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7/24/2019 Current Affairs May

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NATIONAL

! ELECTIONS TO 16TH

LOK SABHA FROM April 7, 2014: The election commission set in motion the process for

what promises to be a politically boisterous general election with all the parties gearing up for the big battle.The

elections for the 16th

Lok Sabha along with the Assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim, will be held on

nine different dates. The first day is April 7 and the last day is May 12. The entire process is spread over 73 days,

against 75 days in the last elections. Counting of votes will be held on May 16.

! INDIA TO GET WORLDS FIRST SOLAR-POWERED, WATERLESS TOILET: A revolutionary waterless toilet

powered by the sun, developed to help some of the 2.5 billion people lacking safe and sustainable sanitation around

the world stood to be unveiled in March 2014.

! PM MANMOHAN SINGHS VISIT TO MYANMAR: In Myanmarese capital Nay Pyi Taw where the third regional

summit of the BIMSTEC was held in the first week of March 2014, Indian Prime Minister urged the seven member

BIMSTEC grouping to fast track trade and economic cooperation. On March 4,2014 he called for early conclusion of

the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and said that it should be extended to invest and services.

! INDIA TO EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE WITH ASEAN ON SEA-LANE SECURITY: India is concerned about the

possible effect of competing territorial claims in the South China Sea on trade and investment and would like more

effective engagement with the ASEAN to keep the sea-lanes and communication lines open.

! ELECTION COMMISSION (EC) TARGETS 75% TURN OUT THROUGH APPS, PRABHAT FERIS: under its

systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) the EC aims at organising prabhat feris in rural

areas and launch apps and caller tunes for urban voters. Upbeat by the assembly polls turn out, the EC has targeted

for over 75% voting. Street plays and puppet shows are also planned in series of campaigns.

! INDIA ABSTAINS FROM VOTING AGAINST LANKA ON WAR CRIMES CHARGES: In a significant development,India for the first time abstained from voting on the US sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka on alleged human

rights violations, which was passed by 23 votes in favour as against 12 in opposition and 12 abstentions in the UNs

Human Rights Council in Geneva.

! GUJARAT ACHIEVES TOP SPOT IN ECONOMIC FREEDOM INDEX: Narendra Modi led Gujarat successfully

maintained its position as one of the most developed states of India as the state was placed on the top spot in terms

of economic freedom in the recently released the Economic freedom of the states of India 2013 report.

! ONE-MAN EXPERT COMMITTEE TO STUDY DEMAND FOR BODOLAND STATE CONSTITUTED: Government of

India constituted one man expert committee to study and examine the demand of separate Bodoland state, which will

be carved out from Assam. The One man committee will be headed by former Union Home Secretary G. K. Pillai and

will submit its report in nine months after consulting all section of the society on the viability of a separate state.

! UTTAR PRADESH GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES YASH BHARTI AWARD: 23 renowned personalities have been

selected for the Yash Barti award, the highest award of UP for the year 2014.

! INDIA 111TH

AMONG NATIONS WITH WOMEN MPs:India is placed at the 111thposition out of 189 countries in a

list prepared by an international organisation that ranks nations on the number women representative in Parliament.

Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) , an international organisation of Parliaments, said in its annual analysis that more

women that never before are being elected to Parliaments around the world, with gender parity likely achievable in

less than a generation if the current tend countries.

! INDIA 3RD

AMONG MOST DANGEROUS COUNTRIES: It seems that you are likely to die in a bomb blast in India

than in Afghanistan. Strange as this may sound, government data show that India is among the most dangerous

places in the world in terms of bomb blasts per year.


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! NEW INDIA ASSURANCE HALVES HEALTH INSURANCE RATE FOR GIRL CHILD: The countrys largest insurer

India Assurance has cut health insurance rates for girl children by half, but the discount is restricted to families with

only girl children. Launching its girl child policy Asha Kiran, the company also announced health policies with good

added benefits for women that are being sold through a tie-up with Bhartiya Mahila Bank.

WORLD

! BOOST FOR UN INITIATIVE ON GREEN ECONOMIES: Donors at a Dubai Conference pledged over $ 1 million in

support for a UN led initiative to push for green economies through sharing of expertise and technology with

developing nations. The partnership for Action on a Green Economy (PAGE), launched by the UN in 2013, tries to

help countries transition towards greener and more inclusive economies as per the RIO +20 Declaration two years

ago.

! SOUTHEAST ASIA REGION INCLUDING INDIA IS DECLARED POLIO FREE BY WHO: With India having finally

eradicated polio, the entire World Health Organisation (WHO) Southeast Asia region was formally certified polio free

on March 27,2014.

! HIMALAYAS LOST 13% GLACIERS IN 40 YEARS: Amid controversy and debate over the precise impact of global

warming on the Himalayas, the glaciologists analysed a massive cache of data on the mountain range and have

concluded that it lost 13% of its glaciers in just four decades.

! ASTRONOMERS REVEAL LARGEST EVER YELLOW STAR: Astronomers have spotted the largest yellow star

ever observed in our galaxy and 1,300 times larger than the sun. The yellow hyper giant stars HR 5172 A is also in

the top-10 of the largest star known and about one million times brighter than the sun.

! COLD WAR BREWS ON UKRAINE: Russian President Vladimir Putin, defying Ukrainian protests and Western

sanctions signed a treaty making Crimea part of Russia but said he did not want to seize any other region of Ukraine.

President Barack Obama and top economic powers cancelled an upcoming G8 Summit at Sochi in Russia, seeking to

deepen Moscows isolation over its intervention in the Ukraine crisis.

! DEFIANT NORTH KOREA FIRES TWO MISSILES: North Korea test-fired two medium range ballistic missiles adefiant challenge to a rare three way summit of its rivals Seoul, Tokyo and Washington that focused on the Norths

security threat. The launch of the Rodong missiles- for the first time since 2009- violates the UN Security Council

resolutions and marks a big escalation from a series of shorter range rocket launches the north has staged recently to

protest against the ongoing annual military drills by the US and South Korea that North Korea claims are invasion

preparations.

ACRONYMS

! GMAC Graduate Management Admission Council

! IPCC- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

! JAC - Judicial Appointments Commission

! PAGE- Partnership for Action on a Green Economy

! PMG- Project Monitoring Group

! SVEEP Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation

BOOKS

! 12 YEARS A SLAVE: Solomon Northup Pirates

! IDRIS- keeper of the light :Anita Nair

! GRAND DELUSIONS- A short of Biography of Kolkata: Indrajit Hazra

! ROGUE ELEPHANT- Harnessing the Power of Indias unruly Democracy: Simon Denyer, Blooks Bury


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APPOINTMENTS

! BANGLADESH GETS 1ST

WOMAN V-C IN PUBLIC VARSITY: For the first time, Bangladesh appointed a woman

as the Vice Chancellor of a major public university as part of its campaign for woman empowerment in the country,

where two ladies alternatively have headed the government since 1991. The President has signed the file appointing

Prof Farzana Islamas the vice- chancellor of Jahangirnagar University.

! SHEILA IS KERALA GOVERNOR: President Pranab Mukherjee appointed Sheila Dikshit, former Delhi Chief

Minister , as Kerala Governor. He also approved as second term for Uttar Pradesh Governor H.L.Joshi.

DEATHS

! KUSHWANT SINGH PASSES AWAY AT 99: Kushwant Singh , one of Indias best known writers, who won fame for

a searing book on partition of the subcontinent as well as his once daring description of sex, died on March 20,2014

aged 99.

! TONY BENN: A committed British socialist who irritated and fascinated Britons through a political career spanning

more than five decades and who renounced his aristocratic title rather than leave the House of commons died at the

of 88.

AWARDS! INDIAN ACID ATTACK VICTIM LAXMI GETS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN OF COURAGE AWARD: US honoured

Laxmi, an acid attack victim with the prestigious International women of Courage award 2013. She has been

honoured for being a standard-bearer for the movement to end acid attacks in India.

! STREE SHAKTI PURASKAR 2013: The president of India conferred the coveted Stree Shakti Puraskar for the year

2013 to six individuals for their outstanding efforts and services for upliftment and empowerment of women on

International Womens Day (March 8) in New Delhi. The Government of India has instituted six nation awards in 1991

to recognize the outstanding efforts for women empowerment.

! RAJESH GOPAKUMAR SELECTED FOR G.D. BIRLA AWARD 2013: Rajesh Gopakumar , a theoretical physicist at

the Harish Chandra Research Institute in Allahabad has been selected for the prestigious G.D. Birla award for

scientific research for 2013.

! BILL GATES TOPS WORLD BILLIONAIRE ANNUAL LIST OF FORBES: Bill Gates, Microsoft Co-founder is the

worlds richest billionaire with worth of 76 billion dollars according to Forbes magazines 28thannual World billionaires

list. Gates is back on the top rank after four years, reclaiming the title from the telecom mogul Carlos Slim Helu of

Mexico. Indian Business Tycoon Mukesh Ambani may have retained his title as Indias richest person for 7th

year in a

row, but his place among the worlds richest people had dropped to the lowest in eight years. The other Indian

billionaires in the list are Arcelor Mittal Chairman and CEO Lakshmi Mittal (52), Wipro Chairman Azim Premji (61), co-

founder of Sun Pharma Dilip Shanghvi (82),HCL co-founder Shiv Nadar (102), Hinduja brothers(122)

! PROF. SHARIB AND MUDRA RAKSHASA HONOURED WITH KAIFI AZMI AWARD: Prof. Sharib Rudaulvi,

formerly head of the Urdu department at the Jawaharlal Nehru University and renowned literature Mudra Rakshasa

were honoured with the Kaifi Azmi award in Lucknow.

! SARASWATI SAMMAN 2013: Noted Hindi author Govind Mishra has been selected for the prestigious Saraswati

Samman for the year 2013 for his book Dhool Paudho Par. K.K.Birla Foundation announced his name as the winner

of Saraswati Samman for Dhool Paudho Par which was published in 2008.

! SHIGERU BAN SELECTED FOR PRITZKER PRIZE: Shigeru Ban, a Japanese architect has been selected for the

Pritzker Architecture Prize, 2014 for his exceptional services in developing inexpensive and easy to construct and

dismantle structures for disaster-hit areas.


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SPORTS

! LAUREUS SPORTS AWARDS: Four-time Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel of Germany and

American swimming sensation Missy Franklin were honoured with the coveted Laureus World Sportsman and

Sportswoman of the year Awards respectively at a glittering award ceremony at the Istana Budaya centre in Kuala

Lumpur.

! UAE TO HOST FIRST PHASE OF IPL-VII: The first phase of the seventh edition of the IPL will be organised in the

UAE from April 16 to 30. The IPLs governing council and the franchises took the decision in a meeting in Chennai.

The first phase of IPL-VII will have 20 matches to be held in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

! WEST ZONE EMERGES CHAMPION OF DEODHAR TROPHY: Defending Champion West Zone continued its

dominance on the Deodhar Trophy by winning it for the third time in a row.

! SRI LANKA CLICHES 2014 ASIA CUP: Sri Lanka regained the Asia Cup trophy with a comfortable five wicket

victory over defending champions Pakistan.

! GRAEME SMITH TAKES RETIREMENT FROM CRICKET: Graeme Smith, one of the most successful Captains of

South African cricket took retirement from international cricket after the end of the third test match against Australia at

New Lands.

! SUNIL GAVASKAR APPOINTED INTERIM PRESIDENT OF BCCI TO RUN IPL 2014: The Supreme Court of India

appointed the former Indian cricket team captain Sunil Gavaskar as the interim working president of the BCCI to

discharge the functions of the seventh edition of IPL.

! MIZORAM CLICHES ITS MAIDEN SANTOSH TROPHY: Mizoram won the 68th senior national football

championship or Santosh Trophy by defeating Railways 3-0 in the final played at Kanchenjunga Stadium in

Siliguri,W.B.

! HOCKEY INDIA ACCORDED STATUS OF NATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATION: Ministry of Youth Affairs and

Sports declared Hockey India as the sole body responsible towards promoting the sport in India. With this Hockey

India has been accorded with the status of a National Sports Federation (NSF) for governing the sport of hockey inIndia.

! JUDE FELIX BECOMES NATIONAL MENS HOCKEY COACH: Jude Felix, former Indian hockey team captain and

a star centre-half player has been appointed the coach of the national mens hockey team.

! SERENA WILLIAMS SWEEPS TITLE AT MIAMI: Americas Serena Williams thrashed Chinas Li Na in the final in

Miami to clinch a record seventh Sony open, also known as Miami WTA title.

! HAMILTON WINS MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX: The 2008 Formula One World Champion and Mercedes driver

Lewis Hamilton (Great Britain) won the Malaysian Grand Prix.

! LAURA MASSARO WINS WOMENS SQUASH CHAMPIONSHIP: World No.2 Laura Massaro clinched the World

Womens Squash Championship beating Egypts Nour El Sherbini in the final at George Town in Malaysia.

! HEENA SIDHU CLAIMS SILVER IN SHOOTING WORLD CUP: World No. 2 air pistol shooter Heena Sidhu

continued her fabulous form as she claimed a silver medal at womens air pistol competition in the ISSF World Cup in

Fort Benning, USA.

ECONOMIC SCENARIO

! GDP GROWTH AT 4.7 % IN THIRD QUARTER IN FY 2013-14: During the third quarter of 2013-14 , GDP expanded

4.7 % over the same period of the previous year. In second quarter of the year the GDP growth stood at 4.8%.The

quarterly deceleration reflected deterioration in almost all sectors of the economy.

! CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT DECLINED TO 0.9 % OF GDP IN Q3 OF 2013-14: According to the report on

development in Indias Balance of Payments released by RBI countrys Current Account Deficit has declined to 0.9 %

of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the third quarter (October-December) of 2013-14.

Highlights of the Report:


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"Rising exports and moderation in gold imports have pulled down Indias current account deficit sharply to 4.2 billion

dollar in Q3 of 2013-14

"The export was increased due to the significant growth especially in the exports of engineering goods, readymade

garments, iron ore, marine products and chemicals.

"The CAD reflects the difference between inflow and outflow of foreign currency. It stood at 31.9 billion dollar or 6.5 %

of GDP in October-December quarter of 2012-13.

! FACEBOOK ACQUIRES WHATSAPP FOR $ 19 BILLION: Facebook announced its purchase of the mobile

messaging service WhatsApp for $ 19 billion in cash and stock. The deal is a big bet for Facebook, which has until

recently-not been able to convince investors of its strategy for mobile.

! INDIA BECAME THIRD LARGEST CRUDE OIL IMPORTER IN THE WORLD: Due to countrys growing population

with growing energy demands, India has led to greater oil imports in 2013, as per a report published by a leading

news agency. India has overtaken Japan as the worlds third largest crude oil importer during the year 2013.

! ENNORE PORT RENAMED AS KAMARAJ PORT: The Union Cabinet has given its approval for renaming Ennore

Port Ltd (EPL) after freedom fighter and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Kamaraj.

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INTERNATIONAL

! ARAB LEAGUE SUMMIT: A two day Arab League Summit was held in Kuwait. Arab leaders discussed the current

developments in, and relations between the members states.

! UK TO GET WORLDS MOST SECURE COIN: Britain has announced plans to produce and introduce a new 1

pound coin with 12 sides and two different coloured metals as a part of new anticounterfeiting technology that will

ensure that it is the most secure circulating coin in the world to date.

NATIONAL! RANI-KI-VAV AND HIMALAYAN PARK NOMINATED FOR HERITAGE STATUS: India has nominated Rani-ki-Vav

a 11th century step will located on Patan, Gujarat and the Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh as

candidates for UNESCOs World Heritage Site status this year.

! REVISED FOOD SCHEME IN DELHI:The Delhi government has decided to merge the Sheila Dikshit governments

ambitious food security project, annshree, with the National Food Security Scheme.

SPORTS

! SOCHI 2014 WINTER PARALYMPICS: The eleventh Paralympics Winter Games, and also more generally known as

the Sochi 2014 Paralympics Winter Games, were a major international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities

governed by the International Paralympics Committee (IPC) , held in Sochi, Russia from 7- 16 march 2014.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

! INDUSTRY-FRIENDLY STATES:A study sponsored by the Planning Commission shows that Haryana, Gujarat and

Madhya Pradesh are the top three industry friendly states in the country. Odisha is at the fourth position, and Andhra

Pradesh the fifth. Bihar ranks sixth, while Kerala, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu are in the seventh, eighth and ninth

positions respectively.

! WORLD WIDE WEB TURNS 25 YEARS: Twenty five years ago, the World Wide Web was just an idea in a technical

paper from an obscure, young computer scientist at a European physics lab. That idea from Tim Berners-Lee at theCERN lab in Switzerland, outlining a way to easily access files on linked computers, paved the way for a global

phenomenon that has touched the lives of billions of people.


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AWARDS

! TEMPLETON PRIZE: Czech priest and intellectual Tomas Halik has won the 2014 Templeton Prize, the John

Templeton Foundation announced in London.

! US SENNING BEE CONTEST: A 13 year old Indian origin boy- Kush Sharma has emerged as the winner of a

spelling bee contest in the US in a epic verbal duel that lasted a total of 25 rounds, after judges ran out of words in a

previous marathon round.

APPOINTMENTS

! SAARC SECY-GENERAL: Nepals former foreign secretary, Arjun Bahadur Thapa, has assumed charge as the

secretary General of the SAARC.

! NATO CHIEF:Former Norwegian Premier Jens Stroltenberg was named the next NATO chief , stepping in to take

over from current secretary-general Anders Fogh Rasmussen at a key moment in Europe.

! ONGC CHIEF:Dinesh K.Sarraf has taken over as CMD of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) , consequent to

superannuation of Sudhir Vasudeva.

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ECONOMY

! ICICI LAUCHES PORTABLE POS: In order to do away with inconvenience around entering secret PIN number for

card transactions in hotels , a point-of-sale operator backed by the countrys largest private sector lender ICICI Bank

has launched a portable machine. RBI has made it mandatory to enter the secret PIN for all debit card payments at

merchant establishments. With the exiting machines, customers are being made to walk to the centrally located

POS machine and enter their PIN number or worse, share it with the hotel staff attending to them.

! MAHILA BANK OPENS ACROSS THE COUNTRY : Bhartiya Mahila Bank Limited , first womens bank in India and

a wholly owned Government institution, willhave 25 branches across the main cities of the country by the end of this

year and go for additional 55 branches in 2014-15 in other cities of the country. Chairman and MD of the bank Usha

Ananthasubramanian, who was in Panaji to inaugurate banks 14th

branch, described the bank as a channel for

womens education, employment and empowerment.

! DATE OF EXCHANGING PRE-2005 NOTES EXTENDED: The RBI has extended the date for exchanging pre 2005

banknotes to 1 Jan 2005.It has advised banks to facilitate the exchange of these notes for full value and without

causing any inconvenience to the public.

! GOVERNMENT NOTIFIES RULES FOR CSR SPENDING: Much-awaited rules for the new corporate social

responsibility (CSR) regime were notified recently, under which companies with sizable businesses would need to

spend minimum 2 % of net profit of society.

Highlights:

"The CSR activities will have to be within India, and the new rules will also apply to foreign companies registered here.

"Funds given to political parties and the money spent for the benefit for the benefit of the companys own employees

(and their families) will not count as CSR.

"CSR needs to be undertaken as per the approval of the companys board in accordance with its CSR Policy and the

decision of its CSR committee.

"The CSR rules came into effect form 1 April as part of the companies Act.

! VNL OFFERS GREEN MOBILE IN GHANA: Indian telecom equipment-maker Vihaan Networks Ltd (VNL) is

powering a communications revolution in Africa, particularly in villages and remote locations, through its innovative,


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green mobile-tower solutions. The latest to join its client list is Ghana, which has chosen VNLs solar-powered

WorldGSM mobile-tower architecture, an environment-friendly and cost-effective mobile system, to deliver affordable

services in villages.

NATIONAL

! NEW PLASTIC VOTER IDENTITY CARDS: The laminated voter identity card made of paper with black and white

photograph is all set to undergo a change with the Election Commission planning to replace it with a driving licence

like hard plastic card, which is more durable. The new voter card will be first issued in Assam and Nagaland free of

cost. Nearly 95% of Indias over 700 mn voters are covered by Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) except in Assam

and Nagaland.

! POLL EXPENDITURE CEILING RAISED:

"The government agreed to amend Rule 90 of the Conduct of Election Rules.1961.

"The ceiling for Lok Sabha poll has been increased to Rs 70 lakh per candidate from the existing Rs 40 lakh, and for

the Assembly poll to Rs 28 lakh from Rs 16 lakh.

"This is applicable only in the bigger States

"Increase in the number of electors and polling stations ,and increase in the cost inflation index were some of the

reasons cited for hiking the expenditure ceiling

"In Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Sikkim, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh , Dadra and Nagar Haveli , Dam and

Diu, Lakshdweep and Puducherry, the ceiling for LS poll is Rs 54 lakh.

WORLD

! WORLD BANK POSTPONES UGANDA AID: The World bank has suspended a planned $ 90 m loan to Uganda

meant to strengthen its healthcare system after its president Yoweri Museveni signed into law a bill prescribing harsh

jail terms for homosexual offences.

! INDIA, ISRAEL SIGN HOMELAND SECURITY PACT: India and Israel have signed three agreements to strengthen

the efforts in the war against terror and beef up bilateral security relations. The agreements relate to Mutual Legal

Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters, Agreement on Protection of Classified Material and Agreement on cooperation

in Homeland and Public Security.

! BROTHERHOOD DESIGNATED AS TERRORIST GROUP: Saudi Arabia has formally designated the Muslim

Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation, in a move that could increase pressure on Qatar, whose backing for the

group has sparked a row with fellow Gulf Monarchies.

APPOINTEMENT

! SOMA MONDAL: She has been appointed as the new director (commercial) of Navratna PSU National Aluminium

Company Ltd (NALCO).

! SHIKHAR DHAWAN: Public Sector lender Canara Bank named the cricketer as its Brand Ambassador.

! B N SRIKRISHNA: The Financial Planning Standards Boards India (FPSB) , the professional standards setting body

for financial planners.

! RAJIV: The former CISF Director General has taken over as the new Vigilance Commissioner in Central Vigilance

Commission.

! AAMIR KHAN : The perfectionist actor has been roped in by the Election Commission to promote ethical voting

across India.! MICHELLE BACHELET: She has been sworn in as the president of Chile, her second time in office after a short

stint at the United Nations.


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SPORTS

! TENDULKAR VOTED CRICKETER OF THE GENERATION: The annual ESPNcricinfo Awards, which are now in

their seventh year, were presented to mark the first generation of the existence of ESPNcricinfo recently.

! SOUTH AFRICA LIFT ICC U-19 WORLD CUP: South Africa lifted the ICC U-19 World Cup, defeating Pakistan by six

wickets in a low-scoring final encounter in Dubai.

! PANKAJ ADVANI WINS SNOOKER NATIONAL: Eight-time world champion Pankaj Advani of Petroleum Sports

Promotion Board (PSPB) outclassed Kamal Chawla of Railways to bag the mens snooker title in the Manisha

Billiards and Snooker Nationals, in Lucknow.

AWARDS

! 86TH

OSCAR ACADEMY AWARDS 2014 :

"Best Picture : 12 years a Slave

"Best Actor : Mathew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club

"Best Actress: Cate Blanchett

"Best Director: Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity

"Best Editing : Gravity"Best Original Score: Gravity

! HIGHEST BSF HONOUR FOR WOMAN DOCTOR: Dr. P Hima Bindu of Border Security Force (BSF) has been

conferred Director Generals Commendation Role award, the highest BSF honour, for her contribution to relief work

during Uttarakhand floods.

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APPOINTMENT

! NISHI VASUDEVA: Nishi Vasudeva became the first women to head a blue-chip PSU when she took over as the

Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL)

! R.K.TEWARI : Senior IRS officer R.K.Tewari took charge as the new chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes

(CBDT) , the apex authority of the Income-Tax Department.

! B.L. JOSHI: B.L.Joshi , who has been getting gubernatorial postings since 2004, was appointed as Governor of Uttar

Pradesh for a second term.

AWARDS

! GANDHI PEACE PRIZE: Noted Gandhian and Environmentalist Chandi Prasad Bhatt has been selected for the

Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2013.

! S.K. SINGH AWARD: Vice President M.Hamid Ansari presented 3rd

S.K.Singh Award for Excellence in Indian

Foreign Service to Sibi George, the 1993 batch officer of IFS at a function.

NATIONAL

! MULTI-CRORE HEALTHCARE PLAN FOR PARAMILITARY FORCES UNVEILED:An ambitious Rs. 1,368 crore

project to set up the first-ever Army patterned Research and Referral hospital and an AIIMS like college to render

tertiary and specialised treatment to paramilitary personnel and their families .

! TROPEX-2014: The Indian Navys major annual exercise TROPEX (Theatre Level Operational readiness Exercise)

concluded. The exercise involved large scale naval manoeuvres in all three dimensions viz, surface, air and

underwater, across the Bay of Bengal , Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.


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! R.C.BOSE CENTRE FOR CRYPTOLOGY AND SECURITY IN THE INDIAN STATISTICAL INSTITUTE, KOLKATA:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation announces the establishment of the R.C. Bose Centre for

Cryptology and Security in the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, at a cost of Rs. 115 crores in the 12thFive Year

Plan Period.

! SPORTS MINISTER JATENDRA SINGH INAUGURATED NATIONAL CYCLING ACADEMY:The Minister of Youth

Affairs and Sports Jitendra Singh inaugurated the Sports Authority of India National Cycling Academy (SAI NCA) .The

Academy with complete back-up facilities has been set u following the decision taken in the 42nd

meeting of the

Governing Body of SAI.

! JAI SAMAIKYNDHRA IS KIRAN KUMAR REDDYS NEW PARTY: Former A.P chief minister N.Kiran Kumar

Reddys new political party will be Jai Samaikyndhra. Jai Samaikyndhra of Hail, united Andhra was the slogan of

those who opposed bifurcation of the state.

! ASSAM BECAME FIRST INDIAN STATE TO OBSERVE CHILD PROTECTION DAY:Assam became the first state

in the country to observe Child Protection Day with about 1400 children participating in the central function in

Guwahati. The day was observed across the state and a central function was organised under the aegis of Assam

state Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) in collaboration with the UNICEF.

INTERNATIONAL

! MAX BAUCUS SWORN IN AS NEW US AMBASSADOR TO CHINA: Former US Senator Max Baucus was sworn

in by Vice President Joseph Biden as countrys new ambassador to China.

! RUSSIA HONOURED BRAHMOS CHIEF WITH ORDER OF FRIENDSHIP AWARD: Russian Deputy Prime

Minister Dmitry Rogozin presented the prestigious Order of Friendship award to BrahMos chief a Sivathanu Pillai for

his contribution towards Indo-Russian Friendship.

! VINCE CHHABRIA TO BE FIRST INDIAN-AMERICAN JUDGE IN CALIFORNIA: Indian-American attorney Vince

Chhabria, who has represented San Francisco in defence of its health insurance law, adoption rights of same sex

couples and other major cases, has won Senate confirmation for a federal judgeship.

ECONOMY

! INDIA AND ADB SIGNED $ 125.2 MILLION ADB LOAN FOR IMPROVING ROADS IN NORTH-EASTERN REGION

OF INDIA: The Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $ 125.2 million loan that will

continue upgrading roads in the North Eastern region of India. The North Eastern States Roads Investment Program

is designed to reconstruct roads in the north-eastern states of Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, and

Sikkim , thereby reducing their isolation and opening up badly needed growth and development opportunities.

Improvements include widening exiting sections of roads, strengthening pavements, raising embankments, and

providing permanent structure at river crossings.

! LAKSHMI SWAMINATHAN IS FIRST INDIAN TO BECOME ADB ADMIN TRIBUNAL PRESIDENT: Lakshmi

Swaminathan has been elected president of administrative Tribunal of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for three

years.

! AGRICULTURE DEPENDENT POPULATION IN INDIA GREW BY 50 %:Agricultural population of India grew by a

whopping 50% between 1980 and 2011, the highest for any country during this period, followed by China with 33 % ,

while that of the United States dropped by 37% as a result of large scale mechanisation.

! COUNTRYS FIRST POST OFFICE SAVINGS BANK ATM IN CHENNAI: The countrys first Post Office Savings

Bank ATM was inaugurated by Finance Minister P Chidambaram as a part of the governments Rs 4,909 crore IT

modernisation scheme for the Department of Posts.

! GOVERNEMENT APPROVED RS 1000 MINIMUM MONTHLY PENSION UNDER EPS-95: Government approved

the proposal to ensure Rs 1000 minimum monthly pension under a scheme of retirement fund body EPFO that would


10/27

immediately benefit 28 lakh pensioners. The decision to provide the entitlement under Employees Pension Scheme-

95, run by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation, was taken by the Union Cabinet in its meeting.

! CABINET APPROVED THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF 7TH

CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION; REPORT TO BE

SUBMITTED WITHIN 18 MONTHS: The Union Cabinet gave its approval to the terms of reference of the 7thCentral

Pay Commission .The Commission will examine, review, evolve and recommend changes that are to govern the

emoluments structure as well as the specialized needs of various central government departments, agencies and

services.

! G.K.PILLAI QUIT AS MCX-SX CHAIRMAN:Former home Secretary G K Pillai resigned as Chairman of MCX stock

exchange , even as the government and market regulator SEBI tried to assuage concerns arising out of the bourse

coming under CBI scanner. Former LIC Chairman Thomas Mathew T has taken over as new Chairman.

! INDIA OFFERED BANGLADESH A FRESH 1 BILLION US DOLLAR LINE OF CREDIT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF

TRADE FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE:India has offered Bangladesh a fresh 1 billion US Dollar line of credit

for the development of trade facilities and infrastructure .The offer was made at a meeting of the Joint Working Group

on Trade that ended in Dhaka.

SPORTS

! ANDY ROBERTS, CURTLY AMBROSE AND RICHIE RICHARDSON KNIGHTED: Former West Indies fast bowlers

Andy Roberts and Curtly Ambrose and former captain and batsman Richie Richardson were knighted during the first

one-day international between the West Indies and England.

! GOALKEEPER CECH IS CZECH FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR: Chelseas goalkeeper Petr Cech won the Czech

Footballer of the Year award for the seventh time in his career, leaving midfielders Tomas Rosicky and Vladimir

Darida behind in second and third places.

! RONALDO NAMED THE RICHEST FOOTBALLER:Critiano Ronaldo was named the worlds richest footballer after

topping the annual list of players net worth compiled by a football website Goal.com. The Real Madrid forward held

off Barcelona rival Lionel Messi in the Goal Rich list 2014 with estimated wealth of 148 million euros.

MISCELLANEOUS

! RAHUL MISHRA WON INTERNATIONAL WOOLMARK PRIZE: Rahul Mishra has emerged as the first Indian

fashion designer to win the International Woolmark Prize (IWP) , past recipients of which include icons like Yves saint

Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld.

! VIENNA TOPPED LIST OF HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIVING:Vienna is the city with the best quality of living in the

world, while many Asian cities including Pune, are starting to emerge as important places of business for

multinational companies.

! TWO INDIAN WOMEN OF FORBES BILIONAIRE LIST:Two Indian women- Savitri Jindal and Indu Jain have made

it to the Forbes list of the worlds billionaires that saw a record number of women this year.Savitri Jindal and Family

had networth of USD 4.9 billion and Indu Jain USD 2.3 billion. Once Asias richest women Jindal, ranked 295 on the

global list, has seen her fortune erode by USD 8.3 billion since 2011, amid continuing problems plaguing the O P

Jindal Group, founded by her.

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1 May 2014

Paralympic swimmer Sharath Gayakwad won two Bronze and one Silver at the IDM Berlin :Paralympic

swimmer Sharath Gayakwad won two Bronze and one Silver at the IDM Berlin 2014. He won Bronze Medals in

the 200m Individual Medley (2:44.06 seconds) and the 100m Butterfly (1:09.67 seconds) and won the Silver

Medal in the 100m Breaststroke. Niels Korfitz Mortensen of Denmark won the Gold Medal and Oliver Hynd of

Britain won the Silver Medal respectively in the 100m Butterfly, S8 category.

International labour observed:May Day, the first day of the month of May is celebrated all over the world with

utmost importance. The day is also known as the International Workers Day which has a historic significance.

The first day of the month of May is also a day of political protests. May Day is otherwise observed as a saint's

feast day or a day for organized labor. In many countries, it is a public holiday.In many countries including India,

May Day is also celebrated as Labor Day. The day originates with the US labor movement in the late 19th

century. The history of the movement dates back to May 1, 1886. On this day several labor unions across the US

went on strike, demanding a standard workday of eight hours. On May 4th there was bloodshed in Chicago'sHaymarket Square A bomb thrown by a revolutionist led to the deaths of a dozen people (including several

police officers) and the injury of over 100 people. The protests did not get an immediate outcome, but they

proved effective subsequently, as eight-hour work days became the norm in many countries across the globe.

World's highest railway tunnel opens in China:The world's highest tunnel for high-speed trains in northwest

China became operational at an altitude of 3,607.4 metres. The 16.3-km-long was completely linked up,

operationalising the line linking Gansu Province and Xinjiang provinces.

Rajeev Suri to head Nokia: Finnish telecommunications equipment maker Nokia appointed India-born Rajeev

Suri as its President and CEO. Earlier, the 46-year old was leading Nokia Solutions and Networks, the smaller

network equipment unit of Nokia before the company sold its handset business to software giant Microsoft in a

USD 7.2 billion deal. He replaces Stephen Elop, who has returned to Microsoft as the executive vice president of

its devices group. Besides, Risto Siilasmaa, who was serving as an interim CEO, will return to focussing

exclusively on his role as Chairman of Nokia's Board of Directors from May 1.

2ndMAY

SC reconstituted SIT headed by Justice MB Shah to probe into Black Money Cases: The Supreme Court of

India on 1 May 2014 reconstituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to monitor the probe into the black money

case. To provide guidance and direction to the SIT in investigation of all cases of black money in the country and

abroad, the Court appointed retired judge MB Shah as its Chairman and retired Judge Arijit Pasayat as the Vice

Chairman.

Air India will join Star Alliance in July 2014:Air India announced on 1 May 2014 to join largest global airlines

network Star Alliance in July 2014. Air India became the first airline from India to be part of a global chain of carriers.

India-made EVMs to be used in Namibias Presidential polls:Namibian government on 30 April 2014 purchased

3400 India-made Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for use in the countries Presidential Election, scheduled in

November 2014. With this Namibia became the first African country that will use such machines in any of its Polls.

Worlds highest tunnel for high-speed train opened in China:The worlds highest tunnel for high-speed train in

northwest China at an altitude of 3607.4 metres became operational on 1 May 2014. The 16.3 km long tunnel links

Gansu province and Xinjiang provinces.


13/27

India ranked no 1 in Twenty20 International Team ranking: India ranked no 1 in ICC Twenty20 International

Team ranking announced in Dubai on 1 May 2014. India replaced Sri Lanka from the top position. Sri Lanka earned

the top position on 8 April 2014 by replacing India after defeating it in the T20 world cup 2014 in Bangladesh.

India dropped to 78 in latest Freedom of the press 2014:India dropped to 78 in the latest Freedom of the press

2014. Press freedom score of India declined by a point to 39 and dropped it in the list of countries with partially free

media. In 2013 Index, the rank of India was 20 with 38 points. Sweden topped the list and belongs to the world's

most independent press. The world's eight worst-rated countries remain Belarus, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea,Iran, North Korea, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Election Queue Management System introduced in India: The Election Queue Management System, a first of its

kind initiative was introduced in India. It was introduced by the District Election Authority in Burdwan district, West

Bengal during Lok Sabha election held on 30 April 2014.The Election queue management system helped voters to

find out the level of crowd in the polling booths in Burdwan district. This system will help the voter in receiving

information about the crowd in the queue by sending an SMS with the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number

to 9230085005. The information was also available on the website Burdwan.nic.in and PSQueue Info.

India successfully test-fired Akash missile from ITR Complex in Chandipur: India on 2 May 2014 successfully

test fired indigenously-developed surface-to-air Akash missile from the launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test

Range (ITR) at Chandipur. Missile has a strike range of 25 km and capability to carry warhead of 60 kgs. The trial

was conducted by Indian Air Force personnel.

3rdMAY

Trap Shooter, Manavjit Sandhu ranked at third spot in ISSF World Ranking: Manavjit Singh Sandhu, the Indian

veteran trap shooter on 2 May 2014 jumped to the third spot in the world rankings. He achieved the rank after

winning gold at the ISSF World Cup in Tucson, USA, in March 2014. He jumped thirteen positions in the ISSF

ranking from his previous rank 16 in mens trap category.

World Press Freedom Day observed across the world:World Press Freedom Day was observed on 3 May 2014

across the world. The theme of 2014 year is: Media Freedom for a Better Future: Shaping the post-2015

Development Agenda.

4thMAY

Sania, Cara won WTA Portugal Open women's doubles title:The Indo-Zimbabwean tennis pair of Sania Mirza

and Cara Black has won the WTA Portugal Open women's doubles title. In the final at Oeirason, the pair recorded a

hard-fought 6-4, 6-3 win over the Czech-Russian team of Eva Hrdinova and Valeria Solovyeva.

After UN award, Bihar woman gets Florence Nightingale award:After being honoured with the United Nations

Foundation award, a Bihar health official has now been selected for the National Florence Nightingale Award 2014

for her extraordinary work to eradicate polio, officials here said . "I am happy that the president will honour me for

my work in polio immunization campaign," Martha Dodray, a tribal native of Palamu district of neighbouring

Jharkhand, said. Dodray, in her mid-40s, is a midwife posted at Kusheshwarsthan primary health centre in the

state's Darbhanga district.

5thMAY

First indigenous air-to-air missile Astra successfully test fired over Arabian Sea : First indigenously developed

air-to-air missile Astra successfully test fired on 4 May 2014 from a Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet over the Arabian Sea

off Goa. Astra is India's first Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air missile. It was designed and developed

indigenously by the DRDO. India becomes the fifth country to have BVR missile. Only a few countries like the US,

Russia, France and Israel have managed to develop BVR missiles till now. The 60-km plus range missile possesses

high Single Shot Kill Probability (SSKP) which makes it highly reliable.


14/27

Ahmet Sik won UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize 2014: Turkish investigative journalist

Ahmet Sik won 2014 UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. He received the award worth of 25000

US dollars by the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova in Paris on 2 May 2014.

Secretary of the DBT, K. VijayRaghavan elected a foreign associate of the USNAS: The Secretary of the

Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, Krishnaswamy VijayRaghavan on 4 May 2014 elected a

foreign associate of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (USNAS). Dr. VijayRaghavan is one of 21 new foreign

associates elected in 2014. Panama Vice President Juan Carlos Varela won the Presidential Election: Vice-president of Panama Juan

Carlos Varela on 4 May 2014 won the presidential election. Varela will assume the office on 1 July 2014. He will

replace former President Ricardo Martinelli.

Nobel Laureate economist Gary Becker died at 93:Nobel Laureate economist Gary Becker died at the age of 93

due to illness in Chicago on 3 May 2014. He was professor of economics and sociology at the University of Chicago.

American economist, Becker received the Nobel Prize in 1992 in economics for using economics to analyse human

behaviour and interaction topics such as crime (why people commit it)

Government appointed R V Verma as Whole-Time Member (Finance) in Pension Fund Regulatory and

Development Authority:The government has appointed R V Verma as a member of the Pension Fund Regulatory

and Development Authority (PFRDA). Verma has been appointed as Whole-Time Member (Finance) in the PFRDA,

the Finance Ministry said in a notification. He at present is Chairman and Managing Director of National Housing

Bank, the regulator for housing finance companies. Verma is the first Whole-Time Member to be appointed by the

government after PFRDA Act was notified last year

Ahmed Maiteeg elected New PM of Libya: Businessman Ahmed Maiteeg was elected as Libyas new prime

minister after receiving 121 votes in parliament.

6thMAY

New Element 117 named Ununseptium set to join the periodic table: New Element 117 which is temporarily

called Ununseptium with 117 protons set to join periodic table. It is the second-heaviest element ever created by

humans after ununoctium, or element 118. Elements beyond atomic number 104 are referred to as super-heavy

elements.

Royal Navy Submarine Service appointed first female submariners:Royal Navy Submarine Service of United

Kingdom for the first time appointed female submariners. Pioneering lieutenants Maxine Stiles, Alex Olsson and

Penny Thackray on 5 May 2014 have become the first women to serve in the Royal Navy Submarine Service.The

move was taken for the first time in the 110-year history of the Submarine Service.

New RCA president:Following the election of Lalit Modi as president of Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), the

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hits back by 'indefinitely' suspending the association. The cricket board

also appointed an ad-hoc body to run RCA's cricket affairs. Modi was elected President of RCA, setting the stage for

yet another round of legal tussle between him and the Board, which had threatened to ban the state association in

anticipation of this result.

Constitutional validity of RTE Act:The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional validity of Articles 15(5) and

21-A of the Constitution in so far as it relates to unaided educational institutions to provide compulsory education for

children in the age group of 6 to 14 years. A five-judge Constitution Bench comprising Chief Justice R.M. Lodha and

Justices A.K. Patnaik, Dipak Misra, S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Ibrahim Kalifulla also upheld the provisions of the Right

of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and the Right of Children to Free and CompulsoryEducation Rules, 2010. The Constitution 93rd Amendment Act, 2005, inserting clause (5) in Article 15 enables the

State to make special provisions for members of the SCs, STs and socially and educationally backward classes, for

admission to all educational institutions, including private unaided institutions, but except minority institutions.


15/27

7thMAY

Delhi has the worst air pollution in world:WHO study : Delhi is the most polluted city in the world when it comes

to air quality, according to a WHO study released. The 2014 version of the Ambient Air Pollution (AAP) database

contains results of outdoor air pollution monitoring from almost 1600 cities in 91 countries. The national capital has

the highest concentration of PM2.5 -- particulate matters less than 2.5 microns-- form of air pollution, which is

considered most serious. This form of concentration consists of tiny particles that puts people at additional risk of

respiratory diseases and other health problems, the World Health Organisation said.

Switzerland, India and 45 others agree on tax information exchange : In another step towards shedding

banking secrecy practices, 47 nations including Switzerland and India, have agreed upon automatic exchange of

information on tax matters. The endorsement of the 'Declaration on Automatic Exchange of Information in Tax

Matters' by 47 countries under the aegis of OECD will come as a boost for India which is stepping up pressure on

Switzerland to share details on alleged illicit funds stashed away by Indians there.

SC allows TN to increase Mullaperiyar water level: In a major victory for Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court

declared as unconstitutional the law passed by Kerala in 2006, constituting the Dam Safety Authority to prevent the

State from raising the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam from 136 ft to 142 ft.

RBI scraps pre-payment charges on floating rate loans:Now you can pre-pay your home loans with that extra

money in your hands without doing complex calculations on what your bank might charge you as penalty because

you eat into their potential interest earnings. The RBI has told banks that they can longer charge any pre-payment

charges to customers on floating rate term loans.

8thMAY

India gives Rs 35.7 mn aid for schools, hospital in Nepal: India has provided Rs 35.7 million as financial

assistance for the construction of two schools and a hospital in Nepal under a bilateral economic cooperation

programme. Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae yesterday inaugurated the newly-constructed school building

for Shree Sharda Higher Secondary School, among the oldest government- recognised schools in the district.

New airline AirAsia India granted flying licence by DGCA : fter a long wait and legal hurdles, new airline

AirAsia India was granted the flying licence by aviation regulator DGCA, subject to the final outcome of cases

opposing grant of the permit in the Delhi High Court.

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9thMay

UN medal to honour 'exceptional courage: The Security Council voted unanimously to establish a U.N. medal

for exceptional courage in the name of an unarmed U.N. peacekeeper from Senegal, who lost his life after

saving hundreds of Rwandans from death in the 1994 genocide.

Pakistan successfully test-fires Ghaznavi missile: Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of short-

range surface-to-surface ballistic missile Hatf III (Ghaznavi), capable of delivering nuclear and conventional

warheads upto a range of 290 km.

India is home to 54 of worlds biggest companies: Forbes: Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries leads thepack of 54 Indian companies in Forbes annual list of the worlds 2000 largest and most powerful public

companies, with Chinese companies occupying the top three slots on the list. The Forbes Global 2000 is a


17/27

comprehensive list of the worlds largest, most powerful public companies, as measured by revenues, profits,

assets and market value. China is home to the worlds top three biggest public companies and five of the top 10.

India drop two places to 147 in FIFA rankings:Missing a game since March this year, India dropped two

places to 147 in the latest FIFA rankings released . Wim Koevermans' boys have been missing football action

but they have managed to hold on to their continent ranking on 25th spot, though jointly with Singapore, who are

also placed 147th in the world chart. India have played only one match this year, when they were held 2-2 by

Bangladesh in a friendly encounter on March 5.10thMay

Indian documentary 'Silent Screams' won three awards at US festival : A documentary film, Silent Screams

Indias Fight Against Rape directed by Pria Somiah on 9 May 2014 won three awards at the 2014 New York

Festivals International TV and Film Awards. The awards included Gold World Medal for 'Best Investigative

Report' Two Bronze Gold Medals each in the Current Affairs and Human Concerns sections respectively

Caparo Group won International Business of the Year award 2014: Caparo Group won the International

Business of the Year award 2014 at the Asian Business Awards Midlands in Birmingham The Caparo Group

was founded in 1968. It is a diversified global association of businesses with over a 1.5 billion Euro turnover. It

was founded by Indian born British Industrialist, Lord Paul.

OSullivan named as Snookers Player of the Year:Ronnie OSullivan was crowned World Snookers Player

of the Year at the sport's annual awards ceremony in London. Apart from this, OSullivan was also handed the

Fans Player of the Year award after being voted by snooker supporters.

Indian companies will not be permitted to raise External Commercial Borrowings: RBI: The Reserve Bank

of India, RBI, has decided that Indian companies will not be permitted to raise External Commercial Borrowings

from overseas branches or subsidiaries of Indian banks for refinance or repayment of the Rupee loans raised

from domestic banking system.

Nation to observe National Technology Day 2014 on May 11: Nation to observe National Technology Day

2014 on May 11. It marks multiple technological breakthrough achieved on the day like Pokhran nuclear tests in

1998, test-flight of our first indigenous aircraft "Hansa-3" and successful test firing of the Trishul missile.

11thMay

Srichand and Gopichand Hinduja Top UK billionaires List: The Hinduja brothers have emerged as the

richest persons in the UK, which boasts of 102 billionaires, including Lord Swraj Paul and four others of Indian-

origin. The London-based Srichand and Gopichand Hinduja, who have a fortune of 11.9 billion pounds up by

an astonishing 1.3 billion pounds in the past year, edged out steel tycoon Lakshmi N Mittal and Russian

magnate Alisher Usmanov, according to the Sunday Times Super-Rich List published on 11 May 2014.

12thMay

India cheapest major economy; Australia most expensive: Survey : Notwithstanding high inflation rate, India is

the cheapest major economy in the world, according to a survey of global prices of products that are comparable

across countries. According to a report by German banking giant Deutsche Bank, a weaker Indian rupee has

allowed India to remain the cheapest major economy in the world despite persistently suffering the highest

inflation rate.

World's first electric aircraft takes maiden flight :The world's first airplane completely powered by electricity

has successfully taken to the skies for its maiden flight, and could bring down air travel cost by more than a third,

its developer Airbus said. The small experimental aircraft called 'E-Fan' carried its first flight at an airport near

Bordeaux in southwestern France, and could prove to be a key step towards greener, quieter and cheaper air

travel. Manufactured by Toulouse-based Airbus, E-Fan measures little more than 19 feet from nose to tail and


18/27

makes slightly more noise than a hairdryer. Powered by 120 lithium-ion polymer batteries, the plane's first official

flight last month lasted less than 10 minutes, though the plane has the capability to fly for around an hour before

recharging.

Cambridge trumps Oxford to be named best UK varsity:Britains prestigious Cambridge University pipped

arch-rival Oxford for the fourth year in a row to be named the best varsity in the country by an education guide.

Cambridge is again the countrys leading university, topping the Complete University Guides 2015 ranking of UK

varsities which was published online. Oxford retained second place in the ranking of 123 universities, with theLondon School of Economics and Political Science placed third.

13thMay

Cipla to buy 14.6% stake in Chase Pharma:Drug firm Cipla Ltd said it would invest $1.5 million to acquire a

14.6% stake in US-based Chase Pharmaceuticals engaged in developing novel approaches to improve

treatments for Alzheimer's disease. "..Company has signed a definitive agreement to invest $1.5 million in

Chase Pharmaceuticals Corporation Inc, US, to acquire a 14.6% stake in Chase on a fully diluted basis," Cipla

said.

Retail inflation for April at 8.59%:Retail inflation for April came in at a three-month high of 8.59 per cent,

higher than 8.31 percent in previous month. The spurt in retail inflation is largely attributed to the food inflation

inching up to 9.66 per cent against 9.1 per cent in the previous month. The rural inflation for April came in at 9.25

per cent (8.89 per cent). On the other hand, urban inflation was seen at 7.69 per cent (7.51 per cent).

Economy to cross $5 t by 2025:With improvement in macroeconomic indicators and steady implementation

of policy reforms, the economy is likely to cross the $5-trillion mark by 2025, a Morgan Stanley report said.

14thmay

SC Collegium recommended Gopal Subramaniam and RF Nariman to be appointed as SC judges : The

Supreme Court Collegium on 13 May 2014 recommended the names of Gopal Subramaniam and RF Nariman

to be elevated as judges of the Supreme Court. The recommendation has to be approved by the Union

Government. The Collegium was headed by Chief Justice of India RM Lodha and comprised of the four most

senior judges of the Supreme Court. The two lawyers Gopal Subramaniam and Rohinton Fali Nariman have

been the Solicitor Generals in the past.

US Senate confirmed Indira Talwani as federal judge in Massachusetts: US Senate confirmed the name of

Indian American Indira Talwani as the federal judge in Massachusetts. The US Senate approved the name of

Talwani by 94-0 votes.

President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to Whistleblowers Protection Bill 2011 : Pranab Mukherjee,

the President of India gave his assent to the Whistleblowers Protection Bill 2011. With this assent, theWhistleblowers Bill, 2011 became Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2011. The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on

11 December 2011 and by Rajya Sabha on 21 February 2014. The Bill carries provisions for setting up regular

mechanism to encourage persons to disclose information on corruption or willful misuse of power by public

servants, which includes Ministers. The Bill also demands adequate protection to persons who reports corruption

or willful misuse of discretion, which bring in a demonstrable loss to the government.

Donetsk and Luhansk leaders declared independence from Ukraine:Leaders of Donetsk and Luhansk on

declared Donetsk and Luhansk region in the Eastern Ukraine as sovereign and independent State. The

declaration was made after the referendum in Donetsk and Luhansk which was held on 11 May 2014.

Kristin Lund of Norway became first-ever woman to head a UN Peacekeeping Force: Major General Kristin

Lund of Norway became the first-ever woman to head a UN Peacekeeping Force in its entire history. She was


19/27

appointed as the Force Commander of UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) to mark its 50th

anniversary in 2014.

Unique enzyme SOD discovered by CSIR to increase shelf life of fruits and vegetables: A Unique enzyme

Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD) was discovered by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The

enzyme will help increase shelf life of fruits and vegetables.

Former Israel PM Olmert sentenced to imprisonment in corruption case: The Tel Aviv District Court of

Israel on 13 May 2014 sentenced former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to six years in prison for corrupt practicesin real estate projects. The court also fined one million shekels (290000 US dollar) to Olmert for his role in the

Holyland project.

15thMay

Lt. Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag named new army chief: Lt. Gen. Dalbir Singh Suhag has been appointed the

new army chief, He will take over from General Bikram Singh, who will retire at the end of July. An alumnus of

Sainik School, Chittorgarh, he joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1970 and was commissioned into

4/5 GR (FF) in June 1974.

Raghuram Rajan signed Rs 1000 banknotes to come up shortly: Reserve Bank will shortly issue banknotes

of Rs 1000 denomination in the Mahatma Gandhi series-2005 bearing the signature of Governor Raghuram

Rajan. "The RBI will shortly issue Rs 1000 denomination Banknotes incorporating rupee symbol on the obverse

and reverse, with inset letter 'L' in both the numbering panels, in the Mahatma Gandhi Series-2005 bearing the

signature of Raghuram G Rajan, Governor," RBI said in a notification .

RBI panel recommends one-licence policy for all banks: The RBIs vision of a uniform licence regime for the

banking sector was proposed in a panel report that recommended a one-licence policy for all banks , irrespective

of the ownership pattern. This will include all public sector, private sector (old and new) and foreign banks

operating in India.

New York Times names new executive editor:The New York Times has named the papers current managing

editor Dean Baquet as the new executive editor after Jill Abrahamson stepped down from the top position

unexpectedly, the paper said . Ms. Abrahamson, who took over as executive editor in 2011, was the first woman

to hold the papers top position. The reason for her resignation is unknown.

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16thMay

A.B. Pandya appointed as the Chairman of Central Water Commission: Ashwin B. Pandya was appointed as the

Chairman of the Central Water Commission & ex-officio Secretary of the Government of India. He was holding the

additional charge of the post since November 2013.

Union Government extended Ban on LTTE for five years: The Union Home Ministry extended the ban imposed on

the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in India for five years. The five year ban extension came into effect from

the day of notification. Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has been proscribed as an Unlawful Association

under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention Act 1967). LTTE was decimated by Sri Lankan military in

2009. India banned the terror outfit, LTTE after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India

in 1991. Last time a ban was imposed on LTTE in May 2012.

Sajai Singh appointed as President of International Technology Law Association: The International Technology

Law Association appointed Sajai singh as the President. Sajai Singh is the first President from the Asia-Pacific region

of the world. Icrisat ties up with SEWA:The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has tied

up with Self Employed Womens Association (SEWA) of India to share Information and Communication Technology

(ICT)-based knowledge. The association also calls for collaboration in agricultural innovation initiatives to help

improve productivity and profitability of small farmers.

Whatsapp to be renamed Su-che: Twitteratti: s the BJP-led NDA celebrates the electoral victory at the Indian

national elections, social networking websites also basked in the glory of the Narendra Modi wave. Among the many

messages and status updates on Whatsapp, Facebook and Twitter that poured in, one said, Darwaza khola toh saap

nikla, yeh Narendra Modi toh Rajnikanth ka baap nikla Poking fun at the Congress Vice President, a message on

Twitter said, Rahul Gandhi for Big Boss please, to which a follower replied if it meant Big Boss on Pogo.

17thMay

Nayak Committee to Review Governance of Boards of Banks in India submitted its report to RBI : he

committee to review Governance of Boards of Banks in India submitted its report to Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The

committee was constituted under the chairmanship of P. J. Nayak. He is a former Chairman and CEO of Axis Bank.

Committee has submitted list of recommendations: The Report projected the capital requirements till March 2018 in

order that provisions are prudent, there is adequate balance sheet growth to support the needs of the economy, and

capital is in line with the more demanding requirements of Basel 3.

Pankaj Advani won CCI Biliards title:Pankaj Advani won Cricket Club of India (CCI) Classic Billiards and Snooker

tournament. He defeated two-time world runner-up Dhruv Sitwala 1425-447 in the final. The Bangalore-based Eight-

time world champion Pankaj Advani also won the Highest Break award for the 530, which he scored against

Devendra Joshi in the quarterfinals.

Founder of Leela Group Hotels Krishnan Nair died: Capitan Krishnan Nair, founder of Leela Group of Hotels died

in Mumbai. He died at the age of 91. He received the Padma Bhushan award in 2010.

Kasturirangan Task Force on Waste to Energy submitted its report to the Planning Commission:

Kasturirangan Task Force on Waste to Energy submitted its report to the Planning Commission. The report

highlighted the need for an integrated approach towards Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management, stressing

reduction and segregation of waste at source and also efficient utilization of various components of the waste.


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Grant Flower named as Pakistan batting coach:Grant Flower, the former Zimbabwe batsman was named as the

batting coach of Pakistan cricket team for two years. He will join the Pakistan side on 1 August 2014 just before the

Sri Lanka series of the team.

18thMay

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day:This day was observed on 17th May by UN with the

theme of Broadband for sustainable development. This day is celebrated to mark the anniversary of the signing of

the "first International Telegraph Convention" in 1865 and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union.

Nakba Day in Palestine:Nakba Day or Day of Catastrophe was observed in Palestine on 15th May. It is also the day

of Israeli independence and is observed to mark the displacement of millions of Palestinians from present day Israel

following Palestinian War 1948 (Israeli Declaration of Independence).

India to test Nirbhaya:India will soon test its nuclear capable 1000km long range cruise missile Nirbhaya and it

comes under the LACM category. LACM stands for Land Attack Cruise Missile. Other missiles in the same category

are Tom Hawk by US and Babur by Pakistan.

19thMay

Naveen Patnaik to be Odisha Chief Minister for fourth term: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik,

who steered the party to a landslide victory in the Assembly polls in Odisha, is set to become the Chief Minister for

the fourth consecutive term as he was unanimously elected its legislature party leader.

India's forex reserves up $1.97 billion: India's foreign exchange (forex) reserves rose by $1.97 billion to $313.83

billion for the week ended May 9, led by a sharp jump in overseas currency assets, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data

showed.

PMEAC head Rangarajan resigns: Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (PMEAC)

Chakravarthi Rangarajan has resigned following the defeat of the Congress-led UPA in the general elections.

President dissolves 15th Lok Sabha:The formal process for constitution of the new Lok Sabha commenced

evening with the full Election Commission handing over the list of members of the 16th Lok Sabha to President

Pranab Mukherjee. The President also dissolved the 15th Lok Sabha.

AT&T acquires DirecTV in $49-billion deal:AT&T says it is buying DirecTV for $95 per share, or $49 billion, a

move that gives the telecommunications company a larger base of video subscribers and increases its ability to

compete against Comcast and Time Warner Cable, which agreed to a merger in February.

Nabam Tuki sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh: Nabam Tuki was sworn-in as the eighth

(seventh as person) Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh at the Raj Bhavan in Itanagar. This is second consecutive

term for the veteran congress leader. His oath to the office and secrecy was administered by the Governor Lt. Gen.

(Retd) Nirbhay Sharma.

20thMay

Vodafone arm to buy Neotel for Rs. 3,958 cr:Tata Communications Ltd. (formerly VSNL), announced that

Vodafones subsidiary Vodacom SA has agreed to acquire 100 per cent shares of Neotel, its South African unit, for 7

billion Rand or $676 million (Rs.3,958 crore). Tata Communications holds 68.5 per cent stake in Neotel, South

Africas second largest fixed-line telecom service provider.

Jitan Ram Manjhi is Bihars new CM: Bihar Scheduled Caste and Schedule Tribe Welfare Minister Jitan Ram

Manjhi is set to be the new Chief Minister after Nitish Kumar picked him to be his successor . Mr. Kumar, however,

made it clear that he would lead the partys campaign in the 2015 Assembly election.

All Planning Commission members submit their resignations:All members of the Planning Commission have

submitted their resignations to the Prime Minister's Office paving the way for reconstitution of the institution. "All


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members have submitted their resignation to the Prime Minster's Office through Planning Secretary Sindhushree

Khullar. Now the PMO will take call on their resignations,

21ST may

Former IIT professor Hem Chandra Gupta becomes UPSC member : Known educationist and former professor of

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, Hem Chandra Gupta has been appointed as member of Union Public

Service Commission (UPSC). Professor Gupta has been appointed last for a period of six years or until he attains

the age of 65 years, according to a notification issued by Ministry of Personnel. Anandi Patel to be the new Chief Minister of Gujarat:Gujarat Revenue Minister Anandiben Patel was elected

leader of the BJP Legislature Party Leader, who will succeed PM-designate Narendra Modi as Chief Minister of the

state. 73-year-old Patel's name was proposed and adopted unanimously at a meeting of the Legislature Party in the

presence of Modi, who had momemnts earlier had resigned as the chief minister. Modi's close aide Amit Shah and

BJP General Secretary Thavar Chand Ghelot were also present.

Sikkim's Chamling becomes longest-serving CM in the country: Pawan Chamling was sworn in as Sikkim Chief

Minister for a record fifth time along with 11 ministers by Governor Sriniwas Patil .

India won two medals in Archery World Cup Stage 2:India on won two medals, viz., Silver and Bronze medal, at

the Archery World Cup Stage 2 held at Medellin, US. The Silver medal was won by India in the men's recurve team.

The Indian recurve team comprised of Sanjay Boro, Atanu Das and Thupuvoyi Swuro. The Gold was won by the

world champions Korea. The Korean team comprised of Kim Woojin, Ku Bonchan and Oh Jin Hyek. The US men

team defeated China to take the bronze medal.

Edinburgh University awarded honorary degree to Former President APJ Abdul Kalam:Former President APJ

Abdul Kalam was awarded with honorary degree by Edinburgh University in Scotland. He was awarded for his

contribution to science and technology and his commitment to helping transform India into a developed nation by

2020.

22nd

May RBI defers Aadhaar-linked payment plan mechanism: For the past one year bankers have been trying to tell the

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) about the drawbacks of an ambitious plan to let customers use fingerprints to withdraw

money from ATMs and pay for purchases. It is expensive, risky and would serve only a handful of clients, they

argued. Chief technology officers and payment experts told the panel examining the project that it made no sense

the network has to be overhauled and ATMs and point-of-sale (POS) machines with merchants have to be upgraded

with biometric readers . Their views were ignored, thanks to the previous government's emphasis on Aadhaar, which

is based on biometric validation. In November, RBI directed that all new ATMs and POS machines should be tailored

to accept Aadhaar. Bank CEOs opposed the move, but there was no hint that RBI would rethink. However, a fortnight

ago, RBI told banks perhaps due to the uncertainty of Aadhaar under a new government to examine the

technical difficulties of the proposed payment system and the time frame for implementing it.

RBI eases gold import curbs:The Reserve Bank eased gold import norms by allowing select trading houses, in

addition to already permitted banks, to procure the precious metal to boost exports. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

in July last year had imposed severe restrictions on gold imports in order to check the burgeoning current account

deficit and sliding rupee. The central bank had tied imports with exports and prescribed a 20:80 formula. This facility

was available to select banks only and other entities were barred from importing the metal.

23rdMay

Nagaland CM resigns along with his council of ministers:Three-time Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, on

resigned from the chair along with his council of ministers. Rio, who has been the Chief Minister of Nagaland for over


24/27

11 years, tendered his resignation following his landslide victory in the just-concluded Lok Sabha polls. Rio submitted

his resignation along with that of his Council of Ministers to Governor Ashwani Kumar at Raj Bhavan.

Former IB chief Rajiv Mathur takes over as new CIC: Former Intelligence Bureau Chief, Rajiv Mathur, was sworn

in as the next Chief information Commissioner. He succeeded Sushma Singh, following her retirement this month.

The CIC is appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee led by the Prime Minister, including the

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.

South Florida University honours TERI's Rajendra Pachauri: The University of South Florida's Patel College ofGlobal Sustainability (PCGS) has awarded its first Eminent Global Scholar in Sustainability Award to Rajendra

Pachauri, chair of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Pachauri, who has served as the

IPCC chair since 2002, was given the award in recognition of his extraordinary acomplishments in advancing the

science and understanding of climate change and international policy, in Tampa, Florida. A 2007 Nobel Peace Prize

recipient, Pachauri is also the CEO of the Energy and Resources Institute ( TERI) in New Delhi, president of the

Asian Energy Institute, and founding director and senior adviser to the Yale University Climate and Energy Institute

Thailand army chief announces military coup: Thailands army chief announced a military takeover of the

government , saying the coup was necessary to restore stability and order after six months of political deadlock and

turmoil. Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha said in a statement broadcast on national television that the commission which

imposed martial law would now take control of the countrys administration.

Flipkart buys out Myntra for $300 m: Putting an end to months of speculation about what is being termed as the

biggest acquisition in the Indian e-commerce business, domestic e-retailer Flipkart announced that it has acquired

rival and leading fashion e-tailer Myntra.com.

Madhav Mantri, a cricketing doyen, passes away:Indias wicket-keeper-batsman in the 1950s, Madhav Mantri

passed away morning at the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. He was 92.

L.R. Natarajan passes away: A veteran football referee, an authority on the laws of the game and one who served

the FIFA panel for over a decade in the 1950s, L.R. Natarajan passed away here . He was 93 and leaves behind his

wife, a son and a daughter and their families.

RBI directed all banks to install disabled friendly new ATMs: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directed all banks to

install disabled friendly new Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). All the new ATMs that are to be installed after 1 July

2014 needs to provide audible instructions and Braille keypads to customers. Besides, it also directed banks to lay

down a road map for converting all the existing ATMs as talking ATMs with Braille keypads.

International Day for Biological Diversity 2014 observed across the world : International Day for Biological

Diversity: International Day for Biological Diversity was observed across the world on 22 May 2014. The theme of

International Day for Biological Diversity 2014 is Island Biodiversity. The theme coincided with the International Year

of Small Island Developing States which was designated by the United Nations General Assembly.

24th May

Anti-Terrorism Day Observed across India on 21 May: 21 May 2014: Anti Terrorism Day/ Martyrdom of Former

Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Anti-Terrorism Day observed Across India on 21 May 2014. The day is celebrated as

23rd Death Anniversary of former Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi.

Indian-American student Akhil Rekulapelli won National Geographic Bee Championship: Indian-American

student Akhil Rekulapelli on 21 May 2014 won the National Geographic Bee championship in Washington, USA.

Ameya Mujumdar from Florida stood second, while California's Tuvya Bergson-Michelson finished third. Ameya

Mujumdar is also an Indian American student. UN blacklists Nigerias Islamist terror outfit Boko Haram: The al-Qaeda-linked group recently hit the zenith of

infamy after abduction of over 270 schoolgirls from its citadel of Northern Nigeria.


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Hiroshi Naka (Japan) to take over as Vice President and Auditor General of the World Bank :Hiroshi Naka

(Japan) to take over as Vice President and Auditor General of the World Bank from July 2014. He has over 25 years

of experience working with the Japanese Ministry of Finance and multilateral organisations, where he specialised in

issues such as economic sanctions, anti-money laundering and supervision of financial institutions.

Mobile Seva clinches 2nd prize in the United Nations Public Service Award: The project Mobile Seva under

Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) clinches 2nd prize in the United Nations Public Service

Award 2014 . The award is given for the Asian and Pacific Region in category of promoting whole of governmentapproaches in Information Age. It is the only project from India to win any award this year.

World Turtle Day: World Turtle Day 2014 is observed across the globe on May 23. The day is celebrated to raise

efforts and awareness towards preservation of turtles and tortoise.

The 21st annual joint naval exercise, SIMBEX 14, between Indian and Singapore Navies is underway in Andaman

Sea. The week long drill is in operation from May 22-28.

25th May

Malavath Poorna of Andhra became youngest woman to climb Mount Everest : Malavath Poorna Malavath

Poorna became the youngest woman to climb the Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Malavath Poorna is

13 years and 11 months old girl. Poorna was accompanied by Sadhanapalli Anand Kumar, a 16-year old from the

same state. Poorna is from Nizambad district of Andhra Pradesh and Anand is from Khammam district. Both of them

are the students of Andhra Pradesh Social Welfare Educational Society.

Real Madrid won 10th UEFA Champions League Football title: , Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid by 4-1 at

Lisbon to win their 10th UEFA Champions League Football title. It is their first win since 2002. Real Madrid's victory

was not only a record tenth triumph in the European Cup but also a record fourth in the UEFA Champions League

era, placing them one ahead of Milan and Barcelona.

Nico Rosberg Won Monaco F1 Grand Prix:Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg, of Germany, won the Monaco Formula

1 Grand Prix title on 25 May . His teammate Lewis Hamilton (UK) was second and third place in the winning podiumwas taken by Australias Daniel Ricciardo for Red Bull team.

26th May

Japan won the Thomas Cup 2014 of badminton: Japan won the Thomas Cup 2014 of badminton. Japan team

defeated the Malaysian team 3-2 in the finals held at Siri Fort Complex in New Delhi. This was Japans first maiden

Thomas Cup.

INR appreciated to 11-month high to become the best performing currency in Asia-Pacific region : ndian

Rupee (INR) appreciated to 11-month high to become the best performing currency in Asia-Pacific region against US

dollar in 2014. The Rupee on 23 May 2014 closed at 11-month high of 58.52 against the US dollar. Anticipating India - The Best of National Interest authored by Shekhar Gupta released : Anticipating India - The

Best of National Interest authored by Shekhar Gupta. The Book entitled Anticipating India - The Best of National

Interest written by Shekhar Gupta, the editor-in-chief of The Indian Express was released on 24 May 2014.

Singapore became the top source of FDI into India replacing Mauritius: DIPP: Singapore became the top source

of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India. Singapore replaced Mauritius to become the number one source of FDI.

27th May

Narendra Modi sworn in Prime Minister: He became the 15th Prime Minister in a virtual coronation ceremony in

the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan before a 3000-strong gathering that included the heads of SAARC nations.

Marking the beginning of a new era in Indian politics, Narendra Modi was sworn in Prime Minister at the head of a

45member coalition government after the elections that saw the BJP gain absolute majority in 30 years.


26/27

Sushma Swaraj first woman to get MEA portfolio: Sushma Swaraj became the first woman External Affairs

Minister, in yet another first for the 62-year-old BJP leader. Apart from having the distinction of becoming the

youngest cabinet minister in Haryana government at the age of 25, Ms. Swaraj has also many other firsts such as

being the first woman Chief Minister of Delhi and woman spokesperson for any political party in the country. Ms.

Swaraj has also been given the charge of Overseas Indian Affairs.

Amway India CEO arrested: Amway India CEO William Scott Pinckney was arrested on the charge of cheating and

other financial fraud. He was taken into custody by a special police team at Gurgoan, New Delhi and was shifted toKurnool on transit warrant.

New Libyan Prime Minister swears in: Libyas new Prime Minister Ahmed Maitiq and his cabinet swore-n evening

amid objections raised to his election process, the media reported. Mr. Maitiq took his oath before President of the

Parliament Nuri Abu Sahmain.

Current account deficit narrows to 1.7 % of GDP:Indias current account deficit (CAD) for the January-March

period narrowed sharply to $1.2 billion (0.2 per cent of GDP) from $18.1 billion (3.6 per cent of GDP) in the same

period last year, which was also lower than $4.2 billion (0.9 per cent of GDP) in the October-December quarter of

2013-14.

Zeliang sworn in as Nagaland CM: T R Zeliang, leader of Naga Peoples Front (NPF), was sworn in as the Chief

Minister of Nagaland following the resignation of Neiphio Rio, who has been elected to Lok Sabha. Governor Ashwani

Kumar administered the oath of office and secrecy to the 62-year-old first time chief minister and the 11 members of

council of ministers at the Rajbhavan. The NDF-led ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN-III) government was

formed in March 2013.

Gorakhdham Express mishap: Prime Minister announces relief : In his first decision after taking over, Prime

Minister Narendra Modi announced a relief of Rs two lakh each to the kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those

seriously injured in yesterday's train accident in Uttar Pradesh. He directed the Railway Ministry to ensure that relief

operations were carried out smoothly and that all those injured in the Gorakhdham Express mishap were provided the

best possible medical care.

RBI appoints 3 NBFCs for setting up of white label ATMs: Reserve Bank has authorised thre

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