellite‖ or a ―satellite power system‖) for use on Earth.
Research in this directions has been going on since the early 1970s.
How it differs from current solar power systems?
SBSP would differ from current solar collection methods in that the means used to collect
energy would reside on an orbiting satellite instead of on Earth‘s surface.
What are its benefits?
As the outer space lacks a diffusing atmosphere and nighttime such a system can have ahigher collection rate and a longer collection period.
Part of the solar energy is lost on its way through the atmosphere by the effects of reflection and absorption.
Space-based solar power systems convert sunlight to microwaves outside the
atmosphere, avoiding these losses, and the downtime (and cosine losses, for fixed flat-plate collectors) due to the Earth‘s rotation.
What are the hurdles in its implementation?
Besides the cost of implementing such a system, SBSP also introduces several new hurdles,primarily the problem of transmitting energy from orbit to Earth‘s surface for use. Since
wires extending from Earth‘s surface to an orbiting satellite are neither practical nor feasible
with current technology, SBSP designs generally include the use of some manner of wirelesspower transmission. The collecting satellite would convert solar energy into electrical energy
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on board, powering a microwave transmitter or laser emitter, and focus its beam toward acollector (rectenna) on the Earth‘s surface. Radiation and micrometeoroid damage could
also become concerns for SBSP.
Railways to launch Mobile Payment Ticketing FacilityJune 13th, 2013
Soon, passengers will be able to book their train tickets via mobile SMS asIndian Railways is to start Mobile Payment Ticketing Facility from July 1, 2013. The servicewill be available to all mobile subscribers.
This facility offered by irctc, will have no role of travel agents and commercial organisations.Only individual users will be allowed to book on the portal. Travel agents in the IRCTCservice have been accused of blocking tickets to sell them at a premium.
How to book the ticket?
A passenger has to type the train number, destination, journey date, class and passengerdetails like name, age and gender on the SMS box.
For starting, one has to register their mobile number with IRCTC as well as their bank. Thebank provides MMID (Mobile Money Identifier) andOTP (One Time Password) forpayment authorization. The sender will receive transaction ID and then make paymentthrough sending another SMS by typing PAY followed by the transaction ID, MMID asreceived from the bank and password, thus the booking is complete.
Charges: The service will be available to all mobile subscribers and Rs 3/- will be chargedper SMS and payment gateway charges will be Rs 5/- for ticket amount upto Rs 5,000 andRs 10/- for more than Rs 5,000.
―INDRA 2013″ : Indo-Russian joint military exercise to be conducted inOctober 2013June 15th, 2013
This year‘s Indo-Russian joint military exercise INDRA 2013 is scheduled to be conductedin October 2013 at Mahajan field firing range of Rajasthan in India. Teams from both sides will practice joint planning and execution of anti-terrorist missionsand leading intelligence activities by the serviceman.
In 2012, The Indo-Russian Joint Military Exercise Indra 2012 was at Burduny trainingrange in the Siberian republic of Buryatia in Russia. The two countries have already
conducted six Indra-series joint exercises since 2003.
HRD to set up National Testing Agency (NTA)June 15th, 2013
The Ministry of Human Resource & Development (HRD) will constitute a 7-member TaskForce headed by Prof. Sanjay Dhande, Ex-Director, IIT. The team which will haverepresentatives from CBSE, UGC, NCERT, AICTE and from the Ministry, will be tasked to
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prepare a blue print for creating a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the setting upof National Testing Agency (NTA).
The HRD Ministry will also provide financial assistance to needy meritorious students whohave passed with minimum B1 grade under CBSE grading system of 10 th or
12
th
examination. The amount of grant provided to such students shall not exceed Rs. 20,000 for class10th and Rs. 40,000 for class 12th during any one financial year.
What will NTA do?
The NTA will formulate a uniform entrance examination for admission in differentbranches of higher education which will reduce the stress on students who have to gothrough multiple examinations.
Fact Box: National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC)June 13th, 2013
India to establish NCCC for spying on cyber threats
Indian government will establish its own multi-agency body — National Cyber
Coordination Centre (NCCC) — that would carry out ―real-time assessment of cybersecurity threats‖ and ―generate actionable reports/alerts for proactive actions‖ by law
enforcement agencies.
NCCC , to be set up at a cost of Rs 1000 crore, would be a multi-agency body under
Department of Electronics and IT. It will function in sync with other governmentagencies. These agencies include:
National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) Intelligence Bureau (IB) Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) DIARA (Defence Information Assurance and Research Agency) Army, Navy, Air Force Department of Telecommunications
What will be its functions?
It will be India‘s first layer for cyber threat monitoring and all communication with
government and private service providers would be through this body only. The NCCC wouldbe in virtual contact with the control room of all Internet Service Providers to scan trafficwithin the country, flowing at the point of entry and exit, including internationalgateway.Apart from monitoring the Internet, the NCCC would look into various threats posed by
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A list of projects of the public sector from various ministries such as Coal, Power, andShipping has already been compiled. FICCI has also submitted a list of 52 projects in theprivate sector, with an investment greater than Rs.1,000 crore, which are delayed due tovarious bottlenecks.
The Cabinet Secretariat has prepared an ‗Online CCI Projects Tracking System‘ portalfor tracking projects of over Rs.1000 crore.
Panel recommends new law for regulation and promotion of rental housingJune 15th, 2013
A government-appointed committee chaired by Jaithirth Rao, chairman, Value & BudgetHousing Corporation, has recommended a new law for regulating rental housing andsuggested that tax benefits be given to encourage developers to build rental housingprojects. The panel is yet to submit its report.
Key suggestions made by the panel:
Setting up of fast track tribunals for speedy resolution of all rent-related cases. Giving infrastructure status to large rental housing projects to facilitate them to avail of
tax holidays, which will lead to lower costs. Affordable rental housing should include affordable hostels, dormitories and flats that are
smaller than 60 sq m.
Why these recommendations?
In metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore the share of migrant population is as highas around 30-35%. Many people in this category, as well as other residents of these cities,prefer to rent houses instead of buying them owing to high prices of houses. There is also
dearth of rental housing as property owners prefer to sell houses instead of renting them.The main reasons behind is low profits on renting (only 5% which is taxable) and eviction of a tenant which is considered cumbersome and time consuming.
Telegram service by BSNL to end from July 15, 2013June 15th, 2013
The telegram service provided by the BSNL will be discontinued from July 15, 2013. TheBSNL Board has already approved for the end of the service and it has sought finalclearance from the Department of Telecommunications.
Why this step?
Today, when the mobile phones and Internet services have reached the depths of India‘ s
population, the telegraphic service is finding few customers to sustain itself. The BSNL whooffers the service is now facing financial constraints as it faces an annual loss of Rs.300 – 400 crore from its telegraph service alone.
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In India, the first telegraph message was transmitted live through electrical signals between
Calcutta (now Kolkata) and Diamond Harbour, a distance of about 50 km, on November 5,
1850; and the service was opened for the general public in February 1855.
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III added into IAFJune 15th, 2013
The Indian Air Force (IAF) flew its first advanced airlifter Boeing C-17 Globemaster
III flew to India to be added into the fleet of India Air Force. Boeing is expected to deliverfour more C-17s to the IAF this year and five in 2014.
Utility: The C-17 will equip the IAF with amongst the world‘s most advanced humanitarian
and strategic capabilities. It has versatile capability to perform a wide range of operations,from peacekeeping and disaster relief to troop movements from semi-prepared airfields.
Global Peace Index 2013: India ranks 141 of 162 countriesJune 15th, 2013
The Global Peace Index (GPI) that measured peace in 162 countries ranked India at141st position for year 2013. To prepare the Index, 22 qualitative and quantitativeindicators of the absence and fear of violence were used.
Where did India fall short?
The main indicators that deteriorated India‘s ranking are militarisation, domestic
and international conflicts, and corruption.
Positive Outlook: Despite an increase in military expenditure, India made considerablegains in its level of peace after reductions in deaths from internal conflict and the level of perceived criminality in society.
Peace Outlook in South Asia:
Rankings:
1. Bhutan (most peaceful in South Asia) 2. Nepal 3. Sri Lanka 4. India 5. Pakistan 6. Afghanistan
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As per GPI 2013
World has become a less peaceful place as it witnessed a dramatic rise in the number of
homicides and 59 more countries increasing their military expenditure as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product Underlines six-year trend showing a deterioration of 5% in global peace. Performance of 110 countries has deteriorated while only 48 have improved. This 5% loss cost to the global economy of $473 billion last year. 8% increase in the number of homicides attributed to Latin America and Sub-
Saharan Africa. Honduras is the country with highest rates of homicides in the world at 92 homicides per
100,000 people. The overall the military spending indicator in the GPI was deteriorated, primarily, on
account of large number of low-middle income countries, typically authoritarian regimeslike Iran, Iraq, Oman, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, Cote d‘Ivoire and Democratic Republic
of the Congo having increased their expenditure to more than 7% of GDP. The civil war in Syria has led to the greatest score deterioration in the history of the
Index. There are countries which have made significant gains in peace. Libya experienced the greatest rise in peace as its newly elected government and
recovering institutions were established following the turmoil of the recent revolution andcivil war. Libya is followed Sudan and Chad which experienced the second and thirdsignificant gains as their respective conflicts allayed.
Europe is the most peaceful region comprising 13 of the top 20 twenty countries,including Iceland, which continues to rank first.
Iceland topped the rankings as the most peaceful nation. American author Lydia Davis wins Man Booker International Prize 2013June 15th, 2013
American author Lydia Davis has been announced the winner of ManBooker International Prize 2013. She was chosen winner out of ten shortlisted authors.
About Man Booker International Prize 2013
The prize, worth £60,000, recognizes an authors‘s achievement in fiction. It is awarded
every two years to a living author who has published fiction either originally in English or
whose work is available in translation in the English language. The prize is sponsored byMan Group plc, which also sponsors the Man Booker Prize for Fiction. Unlike the UK ManBooker Prize for Fiction, publishers cannot submit authors‘ works for consideration. The
Prize is significantly different in that it highlights one writer‘s overall contribution to fiction
on the world stage. The judges,who solely decide the winner, consider a writer‘s body of
work rather than a single novel.
About Lydia Davis:
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Davis lives in New York. She is a professor of creative writing at the University at Albanyand has had seven collections of short stories published. She has also translated a numberof French classics, including Flaubert‘s Madame Bovary and Proust‘s Du Côté de Chez
Swann. She has also written one novel, The End of the Story (1995).
Global population to touch 8.1 billion in 2025: UN report
June 15th, 2013
As per a latest forecast made by a U.N. report, the world‘s population will increase from
7.2 billion today to 8.1 billion in 2025 and 9.6 billion in 2050. As per the report:
Most of the population growth will occur in developing regions which are estimated toincrease from 5.9 billion in 2013 to 8.2 billion in 2050.
During that same period the population of developed nations is projected to remainlargely unchanged at around 1.3 billion people.
Most of this expansion in population b/w now and 2050 is expected to happenin Africa and countries with large populations such as India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines and the United States.
DMRC to build monorail in Kozhikode and ThiruananthapuramJune 15th, 2013
The Cabinet has given its nod for the signing the general consultancy agreementwith Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for the Rs. 5,581-crore elevated mass rapidtransit system in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. After the signing of this pact, theDMRC will be responsible for the design, preparation of the bid document, short-listing, andselection of contractors, supervision, and quality certification for the 22.2-km monorailin Thiruvananthapuram and 14.2-km in Kozhikode.
What is monorail?
A monorail is a rail-based transportation system based on a single rail, which acts as itssole support and its guideway.
The term is also used variously to describe the beam of the system, or the vehiclestraveling on such a beam or track. The beam in a monorail system is narrower than thevehicle.
Google acquires Waze Mapping Service for $1.03 billionJune 15th, 2013
In a major acquisition Google has bought online mapping service ‗Waze‘ for a deal of $1.03 billion.
How will it help Google?
Waze will allow Google to gain technology that is meant to improve the accuracy andusefulness of its own popular navigation system.
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Waze Mapping service has combined elements of a social network into its maps toproduce more accurate directions and more reliable information about local traffic
conditions.
Renewable energy transmission corridors to be set up in Tamil NaduJune 15th, 2013
Two major high-capacity transmission corridors, exclusively meant for renewable energy,are being set up in Tamil Nadu. The projects which is being executed by the Tamil Nadu
Transmission Corporation (Tantransco) is estimated to a cost Rs. 4,400 crore and arecapable of evacuating at least 2,000 megawatt (MW) each.
Where are these projects being executed?
One corridor covering about 700-km is from Kayathar of Tuticorin district to Sholinganallurand the other with a length of about 400-km, b/w Thappagundu of Theni district to Salem.The first corridor is likely to be commissioned by March next while the other line, with a
length of about 400 km, is expected to be ready by 2014 end.
Why these projects?
These projects are aimed at addressing concerns of investors in the wind energy sectorregarding inadequate evacuation facilities in the State and to cater to its future needs. Twomore factors have compelled the authorities to take up these transmission projects. Firstly,the centres of electricity consumption are located at a considerable distance from thecentres of wind energy. Secondly, to some extent, the transmission line meant forevacuating power from the proposed Kudankulam Nuclear Power Station is being used totransmit from windmills. Once the Kudankulam Station is commissioned shortly, that line
can no longer be relied upon.
Who is funding the projects?
The transmission projects are being funded by the Rural Electrification Corporation andPower Finance Corporation, both agencies of the Central government.
Karnataka HC upholds withdrawing of tax exemptions for SEZsJune 15th, 2013
The Karnataka High Court has upheld the amendments made to the Income Tax Act in 2011withdrawing exemptions given to the businessand service units as well as developers of
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) from payment of certain income taxes.
What is the case?
A petition was filed by companies including Biocon Ltd., Mindtree Ltd.,OPTO Infrastructure Ltd., and others operating in SEZs against the Union government‘s
move which amended Sections 115JB(6) and 115-0(6) of the Income Tax Act in 2011.Initially, in order to attract investments the companies operating in the SEZs were granted
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However, the enhanced limit of $5 billion will be available for investments only to foreigncentral banks, sovereign wealth funds, multilateral agencies, endowment funds, insurancefunds and pension funds.
A special window of $ 250 million will be made available for FIIs that have exhausted their
reinvestment limits, as a one-time measure. However, investments using this specialwindow will have a 90-day lock-in period.
What are G-secs?
The Government securities (G-secs) which is also called gilt edged securities comprisedated securities issued by the Government of India and state governments as also,treasury bills issued by the Government of India. Reserve Bank of India manages andservices these securities through its public debt offices located in various places as anagent of the Government.
G-secs are mostly interest bearing dated securities issued by RBI on behalf of theGovernment of India. Government of India uses these funds to meet its expenditurecommitments. These securities are generally fixed maturity and fixed coupon securitiescarrying semi-annual coupon. Since the date of maturity is specified in the securities,these are known as dated G-secs.
Key feature of G-secs:
Issued at face value No default risk as the securities carry sovereign guarantee Ample liquidity as the investor can sell the security in the secondary market Interest payment on a half yearly basis on face value No Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) Can be held in Demat form
Facebook unveils first data centre outside U.S. in SwedenJune 15th, 2013
Social networking website Facebook opened its first data centre outside the United States,in Luleaa, a coastal Swedish town near the Arctic Circle.
With this, Facebook joins Google and other tech companies attracted by chilly temperaturesthat seldom exceed levels that require special cooling capabilities which environmentalistssay damage the environment. Another benefit of choosing Luleaa is its renewable energy
resources. Facebook will use powered by locally generated hydro-electric energy power theequipment of the data center.
Qatar possess highest density of millionairesJune 15th, 2013
As per the Boston Consulting Group‘s (BCG) 13th annual global wealth managementreport, Qatar has the highest density of millionaires in the world, with 14.3% of
the oil-rich Gulf nation‘s population holding private wealth of at least $1 million.
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As per the report:
143 out of every 1,000 households in Qatar possess private wealth of at least USD 1million which is much higher than the global average.
Other gulf nations ranked amongst the top 10 in the list including Kuwait which ranked
3rd with 11.5%, while Bahrain (4.9%) and the UAE (4.0%) were ranked 7th and 9threspectively. 9.1% growth in the wealth in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) in the year 2012 was
registered. Private wealth in MEA will grow to an estimated USD 6.5 trillion by the end of 2017, with
a projected CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth rate) of 6.2%. This increase will largely be driven by new wealth creation linked to strong GDP expansion
in oil-rich countries. The Middle East also ranks highly by Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) households,
defined as households with more than $100 million in private wealth. Qatar with 8 UHNW per 100,000 households has been ranked 4th in the world. As compared to the moderate growth (around 6%) of stock exchanges of GCC (Gulf
Cooperation Council), the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) Index recorded a growth of 19.9% and the Abu Dhabi Exchange(ADX) improved by 9.5%.
Private financial wealth in the Middle East and Africa expanded to $4.8 trillion in 2012, anincrease of 9.1% from $4.4 trillion in 2011.
On the global scale, private financial wealth grew by 7.8% in 2012 to a total of $135.5trillion.
Dubai launches World‘s tallest Twisted Tower named ―Cayan Tower‖ June 15th, 2013
Dubai has added another record breaking skyscraper as it launched the one billion
dirham ―Cayan Tower‖, previously known as ―Infinity Tower‖.
The 307-meter-high tower holds the record for the tallest twisted architectural creation inthe world. The 75-storey tower, which has a 90 degree curve from top to bottom, wasdesigned by Skidmore Owings and Merrill, known for projects such as Burj Khalifa. It tookeight years to develop Cayan Tower.
Prism scandal: India among top 5 most monitored nationsJune 16th, 2013
As per reports in the UK newspaper, The Guardian, India is among the top 5 countries mostextensively monitored by the NationalSecurity Agency (NSA), a US government agency
tasked with foreign surveillance. The NSA collected 6.3 billion pieces of intelligence fromcomputer networks in India, placing it 5th on the list of most extensively monitored nations.
Boundless Informant:
Under the PRISM program, the NSA is using a data-mining tool called Boundless
Informant that details and even maps by country the voluminous amount of information itcollects from computer and telephone networks.
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June 16th, 2013
The sliding down of rupee which has depreciated by nearly 8% against the U.S. dollarduring the last one-and-a-half months may make home appliances and cars dearer as thefall in rupee value has put pressure on costs of companies, forcing them to considerincreasing the price of their products.
As per experts, the hike in prices may not be good as the consumer sentiment is alreadylow due to factors such as slowdown in theeconomy and high interest rates.
The decline of rupee has resulted into the higher import costs for companies which buymany spare parts and services from foreign markets. This import cost is putting upwardpressure on the overall cost of various products like cars, electronic devices etc.
However, the depreciation in rupee may be good news for the $100 billion domestic IT-ITeSsector, which has been facing strong headwinds due to an uncertain global economy. It maybe beneficial as Indian IT industry is majorly export based.
Norway to become first European nation to extend conscription to womenJune 16th, 2013
Norway has decided to with ―gender neutral‖ military conscription after its Parliamentreached an agreement to extend the military conscription to women in peacetime. Thismove will make Norway the only country inEurope to extend its military conscription towomen.
It would mean that Norway‘s mandatory one-year military service will be extended towomen, probably as of 2015.The Defence Ministry of Norway has clarified that the step isnot due to lack of conscripts.
Since 1976, Norwegian women have been allowed to do military service on a volunteer.Even before the adoption of a ―gender neutral‖ military service, the Defence Ministry had set
a target of 20% women in the armed forces by 2020.
Outside of Europe, some countries such as Israel require both men and women to completetheir conscription.
U.S. Supreme Court forbids human genes from being patentedJune 18th, 2013
Giving a jolt to medical and biotechnology industries, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that
companies cannot patent parts of naturally-occurring human genes.
This judgment reverses three decades of patent awards by government officials. Itdismisses patents held by Myriad Genetics Inc. (MGI) on an increasingly popular breastcancer test brought into the public eye recently by actress Angelina Jolie‘s disclosure that
she went through double mastectomy because of one of the genes involved in this case.
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The outlook of ten Indian banks and Financial Institutions (FIs) have been revised to ‗stable‘
from ‗negative‘ by rating agency Fitch. The upgrade is despite the fact that the ratingagency expects Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) and restructured assets to continue to rise inthe financial year ending March 2014.
The banks and financial institutions whose ratings have been revised include State Bankof India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda (BOB), Bank of Baroda (NewZealand) Limited (BOBNZ), Canara Bank (Canara), IDBI Bank Ltd. (IDBI), ICICI Bank Ltd.(ICICI), Axis Bank(Axis), Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM), and Housing and UrbanDevelopment Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO).
The international rating agency has also affirmed their ‗BBB-‘ long-term Issuer Default
Ratings (IDRs).
As per Fitch Ratings, Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) and restructured assets may continue torise in the financial year ending March 2014. Government banks‘ stressed assets were at
11.59% as of end-2012 against the sector average of 9.61%.
The US Congress was well informed on PRISM: Obama administrationJune 16th, 2013
As per senior Obama administration officials, including the Directors of the FBI and of national intelligence, members of Congress were well informed about the surveillanceprogram that included electronic data-mining through classified hearings and briefings formembers of Congress since 2009.
The administration sought to repel claims by Democrats and Republicans in Congress thatthey were either not aware of programmes to mine vast amounts of Internet dataand business telephone records or were insufficiently briefed on the details. Lawmakers said
what they knew was ambiguous and broad and that strict rules of classification preventedthem from truly debating the programmes or conducting proper oversight.
By 2028, India to become most populous nation: UN reportJune 18th, 2013
As per the latest report titled World Population Prospects — The 2012 Revision, released bythe United Nations, India will become the most populous country in the world by 2028,surpassing China, while Nigeriawill have more people than the United States by 2050.
As per the Report projections:
World population which is 7.2 billion in 2013 will increase by almost one billion peoplewithin the next 12 years, touch 8.1 billion in 2025 and increase further to 9.6 billion in2050.
By year 2100, the population will cross a whopping 10.9 billion. Half of the population growth will be concentrated in a small number of countries. B/w 2013-2100, eight countries are expected to have half of the world‘s projected
population increase. These will be Nigeria, India, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic
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emerging. The $40bn (£25bn) plan has been criticized by environmentalists, who say cargoships will create a permanent risk to Lake Nicaragua.
Why Nicaragua wants to build the canal?
Nicaraguan leaders have for centuries dreamt of building a canal linking its Caribbean coastto the Pacific. One of the most important reasons is it geographic position and the other, asit sees, a gate to prosperity.
But the opposition says that the project would yield nothing but environmental damage asthe Hong Kong developer has been granted a 50-year concession on the project and theproject if goes through Lake Nicaragua, it would damage country‘s largest f reshwaterresource too.
British government warns airlines not to fly Snowden to the U.K.June 18th, 2013
The U.K. government has warned air carriers not to fly the U.S. National Security Agencywhistleblower Edward Snowden to Britain as he is ―highly likely to be refused entry‖. Mr.
Snowden, who was last seen inHong Kong, has not publicly said whether he wishes to cometo Britain.
Who is Edward Snowden?
Edward Snowden, who has been in news headlines for past few weeks, is a whistleblowerwho revealed the secret spying program PRISM which the National Security Agency (NSA) of the US has been using for mass electronic surveillance throughdirect access to the systemsof Google, Facebook, Apple and other US internet giants which allows it to collect materialincluding search history, the content of emails, file transfers and live chats.
He is an American former technical contractor and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)employee who worked for Booz Allen Hamilton, a contractor for the National SecurityAgency (NSA), before disclosing details of classified NSA mass surveillance programs to thepress. Snowden shared classified material on top-secret NSA programs includingthe PRISM surveillance program with The Guardian and The Washington Post , both of whompublished their first exposés in June 2013. Snowden said his disclosure of PRISMand FISA orders related to NSA data capture efforts was an effort ―to inform the public as to
that which is done in their name and that which is done against them.‖
Snowden, who now faces arrest by the US, has flown to Hong Kong.
Fitch upgrades India‘s sovereign outlook to ‗stable‘ June 19th, 2013
Fitch Ratings has revised India‘ s sovereign credit outlook to ‗stable‘ from ‗negative‘ and
affirmed the ‗BBB-‘ rating assigned earlier.
Why this upgrade?
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As India registered a meager GDP growth of 4.8% in the first quarter of 2013 it hasrendered dreams of achieving a double-digit growth somewhat blurred. It has also openedthe window to the vilipending term – Hindu rate of growth.
What is Hindu rate of growth?
The term ‗Hindu rate of growth‘ was coined by Professor Rajkrishna, an Indianeconomist, in 1978 to characterize the slow growth and to explain it against the backdrop of socialistic economic policies. The term came into being to show India‘s contentment with the
low growth rate, post independence. While the other countries clamored for more growth,Indian fatalism was cited as a possible reason why policy makers were not seeking ways toboost the economy.
The word ―Hindu‖ in the term was used by some early economists to imply that
the Hindu outlook of fatalism and contentedness was responsible for the slowgrowth. However many later economists pointed out that the so-called Hindu rate of growthwas a result of socialist policies implemented by the then staunch secular governments andhad nothing to do with Hinduism.
Counter-views:
In contrast to the term, GDP data estimates by Paul Bairoch, a Belgian economic historian,published in 1982 questions this contentment. This data, later confirmed by Britisheconomist Angus Maddisson, showed that India held close to a quarter of the world‘s
share of GDP in 1750. After colonization started, India‘s share dropped to 20% by 1800
and fell precipitously to 3% in 1880.
When do we say that a country is having Hindu rate of growth?
Small growth rate alone does not characterize Hindu rate of growth. Prolonged low growthrate, albeit not an economic contraction, is not sufficient to be deemed as the Hindu rate of growth. In addition to growth being low and extending over a long period of time, the termalso captures a low per-capita GDP, by factoring in the population growth.
For eg: India‘s annual population growth rate was over 2% in the 1980′s and the per -capitaGDP growth rate, with 3.5% GDP growth, was a meager 1 % characterizing Hindu rate of growth.
Current Picture:
Annual population growth has been on a decline and is around 1.4 per cent currently,helping higher per capita income growth. So, while the phrase Hindu rate of growth mayhave characterized a phase, it cannot be considered a generic term for India‘s growth rate.
In an open global economy, we cannot get back to this phase, even if we try. The phrasemay have been obsolete in a few years of being coined, as we entered the neo-Hindu cycleof growth – being in tune with the global economy.
Lawsuit filed against the copyright of ‗Happy birthday to you‘
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markets and Western markets, which is why the Foreign Institutional Investors in our debtmarket pulled off about $3 billion. Bringing the interest rates much lower at this point of time could have aggravated the situation by encouraging FII to pull out more from the debtmarket.
John W. Ashe elected as the President of UNGA for its 68th session
June 19th, 2013
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) elected by acclamation Ambassador John W.Ashe of Antigua and Barbuda as President of its upcoming 68th session.
After being elected, Mr. Ashe announced that the world body would launch an agenda forsustainable development for all.
The UNGA, which has 193 Member States of the United Nations, provides a forum formultilateral discussion of the full spectrum of internationalissues covered by the UN Charter.It meets in regular session intensively from September to December each year, and
thereafter as required.PM Manmohan Singh takes oath as Rajya Sabha member for fifth consecutivetermJune 19th, 2013
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took oath as member of Rajya Sabhaafter being re-electedfrom Assam. Singh was recently elected a member of Rajya Sabha (Upper House of IndianParliament) from Assam for the fifth consecutive term. The election to the two Rajya Sabhaseats from Assam had taken place on May 30, 2013 and Congress had won both the seats.
Government aims to achieve 80% Literacy Rate by 2017June 19th, 2013
The Union Government of India has set a target to achieve 80% literacy rate in the countryby 2017. The current literacy rate of the country stands at 74%. As part of this effort, thegovernment will strengthen the Panchayati Raj Institutions as it serves as an importantleverage to promote education in general and literacy in particular.
Key Instrument: The key instrument in achieving this target will be Saakshar Bharat Programme that isoperational in 372 districts covering nearly 1.5 lakh gram panchayats expanded over 25states.The need to bridge the gender gap in rural and urban areas to achieve the target has also
been emphasized upon.
About Saakshar Bharat Programme Launched on International Literacy Day, 8 September 2009. It is a centrally sponsoredscheme of Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), Ministry of HumanResource Development (MHRD), Government of India (GOI).
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applications to President and Vice-President‘s secretariat and Foreign Ministry amongothers.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which acts as nodal ministry for
implementation of Right to Information Act, has unveiled a website –
www.rtionline.gov.in – to facilitate e-filing of applications and payment of fees.
The facility which in its pilot stage was limited to DoPT has been extended to Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Department of AnimalHusbandry, Dairying and Fisheries and Department of Consumer Affairs and Department of Food and Public Distribution, Department of Agricultural Research & Education, Departmentof Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Department of Commerce, Department of Disinvestment, Department of Public Enterprises and Ministry of Culture. The government plans to extende-filing of RTI applications to all central ministries or departments through the website.
Note: Information related to the departments of State governments can‘t be filed through
this mode. If filed, the application would be returned, without refund of fee amount.
India to get a loan of 255 million USD for National AIDS Control Project-IVJune 19th, 2013
India has inked a loan agreement of US$ 255 million with the World Bankf or the ―National
AIDS Control Project (NACP-IV)‖.
NACP-IV
Objective: To increase safe behaviors among high risk groups in order to contribute toIndia‘s national goal of reversal of the HIV epidemic by 2017.
Project Components: The Project has three components that include implementation at
the national, State and district levels:
(i) Scaling-up Targeted Prevention Interventions;
(ii) Behavior Change Communications; and
(iii) Institutional Strengthening.
Study finds significant role of platelets in immune systemJune 20th, 2013
Scientists from the University of Calgary, Canada, have found through a study a new type of surveillance mechanism linked with immune system taking place in the liver of mice. It wasnoticed that platelets, which are conventionally known to play a significant role in theclotting of blood and are crucial to wound healing, while flowing across the blood stream inthe liver of mice, were making frequent short-lived ―touch-and-go‖ interactions withspecialized immune cells called Kupffer cells. Kupffer cells are present in the liver andprotect us from infection by capturing and eventually killing bacteria that pass by.
As per scientists, the touch-and-go mechanism was how platelets were scanning forcaptured bacteria. But when platelets detected a Kupffer cell bound to bacteria,
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the platelet-Kupffer cell interaction sustained much longer, which led to the killing of thebacteria.
How does it happen?
As per researchers, two receptor proteins on the surface of platelets — GpIb, and the GpIIb-GpIIIa complex have an affinity towards a protein (von Willebrand factor (vWF)) found onthe surface of Kupffer cells. The GpIb receptor binds to the vWF long enough to scan for anycaptured bacteria. If they detect nothing, the platelet comes off and continues along thebloodstream in a touch-and-go interaction. However, when platelets found a Kupffer cellwith captured bacteria the second receptor binds to the Kupffer cell resulting in a moreprolonged interaction eventually leading up to the killing of the bacteria. Scientists are yetto examine the helpfulness of this binding in fighting infection.
This platelet-mediated surveillance mechanism has been shown to be vital for the micebecause most (80-100%) mutant mice lacking platelets or GpIb receptors died within fourhours of infection, whereas more than 90% of wild-type mice survived.
What about Humans?
Although the presence of same kind of mechanism in humans is yet to be confirmed, thereis good evidence that human platelets can kill malaria infected red blood cells and in sepsisplatelets appear to also be involved so they likely do play a role in immunity.
Efficacy of Aspirin questioned
The findings also question the efficacy of drugs like aspirin, which are known plateletinhibitors. If aspirin by its platelet-inhibitory role allows bacteria to survive longer in blood it
could help bacteria become more resistant. There may be a need to reconsider aspirin usein immunosuppressed patients.
European Commission imposes fine on nine pharma cos including RanbaxyJune 20th, 2013
The European Commission imposed a fine of 146 million euro on nine pharma companies,including Ranbaxy Laboratories, for delaying market entry of cheaper generic versions of Danish company Lundbeck‘s branded citalopram, an anti-depressant.
What is the case?
Danish pharmaceutical company Lundbeck has been selling a blockbuster anti-depressant medicine Citalopram which was, till 2003, its patent. However, when itsbasic patent for the citalopram molecule had expired and it was left with only a number of related process patents which provided a more limited protection. Producers of cheaper,generic versions of citalopram therefore had the possibility to enter the market. But thecompany, in 2002, entered in agreements with several generic drug makers, includingRanbaxy, to delay the market entry of cheaper generic versions of Lundbeck‘s branded
citalopram. These agreements violated the EU antitrust rules that prohibit anti-competitive
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The Mumbai Police had registered an FIR by the Maharashtra government against threeUgandan citizens, including an Advisor to the President of Uganda on the charges of extortion on a complaint by Videocon officials and their passports were seized.
The court observed ―Article 21 of the Constitution [right to life and liberty] applies to all
citizens, whether Indian or foreign nationals. Their right to liberty could not be restrained bythe police due to a businessdispute.
NASA‘s Cassini to photograph Earth from SaturnJune 21st, 2013
On July 19, 2013 NASA‘s Cassini spacecraft will be taking the first-ever natural-colour imageof the Earth as seen from the Saturn system, from 1.44 billion kilometres away. The USspace agency is inviting the public to help recognize the historic interplanetary picture as itis being taken. The Earth will look like a small, pale blue dot b/w the rings of Saturn, will bepart of a mosaic, or multi-image portrait, of the Saturn system Cassini is composing.
Factbox: Cassini–Huygens
Launched in 1997, it is fourth space probe to visit Saturn and the first to enter orbit, andits mission is ongoing as of 2013.
The Robotic spacecraft includes a Saturn orbiter and an atmospheric probe/lander calledHuygens for the Saturn‘s moon Titan which entered and landed on Titan in 2005.
Studying the Saturn and its many natural satellites since arriving there in 2004, alsoobserving Jupiter, the Heliosphere, and testing the theory of relativity.
Fourth space probe to visit Saturn and the first to enter orbit, and its mission is ongoingas of 2013.
Sixteen European countries and the United States make up the team responsible fordesigning, building, flying and collecting data from the Cassini orbiter and Huygens probe.
Managed by NASA‘s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the United States. Huygens was developed by the European Space Research and Technology Centre. In 2008, NASA announced a two-year extension of the funding for ground operations of
this mission, at which point it was renamed to the Cassini Equinox Mission. Extended again in 2010 with the Cassini Solstice Mission continuing until 2017. Mission to end in 2017 by controlled fall into Saturn‘s atmosphere.
Hassan Rouhani wins Iran‘s presidential polls June 21st, 2013
Hassan Rouhani has been elected as the new President of Iran as he clinched victory by
getting the needed 50% votes. The winning candidate needed more than 50% of all ballotscast, including invalid ones, to avoid a run-off. Rouhani will succeed MahmoudAhmadinejad. Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei congratulated Mr Rouhani onhis victory. Iran has been suffering economic hardship, with rising unemployment, adevalued currency and soaring inflation.
NSSO released data on household consumer expenditureJune 21st, 2013
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As per the latest data on household consumer expenditure for 2011-12 released by the
National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), families (both urban and rural) are
spending more than half of their monthly spend on non-food items on an average.
Key points in the data:
Households spent over 51% of non-food items in their monthly bills worth Rs.1,430 inrural areas and about 62% out of an urban monthly spend of Rs.2,630.
In 1993-94, Indian families‘ non-food bill was almost 37% in rural areas and about 45%in urban areas.
Although there has come some change in the percentage of food to non-food expenditure,people‘s absolute consumption of food had increased over the years.
The consumption pattern of food sub-groups such as cereals has changed to some extent. Country‘s workforce increased by 14 million b/w 2009 and 2011-12 which took the total
workforce of India to 472.9 million by January 1, 2012. Rate of unemployment was 2% at the all-India level and rural areas; and 3% in urban
regions. Only about 10% of the urban population reported an MPCE (Monthly Per Capita
Expenditure) above Rs.4,610. Non-food categories span tobacco/cigarettes and ‗pan‘, fuel, light, clothing, bedding,
footwear, education, medical bills,entertainment and durable goods. The percentage of labor force aged b/w 15-39 was 37% in urban and 41% in rural areas. Ratio of Men/Women in labor force was 55:25 in urban and 56:16 in rural areas. Around 41.1% people in urban areas and 54.2% in rural areas were self-employed. The percentage of salaried people is urban areas was 41.4% whereas it was 7.3% in rural
areas. Monthly per capita expenditure was Rs 2,630 in urban whereas Rs 1,430 in rural.
Mechanism for coal supply to power producers approved by CCEAJune 21st, 2013
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved thefollowing mechanism for supply of coal to power producers:
Coal India Ltd. (CIL) to sign Fuel Supply Agreements (FSA)for a total capacity of 78000 MW including cases of tapering linkage, which are likely to be commissioned by31.03.2015. Actual coal supplies would however commence when long termPower
Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are tied up. Taking into consideration the overall domestic availability and actual requirements, FSAs
to be signed for domestic coal quantity of 65%, 65%, 67% and 75% of Annual
Contracted Quantity (ACQ) for the remaining four years of the 12th Five Year Plan. To meet its balance FSA obligations, CIL may import coal and supply the same to the
willing Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) on cost plus basis. TPPs may also import coalthemselves.
As suggested by CERC, higher cost of imported coal to be considered for pass through.Ministry of Coal to issue suitable orders supplementing the New Coal Distribution
Policy (NCDP).
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Ministry of Power to issue appropriate advisory to CERC/SERCs including modifications if any in the bidding guidelines to enable the appropriate Commissions to decide the passthrough of higher cost of imported coal on case to case basis.
Mechanism will be devised to supply coal subject to its availability to the TPPs with 4660MW capacity and other similar cases which are not having any coal linkage but are likely
to be commissioned by 31.03.2015, having long term PPAs and a high Bank exposure andwithout affecting the above decisions.
Why this mechanism?
This mechanism has been devised to enable import of coal by CIL in order to meet theshortfall in the domestic coal requirement of the TPPs from time to time. Earlier, the CCEAhad suggested certain guidelines for import of coal on cost plus basis/pooling of prices andalso directed formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to consider the cases of power plants with aggregate capacity of about 16000 MW which would be commissioned by31.03.2015 but are not having any linkage for supply of coal. On the basis of therecommendations of IMC, the matter was further considered by CCEA. The CCEA inter-alia
directed to consider the feasibility of higher cost of imported coal being allowed as a passthrough in case of PPAs signed on competitive bid basis.
Military engineers develop ‗Smart Mine Field‘ Application to detect friendlyminesJune 21st, 2013
Engineers from the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) havedeveloped a ‗Smart Mine Field‘ application which will pinpoint the location of friendlymines, whose position might have shifted over a period of time.
What are Friendly Mines?
Friendly Mines are mines fitted at a strategic site to gain advantage and whose locationsare well known to those who have planted it.
How would this application help?
Mines are usually placed in several locations at a strategic site and left there for long.Sometimes, owing to rain or for some other reason, their location shift. Due to this changein their location, it becomes difficult to anticipate its position which in turn can causeaccidental stepping on one‘s own mine.
It has been observed that almost all injuries Indian soldiers suffered in mine-relatedincidents were due to friendly mines. With the help of this application which proposes to fitall mines used by the Indian Army with radio frequency tags, the detection of the friendlymines will become easier by using a computer or even a tablet. This will be easier thanusing a metal detector.
International IT forum honors ‗UIDAI‘ with 21st Century Achievement Award June 21st, 2013
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But there are some constraints too. India is concerned about the restrictive policy of Chinawhich allows only a limited number of foreign for screening. Most of the share is taken byHollywood cinema. India has taken up this matter with China and both have decided to setup a joint working group to find solutions.
TRAI to suggest ways for corporate control of media
June 22nd, 2013
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will recommend the setting up of an ‗institutional buffer between corporate owners and newspaper management‘ tothe government. TRAI, which is also the regulator for the broadcasting industry, will alsoopine ways to curb cross-media ownership in line with practices in ‗most other established
democracies.‘
As per TRAI, the recommendations for the separation of corporate ownership of media fromeditorial management would be based on the principle as ―the media serves publicinterest‖. The regulator is also cogitating over a ―two out of three rule‖,whereby a media
house could have interests in two of three mediums among print, TV or radio.
What is the problem in corporate houses controlling both ownership of media and
its editorial management?
In case both ownership and editorial management of media goes to corporate thepossibility of abuse of media by using it for vested interests increases. The latest example isincidence of ‗paid news‘ which has been used to mislead the readers and influence thepolitical system. Thus, the idea is to create an institutionalized buffer b/w the corporateowner and newspaper management to ensure the independence of TV channels and theprint media to articulate impartial, free and fair editorial policy.
TRAI has categorically rejected objections from media houses that any such restrictionwould violate the right to freedom of speech under Article 19 of the Constitution. All robustdemocracies have some restrictions on cross-media ownership.
U.S. announces stimulus withdrawal, Rupee and Sensex plummetJune 22nd, 2013
In an announcement which created waves in global stock markets, U.S. Federal ReserveChief Ben Bernanke announced a gradual withdrawal of the extraordinary monetarystimulus programme, which ensured very low interest rates in America but simultaneouslyreleased very large sums of money, some of which found its way to India and otheremerging markets in search of higher return than available at home. The announcement hasled to fears of short-term flows fleeing the markets, dragging down the rupee and stockindices, which brings us to the serious weakness of India‘s external sector and its abject
dependence on short-term flows to fund the balance of payments.
Why the US is withdrawing the stimulus?
The withdrawal of the stimulus would be linked to the U.S economyreaching definite signposts such as the unemployment rate coming down to 7% . The authorities are confident in
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A supermoon is a situation of a full moon or a new moon with the closest approach theMoon makes to the Earth on its elliptical orbit, resulting in the largest apparent size of thelunar disk as seen from Earth. The technical name is the perigee-syzygy of the Earth-
Moon-Sun system. It is called a Supermoon because this is a very noticeable alignmentthat at first glance would seem to have an effect.
How does it occur?
The Moon which is a natural satellite of the Earth revolves around it in an elliptical orbitrather than a circular one. While revolving, when it reaches the perigee (closest point toEarth from its orbit) , the Moon is about 356,992 km away, as compared to the 405,696 kmaway that it is at its furthest distance from the Earth (apogee). This closeness combinedwith the coincident of a full moon gives it a bigger look from the Earth.
The next ‗Supermoon‘ is expected to appear in August 2014.
Cabinet approves IWMP as a flagship programmeJune 23rd, 2013
In order to make Centrally-sponsored programmes condensed, the Cabinet hasapproved Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) as a flagshipprogramme of the government.
Why IWMP?
Around 60% of cultivated area across India is rain-fed. Besides, these areas are alsoblighted by poverty, water scarcity, low productivity, malnutrition and prone to severe landdegradation. The watershed development programme has been adopted as a tool to addressproblems of the rain-fed or degraded areas in the country.
Key Points of IWMP:
Launched in 2009-10 by the integration of various area development programmes of theDepartment of Land Resources, including the Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP), theDesert Development Programme (DDP) and the Integrated Wastelands DevelopmentProgramme (IWDP).
The 12th Plan allocates the programme an additional Rs. 29,296 crore. Cost sharing ratio of Central Government : State Government = 90 : 10 9% of the project cost is earmarked for development of livelihoods for asset-less people 10% of the project cost is for productivity enhancement and development of micro-
enterprises for small & marginal farmers. An average size of project under the IWMP is about 5,000 ha which is cluster of micro-
watersheds. A portion of institution &capacity building (5% of the total project cost) has been provided
to set up institutional mechanism at State, District, Project and Village levels and to buildcapacities of stakeholders.
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It also entails involvement of primary stakeholders in the form of grassroots communityorganisations.
Expected Benefits of IWMP:
The benefits include increase in availability of surface water & groundwater, changes incropping pattern from one to two crops annually, increase in fodder availability and increasein milk yield, increase in agriculture
What are Flagship Programmes?
Flagship programmes derive their origin from the term flagship which is the main or mostimportant ship of a country‘s navy and is symbolic of the main thrust of the nation‘s
developmental policy. Major Flagship programmes of the Government of India are:
Bharat Nirman: The objective of the Bharat Nirman Programme is to give top priorityto rural infrastructure by setting time-bound goals under various schemes to developrural housing, rural roads, irrigation, rural drinking water and rural electrification. TheProgramme imposes a responsibility on sub-national governments to create thesefacilities in a transparent and accountable manner.
National Rural Health Mission: The main aim of NRHM is to provide accessible,affordable, accountable, effective, and reliable primary health care, especially to poor andvulnerable sections of the population. The programme sets standards for rural health careand provides financial resources from the Union Government to meet these standards.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme: The Act wasnotified on 7 September 2005 and is aimed at providing livelihood security throughemployment for the rural poor.
Sarva Siksha Abhigyan: This programme was started with the objective of providing
elementary education for all children in the age group of 6–14 years by 2010. Mid-day meal Scheme: The MDM Scheme launched in 1995 aims to give a boost to
universalization of primary education by increasing enrolment, retention, and attendanceand
simultaneously impacting upon nutritional status of students in primary classes. Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)
VMS system for security inspection in StateJune 23rd, 2013
The latest Visitor Management Systems (VMS) will be installed at key public facilities
such as the Government Secretariat, in order to check undesirable elements and tostrengthen security. The Home Department will now depend on the State Police SpecialBranch to offer it ―protocol advice‖ in advance on functions hosted by private persons to
which its top functionaries are invited.
How will it work?
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The Golden Bat: Shikhar Dhawan, India‘s left-handed batsman won this award forscoring the most runs in the tournament, 363 runs from five matches at an average of 90.75.
India to provide ‗Visa-on-Arrival‘ services to 30 countries June 24th, 2013
The Indian Government is planning to start Visa-on-Arrival services for 30 countriesincluding China. As per the Tourism Ministry, Beijing has a huge potential for exchanges inthe sector. The proposal has to be cleared by the Home Ministry.
About Visa-on-Arrival Service:
Objective: To ensure that India has at least 1% share in theinternational tourist arrivals,which is about 0.64%.
Under Visa-on-Arrival facility, a traveler can go straight to the intended country and getvisa at the airport itself.
Current Status: Currently, India has extended Visa on Arrival facilities to 11 countries
including Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, Vietnam and Philippines.
CCEA allows power producers to raise prices to match cost of imported coalJune 24th, 2013
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has permitted the power producingcompanies to increase electricity prices to match the increase in cost of imported coal, astep that will benefit 78,000 mw of existing and upcoming plants of producers such asReliance Power, Tata Power, Adani Power and Lanco Infratech. As per experts this movewould hike power tariff by up to 20 paise, but it would help the sector fully utilize idlingcapacity and repay loans to banks.
Coal India has been asked to supply 65% of power projects‘ requirement from domestic
mines. CIL will offer another 15% through imports on a cost-plus basis to willing powerproducers. Domestic coal supply would go up to 75% by 2016-17.
Why this decision?
Most of the power producing plants in India are operating at 50% capacity due to lack of fuel and if these are powered by imported coal then it makes the electricity costlier, andmost existing contracts do not provide for cost pass-through. But, with this decision,allowing the companies to pass-through the import cost by raising electricity prices will easethe burden and will ensure adequate coal supply to power plants.
However, the poor financial health of state power distribution utilities, which have 1,90,000crore of accumulated losses, might still pose a problem. State utilities often resort to powercuts to avoid buying costly electricity.
Fact Box: ‗Ammu‘ June 24th, 2013
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Foreign Currency Deposits (FCDs) are also used by countries to attract foreign currencyinflows.
But, Diaspora bonds are typically long-dated securities to be redeemed only uponmaturity. FCDs, in contrast, can be withdrawn at any time.
FCDs are likely to be much more volatile, requiring banks to hold much larger reservesagainst their FCD liabilities, thus decreasing their ability to fund investments. Diasporabonds, on the other hand are a source of foreign financing that is long-term in nature.
What is India‘s Experience in DBs?
Diaspora bonds are not yet widely used as a development financing instrument. Diasporabonds issued by the government-owned State Bank of India (SBI) have raised over $11billion to date.
3 separate occasions on which the Indian government has tapped its diaspora base of non-resident Indians (NRIs) for funding on –
1. India Development Bonds (IDBs) following the balance of payments crisis in 1991($1.6 billion)
2. Resurgent India Bonds (RIBs) following the imposition of sanctions in the wake of thenuclear explosions in 1998 ($4.2 billion)
3. India Millennium Deposits (IMDs) in 2000 ($5.5 billion).
Features of the IDBs, RIBs and IMDs:
Opportunistic issuance in 1991, 1998 and 2000 Balance of payments support Fixed rate bonds Maturitiy: 5 year bullet maturity Limited to diaspora No SEC registration Non-negotiable SBI distribution in conjunction with international banks. The conduit for these
transactions was the government-owned State Bank of India (SBI). Thus, the proceedsfrom such bonds can be used to finance investment.
Issues were done in multiple currencies – US dollar, British pound, Deutsche Mark/Euro.
Fact Box: Operation TEMPORA – run by British spy agency GCHQ
June 24th, 2013
UK‘s spy agency ‗GCHQ‘ has bigger electronic spying system than US‘ NSA
As per the latest revelations made by the NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden about theelectronic surveillance programme, Britain‘s spy agency GCHQ (the Government
Communications Headquarters)— has clandestinely gained access to the network of cables which carry the world‘s phone calls and internet traffic and has started to process
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Five GM crops get approval for field trialJune 26th, 2013
The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) has given permission certaincompanies as well as the research institutes for conducting the field trials of five GM
(Genetically Modified) crops. Crops which are permitted for trials are GM Cotton,
Maize, Castor, Wheat and Rice.
What is special about these GM crops?
The specialty of GM crops is that they are engineered for getting protection against theinsects. In addition, these crops are resistant to salinity and water and are more efficient inusing nitrogen needed for their proper growth. The GEAC, set up under the Union Ministryof Environment, permitted Bayer Bioscience to perform event selection trials on 45transgenic rice events, comprising six genes. It would test insecticidal proteins such asCry1Ab and Cry1Ca on castor crops that give the plant resistance to insects such as stemborer. These trials will be conducted in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra
Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Kerala. Bayer has also been permitted to conduct pollenflow study in cotton to measure the distance pollen containing a herbicide tolerant geneflows. Mahyco‘s proposal to conduct even selection trials at more locations for experiments
in nitrogen use efficiency in cotton has also been cleared.
Iraq to fill void left by Iran for India‘s petroleum needs June 26th, 2013
Iraq has shown keenness to enhance economic relations with India. India is also looking fora strategic partnership with the gulf nation. Iran has not expressed its interest towards theIndian refiners to enhance their crude oil import engagement with Baghdad, but alsoexplore the possibility of acquiring oil and gas assets by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
Videsh Limited and Oil India Limited.
As India has already reduced its oil exports from Iran due sanctions imposed by the U.S.and the European Union, it is also looking for a supplier to compensate for the shortfall.
Noticeably, Iraq has already emerged as the second leading crude oil exporter to
India, moving ahead of Iran. India is importing around $20 billion worth of crude oil fromIraq and this is bound to go up in the coming months. Saudi Arabia, however, still remainsthe largest exporter of crude oil to India. India imported 171.41 million tonnes of crude oilin 2011-12. Of this, 32.63 million tonnes came from Saudi Arabia, 24.51 million tonnes fromIraq, 17.67 million tonnes from Kuwait, and 15.79 million tonnes from the U.A.E. India
imported 2,71,200 barrels per day (bpd) of oil from Iran between April and February 2012-13, which was below the government‘s target of 3,10,000 bpd for the fiscal year which
ended on March 31, 2013.
Six Forts of Rajasthan get entry into World Heritage ListJune 26th, 2013
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The World Heritage Committee which recently held its meeting inCambodia has announcedthe international recognition to six Forts of Rajasthan by including them in the list of WorldHeritage Site of UNESCO.
The six majestic forts include:
1. Amber (Jaipur) 2. Kumbhalgarh 3. Chittorgarh 4. Jaisalmer 5. Ranthambhore (Sawai Madhopur) 6. Gagaron (Jhalawar)
What is their importance, according to UNESCO?
As per UNESCO, these forts enclosed within them major urban centres, palaces, tradingcentres that often predate the fortifications within which developed a refined courtly culture. Some of these urban centres have survived, as have many of the site‘s temples and other
sacred buildings. The forts use the natural defenses offered by the landscape – hills,deserts, rivers, and dense forests. They also feature extensive water harvesting structures,largely still in use today. The hill forts of Rajasthan are strategically built and located on theoldest mountain range of the Aravallis or the Vindhyan range. They stand as testimony tothe formation of princely states, development of Rajput ideologies and Rajput architecturalstyle over successive periods, myriad political conflicts, battles and alliances between theruling Rajput clan vis-a-vis the Sultanate period rulers and Mughal Emperors of CentralIndia. The hill forts represent the genius of Rajput Military architecture – built in localstone masonry tracing the development of the fort typology and evolution of Rajputarchitectural style from the 15th to the 19th century. The Rajput Forts of Rajasthan reflect
the continuity of the Hindu Architectural tradition in secular structures.Record fall in Indians‘ money in Swiss banks June 26th, 2013
A significant decline was registered in the level of Indians‘ money stashed in Swiss banks asit reached to a record low level of about Rs 9,000 crore (1.42 billion Swiss francs), as globalpressure against the famed secrecy of Switzerland banking system made it unattractive fortheir global clients. As per official data released by Swiss National Bank (SNB):
Total funds held by Indian individuals and entities included 1.34 billion Swiss francs helddirectly by Indian individuals and entities, and another 77 million Swiss francs through
‗fiduciaries‘ or wealth managers at the end of 2012. Indians‘ money fell by about 35% or Rs 4,900 crore in 2012. 9.1% fall in the funds held by entities from across the world in Swiss banks, which also
hit an all-time low of 1.4 trillion Swiss francs (USD 1.5 trillion) at the end of 2012. At the beginning of 2012, Indians‘ money was Rs 14,000 crore (2.18 billion Swiss francs),
the equivalent figure for entities from across the world stood at 1.5 trillion Swiss francs(USD 1.65 trillion).
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Saudi Arabia switches weekend to Friday-SaturdayJune 26th, 2013
As per a royal decree, Saudi Arabia will switch its weekend to Friday-Saturday to betterserve its economy and ―international commitments‖.
This move will make Saudi Arabia the last of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC)- which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman,Qatar and United Arab Emirates – toabandon the Thursday-Friday weekend to be closer to the world‘s Saturday-Sundayweekend. Saudi Arabia is the world‘s largest oil exporter and a member of the G20 group of
the globe‘s biggest economies.
Why this change?
Initially, when the weekends in GCC were Thursday-Friday whereas rest of the world hasit on Saturday- Sunday, it provided the stock market only three working days whichcoincided with the working week in the world‘s major financial centres. This made negative
repercussion and caused opportunity loss for countries involved in trade. The decision takeseffect in ministries and government departments from next week, while it will beimplemented by schools and universities from the start of the next academic year.
Edward Snowden leaves Hong Kong, arrives in MoscowJune 26th, 2013
American whistleblower Edward Snowden who disclosed spying programmes of the USNational Security Agency left Hong Kong where he had taken shelter to avoid arrest fromthe US and arrived in Moscow.
He was helped by the whistleblowing organization WikiLeaks even as Washington is try hard
to extradite him. Hong Kong didn‘t extradite him as it cited some deficiencies in thedocument submitted by Washington for extradition which didn‘t fully comply with
the legal requirements under Hong Kong law.
Snowden further humiliated Washington by disclosing that the US had hacked into Chinesemobile phone companies to access millions of private text messages. Beijing jumped on thedisclosure, calling U.S the world‘s ‖biggest villain‖ for IT espionage, pushing back atWashington‘s charges about China‘ s ‖cybertheft.‖
Meanwhile, the US has warned of serious consequences to the countries that have or plan tohost him.
FIIs pull out $ 5.3 billion from India debt marketsJune 27th, 2013
In just a month the Indian debt market has witnessed a sharp pull out of $5.3 billion byForeign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and the bulk of this has been in government bonds.
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The selling led to vanishing of the $5.6 billion in inflows seen b/w January and May 21, 2013after which FIIs started to sell down their debt holdings. FII positions in government bondshave now fell below 60% of the total investment limit of $25 billion.
Why these sell-offs?
The sell-off began after the US Federal Reserve, recently, hinted at a pullback in itsquantitative easing program. Selling intensified after the Fed detailed that it will slow downits bond buying in 2013 and bring it to an end in 2014, if the economy continues to recover.
RBI auctions Inflation Indexed BondsJune 26th, 2013
The government has announced the sale of 1.44% ‗Inflation-Indexed government stock
2023‘ for a notified amount of Rs.1,000 crore through price-based auction on June 25,2013. The results of the auction, to be conducted using the uniform price method by theReserve Bank of India in Mumbai, will be announced on the same day.
Up to 20% of the notified amount of bonds on sale will be allotted to eligible individuals andinstitutions as per the scheme for non-competitive bidding facility in auction of governmentsecurities.
Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction are to be submitted in electronicformat on RBI’s Core Banking Solution (e-Kuber) system.
What are IIBs?
Inflation-Indexed Bonds or IIBs are are bonds where the principal is indexed to inflation.They are thus designed to cut out the inflation risk of an investment. These bonds will be
linked to the inflation index of the country (Wholesale Price Index or WPI) andserve as a better investment option as compared to physical assets like real estate andgold. Higher the inflation, higher the returns.
Why this step?
The step is being taken to de-motivate investments in gold as bulging imports of the yellowmetal has been adversely affecting the country‘s Current Account Deficit (CAD), which hadsurged to a historic high of 6.7% in the third quarter of 2012-13. Last month, imports of gold and silver soared by 138% on an annual basis to $ 7.5 billion.
How would IIBs help?
As per RBI, IIBs would help in:
Boosting domestic savings and reversing the declining savings-to-GDP ratio. Providing households and other investors a competitive option against gold and real
estate. In the wake of rising inflation last year, there was considerable flow of investments from financial savings to safe-haven assets like gold that resulted into higher
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It will also provide a pipeline monitoring system and leak detection to leading oil pipelineoperators to reduce the number of accidents and incidences such as thefts and pilferagescaused by third parties in the pipelines.
To provide solutions for disaster management and security issues of cross-countrypipelines.
Oprah Winfrey leads the list of Forbes Most Powerful CelebritiesJune 27th, 2013
World famous talk show host Oprah Winfrey has been assigned the top spot in the Forbes‘
annual Celebrity 100 ranking of the most powerful celebrities. She leads a female-dominated top 10 that includes Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Madonna, Taylor Swift and EllenDeGeneres.
As per the rankings of Most Powerful Celebrities:
1. Oprah Winfrey
2. Lady Gaga 3. Steven Spielberg 4. Beyonce Knowles 5. Madonna 6. Taylor Swift 7. Bon Jovi 8. Roger Federer 9. Justin Bieber 10. Ellen DeGeneres
SEBI relaxes foreign investment norms; a new category Foreign PortfolioInvestors (FPIs) approvedJune 27th, 2013
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Commanded by Nie Haisheng, with Zhang Xiaoguang and female astronaut Wang Yapingalso on board.
A manned spaceflight of China‘s Shenzhou program. China‘s 5th manned space mission. The final mission to Tiangong 1 in this portion of the Tiangong program.
Returned to Earth after a series of successful docking tests.
About Tiangong 1
Tiangong-1 ( meaning: ―Heavenly Palace 1″) is China‘s first space station An experimental test-bed to demonstrate orbital rendezvous and docking capabilities. Launched unmanned aboard a Long March 2F/G rocket in September 2011. First operational component of the Tiangong program, which aims to place a larger,
modular station into orbit by 2020. It is projected to be deorbited in 2013, and replaced over the following decade by the
larger Tiangong-2 and Tiangong-3 modules. It was visited by the unmanned Shenzhou 8 and the manned Shenzhou 9 mission before
being the third and final mission to Tiangong-1, the manned Shenzhou 10.
Fact Box: ―Kirobo‖ : World‘s first talking robot-astronaut ready to take off June 28th, 2013
―Kirobo‖ : World‘s first talking robot-astronaut ready to take off
Japanese have developed the world‘s first robot-astronaut that can communicate withhumans. It will be launched to International Space Station (ISS) from Japan AerospaceExploration Agency‘s (JAXA) Tanegashima Space Center atop H-IIB rocket on August 4,2013.
Kibo Robo Project:
Named after kibo (hope in Japanese) and ―robot‖. The project is collaboration b/w advertising and PR company Dentsu; the Research Centre
for Advanced Science and Technology; the University of Tokyo; Robo Garage; and ToyotaMotor.
It is one of two humanoid verbal-communication robots built by the Kibo Robot Project It is smaller than most robots that go into space as it doesn‘t need to perform any
physical activity. It is about 34 cm tall and weighs about 1 kg.
European Commission gives nod to NYSE takeoverJune 28th, 2013
The proposal of IntercontinentalExchange (ICE) to take over NYSE-Euronext for $8.2billion has been approved by the European Commission which said that the two were notdirect competitors in most markets and would continue to face strong competition fromother exchanges.
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Companies are prohibited to come out with another buyback offer within one year fromthe date of closure of the preceding offer, and the promoters of the company are notallowed to execute any transaction, either on-market or off-market, during the buybackperiod.
Maximum buyback period has been reduced to 6 months from current 12 months.
Start-ups and SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) can be listed in Institutional TradingPlatform (ITP) without making an Initial Public Offering (IPO). However, these companiesin ITP will be able to raise capital only from investors such as Angel Investors, VCFs(Venture Capital Funds) and PEs (Private Equities). They will not be permitted to raisecapital. However, they can continue to make private placements.
Incorporating the recommendations of the K. M. Chandrasekhar
Committee on ‗Rationalisation of investment routes and monitoring of foreign
portfolio investments‘ to simplify the norms for foreign institutional
investors, SEBI has relaxed entry rules for offshore portfolio investors to attract moreforeign capital into the country at a time of currency weakness and worries over a recordhigh current account deficit.
Foreign investors will now be permitted to trade in Indian stocks without any prior
registration with SEBI.
Foreign Portfolio Investors: Different categories of investors like Foreign InstitutionalInvestors (FIIs), sub-accounts (or an investment vehicle) and Qualified Foreign Investors(QFIs) have been clubbed under a new category called Foreign Portfolio Investor (or FPI).
Indians among top 5 foreign real estate buyers in the USJune 28th, 2013
As per report titled ‖2013 Profile of International Home Buying Activity‖, Indians are amongthe top five foreigners buying real estate in the US, even as there has been a decrease inforeigners acquiring properties in the US.
As per the report:
The top five purchasers of real estateare Canada (23%), China(12%), Mexico (8%), India (5%) and the United Kingdom (5%).
These five countries accounted for approximately 53% of transactions, with Canada andChina the fastest growing sources over the years.
California, Tennessee, Connecticut and New Jersey are the favorite destination states forbuyers from India.
Median price of the properties bought was USD 300,000.
Government bans sale of Analgin, Pioglitazone and DeanxitJune 28th, 2013
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has banned the sale of three widely popularmedicines - painkiller Analgin, anti-diabetes drug Pioglitazone and anti-depressant
Deanxit in the wake of health adversities associated with these drugs.
What is the reason behind the ban?
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The slump is being attributed to heavy capital outflow and increasing dollar demand fromdomestic importers and decline in most emerging Asian currencies for the slump.
The fall in the rupee came despite intervention by the RBI. It is suspected that central bankhad sold dollars when the currency hit a low of 59.98. The rupee, which is the second worst
hit among the major emerging market currencies after the South African rand as the USdollar has been rallying to historic highs, has lost nearly 12% since May and 7% in Juneitself. The falls in the rupee has led to a decline in bond prices.
Sheikh Abdullah named new PM of QatarJune 29th, 2013
The former PM of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani has been excluded from thegovernment and has been replaced with the former minister of state for internal affairsSheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani as announced by country‘s new Emir who
recently ascended to the throne after the previous Emir transferred the power to hisson Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim.
In the new government, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani has been namedboth the Prime Minister and Interior Minister.
Three Indian projects to receive U.N. public service awardsJune 29th, 2013
U.N. Public Service Awards will be given to three Indian projects for the year 2013. The
awards are given for projects that fight poverty and promote sustainable
development.
What are these Projects?
The projects are:
1. Project Mass Contact Programme of Kerala:
Launched in 2011 by Kerala government
Aim: Combating red tape and bureaucracy in administration
Key Achievements: Enables interaction b/w the people and the government byencouraging them to approach the government directly to get their concerns addressedwithout delay or corrupt practices. Under this programme, The CM visits each town andorganizes massive events where people can address their queries personally. Theprogramme has facilitated in improving accountability in the State. It has reduced the timeusually taken to respond to complaints and actions and has expedited problem solving.
2. Project Swavalamban of District Administration of Dhanbad inJharkhand:
It is an initiative of Dhanbad administration.
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Aim : To improve disbursement of pensions in the district.
Key Achievements: Replaced the manual process of disbursement in the payment of pensions, particularly registration of new pensioners by automating payment and creation of direct cash transfers into pensioners‘ bank accounts. It reduced the time from three months
to three days. Payment through Business Correspondent in remote rural areas hasdramatically improved the delivery of services. Besides, the database of all pensioners wasdigitized with the help of new software.
3. Graamin Haat programme of Department of Cottage and Rural Industries
in Madhya Pradesh:
Aim: Women Empowerment
Key Achievements: The Haat Development Committee that operates weekly markets(haats) is setting up Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) that operate its own haats. Womennow not only had an important place in the haat and thus in society but also control overresources. Now, there are 1,775 shops in 36 haats benefiting almost 1,800 sellers and4,15,000 villagers from 217 villages. This endeavor has provided women an opportunity toacquire management skills, operate a business on their own and improve overall livingconditions in their communities. This in turn imbued a new sense of self-confidence andearned them respect in the family and society. It has also allowed women to graduallybecome part of the governance of their community.
Nano car enters Guinness World RecordsJune 28th, 2013
Tata Motors‘ small car Nano has entered into the Guinness World Records for driving on alongest journey by circumnavigatingthe entire country. The expedition was complete in 10days driving 10,218 km in a Tata Nano from Kanyakumari in southern Tamil Nadu tocircumnavigate the country and return to Bangalore. The car broke the previous record of 8,046 km.
The expedition was accomplished by motoring enthusiast Srikarunya Subrahmanyam andhis team.
Train service linking Banihal in Jammu to Qazigund in Kashmir launchedJune 29th, 2013
PM Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi flagged off the first trainconnecting Banihal in Jammu region with Qazigund in Kashmir Valley.
It was the first train to pass through 11 km tunnel through Pir Panchal Range.
About Banihal-Qazigund Rail Service:
The 18-km Banihal-Qazigund section, which includes an 11-km long Pir Panchal
Range tunnel, the country‘s longest, reduces the 35 km distance to 18 km. It has beenconstructed at a cost of Rs 1,691 crore. The Udhampur-Banihal section is expected to be
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completed by 2017 connecting the Valley to the rest of the country round-the-year withoutany hindrance. The Banihal-Baramulla -Banihal train will make five trips daily beginningfrom June 27, 2013.
Train service is already operational within Kashmir Valley on the 118-km-long route b/w
Qazigund and Baramulla in north Kashmir.
Pir Panchal Tunnel:
It is 11-km tunnel b/w tunnel Banihal-Qazigund section. It is the longest tunnel in thecountry and has been constructed using New Austrian Tunnelling Method, which has beenused for the first time on such a large scale in India. This method optimises the tunneldesign by mobilising the inherent ground strength in adopting a curved section, providingprimary support system immediately after excavation and monitoring the ground behaviourwhile allowing it to develop its inherent strength. The tunnel also has a 3 metre wide roadfor maintenance and emergency rescue and relief operations. The tunnel has been madewater-proof by providing continuous PVC membrane b/w primary and secondary lining.
US to provide $150,000 for Uttarakhand flood relief via USAIDJune 29th, 2013
US secretary of state John Kerry reached out to India over theUttarakhand disaster onSunday as the US announced $150,000 through the United States Agency
for International Development (USAID) to non-governmental organizations working inthe most-affected areas.
About USAID:
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the United
States federal government agency primarily responsible for administering civilian foreignaid. USAID seeks to ―extend a helping hand to those people overseas struggling to make abetter life, recover from a disaster or striving to live in a freeand democratic country.‖ USAID‘s stated goals include providing ―economic, development
and humanitarian assistance around the world in support of the foreign policy goals of theUnited States‖. It operates in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe.
Obama nominates James Comey as next FBI directorJune 29th, 2013
The US President Barack Obama nominated James Comey as the next FBI (Federal Bureauof Investigation) Director. James Comey has been a registered Republican and former
Justice Department official under President George W. Bush. The US senate is yet to confirmhis nomination. He is likely to take charge from the outgoing Robert Mueller who held thepost since 2001.
India: World‘s 3rd most attractive FDI destination June 29th, 2013
As per the World Investment Report 2013 by the United Nations Conference on Trade andDevelopment (UNCTAD), India is world‘s third most attractive destination for investment by
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Transnational Corporations (TNCs) during 2013-15. In the survey based on responses of 159 companies, India has been positioned after China and United States. Thus India hasretained its previous ranking. As per UNCTAD the top five countries in attracting FDI are:
1. China
2.
United States3. India 4. Indonesia 5. Brazil
As per the report, developing countries make up four of the top five host economies. Six of the top 10 prospective host countries also come from the developing world,with Mexico and Thailand appearing for the first time.
Croatia enters European UnionJuly 2nd, 2013
Croatia was added into the European Union (EU) on July 1, 2013 making the total number
of member states in the EU to 28. Croatia is the second country from the once war-tornformer Yugoslavia to enter the bloc. It negotiated with the EU for more than 6 years afterthe bloc agreed to embrace it.
Croatia which is struggling with its economic woes has joined the EU amid concerns whetherthe country is fully prepared to face the fierce competition of the open market.The economy has been battered by the ongoing financial crisis and owing to structuralweaknesses that yet need to be addressed by reforms.
From this event Croatia is hopeful that it will help to lift many people out of poverty andmodernzse the economy. Croatia will also receive funds from the EU to build roads, clean upthe environment and increase research and development.
However, there are concerns that tough EU competition will shut down or buy out parts of the national economy. There is concern about whether EU membership will lure immigrantsseeking work, which could put the reeling labour market under even more pressure.
India-UK decide to develop Economic Corridor togetherJuly 2nd, 2013
India and United Kingdom have decided to collaborate to develop the Bangalore-
Mumbai Economic Corridor (BMEC)project in close association with private companiesfrom Britain.
Both sides have agreed to examine and evolve the modalities and content of this projectthrough mutual discussions and work out a roadmap for a possible partnership in this area.
In addition to this, India has also offered to UK, investment or partnership opportunities inthe National Manufacturing and Investment Zones (NIMZs). . NIMZs are proposed to be
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developed as green field industrial townships and benchmarked against the bestmanufacturing hubs in the world.
The new National Manufacturing Policy aims to create 100 million jobs and increase theshare of manufacturing in India‘s Gross Domestic Product from 16% now to 25% by 2022.
Port Pipavav retains top spot in seafood exportsJuly 1st, 2013
Pipavav port located in Saurashtra (Gujarat), has retainedthe top position for the second consecutive year in seafood exports in FY13 in terms of
quantity. The port has recorded an increase of 6% over the previous fiscal.
As per Marine Products Export Development Authority, the port had handled 2,33,738tonnes of marine exports as against 2,19,801 tonnes in FY12. However, in value
terms, both Vizag and Kochi maintained an almost equal share in earnings of Rs 3,344.97crore and Rs 3,265.64 crore respectively in FY13. Kochi port has come up as No.2 in
quantity-wise exports, touching 1,62,109 tonnes. South-east Asia maintained theposition as the largest buyer of marine products, followed by the EU, the
US, Japan, China and the Middle East. Fact Box: White Label ATMsJune 29th, 2013
RBI gives nod to Muthoot Finance to set up White Label ATMs
Indian gold loan company Muthoot Finance Ltd has obtained the RBI‘s in-principle approvalto set up the white label ATMs,as the government seeks to take financial services to theremote regions of the country.
What are White Label ATMs?
ATMs set up and run by non-banking entities are called White Label ATMs (WLAs).Earlier, only banks were allowed to establish and operate ATMs. RBI had allowed thecompany under the guidelines it released in June 2012 which set certain minimum net worthand obligation for permitting independent non-banking firms to operate such ATMs, as perthree different schemes.
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The Muthoot Finance has been given approval as per Scheme A under which MuthootFinance will set up WLAs, a minimum of 1,000 WLAs have to be installed in the first year; aminimum of twice the number of WLAs installed in the first year have to be installed in thesecond year; and a minimum of three times the number of WLAs installed in the secondyear have to be installed in the third year.
What is the purpose of this move?
The fundamental objective of permitting non-banks to operate WLAs is to enhance thepenetration of the machines in semi-urban and rural areas, where bank-run ATMs are a fewor none. The move is in line to the governments objective of achieving financial inclusion.
British Government gives go ahead to ‗three-parent baby‘ July 2nd, 2013
The UK government has given approval to the controversial IVF technique that would leadto the creation of babies with three parents. If the proposal is passed by its parliament then
Britain would become first country to allow this technique. The decision has invited criticismfrom different calling it unethical, unnecessary and unsafe.
What is a ‗Three-Parent Baby?
It is a baby born with the genetic contribution (DNA) from three people. It is done throughIVF technique which involves taking the nucleus of one egg (first female) and inserting itinto the cytoplasm of another egg (second female) which has had its nucleus removed, butstill contains mitochondrial DNA, and then fertilizing the hybrid egg with a sperm (thirdperson). The purpose of the procedure is to remove a nucleus from a cell with defectivemitochondria and place it in a donor cell with healthy mitochondria, which after fertilisationwill contain a nucleus with genetic material from only the two parents.
How would this technique help?
As per experts, this method will give a choice to women with mitochondria disorders to bearchildren free from such diseases. These are caused by mutated mitochondria — tinystructures that supply power to human cells — and are passed from a mother, through theegg, to her child. It is said to affect one in every 6,500 babies. The technique will helpcombat genetic problems that can cause rare and debilitating conditions affecting the heart,muscles and brain.
Multidrug-resistant TB stock declines to alarming levelJuly 2nd, 2013
Even as the government is trying to tackle the stock-out situation for anti-tuberculosis
paediatric drugs, a new problem has surfaced. Stocks of second-line medicineslike Kanamycin, an injectible drug used for treating multi-drug resistant (MDR)
TB have dipped alarmingly. Currently, there is stock only for two and a half months. Indiaisamong the few countries with a high burden of MDR TB.
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The Prime Minister‘s Office has asked the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MoHFW) for clarification on the availability of drugs.
The Central TB Division (CTD) called an emergency meeting to find the way forward toextenuate the crisis. Manufacturers of paediatric drugs, prolongation pouches and
streptomycin have been identified and the ministry is hopeful of getting supplies to statesby the end of July. States with a lower disease burden have been asked to transfer drugs tothose with a higher burden facing extreme shortage of drugs.
Why this lapse?
The shortage of drugs was due to procurement failures and delays at the level of thegovernment of India. It also confirmed stock-out of paediatric doses, Rifampicin (the keydrug to treat TB), streptomycin injection as well as diminishing stockpiles of Kanamycininjections and other first line drugs. The emergency procurement of paediatric drugs wasdelayed by six months and the orders had just been placed.
As for Kanamycin, emergency procurement of over 400,000 vials, done with the support of the Geneva-based Global Drug Facility (GDF) through WHO‘s intervention had not reached
the country because of delays in processing orders, payments and the ministry not issuingthe necessary customs duty clearance on time.
Surge in the cases of LeptospirosisJuly 2nd, 2013
A rise in the number of cases of leptospirosis has been reported in Thiruananthapuram evenas the district is focusing its efforts on curbing the dengue fever. Dengue has eclipsed thefact that the incidence of leptospirosis has been on the rise in all districts of the state afterthe rain began.
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by bacteria Leptospira that affects both humansand animals. Humans become infected through direct contact with the urine of infectedanimals or with a urine-contaminated environment. The bacteria enter the body throughcuts or abrasions on the skin, or through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose andeyes. Person-to-person transmission is rare. The disease has also been known to triggerabortions in cattle.
How does the transmission take place?
Leptospirosis is transmitted by the urine of an infected animal and is contagious as long asit is still moist. Although rats, mice, and moles are important primary hosts, a wide range of other mammals including dogs, deer, rabbits, hedgehogs, cows, sheep, raccoons,opossums, skunks, and certain marine mammals are able to carry and transmit the diseaseas secondary hosts.
What are the symptoms?
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In the early stages of the disease, symptoms include high fever, severe headache, musclepain, chills, redness of the eyes, abdominal pain, jaundice, haemorrhages in the skin andmucous membranes, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash.
Who are most vulnerable?
Although the disease can occur to anyone who comes in contact with the urine of infectedwith Leptospira, its prevalence is seen in cleaning workers, manual labourers and farmworkers are most vulnerable. The number of infection increases in rainy season as peoplewade through waters contaminated with garbage and animal excreta which contain thebacteria.
How is it controlled?
To counter leptospirosis vulnerable sections are put on Doxycycline prophylactic treatment.Care is taken to distinguish the disease from other diseases like Malaria and Dengue asthese too show similar symptoms and spread in the same season.
EU agrees talk to Serbia for open membershipJuly 2nd, 2013
The leaders of the European Union have agreed to open membership negotiationswith Serbia by January at the latest, in acknowledgment of its efforts to improve ties withseceded Kosovo. The step indicates EU inclination toward embracing once-troubledcountries in the Balkans.
Presidents and Prime Ministers from the 27 EU nations also welcomed Croatia‘s upcoming
accession as the bloc‘s 28th member. In the two-day summit held in Brussels the EUagreed on seven-year, €960-billion budget. The EU leaders also announced negotiations forcloser relations with Kosovo, a possible step on the way to membership talks.
Serbia and Kosovo:
Kosovo, a former province of Serbia, declared independence in 2008. Serbia has neverrecognized the sovereignty of Kosovo, which is considered by Serbia‘s nationalists to be the
cradle of the country‘s medieval statehood and religion. However, Kosovo has beenrecognised by over 90 countries including the U.S. and 22 of the EU‘s 27 members. In April
2013 a vital agreement was reached b/w Serbia and Kosovo when they decided tonormalize relations and end years of acrimony.
India imposes ban on testing of cosmetics on animalsJuly 2nd, 2013
In a remarkable decision intended to prevent cruelty to animals, India has decided to banthe testing of cosmetics and its ingredients on animals. This has made India the firstcountry in South Asia to impose such a ban.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Cosmetics Sectional Committee, chaired by the Drugs Controller General of
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India and is in line with the European Union‘s stand. The step follows appeals from various
quarters, including that from the National Advisory Council Chairperson Sonia Gandhi andcampaigner for animal rights Maneka Gandhi and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), to prevent cruelty to animals.
What is the ban?
Any cosmetic product which performs animal testing will face action as per provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Animal Cruelty Act. Infringement of the Drugsand Cosmetics Act by any person or corporate manager or owner is liable for punishmentfor a term which may extend from 3-10 years and shall also be liable to fine which could beRs.500 to Rs.10,000, or with both.
The law also makes it mandatory to use modern non-animal alternative tests, replacinginvasive tests on animals. It implies that any manufacturer interested in testing newcosmetic ingredients or finished products must first get the approval from India‘s
regulator Central Drug Standards Control Organization. A manufacturer will be givenapproval to test only after complying with the BIS non-animal standards.
Animal Testing Status:
Companies around the world are switching to effective, modern non-animal tests and morethan 1,200 companies have already given up animal-testing methods. But many still arecarrying out with the same old procedures of subjecting animals to painful tests.
Railway launches SMS facility for ticket bookingJuly 2nd, 2013
Indian Railway has launched a new pilot service which makes it possible for the 80% of thepopulation that owns mobile phones. The service doesn‘t even involves any use of Internet
by the customer.
IRCTC has INTRODUCED a number of options to buy tickets without having to access theInternet. Besides the short code 5676714, one can even send an SMS to 139 or the AirtelMoney system *400# or the system powered by Pyro where one needs to have a BSNL SIMcard enabled with Java computer language.
It will not be necessary to carry a hard copy of the ticket while travelling — the SMSconfirmation will be valid proof. The facility allows for ticket cancellation as well. To makeuse of any of these options, you have to get your mobile number registered with IRCTC.
Each SMS will cost Rs. 3 and as the project is being launched on a pilot basis, mobile serviceproviders have dispensed with agent charges for now. These charges as and when imposedwould be the same one pays to other agents, including online charges.
The new technology will also ease the pressure on Internet ticketing as 45% of tickets arebooked through Internet. It would also put an end to fleecing by touts.
Government to set up 51 low-cost airportsJuly 2nd, 2013
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The Union government has decided to construct 51 new low-cost airports to provide fillip tocivil aviation sector and enhance air connectivity to Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Apart from thelow-cost airports, the government has decided grant new international airport
status to Bhubaneswar and Imphal at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore.
The 51 cities which have been chosen for the project are:
Andhra Pradesh: Vijayawada, Nellore, Kurnool, Kadapa, Nizamabad, Tirupati, Anantapur andKarimnagar
1. Jharkhand: Dhanbad, Bokaro and Hazaribagh2. Bihar: Muzaffarpur, Chapra and Sasaram3. Punjab: Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Firozpur4. Uttar Pradesh: Agra, Allahabad, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Meerut, Aligarh, Bijnor,
Muzaffarnagar and Azamgarh5. Arunachal Pradesh: Tezu, Bomdila and Along6. Assam: Silchar, Jorhat and Tezpur7. Madhya Pradesh: Gwalior, Singrauli, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Jabalpur, Sidhi and Shahdol8. Rajasthan: Ajmer, Kota, Bhilwada and Alwar9. Maharashtra: Kolhapur, Nasik, Jalgaon, Solapur and Amarawati10. Odisha: Brahmpur, Rourkela and Kendujhar
Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS): NASA launches satellite tostudy Sun‘s atmosphere July 2nd, 2013
The U.S. space agency NASA launched a satellite to uncover the secrets of the Sun‘s lower
atmosphere. NASA‘s Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) was launched
aboard an Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL rocket off the California coast.
About IRIS mission:
Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) is a $182 million mission which willcontinue for two years.