international current affairs 2015

International Current Affairs NASA develops first 3-D printed copper rocket engine part Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 23, 2015No comments NASA engineers have developed the first full-scale three dimensional (3-D) printed copper rocket engine part. The part developed was a combustion chamber liner that operates at extreme temperatures and pressures using additive manufacturing technique. Combustion chamber was manufactured by using selective laser melting machine in the Laboratory located in Marshall Space Flight Centres Materials and Processing. The machine had fused 8,255 layers of copper powder to make the chamber in 10 days and 18 hours. The raw material used was GRCo-84, a copper alloy created by scientists at NASAs Glenn Research Centre in Ohio. This alloy has an extensive materials characterization which helped engineers to validate the 3-D printing processing parameters and ensure build quality. 3-D printing or additive manufacturing technique has the potential to reduce the time and cost of making rocket parts. It can help to manufacture engine parts 10 times faster and reduce the cost by more than 50 per cent. Tags: NASA Space Technology Japans Maglev train makes new world speed record Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 22, 2015No comments Japans state-of-the-art Magnetic levitation technology (Maglev) train has clocked a new world speed record smashing through the 603 kilometre per hour mark in a test run near Mount Fuji. The new record has surpassed its previous record of 581 kilometre per hour which was set in 2003. Central Japan Railway Company owns this fastest passenger train and is planning to have a train in service in 2027 on the 286-km route between Tokyo and the central city of Nagoya. Japan had launched its first bullet train named Shinkansen in 1964. Currently, Japan has the Worlds most sophisticated rail network. By successfully testing these new train technologies, Japan is seeking to sell its Shinkansen Bullet and Maglev train systems to other countries. How Maglev train works? Maglev train hovers 10 centimetres above the tracks and is propelled by electrically charged magnets which lift and moves train carriages above the rail tracks. This train travels along a guideway using magnets to create both lift and propulsion. This lift and propulsion reduces friction and allow it to attain higher speeds compared to conventional wheeled trains. Tags: Japan Records Science & Technology Xi Jinping conferred with Nishan-e-Pakistan award Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 22, 2015No comments Pakistan Government on 21 April 2015 conferred Nishan-e-Pakistan, top civilian award on Chinese President Xi Jinping. He was bestowed with this award for his outstanding contribution in promotion of relationship between the two countries by Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain. About Nishan-e-Pakistan The Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan) is the highest of civilian award and decoration given by the Pakistan Government. The award is awarded to a person for his highest degree of service to the country and nation of Pakistan. It is conferred on them for their merit and distinguished services to the country, foreign relations and international community. Established on 19 March 1957. Former Prime Minister of India Morarji Desai is only Indian to receive this award. He was awarded this award in 1990. Tags: Awards China Pakistan Xi Jinping

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International Current Affairs 2015 Pulitzer Prize Winners Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 22, 2015No comments All the Light We Cannot See, a novel based on Second World War by author Anthony Doerr has won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. While, The New York Times has won two prestigious Pulitzer prizes for coverage of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. List of 2015 Pulitzer Prize Winners Books, Drama and Music Fiction- All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. Drama - Between Riverside and Crazy by Stephen Adly Guirgis History - Encounters at the Heart of the World: A History of the Mandan People by Elizabeth A. Fenn. Biography - The Pope and Mussolini: The Secret History of Pius XI and the Rise of Fascism in Europe by David I. Kertzer. Poetry - Digest by Gregory Pardlo. General Nonfiction-The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert. Music - Anthracite Fields by Julia Wolfe. Journalism Public Service- The Post and Courier, Charleston. Breaking News Reporting- The Seattle Times Staff. Investigative Reporting- Eric Lipton of New York Times and Wall Street Journal Staff. Explanatory Reporting- Zachary R. Mider of Bloomberg News. Local Reporting- Rob Kuznia, Rebecca Kimitch and Frank Suraci of the Daily Breeze. National Reporting- Carol D. Leonnig of Washington Post. International Reporting- New York Times Staff. Feature Writing- Diana Marcum of the Los Angeles Times. Commentary- Lisa Falkenberg of the Houston Chronicle. Criticism- Mary McNamara of the Los Angeles Times. Editorial Writing- Kathleen Kingsbury of Boston Globe. Editorial Cartooning- Adam Zyglis of Buffalo News. Breaking News Photography- St. Louis Post-Dispatch Photography Staff. Feature Photography- Daniel Berehulak, freelance photographer of New York Times. Tags: Awards Ebola Outbreak India 5th biggest generator of e-waste in 2014: UN report Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 21, 2015No comments As per recently released Global E-Waste Monitor 2014 report by United Nations, India is the fifth biggest producer of e-waste in the world. The report was compiled by UN think tank United Nations University (UNU). Key facts from report Top 5 e-waste producing nations: US, China, Japan, Germany and India. In case of wealthy nations top 5 e-waste producers are Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Denmark, and United Kingdom. US and China have produced the most e-waste in 2014. Both nations account for 32 percent of total e-waste produced in the world in 2014. India has discarded around 1.7 million tonnes (Mt) of e-waste in 2014. In 2014, around 41.8 Mt of e-waste was produced all over world and it is expected to rise by 21 percent to 50 million Mt in 2018. In terms of continent wise, Asia has produced most e-waste per inhabitant in year 2014 by producing 16 Mt i.e. 3.7 kg per inhabitant. Top three Asian e-waste producing nations are- China (6.0Mt), Japan (2.2Mt) and India (1.7Mt). While, Africa has generated lowest amount of e-waste per inhabitant by producing 9 Mt i.e. 1.7 kg per inhabitant. Tags: China Germany India Japan US Centre Party wins Parliamentary Elections of Finland, ousts incumbent PM Alexander Stubb Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 20, 2015No comments Finlands opposition Centre Party has won the General Election 2015 by defeating the left-right coalition National Coalition party of incumbent Prime Minister Alexander Stubb. With this win, Centre Partys leader Juha Sipila, an IT millionaire and newcomer to countrys politics, is set to become Finlands next prime minister. In this election, Juha Sipilas Centre Party has won 42 seats in the 200 seats of Parliament and Finns Party (formerly known as True Finns) was runner-up by winning 38 seats in parliament. While the ruling Coalition Party has won 37 seats and the Social Democratic Party got 34 seats. Comment In this election the Centre Partys campaign was dominated by economic woes and had advocated wage freeze and spending cuts to regain Finlands competitiveness. This may help to get an economic revamp that could rescue Finland which is facing economic slowdown in the past four-year. Tags: Elections Finland In

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International Current Affairs Russia, Pakistan to hold first-ever joint military exercises Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 17, 2015No comments Russia and Pakistan have agreed to hold first-ever joint military exercises as part of their enhanced defence cooperation. In this regard, an agreement was reached between both nations during a meeting between Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Asif in Moscow. As per the agreement, both nations will strive for Enhancing cooperation in defence industry and military training. Promoting joint participation in military exercises. Increasing military cooperation in training and import of arms and equipment. Resolving conflicts through diplomatic means rather than using of force. Apart from above, both nations also have reached a consensus that a multi-polar world would ensure peace and balance in international relations. In 2014, both nations had signed a military cooperation agreement to deepen their defence ties. They also had vowed to translate their relationship in tangible terms. The military agreement was signed during the first-ever visit of a Russian defence minister in 45 years to Pakistan in November 2014. Tags: International Russia-Pakistan UN Peace Envoy Jamal Benomar Resigns Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 17, 2015No comments United Nation (UN) peace envoy to Yemen, Jamal Benomar has resigned, after losing support from Gulf countries for his mission in the conflict-riven nation. His resignation comes after UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling for the swift resumption of peace talks and an end to violence in Yemen on 14 April 2015. The adopted resolution adopted calls on the Huthis to withdraw from Sanaa and all other areas they have seized. About Jamal Benomar Since 2012, he was serving as UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moons special envoy for Yemen. He joined UN in 1994 and had served at various key of posts of different UN agencies. It included United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA). Background The security situation in Yemen deteriorated after the Shia Houthis rebels had seized power by dissolving Yemens government and parliament in January 2015. Since then they had taken control of key government buildings in capital Sanaa including Presidential Palace. Tags: United Nations Yemen Yemen Crisis Canada to Supply Uranium to India for 5 Years Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 15, 20152 Comments Canada has agreed to supply 3,000 metric tonnes of uranium to India under a $254 million five-year deal to power Indian atomic reactors. The agreement for uranium supply was signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper after comprehensive talks in Ottawa, Canada. The agreement comes in line with the Canada- India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement that took effect in 2013. As per uranium supply agreement, Canadas Cameco Corporation will supply uranium to India for next five years starting from this year. These supplies will be under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. Canada is the second-largest producer of uranium globally and is the third country to supply uranium to India after Russia and Kazakhstan. It should be noted that in the 1970s, Canada had banned exports of uranium and nuclear hardware to India after it was alleged that India had used Canadian technology to develop a nuclear bomb. However, Canada- India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signed in 2013, Canada moved away from ban and agreed to supply uranium to India. Tags: Civil Nuclear Cooperation India-Canada Narendra Modi Uranium Deal Advertisement


International Current Affairs BHEL, Russian firm INTMA ink MoU to set up power plant in Kazakhstan Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 15, 2015No comments Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a Russian company INTMA to set up a gas-based power project in Kazakhstan. The MoU aims set combined path to execute projects of mutual interest in Russia and Kazakhstan. In this regard, BHELs competence in design and manufacturing of power plants will play important role and INTMAs strength in handling engineering procurement and construction contractors (EPC) contracts will implement the projects. By signing this MoU, BHEL will be able to expand its footprint in the commonwealth of independent states (CIS) region. At present, BHEL is has a presence in more than 75 countries and is executing 23 major projects in 16 countries. The state owned company is primarily engaged in manufacturing of power plant equipment like steam turbines, gas turbines, hydro turbines and boilers. While, INTMA is Russia and Kazakhstans one of the leading general EPC. It has wide experience in industrial construction, automation, renovation of facilities and other energy related sectors. Tags: BHEL Kazakhstan Power Sector Russia Turkey begins construction of first nuclear power plant Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 14, 2015No comments Turkey on 14 April 2015 began the construction of its first nuclear power plant located at Akkuyu in Mersin province on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It will be built by Akkuyu Project Company, a subsidiary of Russias nuclear agency Rosatom. Key Facts In 2010, Turkey and Russia had signed an agreement to set up $20 billion Akkuyu nuclear project. Akkuyu Project Company will own, build and operate the plant that comprises four 1,200 MW VVER units. The site was chosen at Akkuyu by Turkish government because it has low population density and low risk of earthquakes. It should be noted that Akkuyu nuclear plant is the first of three nuclear power plants planned by Turkey. Second plant is due to be built in the Black Sea city of Sinop by a French-Japanese consortium and third plants location is not finalised yet. With these nuclear plants, Turkish government is aiming to bring greater energy self-sufficiency by reducing its dependence on energy imports from like Russia and Iran. Tags: Nuclear Power Russia Turkey US President nominates Indian-American businesswoman Shamina Singh to key post Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 14, 2015No comments Indian-American businesswoman Shamina Singh has been nominated as the member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). She was nominated to top most post by United States President Barack Obama for term of four year i.e. till October 2019. About Shamina Singh Prior to this, Shamina was global director for government services and solutions at MasterCard Centre for Inclusive Growth. Prior to joining MasterCard, she had led government and public affairs for sports brand Nike and had 5 five years with Citigroups Global Community Development Group. She also had held senior positions within the Bill Clinton Administration and the US House of Representatives. Singh also was a Deputy Director for America Votes in 2003. She also had served as a Senior Advisor to US House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. In 2002, she was the Deputy Campaign Manager for the Ron Kirk for US Senate campaign. From 1999 to 2001, Singh was Executive Director for the Presidents Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.


International Current Affairs German Nobel laureate novelist Gunter Grass passes away Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 13, 2015No comments German Nobel laureate novelist Guenter Grass passed away on 12 April 2015 in Berlin. He was 87. Grass is recognized for his efforts to revive German culture in the aftermath of World War II and also had given voice and support to democratic discourse in the post war Germany. About Guenter Grass Guenter Grass was born on 16 October 1927 in Danzig-Langfuhr (now the Polish city of Gdansk) Apart from being novelist, he was poet, playwright, illustrator, graphic artist and sculptor. In 1944 at the age of 16, he had served in the Waffen-SS, the combat arm of former German dictator Adolf Hitlers notorious paramilitary organization. Grass had made his literary reputation with The Tin Drum published in 1959. It was followed by Cat and Mouse and Dog Years. These novels were called the Danzig Trilogy named after his birth town. Awards and Honours- In 1999, he was awarded Nobel Prize for literature for his efforts to revive German literature after the Nazi era. Hermann Kesten Prize (1995). He was elected an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1993. Tags: Germany Novelist Obituary Lewis Hamilton wins Chinese Grand Prix of Formula One Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 12, 2015No comments Mercedes Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton from Britain on 12 April 2015 won Chinese Grand Prix of Formula One on the Shanghai International Circuit in China. This was his second win of the season and his fourth Chinese Grand Prix win. It was also Lewis Hamiltons overall 35th Grand Prix win. In Chinese Grand Prix, Hamilton was followed by teammate Nico Rosberg at second place. Other rankings Ferrari drivers Sebastian Vettel (Germany) and Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) took third and fourth places respectively. Williams drivers Felipe Massa (Brazil) and Valtteri Bottas (Finland) took fifth and sixth places. Romain Grosjean (France) of Lotus Team and Felipe Nasr (Brazil) of Sauber team took seventh and eight position. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) of Red Bull Team was placed at ninth position. Marcus Ericsson (Swedan) of Sauber Team finished at tenth position. Tags: China Formula One Sports 17 Agreements signed between India and France during PM Narendra Modis visit Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 12, 2015No comments India and France on 11 April 2015 signed 17 agreements in various fields during Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modis visit to France. They were signed in presence of Indian PM and his counterpart French President Francois Hollande after they had held wide-ranging talks in Paris. Some of key agreements signed are MoU between Larsen and Tubro and AREVA- It aims at improve the financial viability of the Jaitapur Nuclear plant project by reducing cost by increasing localization. It will also enable France to transfer of technology to India for development of indigenous nuclear energy industry in India. Pre-engineering agreements (PEA) between NPCIL and Areva- It intends to bring clarity on all technical aspects of the plant. It will help all parties including AREVA, Alstom and NPCIL to fix their price and optimise all provisions for risks (still included at this stage) in the costs of the project. MoU between CNES and ISRO on Megha Tropiques satellite- It extends MoU for two more years of joint project for sharing and use of data from the satellite. The satellite was launched in October 2011 on board of Indian launch vehicle PSLV. MOU between ISRO, CNES and ONERA- It proposes cooperation in the areas of satellite remote sensing, satellite communications and satellite meteorology and others field. MoU between Union Sports Ministry and French Ministry of Sports- It envisages cooperation and exchange of experiences in the fields of sports medicine and institutional cooperation. Railway protocol between Union Railways Ministry and French National Railways (SNCF)- It seeks to establish cooperation between Indian and French Railways for semi-high speed rail and station renovation. Other agreements signed between both nations in the fields of economy, energy, culture, tourism, conservation, Ayurveda, skill development and science and technology. Note- NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India), CNES (French National Centre for Space Studies), ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). Tags: India-France ISRO Narendra Modi NPCI Space Technology Advertisement


International Current Affairs Asteroid 316201 named after Malala Yousafzai Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 11, 2015No comments Asteroid 316201 was named as 316201 Malala after the youngest Nobel laureate and girls education campaigner Malala Yousafzai. The asteroid was named after her by Amy Mainzer, astronomer at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, United States under the International Astronomical Union rules. In 2010, Mainzer had discovered the asteroid which was known as 316201. As a discoverer of the asteroid she had owned the rights to name it. Asteroid 316201 Malala is located in the Main Belt between Mars and Jupiter. It orbits around the Sun every 5.5 years and is more-than 2 mile wide. About Malala Yousafzai Malala was born on 12 July 1997 in Mingora city in Swat province of Pakistan. At the age of 11 she had caught international attention as female education activist after writing for the BBC about life under the Taliban in Pakistan under pseudonym Gul Makai. In 2012, Malala had survived an assassination attempt after she was shot in the head Taliban gunmen. Awards- In 2014, at the age of 17 she was awarded Nobel peace prize, becoming youngest Nobel Laureate in the history of Nobel award. She had shared this prize with Indian childrens rights activist Kailash Satyarthi She is also conferred with National Youth Peace Prize (2011), Mother Teresa Awards for Social Justice (2012), Simon de Beauvoir Prize (2013), Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought (2013), Anna Politkovskaya Award (2013) and many more. United Nations has declared November 10 as Malala Day in her honor. Tags: Astronomy Education Malala Yousafzai Pakistan India to chair 9th International Renewable Energy Agency council meet Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 11, 2015No comments India is going to chair the ninth International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) council meeting to be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The 9th IRENA council is scheduled to start from 10 June 2015 and will be a two day event. In this meeting 21 member nations of IRENA council are going to take part. They will guide the agencys future programmes and activities. About International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) IRENA is an intergovernmental organization to promote adoption and sustainable use of renewable energy. It is the global hub for renewable energy cooperation and information exchange within its member nations. Founded: in2009 and its statute entered into force on 8 July 2010. Headquarters: Abu Dhabi. Two governing structure:IRENA Assembly which takes decisions at macro level and gives policy guidance. IRENA Council is main governing body and is responsible for implementing various decisions of assembly. Members: In total it has 140 Members. India is one of the 33 Permanent and founder members of IRENA. Tags: Abu Dhabi Renewable Energy UAE Veteran Australian Cricket legend and former Captain Richie Benaud passes away Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 10, 2015No comments Former Australia captain and legendary cricket commentator Richie Benaud passed away on 10 April 2015. He was 84. About Richie Benaud Richie Benaud was an Australian Test cricket all-rounder and a pioneering leg-spin bowler. Test career- In his Test cricket career, he had played 63 matches. His debut match was against West Indies in 1952. He had made 2201 runs and had taken 248 wickets. In 1958, he was appointed captain of Australian Test Team. He had led the team in 28 Test matches. First class cricket career- He had played 259 first-class matches and had taken 945 wickets and made 11,719 first-class runs at an average of 36.50. He had scored 23 centuries in first class cricket. Commentary Career- After retiring from cricket he pursued his career in journalism and broadcasting. In 1960, he made first radio cricket commentary for BBC in Britain. His last commentary was in 2005 Ashes series. But till 2013, he continued to work for Channel Nine in Australia. Autobiography- Anything But published in 1998. Awards- Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to cricket (1961), inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (1985), Australian Cricket Hall of Fame (2007) and ICC Cricket Hall of Fame (2009). Tags: Australia Cricket Obituary Sports


International Current Affairs India elected to four key bodies of UN ECOSOC Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 10, 20151 Comment India was elected to four key bodies of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). India was elected to these bodies during ECOSOCs coordination and management meeting held at UN headquarters in New York, United States (US) by acclamation i.e. form of election that does not use a ballot. Four key subsidiary bodies are Executive Board of United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) - India is elected for a 3 year term beginning January 2016. It was elected, along with 13 other nations. Executive Board of World Food Programme (WFP) - India is re-elected to the for a 2 year period starting from January 2016, along with 5 other nations. Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) India is elected for a 3 year period starting from January 2016. India was elected along with 19 other nations. Some of them are Iran, Pakistan, Austria, France, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and US. Governing Council of United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) - India is elected for a 3 year period starting from January 2016 along with 13 other nations. With this, India has created significant 100 percent record of winning the UNECOSOC elections. Tags: India-UN UNICEF United Nations April 7: World Health Day Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 7, 2015No comments World health Day was observed all over the world on April 7, 2015. Theme for year 2015 was food safety with the slogan from farm to plate, make food safe. The theme highlights Need to make food free from viruses, microbes and chemicals substances that are responsible for more than 200 diseases. Indirectly unsafe food is linked to the annual deaths of some 2 million people, mostly children. Need to create awareness about food safety as it possesses challenges from the changes in food production, distribution and consumption. Changes in the environment and new emerging pathogens and antimicrobial resistance are also challenge to food safety. In this regard, WHO is also working with countries to strengthen efforts to detect, prevent and respond to foodborne disease outbreaks in line with the Codex Alimentarius. About World Health Day Every year on April 7, World Health Day is celebrated under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO). Purpose: To focus on increasing the life expectancy by adding good health to the lives of people and promoting healthier living habits. This day marks the WHOs founding and is observed since 1950, Since then April 7 every year is seen as an opportunity by the WHO to draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health each year. Tags: Events And Observances Food Safety Health Socio-Economic Pedro Cateriano Bellido appointed as Prime Minister of Peru Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 4, 2015No comments Pedro Cateriano Bellido was appointed as Prime Minister of Peru by the President Ollanta Humala. He will replace Ana Jara, who had lost a confidence vote and was sacked by Peruvian Congress amid allegations of corruption. About Pedro Cateriano Bellido Prior to this appointment, he was serving as Perus Defence Minister and was appointed in July 2012, Cateriano, by profession is a lawyer and is specialized in constitutional law. He was member of the Peruvian parliament from 1990 to 1992. Cateriano also had served as deputy justice minister from 2001 to 2002. He also teaches law at the University of Lima. Tags: Peru Prime Minister Advertisement


Sports New Zealand wins Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament 2015 Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 12, 20151 Comment New Zealand has won the 24th edition of Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament 2015 for second time. In the final match, New Zealand defeated World Champions Australia by 3-1 goals in the penalty shoot-out. In regulation 60 minutes time, both teams had tied at 2-2 goals. Earlier, New Zealand had won the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament in 2012. It is third time Australia came as runner-ups position in tournament (1999, 2006 and 2015). India won the bronze i.e. finished third by defeating South Korea by 4-1 goals in the penalty shoot-out after both the teams were tied at 2-2 at regulation time. About Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament It is an annual tournament held in Malaysia and was established in 1983. Initially it was a biennial tournament but since 1998, it is played every year. Named after 9th king of Malaysia and Father of Malaysian Hockey Sultan Azlan Shah. Australia has won the tournament for record 8 times in 1983, 1996, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013 and 2014. Tags: Australia Hockey India Malaysia New Zealand South Korea Sports Sania Mirza becomes first Indian female tennis player ranked World No.1 in Womens Doubles Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 12, 2015No comments Sania Mirza on 12 April 2015 created history by becoming the first Indian female tennis player to achieve the world number one rank in doubles category. She achieved this feat after winning WTA Family Circle Cup along with her Swiss partner Martina Hingis. With this win Sania scored 470 points, making her tally to 7965 and surpassing Italys Sara Errani (7640) and Roberta Vinci (7640) to the number one rank in the ranking table. In WTA Family Circle Cup finals, the top-seeded Indo-Swiss pair had defeated of Casey Dellacqua and Darija Jurak by 6-0, 6-4 score. Earlier, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi were only Indians who had achieved the top rank in Mens Doubles after they had dominated mens doubles circuit in the late 1990s. It should be noted that Sania Mirza is also first Indian female tennis player to win Grand Slam tournaments. Tags: Sania Mirza Sports Tennis Lewis Hamilton wins Chinese Grand Prix of Formula One Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 12, 2015No comments Mercedes Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton from Britain on 12 April 2015 won Chinese Grand Prix of Formula One on the Shanghai International Circuit in China. This was his second win of the season and his fourth Chinese Grand Prix win. It was also Lewis Hamiltons overall 35th Grand Prix win. In Chinese Grand Prix, Hamilton was followed by teammate Nico Rosberg at second place. Other rankings Ferrari drivers Sebastian Vettel (Germany) and Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) took third and fourth places respectively. Williams drivers Felipe Massa (Brazil) and Valtteri Bottas (Finland) took fifth and sixth places. Romain Grosjean (France) of Lotus Team and Felipe Nasr (Brazil) of Sauber team took seventh and eight position. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) of Red Bull Team was placed at ninth position. Marcus Ericsson (Swedan) of Sauber Team finished at tenth position.

Read more at: http://currentaffairs.gktoday.in/category/current-affairs-2015/sports/page/3Sports Jitu Rai wins bronze at ISSF World Cup Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 12, 20151 Comment Ace Indian shooter Jitu Rai on 12 April 2015 won a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Changwon, South Korea. Rai won the bronze medal after he scored 181.1 points in the final and had missed out for the gold medal shoot-out by 0.4 points. In 10m air pistol event, Jin Jongoh of South Korea won gold medal with a score of 206.0 in the gold medal shoot-out. Naung Ye Tun of Myanmar won silver medal with score of 201.0. Earlier, Apurvi Chandela had won bronze in the 10-metre air rifle event in the same tournament and became second Indian shooter after Jitu Rai to qualify for 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Jitu Rai after winning won silver in the 50m Free Pistol event in 2014 at the World Championships in Granada, Spain had qualified for the 2016 Olympics. Tags: India Olympics Shooting South Korea Sports Yuki Bhambri wins $15,000 ITF Futures tournament title Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 11, 2015No comments Yuki Bhambri on 11 April 2015 has won the 15,000 US Dollar ITF Futures tournament title. In the final he recorded a straight-set win over Dzmitry Zhyrmont of Belarus played at Karshi, Uzbekistan. Bhambri defeated his rival with Bhambri with 6-2 6-4 score. This win has pocketed 27 ranking points on Bhambri which will take him to a rank between 215 and 220. It was also Yukis 10th ITF Futures singles title. This win also has ensured Yukis entry into the French Open qualifying event which will be the Clay Court Grand Slam that will begin on the19 May 2015. About ITF Futures tournament title ITF Futures tournament title is a series of professional tennis tournaments held around the world. These tournaments are organized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). This title represents the lowest rung of the mens professional tennis ladder. These tournaments are incorporated into the ATP rankings which helps young professionals to progress on to the ATP Challenger Tour and then in ATP World Tour. Tags: Belarus India Tennis Uzbekistan Apurvi Chandela wins Bronze in ISSF Rifle and Pistol World Cup Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 11, 2015No comments Indian shooter Apurvi Chandela on 11 April 2015 won Bronze medal in the 10-metre air rifle event at the (International Shooting Sport Federation) ISSF Rifle and Pistol World Cup in Changwon, South Korea. She won the bronze after she shot score of 185.6 in the qualifying fifth final round. In this world cup, Pejcic Snjezana of Croatia with score of 209.1 won gold medal and Ivana Maksimovic of Serbia with score of 207.7 won the silver medal. With this win, Apurvi Chandela has qualified for the 2016 Olympics, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She was placed at third position in the list of eight-strong competitors. Among these eight competitors six were qualified for the Olympics. It should be noted that Apurvi Chandela is the second Indian marksman after pistol shooter Jitu Rai to qualify for the Rio Olympics. Jitu Rai after winning won silver in the 50m Free Pistol event in 2014 at the World Championships in Granada, Spain had qualified for the 2016 Olympics. Tags: Brazil Croatia Olympics Serbia Shooting Sports Advertisement

Read more at: http://currentaffairs.gktoday.in/category/current-affairs-2015/sports/page/4States Current Affairs for PCS Former Odisha CM Janaki Ballabh Patnaik passes away Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 21, 2015No comments Former Chief Minister (CM) of Odisha and senior Congress leader Janaki Ballabh Patnaik passed away on 21 April 2015 in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh. He was 89. Patnaik had served as CM of Odisha for three times and was in office from 1980 to 1989 and again from 1995 to 1999. About Janaki Ballabh Patnaik J B Patnaik was born on 3rd January, 1927 in Puri district of Odisha. He had a bachelor degree in Sanskrit from the Utkal University of Odisha in 1947 and MA degree in Political Science from the Banaras Hindu University in 1949. Political Career: He started his political career in 1950 as President of the Odisha state unit of the youth wing of the Congress. For the first time he became CM of Odisha in 1980 and was in power till 1989 and again in 1995. He had held the post of CM of odisha for the longest time on record before the incumbent CM Naveen Patnaik. He also had served as Union Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation and Labour and in the Union Cabinet of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He was the Governor of Assam from 2009 to 2014 J B Patnaik also had written a number of books on religion and literature which had won thousands of hearts. Tags: Obituary Odisha Kerala government launches Subodham project to end liquor, drug abuse Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 20, 2015No comments Kerala government has launched Subodham, a major campaign in a bid to wean people away from addiction to liquor, drug and other substance abuse. It was launched by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Art of Living Foundation founder Sri Sri Ravishankar. About Subodham project Subodham project aims to free one lakh people in the state each year from alcohol addiction, through systematic, comprehensive awareness campaigns. It also aims to achieve the ambitious target of making the state totally alcohol free over the next 10 years. The project is supported by the United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), religious leaders and other stake holders are also participating in the project. Under this project, state government also has decided to introduce anti-drug and alcohol awareness content in the curriculum from the academic year 2016. The Subodham project is envisaged by the state excise department and will be implemented by a high-level committee comprising experts from various fields. This project is also state governments first step towards Punarjani 2030 Project, an initiative to completely eradicate the menace of substance abuse. Tags: Government Policy Government Schemes Kerala President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates centenary celebration of Patna High Court Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 19, 20152 Comments The centenary celebration of Patna High Court was inaugurated on 18 April 2015 by President Pranab Mukherjee. He also released a commemorative postage stamp on this occasion to mark HCs glorious judicial history. Bihar Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi was in the chair and Chief Justice of India (CJI) H.L. Dattu was guest of the honour on this occasion. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Law Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda and Union IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also had attended the function. Facts about Patna High Court On 1 December 1913, then Viceroy of India, Lord Charles Hardine had laid the foundation stone of the existing Patna High Court building. On 3 February 1916, the building was formally opened by Lord Hardine. The court had started functioning with a chief justice and 6 judges under the provisions of Government of India Act 1915. At present it has sanctioned strength of 43 judges. Rajendra Prasad, Indias first President and Sachchidanand Sinha, first president of the constituent assembly also had practised at this court. 3 Chief Justices from Patna High Court went on to become the Chief Justice of India (CJI). They are Justice B.P. Sinha (6th CJI), Justice Lalit Mohan Sharma (24th CJI) and Justice Rajendra Mal Lodha (41st CJI). Tags: Bihar High Courts Pranab Mukherjee

Read more at: http://currentaffairs.gktoday.in/category/states-current-affairs-for-pcsBills and Acts in Current Affairs National Judicial Appointment Commission Act, 2014 comes into force Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 13, 2015No comments Union Government has brought into force the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 along with the 99th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2014. In this regard, notification to effect from 13 April 2015 was issued by the Union Law Ministry. With this new law the collegium system to appoint members to the higher judiciary has come to an end. Now President will appoint judges in the Supreme Court (SC) and 24 High Courts (HCs) in consultation with the NJAC. Facts about NJAC Act, 2014 Composition of NJAC As per Article 124A, NJAC is a 6 member constitutional body. Consisting of Chairman- Chief Justice of India (CJI). Members- Two senior most Judges of the Supreme Court, the Union Minister of Law and Justice and two eminent persons. Two eminent persons will be nominated by committee led by Prime Minister of India, the CJI, and the Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People. As per 124B, functions of NJAC are Recommend persons for appointment as CJI, Judges of SC, Chief Justices and other Judges of High Courts. Recommend transfer of Chief Justices and other Judges HCs from one HC to another HC. About Collegium system Previously, under the collegium system, five top judges of the Supreme court recommended transfer and elevation of judges to Supreme Court and High Courts. It came into existence in 1993 after a Supreme Court judgement. Tags: Article 124A Article 124B High Courts NJAC Supreme Court Union Cabinet gives nod to Real Estate Regulation Bill to curb malpractices in real estate sector Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 8, 2015No comments The Union Cabinet on 7 April 2015 approved amendments to the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2013 to protect the interests of consumers and curb the malpractices in the real estate sector. Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The bill seeks to create a uniform regulatory mechanism across the country and enhance the growth of construction sector. It also ensures to bring transparency and accountability in the real estate sector to access capital and financial markets essential for its long term growth. Facts about Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2013 Regulates transactions in real estate projects between the promoters and buyers. Establishes state level regulatory authorities called Real Estate Regulatory Authorities (RERAs) and tribunals called Real Estate Appellate Tribunals to settle disputes. Promoters and real estate agents must register project details with RERAs who intend to sell any plot, apartment or building. All information for registered projects must be disclosed on website of the RERA. It will include details of promoters, land status, layout plan, schedule of execution and status of various approvals. The bill enforces the contract between the developer and buyer and fast track the mechanism to settle disputes. 50% of the amount collected from buyers for a project must be maintained in a separate bank account and must only be used for construction of that project. The Bill was initially introduced in Rajya Sabha by then UPA-2 government led by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. It was only applicable only for residential real estate and is still pending in Rajya Sabha. The approved amendments by current Union Government seeks to bring commercial real estate under the ambit of bill. Tags: Bills And Amendments Business Narendra Modi Union Cabinet President Pranab Mukherjee gives assent to re-promulgation of Land Ordinance Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 3, 2015No comments President Pranab Mukherjee on 3 April 2015 gave his assent to re-promulgate the Land Acquisition Ordinance as per Article 123 of Constitution. Earlier, in this regard Union Cabinet had made a recommendation to President as present Land Acquisition Ordinance promulgated in December 2014 is going to lapse on 5 April. The new ordinance includes 9 amendments that were part of Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Amendment) Bill, 2015. Lok Sabha had passed the bill in the budget session in March 2015. However, the bill is pending before the Rajya Sabha, where government is in minority. Earlier, President had prorogued the 234th session of the Rajya Sabha in order to pave the way for re-issuing of the Ordinance as per provisions of Constitution. Article 123 of Constitution It gives legislative power to President. He can issue ordinances when Parliament is in recess i.e. not in session if there is urgent need to have a law on some urgent public matter. The ordinance has similar effect to an act of parliament. However, every ordinance must be laid and approved by both houses of the parliament within 6 weeks from the reassembling. If not placed and approved by both houses of the parliament after reassembling it becomes invalid or lapses. Tags: Article 123 Ordinance President

Read more at: http://currentaffairs.gktoday.in/category/current-affairs-2015/bills-acts-current-affairs-2015Bills and Acts in Current Affairs Rajasthan becomes first state to pass bill on eligibility for Panchayat polls Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google March 28, 2015No comments Rajasthan government on 27 March 2015 passed Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2015 in state assembly. With this Rajasthan has become first Indian state to fix a minimum educational qualification for contesting elections to the Panchayati Raj Institutions. The Bill amends the Rajasthan Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 to add provisions related minimum educational qualification for Panchayati elections. Key provisions of the bill Contestant for Zila Parishad or Panchayat Samiti elections should have the minimum qualification of secondary education i.e. Class 10 from the state board or any approved institution or board. Contestant for the Sarpanch elections must have passed Class VIII from any school in case of general category. In case of the scheduled area of Panchayat, the contestant should have passed Class 5 from a school to become a Sarpanch. The provision of mandatory functional toilet in the house of a contestant also added in the parent act by amending section 19. Background Previously in December 2014, state government had promulgated Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2014 specifying educational qualification for contestants of Panchayati Raj elections. This ordinance was promulgated just before the panchayat elections were announced in the state. Tags: Panchayat Raj Rajasthan Section 66 A of IT Act unconstitutional and untenable: Supreme Court Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google March 24, 2015No comments The Supreme Court (SC) on 24 March 2015 struck down the Section 66A of the Information and Technology Act 2000 calling it unconstitutional and untenable. SC in its ruling held that Section 66A interferes with freedom of speech and expression envisaged under Article 19 of Constitution of India and also hit the root of two cardinal pillars of democracy liberty and freedom of expression. This verdict was given by SC bench comprising of Justices J. Chelameswar and R.F. Nariman on bunch of petitions filed in the wake of misuse of the penal provision by government authorities. Supreme Court held that Section 66 A is unconstitutional because it failed two major tests, the clear and present danger test and the tendency to create public disorder test. Language used in this section is vague and nebulous does not properly define words like offensive or even persistent. SC also rejected the assurance given by NDA government during the hearing defending certain procedures of the law so it cannot be question and abused. However in this ruling SC did not strike down two other provisions in sections 69A and 79 of the IT Act and mentioned that they can remain enforced with certain restrictions. Background The first petition in this regard was filed in 2012 by a law student Shreya Singhal who had challenged the Section after two young women were arrested for posting comments Facebook in Thane district. In the comments they had criticized shutdown in Mumbai following Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackrays death. About Section 66A of IT Act 2000 It gives power to government authorities to issue directions to block public access of any information through any computer resource. It also allows authorities to arrest a person for posting allegedly offensive content on websites and imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine. Tags: IT Act Supreme Court Parliament passes Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015 Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google March 20, 2015No comments Parliament has passed Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015. The bill was first passed in Rajya Sabha and later in Lok Sabha on 20 March 2015. The Bill was passed in Rajya Sabha after the Union government had accepted the recommendations of the Select Committee.The amendments in the bill were made in the bill passed by Lok Sabha on 4 March 2015. The bill amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 in order to regulate the mining sector in the country. Key highlights of Bill Addition of new schedule- The bill adds a new 4th schedule in the parent Act to include mining of bauxite, iron ore, limestone and manganese ore as notified minerals. Lease period- Bill has changed it for 50 years, as against present 30 years for all minerals other than coal, lignite and atomic minerals. While, there is no provision for renewal of mining concessions, unlike the parent Act. Auction of notified and other minerals- State governments will grant mining leases and prospecting licence-cum-mining leases along with approval of Union government. In this case, Union government will prescribe the terms and conditions for selection of bidders as also the procedure for auctions. Maximum area for mining- Union government is permitted to increase the area allowed for mining, instead of granting additional leases as per parent Act. Union government may reserve some mines exclusively for some specific purposes. Institutions- District Mineral Foundation (DMF) to be set up in mining areas affected by mining operations to address local area grievances. National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET)to be set up for regional and pan-India planning and detailed mine exploration.

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Bills and Acts in Current Affairs National Judicial Appointment Commission Act, 2014 comes into force Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 13, 2015No comments Union Government has brought into force the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 along with the 99th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2014. In this regard, notification to effect from 13 April 2015 was issued by the Union Law Ministry. With this new law the collegium system to appoint members to the higher judiciary has come to an end. Now President will appoint judges in the Supreme Court (SC) and 24 High Courts (HCs) in consultation with the NJAC. Facts about NJAC Act, 2014 Composition of NJAC As per Article 124A, NJAC is a 6 member constitutional body. Consisting of Chairman- Chief Justice of India (CJI). Members- Two senior most Judges of the Supreme Court, the Union Minister of Law and Justice and two eminent persons. Two eminent persons will be nominated by committee led by Prime Minister of India, the CJI, and the Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People. As per 124B, functions of NJAC are Recommend persons for appointment as CJI, Judges of SC, Chief Justices and other Judges of High Courts. Recommend transfer of Chief Justices and other Judges HCs from one HC to another HC. About Collegium system Previously, under the collegium system, five top judges of the Supreme court recommended transfer and elevation of judges to Supreme Court and High Courts. It came into existence in 1993 after a Supreme Court judgement. Tags: Article 124A Article 124B High Courts NJAC Supreme Court Union Cabinet gives nod to Real Estate Regulation Bill to curb malpractices in real estate sector Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 8, 2015No comments The Union Cabinet on 7 April 2015 approved amendments to the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2013 to protect the interests of consumers and curb the malpractices in the real estate sector. Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The bill seeks to create a uniform regulatory mechanism across the country and enhance the growth of construction sector. It also ensures to bring transparency and accountability in the real estate sector to access capital and financial markets essential for its long term growth. Facts about Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2013 Regulates transactions in real estate projects between the promoters and buyers. Establishes state level regulatory authorities called Real Estate Regulatory Authorities (RERAs) and tribunals called Real Estate Appellate Tribunals to settle disputes. Promoters and real estate agents must register project details with RERAs who intend to sell any plot, apartment or building. All information for registered projects must be disclosed on website of the RERA. It will include details of promoters, land status, layout plan, schedule of execution and status of various approvals. The bill enforces the contract between the developer and buyer and fast track the mechanism to settle disputes. 50% of the amount collected from buyers for a project must be maintained in a separate bank account and must only be used for construction of that project. The Bill was initially introduced in Rajya Sabha by then UPA-2 government led by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. It was only applicable only for residential real estate and is still pending in Rajya Sabha. The approved amendments by current Union Government seeks to bring commercial real estate under the ambit of bill. Tags: Bills And Amendments Business Narendra Modi Union Cabinet President Pranab Mukherjee gives assent to re-promulgation of Land Ordinance Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google April 3, 2015No comments President Pranab Mukherjee on 3 April 2015 gave his assent to re-promulgate the Land Acquisition Ordinance as per Article 123 of Constitution. Earlier, in this regard Union Cabinet had made a recommendation to President as present Land Acquisition Ordinance promulgated in December 2014 is going to lapse on 5 April. The new ordinance includes 9 amendments that were part of Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Amendment) Bill, 2015. Lok Sabha had passed the bill in the budget session in March 2015. However, the bill is pending before the Rajya Sabha, where government is in minority. Earlier, President had prorogued the 234th session of the Rajya Sabha in order to pave the way for re-issuing of the Ordinance as per provisions of Constitution. Article 123 of Constitution It gives legislative power to President. He can issue ordinances when Parliament is in recess i.e. not in session if there is urgent need to have a law on some urgent public matter. The ordinance has similar effect to an act of parliament. However, every ordinance must be laid and approved by both houses of the parliament within 6 weeks from the reassembling. If not placed and approved by both houses of the parliament after reassembling it becomes invalid or lapses. Tags: Article 123 Ordinance President Union Cabinet Adv

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