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MAY 2013 CURRENT AFFAIRS INTERNATIONAL

Every year 2,70,000 Pedestrains are died in the World On May 2 , World Health Organization (WHO) announced that every year 2,70,000 pedestrains are died in road accidents. In case of pedestrains protection is ignored by goverments.So,every week 5 thousands of pedestrains are died. Maryland became the First southern US state to Abolish Death Penalty Maryland, the U.S. state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, on 2 May 2013 became the first southern US state to abolish the death penalty.The measure on it was signed by Democratic Governor Martin O‘Malley on 2 May 2013.The person who was attended was former Maryland death row inmate Kirk Bloodsworth.He will be the first person in the country freed from death penalty because of DNA evidence after being convicted in a death penalty case.On the global level, Maryland is the 18th state to abolish the death penalty. UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Released Somalia Famine Conditions Report

On 3 May According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) study report, nearly 260,000 people died during the famine that hit Somalia from 2010 to 2012.Half of them were children under the age of five.The number of deaths was higher than the estimated 220,000 people who died during the 1992 famine.An estimated 4.6% of the total population and 10% of children under five died in southern and central Somalia.In Lower Shabelle, 18% of children under five died and in Mogadishu 17%.Somalia was worst hit by the extreme drought in 2011 that affected more than 13 million people across the Horn of Africa.Tens of thousands of people fled their homes in search of food. Japan – UAE signed Nuclear Agreement On 3 May Japan and the United Arab Emirates signed on the transfer of nuclear cooperation agreement .It was the first bilateral nuclear agreement signed by Japan since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear crisis triggered by the devastating earthquake and tsunami.The agreements was signed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Amazonian Countries Signed Strengthen Regional Cooperation Agreement On 4 May The representatives of the member countries of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) agreed to widen and strengthen regional cooperation to promote the integral development of those territories.Foreign ministers and representatives of Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, Surinam and Ecuador signed the Coca Declaration, by which they agreed to support initiatives as that presented by Ecuador and the establishment of the Regional Observatory for the Amazon.The countries that signed the document also intend to facilitate the coordination between OTCA, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac), the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Andean Community


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(CAN), the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Malaysia‟s Barisan Nasional wins parliamentary election The National Front coalition or Barisan Nasional (BN) led by Prime Minister Najib Razak triumphed in Malaysia‘s general parliamentary election on 05 May 2013. The BN won 133 seats in the 222-seat parliament, taking 60% of the votes, while the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) party secured 89 seats.80% of Malaysia‘s 13.3 million voters cast their ballots in what is being called the closest race ever in Malaysia. Russia and U.S. Agreed on Syria Peace Process On 7 May Russia and the United States agreed to work together to bring the warring sides in Syria to the negotiating table raising hopes for an end to carnage in the war-torn country and a thaw in frosty relations between Moscow and Washington.U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met Russian President Vladimir Putin and bid to narrow the differences between Moscow and Washington on the conflict. 73 Million Youth Will Be Unemployed By 2013 On 8 May According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) ‗Global Unemployment Trends 2007-13 ‗ report , more than 73 million young people are unemployed around the world .The situation is particularly grim in the European Union, West Asia and North Africa.73.4 million people aged between 15 and 24 would be out of work at the end of the year an increase of 3.5 million since 2007.The youth unemployment rate in South Asia decreased in 2011 by 0.4 percentage points to reach 9.2 per cent, but increased to 9.3 per cent in 2012.The current jobless rate for the young of 12.6% was expected to keep swelling to 12.8% by 2018, when more than two million more youths would likely be out of work Brazil, Argentina Signed Agreement To Build Nuclear Reactors

On 8 May Brazil and Argentina have agreed to extend their nuclear cooperation by jointly commission will jointly build two research reactors.The agreement, signed by the Brazilian National Commission for Nuclear Energy (CNEN) and the National Commission of Atomic Energy (CNEA), is centred on the construction of two reactors. Argentine Passed Judicial Reform Bill On 8 May Argentina‘s Senate passed a Judicial Reform Law, by 38 votes in favor to 30.According to Argentine President Cristina Fernandez it aims at democratizing the judiciary. Nawaz Sharif Re-elected for Third term as Pakistan PM On 14 May Two time former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif re-elected as Pakistan Prime Minister for the third time after won the general elections with a thumping majority.The Election Commission of Pakistan announced results of 272 National Assembly seats, with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz heading the count with 126 seats, followed by the Pakistan Peoples Party with 31 seats.The Sharif, belongs to Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (N) party. Pakistan Muslim League-N attained an overpowering lead with 130 seats. The first runner up is Imran Khan`s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) with 37 seats and the last is Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) with 31 seats.Nawaz Sharif previously having been Pakistan‘s 12th and 14th Prime


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Minister for two non-consecutive terms from November 1990 to July 1993 and from February 1997 to October 1999. Sharif is the President of Pakistan Muslim League-N, one of Pakistan‘s largest political parties. France became the 14th Country in the World to legalise Gay Marriage In France now onwards allow same-sex couples to marry. France‘s President Francois Hollande on 17 May 2013 signed into law a controversial bill to legalise gay marriage. It makes France the ninth in Europe and 14th in the world to do so. Zimbabwe‟s President Signed New Constitution Into Law

On 22 Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe signed Zimbabwe‘s new constitution into law. The new constitution was approved overwhelmingly in a referendum in March 2013.The constitution cut short the powers of the president, limits presidential tenures to two five-year terms and does away with the post of prime minister. Afghanistan Parliament Approved new Election Law On 22 May The Lower House of the Afghan Parliament approved two new Election laws , that will take effect in the elections next spring. The law contains 79 articles and 16 chapters. EU Lifted Arms Embargo on Syrian Rebels On 27 May European foreign ministers have lifted an arms embargo on Syria,, paving the way for individual EU member states to provide weapons to the Syrian rebels.After long and continuous hour of talk EU governments failed to agree on extending the arms embargo, which effectively ends the EU‘s ban on supplying arms to the rebels.Some other restrictive measures against Syria , which include financing restrictions, travel bans and asset freezes is also supposed to be extended for a year, as there is a fear that the entire sanctions regime could fall over a failure to agree on the arms issue. Australia the world‟s happiest nation: OECD

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development released its Better Life Index, which ranks the world‘s most developed economies on jobs, income environment and health. Australia got first place for the third consecutive year.Sweden, Canada, Norway , Switzerland,United States, Denmark, The Netherland Iceland and United Kingdom were also in the top ten.In Australia 84 percent of the people accepted that their life is happy.So,Australia got the first place in Better Life Index.

INDIA & WORLD

US, India and Japan hold trilateral cooperation talks

On May 2 ,India, the United States and Japan held their fourth trilateral dialogue at the State Department in Washington, exchanging views on a wide range of regional and global issues of mutual interest.These discussions focused on the prospect of greater Indo-Pacific commercial connectivity and regional and maritime security, and cooperation in multilateral fora.The Indian delegation was headed by External Affairs Ministry joint secretaries D.B. Venkatesh Varma and Vikram Doraiswami.The group agreed to meet again in autumn in Tokyo to continue their deliberations. 17th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting


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The 17th Session of the India-Iran Joint Commission was held in Tehran on May 4, 2013.The Session was co-chaired by Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi, Foreign Minister of Islamic Republic of Iran and by Salman Khurshid, External Affairs Minister of India.The two sides discussed bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.Both countries agreed to study the prospects of joint investment in both countries.The two sides also signed on MOU between the Government of India and the Government of Iran on cooperation in the field of water resources management. India Tops „Born to Die same Day‟ List

On 7 May According to the humanitarian organization Save the Children charity in an annual report entitled ―State of the World‘s Mothers ,India tops the list of babies that die on the day they are born.India has the dubious distinction of recording the most first-day deaths of children.Every year, 3,09,000 children die on the day they are born in India. It accounts for 29% of all the first-day deaths globally, the highest for any country.India is followed on this grim list by Nigeria (89,700 deaths, or 9 percent); Pakistan (59,800, or 6 percent); China (50,600, or 5 percent); and Democratic Republic of Congo (48,400, or 5 percent). Finland Top Ranked in World To Be a Mother On 8 May According to the annual report called ‗State of World‘s Mothers 2013′ was issued by an international NGO ―Save the Children‖ , Finland has topped the list of countries where mothers enjoy the best conditions in the world, while India ranks a low 142nd, below China and Pakistan.The US places 30th this year while Pakistan was 139th on the list. China ranked at the 68th place.The top ten countries attained very high scores for mothers‘ and children‘s health, educational, economic and political status.The report was featured by a ranking list of Mothers‘ index, showing the conditions of mothers in 176 countries .Among the reviewed countries, Finland was ranked the best country for being mothers followed by Sweden, Norway, Iceland while Democratic Republic of Congo was considered to be the toughest place. Karnataka, Israel Signed Bilateral Agreement On 8 May Israel and the Indian state of Karnataka have signed an R&D cooperation agreement. This is the first-ever such agreement between Israel and an Indian state. The agreement aims to further bilateral business, technology, and economic relations and sees Israel benefiting from Karnataka‘s human resources and the Indian state benefitting from Israel‘s innovations. India Tops Cervical Cancer Deaths On 10 May According to the Cervical Cancer Global Crisis Card report released by the Cervical Cancer-Free Coalition, with nearly 73,000 women dying every year, India now tops the world in cervical cancer deaths .India represents 26.4 per cent of all women dying of cervical cancer globally, with China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia and Thailand also showing high death incidence.The cervical cancer kills an estimated 275,000 women every year .Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) report in 2009 the number of cervical cancer cases were 101938 which has increased to 107690 in 2012.It is being estimated that the number of cervical cancer cases and deaths are estimated to increase by 2025 to 203,757 and 115,171, respectively. Britain launched Super Priority Visa Service for Travellers from India


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On 12 May 2013, Britain launched super priority same-day visa service for urgent travellers from India. Britain launched this kind of service first time for India only . The super priority visa service was announced by British Prime Minister David Cameron during his visit to India in February 2013. Google signs MoU to train engineering students in Andhra Pradesh

On May 14,Google India Private Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh government to train engineering students of Jawahar Knowledge Centres (JKC) in latest technologies like mobile and cloud computing.The MoU was signed between the IT minister and Nelson Mattos, vice president (Europe & Emerging Markets), Google Hyderabad. Google will also train the trainers/mentors of AP Society for Knowledge Networks (APSFKNW) and provide required software, services and training material free of cost. India and Netherlands Signed MoU on Urban Planning On 14 May India and Netherlands signed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Technical Cooperation in the field of Spatial Planning, Water Management, and Mobility Management .The agreement was signed by Kamal Nath, Minister for Urban Development & Parliamentary Affairs, and Ms Melanie Schultz van Haegen, Minister for Infrastructure and Environment, Netherlands UN General Assembly Approved Syria Resolution

On 15 May The U.N. General Assembly approved an Arab-backed resolution calling for a political transition in Syria and condemning President Bashar al-Assad Government for its increasing use of heavy weapons. A majority of 107 states voted to adopt the resolution. There were 12 votes against and 59 abstentions.Russia was fiercely opposed to the resolution, termed it as unbalanced and inadequate to address adequately atrocities allegedly committed by rebel groups.The resolution was drafted by Arab states who have supported the rebels.India abstained from voting on the non-binding resolution on Syria.Pakistan voted in favour of the resolution. India Granted Observer Status in Arctic Council On 15 May India granted observer status in the Arctic Council was successful along with that of five other countries, China, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Singapore at a meeting in Kiruna, Sweden.The council is made up of the eight Arctic nations are Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States.This membership will give India chances of navigation and oil and gas exploration.The European Union also applied as an observer, but its final status remained unresolved pending resolution of a dispute with Canada over trade in seal products. India, UK Signed Agreement on Health Sector On 19 May India and Britain have signed an agreement for cooperation in the health sector with specific focus on strengthening primary health care and technological development.The agreement was signed by Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare India, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Secretary of State for Health, UK, Jeremy Richard Hunt. Indians Largest Foreign Born Group in London


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On 20 May According to the Oxford University‘s Migration Observatory latest study report , Indians have become the largest foreign-born group in London, followed by residents born in Poland and Ireland.Migration Observatory, 262,247 persons born in India were living in London in 2011, which represents 8.8 per cent of all foreign-born residents in London.This accounts for 37.8 per cent of all residents that had been born in India resident in England and Wales in 2011.Other important foreign-born groups in London, with more than 100,000 residents, include those born in Ireland (129,807), Nigeria (114,718), Pakistan (112,457) and Bangladesh (109,948). India – China Signed 8 Agreements On 20 May India and Chine signed eight important agreements covering a wide range of issues like trade, culture and water resources. The agreements were finalised after delegation-level talks between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese counterpart Le Keqiang. The list of eight agreements/memoranda of undrstanding (MoUs):- (i) Protocol between India‘s external affairs ministry and China‘s foreign affairs ministry on Indian Official Pilgrimage (the Kailash Mansoarovar Yatra) to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. (ii) Work Programmes of the Three Working Groups under Joint Economic Group (JEG) between India‘s commerce and industry ministry and China‘s commerce ministry. (iii) MoU on Buffalo meat, fishery products and Agreement on feed and feed ingredients between Indis‘s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority and The Marine Products Export Development Authority and Export Inspection Council and China‘s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ). (iv) MoU between India‘s urban development ministry and China‘s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on cooperation in sewage treatment. (v) MoU between India‘s water resources ministry and NDRC on cooperation in water-efficient irrigation. (vi) MoU between the external affairs ministry and China‘s State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) on cooperation in mutual translation and publication of works, both classic and contemporary. (vii) MoU between the water resources ministries of both countries for provision of hydrological information by China to india on the Yaluzangbu/Brahmaputra River during the flood season. (viii) MoU between the foreign ministries of both countries to promote cooperation and linkages between the cities and states/provinces of the two countries. Visa on Arrival facility to passengers travelling through RGIA The central government has extended Visa-On-Arrival facility to international passengers travelling through Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad managed by the GMR Group.Visitors from 11 countries will be eligible to get a VoA from May 31 at RGIA.The Centre had introduced an Indian tourist VoA scheme on January 1, 2010 at certain airports which was initiated for citizens of five countries. Subsequently, a year later, the facility was extended to a total of 11 countries viz


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Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia. US Senate Committee Approves Immigration Reform Bill On 22 May The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has approved a massive immigration reform bill that grants 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the country an earned path to citizenship.The legislation was passed by a vote of 13 to 5 with three Republicans joining 10 Democrats to approve it.The bill, which requires major advances in border security and expansion of a comprehensive e-verify system for employers before any undocumented worker is allowed to pursue citizenship, will need 60 votes to pass the 100-seat Senate. US and India Pledge To Collaborate on Combating Terrorism On 22 May The US has pledged to collaborate with India on developing global approach to combat increasing terror threats and asked international community to take effective steps to eliminate sanctuaries and infrastructure that support terrorism.After talks between Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, a joint communique said the two countries also agreed to enhance bilateral co-operation to combat terror financing and currency counterfeiting. India, Japan to speed up talks on civil nuclear deal

On 29 May 2013,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe decided to speed up talks on a civil nuclear deal to allow Japan to export nuclear reactors to India and to bolster maritime security cooperation at a time when China‘s postures in the seas of the regional have caused concerns.A joint statement issued at the end of exhaustive talks between Singh and Abe said the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed the importance of civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries, while recognising that nuclear safety is a priority for both governments.In this context, they directed their officials to accelerate the negotiations of an Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy towards an early conclusion India and Thailand sign extradition treaty

On 30 May 2013,in a major boost to bilateral security cooperation, India and Thailand signed the much awaited extradition treaty after 20 years of negotiations.The MoU was signed by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and Thai Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.The treaty was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Thai counterpart Yingluck Shinawatra.The treaty provides the legal framework for seeking extradition of fugitive offenders, including those involved in terrorism, transnational crimes and economic offences among others.The two countries totally signed on seven pacts. They are extradition, education,financial intelligence mapping , geospatial technology applications , investigation of persons suspected of money laundering and criminal activity related to money laundering and terrorism financing. UNESCO Declares Nicobar Islands as World Biosphere Reserve On 31 May The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has declared and designated the Nicobar Islands in India as a world biosphere reserve .The International Coordinating Council of UNESCO‘s Man and the


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Biosphere Programme added the Nicobar Islands to the list of eleven other sites which are designated as world biosphere reserves.Great Nicobar now 9th Indian reserve in Unesco world network.Member countries establish such reserves. UNESCO recognizes them under the programme to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science.

NATIONAL

National Urban Health Mission Approved By Cabinet

On 1 May The Union Cabinet approved the launch of the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) to reduce rates of infant mortality, maternal mortality and for universal access to reproductive health care.The cost of the National Urban Health Mission for 5 years is 22507 crore rupees and the Central government will share 16955 crore rupees.The mission will be implemented in 779 cities and towns each with the population of more than 50,000 has expected to cover about 7.75 crore people.The Cabinet also gave its nod to a bill which provides for confiscating property illegally acquired by corrupt public servants. 19.57 lakh Hectares of Forest Land Encroached On 1 May According to the latest figures compiled by the Ministry of Environment and Forests reveal that unchecked encroachment on forest land is on the rise.According to the figures, over 19.57 lakh hectares of forest land is under encroachment in various parts of the country.Madhya Pradesh tops the list with 4.87 lakh hectares under encroachment. Followed by Assam (3.30 lakh ha), Andhra Pradesh (2.57 lakh ha) and Maharashtra (1.83 lakh ha). Mobile subscribers largest in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu The country‘s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, accounts for the largest number of mobile subscribers in the country followed by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, which together account for almost half of the total wireless connections.India, which is the world‘s second largest mobile phone market in terms of subscribers, had a total of 861.66 million mobile connections as on February 2013, data from telecom regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) showed.Uttar Pradesh has a total of 121.60 million mobile phone connections, while, Tamil Nadu has 71.81 million subscribers, according to the TRAI data.Maharashtra is at the third position, with a subscriber base of 67.73 million followed by Andhra Pradesh and Bihar at 64.12 million and 60.73 million, respectively. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant got Approval for Operations by the Supreme Court of India

On 06 May, the Supreme Court of India directed that the Kudankulam nuclear plant situated in Tamil Nadu could start its operations now. A bench of Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan and Dipak Misra issued the directions to the government on safety as well as security of the plant, along with its operations. Govt Sets Up 39 Special NIA Courts Across The Country On 7 May Minister of State for Home R P N Singh announced in the Parliament that under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, the central government has set up the 39 special courts to take up terror-related cases.


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Cabinet Approved Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission

On 16 May The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission with the objective of conserving and restoring the heritage sites associated with ‗Father of the Nation‘.Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission will be assigned with the identification, collation and assessment of the information on Gandhi Heritage material, its management and deployment. India‟s First Yoga University in Gujarat On 23 May Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country‘s first yoga university in Ahmedabad.Lakulish Yoga University, established by Life Mission Trust of Gujarat, is claimed to be the first ever such private sector self-financed institution in the country.

STATES

Congress Won in Karnataka Assembly Elections On 8 May Congress has won 121 seats of the 223 seats on which polls were contested in Karnataka Assembly Elections , the elections were held on 5 May 2013. The ruling BJP and the JD-S won 40 seats each.The Karnataka Janata Party led by former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa bagged a mere six seats.The assembly has 224 elected and one nominated members. The election took place for 223 seats. Tamil Nadu Bans Gutka Products On 8 May The Tamil Nadu government banned the production, possession, distribution and sale of tobacco products such as pan masala and gutka in the state.Tamilnadu Government had constituted a separate department ‗Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Medical Administration,‘ after the Centre announced the Food Safety and Standards Act. Cabinet Approved 2 Major Ports in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh

On 9 May the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the proposal of the Ministry of Shipping for setting up of two major ports.The ports will come up in West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh each, through a Public-Private-Partnership mode. As per the proposal, one port will be developed at Dugarajapatnam, Nellore district, in Andhra Pradesh and second port will come up at Sagar Island in West Bengal.

CONFERENCES

ADB‟s 46th Annual Meeting Held in New Delhi 46th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors, held in Delhi, India, from 2 to 5 May 2013.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh , Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and ADB member board of directors and related financial institutions were attended the meeting.Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced that it is going to provide about 6 billion dollars loan to India over the next three years which was decided at the concluding day of the 46th annual meeting of the funding agency.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Indian Wildlife Biologist Aparajita Datta Honoured with the Whitley Award 2013


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On 2 May An Indian wildlife biologist Dr. Aparajita Datta was honoured with the Whitley award, also known as Green Oscar, in London . Aparajita Datta, the Indian wildlife biologist was conferred with the award by Princess Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth, at the Royal Geographical Society in London for her efforts in order to save the endangered hornbills in Eastern Himalayas.Aparajita Datta is the head of the program for conservation of the hornbills in dense tropical forests of Arunachal Pradesh, at Nature Conservation Foundation. The tropical forests of Arunachal Pradesh are an abode to five hornbill species. Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi Awarded with „ Judy Wilkenfeld „ On 2 May An Indian doctor of Mumbai‘s Tata Memorial Hospital has been awarded with the prestigious Judy Wilkenfeld Award for International Tobacco Control Excellence for his innovative efforts in reducing tobacco consumption in India.He received the award by the ‗Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids‘ on at a function in Washington. Indian Police Unit in Congo Gets UN medal

On 17 May An Indian police unit in the Democratic Republic of Congo has received the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal.The 135 Indian Formed Police Unit-2 (FPU) was honoured with the medal as an appreciation for their service in Goma/North Kivu. Malala Yousufzai Selected For Prestigious Global Leadership Award

On 20 May Teenager Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, who was shot at last year by the Taliban for advocating education of girls, has been selected for the prestigious Global Leadership Award this year.Malala will receive the award for her role as a global activist in advocating for educating and empowering girls worldwide.She was targeted for her outspoken views and advocacy on behalf of girls‘ education. Indian-American Girl Won America‟s Top Young Scientist Award On 20 May An Indian-American girl has invented a super-capacitor device that could potentially charge a cellphone in less than 20 seconds. The California teen has attracted the attention of tech giants Google for her potentially revolutionary invention which charges a phone in 20 seconds flat.The super-fast charging device has been dubbed a supercapacitor by 18-year-old Esha Khare, of Saratoga – as she took home $50,000 from the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. American Writer Lydia Davis won ” 2013 Man Booker International Prize “ On 22 May American writer Lydia Davis won 2013 Man Booker International Prize for her innovative and influential writing.This was the fifth Man Booker International Prize.Lydia Davis is a professor of creative writing at the University of Albany. She is also an accomplished translator. Her works include ‗The End of the Story‘ and ‗Varieties of Disturbance‘.The Man Booker International Prize recognises one writer for his or her achievement in fiction.Worth 60000 ponds, the prize is awarded every two years to a living author who has published fiction either originally in English or whose work is generally available in translation in the English language. Carole King Became the First Woman to Receive Gershwin Prize US singer-songwriter Carole King became the first woman to receive the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.The President of America, Barack Obama


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conferred upon her, the Gershwin Prize that is given as a lifetime achievement in popular music. APJ Abdul Kalam Received “Wernher Von Braun” Memorial Award On 24 May United States based National Space Society‘s (NSS) has conferred ―Wrenher von Braun‖ Memorial Award upon former president APJ Abdul Kalam in San Diego .The award was conferred upon Kalam at International Space Development Conference. It was instituted by NSS, a non-profit organization and is dedicated to the creation of spacefaring civilization.The honour is given to recognize excellence in management and leadership in a space-related project, where the project holds significance. Biological clock scientists share Shaw Prize On 28 May ,three scientists whose groundbreaking studies using fruit flies helped to uncover the workings of the human biological clock were named the winners of the $1 million Shaw Prize .US scientists Jeffrey Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael Young received the award ―for their discovery of molecular mechanisms underlying circadian rhythms‖.Biological rhythms govern behaviour in plants, animals and humans, from flowers opening during the day and closing at night, to sleep patterns and the effect of jet lag.

SPORTS & GAMES

PV Sindhu won Malaysian Badminton Grand Prix Title On 4 May,India‘s shuttler PV Sindhu won Malaysian Badminton Grand Prix title after winning Malaysia Open women‘s final match.In the final, top seed Sindhu defeated lower seed, Gu Juan of Singapore.This is the first Grand Prix title in her Career. Aamir Won Asian Squash Championship Title On 5 May Pakistan`s top seeded player, Aamir Atlas Khan won the Asian Squash individual championship for the first time in 14 years after he defeated Kuwait`s Abdullah Al Mezayan in straight sets in Islamabad.Pakistan had last won the Asian individual title in 1998, but since then has only been able to win the Asian team title in the last Asiad. Ronnie O‟Sullivan Won World Snooker Championship On 7 May Ronnie O‘Sullivan claimed his fifth World Snooker Championship crown after defeated Barry Hawkins at the Crucible in Sheffield.O‘Sullivan is now a five-time Crucible champion after his wins in 2001, 2004, 2008 and 2012 to move within one of Steve Davis and Ray Reardon and two behind Stephen Hendry in the all-time list. India Bagged 2 Silver and 7 Bronze Medals in Commonwealth Championship

India on 10 May 2013 finished their candidature in the tournament with a record haul of 2 Silver and 7 Bronze in the 19th Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships that concluded in New Delhi. Men‘s Singles :- Zhan Jian (Singapore) won the title after defeated Li Hu from Singapore in the final at New Delhi Women‘s Singles :- Mo Zhang (Canada) won the Women‘s Singles title after defeated Yu Mengyu (Singapore) in the final. Alonso Won Spanish Grand Prix Title


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On 12 May Fernando Alonso of Spain won the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona .Kimi Raikkonen second, Felipe Massa secured third position.It was Alonso‘s second win in Barcelona ,the first coming in 2006 and his seventh career podium on the Circuit de Catalunya. Madrid Open Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners

Women‘s Singles :- On 12 May Serena Williams of the United States bagged her 50th career Singles title.In the final She defeated Russian Maria Sharapova and got the title . Men‘s Singles :-Rafael Nadal from Spain won the Men‘s Singles title after defeated Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka in the final. Women‘s Doubles:-Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova ,Lucie Safarova won the Women‘s Doubles title. Men‘s Doubles : Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan won their fifth Mutua Madrid Open doubles title . It was their 87th career trophy and fifth crown of the 2013 ATP World Tour season. Barcelona Won Spanish League Title On 12 May Barcelona won the Spanish league title (football) for the 22nd time after closest rivals Real Madrid could only manage a 1-1 draw with Espanyol.The title is Barca‘s fourth in five seasons and the 22nd of their history. The last team other than Barcelona or Madrid to win the title was Valencia in 2004.Barcelona‘s Lionel Messi finished the Spanish League as the top-scorer.He has already 46 goals, 12 clear of Cristiano Ronaldo, who finished second. Rome Masters Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners Women‘s Singles :- On 19 May Serena Williams (USA) won her fourth consecutive title of the year after defeated Victoria Azarenka from Belarus in the Rome Masters final.This is the second Rome Open title won by Serena, before this Serena won the Rome title 11 years ago in 2002. Men‘s Singles :- Rafael Nadal from spain claimed his seventh Rome Masters title after defeated Roger Federar (Switzerland ) in the final Mumbai Indians Won 2013 IPL Title On 26 May Mumbai Indians won the Indian Premier League title for the first time , after defeated Chennai Super Kings by 23 runs in the final at Eden Gardens. * Man-of-the-Match – Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians) * Most Valuable Player – Shane Watson (Rajasthan Royals) * Orange Cap ( (Highest Run Getters) – Michael Hussey (Chennai) : 733 Runs * Purple Cap (Highest Wicket Takers) – Dwayne Bravo (Chennai) : 32 Wickets * Best Youngest Player – Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals) * Fair Play Award – Chennai Super Kings * Best catch of the season – Gurkeerat Mann Singh (Kings Eleven Punjab) Rosberg Won Monaco Grand Prix Title

On 26 May The Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg won the Monaco Grand Prix title.Rosberg‘s team-mate Lewis Hamilton dropped from second to fourth after losing out through the safety car.Force India‘s Adrian Sutil took fifth from McLaren‘s Jenson Button.


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China Won Sudirman Cup In Badminton

On 26 May China won their fifth consecutive Sudirman Cup and ninth overall, after defeated South Korea.At the Putra Stadium China‘s World No. 1 Xu Chen and Ma Jin defeated their South Korean opponents Ko Sung Hyun and Kim Ha Na in straight games in the mixed doubles.In men‘s singles, China‘s Chen Long defeated South Korean Lee Dong Keun .In men‘s doubles Chinese Liu Xiaolong and Qiu Zihan defeated South Korean players Ko Sung Hyun and Lee Yong Dae.Huser Ayla, of Switzerland won the Women‘s Singles after defeated Rankin Anna, from New Zealand Sudirman Cup is the world mixed team badminton championship which takes place every two years.

ECONOMY

RBI Cuts Repo Rate By 25 Basis Points On 3 May The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 25 basis points, from 7.5 percent to 7.25 per cent with immediate effect as part of its annual monetary policy statement 2013-14.The reverse repo rate under the LAF also stands adjusted to 6.25 per cent. The RBI took this step to boost flagging economic growth.The cash reserve ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks has however been retained at 4 per cent of their net demand and time liabilities. Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide about 6 billion dollars loan to India Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 5 May 2013 announced that it is going to provide about 6 billion dollars loan to India over the next three years which was decided at the concluding day of the 46th annual meeting of the funding agency. The bank is working on partnership strategy and is planning to maintain the level of lending to India.It is important here to note that India is the biggest borrower of ADB and ADB had extended a 2.4 billion dollars loan to India in 2012 across sectors like transport, energy, commerce, industry, trade and finance. Delhi Tops in the Creative Index Report 2013

On 6 May According to the Creative Index Report 2013 report ,Delhi has been ranked as the most creative state in India with the greatest potential for success in today‘s creative economy. The ranking is based on the population of creative class. This class is of individuals are often engaged in either complex problem solving or in the generation of new ideas, new technology, and new creative content.Chandigarh, Punjab, Kerala, Goa, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, and Maharashtra round out the top nine. Mobile Phones To Out Number Human Population By 2014 On 12 May According to the International Telecoms Union‘s (ITU) report ,The number of mobile phone subscriptions are set to outnumber the world‘s population by the end of 2014.Mobile phone subscriptions will pass a whopping seven billion early in 2014.Currently, there are 6.8 billion mobile phone subscriptions while the world‘s population is 7.1 billion. More than a third of the global population are online, the ITU World in 2013 report also found. The Commonwealth of Independent States, the alliance of countries formerly in the Soviet Union, is believed to have the highest


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mobile penetration with 1.7 subscriptions for every person.Africa has the least, with 63 subscriptions per 100 people.The report also found that 2.7 billion people, almost 40 per cent of the world‘s population, are online. Government Raises OBC Creamy Layer Income Limit to Rs 6 Lakh On 16 May The Union Cabinet gave its approval for increase in the present income criterion of Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum for applying the Creamy Layer restriction throughout the country, to avail benefits of reservations in government jobs and admissions to central educational institutions.The decision came up in a view to increase the income limits in tune with the increase of the consumer price index. This would enable more people to take an advantage of reservation benefits that are extended to OBCs. Creamy layer is the income limit beyond which OBCs are not eligible for quotas Gujarat Tops in Port Development Projects On 24 May According to the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) ―‖Ports Development in India ―‖ report ,While 21 PPP projects in the port sector worth over Rs.43,000 crore are under construction, eight projects worth about Rs.14,000 crore are under bidding.Gujarat gets first place , accounting for more than 50 per cent of the port projects completed in India during the last Plan. It has wrapped up 12 projects valued at Rs 12,453 crore, consolidating its presence in the Indian maritime map.Gujarat is followed by Odisha (2nd place) and Maharashtra (3rd place ), which account for a share of 16.9 per cent and 15.3 per cent respectively in the completed projects.Odisha saw two projects worth Rs 4,169 crore getting completed, while Maharashtra finished five projects worth Rs 3,772 crore.Andhra Pradesh (4th place) and Tamil Nadu (5th place) each with three projects under operation have garnered a share between 5-6 percent followed by Kerala (2.8 percent). Biocon Chief Kiran Mazumdar Shaw in Forbes Philanthropy List

On 30 May According to the Forbes Asia magazine‘s list of Asia-Pacific‘s most remarkable ―‖givers‖" , Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, P N C Menon, Vineet Nayar and Ronnie Screwvala named in 2013 year list of Asia-Pacific‘s most remarkable givers.The annual list of Heroes of Philanthropy is compiled by Forbes Asia magazine. It features a total of 48 persons from the Asia-Pacific region which includes countries like China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia.Keeping into view Kiran Mazumdar‘s work on improving cancer care and her pledge to give away 75 per cent of wealth she was listed as one of the major Philanthropist.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

China Launched Zhongxing-11 Satellite On 2 May China successfully launched a communications satellite called Zhongxing-11 from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest Sichuan province. The satellite was launched into its present orbit from Long March-3B rocket. World‟s First 3D Printed Gun Successfully Fired On 4 May The world‘s first gun made with 3D printer technology has been successfully fired in the US.The anti-gun campaigners criticised this project, while the law enforcement of Europe is monitoring the developments of this project.All 16 parts


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of the controversial gun, called the Liberator, are made from a tough, heat-resistant plastic used in products such as musical instruments, kitchen appliances and vehicle bumper bars. The new Navy patrol ship Rani Avantibayi Indian Coast Guard Ship ‗Rani Avantibai‘, the second Inshore Patrol Vessel (IPV) built by the Hindustan Shipyard Ltd for the Coast Guard. This was commissioned into Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam on 9 May 2013 by Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Singh in the presence of Director-General of Indian Coast Guard Vice-Admiral Anurag G. ‖Viranari Rani Avantibayi‖ is the inshore patrol vessels (IPV) in Madhya Pradesh for Ramgadh Coast Guard.This is used in Tracking thieves, coastal conservation, marine disaster relief efforts.This is the first in the series of five inshore patrol vessels (IPV) built by the Hindustan Shipyard Limited for the Coast Guard. MiG-29K fighter planes commissions into Navy On May 11,Defence Minister AK Antony commissioned warfare aircraft MiG-29K Black Panther squadron into the Indian Navy.The commissioning was held at INS Hansa which would be the base for Black Panther squadron along with other fighter aircraft squadrons of Indian Navy. The squadron initially comprising 16 aircraft would be known as IANS 303. U.S. Launched First Unmanned Aircraft From Carrier Flight Deck

The United States Navy launched an unmanned aircraft from a modern carrier flight deck for the first time ever on 14 May.The unmanned aircraft was the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator, and its first-ever launch from a modern aircraft carrier represents how manned and unmanned aircraft on carrier flight decks will be merged in the future.A mission operator aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) controlled X-47B, showing off how well it works within a carrier environment. It landed back at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. Rotavirus Vaccine Developed in India India developed a Rotavac Vaccine to eradicate the Rotavirus diarrhoea in infants.The Government of India‘s Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Bharat Biotech announced positive results from a Phase III clinical trial of a rotavirus vaccine. First Boeing P-8I Aircraft joins Indian Navy Indian Naval Aviation received a major fillip with the arrival of the first of eight Boeing P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti Submarine Warfare aircraft at Naval Air Station Rajali, Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu on 15 May 13. The P-8I aircraft, based on the Boeing 737-800(NG) airframe, is the Indian Naval variant of the P-8A Poseidon of the US Navy. The aircraft is equipped with both foreign as well as indigenous sensors for Maritime Reconnaissance, Anti Submarine operations and for Electronic Intelligence missions. Scientists Converted Human Skin Cells Into Embryonic Stem Cells On 15 May In a major medical breakthrough, researchers at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) have for the first time ever successfully converted human skin cells into embryonic stem cells , via a technique called nuclear transfer.Scientists for the first time converted human skin cells into embryonic stem cells.These embryonic stem cells are capable of transforming into any other cell type


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in the human body.This technique involves transplanting the nucleus of one cell, containing an individual‘s DNA, into an egg cell that has had its genetic material removed. BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile Successfully Test Fired On 22 May India successfully test fired the 290-km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from Russian-built INS Tarkash off the coast of Goa.The launch was carried out by the Navy as part of Acceptance Test Firing (ATF) of the ship.INS Tarkash, which is an advanced Talwar Class frigate, was commissioned on 9th November, last year.The BrahMos missile jointly developed by India and Russia. Indian Air Force Inducted Trainer AirCraft Pilatus PC-7 On 31 May Pilatus, PC 7 Mk II aircraft was formally inducted into the IAF by Jitendra Singh MoS, Defence at IAF‘s premier Academy located at Dundigal, Hyderabad.This marked the first formal flight of the Basic Trainer Aircraft over the skies at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad.The induction of PC-7Mk II as Basic Trainer Aircraft in Indian Air Force is a very important landmark in our nation‘s quest to modernise its Armed Forces.

PERSONS IN NEWS

A) APPOINTMENTS Sheikh Salman is New AFC President On 2 May Bahrain‘s Sheikh Salman Ebrahim Al-Khalifa was elected as the new president of Asian Football Confederation (AFC). He replaced disgraced ex-leader Mohamed Hammam. Najib sworn in Malaysia‟s PM Najib Razak was sworn in as Malaysia‘s Prime Minister for a second term on 06 May 2013 after his Barisan Nasional (BN, National Front) coalition won 133 of the 222 Parliament seats in 2013 election.Najib Razak became the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia in year 2009. Roberto Azevedo Appointed as WTO new Director General

On 8 May Brazil‘s Roberto Azevedo has been named as the new Director General of the World Trade Organisation, the first Latin American to hold the post.He will take charge of his office from Pascal Lamy of France in the Geneva-based Body in September 2013. Siddaramaiah Sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka On 13 May Congress leader Siddaramaiah was sworn in as the 22nd chief minister of Karnataka by the Governor H R Bharadwaj.In year 1992 Siddaramaiah was appointed as Secretary General of Janata Dal.In Year 1994 became the Minister for Finance in the Janata Dal government headed by Deve Gowda.He served as a Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka twice, first in 1996 when JH Patel became Chief Minister and again in 2004 when JDS formed a coalition government with Dharam Singh. Nirbhay Sharma Appointed Governor of Arunachal Pradesh On 16 May Lieutenant General (retd) Nirbhay Sharma has been appointed as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh as the term of present incumbent Gen (retd) J J Singh ended in January 2013. He was appointed as Member of UPSC in May 2008 and after


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completion of his five year stint .He was also a part of the Airborne Assault Group, the first Indian Army Unit to enter Dacca (Dhaka) during 1971 war. Shashi Kant Sharma is the new CAG On 21 May Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma was appointed as the new Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) ,replaced outgoing Vinod Rai.Sharma, an IAS officer from 1976 batch of Bihar cadre, has earlier assumed various important offices during his tenure as Secretary in the Department of Financial Services and has spent over 10 years in the Defence Ministry in various capacities.The CAG is appointed for a term of six years or till the incumbent attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. Indian Origin Srinivasan Appointed as Top US Court Judge On 23 May The United States Senate voted 97-0 to appoint Srikanth Srinivasan as a Judge of the prestigious US Court of Appeals.It is the highest judicial appointment to an Indian -American . Srinivasan has become the first Indian-American to be appointed to the court.He is the Principle Deputy Solicitor General and defends the policies of US President Barack Obama before the Supreme Court Radha Krishna Mathur is new Defence Secretary On 25 May Senior IAS officer Radha Krishna Mathur has been appointed as new Defence Secretary.He succeeds Shashikant Sharma who has taken over as Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). A 1977-batch IAS officer of Manipur-Tripura cadre, Mathur was serving as Secretary (Defence Production) in the Defence Ministry. Justice Raveendran is new NBSA Chief On 25 May Former Supreme Court judge Justice R V Raveendran has been appointed as the new Chairman of the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) , the self regulatory initiative of the News Broadcasters Association (NBA).He succeeds justice (Retd.) J.S. Verma, chairperson of the NBSA, who passed away on 2013 April.NBSA is an independent redressal body set up by the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) and has leading TV news channels as its members. Kushal Singh Appointed as the Chairperson of NCPCR On 27 May Mrs. Kushal Singh has been appointed as the Chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.Mrs. Kushal Singh has held several high level posts in the Government of Rajasthan and the Central Government.She was the Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan. PM Manmohan Singh elected to Rajya Sabha On 30 May 2013 ,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was elected to Rajya Sabha from Assam for fifth consecutive term.Dr Singh got 49 first preference votes, while the second Congress candidate bagged 45 votes and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF)‘s Aminul Islam, who polled 18 votes, lost in the 126-member state Assembly. B)RESIGNS Union Railway Minister and Law Minister of India Resigned

On 10 May Union Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal and Union Law Minister of India Ashwani Kumar resigned from their posts.Railway Minister PK Bansal resigned from his office since his nephew Vijay Singla was arrested for his alleged involvement of bribery of 90 lakh rupees from the Railway Board Member, with a promise of


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promotion. Ashwani Kumar the Union Law Minister submitted his resignation after being into attack by the opposition and the CBI affidavit submitted to Supreme Court for vetting up the CBI report in the Coal Block allocation scam. C)DEATHS ATP chairman Brad Drewett died

Brad Drewett(54), the former tour player who led the ATP as executive chairman and president since January 2012 died on 3 May 2013 . He helped in increasing the prize money at Grand Slam tournaments. Giulio Andreotti, the former Italian Prime Minister died On 6th May, the former Italian Prime Minister ,Giulio Andreott(94) was dies in Rome.He was one of the most powerful figures in the politics of the country after World War II. Islamic scholar Asghar Ali Engineer Died On May 14,Leading Islamic scholar, author and activist Asghar Ali Engineer, 74, died at his Santacruz home in Mumbai. He was born in 1940 and completed his BSc in civil engineering from Vikram University.From 1980, he edited the journal named the Islamic Perspective and during 1980s he published a series of books on Islam and communal violence in India. His books were based on his investigations in the post-independent India. The USA International Student Assembly and the USA Indian Student Assembly honoured him with Distinguished Service Award in 1987. Bengali filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh dead On 30 May 2013,Award-winning Indian film director Rituparno Ghosh was died from a heart attack in the city of Calcutta.Ghosh directed 18 films in that 12 films got national awards.Ghosh began his remarkable journey by directing a children‘s film ―Hirer Angti‖ (―Diamond Ring‖) in 1994, which won him an immediate recognition. He shot to fame after his next film ―Unishe April‖ (―19 April‖) won the national award in 1995.His other award-winning films include ―Dahan‖, ―Asukh‖, ―Chokher Bali‖, ―Raincoat‖, ―Bariwali‖, ―Antarmahal‖, ―Noukadubi‖, ―Abohoman‖, ―Chitrangada‖ and Amitabh Bachchan starrer ―The Last Lear‖. Academic Vina Mazumdar Dead On 30 May 2013,Noted academic and a leading figure of India‘s women‘s movement, Dr Vina Mazumdar, died in New Delhi.Born in 1927 in a middle-class Bengali household in Kolkata, she did her schooling in the city and studied in Banaras Hindu University and Calcutta University, before going to Oxford in 1947, soon after independence. She went back to Oxford University later and received her D.Phil in 1962. D)VISITORS China Prime Minister Li Keqiang Visited India China‘s new Prime Minister Li Keqiang‘s visited India on his first foreign trip to India from 19th to 21st May 2013 since taking his office in March 2013. During the visit he met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and discussed India-China border issues , bilateral, regional and global issues of common interest.After the both countries signed on 8 agreements.The Chinese have also agreed to provide greater facilitation to Indian pilgrims on the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.


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Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai Visited India

Hamid Karzai , President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan visited India from 20-22 May, 2013.During the visit Hamid Karzai was on 20 May conferred an honorary doctorate degree by President Pranab Mukherjee at a professional university in Phagwara.He met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at New Delhi and discussed on various key bilateral and regional issues , the situation in the region in the backdrop of Afghanistan‘s keenness to enhance defence cooperation with India and get supply of lethal and non-lethal weapons. E)MISCELLANEOUS First Woman Named To FBI‟s Most Wanted Terrorist List On 3 May Joanne Chesimard (also known as Assata Shakur), a member of the Black Liberation Army who killed a New Jersey state trooper 40 years ago and has since fled to Cuba,has been named as one of the FBI‘s most wanted terrorists, making her the first woman ever to make the list.Chesimard was convicted for killing Foerster and sentenced to life in prison. In 1979 she escaped with the help of the Black Army Liberation and has been on the run ever since.The U.S. Justice Department announced a doubling of the reward for her capture to $2 million. Ritankar Das is Century‟s Youngest California University Topper On 10 May An 18-year-old Indian-American has become the youngest graduate topper of the prestigious University of California in more than a century.Kolkata-born Ritankar Das, has been named as the University Medalist, the prize which is given to the year‘s top graduating senior.Das has taken just three years to complete his studies with a double major in bioengineering and chemical biology and a minor in creative writing from the University of California, Berkeley.Further he is the first student from the College of Chemistry in 58 years, and the first ever from the Department of Bioengineering. Sreesanth,Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were arrested S Sreesanth and two of his Rajasthan Royals teammates Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were arrested by the Delhi police on charges of spot fixing in the ongoing Indian Premier League. First Saudi Woman Ever Climbs Mount Everest On 18 May Raha Moharrak has become the first Saudi Arabian woman to climb Mount Everest. Moharrak also became the youngest Arab to reach the 8,850-meter peak (29,035 feet). She was part of a group that included the first Qatari man and the first Palestinian man to reach the summit. Indian Sisters First Twins To Climb Mount Everest

On 19 May Two Indian girls have scripted history by becoming the first twins ever to climb Mount Everest together.Tashi and Nancy Malik from Dehra Dun achieved this feat by successfully reaching the world‘s highest mountain peak at 8,848 meters.The duo were among other record-makers including the first women from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan who climbed the Everest on 18 May. Arunima Becomes First Indian Amputee To Scale Mt Everest On 21 May Arunima Sinha, a former national level volleyball player who had lost one of her legs after being thrown off a moving train by, created history by becoming the


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first Indian amputee to conquer Mount Everest. Sinha reached the 8,848 metre-high summit of the world‘s highest peak as a member of the Eco Everest Expedition from the Tata Group.Sinha, a resident of Ambedkar Nagar in Uttar Pradesh.Arunima successfully scaled the 6,622-metre-high Mount Chhamser Kangri of Ladakh last year, but her ultimate goal was to climb Mount Everest. Yuichiro Miura, Became Oldest Man to Climb Mount Everest Yuichiro Miura, the 80-year old mountaineer from Japan reached Mount Everest‘s summit on 23 May 2013. With this, he became the oldest man to climb the highest mountain peak of the world. Yuichiro Miura climbed the Everest at the age of 70 and 75 as well. Indian-origin Boy Won National Geographic Bee Contest On 23 May Sathwik Karnik, a 12-year-old Indian-American boy, has won the prestigious National Geographic Bee 2013 after gruelling rounds testing his geographic knowledge about lions in Botswana, mountain ranges in Asia and port cities in England.To clinch the title, Karnik, 12, correctly named Chimborazo as the mountain in Ecuador that represents the farthest point from the Earth‘s center.US.Karnik took home the spoils of the Bee prize that include a USD 25,000 college scholarship, an all-expenses paid trip to the Galapagos Islands, and a lifetime membership to the National Geographic Society. Jiroemon Kimura Becomes „Last Living Man Born in 19th Century‟ The oldest person in the world, Japanese Jiroemon Kimura,116 years Japanese man became the last male of the 19th century in the world. Jiroemon Kimura was given the title of last male alive to be born in the 19th century after the death of Barbados in the month of May 2013 at the age of 113 years and 90 days.Gerontolgy Research Group at University of California, Los Angeles found out that as far as female were concerned, there are in all 21 women born before 1 January 1901 and they are still alive.But amongst the male, Jiroemon Kimura is the only alive person of 19th century.Jiroemon Kimura was born on 19 April 1897. Premlata becomes the first Indian woman to complete seven summits

Asian woman mountaineer Premlata Agrawal has become the first Indian woman mountaineer to scale the seven continental peaks after climbing Alaska‘s McKinley Peak.With this, she became the first Indian woman mountaineer to step on the highest peak of North America. Arvind Mahankali Won National Spelling Bee 2013 On 31 May Arvind Mahankali, a 13-year old Indian-American won the Scripps National Spelling Bee contest, as children from the community scripted history by dominating the prestigious competition for the sixth year in a row, grabbing top three slots this year.Arvind, from New York, won the contest by correctly spelling the German word ‗knaidel‘ which means a small mass of leavened dough, overcoming his fear of German-derived words during his past four appearances at the contest.This is the sixth consecutive year that an Indian-American has won the contest, which was watched live by millions of people in the United States.

PLACES IN NEWS


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Cyclonic Storm „Mahasen‟ Hits Bangladesh

On 16 May The cyclonic storm ‗Mahasen‘ hit Bangladesh‘s southern Patuakhali coast with wind speed up to 90 kilometers per hour.More than 48 persons were killed as inflated waters coupled with gusts started ravaging parts of Patuakhali alongside the other areas adjacent to the Bay of Bengal in the region.The system is now located in the west-central bay and is likely to intensify further, move in northeast direction and cross the Bangladesh coast close to Chittagong.

ABBREVIATIONS

NESAC ——- North Eastern Space Applications Centre ACTO ——– Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization ILO ——– International Labour Organization CNEN ——— National Commission for Nuclear Energy CNEA ———- National Commission of Atomic Energy IPV ———– Inshore Patrol Vessel BWF ———- Badminton World Federation

BOOKS IN NEWS

Understanding Bhagat Singh ” by Prof. Chamanlal released

Understanding Bhagat Singh a book by Prof. Chamanlal was released in the on 3 May 2013.Professor Randhir Singh, Eminent Thinker released the book at School of Social Sciences (SSS- I) Auditorium, JNU in New Delhi.The book Understanding Bhagat Singh has tried to explain the soul or spirit of Bhagat Singh like his principle of achieving objectives with dignity, honesty and fearlessness. Gandhi‟s Outstanding Leadership‟ Book Released On 27 May ―Gandhi‘s Outstanding Leadership ―, written by former Indian diplomat-turned-Gandhian Pascal Alan Nazareth, was released at the Peking University‘s Centre.Prof Shang Quanyu, a history professor with the South China Normal University, translated the book into Madarin.

COMMITTEES

G Padmanabhan Committee on Services for the Exporters On 6 May A Reserve Bank of India (RBI) committee recommended setting up of the Indian Bill Payment System (IBPS) in the country.The committee chaired by G. Padmanabhan, Executive Director, RBI, has recommended a cap on interest margins charged by banks lending to exporters.The committee also recommended that export credit be allowed to be a part of priority sector lending (PSL) for all commercial banks, including foreign banks, for a period of three to five years.

IMPORTANT DAYS AND DATES

National Technology Day was Observed on 11 May 2013 National Technology Day was celebrated on 11 May 2013 as a symbol of quest for scientific inquiry, technological creativity and the translation of that quest in the integration of Science, Society and Industry. This day is also celebrated to honour


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technological innovations and their successful commercialization which makes fruits of research reach people at large.

JUNE 2013 CURRENT AFFAIRS INTERNATIONAL

Egypt‟s Top Court Rules Parliament Invalid On 2 June Egypt‘s Supreme Constitutional Court invalidated the nation‘s upper house of parliament and a panel that drew up the constitution.The upper house, or Shura Council, holds legislative powers. It will be dissolved after a new lower house is elected.The court dissolved the lower house of parliament 2012 June.The constitution was drafted by an Islamist-dominated assembly in 2012 November and approved by voters in December. Nigeria‟s Parliament Passed a Bill Criminalising Gay Marriage On 2 June Nigeria‘s parliament has passed a bill criminalising gay marriage, making it punishable with a 14-year prison term.The country‘s lower house, House of Representatives, followed the action of the Senate and endorsed the bill. UN Finds Evidence Of Toxic Chemicals and a Worsening War in Syria

On 3 June A United Nation‘s (UN) human rights investigation report ,finds some kind of chemical has probably been used on Syria‘s battlefield.Paulo Pinheiro, chairperson of the UN commission of inquiry submitted their latest report at the UN in Geneva . Obesity and Poor Nutrition Report Released by UN FAO

On 4 June According to the UN‘s Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) report ,obesity and poor nutrition weigh heavily on the global economy and told governments that investing in food health would bring big economic as well as social returns.Lost productivity and spiralling health care bills linked to malnutrition ―could account for as much as five per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP),‖ equivalent to US$3.5 trillion (S$4.4 trillion) a year.In its yearly report, the Rome-based agency said 12.5 percent of the world‘s population (some 868 million people) are undernourished in terms of energy intake, while 26 percent of children worldwide are stunted by malnutrition.Some two billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies and 1.4 billion people are overweight – of which 500 million are obese. US Slapped Economic Sanction on Iran On 4 June The US has slapped new sanctions on Iran ,targetting the country‘s already-devalued currency and automobile industry.This is the ninth set of sanctions that the Obama administration has imposed against Iran.The executive order also empower the imposition of new sanctions against those who intentionally engage in major financial or other transactions for the sale, supply, or transfer to Iran of significant goods or services used in connection with Iran‘s automotive sector. Similar sanctions were earlier imposed on Iran‘s shipping, shipbuilding, and energy sectors.It is for the first time that the US has directly targeted the Iranian currency. U.S. and China Hold Bilateral Talks On 7 June The U.S. President Barack Obama and China President Xi Jinping concluded their latest round of high-level trade talks.In the meeting both countries


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agreed to inject new vitality to bilateral trade and economic relations.The US and China will work together and with other countries to use the expertise and institutions of the Montreal Protocol to phase down the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), among other forms of multilateral cooperation.Both nations agreed to work together on the crucial cyber security issues that have spiraled tensions between the two nations. Bangladesh Amends Anti-Terror Law On 12 June Bangladesh‘s parliament amended the tough anti-terrorism law re-defining terrorism and allowing courts to accept internet.The (anti-terror) bill suggests provisions to effectively control terrorism through inter-state cooperation.It offers the central bank the authority to freeze suspicious accounts without court orders.The law was first enacted in 2009 after the December 2008 elections while it was amended last year incorporating some provisions.The law was first enacted in 2009 when the incumbent Awami League assumed office after the December 2008 elections while it was amended last year incorporating some provisions. EU Launched New Nuclear Safety Rules On 12 June The European Commission released a new set of nuclear power safety rules aimed at eliminating the risk of a Fukushima-type disaster in the region.The directive will require countries to submit to an international review of their nuclear power systems every six years, and fix any shortcomings discovered.There are 132 nuclear reactors in operation in Europe. Hasan Rowhani Elected As Iran‟s New President

On 15 June moderate cleric Hasan Rowhani elected as Iran‘s new President.Rowhani has won the country‘s presidential election.Rowhani won with 50.7 percent of the more than 36 million votes cast.Other contenders such as Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf got 16.5 percent and Hard-line nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili came in third with 11.3 percent of votes. Another conservative Mohsen Rezaei got 10.6 percent votes. Kuwait‟s Constitutional Court Dissolved Parliament

On 16 June The Kuwait Constitutional Court has dissolved the Kuwaiti parliament and ordered new elections.The Constitutional Court had decided not to make a ruling on the constitutionality of the Emir Sheik Al-Sabah‘s change to the electoral laws after they had examined and rejected the challenge. Afghanistan Rejects Talks With Taliban And U.S On 19 June Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai rejected peace talks with the Taliban in a new office in Qatar .Karzai also suspended talks on a new U.S.-Afghan security deal that would allow some American troops to remain in the country after the international combat mission ends in 2014 to protest the fact that his government was being left out of the initial process. China – Russia “Cooperation 2013″ Held in Beijing

Chinese Armed Police Force and the Russian internal security force‘s ―Cooperation -2013″ Joint training was held from 11th to 20th June in Beijing at Armed Special Police Academy.46 personnel from the Snow Leopard Commandoes, an elite anti-terrorism force under the Chinese People‘s Armed Police Force (PAPF), and 29 from


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a special task force unit of Russia‘s domestic security force.Before this joint training held in Beijing, the two sides previously conducted a joint anti-terrorism drill, ―Cooperation 2007,‖ in Moscow . Russia and China Signed $270bn Oil Deal On 21 June Russia‘s oil giant Rosneft and Chinese state firm CNPC signed a agreement to supply China with $270bn worth of oil over the next 25 years.The agreement was signed by Rosneft chief executive Igor Sechin and CNPC head Zhou Jiping in the presence of Putin and visiting Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli. UK and China Signed Currency Swap Agreement On 23 June UK and China have signed a three-year agreement worth 200bn to establish a renminbi currency swap to promote trade between the two countries.The agreement was signed by The Bank of England and the People‘s Bank of China.Currency-swap agreements basically allow central banks to swap currencies which can be used by firms to settle trade in local currencies rather than in US dollars. Kevin Rudd Re-elected As Australian PM

On 26 June Kevin Rudd re-elected as Australian Prime Minister.In these election Kevin Rudd defeated the present Leader of the Labor Party and Prime Minister Julia Gillard.Kevin Rudd won 57 and Julia Gillard got 45 votes.Before three years Julia Gillard became a Prime Minister of Australia in place Kevin Rudd is the first Woman Prime Minister of Australia.Now Kevin Michael Rudd is the Prime Minister of Australia, as well as Leader of the Labor Party.He was previously Prime Minister from 2007 to 2010, and Labor Leader from 2006 to 2010. Qatar‟s Emir Transfers Power To Son On 25 June Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani has handed power to his son, Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim.On 26 June Qatar‘s new Emir formed a government from which he excluded powerful former Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani , replaced him with the former minister of state for internal affairs.Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani was named both the Prime Minister and Interior Minister.Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani is a Qatari politician.In 2005,Nasser Al-Thani he became the minister of state for internal affairs.

INDIA & WORLD

China, Pakistan, India Increased Nuclear Arsenals

On 3 June According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute annual report ,China, India, and Pakistan have increased their nuclear arsenals over the past year.India and Pakistan have each added around 10 new warheads to bring their totals to between 90 and 110 and between 100 and 120 respectively. China now has 250 nuclear warheads, compared to 240 in 2012.Only the two old superpowers have cut their arsenals, with the United States reducing its warheads from 8000 to 7700, and Russia from 10,000 to 8,500. 65 Countries Signed Arms Trade Treaty On 3 June More than 65 countries of the world signed signed the Arms Trade Treaty and the United States announced it will sign soon. key arms exporters including Russia and China and major importers including India, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and


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Egypt abstained and have given no indication yet that they will sign it.The treaty will require countries that ratify it to establish national regulations to control the transfer of conventional arms and components and to regulate arms brokers, but it will not control the domestic use of weapons in any country. It prohibits the transfer of conventional weapons if they violate arms embargoes or if they promote acts of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes. India – Singapore Signed Agreement On Joint Army Training On 4 June India and Singapore have signed a fresh agreement to extend the use of training and exercise facilities in India by the Singapore Army for a further period of five years from August this year.The agreement was signed between Defence Secretary Radha Krishna Mathur and his Singaporean counterpart Chiang Chie Foo.A bilateral agreement for utilisation of facilities in India by the Singapore Air Force and Army was signed in October 2007 and August 2008 respectively. 348 Million Internet Users Expected In India By 2017 On 5 June According to the Cisco‘s Visuals Networking Index (VNI) forecast (2012-17) report , India has the fastest Internet traffic growth globally and is expected to have 348 million users by 2017.In India, there will be 348 million Internet users in 2017, up from 138 million in 2012.Internet traffic in India will reach 2.5 Exabytes per month in 2017.Worldwide, by 2017, the number of Internet users will rise to 3.6 billion, which will be more than 48 per cent of the world‘s estimated population of 7.6 billion. US exempted India & Eight Other Countries for Importing Oil from Iran On 6 June United States exempted India and eight other countries from sanctions for importing oil from Iran, noting that these countries have significantly reduced their dependence on Iranian oil in the last six months.US Secretary of State John Kerry announced ,India, China, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Taiwan have qualified for an exception to sanctions under America‘s Iran Sanctions Act. India & Germany Signed Development Cooperation Agreement On 6 June India and Germany have signed an umbrella agreement on financial and technical cooperation in the field of energy, environment and management of natural resources.The agreement was signed by German Embassy‘s Deputy Chief of Mission Cord Meier-Klodt and India‘s Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs Rajesh Khullar. India Ranked 141 in Global Peace Index 2013 On 11 June According to the ‖ Global Peace Index (GPI) 2013″ released by Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) , India ranks 141st out of 162 in this year‘s Global Peace Index (GPI).Iceland (First Rank) ,Denamark (2nd rank) , Austria (3rd rank) ,Switzerland (5th rank).Other important countries ranks in Global Peace Index (GPI) :- Japan (6th rank) ,US (100th rank) ,China (101 rank) ,Bangladesh (105 rank) , Srilanka (110 rank) ,Iran (137th rank) ,Russia (155th rank) ,Pakistan (157th rank) , Iraq (159th rank) and Afganistan (162 rank) ranks at bottom.The Global Peace Index (GPI) is an attempt to measure the relative position of nations and regions peacefulness. World Population Projected To Reach 9.6 Billion By 2050


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On 14 According to the United Nations (UN) ―World Population Prospects: the 2012 Revision‖ report ,The current world population of 7.2 billion is projected to increase by 1 billion over the next 12 years and reach 9.6 billion by 2050.India is expected to become the world‘s largest country, passing China around 2028, when both countries will have populations of 1.45 billion. After that, India‘s population will continue to grow and China‘s is expected to start decreasing. India, UK Signed MoU On Cooperation In Healthcare Sector On 14 June India and the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for strategic and technical cooperation on health care policy and practice.The MoU was signed by Department of Health Research (DHR) Secretary V M Katoch and UK-based National Institute for Health and Care (NICE) Excellence chief executive Andrew Dillon in London. 33% Of Women Suffer Domestic Violence On 20 June According to the World Health Organization (WHO) survey ,In the first major global review of violence against women, a series of reports released found that about a third of women have been physically or sexually assaulted by a former or current partner.The rate of domestic violence against women was highest in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where 37 percent of women experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner at some point in their lifetimes. The rate was 30 percent in Latin America and 23 percent in North America. In Europe and Asia, it was 25 percent.More than 38 percent of slain women are killed by a former or current partner, six times higher than the rate of men killed by their partners. US Senate Passed Landmark Immigration Bill On 27 June The U.S. Senate has passe the landmark comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill ,which provides a pathway to citizenship to more than 11 million undocumented people, including over 240,000 Indians.The immigration reform received a bipartisan support in the US Senate; the bill received 88 votes in favour and 32 votes in against.For further approval, the Bill has been sent to House of Representatives and after being approved in the house it will be sent to US President, Barack Obama to be signed into a law. China – India Hold Border Talks On 28 June China and India held their 16th round of border talks in Beijing.State Councilor and Special Representative Yang Jiechi and Indian National Security Adviser and Special Representative Shiv Shankar Menon attended the boundary talks, exchanging ideas for solving border problems and developing bilateral relations.The China-India special representative mechanism was established in 2003 and serves as an important platform for solving border disputes between both sides.

NATIONAL

Union Cabinet Approved Real Estate Regulatory Bill

On 04 June The Union Cabinet approved the (Regulation and Development) Bill 2013.The bill seeks to make it mandatory for developers to launch projects only after acquiring all the statutory clearances from the relevant authorities.The Bill has provisions under which all relevant clearances for real estate projects would have to


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be submitted to the regulator and also displayed on a website before starting the construction.The proposed legislation has tough provisions to deter builders from putting out misleading advertisements related to the projects carrying photographs of the actual site. Union Cabinet Approved Extension Of The RSBY Scheme

On 4 June Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), to rikshaw pullers, rag pickers, mine workers, sanitation workers and auto rickshaw drivers and taxi drivers.The scheme became operational from 1 April 2008. “Roshni” Scheme Launched In Naxal Affected Districts On 7 June Union Government of India launched a placement linked skill development scheme ‗Roshni‘ targeting 50,000 rural men and women, mostly tribals, in 24 worst affected districts.Under the scheme, national-level agencies will be designated to act as monitoring and coordinating agencies in the Naxal-hit districts.The three-year initiative aims at skilling and placement of 50,000 youth from 24 Naxalite-affected districts in nine states.The funding for the ‗Roshni‘ scheme would be in the ratio of 75:25 to be shared between the Centre and the states. National Skill Development Agency Constituted On 7 June The Government has constituted the National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) by subsuming the Prime Minister‘s National Council on Skill Development (PMNCSD), the National Skill Development Coordination Board (NSDCB) and the Office of the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Skill Development.The NSDA will endeavour to bridge the social, regional, gender and economic divide by ensuring that the skilling needs of the disadvantaged and marginalised groups like SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities.The NSDA will be an autonomous body chaired by a person of the rank and status of a Cabinet Minister supported by a Director General and other staff. The office of the NSDA is located in the Ministry of Finance. India‟s First Dedicated Air Ambulance Launched On 8 June India‘s first state-of-the art Air Ambulance, Flying Doctors India, was launched in NewDelhi.The new aircraft is tailor-made and equipped with a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit on a dedicated chartered aircraft. The goal is to provide critical care even when a patient is in transit. 50 Lakh Child Labours In India

On 12 June According to the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) report , nearly 50 lakh children are eking out their livelihood in the country, of whom 17.5 lakh are in Uttarakhand.The second-largest share of child labourers comes from West Bengal (5.5 lakh), Rajasthan (4.05 lakh) and Gujarat (3.9 lakh).The NSSO estimated this figures on the eve of the World Day against Child Labour. Central Cabinet Reshuffled On 17 June Eight new ministers were inducted into Union council of ministers headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.4 Cabinet ministers and 4 Ministers of State were administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Pranab Mukherjee in the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan.Mallikarjun Kharge was given the charge of


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Railways Ministry.With the new induction, the strength of the Union Council of Ministers has gone up to 77. List of Four newly appointed Cabinet Ministers and their Departments:- * Sis Ram Ola - Labour and Employment Ministry * Oscar Fernandes - Road Transport and Highways Ministry * Girija Vyas - Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation * Kavuru Sambasiva Rao - Textiles Ministry List of Four newly appointed State Ministers and their departments:-

* Manikrao Gavit - Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment * Santosh Chowdhury - Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare * Jesudasu Seelam - Minister of State for Finance and * E.M.S. Natchiappan - Minister of State for Commerce and Industry 40 Percent Indian Women Use Internet On 20 June According to the Google study report ,About 40 percent of the 150 million internet users in the country are women and close to 24 million of them log in everyday to check emails, interact on social networking sites and shop online.Around 60 million women in India are now online and use the Internet to manage their day-to-day life.75 percent are in the 15-34 age group with over 24 million women accessing the Internet daily. Union Government Launched New Scheme For Pregnant Women On 22 June The Union Minister for Health Ghulam Nabi Azad launched a new scheme for the pregnant women across the country that would cover all expenses of women from birth of a baby to treatment of the sick child. Free medicines will be provided to new-born babies up to the age of one month while expecting mothers, who deliver baby at government hospital, will receive assistance as provided under the scheme. Union Govt Banned Anti-Diabetes Drug Pioglitazone and Painkiller Analgin

On 26 June The Union government has banned three major medicines – the widely prescribed anti-diabetes drug pioglitazone, painkiller analgin and anti-depressant deanxit.The decision to ban the drug was taken in wake of health risks associated with them. Union Cabinet Approved For Setting Up Of Coal Regulatory Authority On 28 June the Union Cabinet has approved the setting up of a Coal Regulatory Authority meant to address controversial issues like supply and quality.The coal authority would be empowered to specify methodology for determining coal prices.Union Cabinet also approved Mumbai metro line 3.The estimated cost for the metro project has been pegged at Rs 23,136 crore.

STATES

First All Women Police Station Opens In Arunachal Pradesh On 4 June the first all-women police station in Arunachal Pradesh has started functioning in Itanagar to specifically deal with crimes against women.To tackle crime against women, the state cabinet has also approved the creation of separate cells in all the seventeen district headquarters and the Police headquarters of the state. Haryana Govt. Launched “Priyadarshni Awaas Yojna”


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On 8 June Haryana Chief Minister Bhupender Singh Hooda launched ―Priyadarshni Awaas Yojna‖ in the state at Karnal to provide affordable housing facility to the people living in rural areas.People eligible under Indira Awaas Yojna and those who get 100 square yard plot under Mahatma Gandhi Gramin Basti Yojna would also be included in the scheme. West Bengal Tops Chart For Crime Against Women On 14 June According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics ,West Bengal is the most unsafe place for women in India.West Bengal tops the list with 30,942 such cases, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 28,171 cases, UP 23,569, Rajasthan 21,106, Madhya Pradesh 16,832 and Maharashtra 16,353. PM announced Rs 1000 crore Relief Fund For Uttarakhand On 19 June Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced Rs 1,000 crore for disaster relief in Uttarakhand .Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those killed in the devastating floods and Rs 50,000 each to those injured from the Prime Minister‘s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). He also announced ex-gratia assistance of Rs 100,000 each to those whose houses have been completely destroyed and Rs 50,000 each to those whose houses have been damaged from the PMNRF. Maharashtra Govt To Set Up Education Commissionerates For Tribals

In Month of June 2013 Maharashtra government has decided setting up separate education commisionerates in order to provide education to students of the tribal community.The Commissionerates for tribals will be named by ‖ Adivasi Shikshan Ayuktalay ‖ and will first come up in four divisons of the state and the head office will be in Nashik. President Inaugurated Gas-based Power Plant in Tripura On 21 June The President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee has inaugurated first Gas based Power Plant at Palatana in Tripura.The Palatana Gas Based Power Project is the first such Power Company in India to be awarded with the Clean Development Mechanism by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change .The Rs 9000 crore project set up by ONGC. Nitish Kumar Won Confidence Vote In Bihar Assembly On 19 June Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar won the confidence vote in the state assembly, with the support of 126 MLAs ,after parting away with BJP. The trust motion was opposed by 24 MLAs.Four members of congress and one of CPI voted in favour of the trust motion. Four independent MLAs also supported the motion. In the 243 member assembly, the ruling party JD(U) has 118 MLAs and it needed just four MLAs to prove its majority. PM Lays Foundation Stone For GVK‟s Ratle Hydel Plant In J&K On 25 June Prime Minister Manmohan Singh laid foundation stone for GVK Power‘s 850 mw Ratle hydro-electric power plant on the River Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir.The 850 MW Ratle project, which is the nation‘s first hydroelectric project that was bid out through tariff based international competitive bidding, will cost Rs 5,500 crore.The project was awarded to GVK Power which offered the lowest tariff for generating power.


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Prime Minister Inaugurated Banihal-Qazigund Rail Link In J&K

On 26 June Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the newly constructed railway line between Banihal (Jammu region)-Qazigund (Kashmir valley) section.The Banihal- Qazigund rail link is the 18 km long rail link, which also includes the 11km long tunnel across Pir Panchal range. This is the longest tunnel of India and second longest tunnel of Asia.The tunnel was constructed by making use of the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). It is for the first time that the method of this kind was used on a large scale in India. The project was implemented by Hindustan Construction Company. Rajasthan Launched A Scheme For Energy Conservation On 27 June the Rajasthan government launched a unique scheme called ―Mukhyamantri Bijli Bachat Lamp Yojna ‖ for energy conservation. The State government will provide 2 CFL bulb free of cost to all electricity consumers of villages and BPL consumers in urban areas. This unique scheme will continue till August 2013.The state Government will spent 100 crore rupees on this scheme.The purpose of this scheme is to save energy and conservation of environment. Karnataka Govt Launched Helpline ” Arogyavani “ On 30 June The Karnataka government has launched a health information help line service ‖ Arogya Vani ‖ .The Call Centre has to provide information on the nearest Government Hospital, before providing a private-sector alternative.The main objective of this facility is to assist people living in rural or remote areas who face difficulty in accessing the service of qualified doctors and to provide information on any health problem.

CONFERENCES

Chief Minister‟s Conference on Internal Security held in New Delhi

Chief minister‘s Conference on Internal Security held in NewDelhi on 5th June 2013.The conference chaired by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.In his address, the Prime Minister called for effective coordination between the Centre and the States to face the challenges of Internal Security.The Prime minister stated that the government has instituted several measures in 34 Naxal-hit areas to combat the Naxal menace.The key agenda of the chief ministers‘ conference organised by Home Minister P Chidambaram is the strengthening of anti-terror capabilities and intelligence, Maoist violence, police reforms and capacity building. 39th G8 Summit Held in North Ireland The 39th G8 summit was held on 17 and 18 June 2013 at Lough Erne county, Northern Ireland .The leaders of the G8 countries – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the US, the UK ,attended the summit.In the G8 countries Summit discussed on syria crisis and advancement of trade, ensuring tax compliance and promoting greater transparency in the use of natural resources among countries.At the end of the two day summit, the leaders of G8 nations agreed on the seven point document and released a joint statement on Syria.The G8 leaders also agreed on providing new fund of nearly 1.5 billion US dollar to help the people affected by the raging conflict. Future of the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was not made clear in


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the released statement.Russia to hold next G8 Summit in Sochi on 4 – 5 June 2014.The Group of Eight (G8) is a group made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Commission is also represented in the committee.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Sulabh Founder Pathak Received French Award On 4 June Environmentalist Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of the famed Sulabh project that provides basic and affordable toilet access to India‘s poor, has been presented with the ―Legend of Planet‖ award in Paris.The award was presented to Pathak by the Vice-President of the French Senate, Chantal Jourdan, at Palais du Luxembourg. Hugo Chavez Awarded “Simon Bolivar National Award of Journalism 2013 “

On 5 June The late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been awarded the ―‖Simon Bolivar National Award of Journalism 2013 ―‖even though he was accused of persecuting the press during his 14 years in power.Chavez family will be given the award on June 27 at a ceremony in Miraflores Palace, in Caracas. Kiran Bedi Received ” Nomura Award “ On 11 June Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi was honoured with USD 10,000 ‗Nomura Award‘ at Singapore for her outstanding humanitarian works.Bedi was given the award constituted by Nomura Group of Japan for improving the world for future generations. The group is one of the leading financial services group. Bill Clinton Awarded „Father of the Year‟

On 11 June Former President of the United States Bill Clinton was honored as ―‖ 2013 Father of the Year ―‖ award from the National Father‘s Day Committee at a New York City , which benefitted international NGO Save the Children. Shabana Azmi Received Fourth Doctorate

On 12 June National award-winning actress Shabana Azmi received her fourth doctorate from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver .Shabana has received doctorates from Leeds University in Britain, the Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi and the Jadavpur University in Kolkata, previously. Delhi‟s IGI Airport Get‟s World‟s Second Best Airport Award On 14 June Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has been named the world‘s second best airport in the 25-40 million passengers category by the Airport Council International. The airport also has been adjudged as the fourth best in the world among 199 airports across all categories.IGI has managed to retain its position of second best airport in the 25-40 million passengers per annum category for 2012 year. Anish Kapoor Honoured With Knighthood On 15 June Indian-origin sculptor Anish Kapoor has been honoured with knighthood, one of the highest honours in Britain, by Queen Elizabeth II in her birthday honours list 2013 for services to Visual Arts.Kapoor is famous for his monumental public sculptures and his enigmatic sculptural forms that have been exhibited all over the world. Tan Twan Eng Wins The “2013 Walter Scott prize”


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On 14 June Malaysian writer author Tan Twan Eng has won the ―2013 Walter Scott prize‖ for Historical Fiction for his second novel ―The Garden of Evening Mists‖.The Walter Scott Prize for the historical fiction was founded in the year 2010. Indian Artist Selected For Dubai Art Prize On 16 June Bangalore-based artist Anup Mathew Thomas, whose works featured at the Kochi biennale, is among five winners of Dubai Abraaj Group Art Prize.The Abraaj Group Art Prize was established in 2008. Three Biotechnology Scientists Awarded “2013 World Food Prize “

On 20 June Three biotechnology researchers were named the winners of the 2013 World Food Prize for their independent, individual breakthrough achievements in founding, developing, and applying modern agricultural biotechnology.The three scientist are – Marc Van Montagu of Belgium, and Mary-Dell Chilton and Robert T. Fraley .The Iowa based award is often referred to as the ―Nobel Prize for agriculture.The World Food Prize was created in 1987 by the late Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. Norman Borlaug, and is the foremost international award recognizing individuals who have contributed landmark achievements in increasing the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world. Taj Mahal Ranked Third Among Top Land Marks In The World On 30 June According to the Trip Advisor‘s 2013 Travellers Choice Attractions Awards,Travellers from across the globe have ranked India‘s Taj Mahal among the top three landmarks in the world, a leading travel website has announced. Taj Mahal was ranked third in the list of Top 25 landmarks.The top two places were taken by Machu Picchu in Peru and Angkor Wat in Cambodia respectively.

SPORTS & GAMES

Indian Won Six Medals In Slovakia Junior Table Tennis

On 3 June Indian paddlers annexed four gold and two silver medals in the Slovak Junior ITTF Open table tennis championship in Slovakia.In the girls singles Sutirtha Mukherjee won the title. Dhoni receives ICC ODI Championship Shield On 3 June India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni received the prestigious ICC ODI Championship Shield for finishing as the No. 1 ODI team in the Championship table on the April 1, 2013 cut-off date. French Open 2013 Tennis Title Winners Women‟s Singles :- On 8 June Serena Williams from US won the Women‘s Singles title of French Open Tennis tournament. In the final, she defeated Maria Sharapova .This is Serena‘s second French Open title and 16th grand slam. It was the 31-year-old American‘s 16th Grand Slam title win.At 31 years, 247 days she is the oldest women in the Open Era to win the French Open title. Men‟s Singles :- On 9 June Rafael Nadal won his 8th Men‘s Singles Tittle of the

French Open Tennis Tournament. In the final at Paris, Nadal defeated Spanish compatriot David Ferrer . With this, he became the first player to win 8 Singles Titles at the same Grand Slam Tournament. It was his 12th Grand Slam title overall.


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Women‟s Doubles :- Russian fourth seeds Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina

won the French Open women‘s doubles title by defeating top seeds Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy in the final.It was a first Grand Slam title for the Russian pair. Men‟s Doubles :- American twins Bob and Mike Bryan won the Men‘s doubles .American twins extended their record by clinching their 14th Grand Slam trophy after defeated Michael Llodra and Nicolas Mahut of France in the men‘s doubles final. Sebastian Vettel Won Canadian Grand Prix Title On 9 June Red Bull‘s Sebastian Vettel won the Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.Ferrari‘s Fernando Alonso took the second position followed by Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, who conquered the third position. This is the third win of the Garman F1 driver, before the Canadian Grand Prix, Vettel won the Malaysia and Bahrain Grand Prix of the year. Srikanth Won Thailand Open Badminton On 9 June Indian shuttler Srikanth has won the Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold Badminton trophy.In the Men‘s Singles final Srikanth defeated Boonsak Ponsana from Thailand. Indonesia Badminton Tournament 2013 Winner Men‟s Singles :- On 16 June Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia) won the Indonesia Badminton Tournament Men‘s Singles title after defeated Germany‘s Marc Zwiebler in the final. Women‟s Singles :- Li Xuerui of China won the title.In the women‘s singles final Li Xuerui defeated Juliane Schenk from Germany. Singapore Open Badminton 2013 Winners Men‟s Singles :- On 23 June Indonesia‘s Tommy Sugiarto has won the Singapore Open badminton championship Men‘s singles title .Sugiarto defeated Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand in the final in Singapore. Women‟s Singles :- China‘s Wang Yihan won the women‘s singles title , after defeated Li Xuerui in the final. India Won ICC Champions Trophy 2013

On 23 June India has won the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 after defeated England at Edgbaston in Birmingham with a five-run victory.Ravindra Jadeja was declared as the Man of the Match .He was also awarded with the Golden Ball for grabbing maximum number of wickets in the series.Sikhar Dhawan was declared as the Man of the Series. This was the second Champions Trophy title of India. Koneru Humpy Won FIDE Womens Grand Prix On 28 June Koneru Humpy won the FIDE Women‘s Grand Prix chess tournament at Dilijan, Armenia.Koneru Humpy finished her campaign with a flourish, defeated Mongolia‘s Tuvshintugs Batchimeg in the final .Slovenia‘s Anna Muzychuk finished second and Georgia‘s Nana Dzagnidze finished third. Nico Rosberg Won British Grand Prix

On 30 June Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has won the British Formula One Grand Prix.Red Bull‘s Mark Webber got second position and Ferrari‘s Fernando Alonso claim third position.


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ECONOMY India 4th In World Steel Production On 5 June According to the World Steel Association (WSA) data , India‘s rank in the world order of steel production remained unchanged at fourth slot with an output of 77.06 MT (million tonnes) steel produced in 2012.China gets first ranked in world steel production .China produced 716.05 MT in 2012.Japan produced (2nd rank) 107.02 MT and US (3rd rank) 88.07 Mt in 2012. Dhoni Ranked 16th On Forbes List Of Highest Paid Athletes

According to the Forbes ―List Of Highest Paid Athletes ―Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni,with earnings of $31.5 million, has been ranked at 16th place.Sachin Tendulukar got 51st place.This list is prepared based on last year annual income.The annual income of MS Dhoni is $31.5 million.But he earned $3.5 million from matches and remaining amount from advertisements and other business.Sachin Tendulkar‘s annual income is $22 million . The Golfer Tiger Wood(America) got a 1st place in this list with annual income of $78.1 million followed by tennis star Roger Federer at $71.5 million. Kobe Bryant, American professional basketball player, is third at $61.9 million. World‟s Highest Density Of Millionaires In Qatar On 10 June According to the Boston Consulting Group‘s (BCG) 13th Annual Global Wealth Management Report ,Qatar has the highest density of millionaires in the world, with 14.3 pc of the oil-rich Gulf nation‘s population holding private wealth of $1 mn.The figure shows 143 out of every 1,000 households in Qatar holding private wealth of at least $1 million, much higher than the global average.Kuwait ranks third with 11.5%, while Bahrain (4.9%) and the UAE (4.0%) rank seventh and ninth, respectively. World Bank Expected India To Grow 5.7% In FY 13 On 13 June According to the World Bank ―‖Global Economic Prospects (GEP) ―‖ report ,Growth in India is projected to rise to 5.7 percent in the 2013 fiscal year and firm to 6.5 percent and 6.7 percent in FY2014 and FY2015, respectively.Global GDP is expected to expand about 2.2 percent this year and strengthen to 3.0 percent and 3.3 percent in 2014 and 2015. 2011-12 Poverty and Household Consumer Expenditure Indicators Released On 20 June The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in its 68th round survey has released the poverty and key indicators of household consumer expenditure in India, generated from the data collected during July 2011–June 2012 .The National Sample Survey Office‘s (NSSO) 68th round of survey is based on samples consisting of 7,496 villages in rural India and 5,263 urban blocks except some remote areas. Highlights of the Poverty and Household Consumer Expenditure Indicators Data Report :- * 5 per cent population on the bottom rung had an average monthly per capita expenditure (MCPE) of Rs 521.44 in rural areas and Rs 700.50 in urban areas. * Poorest of poor in the country survive on barely Rs 17 per day in villages and Rs 23 a day in cities. * On the other end of the spectrum, top five per cent of the population had an MPCE of Rs 4,481 in rural areas and Rs 10,282 in urban areas.


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* On an average on the all-India basis, MPCE was around Rs 1,430 for rural India and about Rs 2,630 for urban India. * For the average rural Indian, food accounted for 52.9 per cent of the value of consumption during 2011-12.Among non-food item categories, fuel and light for household purposes (excluding transportation) accounted for 8 per cent, clothing and footwear 7 per cent, medical expenses 6.7 per cent, education 3.5 per cent, conveyance 4.2 per cent, other consumer services (excluding conveyance) 4 per cent, and consumer durables 4.5 per cent. * For the average urban Indian, 42.6 per cent of the value of household consumption was accounted for food, including 9 per cent by beverages, refreshments and processed food, 7 per cent by milk and milk products, and 6.7 per cent by cereals and cereal substitutes.Education accounted for 6.9 per cent, fuel and light 6.7 per cent, conveyance 6.5 per cent, and clothing and footwear 6.4 per cent.


Lightest Alien Planet Outside Solar System On 3 June European scientists have discovered a new alien planet orbiting a young star about 300 light years from Earth.The exoplanet, ‖ HD 95086 b ―, was observed directly by the European Southern Observatory‘s (ESO) Very Large Telescope in Chile.Nearly 1,000 exoplanets have been detected indirectly through various means such as radical velocity and transmit method.Of the 12 exoplanets ,the newly discovered HD 95086 b is the least massive planet to have been directly observed outside the solar system .HD 95086 b orbiting its parent star, HD 95086, is estimated to have a mass of four to five times that of Jupiter. Japan Unveiled 500 kmph Bullet Train On 5 June Japan has unveiled its new levitating bullet train, designed to travel at speeds of upto 500 kmph.The track is being extended to 43 kilometres to enable full-fledged test runs.Commercial runs of the maglev train are scheduled to start between Tokyo and Nagoya in 2027.The train magnetic levitation (maglev) as opposed to conventional wheels.The train will travel at speeds of up to 500 kilometres per hour and will link the 2 cities in 40 minutes. Researchers Leads To Discovery To Create Early Warning System For Tsunamis

On 7 June Researchers from Stanford University have identified key acoustic characteristics of the 2011 Japan earthquake that indicated it would cause a large tsunami.In 2011, a magnitude 9.0 undersea earthquake occurred 43 miles off the shore of Japan. The earthquake generated an unexpectedly massive tsunami that washed over eastern Japan roughly 30 minutes later.Now, computer simulations by Stanford scientists reveal that sound waves in the ocean produced by the earthquake probably reached land tens of minutes before the tsunami. If correctly interpreted, they could have offered a warning that a large tsunami was on the way. China Successfully Launches Fifth Manned Space Mission On 11 June China successfully launched its fifth and longest manned space mission with three astronauts, including a woman, on board ‗Shenzhou-10′ as part of the


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Communist giant‘s efforts to build a permanent space lab of its own by 2020. Shenzhou-10 (Divine Craft) spaceship carried the three astronauts blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gansu province for a 15-day-long mission during which it would dock with Tiangong-1 space lab orbiting round the Earth and conduct a host of experiments.Now China‘s fifth manned mission and would last a fortnight compared to last year‘s 13 days.Wang Yaping the second Chinese woman to go into space after Liu Yang last year. India and US Launched Space Solar Power Initiative

In the month of June India and a top US science body have forged an international organisation to develop space solar power ,an initiative that has the potential of solving humanity‘s energy needs and greatly mitigating climate change.In his Address to the 2013 National Space Society‘s International Space Development Conference (ISDC 2013) Mark Hopkins asserted to include specific mechanisms such as the Global Space Knowledge Platform, the International Virtual Laboratory, and the International Advisory Committee that Abdul Kalam has elaborated through discussion papers. New Human Cornea Layer Discovered On 12 June Indian researcher Harminder Dua, Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the Nottingham University, has found a previously undetected layer in the cornea , the clear window at the front of the human eye – and named Dua‘s layer.Scientists previously believed the cornea to be composed of five layers, from front to back, the corneal epithelium, Bowman‘s layer, the corneal stroma, Descemet‘s membrane and the corneal endothelium.The new layer that has been discovered is located at the back of the cornea between the corneal stroma and Descemet‘s membrane.Although it is just 15 microns thick – the entire cornea is around 550 microns thick . Andaman Tsunami Warning System Can Alert In 3 Minutes On 12 June The Early Tsunami Warning System installed at Rangachang in Andaman and Nicobar Islands can predict a tsunami immediately after an earthquake.The system can predict tsunami within 3 minutes after the occurrence of the initial tremors and send alerts.Following the alerts sent from the Tsunami Warning System, the tsunami alerts can be issued to the risk zones via Centre in consultation with Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, INCOIS at Hyderabad. IAF Gets “C-17 Globemaster-III ” Airlifters On 12 June The Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted the first of the 10 ―‖C-17 Globemaster-III ―‖ heavy airlifters it has purchased from the US, and then order six more.Now the Indian Air Force on this milestone as India joins the worldwide community of C-17 operators.Boeing is on track to deliver four more C-17s to the IAF this year and five in 2014.India signed an agreement with the U.S. in 2011, to acquire 10 C-17 airlifters, making India the largest C-17 customer outside the U.S. China Super Computer “Tianhe-2″ Named World‟s Fastest Computer On 17 June China‘s National University of Defense Technology developed world‘s fastest supercomputer ―Tianhe-2″. The Tianhe-2 has a peak performance speed of 54.9 quadrillion operations per second.‖Tianhe-2″ means Milky Way-2.This Chinese


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supercomputer Tianhe-2 and it replaced US machine called Titan, which was earlier said to be the fastest computer of the world. World Bank Released „Global Warming In India „ Report On 19 June According to the World Bank new report prepared by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Climate Analytics, the report warns that global warming could lead to more extreme droughts across large parts of India,over the next few decades.The impact of a possible global temperature rise of 2 degrees Celsius in the next few decades threatened to trap millions of people in poverty.Depicting life in a not-too-distant future shaped by already present warming trends, the new report warns that by the 2040s, India will see a significant reduction in crop yields because of extreme heat.The warming will impact significant reduction in crop yields and some 63 million people may no longer be able to meet their caloric demand. Scientists Discovered New Language In Australia On 19 June Scientists have discovered a new language in northern Australia which contains rare grammatical innovations and a unique combination of elements from other languages.The language, now known as Light Warlpiri, is spoken by approximately 300 people in a remote desert community about 644 kilometres from Katherine, a town located in Australia‘s Northern Territory. Japan To Send Kirobo The Talking Robot Into Space Japan announced a humanoid robot named ‖ Kirobo ―will be used in the world‘s first communication experiments between a human and a robot in space.The pint-sized robot developed by Toyota Motor Corp ,the University of Tokyo and venture firm Robo Garage.Just 13 inches tall and weighing 2.2 pounds, Kirobo will launch aboard an H-IIB rocket in August from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture and head for the International Space Station. NASA Launched ” IRIS ” Spacecraft To Study Sun‟s Atmosphere On 27 June NASA has launched ‖ Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) ‖ spacecraft from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.The mission to study the solar atmosphere was placed in orbit by an Orbital Sciences Corporation Pegasus XL rocket.The Pegasus XL carrying IRIS was deployed from an Orbital L-1011 carrier aircraft over the Pacific Ocean at an altitude of 39,000 feet, off the central coast of California about 100 miles northwest of Vandenberg. The rocket placed IRIS into a sun-synchronous polar orbit that will allow it to make almost continuous solar observations during its two-year mission. „INS Trikand‟ Commissioned Into Indian Navy

On 30 June INS Trikand, the last of the three Follow on Talwar Class frigates built in the Russian Federation, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 29th June at Kaliningrad, Russia by Vice Admiral R. K. Dhowan, the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy.The commissioning of INS Trikand marks the culmination of a three ship contract for Follow on Talwar Class ships built in Russia. Her sister ships INS Teg and INS Tarkash were commissioned in 2012.INS Trikand carries a state-of-the-art combat suite which includes the supersonic BRAHMOS missile system, advanced Surface to Air missiles Shtil, upgraded A190 medium range gun, Electro-optical 30


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mm Close-in Weapon System, Anti-Submarine weapons such as torpedoes and rockets and an advanced Electronic Warfare system.

PERSONS IN NEWS

A) APPOINTMENTS Justice Kaul Sworn in as Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief On 1st June Haryana Governor Jagannath Pahadia administered the oath of office to Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Haryana Raj Bhavan.Justice Kaul, 54, earlier served as the senior most judge of the Delhi High Court and was the acting Chief Justice there in September last year.the strength of judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court has reached 41 as against the sanctioned strength of 68 judges. Shortage of judges leads to pendency in the cases and the ideal strength should be between 50 to 55. Jagmohan Dalmiya is new Interim President of BCC On 1 June Cricket Association of Bengal president Jagmohan Dalmiya , a former president of the BCCI and ICC, has been appointed as the new interim president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).BCCI chief N. Srinivasan agreed to step aside, with Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Jagmohan Dalmiya took over as the board‘s interim president. Narayana Murthy Re-elected as Executive Chairman in Infosys On 1 June NR Narayana Murthy has been re-elected as Executive Executive Chairman of the Board in Infosys.He would serve as board chairman for 5 years.Narayan Murthy was appointed as the chairman for the second time.Murthy, who founded Infosys in 1981, had stepped down from the Board and became Chairman Emeritus in 2011. He has served as company‘s CEO from 1981 to 2002. Indian-Origin Diplomat is New Australian Envoy to Israel

On 2 June 2013 Indian – origin diplomat appointed Devanand Sharma appointed as a Australian envoy to Israel.Devanand Sharma has made history by becoming the country‘s youngest Ambassador after he was appointed Canberra‘s envoy to Israel.He got Medicine degree from Sydney University.Mr Sharma‘s prior international service includes postings as Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Washington. Nawaz Sharif Sworn in as Pakistan‟s PM On 5 June Nawaz Sharif has been sworn-in for a record third term as Pakistan`s Prime Minister, after he was elected with 244 votes in the 342-seat Parliament.He was sworn-in by the President Asif Ali Zardari at a function in an ornate hall at the Presidency.Sharif has served as the Pakistani Premier during 1990-1993 and 1997-1999 but was ousted from office before he could complete his term, once on corruption charges and later because of a military coup led by Pervez Musharraf. Virginius Xaxa is new National Advisory Council Member On 6 June Union government has reconstituted the National Advisory Council by including prominent sociologist Virginius Xaxa into the 12-member panel chaired by Sonia Gandhi.Virginius Xaxa was inducted with the exit of Aruna Roy from the panel.Virginius Xaxa is a Professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati and has worked extensively on tribal communities of the country.The NAC comprises


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distinguished professionals drawn from diverse fields of development activity who serve in their individual capacities. TCA Raghavan is India‟s new High Commissioner To Pakistan On 6 June TCA Raghavan has been appointed as the new High Commissioner to Pakistan.A 1982-batch IFS officer, Raghavan is currently serving as India‘s high commissioner to Singapore.Raghavan will replace Sharat Sabharwal, who was on an extension after he retired last year. K R Kamath Re-elected as IBA chairman

On 6 June Punjab National Bank‘s (PNB) Chairman and Managing Director K. R. Kamath was re-elected as Chairman of Indian Banks‘ Association (IBA) for 2013-14 tenure.Indian Banks‘ Association (IBA) was formed on 26 September 1946.It is an association of Indian banks and financial institutions. It is based in Mumbai. Justice Usha Mehra Becomes Full Time Member Of Law Commission On 13 June Justice Usha Mehra, retired Judge of the High Court of Delhi, has been appointed as full-time Member of the 20th Law Commission of India.Bijai Narain Mani, eminent law author, and Gurjeet Singh, Director General of the National Law School and Judicial Academy Assam, were appointed part-time members of the panel.The panel, which advices government on complex legal issues, is headed by Justice D K Jain, former judge of the Supreme Court. S K Roy Appointed New Chairman of LIC S K Roy has been appointed as the Chairman of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).Roy succeed D.K. Mehrotra, and get a five-year term as chairman.On May 31, 2013, he assumed charge as Managing Director of LIC along with Thomas Mathew and Sarkar.Roy joined the largest insurance company in the country in 1981. John Ashe Elected UN General Assembly President On 15 June John Ashe, the ambassador to the United Nations for Antigua and Barbuda has been elected President of the United Nations General Assembly.He selected as the President of UN General Assembly for its 68th session. Ratan Tata is new Chief Advisor of AirAsia India Board

On 16 June Ratan Tata has been appointed as the chief Advisor to the board of AirAsia Indian, the joint venture between the Tata Group and Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia.AirAsia has also named Mittu Chandilya as the CEO of its Indian venture. Manmohan Singh Takes Oath as Rajya Sabha Member On 17 June Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took oath as member of Rajya Sabha.Manmohan Singh was re-elected a member of Rajya Sabha from Assam for the fifth consecutive term on 30 May 2013.Another Congress member from Assam Santius Kujur also took oath as member of Rajya Sabha. Indian Named Editor Of “The Independent” On 17 June Indian-origin journalist Amol Rajan was named the editor of The Independent,becoming the first non-white editorial head of a UK national paper. Amol Rajan will replace Chris Blackhurst, becoming Fleet Street‘s first non-white newspaper editor. S Ramadorai is AirAsia India new Chairman


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On 17 June Subramanian Ramadorai, former head of the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has been appointed as the Chairman of AirAsia India.Subramanian Ramadorai, holds the rank of cabinet minister in the Government of India. Indian-American Sri Srinivasan Sworn In As Top US Court Judge On 18 June Indian-American legal luminary Sri Srinivasan was sworn in as a judge in the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, the second most powerful court in the United States after the Supreme Court.Srinivasan from Chandigarh has become the first Indian American judge in the second most powerful court of the country. Krishna Chaudhary is new NDRF chief On 25 June Senior IPS officer Krishna Chaudhary has been appointed as Director General, National Disaster Response Force and Civil Defence.His appointment will take effect from the date he assumes charge of the post and until his superannuation on June 30, 2017. Kevin Rudd Sworns As Australian PM For Second Time On 27 June Kevin Rudd was sworn in as Australia‘s prime minister for second time ,replaced Julia Gillard who was removed in a Labor Party caucus vote.He was sworn in at Government House in Canberra by Governor General Quentin Bryce.Now Kevin Michael Rudd is the 28th Prime Minister of Australia, as well as Leader of the Labor Party. Justice P Sadasivam Appointed As New Chief Justice Of India On 29 June P. Sathasivam was appointed as the 40th Chief Justice of India . He will take over the charge on completion of the tenure of present incumbent Altamas Kabir which will end on July 18, 2013.As the 40th CJI, Sathasivam will serve the nation till his 26 April 2014.Sathasivam joined as a permanent judge of the Madras high court in January 1996 after which he was transferred to the Punjab and Haryana high court in April 2007.He was appointed as a Supreme Court judge on August 21, 2007. B)RESIGNS Rajiv Shukla Resigned as IPL chairman On 1st June 2013,Rajiv Shukla has resigned as the Chairman of the Indian Premiere League.He has decided to quit in the wake of recent controversies in the IPL Spot Fixing Scandal. Union MinistersAjay Maken and CP Joshi Resigned On 15 June Union Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation minister Ajay Maken ,Surface Transport and Highways Minister as well as Railway Minister CP Joshi, resigned from their offices.Their resignation was accepted by the President Pranab Mukherjee. Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Necas Resigned On 17 June Czech Republic prime minister Petr Necas has resigned ,after a fraud and spying scandal involving his closest aide, pitching the European Union member state into a period of uncertainty.Petr Necas is a former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and leader of the Civic Democratic Party. He was sworn into office in 2010. Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah Resigned On 23 June Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah announced his resignation ,following a dispute between the prime minister and his two deputies, Mohammed


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Mustafa and Ziad Abu Amru, who also serve as senior advisors to President Abbas.Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accepted the resignation of newly appointed Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah takes charges on 2 June and he had served only 20 days. C)DEATHS British Comic Author Tom Sharpe Died On 6 June British comic novelist Tom Sharpe has died in the coastal town of Llafranc in north-eastern Spain.His first two books were satires about South Africa‘s apartheid regime.Sharpe travelled to South Africa in 1951 after leaving Cambridge, to work as a teacher and photographer. Sharpe‘s other books include ―Riotous Assembly, ―Indecent Exposure‖ and ―Porterhouse Blue,‖ all written in the 1970s. World‟s „Oldest Person Luo Meizhen Died

World‘s oldest person Luo Meizhen from China has died on 11 June.Meizhen was born in 1885 and was 127 years old.But the Guinness Book of World Records never recognized her claim. Former Union Minister VC Shukla Died VC Shukla, a former Union minister and Congress veteran from Chhattisgarh, died on 11 June in Gurgaon.Shukla was injured in 2013 May Chhattisgarh Maoist attack.He was elected to the Lok Sabha nine times.He first became a minister in 1966, when he was 37 years old, in Prime Minister Indira Gandhi‘s cabinet.He held many important portfolios in his long career span which includes Communications, Home, Defence, Finance, Planning, Information & Broadcasting, Civil Supplies, External Affairs, Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources. World‟s Oldest Person Jiroemon Kimura Died On 12 June The world‘s oldest person Jiroemon Kimura has died in Japan.116-year-old Jiroemon Kimura was born on 19 April 1897.He became the world‘s oldest person on December 17, 2012, following the death of 115-year-old Dina Manfredini, who lived in the US state of Iowa. Veteran Communist Leader Satyapal Dang Died

On 15 June Veteran Veteran communist party leader Satyapal Dang died in Amritsar.Satya Pal Dang was Born in 1920 in Gujranwala in Pakistan and had married to Vimla, another CPI leader, in 1952. Vimla died in 2009.Dang had contested his first Vidhan Sabha election in 1966-67 from Amritsar west constituency.He was elected four times to Punjab assembly from Amritsar.Satypal Dang was awarded Padma Shri in 1998 for his contribution to the social sphere, as he, along with Vimla, had fought many relentless battles for the cause of the downtrodden.However, Satyapal Dang had returned the Padma Bhushan and demanded abolition of all such awards contending a person‘s contribution to society is judged by his deeds and not by honours. Former Union Minister Bhavna Chikhalia Died

Former Union minister of state and the first woman to get elected to the Lower House (Lok Sabha) from Gujarat for four consecutive terms, Bhavna Chikhalia died on 28 June.She was union minister of state for tourism, culture and parliamentary affairs from 1998-2003 in the NDA government headed by Atal Behari Vajpayee. She was


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also the chairperson of the Railway Convention Committee from 1999-02.Bhavnaben Chikhalia first got elected to the Lok Sabha from 1991, before registering victories again in 1996, 1998 and 1999. D)VISITORS Union External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid Visited Iraq

Salman Khurshid, the Union External Affairs Minister visited Iraq from 19 to 20 June 2013.During the visit Khurshid met with the Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri al-Maliki and the two nations discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interests including import of oil for energy security along with the avenues of partnership.This is the first visit of any Minister from Indian Union to Iraq after 23 years in the war-raved country.Former Prime Minister of India, Inder Kumar Gujral visited Iraq in 1990 during his tenure as an External Affairs Minister of Indian Union. U.S. Secretary Of State John Kerry Visited India U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry visited India from 23 – 25 June 2013.During the visit Kerry co-chaired the fourth India-US Strategic Dialogue with External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and discussed on bilateral trade, defence and security cooperation besides energy and higher education ,including India‘s relations with Pakistan.On 24 June Kerry also met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi.Both have discussed issues of mutual interest.This is Kerry‘s first visit in India after his appointment as the US Secretary of State. E)MISCELLANEOUS Raghav Joneja Becomes Youngest Indian To Climb Mt Everest

Raghav Joneja youngest Indian to climbed the Mount Everest .He is one of the member in Laren‘s school youngest team of mountaineers in the world.Climbing at the age of 15 years and seven months Raghav Joneja broke the record set by Nameirakpam Chingkheinganba of Manipur‘s, who climed the everest at the age 16 years seven months and 11 days.Lawrence School in Kasuali became the first school in the world to send a team to the highest peak . China Woman Astronaut Astronaut Delivers First Space Lecture

On 20 June China‘s second woman astronaut Wang Yaping, who is currently orbiting the earth in an experimental space lab, has become the country‘s first space teacher as she delivered a lecture to over 60 million Chinese students about various aspects life in space.In a 45 minutes lecture, Wang, an air force pilot assisted by her two male colleagues demonstrated weightlessness and how it affects the Newton laws of gravity. Ancient Chinese Documents On Tibet Won UNESCO Recognition

On 21 June Historical Chinese documents describing Tibet during China‘s Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and showing the ancient financial and messaging service of the period, have won a major UNESCO recognition.The documents showing how finances and messages were exchanged between overseas Chinese and their domestic relatives in that era, were stored and recommended for the UNESCO honour by the archives bureaus of Guangdong and Fujian provinces, from which the first batch of overseas Chinese originated. Italy‟s Ex-Prime Minister Berlusconi Sentenced To 7 Years In Prison


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On 24 June Italy‘s Ex-Prime Minister Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was sentenced to seven years in prison and banned from public office for corruption and underage prostitution case. Two Year Old Boy Becomes Youngest Ever To Join Mensa On 27 June A two-year-old boy Adam Kirby in UK has become the youngest ever member of the genius club Mensa, after he scored an incredible 141 on an IQ test.Adam Kirby scored 141 in the IQ test that reportedly ranked him smarter than US President Barack Obama and British Premier David Cameron.Adam Kirby was invited to join the elite group after demonstrating his ability to read Shakespeare and understand Japanese, Spanish and French.

PLACES IN NEWS

Bangkok Ranked World‟s Top Travel Spot On 2 June According to a ranking by the MasterCard Index of Global Destination Cities study report ,Bangkok is this year‘s number one city for air travel.While London reached the top spot in 2012.Now Bangkok becoming the first Asian city to earn the distinction.Visits to Bangkok were expected to grow by 9.8 percent this year.If all of the top 10 cities maintained their current growth rates, the index predicted that by 2016 Bangkok and London would be followed by Istanbul in the No. 3 spot, with Paris at No. 4 and Dubai at No.5, with Singapore and New York behind them.The ranking was based on a city‘s expected international air travel arrivals and the amount of money spent in the city by those arrivals. Dubai Inaugurated World‟s Tallest „Twisted‟ Tower On 13 June Dubai has inaugurated the world‘s tallest twisted tower named ―‖Cayan‖" Tower built at a cost of 272 million US dollar, setting a yet another record for skyscrapers and other engineering marvels. Earlier it was named the Infinity Tower.The tower was inaugurated in Dubai Marina.The 310-metre (1,017-foot), 75-storey residential ―‖Cayan‖" Tower is twisted at 90 degrees from top to bottom.The developer of this tower is Cayan Real Estate Investment and Development Company. World‟s Longest and Widest Cable Bridge Inaugurated In China On 18 June The world‘s longest and widest multi-pylon cable-stayed bridge named ―Jiaxing-Shaoxing Sea Bridge‖ with a span of 10km has opened in China after seven years of construction work.The Jiaxing-Shaoxing Sea Bridge stretches 6.2miles (10 kilometres) over the Hangzhou Bay, in Shaoxing, China.It is mainly supported by two cable-towers, both of which reach 745ft in the air, and has a main body stretching 2,560ft wide.The high speed bridge is designed for vehicles travelling exclusively above 60mph and pedestrians, motorbikes and cars with a maximum speed below 45mph are not allowed to cross. Earth Quake Hits Northern Italy On 21 June 2013 a magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Italy,causing some minor damage in Casola in Liguana. The tremors were felt across central and northern Italy. According to the national geophysics institute,the epicenter of earthquake was between the towns of Massa and Lucca in Tuscany and La Spezia in the Liguria region.


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UNESCO Declared Six Rajasthan Forts World Heritage Sites

On 22 June Six hill forts in Rajasthan have been selected to be included in the Unesco‘s World Heritage List. The hill forts are Amber, Chittorgarh, Gangron, Jaisalmer, Kumbhalgarh and Ranthambore. Thousand‟s Of People Are Died In Uttarakhand Floods

In the month of June 2013 the North Indian states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, some regions of Western Nepal and their adjoining areas experienced heavy rainfall that triggered devastating floods and landslides.More than thousand‘s of people are died in Uttarakhand state floods and landslides.This year‘s early monsoon rains in the Uttarakhand region are believed to be the heaviest in 80 years.Damage to bridges and roads left over 70,000 pilgrims and tourists trapped in various places of whom, many were rescued.

ABBREVIATIONS

BCCI ——– Board of Control for Cricket in India UNDP ——- United Nations Development Programme RSBY ——- Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna FIFA – ——- Federation Internationale de Football Association WSA ——- World Steel Association FCI ——— Food Corporation of India APEC ——— – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation FICCI ————– Federation of India Chambers of Commerce and Industry

BOOKS IN NEWS

” Dard-E-Dil Likhun Kab Tak ” Book Released by Vice President of India ―On 6 June The Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari released a book entitled ―Dard-e-Dil Likhun Kab Tak‖ (in Urdu and Hindi) authored by Rukhsar Amrohvi. The book is a compilation of poems composed by poetess Rukhsar Amrohvi and some rare pictures of the historic moments of Indian Cinema. This book is a valuable addition to the Urdu Literature. ” Ambedkar Speaks ” Book Released On 20 June M Hamid Ansari, vice president of India released a book titled ‖ Ambedkar Speaks ‖ in New Delhi.The book was authored by by Dr. Narendra Jadhav.The book has been published by Konark Publishers.‖Ambedkar Speaks‖ is the first ever attempt at a systematic study of Dr Ambedkar‘s 537 speeches.The series is available in four languages – Marathi, English, Hindi and Gujarati. The first series was first launched in Marathi. ” 1857-1947: Forgotten Heroes and Martyrs of India‟s Freedom Movement ” Book Released On 24 June The book titled, ―1857-1947: Forgotten Heroes and Martyrs of India‘s Freedom Movement‖, is written by journalist Shivnath Jha was launched on 24 June 2013 in Mumbai by former Bombay High Court chief justice C S Dharmadhikari.The book will act as a campaign to highlight the miserable conditions of descendants and families of freedom fighters as well as an attempt to bring about a change.


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“Distressing Encounters – Real Life Stories ” Book Released

On 30 June Indian Ambassador to the UAE M. K. Lokesh released a book titled Distressing Encounters – Real Life Stories from a Reporter‘s Diary by Dubai-based Indian journalist V. M. Sathish.The book narrates real-life stories of distressed and marginalised expatriates from different countries and cultures and the role played by the media, especially the English media, in extending a helping hand to such people.

COMMITTEES

Anil Swarup Committee Set Up To Re-start Stalled Projects On 7 June Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram announced a committee has been appointed to identify and help re-start as many as 215 large projects worth over Rs 7 lakh crore which have been stalled for years and assured that each of these projects will be off the ground at the earliest.A committee headed by Anil Swarup. Chandrashekhar Committee To Frame Rules For Foreign Investors The Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) Committee under the chairmanship of Cabinet secretary KM Chandrashekhar,submitted its report on 12 June.The committee has recommended doing away with prior direct registration of foreign institutional investors (FIIs) and sub accounts with Sebi. It also recommended merging FIIs, sub accounts and qualified foreign investors (QFIs) into a new investor class to be called the foreign portfolio investor. Arvind Mayaram Committee Recommends Rise In FDI Limit In Various Sectors On 23 June The Union Government constituted a committee to clearly define the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Institutional Investment (FII). The report of this committee was submitted to the Ministry of Finance (FinMin) . The committee that was headed by the Arvind Mayaram recommended raising the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit to 49 percent from 26 percent at present in almost all sectors through automatic route.


International Olympic Day Celebrated Across the World on 23 June 2013 On 23 June International Olympic Day was celebrated across the world . The day is celebrated for promotion of participation of people in the sports all across the world, irrespective of athletic, gender or age ability. The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Observed On 26 June The United Nations General Assembly declared 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in the year 1987. The objective of observing this day is to strengthen the action as well as cooperation in order to achieve the aim of a society free of drug abuse.The General Assembly however found out that inspite of increasing efforts by the international community to curb this menace, the world problem of drug abuse increased. Drug abuse poses serious threat to safety as well as well being of humanity as well as to the public health. Eventually, the Commission and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was directed to continue its work towards international drug control.


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JULY 2013 CURRENT AFFAIRS INTERNATIONAL

Croatia Joins The EU as 28th Member State On 1 July Croatia became the 28th member of the European Union.It is the first addition since Bulgaria and Romania joined EU in 2007.Croatia formally applied for EU membership in 2003. International Assistance Force In Mali Transformed into UN Force

On 1 July A new United Nations peacekeeping mission for insurgent-affected Mali was launched on 1 July .The previous African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) has been transformed to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).The transfer of authority from the forces of the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) took place during a ceremony in Bamako, capital of the West African country. Pakistan – China Signed 8 Agreements On 5 July Pakistan and China signed eight documents of cooperation in various areas of economy , for furthering already strong economic and technical ties between two friendly countries.The first pact signed pertained to the building of a long term project (Pak-China Economic Corridor) a 200KM tunnel which will be built at a cost of $18 billion.These agreements and MoU were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqaing.Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal signed the pact from the Pakistani side while Chairman National Development and Reforms Commission of PRC, Xu Shao Shi inked the pact from the Chinese side. Hazem El-Beblawi Named As New Egyptian Prime Minister

On 9 July Hazem el Beblawi a liberal economist and Egypt s former finance minister was named as the new Prime Minister of Egypt by the Interim President Adly Mansour.El-Beblawi is a founding member of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party, Al Ahram.He has also served as the undersecretary-general at the United Nations between 1995 and 2000. Taiwan and New Zealand Signed Free Trade Agreement On 10 July New Zealand signed a free trade agreement with Taiwan.Two-way trade is worth 1.6 billion New Zealand dollars (US$1.2 billion) annually, with New Zealand exporting mainly agricultural products like milk and Taiwan shipping largely electronics.Taiwan is New Zealand‘s 12th largest trading partner, with bilateral trade totalling about $120.7 million. France and Switzerland Signed New Inheritance Tax Agreement On 11 July France and Switzerland have signed an agreement on inheritance tax as part of an amended double taxation agreement. Paris hopes will help it bring in more


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money.Under the agreement inheritances would be taxed based on where the recipient resides, not where the deceased lived, as used to be the case. Bhutan‟s Opposition Party Wins Parliamentary Elections On 14 July Bhutan‘s Election Commission formally announced that the People‘s Democratic Party (PDP) won the National Assembly elections by having secured a majority of thirty two seats.The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) won fifteen seats and was elected as the opposition party.PDP leader Tshering Tobgay is likely to be named prime minister of the new government. Bangladesh Passes Labour (Amendment) Bill 2013 On 15 July the Bangladesh Parliament passed ‗Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Bill 2013′ aimed to protect the interest and rights of the workers and ensuring their safety.The new law has seen amendments to a total of 87 sections of the Labor Act 2006. Britain‟s Queen Elizabeth II Signed Bill Legalizing Gay Marriage On 17 July Britain has legalized gay marriage after Queen Elizabeth II gave her royal stamp of approval.The queen‘s approval was a formality.Britain became the 15th country to legalize gay marriage after a bill cleared Parliament and Queen Elizabeth II signed off on the law. Iran and Iraq Signed Gas Export Agreement

On 21 July Iran has signed an agreement to export gas to Iraq, worth 3.7 billion dollars a year.The agreement was signed in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad by Iran‘s Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi and his Iraqi counterpart, Abdul Kareem Luaibi. EU Declared Hezbollah‟s Military Wing As Terrorist Organization On 22 July The European Union (EU) declared the military wing of Hezbollah a terrorist organization.The EU‘s 28 foreign ministers reached the decision unanimously at their meeting.The Iranian-backed group plays a major role in Lebanese politics and has dominated the government since 2011.The blacklisting would mean imposing visa bans on individuals and asset freezes on organizations associated with the group. Thirty Meter Telescope Partners Signed Agreement

On 26 July The partners building the world‘s largest and most advanced optical telescope at Mauna Kea‘s summit have signed an agreement laying the foundation for the telescope‘s operation.Mauna Kea is a volcano on the island of Hawaii.The Thirty Meter Telescope project representatives from partnering institutions in the U.S., Canada, China, India and Japan signed the document.The agreement defines project goals, member party rights, obligations and benefits. It also establishes a governance structure.The telescope is a partnership of the Association of Canadian Universities for Research in Astronomy, the California Institute of Technology, the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, institutions in India, a consortium of Chinese institutions and the University of California. Liberals, Smaller Tribes Win Seats In Kuwait‟s Parliamentary Elections

On 27 July Liberals and candidates from some of Kuwait‘s more marginalised tribes have won seats in a parliament .The ballot was the sixth since 2006 in the major oil producer, where political upheaval and bureaucracy have held up the vast majority of projects in a 30-billion-dinar (68 billion pounds) economic development plan


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announced in 2010.Kuwait has the most open political system in the Gulf Arab region but parliaments have been repeatedly dissolved over procedural disputes or for challenging the government in which members of the ruling Al-Sabah family hold top posts.Shiites – estimated at 20-30 percent of the population – won just eight seats in the 50-member parliament compared to 17 in the last election in December, after Sunnis in their districts ramped up a campaign to win seats. Myanmar – China Gas Pipeline Starts To Deliver Gas To China On 28 July Myanmar-China natural gas pipeline (Myanmar section) was inaugurated in northern Myanmar‘s Mandalay and started to deliver gas to China.The gas pipeline stretches for 793 kilometers onshore within Myanmar‘s territory with six processing stations, while the crude oil pipeline, which is nearing completion, starts from Made Island and extends onshore for 771 kilometers. Republican Turkish Party Wins Turkish Cypriot Parliamentary Elections On 29 July the centre-left Republican Turkish Party (CTP) emerged as the winner on in the Turkish Cypriot parliamentary elections, but came short of winning an outright majority.The CTP won 38.49 per cent of the vote and 21 seats in the 50-seat Parliament of the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, results showed.The nationalist National Unity Party (UBP) won 27.16 per cent and 14 seats and the centre-right Democratic Party (DP) took 23.1 per cent of the vote and 12 seats.The centre-left Communal Democracy Party (TDP) won 7.41 per cent of the vote and three seats.The CTP will now need to form a coalition government.The election was called a year early after the Government of Prime Minister Irsen Kucuk, in power since 2009.Cyprus has been divided into a Turkish northern part and a Greek south since a Turkish invasion in July 1974. Mamnoon Hussain Elected As Pakistan‟s New President On 30 July Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz‘s (PML-N) nominee Mamnoon Hussain was elected as the 12th President of Pakistan.Hussain emerged as a clear winner in the contest with ex-judge Wajihuddin Ahmed of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party , headed by cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan.Mamnoon Hussain has secured 432 votes whereas justice Wajihuddin (Ahmed) secures 77 votes.The presidential office of Pakistan will be vacated on 8 September 2013 by the incumbent Asif Ali Zardari, as his term of 5 years ended.Mamnoon Hussain will be administered the oath of the office on 9 September 2013. Mamnoon Hussain was born on 2 March 1940 in Agra, India.He is the textile businessman as well as politician of Pakistan.He migrated to Pakistan from India in 1954. Ireland President Signed The Abortion Bill In To Law

On 31 July Ireland President Michael D. Higgins has signed the abortion bill into law. The bill, overwhelmingly passed by both houses of the Irish parliament on 12 July 2013, permits abortions only in cases where doctors deem the woman‘s life at risk from continued pregnancy.

INDIA & WORLD

India Ranks 66th On „Global Innovation Index „

On 2 July India ranked 66th in the Global Innovation Index 2013, published by Cornell


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University, INSEAD, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) as a knowledge partner.Switzerland and Sweden maintained rank 1 and 2 respectively The study ranked 142 economies across the world on their innovation capacity and efficiency. India and Mauritius Signed 5 MoUs

On 5 July India and Mauritius signed 5 MoUs (Memorandum of understanding).The 5 MoUs are signed in the presence of the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Anand Sharma and Mr. Sayyad Abd-Al-Cader Sayed Hossen, Minister of Industry, Mauritius, in Port Louis.Five institutional level MoUs were signed to take the partnership forward. These are: * MoU between Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) and Enterprise Mauritius (EM) * MoU between Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) and Mauritius Standards Bureau * MoU between NITRA and National Productivity and Competitive Council (NPCC) of Mauritius * MoU between Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) and Mauritius Export Association (MEXA); and * MoU between Institute of Apparel Management (IAM) and Fashion and Design Institute of Mauritius (FDI) UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2013 On 5 July According to the UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2013, the world has reached the poverty reduction target five years ahead of schedule. In developing regions, the proportion of people living on less than $1.25 a day fell from 47 per cent in 1990 to 22 per cent in 2010. Extreme poverty is also falling in every region.Nevertheless, the gender gap in employment persists, with a 24.8 percentage point difference between men and women in the employment-to-population ratio in 2012. India, Albania Signed Agreement For Avoidance Of Double Taxation

On 8 July India and Albania signed an agreement for avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital.The agreement was signed by Ms Sudha Sharma, chairperson, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), and Mr Fatos Kerciku, Ambassador, Republic of Albania. India, Iraq Signed Agreement To Enhance Co-operation In Energy Sector On 8 July India and Iraq signed a agreement to enhance co-operation in energy security, bilateral trade & commerce, infrastructure development among others.The agreement was signed between the Union Petroleum Minister Veerappa Moily and his counterpart from Iraq, Abdul Karim Luaibi at the end of the India-Iraq Joint Commission on technical co-operation in Baghdad. India, SriLanka & Maldives Signed Tripartite Maritime Security Agreement

On 8 July India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have entered into a tripartite agreement on maritime cooperation to secure sea routes in the Indian Ocean region at the end of the Meeting on Trilateral Cooperation on Maritime Security.The agreement was reached by all on the importance of raising the maritime cooperation between the


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three countries in the current context of maritime security environment in the Indian Ocean region. India – Tanzania Signed Agreements On Bilateral Cooperation On 9 July India and Tanzania have signed agreements on bilateral cooperation in several sectors, including agriculture, health and education, mines and minerals.All the agreements were signed between the Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Preneet Kaur and the Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Bernard K. Membe at Dar es Salaam. 15th India – Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting On 11 July India and Vietnam held 15th Joint commission meeting in New Delhi.The meeting was co-chaired on the Vietnam‘s side Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and on the Indian side by India‘s External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid .In the meeting both nations discussed the strengthening of strategic partnership which included an exchange of a co-operative agenda on bilateral relations.At the end of the meeting, both nations signed the Agreed Minutes of the JCM and witnessed the signing of an Agreement on the US$19.5 million LOC for setting up Nam Trai-IV hydropower project and Binh Bo Pumping station by CMD, Exim Bank and the Vietnam Vice Minister of Finance. India, Nigeria Signed Solar Power Plant Agreement

On 22 July India and Nigeria have signed an agreement to locate sites for solar power plants in Niger state.The agreement will provide additional energy for Nigeria‘s national grid.The agreement was signed between Nigeria‘s permanent secretary in the Ministry of Power Godknows Igali and the secretary to the Government of India, Sutanu Behuria. India, Belarus Signed Protocol To Enhance Trade Ties On 24 July 2013 India and Belarus signed a protocol to enhance trade ties during the sixth session of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation held in New Delhi.The session was co-chaired from the Indian Side by Dr. E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, and Dmitry S. Katerinich, Minister of Industry of the Republic of Belarus. India and France Hold Talks On Military Cooperation On 26 July India and France discussed their ongoing military cooperation including the progress over Rs 50,000 crore 126 multirole combat aircraft deal during the defence minister-level talks in NewDelhi.The two sides are also holding negotiations for a Rs 30,000-crore project for co-developing the Maitri surface-to-air missile defence system.In a joint statement issued after the deliberations between defence minister A K Antony and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, they agreed that such cooperation should continue to be progressed to the mutual benefit of both countries, including in high technology areas involving joint research and development and transfer of technology. India and Afghanistan Signed MoUs for SDP scheme projects On 30 July India and Afghanistan have signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in Kabul for implementing 60 projects in ten Afghan provinces under the Small


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Development Projects (SDP) scheme.The MoUs signed by Afghan Minister of Economy Abdul Hadi Arghandiwal and Indian Ambassador Amar Sinha in Kabul are related to the third phase of the SDP scheme and will be completed in the next four years.

NATIONAL

Government Announced National Cyber Security Policy On 2 July the Union Government of India announced the National Cyber Security Policy with an aim to protect information and build capabilities to prevent cyber attacks. The National Cyber Security Policy 2013 to safeguard both physical and business assets of the country.This policy aims at facilitating creation of secure computing environment and enabling adequate trust and confidence in electronic transactions and also guiding stakeholders‘ actions for protection of cyber space.The National Cyber Policy in order to create a secure cyber ecosystem has planned to set-up a National Nodal Agency to coordinate all matters related to cyber security in the country. President Pranab Mukherjee Signed Ordinance On Food Security On 5 July President Pranab Mukherjee signed the ordinance on food security ,which seeks to give legal rights to 67 per cent of the population over subsidised grains every month.Now, with the presidential consent, the bill will be presented before the Parliament when it convenes for the Monsoon Session.The Government had issued the ordinance to give nation‘s two-third population the right to get 5 kgs of foodgrains every month at highly subsidised rates of 1-3 Rupees per kg amid political opposition. District Rural Development Agency Disbanded On 9 July the Union government announced disbanding of the Rural Development Agency (DRDA), the body which looks after implementation of anti-poverty programmes of Rural Development Ministry.The agency will now be rechristened and it will perform its role under zila parishads, the local elected bodies at the district level.The District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) were set up as independent societies in 1980 and since then have been principal organs at the district level to oversee the implementation of the ministry‘s anti-poverty programmes. Cabinet Approved For Aviation, Women Varsities In Raebareli On 11 July the Union cabinet has approved two universities for Raebareli, the parliamentary constituency of Congress president Sonia Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh.Raebareli will get the first ever all-women university and first national aviation university in the country.National University for Women in Uttar Pradesh by the name of ―The Indira Gandhi National University for Women‖.This will be the first university of the country to be established exclusively for women.The cost involved is Rs.500 crore.National Aviation University (NAU) in the name of ―Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University ‖ at the District of Rae Bareli in the State of U.P. as a Central University.The ‗Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University‗ will be established as a Central University and as an autonomous body under the administrative control of Ministry of Civil Aviation in Rae Bareli District of U.P. with an estimated Central


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Government‘s funding of Rs. 202 crore in 12th Plan period.Both universities bills will be introduced in the coming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Govt Approved To Replace DGCA With Civil Aviation Authority On 11 July The government cleared a proposal to replace Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) with a new aviation regulator with full operational and financial autonomy.The new regulatory body would be called the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and it would replace the DGCA.The estimated cost of establishing the new Authority would be over Rs 110 crore. Free Medical Treatment For Pregnant Women On 16 July Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad announced the government will provide free pre-natal health care and ambulance facilities to pregnant women across the country .Under the Janani Suraksha Yojna (JSY) scheme, pregnant women are provided free medical treatment during the delivery and post natal care.Pregnant women will be given ―free medical and ambulance facilities‖ from conception to delivery. They will also be able to avail free consultation from doctors at government hospitals for 45 days from delivery and infants will be given free treatment at the hospitals for one year. Indian Telegram Service Stopped The 163-year old telegram service in the country ends on 14 July.Started in 1850 on an experimental basis between Koklata and Diamond Harbour, it was opened for use by the British East India Company in 1851and it was opened to the public in 1854.Within a short time of BSNL handling telegram services in 1990s, the PSU had a rift with the Department of Posts following which telegrams were accepted as phonograms from various villages and other centres from telephone consumers. Bengaluru International Airport Renamed as “Kempegowda International Airport”

On 17 July the Union Cabinet gave its approval for renaming Bengaluru International Airport as ―Kempegowda International Airport‖ to fulfill the long pending demand of the people of Karnataka, as well as the State Government of Karnataka.Hiriya Kempegowda, known as Kempegowda was a ruler under the Vijayanagar Empire, who ruled most parts of Karnataka during the sixteenth century. He had the vision of building a large futuristic city and is widely accepted as being the founder of Bengaluru. Kempegowda built Bengaluru Fort and moved his capital from Yelahanka to the new Bengaluru. President Of India Promulgated The ” Securities Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2013 “

On 18 July Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India promulgated the ―Securities Law Amendment Ordinance 2013″. The ordinance would grant Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the powers to regulate any pooling of funds under an investment contract involving a corpus of 100 crore rupees or more and attach assets in case of non-compliance.The Chairman of SEBI would have powers to authorize the carrying out of search and seizure operations, as part of its efforts to crack down on ponzi schemes.


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Acid Attacks On Women Non-bailable Offence

On 18 July the Supreme Court o made acid attack a non-bailable offence and ordered all state governments to pay Rs 3 lakh compensation to acid attack victims. The states were also directed to frame rules for regulating sale of acid within three months.The material cannot be sold to a person who is below the age of 18 years.Going through the compensation schemes of 17 states and seven Union Territories (UTs), the bench found the amount being paid to the victims as grossly inadequate.The compensation for after-care and rehabilitation at present ranges between Rs 5,000 and Rs 1,50,000. Union Tourism Minister Launched “Clean India Campaign” On 24 July Union Tourism Minister K. Chiranjeevi launched the Project ―Clean India Campaign‖ at Taj Mahal.Clean India Campaign has been initiated by the Ministry of Tourism with the objective to increase tourist arrivals to the country and to improve quality of services and provide a hygienic environment in and around tourist destinations across the country.Taj Mahal is the second heritage site to be covered under this project. The first being Qutub Minar Delhi, which has been adopted by India Tourism Development Corporation in June 2012.On the request from the Tourism Minister, the Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) has agreed to adopt and upkeep the environs of Taj Mahal Complex including up gradation of tourist facilities in the monument.Besides Taj Mahal, the ONGC has also agreed to adopt five more monuments including Ellora and Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra, Red Fort in the national capital, Golkonda Fort in Hyderabad and Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu.

STATES

Himachal Pradesh Declared First Smoke – Free State In Country On 2 July Himachal Pradesh has been declared the first ―smoke-free‖ State in the country in compliance with Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. The State has achieved 85.45% compliance with the relevant parameters. Uttar Pradesh Grants District Status To Amethi

On 5 July the Uttar Pradesh government granted district status to Amethi ,which will include three tehsils of Sultanpur and one of Rae Bareli. The district headquarters of Amethi will be Gauriganj.Sultanpur‘s Amethi, Gauriganj and Musafirkhana tehsils and Rae Bareli‘s Tiloi will be part of Amethi district.Some revenue villages of Maharajganj tehsil of Rae Bareli were included in Tiloi tehsil of Amethi and in exchange some villages of Tiloi were included in Maharajganj. Karnataka Launched ” Anna Bhagya ” Scheme

On 10 July Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the ambitious ‗Anna Bhagya‘ scheme in Bangalore.The scheme under which 30 kg of rice per month will be given to BPL (below poverty line) families across the state at Re 1 per kg. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced the scheme after taking oath on June 13.The government will spend Rs 4,300 crore every year on the scheme. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project Starts Fission On 13 July India‘s 21st nuclear power reactor and the country‘s first pressurised water reactor under the light water reactor category ,Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project


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(KNPP) in Tamil Nadu began the nuclear fission process.India‘s atomic power plant operator, NPCIL is setting up two 1,000 MW reactors with Russian technology and equipments at Kudankulam, around 650 km from Chennai.The over Rs 17,000 crore project, which generated severe protests from the locals, has started generating heat and steam from the 163 uranium fuel bundles loaded in the reactor. Night Policing Scheme Launched In Punjab On 14 July Punjab government launched the Night Policing Scheme (NPS) with 4000 police personnel and an independent cadre and command structure. The NPS is aimed at augmenting and strengthening the deployment of police personnel, through the usage of modern technology during night hours in cities and towns of the state.The NPS will also focus on the national and state highways and major roads crisscrossing the state, mainly to instill a sense of security among the citizens. UP Launched Family Health Campaign On 15 July the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, launched the ‗Hausla‘ awareness state-wide campaign to improve family health in 75 districts of the State.The campaign‘s twin goals include galvanizing state health systems to deliver high-quality, accessible health programs and services, while also increasing awareness and utilization of services by families and communities across the state‘s 75 districts. Kerala Govt.Approved Tapping Sweet Toddy From Coconut On 16 July the Kerala Government has given its nod for tapping neera or unfermented sap from coconut across the State.Neera, which is also called sweet toddy, is the non-alcoholic drink which is extracted from immature inflorescence of coconut.This decision would prove to be very beneficial for depressing coconut sector.Neera tapping will take place in units of 1500 coconut trees in each and every district all over Kerala, in the beginning as a part of the pilot project.lic content. Madhya Pradesh Police Health Security Scheme On 17 July Madhya Pradesh state cabinet has decided to implement Madhya Pradesh Police Health Security Scheme for police officers and employees. The scheme will be applicable only to the police personnel working in the state.The scheme will not be applicable to Indian Police Service officers. It will be run by a registered trust, whose state-level management committee will be headed by the Director General of Police. Members and their dependents will be entitled for treatment of up to 8 lakh rupees in a financial year. They can avail the treatment facility in hospitals recognised by the state government. Maharashtra Extended Ban On Gutkha and Paan Masala

On 19 July Maharashtra state government has announced a ban extension on nicotine-laced gutkha and paan masala for another year considering health hazards of these products.In July 2012, the government had banned the sale, storage and consumption of nicotine-laced gutkha and paan masala in any form for a year, which was to end on 19 July 2013. The government move was prompted by the incidence of oral diseases, including cancer due to consumption of such gutkha and paan masala. Latest Statistics Data On Tourism In India Released By Ministry Of Tourism

On 23 July According to the latest statistics on tourism in India released by Ministry of


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Tourism during the year 2012. * Andhra Pradesh has become the top tourist destination in the country recording 206.8 million domestic tourists last year. * Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh stood at second and third positions respectively with 184.1 million and 168.4 million domestic tourists. * According to the data, the top ten states in terms of number of domestic tourist visits (in millions) during 2012 are: Andhra Pradesh (206.8), Tamil Nadu (184.1), Uttar Pradesh (168.4), Karnataka (94.1), Maharashtra (66.3), Madhya Pradesh (53.2), Rajasthan (28.6), Uttarakhand (26.8), Gujarat (24.4) and West Bengal (22.7).The contribution of these States was about 84.5% to the total number of domestic tourist visits during 2012. * The number of foreign tourists visiting the country too registered a growth of 6.33 per cent during the same year. * Maharashtra (5.1 lakh) topped the list in number of foreign tourist visits, followed by Tamil Nadu (3.6 lakhs) and New Delhi(2.3 lakhs). * The top ten most sought after states by foreign tourists (in millions) during 2012 were :- Maharashtra (5.1), Tamil Nadu (3.6), Delhi (2.3), Uttar Pradesh (2.0), Rajasthan (1.5), West Bengal (1.2), Bihar (1.1), Kerala (0.8), Karnataka (0.6) and Himachal Pradesh (0.5). First Textile Park Inaugurated at Bagru near Jaipur On 24 July First Textile Park dedicated to hand block printing and craft was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Textile, Dr. Kavuru Sambasiva Rao at Bagru near Jaipur. The textile park would bring in new opportunities for exporters and artisans, as the textile sector holds vast potential of employment. The park has been named Jaipur Integrated Texcraft Park Pvt. Ltd. (JITPPL) and is also known as is also known as Jaipur Bloc.Bagru the place where the park is located is known all over the world for its traditional textiles, various styles of hand block printing and related skills. This is the first park in India that will cater to the segment of hand block printing. The textile park is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to conserve and preserve water. WIFS Programme Launched In Rajasthan On 25 July the Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) Programme for the State of Rajasthan was launched by ShriGhulamNabi Azad, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfareat Jaipur.Adolescents form 22 % of India‘s total population who are the future of the country. But half of the adolescent population, both girls and boys, suffers from anaemia.Anaemia results in poor physical growth, poor school performance and reduced concentration in daily tasks.Anaemia contributes to poor maternal and child health, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality.For this reason, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has taken up―Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS)‖ programme‖ to prevent and control the anaemia situation in adolescents.The programme will reach out to 13 crore boys and girls of the country enrolled in government, government aided and municipal schools as well as out-of-school girls.


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Himachal Government Launched Video Chat In Prisons

On 26 July Himachal Pradesh state government launched video chat facility in all six prisons of the state .The video conference facility, first of its kind in the country, would help family and friends save time and money on travelling to prisons to meet the inmates. Even foreigners can avail this facility.The government has already amended the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), enabling the courts to utilize the video-conference facility between the jails and the courts. This would also help save time and money of the prison department in escorting the prisoners from jails to courts. Two New Rail and Road Projects Launched In Haryana On 28 July Two rail as well as road projects which are worth 1500 crore Rupees were launched in Haryana.The foundation stone of 68 Kilometer rail line between Hansi-Meham and Rohtak at Hansi was laid down by Union Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge. The cost of this project is 500 crore Rupees. The rail route would include eight railway stations, four halt stations as well as four crossing stations.The projected rail line will connect the crucial parts of Haryana, i.e., Fatehabad and Sirsa direct with Delhi. The Union Transport Minister Oscar Fernandes, at Hansi laid the foundation of 99 Kilometer long Hisar-Rohtak four lane National Highway. The cost of this project would be 1000 crore Rupees. The road project would include two road-over bridges, under pass as well as 29-bus bays at both the sides. Government Of Odisha Announced Rice For Olive Ridley Conservation Scheme The Government of Odisha announced Rice for Olive Ridley Conservation (ROrC) scheme for the year 2013 in order to help the fishermen families affected by seven-month ban on marine fishing at Odisha coastal areas.The identification of beneficiaries under Rice for Olive Ridley Conservation (ROrC) Scheme was announced on 22 July 2013.The main aim of the ROrC scheme is to help the fishermen families who are affected by seven-month ban on marine fishing as an Olive Ridley turtle protection measure.

CONFERENCES

First IOR-ARC Economic and Business Conference (IOR-ARC) Economic and Business Conference held in Port Louis, Mauritius on 4 – 5 July 2013.The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Anand Sharma co-chaired the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) Economic and Business Conference.India and Mauritius co-hosted the first economic and business conference under the theme of ―Deepening Economic Linkages for Balanced, Inclusive & Sustainable Growth‖. The IORARC has 20 members, of which India and Australia are the largest economies.During the meet – Trade and industry ministers of member countries and dialogue partners of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC) agreed to push trade within the grouping to promote economic cooperation and development in the strategic Indian Ocean region.The Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), initially known as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative, is an international organization with 20 member states.It was first established in Mauritius on March 1995 and formally launched on 6–7 March 1997.


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National Conference Of State Tourism Ministers Held In New Delhi

The National Tourism Ministers‘ Conference was held in New Delhi on 18 July 2013.The Conference was chaired by Union Tourism Minister Shri K. Chiranjeevi. State and Union Territory Tourism Authorities were represented in the conference either through their Tourism Ministers and/ or senior officials.The objective of the conference was discussion of the future strategies for realising the complete tourism potential of India.The Departments of Tourism of all States and UTs will consider setting up of a special force such as a Tourist Police, where it does not exist at present, either by taking few companies on deputation from the Police Department or by engaging Ex-Servicemen or Home Guards.During the conference, a new campaign known as ―I Respect Women ‖ was also launched.The campaign was launched with Ministry of Tourism issuing badges in Hindi and ten international languages. G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting Held in Moscow The G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting was held on 19-20 July in Moscow,Russia.G20 Countries ministers ,Central Bank Governors and Indian Finance minister P.Chidambaram ,RBI governor D Subbarao attended the meeting.In the meeting delegates discussed traditional G20 agenda including the G20 Framework agreement for strong, sustainable and balanced growth, the financial regulation reforms, and market transparency. The final communique contains the usual sentence urging convergence stressing this time how convergence can contribute to financial stability:At the end of the meeting Finance Ministers and Central Banks Governors approved the Joint Communique.

AWARDS & HONOURS

27 Individuals Conferred With National Youth Awards 2011-12 National Youth Award 2011-12 was conferred by Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India on 4 July 2013 to 27 individuals and an organization at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is for the first time that the National Youth awards were given by the President of India.A total of 27 individuals and one organisation received he award this year.The youth award carries a Silver Medal, a Certificate and a cash prize of 40000 rupees in cases of individual awardees and 2lakh case prize for voluntary organizations.The selected individuals are expected to possess leadership qualities and use them in carrying out voluntary activities in the field of youth development. IIFA Awards 2013 Winners The 14th IIFA awards held at Macau on 6 July 2013. And this year‘s IIFA will always be remembered for some outstanding performances by veteran actresses Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi.Ranbir Kapoor won the Best Actor Award for Barfi, while Vidya Balan took the Best Actress Award home for Sujoy Ghosh‘s Kahaani. Winner‘s List :- * Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor (Barfi!) * Best Female Actor: Vidya Balan (Kahaani) * Best Film: Barfi! * Best Director: Anurag Basu (Barfi!) * Best Story : Tani and Anurag Basu (Barfi!)


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* Best Supporting Actor (Male): Annu Kapoor (Vicky Donor) * Best Supporting Actor (Female): Anushka Sharma (Jab Tak Hai Jaan) * Best Music Director: Pritam (Barfi!) Zubin Mehta Conferred Tagore Award 2013 On 10 July Zubin Mehta, western classical music conductor of Indian-Parsi origin, has been awarded 2nd Tagore Award For Cultural Harmony ( for 2013).He was named for the award because of his outstanding contribution to cultural harmony.The first Tagore Award was conferred on Pt. Ravi Shankar, the Indian Sitar Maestro in 2012 Two Indians Among 7 Girls Awarded On Malala Day On 12 July Two Indians were among the seven young girls honoured with the UN Special Envoy for Global Education‘s Youth Courage Award for Education as part of Pakistani teen activist, Malala Yousafzai, ―Malala Day‖ celebrations at the world body.Among them were two Indians,Ashwini from Bangalore and Razia from Uttar Pradesh who were awarded with UN Special Envoy for Global Education‘s Youth Courage Award for Education. Tongam Rina Selected For German Media Prize On 13 July Senior journalist of Arunachal Pradesh-Tongam Rina has been selected for the prestigious ―Prize for the Freedom and Future of the Media – 2013″ instituted by Media Foundation, Leipzig, Germany.Brigitte Alfter and Ides Debruyne are the initiators of the ―European Fund for Investigative Journalism‖. Instituted in 2001, the award, which carries a prize of 30,000 Euros. Human Powered Helicopter Wins US prize

On 13 July The world‘s first human-powered helicopter by a Canadian engineer has become the first winner of a decades-old US$250,000 (S$316,255) engineering prize ,after performing a minute-long flight at an altitude of 3.3 meters – fueled only by the pilot‘s pedaling of a modified bicycle.The winning vehicle is called the ‖ Atlas ‖ , and was designed by a team of about 20 students and young professionals.The aircraft is extremely light — just 121.4 pounds (55 kilograms) — but it spans a sprawling 162 feet (49.4 meters). Shalini Singh Wins 2013 Prem Bhatia Award Shalini Singh, a deputy editor with The Hindu, has bagged the prestigious Prem Bhatia Award for Political Reporting – 2013.She has been selected for her ‗excellent coverage of several key issues,‘ particularly her ‗reporting of the telecom and Coalgate scandals.Previous award-winners include Harish Khare, Praveen Swami, P. Sainath, Gargi Parsai, Nirupama Subramanian, Pallavi Aiyar and Amit Baruah for their works in The Hindu. Amitabh Bachchan Received Maestro Award On 17 July Amitabh Bachchan, classical flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia and ace santoor exponent Shivkumar Sharma were honoured with the WWI (Whistling Woods International) Maestro Awards.The honour was bestowed on the trio by filmmaker Subhash Ghai‘s film and media institute. 2013 Ramon Magsaysay Award Winners On 24 July the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation announced the Ramon Magsaysay Awards for the year 2013.Three individuals and two organizations from


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Afghanistan, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal and the Philippines to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Asia‘s premier prize.The Ramon Magsaysay Award is an annual award established to perpetuate former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay‘s example of integrity in government, courageous service to the people, and pragmatic idealism within a democratic society.The prize was established in April 1957. The Awardees are:- * Habiba sarabi Afghanistan‘s first woman governor, was selected for helping build a functioning local government and pushing for education and women‘s rights in Afghanistan‘s Bamyan province despite working in a violent and impoverished environment in which discrimination is pervasive. * Lahpai Seng Raw of Myanmanr honoured for helping the rehabilitate work in damaged communities amid armed conflict. *Ernesto Domingo, from the Philippines.He is being recognized for his exemplary embrace of the social mission of medical science and his profession, his steadfast leadership in pursuing ‗health for all‘ as a shared moral responsibility of all sectors. *Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (Corruption Eradication Commission), from Indonesia.The organization is being recognized for its fiercely independent and successful campaign against corruption in Indonesia. *Shakti Samuha (―Power Group‖), from Nepal.The organization‘s founders and members are being recognized for transforming their lives in service to other human trafficking survivors, their passionate dedication towards rooting out a pernicious social evil in Nepal. Azim Premji Bags „Asian Business Leaders „ Award On 24 July Wipro chairman Azim Premji has been awarded the Asian Business Leaders Award 2013 for his impressive business credentials and service to society by London-based Asia House.Past recipients of the honour includes Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group, and Lord Stephen Green, UK‘s minister of state for trade and investment and former group chairman of HSBC Holdings. Four Indian Americans Won Simons Investigators Awards On 27 July Four Indian-American Professors Kannan Soundararajan, Rajeev Alur, Salil P Vadhan and Senthil Todadri won Simons Investigators Awards 2013. Apart from these, 9 other mathematicians, theoretical physicists and theoretical computer scientists were also selected for the Simons Investigators Awards for their cutting edge research.The 2013 awards were announced by the New York-based Simons Foundation, which is a non-profit organisation. Its mission is to advance the lines of research in mathematics and basic sciences. The Simons Investigators program provides a stable base of support for outstanding scientists, enabling them to undertake long-term study of fundamental questions. The foundation was incorporated in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons. “Metro Man” Sreedharan Chosen For „ 2013 Lokmanya Tilak „ Award On 29 July ‖ Metro Man‖ E. Sreedharan has been selected for the prestigious ‗ Lokmanya Tilak ‗ award for 2013 for his outstanding contribution to society.Name of Sreedharan, considered as the architect of the ambitious Delhi metro project, was


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announced by Lokmanya Tilak Trust.The Padmashree laureate is also credited for pulling off the Konkan Railway project. Amjad Ali Khan To Get Rajiv Gandhi National Sadhbhavna Award On 30 July Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan was chosen for the 21st Rajiv Gandhi National Sadhbhavna Award for his contribution towards promotion of communal harmony and peace. The award was instituted by All India Congress Committee of the Indian National Congress Party (INC).

SPORTS & GAMES

Negi Won Continental Chess Open Title On 2 July India‘s young Grand Master Parimarjan Negi has won the Continental Chess Association Open title in Washington.The second and third places are won by the International Master Bindi Cheng of Canada and American Grand Master Konrad Holt from Kansas respectively. Chris Martin Announced Retirement From All Cricket

On 3 July Chris Martin, the fast Bowler of New Zealand has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.Chris Martin is New Zealand‘s third-highest Test wicket taker only after Richard Hadlee and Daniel Vettori. He had taken 233 Test wickets with an average of 33.81.Martin played 71 Tests, 20 ODIs and six Twenty20s for his country in an international career. Wimbledon Tennis Tournament Title 2013 Winners Women‟s Singles :- On 6 July France‘s Marion Bartoli won the Wimbledon 2013

women‘s title after defeated Germany‘s Sabine Lisicki in the final.Bartoli is the fifth oldest woman to become a first-time Grand Slam winner in the Open Era.By finally winning her maiden major title in the 47th Grand Slam appearance of her career, Bartoli surpassed the previous record set by Jana Novotna, who won Wimbledon in 1998 after 45 appearances at the majors. Men‟s Singles :- On 7 July Andy Murray (Britain) won the Men‘s Singles title after defeated Novak Djokovic (Serbia) in the final.Andy Murray became the Britain‘s first male winner after almost eight decades, to win the championship. Earlier he was Fred Perry, who won his last Championship in 1936. Women‟s Doubles :- Hsieh Su-wei (Taiwan) and Peng Shuai (China) won the women‘s doubles title after defeated Australian duo Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua in the final at Wimbledon. Men‟s Doubles :- Americans Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan won the Wimbledon men‘s doubles title after defeated Ivan Dodig (Croatia )and Marcelo Melo (Brazil) in the final. Indian Women Won Gold At Asian Athletics Championship On 7 July India clinched a gold medal in women‘s 400m relay in a sensational race to finish sixth overall as the curtains were drawn on the 20th Asian Athletics Championships with China confirming their supreme status in the continent.The home team came up with a rich haul of eight medals, one gold, two silvers and five bronzes on the fifth and final day .India ended the Championships with two golds, five silvers and 10 bronzes, a much improved performance than the last edition in 2011 in


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Kobe.As expected, China, who had been ruling the Asian Championships for the last 15 editions, finished at the top spot with 16 golds, six silvers and five bronzes. Sebastian Vettel Won German Grand Prix On 7 July Red Bull‘s Sebastian Vettel won the German Grand Prix title .Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean got second and third positions respectively.It was Vettel‘s first victory in his home race and the 30th of his career. Shiva Thapa Wins Gold at Asian Boxing Championships On 8 July Nineteen-year-old Shiva Thapa became the youngest Indian to win a gold medal at the Asian Boxing Championships in Amman, Jordan.Thapa defeated local pugilist Obada Alkabeh,on a split decision to win the gold in the 56kg class.The nimble-footed boxer, who made his Olympic debut in London last year, thus followed Suranjoy Singh (2009) and Rajkumar Sangwan (1994) into the history books as a rare Indian gold-medallist at the premier continental event. Lajja Goswami Won Silver In Shooting World Cup On 9 July Indian woman shooter Lajja Goswami has won silver medal in women‘s 50-metre Rifle 3 Position event at the ISSF World Cup in Granada, Spain.Gauswami, a silver medallist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, shot 454 in the finals to bag the silver ahead of Norway‘s Malin Westerheim.Petra Zublasing of Italy won the gold medal. Shane Warne Inducted into the ” ICC Cricket Hall of Fame “ On 11 July ICC announced that Shane Warne, former Australian spinner would be inducted into the ICC cricket hall of fame .On 19 July during the tea interval of the second Ashes Test between England and Australia at Lord‘s, Shane Warne was officially inducted into the ICC cricket hall of fame.Warne becomes the 69th male member of the Hall of Fame, and joins fellow 2012-13 inductees Brian Lara of the West Indies, England‘s Enid Bakewell and former Australia team-mate Glenn McGrath in being recognised by the ICC and the living members of the Hall of Fame.He played for Australia in 145 tests between 1992 and 2007. He claimed 708 test wickets with a strike rate of 25.41. He was the first bowler to take 700 test wickets.He was the part of the Australian cricket team that won the World Cup in 1999 at Lord‘s against Pakistan. Martina Hingis Inducted In „ Tennis Hall Of Fame „ On 13 July Swiss tennis legend Martina Hingis was inducted in‘ Tennis Hall of Fame.She became one of the youngest members to be included in the one of the most elite clubs of tennis.Hingis won three Australian Open titles (1997, 1998, 1999), one Wimbledon (1997) and a US Open title (1997).She also won nine grand slam doubles titles and a mixed doubles title. Abhijeet Gupta Won Commonwealth Chess Championship On 14 July Indian Grandmaster and former world junior champion Abhijeet Gupta has won the Commonwealth Chess Championship ,after settled for a draw with Indian national title-holder G. Akash in the final round at Port Elizabeth in South Africa. Nicolas Mahut Won Hall Of Fame Championship On 14 July Frenchman Nicolas Mahut has won the title after defeated Lleyton Hewitt of Australia in the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships final.Mahut won his second career ATP title.


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Serena Williams Won Swedish Open Title

On 21 July Serena Williams (U.S) won Swedish Open Tennis title, after defeated Johanna Larsson(Sweden) in the final of the Swedish Open at Bastad in Sweden.The win is her 53rd WTA title and 51st match win of the year. Indian Women Won Recurve Gold At Archery World Cup

On 21 July Indian women‘s archery team Deepika Kumari, Laishram Bombayla Devi and Rimil Biruly won Gold medal in the Women‘s Recurve Team event at the Archery World Cup Stage-3 in Medellin, Colombia.In the final Indian women‘s archery team defeated China in the recurve event to claim the gold medal.India claim their second medal of this World Cup and their first World Cup Women‘s team gold since Shanghai 2011. Divij Sharan – Purav Raja Won First ATP Title

On 21 July Purav Raja and Divij Sharan of India clinched their first ever ATP tour doubles title after defeated Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France and Igor Sijsling of the Netherlands in the final match of Claro Open in Bogota, Colombia. Devendra Jhajharia Won Gold In World Paralympic Championships On 22 July India‘s Paralympian Devendra Jhajharia has won a gold medal in the Javelin Throw at IPC (International Paralympic Commitee) athletics World Championships in France.He became the first differently-abled Indian to win gold at the IPC Athletics World Championships.He threw the javelin to 57.04 meters in F-46 category, which is meant for one-armed athletes.He won a Gold medal at the 8th FESPIC Games in Korea, 2002.In March 2012, he received the Padma Shree Award and became the first paralympian to win the award. Dhyan Chand Nominated For Bharat Ratna The sports ministry has chosen hockey legend late Dhyan Chand for India‘s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.Dhyan Chand, who passed away in 1979, won three gold medals at the Olympics – in 1928 ( Amsterdam), 1932 ( Los Angeles) and 1936 ( Berlin). Jennitha Wins World Chess Title For Disabled

On 24 July India‘s K. Jennitha Anto has became the World Chess Champion for disabled, after won the 13th IPCA World Women‘s Individual Chess Championship in Velke Losiny, Czech Republic.Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Jennitha scored 4.5 points in nine games after winning three, drawing three and losing three games.She competed in a combined group with men and became the highest scorer among the women players.The title came along with the Woman International Master title. Lewis Hamilton Won Hungarian Grand Prix Title

On 28 July Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes won the Hungarian Grand Prix title 2013 held on Buadpest.Raikkonen and Vettle got second and third positions respectively. Afridi Becomes First Batsman To Hit 400 Sixes

Pakistan‘s Shahid Afridi became the first cricketer to hit 400 sixes in an international career on 26 July.Afridi reached the landmark in the 16th over of Pakistan‘s reply to the West Indies‘ 152 for seven in the first Twenty20 international.Chris Gayle, playing


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for the West Indies, is next on the list having hit 353 sixes in his Test, ODI and T20 career. Indian Wrestlers Won 15 Medals In Asian Cadet Championship On 27 July Indian wrestlers finished the Cadet Asian Championships with a rich haul of three golds, nine silvers and three bronze medals, besides winning the Champion Trophy in the freestyle category in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.The gold came through Amit Kumar (58kg), Vikas (63kg) and Parveen (85kg) of the freestyle category while silver medals were won by Ravi Kumar (54kg), Ankur Rathi (69kg), Balraj (76kg) and Gursewak Singh (100kg) in the same division.The freestyle team secured 84 points and finished ahead of Iran who were the runners-up. Aditya Mehta Won Snooker Gold In World Games On 30 July India‘s numero uno snooker player, Aditya Mehta won the gold medal in the World Games after defeated China‘s Liang Wenbo in the final of the quadrennial event at Cali, Columbia. India Won Under-16 SAFF Championship

On 30 July India won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-16 Championships held at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu.Indian boys defeated Nepal 1-0 in final to lift the South Asian Football Federation Under-16 Championship title. This is the first time that India have won the championship.

ECONOMY

Indian Internet Economy To Touch USD 100 Billion By 2015

On 3 July According to the Economist Intelligence Unit ‗Good to Grow: The Environment of Asia‘s Internet Business‘ report ,India‘s Internet Economy that stands at 1.6 per cent of GDP is slated to touch USD 100 billion by 2015 .Online advertising in Asia will grow from 24 per cent of worldwide online advertising in 2010 to 26 per cent by 2015.However, Asia‘s mobile advertising market is expected to account for one-third of the mobile advertising market globally by 2015. Latvia Gets EU Approval To Join Eurozone

On 9 July European Union (EU) states approved the adoption of the euro by Latvia as of January 1, 2014. The country will be the 18th member of the European Monetary Union.Latvia is the second Baltic republic to join the euro zone. In 2011, Estonia adopted the currency. Lithuania plans to do so as well, in 2015. India‟s Growth Forecast To 5.6% For 2013-14 On 9 July the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has scaled down India‘s economic growth forecast by 0.2 percentage points to 5.6 per cent for 2013-14 from 5.8 per cent forecasted in April 2013 World Economic Outlook (WEO) projections.The growth projection for FY 2014-15 was also scaled down by 0.1 percentage points to 6.3 per cent. Indians Among Top Five Buyers Of Property In US

On 10 July According to the National Association of Realtors survey report ,Buying property worth nearly $3.5 billion .Indians are among top five international real estate buyers in the US.India along with Canada, China, Mexico and the United Kingdom


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accounted for approximately 53 percent of international transactions worth $68.2 billion. Government Approved 100 percent FDI In Telecom Sector On 16 July the Union Government of India raised the FDI limit in Telecom Sector from 74 percent to 100 percent. Government also cleared that the FDI in the Insurance and Telecom sectors will be up to 49 per cent through automatic route.The foreign direct investment limit in insurance sector will be hiked to 49 per cent from the existing 26 per cent.The Government also confirmed that the FDI in Defence Production will continue to be 26 percent. Colombia Among World‟s Most Corrupt Nations On 17 July According to the ‗Global Corruption Barometer 2013 ‗ report , was released by NGO Transparency International (TI) ,Colombia is among the countries with the highest rate of corruption in the world.Colombia was placed 5th among the seven countries whose citizens realize that Congress is one of the most corrupt public bodies.Transparency International (TI) was Founded in 1993 and based in Berlin, Germany, the T has 100 branches and operates in 70 countries. India Becomes Largest Nigerian Crude Oil Buyer India has overtaken the U.S. as the top buyer of Nigerian crude oil.On the bilateral trade,the present figure stands at $10 billion, even as the total investment of India in Nigerian economy could be valued at $16.6 billion. Poverty In India Drops To 21.9 percent In 2011-12 On 23 July the Planning Commission of India released its report on the Poverty Estimates for 2011-12. The report was based on the Large Sample Surveys on Household Consumer Expenditure conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.However, since 2009-10 was not a normal year because of a severe drought, the NSSO repeated the large scale survey in 2011-12 (NSS 68thround). The summary results of this survey were released in June 2013.Since the data from the NSS 68th round (2011-12) of Household Consumer Expenditure Survey is now available .Now the Planning Commission has updated the poverty estimates for the year 2011-12 as per the methodology recommended by Tendulkar Committee.The commission present ,released estimates of state wise poverty lines for rural and urban areas for 2011-12 . Poverty Estimates 2011-12 :-

* Poverty ratio in the country has declined to 21.9 per cent in 2011-12 from 37.2 per cent in 2004-05 on account of increase in per capita consumption. * According to the Planning Commission, in 2011-12 for rural areas, the national poverty line by using the Tendulkar methodology is estimated at Rs. 816 per capita per month in villages and Rs. 1,000 per capita per month in cities.This would mean that the persons whose consumption of goods and services exceed Rs. 33.33 in cities and Rs. 27.20 per capita per day in villages are not poor. * For a family of five, the all India poverty line in terms of consumption expenditure would amount of Rs. 4,080 per month in rural areas and Rs. 5,000 per month in urban areas. The poverty line, however, will vary from state to state. * The percentage of persons below poverty line in 2004-05 was 41.8 per cent in rural


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areas, 25.7 per cent in cities and 37.2 per cent in the country as a whole.In actual terms, there were 26.93 crore people below poverty line in 2011-12 as compared to 40.71 crore in 2004-05. * State-wise, the Commission said ,highest poverty rate of 39.93% was recorded in Chhattisgarh (2011-12)followed by Jharkhand (36.96 per cent), Manipur (36.89 per cent), Arunachal Pradesh (34.67 per cent) and Bihar (33.47 per cent). * Among the union territories, the Dadra and Nagar Haveli was the highest, with 39.31 per cent people living below poverty line followed by Chandigarh at 21.81 per cent. * Lowest poverty rate of 5.09% was recorded in Goa (2011-12) followed by Kerala (7.05 per cent), Himachal Pradesh (8.06 per cent), Sikkim (8.19 per cent), Punjab (8.26 per cent) and Andhra Pradesh (9.20 per cent).


ISRO – PSLV C22 Successfully Launched ” IRNSS 1A ” Navigation Satellite On 1 July ISRO‘s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C22, has successfully launched IRNSS-1A, the first satellite in the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota ,Nellore District (Andhra Pradesh)This is the 23rd consecutively successful mission of PSLV.The IRNSS-1A was launched on 1 July 2013 at 11.41 p.m.It was the first near midnight satellite launch by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).The satellite has been designed to provide accurate position information services to users in India as well as to the regions extending up to 1,500 km from its boundary.IRNSS-IA is among the first seven satellites that constitutes the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) Space Segment. The mission has a life of 10 years. IRNSS will provide two types of services :- standard positioning service using signals in the L5-band to an accuracy of 20 meters for all users and an encrypted service in S-band provided for authorized users. About PSLV-C22 :- * Rocket Height – 44-metres * Weight – 320 tonnes * Satellite – IRNSS-1A * Satellite Weight – 1425 kg Russia‟s Proton-M Rocket Failed

On 2 July Russia has launched an unmanned Proton-M , carrying three Russian Glonass positioning, navigation and timing satellites failed 17 seconds after liftoff , with the rocket crashing some 2.5 kilometers from the Baikonur Cosmodrome launch pad in Kazakhstan. Scientists Created „ 3D Bionic Ear „ With 3D Printer On 4 July Princeton University scientists , including an Indian-origin researcher Naveen Varma,have created a 3D-printed ‗bionic‘ ear that can ―hear‖ radio frequencies far beyond the range of normal human capability.Using off-the-shelf printing tools, the scientists at Princeton University explored 3D printing of cells and nanoparticles followed by cell culture to combine a small coil antenna with cartilage,


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creating a ‗bionic‘ ear.This is the first time that researchers have demonstrated that 3D printing is a convenient strategy to interweave tissue with electronics. World`s First „ Human Liver „ Created From Stem Cells Japanese scientists have grown a functional human liver tissue from stem cells for the first time.Takanori Takebe and Hideki Taniguchi at Yokohama City University showed the generation of vascularised and functional human liver from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) by transplantation of in vitro grown liver buds (rudimentary liver). UK Inaugurates World‟s Largest Offshore Wind Farm On 4 July British Prime Minister David Cameron has inaugurated London Array, the world‘s largest offshore wind farm ,a 630-megawatt project capable of producing enough electricity to power 500,000 homes. The $2.3 billion project is located 12 miles offshore in the North Sea, east of London .Powered by 175 Siemens wind turbines. US Missile Defense Test Fails Over Pacific On 6 July America‘s missile defense system failed in a test over the Pacific, with an interceptor failing to hit an incoming ballistic missile.The test‘s objective was to have an interceptor, launched from Vandenberg air base in California, knock out a long-range ballistic missile fired from a US military test site at Kwajalein atoll in the Marshall Islands. ISRO Readies To Launch Orbiter To Mars On 7 July ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan announced ,ISRO is readying up for the 450-crore Mars Orbiter mission which is expected to be launched between October and November this year.The mission is aimed at searching for possible signs of life as well as to find out why Mars lacks atmosphere.The Mars Orbiter will be launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota. The Mars orbiter will be carrying a total of five payloads weighing about 14.49 kg. It will carry a methane sensor to determine the presence of methane, a sign which suggests that life once existed on the Martian soil.The Mars Orbiter will enter into a 372 km by 80,000 km elliptical orbit around Mars.The spacecraft will orbit the red planet once in every three days. It will study the surface and the minerals on Martian soil. Scientists Discovered MRI Scan To Detect Cancer Using Sugar Scientists from University College London (UCL) have discovered a technique they called ‗glucose chemical exchange saturation transfer (glucoCEST) ‗ a new way of detecting cancer by giving patients an injection of sugar before doing an MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging).The researchers found that when sensitizing an MRI scanner to recognize glucose, tumors appeared as bright images on the MRI scans of mice. The tumors can be detected using the same amount of sugar found in half a standard chocolate bar. Ecuador Starts Using New Aviation Radar System

On 10 July Ecuador Starts new Aviation Radar System.Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge announced the Ecuadorian airspace will be covered in 95 percent by eight radars that will be located nationwide.The devices that form the Integrated Surveillance System Civil Radar will be located in the provinces of Guayas, Manabi,


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Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Pastaza, Azuay, Loja and the island of San Cristobal, in the Galapagos archipelago.Ecuadorian Vice President started this system at the offices of the Civil Aviation General Management (DAC) in Guayaquil.The investment to implement this high-technology equipment was $20 million USD.The eight radars would be part of a single system, meaning that the air-traffic controller can see all the trace of a plane in a monitor.Guerrero specified that it would be complicated to detect illegal flights of light aircraft, because for the crew to cheat these controls turn off a device that transmit data to the radars, as altitude and speed of the flight. China – Russia “Joint Sea-2013″ Naval Drills Chinese and Russian naval forces ―Joint Sea-2013″ drills was held from 6th to11th July in the Sea of Japan.In the Joint exercises China used seven warships, included a guided-missile destroyer with Aegis-type radars that track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets, and missile frigates with antisubmarine abilities.The Russian lineup included the flagship of its Pacific fleet, the guided-missile cruiser Varyag, and a Kilo-class submarine.The six-day maneuvers focused on joint maritime air defense and the defense of marine traffic arteries, with exercises involving joint escorts, marine search and rescue operations, anti-submarine tactics and anti-hijacking tactics.They were the ninth bilateral and multilateral joint military exercises carried out by the Chinese and Russian militaries. Iran Secret Nuclear Site Discovered By MEK On 11 July the paris based militant group organisation of the People‘s Mujahedin of Iran (MEK) has discovered credible evidence of a secret new nuclear site, gathered over a year by 50 sources in various parts of the regime.The codename of the project is ‗Ma‘adan-e Sharq‘ (literally ‗the mine of the east‘) or ‗Project Kossar‘.This site is hidden in a series of tunnels under a mountain near the town of Damavand.The Paris-based militant group MEK alleges that the site has existed since 2006, with the first series of subterranean tunnels and four external depots recently completed. US Autonomous X-47B Drone Successfully Lands On Aircraft Carrier On 11 July the US Navy‘s next-generation autonomous drone, the X-47B, has successfully landed on the deck of the USS George H.W. Bush,during a milestone test run off the coast of Virginia.Developed by aerospace contractor Northrop Grumman, the X-47B is the first UAV designed to refuel, take off, and land without any human intervention. U.S. Bill For A National Park On Moon On 12 July Lawmakers of US proposed a Bill in the US Congress for establishing a national park on the Moon.The new Bill seeks creation of the Apollo Lunar Landing Sites as National Historical Park on the Moon.The bill has been named as the Apollo Lunar Landing Legacy Act, the Bill and was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in addition to the House Committee on Natural Resources.It calls for no later than one year, after the date of enactment of the act, the establishment of a Apollo Lunar Landing Sites National Historical Park, as a unit of the National Park System. NASA‟s Hubble Discovered Blue Planet

Scientists from NASA have discovered a blue planet that possibly rains glass, orbiting


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a star 63 light-years away.This is the first time an exoplanet‘s true colour has been determined. Astronomers has used NASA‘s Hubble Space Telescope and made visible light observation spotting the planet HD 189733b which is one of the closest exoplanets that can be seen crossing the face of its star. Neptune‟s 14th Moon Discovered

On 16 July the U.S. space agency NASA has announced the discovery of Neptune‘s 14th moon.The Hubble Space Telescope captured the moon as a white dot in photos of the planet on the outskirts of our solar system.The new moon, Neptune‘s tiniest at just 19.3 km across, is designated S/2004 N1. China Successfully Launched Three Experimental Satellites In To Space On 20 July China successfully launched three satellites to carry out scientific experiments into space.A Long March-4C carrier rocket carrying three satellites ,blasts off from the launch pad in the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Taiyuan, capital of north China‘s Shanxi Province.The three satellites for scientific experiments, namely the ‖ Chuangxin-3 ―, ―Shiyan-7 ‖ and ―Shijian-15 ―.The three satellites will be used mainly for conducting scientific experiments on space maintenance technologies. World‟s Largest Virus Discovered By French Researchers On 20 July French National Centre for Scientific Research Scientists have discovered a huge viruses in the world.The virus is one micrometre big ,up to ten times the size of other viruses, and only six per cent of its genes resemble anything seen on Earth before.The size of each virus must be 2500 genes.93 percent of genes in this virus is new for the world.The scientists named this virus as a ―Pandoraviruses‖.Ten years back these Scienists found a new virus called ―mimiviruses‖ . Biological E vaccine Prequalified By WHO On 22 July Biological E (BioE) and European biotech company announced the World Health Organization (WHO) has pre-qualified its Japanese Encephalitis vaccine for global use in adults.BioE has developed the vaccine based on the technology of Valneva SE, a French biotech company. Advanced Weather Satellite „ INSAT-3D „ Launched Successfully On 26 July The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its advanced weather satellite ‗ Insat-3D ‗ from the spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana, using a European launch vehicle, Ariane-5 .The rocket also launched ‗Alphasat ‗ a co-passenger of INSAT-3D and Europe‘s largest telecommunication satellite-ever manufactured.INSAT-3D was placed in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO),very close to the intended one.With a lift-off mass of 2060 kg, INSAT-3D carried four payloads — Imager, Sounder, Data Relay Transponder (DRT) and Satellite Aided Search & Rescue payload.INSAT-3D will facilitate new dimension to the weather monitoring because of its atmospheric sounding system. The atmospheric sounding system provides the vertical profiles of integrated ozone, humidity as well as temperature, from top of the atmosphere.The new satellite, INSAT-3D will be operational for next seven years.The satellite Insat-3D will give a push to the weather forecasting as well as help in facilitating disaster warning services.


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ISRO, Tata Motors Developed India‟s First Fuel Cell Bus

On 28 July Tata Motors Limited (TML) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in collaboration, developed the first Hydrogen-powered automobile bus of India.The hydrogen fuel-fitted bus was demonstrated at Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, an ISRO facility in Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu.According to Honorary Adviser of ISRO V Gnana Gandhi, who led the technical team in this project, ISRO and TML entered into an MoU in 2006 to design and develop an automobile bus using hydrogen as a fuel through fuel cell route. HAL Delivers Lakshya-1 To Indian Army On 26 July the first Lakshya-1, a fully indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed for the Indian Army by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) was delivered to Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (Hyderabad).Lakshya-1 has been designed and developed by the Aero Engine Research & Development Centre, a HAL facility in Bangalore.It is powered with PTAE-7 Engine, an aero gas turbine engine that was also designed and developed by the Aero Engine Research & Development Centre.

PERSONS IN NEWS

A) APPOINTMENTS New Governor‟s and Lieutenant Governor‟s Appointed

* On 1 July Vice Chancellor of Jamia Milia University Najeeb Jung was appointed as the 20th Lt Governor of Delhi.Njaeeb Jung has replaced Tejendra Khanna, who was the 1961 batch Indian Administrative Service officer and the last Lt Governor of Delhi. * Former Delhi police commissioner K.K. Paul has been appointed the Meghalaya governor, replaced Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary. * Lt. General A.K. Singh (retd) was appointed as the Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, replaced Lt. General Bhopinder Singh (retd). * Virendra Kataria has been appointed as the new Lt. Governor of Puducherry, replaced Iqbal Singh. * Senior parliamentarian Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil has been appointed as the new governor of Sikkim.He is also a former IAS officer, replaced incumbent B P Singh. Sujatha Singh Is New Foreign Secretary Of India On 2 July Sujata Singh has been appointed as India‘s new foreign secretary.She succeeds Ranjan Mathai..Singh is the third woman to head the services after Chokila Iyer and Nirupama Rao.Previously Singh worked in Europe including Italy ,France and Germany. Adli Mansour Sworn In As Egypt‟s Interim President

On 4 July the Chief Justice of Egypt‘s Constitutional Court ,Adli Mansour has been sworn in as Egypt‘s interim president.Mansour will serve as Egypt‘s head of state until a new president is elected.Earlier, the first democratically elected President of Egypt, Mohamed Morsi was deposed from his office in a military coup. Abdoulaye Bathily Appointed As Deputy Head Of UN Mission In Mali On 8 July UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the appointment of Abdoulaye Bathily of Senegal as his new Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali


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(MINUSMA).Mr. Bathily has been serving as Senior Minister in the office of the President of Senegal since 2012. Mr. Bathily also served as a Member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, member of the African Union Contact Group on the crisis in Madagascar. Kaushik Appointed As The Coach Of Indian Men‟s Hockey Team

On 10 July Hockey India (HI) appointed Olympic gold medallist Maharaj Kishan Kaushik as the men‘s hockey team coach.The decision comes in the wake of Michael Nobbs‘ removal as the team‘s head coach.Kaushik was a member of the team when it won the gold medal at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.Under the Coaching of MK Kaushik , India men‘s hockey team had won their last major international tournament, the 1998 Asian Games, Bangkok. In 1998, he received the Arjuna Award. S. B. Mainak Appointed LIC MD

On 8 July S B Mainak has been appointed as MD of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).He will hold office from the date of assuming charge till 29 February 2016. Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka Appointed UN Women Chief

On 10 July Former South African deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has been appointed as the head of UN Women agency.Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka replaces Michelle Bachelet, a former president of Chile who served as the first Executive Director of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women).Mlambo was the first woman to hold the position of Deputy President of South Africa from 2005 to 2008. Hemant Soren Sworn in as 9th Jharkhand Chief Minister

On 13 July Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Hemant Soren was sworn in as the ninth Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Syed Ahmed, the Governor of Jharkhand administered the oath of the office to Hemant Soren in the premises of Raj Bhavan in a swearing-in ceremony.Hemant Soren, who heads the ninth ministry in less than 13 years, became the fifth tribal Chief Minister after Babulal Marandi, Arjun Munda, Shibu Soren and Madhu Koda since the state was created on November 15, 2000.Soren, who gave the Governor a list of 43 MLAs supporting him in the 82-member Assembly, is expected to expand his ministry after taking the floor test. The alternative coalition comes nearly six months after the imposition of President‘s rule.The President‘s Rule was imposed on Jharkhand on 18 January 2013 after the failure of the Constitutional Machinery in the state after JMM withdrew support to the BJP-led government under Arjun Munda on 8 January 2013. ElBaradei Sworn In As Egypt‟s Vice President On 14 July a former head of the UN nuclear watchdog and a Nobel peace laureate, Prominent liberal Egyptian leader Mohamed ElBaradei was sworn in as Egypt‘s interim vice president for foreign relations. Moin Khan Appointed Pak Cricket Team‟s Chief Selector On 15 July Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed former Pakistan team captain Moin Khan as chief selector after the resignation of Iqbal Qasim.Moin, is the youngest person to be named to the chief selector‘s post by the cricket board.Khan played 69 Tests and 219 one-day internationals for Pakistan in 1990s and was also a member of World Cup winning team in 1992.


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Santosh B Nayar is new CEO & MD of IFCI

On 15 July Santosh B Nayar has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Industrial Financial Corporation of India.The IFCI was the 1st specialised financial institution setup in India to provide term finance to large industries in India. Nisha Desai Biswal Nominated For The Post Of Assistant Secretary Of State Of USA On 18 July Nisha Desai Biswal, an Indian-American woman was nominated for the Post of Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia by US President Barack Obama .Nisha Desai Biswal, held the post of the Assistant Administrator for Asia at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) at the time her of nomination to the post of Assistant Secretary of state.Nisha Desai Biswal will oversee the US Foreign Policy and relations at the State Department for India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.This is the first time an Indian-American is heading the South Asia Bureau, a new milestone for the community.Nisha Desai Biswal worked at the American Red Cross from 1993 to 1995 in the Washington headquarters, and as an overseas delegate in Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan.Nisha Desai Biswal held the post of assistant administrator for Asia at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), since September 2010. Justice P Sathasivam Sworn In As The New Chief Justice Of India On 19 July Justice P Sathasivam was sworn in as the 40th Chief Justice of India (CJI) by President Pranab Mukherjee.Justice Sathasivam is first CJI from Tamil Nadu .The term of his office will be till 26 April 2014. Justice Palanisamy Sathasivam succeeded CJI Altamas Kabir who left the office on 18 July 2013. Rana Kapoor is new Assocham President

On 20 July Rana Kapoor, Founder, Managing Director & CEO of Yes Bank,took over as the new president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) at the end of the industry body‘s 92nd annual general meeting (AGM) in Delhi.He succeeds Rajkumar Dhoot, who is the managing director of Videocon Group. Philippe-1 Sworn In As Seventh King Of Belgium On 21 July Prince Philippe -1 was sworn-in as the seventh king of Belgium,after his father Albert II abdicated as the head of this fractured nation.The ceremony capped a day of transition which started when Philippe‘s father, the 79-year-old Albert, signed away his rights as the kingdom‘s largely ceremonial ruler at the royal palace in the presence of Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, who holds the political power in this 183-year-old parliamentary democracy.The position of the king in the country is nominal and total powers are having the Prime Minister. Indian-Origin Peer Ajay Kakkar Appointed To Lords Post On 23 July Indian-origin peer Ajay Kakkar has been made the chairman of the influential House of Lords Appointments Commission, an advisory body which selects new independent members of UK‘s House of Lords.Lord Kakkar is Professor of Surgery at university College London (UCL) and Consultant Surgeon University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust since 2011. His research interests


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focus on the prevention and treatment of venous and arterial thromboembolic disease and cancer associated thrombosis. Five Members From Tamil Nadu Sworn In To Rajya Sabha On 25 July Senior leaders V. Maitreyan of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and D. Raja of Communist Party of India (CPI) were among the five newly elected MPs from Tamil Nadu who took oath as members of Rajya Sabha.While Maitreyan and Raja were re-elected, T. Rathinavel, K.R. Anjuman and K. Lakshmanan (all AIADMK) have been elected for the first time to the Upper House in the recent biennial elections.The oath-taking ceremony was held in the chamber of Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari in his presence.DMK member Kanimozhi ,who has also been elected for a second term, did not take her oath .Maithreyan, who is also the leader of his party in Rajya Sabha, has won a third term while CPI secretary Raja secured his second stint in the house with the extended support from the ruling party AIADMK. Barack Obama Nominates Indian-American Vince Girdhari Chhabria To Judiciary Post On 26 July Indian-American legal luminary Vince Girdhari Chhabria has been nominated by US President Barack Obama to a key judiciary post in California..Chhabria, nominated to be US district judge for the Northern District of California, is currently deputy city attorney for government litigation and the co-chief of appellate litigation at the San Francisco city attorney‘s office.Obama announced his nomination along with five other judicial posts, all of which requires Senate confirmation. K D Singh is new Indian Hockey Federation President On 29 July Trinamool MP KD Singh was elevated to the post of president of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) after incumbent Dinesh Reddy opted to resign from the position.The decision to elevate Singh to the top post was taken at a special executive council meeting of IHF . Sharad Kumar is new NIA chief

On 30 July Senior IPS officer Sharad Kumar has been appointed as the new chief of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).The 1979-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer will take over from additional DG N R Wasan, who was given charge of NIA in April following appointment of Sinha as member of National Human Rights Commission. Cheryl Boone Isaacs Elected President Of Oscars Academy On 30 July Cheryl Boone Isaacs has been elected as the president of Oscars Academy.The Springfield native is the first woman to hold the post in three decades and the first African-American president in the academy‘s 86-year history. The academy oversees the annual Academy Awards and Oscars broadcast.Isaacs is currently head of her own CBI Enterprises. B)RESIGNS Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Raghavji Resigned On 5 July Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Raghavji resigned following allegations that he sodomised his domestic help.Raghavji had set a record by presenting the


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state budget for 10 years in succession from 2004 to 2013.He is the Finance Minister of Madhya Pradesh since last 9 years. Syria Interim Prime Minister Ghassan Hitto Resigned On 8 July Syria‘s rebel interim prime minister Ghassan Hitto has announced his resignation , nearly four months after his appointment and having failed to form a government. Luxembourg‟s PM Jean-Claude Juncker Resigned On 11 July Luxembourg‘s long-serving Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker has resigned from his post ,following a spying scandal involving illegal phone-taps and other illicit activities.Jean-Claude Juncker is a Luxembourger politician, 23rd and current Prime Minister of Luxembourg since 20 January 1995. Kumar Mangalam Birla Resigned From RBI Board

On 23 July Aditya Birla Nuvo Chairman , Kumar Mangalam Birla resigned from the Reserve Bank of India‘s Central Board .The resignation is to avoid the conflicts because Aditya Birla Nuvo applied for the bank license to RBI.Kumar Mangalam Birla was also nominated as the member of the Directors of the Central Board of the RBI in 2006. C)DEATHS Douglas Engelbart, Inventor Of Computer Mouse Died

Doug Engelbart, the U.S inventor of the computer mouse and developer of early incarnations of email, word processing programs and the internet, has died on 2 July in Atherton, California. He was 88 years old.Douglas Engelbart invented the mouse in 1963 when he was working at the Stanford Research Institute (now SRI International) along with his lead engineer Bill English.Sadly Engelbart did not hold the patent for the mouse, which was held by SRI and the patent ran out in 1987, before the mouse became popular. Renowned Food Scientist Dr. H.A.B. Parpia Died Dr. H.A.B. Parpia, renowed food scientist and the former Director of the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) died on 9 July .There exist more than 2500 papers and documents published by the name of Dr. Parpia on food and technology and advanced education.Dr. Parpia served Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations at Rome and was Assistant Director in charge of Information, Statistics, Process Development and Food Plant Design at the CFTRI.In 1987, he received Wattumull Foundation Award from Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. Veteran Bollywood Actor Pran Died On 12 July Veteran Bollywood actor and the winner of Dadasaheb Phalke Award ,Pran Kishan Sikand died in Mumbai.Pran acted in more than 350 Hindi movies in a long, prolific career dating back to the 1940s.He was one of the highest-paid Bollywood actors in the 70s and 80s.He was conferred with Dada Saheb Phalke Award in April 2013.In 2001 he was awarded with India‘s third highest civilian award Padma Bhushan.In his career span, he received four film fare awards. Bose Audio System Inventor G.Bose Died On 12 July Amar Gopal Bose, Indian-American entrepreneur and founder and chairman of Bose Corporation, died at the age of 83 in Wayland, Massachusetts.Bose


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founded the company, based in Framingham, just outside Boston, in 1964.As company, Bose focused relentlessly on acoustic engineering innovation.Though his first speakers fell short of expectations, Bose kept at it. In 1968, he introduced the Bose 901 Direct/Reflecting speaker system, which became a best seller for more than 25 years and firmly entrenched Bose, based in Framingham, Massachusetts, as a leader in a highly competitive audio components marketplace. Bofors Scam Accused Ottavio Quattrocchi Died On 13 July Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, who was a accused in the Bofors scam, has died in Milan, Italy.The Bofors chargesheet filed in 1999 by CBI had named Quattrocchi,as one of the accused in the case regarding the Rs 64 crore payoffs for supply of Swedish Howitzer guns to the Indian Army. The Rs 1,600 crore contract was clinched in 1986. Veteran CPI(M) Leader Samar Mukherjee Died On 18 July Freedom fighter ,Veteran leader and the oldest member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) Samar Mukherjee, whose 100th birthday was celebrated by the party in November last year, died in Kolkata.Mukherjee joined the Communist Party of India-Marxist in 1964.He had joined CPI in the year 1940.He was the representative of Howrah in the Lok Sabha for three years in a row between 1971 and 1984.He was also elected to Rajya Sabha in 1986.His biography titled 100 Years of Samar Mukherjee: A Tribute was released on his 100th Birthday in English as well as Bengali languages. Veteran Tamil Film Lyricist Vaali Died

On 18 July Famous Tamil lyricist T.S. Rangarajan, popularly known as Vaali, has died in Chennai.Vaali had penned more than 10,000 songs and worked with three generations of music directors.He has also acted in some movies like ―Sathya‖, ―Hey Ram‖ and others.In 2007, he was awarded the Padmashri by the Indian government. Former Union Minister Khurshed Alam Khan Died On 20 July Khurshed Alam Khan, a former Union minister and father of external affairs minister Salman Khurshid died in NewDelhi.He served as the member of Rajya Sabha from 1974-1984.Alam Khan served as the Minister if State in the Governments led by former Prime Ministers of India, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. As an Union Minister, he had held portfolios of education, textiles, tourism, transport besides external affairs.He served as Governor of Goa and Karnataka in 1989 and 1991 respectively. Pioneer American Women Journalist Helen Thomas Died On 20 July Legendary American journalist Helen Thomas, a pioneer for women in journalism who reported on ten US presidents from Dwight D Eisenhower to Barack Obama,died in Washington.In 1975-76, Thomas served as the first woman president of the White House Correspondents‘ Association (WHCA).She was a columnist for Hearst Newspapers from 2000 to 2010, writing on national affairs and the White House.She retired on June 7, 2010, following controversial comments she made about Israel, Israeli Jews and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Former Union Minister Arun Nehru Died On 25 July Arun Nehru, former Union minister and the cousin of Rajiv Gandhi as well as the Minister for Internal Security during his government, died in Gurgaon.Arun


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Nehru was born in Lucknow.He was a three-time Lok Sabha member.When Rajiv Gandhi became the prime minister in 1984, he was his close adviser and minister of state for internal security. Acclaimed Biologist Obaid Siddiqi Died On 26 July Obaid Siddiqi, National Research Professor at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) died in a Bangalore.Siddiqi, born in 1932 in Uttar Pradesh, received his early education at Aligarh Muslim University.He established the Molecular Biology Unit at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Bombay in 1962. Siddiqi was honoured with several awards, including Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, BC Roy Award for Biomedical Research and Firodia Award for Basic Sciences. D)VISITORS Indian Defence Minister AK Antony‟s Visited China Indian Defence Minister, Mr AK Antony visited China from 4-7 July 2013.During the visit Antony met China Defence Minister General Chang Wanquan and also called on Premier Li Keqiang .Both countries Minister‘s discussed an extensive exchange of views on a wide range of defence and security issues.The two sides also agreed to hold talks on China India Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA).The both countries Defence Ministers discussed ongoing and proposed bilateral exchanges and welcomed the holding of the counter-terrorism bilateral joint exercise between their armies in China in 2013.Antony‘s trip is the first by an Indian defence minister since 2006 and comes after a spat between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in May over troop movements in a disputed Himalayan border region. India‟s External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid Visited Nepal India‘s External Affairs Minister, Salman Khurshid, visited Nepal on 9th July.During the visit Salman Khurshid met Nepal‘s top leaders and discussed important bilateral issues, including the finalisation of an extradition treaty and controlling of criminal activities along the porous border.In the visit Khurshid also called on President Dr Ram Baran Yadav and Chairman of Council of Ministers Khil Raj Regmi , Nepalese counterpart Madhav Prasad Ghimire and both the nations held official talks covering all feature of bilateral relations and issues of mutual interests. US Vice President Joe Biden Visited India US Vice President Joe Biden visited India from 22 – 25 July .He is the first U.S. vice-president visited India after three decades.On 22 July Joe Biden visited Gandhi Smriti Museum in New Delhi.On 23 July Biden met President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and discussed on a broad array of issues, include‘s ways to enhance economic growth, and cooperation in trade, energy and climate change, security and strategic opportunities, besides investments in innovation and education.On 24 – 25 July Biden visited in Mumbai.Biden met business leaders and delivered a policy speech at the Bombay Stock Exchange.It is Biden‘s first trip to India as vice president. He visited New Delhi in 2008 as a senator. France Defence Minister Yves Le Drianis Visited India Defence Minister of France, Mr Yves Le Drianis visited India from 25-27 July.During the visit Yves Le Drianis met Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony and discussed on


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regional and international security challenges of mutual interest.The Ministers noted that defence cooperation is an important pillar of the strategic partnership between both countries and that the ongoing dialogue and cooperation is mutually beneficial to both nations.The Ministers agreed that exchanges between respective defence institutions and armed forces should continue to be progressed, including in the areas of military education and training and through the conduct of military exercises. E)MISCELLANEOUS Egypt President Mohamed Morsi Ousted By Military

On 3 July Mohamed Morsi, the Islamist president of Egypt whose rule sparked protests that had engulfed the country , was removed from power by the Egyptian military.After Morsi had rejected the military‘s ultimatum to surrender to public pressure and resign within 48 hours.Morsi‘s election as the first democratically elected President was a turning point in the political history of Egypt after the downfall of 30 years reign of Hosni Mubaraq. Pope Francis Clears John Paul II, John XXIII For Sainthood

On 5 July Pope Francis on Friday cleared two of the 20th century‘s most influential popes to become saints, approving a miracle needed to canonize Pope John Paul II and waiving Vatican rules to honour Pope John XXIII.The announcement ceremony is expected before the end of the year. Bangladesh Islamist Ghulam Azam Sentenced To 90 Years In Prison On 15 July Bangladesh Islamist leader Ghulam Azam, 91 has been sentenced to 90 years in prison on charges of war crimes.Azam, was accused of setting up militia groups that carried out mass killings and rape during Bangladesh‘s 1971 war of independence with Pakistan. Pakistan‟s Women Paratroopers Create History On 15 July Female officers of the Pakistan Army have jumped from military helicopters for the first time in the country‘s history.A total of 24 lady officers of the Pakistan Army successfully completed a three-week basic airborne course at the Parachute Training School in the northwestern city of Peshawar.Pakistan Army, in another landmark achievement, successfully completed the first ever Lady Officers Para Trooping Course at Para Training School.Captain Sadia was the first women officer who jumped from an MI-17 helicopter, while Captain Kiran Ashraf was declared the best paratrooper of the batch. „Che‟ Manuscripts Added To UNESCO Heritage Program On 20 July the writings of Cuban Revolution leader Ernesto ―Che‖ Guevara have been added to UNESCO‘s Memory of the World Register.The documents include original manuscripts from ―Che‘s‖ youthful ―Motorcycle Diaries‖ days, to his diary from the mountains of Bolivia where he was executed by that nation‘s military in 1967.They are now recognized as world heritage and will be protected and cared for with the help of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Indian Woman Scientist Sunetra Gupta Joins Famed UK League On 22 July Sunetra Gupta, an India-born chemist and physicist has joined the big league of female scientists like Marie Curie in a first-of-its-kind art exhibition at the prestigious Royal Society.Gupta, who was born in Kolkata and is now a professor at


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Oxford University, is among an exclusive group as part of the ‗Women in Science Portrait Exhibition‘ of the greatest female Fellows of the Royal Society together with newly-commissioned drawings featuring Royal Society Research Fellows.Her main area of interest is the evolution of diversity in pathogens, with particular reference to the infectious disease agents that are responsible for malaria, influenza and bacterial meningitis. Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange Launched Political Party In Australia On 25 July Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has launched his political party to contest Australian elections this year. As per Assange, his party which he named ‖ Wikileaks Party ‖ would be fielding seven candidates including Assange for upper house Senate seats in the states of New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.Two Indian-origin persons are among the seven candidates who will contest elections on a Wikileaks Party ticket in Senate polls in Australia. Indian-origin academician Binoy Kampmark, who was born in Malaysia and has Bengali heritage, will stand for the Upper House election from Victori whereas Suresh Rajan, who is based out of Kerala, will stand for the party in Western Australia. Britain Royal Baby Named „ George Alexander Louis „ On 24 July Britain‘s new prince has been named ‗George Alexander Louis ‗.The announcement from Royal baby parents Prince William and Kate.It was declared that the third-in-line successor to the throne will be known as his Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge. Salustiano Sanchez-Blazquez Is World‟s Oldest Man

On 25 July A man from the Niagara falls area in New York has received the Guinness World Records title for ―World‘s oldest man.‖Salustiano Sanchez-Blazquez, nicknamed ―Shorty‖ is 112 years old, and he was awarded the title after the demise of 116-year-old Jiroemon Kimura of Japan. As documented, the world‘s oldest person is 115-year-old Misao Okawa, also a Japan resident.Sanchez-Blazquez was born in El Tejado de Bejar, Spain on 8 June 1901. Stanford Ranked Top US university On „ Forbes „ List

On 25 July According to the Forbes magazine‘s annual ranking of the top U.S. colleges list ,Stanford University in Northern California‘s Silicon Valley ranked No. 1 and much smaller Pomona College was in second place.Princeton University in New Jersey slipped to third place, followed by Yale University in Connecticut in fourth place and Columbia University in New York City at No. 5.For the sixth year, Forbes worked with the Center for College Affordability and Productivity in Washington to produce the list.

PLACES IN NEWS

„ Incheon „ Named World Bank Capital For 2015 On 19 July UNESCO announced South Korea‘s western port city of Incheon has been chosen to be the World Book Capital for the year 2015.Incheon became the 15th city to be designated as the World Book Capital following the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt for 2014 and Bangkok for the year 2013.


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Strong Earthquake Hits China

On 22 July a strong earthquake in northwestern China ,measuring 6.6 on Richter scale, that has killed more than 89 people and injured 412.The quake hit along the border of two counties – Min and Zhang.The epicenter, with a depth of 20 km, was 170 km away from the provincial capital Lanzhou.The earthquake was also felt in Tianshui city and the provincial capital city of Lanzhou besides in the cities of Xi‘an, Baoji and Xianyang in neighboring Shaanxi Province.

ABBREVIATIONS

PSLV —- Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle IRNSS —- Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System WIPO —– World Intellectual Property Organization CMAI —- Clothing Manufacturers Association of India AEPC —– Apparel Export Promotion Council CISF —— Central Industrial Security Force CRPF —– Central Reserve Police Force DGCA —– Directorate General of Civil Aviation CAA —– Civil Aviation Authority GSPA —– Gas Sale Purchase Agreement MMRCA —- Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft ESMA —– Essential Services Maintenance Act

BOOKS IN NEWS

“A Bouquet Of Vivekananda‟s Writings” Book Released Swami Vivekananda The book titled ―A Bouquet Of Vivekananda‘s Writings‘ was released on 10 July.The book contains a number of hand-written poetries, essays and even letters written by Vivekananda in Bengali and English.19th century philosopher-monk Swami Vivekananda have been compiled in a book as a facsimile copy of his original handwriting. ” An Uncertain Glory: India and its Contradictions ” Book Released ‖ An Uncertain Glory: India and its Contradictions ―authored by Jean Dreze, the development economist and Amratya Sen, an economist, a philosopher and a Nobel Prize winner.The book was released in month of July 2013.The book has been published by Penguin Books India.In the book authors have presented a far reaching analysis of the conditions of contemporary India with a compilation of the wealth of illuminating data. ” The New Bihar – Rekindling Governance and Development “Book Released On 21 July ―The New Bihar – Rekindling Governance and Development ‖ was released by Noble laureate Amartya Sen.President Pranab Mukherjee received a copy of book from Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen (centre) at Rashtrapati Bhavan .The book has been edited by N.K. Singh. “An Agenda for India‟s Growth: Essays in Honour of P. Chidambaram” Book Released

On 31 July The book entitled ‖ An Agenda for India‘s Growth: Essays in Honour of P.


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Chidambaram ― was released in New Delhi by Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh.The book, which is edited by Sameer Kochhar of the Skoch Foundation, encompasses various excellent essays by well known distinguished experts. In the book, all the authors dated their association with P. Chidambaram from 1991, when he was the Minister of Commerce as well as a key reformer initiating trade policy reform.

COMMITTEES

Harshvardhan Patil Committee On Agricultural Marketing Submits Report On 3 July The Committee of State Ministers In-charge of Agriculture Marketing to Promote Marketing Reforms has submitted final report to the Agriculture Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar.It has called for an effective implementation of Model APMC Act in all the states. This committee was constituted in March, 2010 under the Chairmanship of Shri Harshvardhan Patil, Minister for Cooperation and Parliamentary Affairs, Govt.of Maharashtra.The committee has also recommended the setting up of multiple and competitive marketing channels; independent regulatory authority to encourage private investors; need for viability gap funding to attract private sector investment; higher investment in marketing infrastructure.


” Nelson Mandela International Day ” Observed On 18 July Nelson Mandela International Day was observed across the world on 18 July 2013 to earmark freedom, justice and democracy. The overarching objective of Mandela Day is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good. Ultimately it seeks to empower communities everywhere. ―Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day.‖In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18 July as the Nelson Mandela International Day to recognize the former South African President‘s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. ” World Population Day “ Observed Across The World On 11 July World Population Day was observed on 11 July 2013 across the world. The theme for the year 2013 is ‗Focus is on Adolescent Pregnancy‘. In 1989, in its decision 89/46, the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) declared 11 July as the day that should be observed as World Population Day by the International Community.The UNDP recommended 11 July as world Population Day, in order to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues in the context of overall development plans and programmes and the need to find solutions for these issues.The 2013 World Population Day is being observed with an aim of raising awareness on the issue of adolescent pregnancy with the hope of delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted and every childbirth is safe, and every young person‘s potential is fulfilled. The 2013 aim has been proposed because as per reports about 16 million of girls under 18 years of age give birth to a child every year. Apart from this about 3.2 million undergoes an unsafe abortion and about 90 percent of the pregnant adolescents in the developing world are married.


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” Malala Day” Observed Across The World On 12 July

12 July 2013 was observed as Malala Day across the World and by United Nations. The day is being observed by the United Nations to highlight the fight of education of the Pakistani child activist Malala Yousafzai. Seminars, conferences and other ceremonies were held across Pakistan wherein scholars, educationists and analysts participated to pay tribute to Malala, who fought for girl‘s education in Swat valley against the Taliban. 12 July, the day of Malala‘s Birth was declared as Malala Day by UN General Secretary Ban-Ki-Moon on her 16th Birthday.Malala is the girl from Pakistan, who was shot in head and neck by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on 9 October 2012 for advocating girls for their right to education and speaking against Taliban.

AUGUST 2013 CURRENT AFFAIRS

INTERNATIONAL Bangladesh Court Disqualifies Jamaat-e-Islami Party On 1 August a Bangladesh court has disqualified the country‘s largest Islamic party from taking part in the next general election.The High Court panel ruled that the opposition Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party‘s regulations violate the constitutional provision of secularism. Robert Mugabe Re-elected As President Of Zimbabwe On 3 August Zanu-PF (Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front), the political party of the incumbent President Robert Mugabe has won the Presidential election of Zimbabwe .Mugabe won 61 percent of the vote against the 34 percent won by the Morgan Tsvangirai, the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe of Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party.With this win, Mugabe has won his seventh term to the office of the President of Zimbabwe .Robert Mugabe is one of the leaders of the guerrilla movements against white-minority rule of Zimbabwe and was elected to power in 1980. China Built Port Terminal Opens In Sri Lanka On 5 August Sri Lanka‘s President, Mahinda Rajapakse declared open the new International Container Terminal of the Colombo harbour.The $500 million Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) was built by China Merchants Holdings.The new South Port is the only harbor in South Asia that can accommodate the Triple-E Class vessels.85-pct of the investment is by CICT and the remaining 15-pct has been funded by the by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita Elected As New President of Mali On 12 August Former Prime Minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was elected as President of Mali.He won the Mali‘s Presidential elections , after his opponent and Ex-Finance Minister Soumaïla Cisse, conceded defeat. He was Prime Minister of Mali from 1994 to 2000 and President of the National Assembly of Mali from 2002 to 2007. He founded a political party, Rally for Mali (RPM), in 2001 and he has led the party


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since then. In addition to serving in the National Assembly, Keita was a member of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States. Britain Parliament Votes Against Possible Military Action In Syria On 29 August the Britain Parliament rejected a proposal for military action in Syria .By a 285 to 272 margin British MPs rejected the government‘s motion to support in principle military action against Syria.

INDIA & WORLD

India Signs DTAC protocol with Morocco On 8 August India signed a Protocol amending the India – Morocco Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) in New Delhi .The Protocol was signed by Dr Sudha Sharma, Chairperson, Central Board of Direct Taxes on behalf of Government of India and H.E. Mr. Larbi Reffouh, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to India on behalf of Government of the Kingdom of Morocco.The Protocol is based on international standards of transparency and exchange of information. It provides for effective exchange of information including banking information between tax authorities of the two countries. 5th India – China Strategic Dialogue Held In Delhi The 5th India-China Strategic Dialogue was held at New Delhi on 20 August .The Indian side was led by Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh and the Chinese side was led by Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin.The two sides discussed several issues including enhancing understanding on the utilization of trans-border river waters, expanding bilateral trade and investment while addressing problems of the large and growing deficit faced by India, ways of maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the India-China border areas, methods of boosting cultural cooperation as well as people-to-people exchanges and expansion of scientific and technological cooperation. India Third Largest Internet Using Nation On 21 August According to research firm com Score latest report titled ―India Digital Future in Focus 2013 ‖ , India with 73.9 million Net users is the world‘s third largest Internet population, overtaking Japan (4th position) but behind China (First position) and the US. (Second position) Riding on a 31 per cent year-on-year increase, India‘s online population grew to 73.9 million.With an extended online universe in excess of 145 million the market is at a tipping point for online businesses.India overtook Japan by adding 17.6 million users in 2012. Indians Third Largest Immigrant Group In US

On 23 August According to the Migration Policy Institute latest study report , Indians have emerged as the third-largest immigrant group in the US behind Mexicans and Chinese, with nearly 1.9 million of them living in the country.Indian population in the US has grown to over 150 times its size since 1960, when the slightly more than 12,000 Indian immigrants represented less than 0.5 per cent of the total immigrant population of 9.7 million immigrants.Till 2011, Indian-born immigrants accounted for almost five per cent (1.86 million) of America‘s 40.4 million immigrants.Almost one-third of all Indian immigrants resided in just two states- California and New


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Jersey.More than a quarter of them lived in three major metropolitan areas- New York, Chicago and San Jose.Two per cent of all unauthorised immigrants in the United States were also from India. India and Iraq Signed Energy Cooperation Agreement On 23 August India and Iraq signed an agreement on energy cooperation to boost the bilateral ties.The agreement was signed along with three other agreements after comprehensive talks between Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and his Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on strategic bilateral, regional and international issues. Iraq is an important Gulf nation and has emerged as India‘s second largest crude oil supplier after Saudi Arabia. India Announced Rs 5,000 crore For Bhutan On 31 August India announced an aid of Rs 5,000 crore, including a special package of Rs 500 crore, for Bhutan as part of commitment to its continued socio-economic development, a move that assumes significance against the backdrop of unease in the bilateral ties recently. India will contribute Rs 4500 crore towards Bhutan‘s 11th Plan, as well as Rs 500 crore towards an Economic Stimulus Package.The decision was announced after talks in NewDelhi between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

NATIONAL

India Lost 220 Languages In Last 50 Years On 9 August A two-year survey by Bhasha Research and Publication Centre based in Vadodara has revealed that India has lost around 20 per cent of its languages over the last 50 years.Officials of the survey, called the People‘s Linguistic Survey of India (PLSI) has held that the country had 1,100 languages in 1961 of which 220 have vanished. The survey has found 780 languages and might have missed another 100, which makes it around 880.The 1961 census had recorded that India had 1,652 languages in all but the number was narrowed down to 1,100 later for variants of same languages were also included in the list. The 1971 census registered only 108 languages for it was decided that only those languages with over 10,000 speakers will be included. Rajya Sabha Passed The „Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2012 „

On 13 August Rajya Sabha passed a bill to make registration of marriages mandatory.The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2012, which was passed by Rajya Sabha, seeks to provide compulsory registration of marriages irrespective of religion. The registration of marriages will not apply to those who have registered their marriage under any other law.At present, there is provision for registration of only births and deaths. Lok Sabha Passed „National Food Security Bill, 2013′

On 26 August Lok Sabha passed the ‗National Food Security Bill, 2013′.The Bill seeks to give legal rights to get subsidized grains every month to 67 percent of the overall population (of which 75 percent is rural and 50 percent is urban population).A beneficiary will be entitled to 5 kg of rice, wheat or coarse cereals at Rs. 3, Rs. 2 and


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Re. 1 per kg a month, respectively.The beneficiaries will be identified by the States based on parameters prescribed by the Union government.Once the Bill gets its nod in the Rajya Sabha and President‘s accent, India will join the selected league of countries that guarantee food grants to a majority of its population. Rajya Sabha Passed „The Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010′

On 26 August the Rajya Sabha passed ‗The Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010 was passed by voice vote .It seeks to amend the Hindu Marriage Act 1955 and the Special Marriages Act, 1954 which provides for irretrievable breakdown on marriage as a ground for divorce as well as grants women the right to a share in the property of their husbands.Under the new bill, a provision has been made to restrict the grant of decree of divorce on the ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage if the court is satisfied that adequate provision for the maintenance of children born out of the marriage has not been made consistently with the financial capacities of the parents. Lok Sabha Passed „Land Acquisition Bill „ The Lok Sabha passed the landmark land acquisition and rehabilitation bill on 29 August 2013 that aims to provide fair compensation to those whose land is taken, brings transparency to the process and details measures for rehabilitation of those displaced.The bill, which will now be called, The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2012, replaced a nearly 120-year-old law enacted during British rule in 1894. Companies Bill 2013 Receives President‟s Assent The new Companies Bill has received President‘s assent, that will make it into a law replacing the nearly six-decade old regulations that govern corporates in the country.The Companies Bill 2013 received assent from the President Pranab Mukherjee on 29 August 2013.The Companies Bill 2012 was passed in Rajya Sabha on 8 August 2013 . Earlier, the bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on 18 December 2012. With the President‘s assent, the Companies Bill 2012 became the Companies Act, 2013 (New Act).The new Bill, providing for sweeping changes in the way companies operate and are regulated in the country, received Parliamentary approval earlier this month. It would replace the Companies Act 1956.

STATES

Karnataka Becomes First State To Establish Calamities Relief Fund

On 5 August Karnataka Government has become the first state in the country to establish State Natural Calamities Relief fund of Rs. 125 crore.The Relief Fund will provide for a natural calamities relief fund which would provide for building capital assets and relief in respect of man-made disasters that are not covered under the state disaster response fund guidelines of the Government of India. First Public Sector Breast Milk Bank Inaugurated In Kolkata On 7 August A modern and sophisticated breast milk bank was inaugurated at the state-run Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial Hospital (SSKM) by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee . This novel scheme was launched to cater to the basic needs of a child who is just born, but does not get the milk from the mother or when the mother dies after giving birth to the child.The breast milk bank would help specially


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to non-lactating mothers. The stored milk can be used to feed babies whose mothers fall ill during the six-month lactating period after pregnancy. India‟s First Cyber Forensic Laboratory (CFL) Established In Tripura The first Cyber Forensic Laboratory (CFL) of India was established in Tripura on 11 August .The lab was established at the Tripura High Court and the purpose of the lab is to facilitate information related to court cases. The CFL was inaugurated by Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B. Lokur. „Agar-Malwa‟ Becomes The 51st District Of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh government gave nod to creation of the new district of Agar-Malwa, taking the number of districts in the state to 51.The district will come into existence on 16 August.The new district will be created by bifurcating Shajapur district; it will comprise the tehsils of Agar, Badoud, Susner and Nalkheda. Headquarters would be at Agar town.Spread over 2,785 square km, Agar-Malwa will have population of 4.80 lakh. Sonia Sonia Gandhi Launches „Food Security Scheme‟ In Delhi

On 20 August Congress president Sonia Gandhi launched the Centre-Sponsored ‗ Food security scheme ‗on the occasion of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi‘s 69th birth Anniversary.Delhi was the first state to implement the scheme.Under the scheme, a total of 73.5 lakh people will get foodgrain at highly subsidised rates.The food security programme would provide subsidised grains for 67 per cent of the population and would see government spending an estimated Rs. 1,25,000 crore to supply 62 million tonnes of grains. Under the scheme, beneficiaries would get wheat at Rs. 2 a kg, rice at Rs. 3 a kg and coarse grain at Rs. 1 a kg.Congress party ruled northern states Haryana and Uttarakhand have also launched this scheme. Maharashtra Cabinet Approved Anti-Black Magic and Superstition Ordinance On 21 August the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the ―Anti-Black Magic and Superstition Ordinance‖ after the death of anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar.The decision was taken by the state cabinet in wake up of the protests that followed after the murder of Dabhokar in Pune on 20 August 2013.Dabholkar was at the forefront of a campaign to persuade the Maharashtra government to pass an anti-superstition and black magic bill. Rajasthan Government Laid Foundation Stone For World‟s Largest Solar Park On 21 August State Government of Rajasthan laid the foundation stone for world‘s biggest solar park at Bhadla of Jodhpur District of Rajasthan.The solar park with generation capacity of 3000 MW would be commissioned in phased manner. In its first phase the solar park will generate 1000 MW.Solar Park would be established in 10 thousand hectare land and Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide 3000 crore rupees loan for development of transmission lines of this solar park.

CONFERENCES

BRICS Business Council Meeting Held In Johannesburg The first BRICS Business Council Meeting was held on 19 – 20 August 2013 in Johannesburg , South Africa.The objective of the meet is aiming to increase the trade and investment ties between participating economies.The two-day meeting was


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attended by the Chairpersons of the respective chapters of the BRICS Business Council that attended the meeting are: Jose Rubens de la Rosa (Brazil), Sergey Katyrin (Russian Federation), Onkar Kanwar (India) and MA Zehua (China).The meeting was chaired by Patrice Motsepe, Chairman of the South African and BRICS Business Council.In a joint statement following the first BRICS Business Council meeting ,the council made several recommendations include‘s urging governments to facilitate convenience in expediting multiple entry business visas for longer periods, as well as considering a proposal to create a BRICS business travel card ; Enhancing connectivity; and – Creating a BRICS business portal, which will be facilitated by the BRICS Business Council Secretariat, among others.The council has agreed to work together in areas such as infrastructure, mining and mineral beneficiation, value-added manufacturing development, skills development and sustainable development.BRICS an acronym for the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa group of countries.The BRICS Business Council was established during the 2013 BRICS Summit in Durban in March, with South African businessman Patrice Motsepe named chairman of the body. Second ASEAN Defence Ministers‟ Meeting – Plus Held In Brunei The 2nd ASEAN Defense Ministers‘ Meeting-Plus has concluded in Brunei on 29 August .Defense ministers from ASEAN signed a declaration of commitment to enhance peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.They committed to adhere to the principles of equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit and respect for international laws in the handling of disputes. The defense ministers also agreed to promote better understanding and confidence-building measures among defense establishments.ASEAN Defence minister‘s meeting firstly convened in Vietnam‘s capital Hanoi on October 12, 2010, the regional event has involved 18 member states, including ministers from the 10 ASEAN nations.ASEAN Defence Ministers‘ Meeting – Plus was established in 2010.This forum is convened every two years.The third ADMM-Plus is scheduled to be held in Malaysia in 2015.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Malayalam Poetess Sugathakumari Awarded With „ Saraswati Samman 2013 „ On 2 August Renowned Malayalam poetess and social activist Sugathakumari has been conferred with the prestigious Saraswati Samman 2012 for Manalezhuthu (the Writings on the Sand), a collection of poems in Malayalam.Manalezhuthu was published in the year 2006.Saraswati Samman Award was instituted by KK Birla Foundation in 1991.This award is given every year to the literary work in any Indian language which is the part of Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. US Presidential Medal To Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey On 8 August Barack Obama, the US President would confer the Presidential Medal of Freedom on former US President, Bill Clinton and talk show queen, Oprah Winfrey. It is the highest civilian honour of America. Indian American Professor Received Top US Environmental Award On 16 August An Indian American professor of biological and agricultural engineering has been recognised by a top US environmental and water resources institute for his


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pioneering work in hydrology. Vijay P Singh, professor and Caroline ; William N Lehrer distinguished chair in the department of biological and agricultural engineering at Texas A&M University, was named a recipient of the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Society of Civil Engineers Environmental and Water Resources Institute (ASCE-EWRI).Singh is an internationally recognised and pre-eminent engineer specialising in water resources engineering and hydrology. His work has developed the application of kinematic wave theory to the point where it is widely used throughout the world in hydrologic models used for water resource modelling, flood planning and hydrologic design. Harshwanti Bisht Selected For “Sir Edmund Hillary Mountain Legacy Medal 2013 “ On 12 August Professor of economics, and conservationist, and mountaineer Dr. Harshwanti Bisht has been selected to receive the ―Sir Edmund Hillary Mountain Legacy Medal 2013″.The award is presented for remarkable service in the conservation of culture and nature in mountainous regions.In 2003 the Sir Edmund Hillary Mountain Legacy Medal was initiated by unanimous resolution of the Namche Conference: Parks, People and Mountain Tourism. Malala Yousafzai Wins International Children‟s Peace Prize On 27 August Pakistani school pupil and education activist Malala Yousafzai won the International Children‘s Peace Prize 2013. The peace prize carries a cash value of 100000 euros (133000 US dollars) which is invested in projects relating to the winner‘s cause. The International Children‘s Peace Prize is an initiative of the Amsterdem-based Dutch KidsRights Foundation. It was launched in the year 2005 by former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, when he chaired the Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome. Since then, the prize has been awarded every year by a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. The prize is presented annually to an exceptional child, whose courageous or otherwise remarkable actions have made a difference in countering problems, which affect children around the world. Mandela Is The First Recipient Of „Mahathir Award „ For Global Peace

On 27 August Former South African President Nelson Mandela was awarded the first Lifetime Campaigner for Peace and Freedom of the Mahathir Award for Global Peace .Current South African President Jacob Zuma received the award on behalf of Mandela, who is in a critical condition in a hospital in Pretoria.The Mahathir Award for Global Peace is a peace award instituted by the Mahathir Global Peace Foundation. The foundation was formed to contribute to worldwide peace efforts.Mahathir bin Mohamad is a Malaysian politician who was the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia. He held the post for 22 years from 1981 to 2003, making him Malaysia‘s longest serving Prime Minister.

SPORTS & GAMES

India Won Bronze Medal at Junior Women Hockey World Cup On 4 August Indian Junior Women Hockey team won its first ever Bronze medal in ERGO Hockey Junior World Cup at Monchengladbac, Germany .India defeated England by 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out.Indian forward Rani was declared the Best


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Player of the ERGO Junior Women Hockey World Cup 2013.The Netherland team won the final against Argentina and clinched the trophy for a record third time. Parimarjan Negi Won Politiken Cup On 4 August Indian Grandmaster Parimarjan won the Denmark‘s Politiken Cup at Copenhagen, Denmark by gaining 9 out of the total possible 10 points. He defeated the seventh seed, Italian Sabino Brunello in just 31 moves of Ruy Lopez. Jadeja First Indian After Kumble To Top ODI Bowlers‟ List On 4 August Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja became the first Indian bowler to top the bowlers‘ chart in the latest ICC ODI Player Rankings after former captain Anil Kumble claimed the pole position way back in 1996.Overall, Jadeja is the fourth India bowler after Kapil Dev (March 1989), Maninder Singh (December 1987-November 1988) and Kumble to claim the number-one spot in ODIs. Franklin Wins Record 6 Golds at World Swimming Championships On 5 August American swimmer Missy Franklin became the first woman to win six gold medals at a world-championships.She claimed her record sixth gold medal of the world championships , swimming the leadoff leg for the Americans in the 400-meter medley relay in Barcelona, Spain.Missy Franklin won four golds and a bronze at the 2012 London Games, joins American men Michael Phelps and Mark Spitz as well as German woman Kristin Otto with six golds in either a world or Olympic competition.Franklin became the winningest female swimmer ever at a world meet, eclipsing the record that was shared by Tracy Caulkins, who won five times in 1978, and Libby Trickett, who did it in 2007. PV Sindhu Won Bronze Medal at World Badminton Championships On 10 August Indian shuttler P V Sindhu lost to the Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand in the semi-final match at the World Badminton Championships at Guangzhou, China.P V Sindhu now became the only second Indian singles player to win a medal after Prakash Padukone .Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa had won the doubles bronze in London in 2011. World Badminton Championship 2013 Winners Women‟s Singles :- Thailand‘s Ratchanok Intanon won the women‘s singles title ,after defeated Li Xuerui (China) in the final at the World Badminton Championships at Guangzhou.This is the first time any shuttler from Thailand has won a gold at the Worlds in any category. Men‟s Singles :- China‘s Lin Dan reinforced his claim to being the greatest badminton player in history after he defeated arch rival Malaysian Lee Chong Wei in the World Championship final to become the first man to win five world singles titles. Rogers Cup Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners Women‟s Singles :- On 11 August Serena Williams (U.S) won the Rogers Cup Tennis Tournament Women‘s singles title ,after defeated Romania‘s Sorana Cirstea in the final at Montreal (Canada).Serena Williams won the Rogers Cup women‘s title for the third time. Men‟s Singles :- Rafael Nadal (Spain) won his third Rogers Cup Men‘s Singles title , after defeated Canada‘s Milos Raonic in the final.


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Marion Bartoli Retires From Tennis

On 14 August Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli of France announces her retirement from professional tennis.She announced the retirement after losing in the second round of the Cincinnati Masters to Romania‘s Simona Halep. She is ranked seventh in the world.Besides Wimbledon 2013, Bartoli won seven other WTA Tour titles, the first one was in Auckland in 2006. Recently she won two tournaments both in 2011 at Eastbourne and Osaka, Japan, prior to Wimbledon. 2013 World Championships in Athletics Winners

The 14th World Championships in Athletics are held in Moscow, Russia from 10–18 August 2013. Russia (17 medals )topped the medal table with seven gold, four silver, and six bronze medals.The US (25 medals) came in second place at the event, receiving six gold, 13 silver, and six bronze medals. Jamaica (19 medals )placed third, with its athletes earning six gold, two silver, and one bronze. Winners Of The 2013 World Championships in Athletics :- * Jamaica‘s Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce both won three gold medals in the men‘s and women‘s 100 m, 200 m and 4 x 100 m relay respectively to become the most successful athletes at the event.Usain Bolt moved to the top of the all-time World Championships medal table by winning three gold medals.It was Bolt‘s second three gold performance at the World Championships.With this victory Usain Bolt has joined the club of highest (8) gold medal winners list along with American women‘s 200m specialist Allyson Felix, and retired US track stars Carl Lewis and Michael Johnson including relays. * Christina Obergfoll of Germany won the women‘s javelin title with a throw of 69.05 metres . * French athlete Teddy Tamgho claimed gold in the men‘s triple jump event ,, with a jump measuring 18.04m. * In the Men‘s 1, 500 metres race Kenyan Asbel Kiprop ( 3min:36.2 sec) won the gold and Eunice Jepkoech Sum of Kenya won gold in Women‘s 800 metres race (1min :57.38 sec) * Women‘s 10,000 meters Race :- Tirunesh Dibaba (Ethiopia) *Men‘s 10,000 meters Race :- Double Olympic champion Mo Farah of Britain created history once again in Moscow as he became the first British man to win a 10,000m world title.The Somalia-born Mo Farah went down in the history books as just the second man to win the 5000 and 10,000m races at the Olympics and the world championships. * Men‘s 20 kilometres Walk :- Aleksandr Ivanov (Russia) * Women‘s Marathon :- Kenya‘s Edna Ngeringwony Kiplagat becomes the first women in history to defend her world championship marathon title. * Shot put :- New Zealand‘s Valerie Adams has become the first woman to win four individual world athletics titles in the same event. * Men‘s 110 metres Hurdles :- David Oliver (USA) * Men‘s 400metres Hurdles :- Jehu Gordon (Trinidad) * Women‘s 400 metres Hurdles :- Zuzana Hejnova (Czech Republic ) * Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva won gold..Yelena Isinbayeva is a two-time


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Olympic gold medalist (2004 and 2008), a three-time World Champion (2005, 2007 and 2013), the current world record holder in the event, who is widely considered the greatest female pole-vaulter of all time. Cincinnati Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners Women‟s Singles :- On 18 August Victoria Azarenka of Belarus won the Cincinnati

Tennis Tournament women‘s singles title.Azarenka defeated Serena Williams of the U.S in the final at Cincinnati (U.S ) Men‟s Singles :- In the Men‘s category Rafael Nadal (Spain) has won the Cincinnati

Tennis Tournament title for the first time.He defeated John Isner (U.S) in the final.Nadal‘s five Masters titles this season are a career best. He‘s tied with Novak Djokovic for most Masters titles in a season since 1990. He‘s won seven of the nine Masters events during his career. Sania Mirza – Jie Zheng pair Won New Haven Open Title On 24 August India‘s Sania Mirza won the women‘s doubles title at the New Haven Open Tennis tournament along with her partner Jie Zheng of China.Sania and Jie defeated the pair of Anabel Medina Garrigues (Spain) and Katarina Srebotnik (Slovenia) in the final at Yale.This is Sania Mirza‘s 17th WTA doubles title and the third Title in 2013. Australia‟s Aaron Finch Hits T20 World Record

Australian batsman Aaron Finch hit a new record in Twenty20 Internationals in Southampton (England), when he scored 156 runs off 63 balls against England at Southampton on 29 August.Finch mashed 14 sixes and 11 fours in his innings and surpassed the previous international record of 123, scored by New Zealand‘s Brendon McCullum.In the process he also became the first Australian to score a T20 international century.

ECONOMY

Union Cabinet Approved the Setting up of „Bharatiya Mahila Bank „ On 8 August the Union Cabinet approved the proposal for setting up of ‗ Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) ‗ with an initial corpus of Rs 1,000 crore.The proposed bank will be headquartered in New Delhi.The Mahila Bank will start with 6 branches — one each in north, south, east, west, central and north eastern part of the country.The proposed bank is likely to begin operations by November this year. India Signed Agreement With World Bank For Low Income Housing Finance Project On 14 August the government of India and the World Bank signed a $100 million credit agreement aimed at helping low-income households in Indian cities access loans to purchase, build or upgrade their dwellings.The Low Income Housing Finance Project would be implemented by the National Housing Bank (NHB).The credit agreement for the Low Income Housing Finance Project was signed between the Government of India, National Housing Bank (NHB) and World Bank in New Delhi. Muslims Have Lowest Living Standard In India According to the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) study titled ‗Employment and Unemployment Situation Among Major Religious Groups in India‘


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among various religious groups,Muslims have the lowest living standard in the country * According to the survey data , Muslims average per capita expenditure of just Rs 32.66 in a day.At the other end of the spectrum, Sikh community enjoys a much better lifestyle as the average per capita spending among them is Rs 55.30 per day, while the same for Hindus is Rs 37.50. For Christians it is Rs 51.43. * At all-India level, the average monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) of a Sikh household was Rs 1,659 while that for a Muslim household was Rs 980 in 2009-10.The average MPCE for Hindus and Christians were Rs 1,125 and Rs 1,543, respectively.The survey said that average monthly per capita consumption at all-India level was Rs 901 in villages and Rs1,773 in cities. Overall, the average MPCE was Rs 1,128. * Muslims were at the bottom in rural areas, with an average MPCE of Rs 833, followed by Hindus at Rs 888, Christians at Rs1,296 and Sikhs 1,498. * In urban areas, Muslims‘ average MPCE was also the lowest at Rs 1,272 followed by Hindus at Rs 1,797, Christians Rs 2,053 and Sikhs at Rs 2,180. Per Capita Income Up 6.7% in 2004-12 On 25 August According to official sources data ,the per capita income in the country increased 6.7 per cent per annum during 2004-05 to 2011-12, while the percentage of poor declined by 2.2 per cent over the period.For 2011-12, the Planning Commission has estimated percentage of people living below the poverty line at 21.9 per cent.The poverty line in 2011-12 in terms of monthly per capita consumption expenditure was estimated at Rs 816 in rural areas and Rs 1,000 in urban areas.State-wise, Uttar Pradesh had highest number of people living below poverty line during 2011-12 at 598.19 people below poverty line out of every lakh.It was followed by Bihar at 358.15 people (per lakh), Madhya Pradesh 234.04 people, Maharashtra 197.92 people and West Bengal at 184.98 people living below the poverty line. 27 crore People Live Below Poverty Line In India India‘s population was estimated at 123 crore as of March 1, 2012, while as many as 27 crore people lived below the poverty line in 2011-12, Minister of State for Planning Rajeev Shukla explained in a written reply to Rajya Sabha on 29 August.As per the Population Census of 2011 conduced by the Office of Registrar General of India, the population in the country was estimated at 121 crore as of March 1, 2011.The poverty ratio in the country has decreased to 21.9 per cent in 2011-12 from 37.2 per cent in 2004-05.The rate of decline between 2004-05 and 2011-12 is three times faster than experienced between 1993-94 and 2004-05.As per the Millennium Development Goals Report 2013, the poverty rate in India fell from 49 per cent in 1994 to 42 per cent in 2005 and 33 per cent in 2010.


Australia‟s Most Powerful Super Computer Unveiled

On 1 August Australia‘s most powerful supercomputer ―‖Raijin ―‖ was unveiled in Canberra.Raijin, named after the Japanese God of thunder and rain, has costed USD 45.2 million to build and will cost USD 10.85 million a year to run.The super computer,


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unveiled at Australian National University (ANU),and it is the 27th most powerful computer in the world. India‟s DRDO Launches Explosive Detection Kit In US On 2 August the India-developed US-manufactured Explosive Detection Kit (EDK) was launched at the US Chamber of Commerce building in Washington.In a first of its kind of reverse technology sharing between India and the US, an innovative Explosive Detection Kit developed by Indian scientists would be manufactured in America and sold globally for quick detection and identification of combinations of explosives.This was probably for the first time that technology developed by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) was being manufactured and marketed in the US. Japan Sends World‟s First Talking Robot Into Space On 4 August Japan has successfully launched the world‘s first talking humanoid robot called ―‖ Kirobo ―‖ in to space. The robot was sent by H2B rocket from the island of Tanegashima. The rocket carried food, water and other supplies. Kirobo will serve as a companion for Japanese astronauts.Kirobo was put through a series of zero-gravity and other safety tests prior to sending him into space. Kirobo is 34 centimetres tall and can speak Japanese. It will provide emotional support for people in space. Kirobo will talk to JAXA astronaut Koichi Wakata when he arrives at the space station in November. The name of Kirobo is a merging of Kibo and robot. Kirobo was designed by scientists and engineers at the University of Tokyo. It is equipped with voice-recognition and face-recognition technology, as well as a camera, emotion recognition software and natural language processing. Japan Unveils Largest Warship On 6 August Japan has unveiled its biggest warship since the Second World War as part of a plan to bolster its defense of territorial claims in disputed waters.The ship, named the ―Izumo‖, is classified as a helicopter destroyer, though its flattop design makes it look like an aircraft carrier.The ship is nearly 250 metres (820ft feet) long and is designed to carry up to 14 helicopters.Japanese Defense Ministry announced the ship is not intended to be used as an aircraft carrier and will not be used to launch fighter jets.It will also be used to bolster the nation‘s ability to transport personnel and supplies in response to large-scale natural disasters. Pinaka Rockets Successfully Test Fired On 7 August India successfully test fired two rounds of indigenously developed ―Pinaka‖ rockets from a multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) from a defence base in Chandipur-on-sea near Balasore, off the Odisha coast.The tests were routine trials conducted for training purpose. The tests were conducted by personnel from Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune unit at Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) firing point-2. Pinaka is an area weapon system with a range of 40 km.Pinaka system can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds. Ten rounds of Pinaka rockets were tested from the same base on 30 and 31 January and 28 February this year. „ INS Arihant „ Nuclear Reactor Activated On 10 August India has activated the reactor on board the ‗INS Arihant ‗ nuclear submarine, the first to be designed and built in India.With this success, India became


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a member of the exclusive club of countries that have built their own nuclear powered submarines along with Russia, US, UK, China and France.After the nuclear reactor is activated, INS Arihant has been undergoing trials at Navy‘s key submarine base in Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and would be launched for sea trials soon since the nuclear reactor has gone critical.Nuclear triad has the ability to fire nuclear-tipped missiles from land, air and sea.Arihant means destroyer of enemies in Sanskrit is an Indian submarine, which is 111 meter long, 11 broad and 15 meter tall.The 6,000 tonne vessel was built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam ,at a cost of around Rs 15,000 crore .INS Arihant, was introduced to the public on 26 July 2009 at a symbolic launch ceremony by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh‘s wife Gursharan Kaur.India operates the INS Chakra, which is an Akula II class submarine leased from Russia for ten years and has plans of building two more nuclear submarines indigenously. „ICGS Rajveer „ Commissioned On 10 August Seventh in the series of eight inshore patrol vessels (IPV), ICGS Rajveer was commissioned at Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) by defence secretary R K Mathur in the presence of vice-admiral Anurag G Thapliyal, director general of Indian Coast Guard.The IPV is equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated navigational and communication sensors and equipment. The ship is propelled to a maximum speed of 31.5 knots and has an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles. The special feature include an integrated Bridge System, Integrated machinery control system and an indigenously built 30mm gun mount with fire control system. India Launched First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier „ INS Vikrant „ India launched its first indigenous aircraft carrier ‗INS Vikrant ‗ on 12 August .Defence Minister A K Antony‘s wife Elizabeth launched the 37,500 tonne carrier ‗INS Vikrant‘ at Kochi shipyard.This will mark India‘s entry into a select club of countries capable of designing and building a carrier of this size. Other countries capable of designing and building an equivalent size ship are the US, the UK, Russia and France.Fighter aircraft–Mig-29K, Light Combat Aircraft and Kamov-31 helicopters–will deployed on board the carrier which will also carry an array of other weapons systems.INS Vikrant has a length of 260 metres and it is 60 metres wide.It is behind schedule by three years.The carrier is expected to be delivered to the Navy by the end of 2018. India Successfully Test Fired Nuclear Capable „ Prithvi-II „ Missile

On 12 August India has successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable ‗ Prithvi-II ‗ missile from a mobile launcher in salvo mode from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at (Odisha) Chandipur.Prithvi-II missile was launched by the personnel of the Strategic Force Command (SFC) from ITR‘s Launch Complex-III as part of routine user training. The missile scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) monitored the launch operations.The missile, with a range of 350 km, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) .The missile, 9 metres in height with a launch weight of 4.6 tonnes, is capable of carrying a warhead of more than 500 kg.The last users trial of Prithvi-II was successfully carried out from the same base on on December 20, 2012.


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Voyager Becomes First Man-Made Object To Leave The Solar System

According to the new research shows ,NASA‘s long-lived Voyager probe crossed into interstellar space last year, becomes the first man-made object to leave the solar system.Voyager 1 space craft was launched in 1977 along with a sister probe, Voyager 2, to observe the outer planets. Voyager 1 is now approximately 120 times farther away from the sun than Earth. Voyager 2 is heading out of the solar system in a different direction.The probes are powered by the slow decay of radioactive plutonium. Voyager 1 will begin running out of energy for its science instruments in 2020. By 2025, it will be completely out of power. India‟s Super Hercules Lands At Highest Airfield On LAC The Super Hercules C 130 J transport plane landed at the world‘s highest and recently-activated Daulat Beg Oldie airstrip in Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir for the first time on 20 August .The Daulat Beg Oldie airstrip located at 16614 feet (5065 metres) in the Aksai Chin area..In April, the area saw a 21-day stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops who came and pitched tents in the vicinity of the airfield and returned only after several rounds of flag meetings between both sides.The achievement will enable the armed forces to use the heavy-lift aircraft to induct troops, supplies, improve communication network and also serve as a morale booster for maintenance of troops positioned there.C-130J is capable of lifting upto 20 tonnes of load. India‟s First Defence Satellite GSAT-7 Launched Successfully India‘s first exclusive defence satellite GSAT-7 was successfully launched by European space consortium Arianespace‘s Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou spaceport in French Guiana on 30 August.This launch will push ahead India‘s maritime security.GSAT–7 has been built at an expense of 185 crore rupees and will act as the country‘s maiden dedicated spacecraft for defence applications.The frequency bands of GSAT-7 will help space-based marine communications. It has coverage over India landmass as well as surrounding seas.Earlier, satellite communication in ships was through Inmarsat, a major provider of global mobile satellite communications services.The state-of-the-art satellite carrying payloads operating in UHF, S, C and Ku bands, had a lift-off mass of 2625 kg and is based on ISRO‘s 2500 kg satellite bus with some new technological elements, including the antennae.According to ISRO, GSAT-7 is an advanced communication satellite to provide wide range of service spectrum from low bit rate voice to high bit rate data communication.Payload of the GSAT–7 is designed to provide communication capabilities to users in distant oceanic regions. Its solar arrays generate 2900 W of electrical power. US Scientists Created the Most Precise Clock of the World The National Institute of Standards and Technology Scientist from U.S , revealed in the month of August 2013 that they created the most precise clock of the world. The ticking rate of this clock varies less than two parts in one quintillion, or ten times better than any clock in the world. The clock is made up of the element ytterbium. This element can be used for technological advancements beyond the timekeeping. The clock can be used for various purposes such as checking temperature, navigation systems as well as magnetic fields.The co-author of the study which revealed the


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clock, Andrew Ludlow explained that the stability of this ytterbium lattice clock paves way for other practical applications of high-performance timekeeping.

PERSONS IN NEWS

A) APPOINTMENTS Rajeev Rishi is new CMD of Central Bank of India On 1 August Rajeev Rishi took over as the Chairman and Managing Director of Central Bank of India .His appointment is for a period of five years.Prior to the new appointment, Mr. Rishi served as the Executive Director of Indian Bank, since October 2010. Before joining Indian Bank, he was the General Manager of Oriental Bank of Commerce.Rajeev Rishi, who belongs to Chandigarh, holds a BA and an LLB and an expert in Banking. Arundhati Bhattacharya Appointed Managing Director Of SBI On 2 August Arundhati Bhattacharya was appointed the managing director and chief financial officer of the State Bank of India(SBI).She is the first managing director at SBI, which is India‘s largest bank.Arundhati succeeded Diwakar Gupta. Hassan Rouhani Sworn In As Iran‟s New President On 4 August Hassan Rohani was sworn in as the new President of Iran in the ceremony held at the Iranian Parliament in Tehran.Rouhani is the seventh (different) President of Iran after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Raghuram Rajan Appointed as the New Governor of RBI On 6 August Chief economic adviser Raghuram Govind Rajan has been appointed as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).Rajan will have a term of three years.He will be the 23rd Governor of RBI.He is 50 years of age and so far, he is the youngest person to become the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.He was appointed as the youngest-ever Economic Counselor and Director of Research (chief economist) at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from October 2003 to December 2006.Rajan was appointed as Chief Economic Advisor to the Ministry of Finance, Government of India on 10 August 2012. Dilip Trivedi is new CRPF chief On 17 August Senior IPS officer Dilip Trivedi has been appointed as the new chief of the country‘s largest paramilitary force CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force). Trivedi, a 1978-batch officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre has served in various positions in the state police and has also served in the Centre as ADG of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.He succeeded Pranay Sahay who retired on 31 July 2013. Michel Djotodia Sworn In As Central African Republic President

On 18 August Former rebel leader Michel Djotodia was formally sworn in as the Central African Republic‘s President.Djotodia has been in charge of the country during the chaos that followed the rebels‘ seizure of control in March 2013, when they swept into power from their northern bases, overpowering South African forces protecting former leader Francois Bozize.Djotodia was a leader of the Seleka rebel coalition in the December 2012 rebellion; following a peace agreement, he was appointed to the government as First Deputy Prime Minister for National Defense in February 2013.


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Robert Mugabe Sworn In As Zimbabwe President

On 21 August Robert Mugabe has been sworn in for a new five-year term as President of Zimbabwe.Mugabe of Zanu-PF (Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front) party won the Presidential election (Parliamentary Election) by winning 61 percent votes in his favour on 3 August . Parthasarathi Shome Appointed As Chairman Of TARC On 26 August the Union Government of India set up a commission under the chairmanship of Parthasarathy Shome to review tax laws and suggest ways for a stable and non-adversarial tax administration.The seven-member Tax Administration Reform Commission (TARC) will have a 18-month tenure to suggest various measures including an appropriate organisational structure for tax governance. Justice N V Ramana Appointed as Chief Justice of Delhi High Court

On 30 August Justice Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana, Judge of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh,was appointed as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Delhi.Justice Ramana replaced Chief Justice D. Murugesan, who retired in June.Justice Ramana was appointed as a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on 27 June 2000.Ramana had enrolled as an advocate in February 1983 and has practiced in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, central and state administrative tribunals and the Supreme Court.He holds specialisation in constitutional, criminal, service and inter-state river laws.He has specialized in Constitutional, criminal, service and Inter-State River laws. He has functioned as Panel Counsel for various Government organizations. B)RESIGNS Egypt Vice President ElBaradei Resigned Egyptian vice-president, Nobel laureate Mohamed ElBaradei, announced his resignation in a letter to the interim president on14 August .The resignation comes after scores were killed in a crackdown by security forces on loyalists of ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. C)DEATHS Veteran Music Director Dakshinamoorthy Died Venkateswaran Dakshinamoorthy, the veteran veteran carnatic musician and music director died on 2 August in Mylapore, Chennai.The veteran was known as Swamy in the music industry and gave music to songs of more than 125 films in Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi.He has to his credit about 859 songs that were composed by him over seven decades of his service to the world of Music. He debuted as a Music composer in the a Malayalam movie Nalla Thanka (Nalla Thankal in Tamil) in 1950.He was the proud recipient of Kerala State Film Award for best music director in 1971.In 1998, he received the Kerala State Film Award for Lifetime Achievement. Former Air Commodore Jasjit Singh Died On 4 August Noted strategic analyst Air Commodore (retired) Jasjit Singh died in NewDelhi. He was conferred with the Padma Bhushan, the second highest civilian award, in the year 2006 by the former president APJ Abdul Kalam. Former Union minister Devendra Prasad Yadav Died

On 11 August Former Union minister and senior Congress leader from Bihar,


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Devendra Prasad Yadav, died in NewDelhi.Yadav was a three-time Member of Parliament from Munger parliamentary seat of Bihar and had served as Minister of State for Education between 1971-77 in Indira Gandhi‘s cabinet. Renowned Naturalist and Ornithologist Zafar Futehally Died On 11 August Zafar Rashid Futehally an Indian naturalist, ornithologist and conservationist has died on 11 August at Kihim in Maharashtra.Zafar Futehally led the early years of the conservation movement in India and served as a link between conservationists and corporate.He was conferred with several national and international honours, including the Padma Shri in 1970.He also edited and published an anthology of writings by Indian birdwatchers, ―India through its birds‖, which was published in 2007. Former Nepal Prime Minister Man Singh Shrestha Died

Former Nepalese Prime Minister Marich Man Singh Shrestha has died in Kathmandu on 15 August.He had served as Nepal‘s Prime Minister for about four years till April 1990, when the political parties launched an agitation to restore democratic rights. Kapil Dev‟s Former Coach Desh Prem Azad Died On 16 August Desh Prem Azad, the former coach of cricketer Kapil Dev and Dronacharya awardee died in Mohali.He trained cricketers such as Kapil Dev, Ashok Malhotra, Chetan Sharma and Yograj Singh in the late 1970s.Desh Prem Azad represented Haryana, the Maharaja of Patiala‘s XI and Southern Punjab, while playing 19 first-class matches. In these matches, he scored 658 runs while grabbed 8 wickets in all. Crime Novelist Elmore Leonard Died Elmore Leonard, one of America‘s best known crime novelists,has died on 20 August .Twenty-six of his books and short stories have been adapted for the screen, including ―Hombre,‖ ―Get Shorty,‖ ―Jackie Brown,‖ (based on 1992′s ―Rum Punch‖) and ―Justified,‖ a TV shows based on 1993′s ―Pronto,‖ 1995′s ―Riding the Rap‖ and the 2001 short story ‗Fire in the Hole.‖ His most recent novel, ―Raylan,‖ was released in 2012. Eminent Classical Singer Raghunath Panigrahi Died On 25 August Eminent Indian classical singer and music director Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi died in Bhubaneswar.Pandit Panigrahi‘s effort to popularise poet Jayadeva‘s ‗Gita Govinda‘.Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi was born at Gunupur in Odisha‘s Rayaga (earlier Koraput) district.Pandit Raghunath was the first Odia singer to be honoured by the French government for his ‗Gita Govinda‘ composition way back in the 70s.He was also conferred with the Padmashri award in the year 2010. Nobel Literature Laureate Seamus Heaney Died On 30 August Irish writer and poet Seamus Heaney, who won the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literature, died in Dublin.Seamus Heaney was born on 13 April 1939 in Northern Ireland.Northern Ireland-born Heaney published his first major collection of poems, ―Death of a Naturalist‖, in 1966 and went on to become one of the English language‘s leading poets.Heaney worked as the professor of poetry at Oxford University between 1989 and 1994. D)VISITORS


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Afghanistan Vice-President Mohammad Karim Khalili Visited India

The vice president of Afghanistan, Mohammad Karim Karim Khalili visited India from 20 – 22 August.During the visit Khalili met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New delhi .In the meet both nations discussed security issues and trade among other bilateral issues.Khalili also meet‘s India‘s president Pranab Mukherjee, vice-president Mohammad Hamid Ansari, and external affairs minister Salman Khurshid and discussed on both countries bilateral issues. Iraq‟s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Visited India

Nouri Al-Maliki, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq visited India from 22 -25 August.During his four day visit , Maliki met with the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh and President of Indian Union, Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President of India, Hamid Ansari in New Delhi.Both the nations exchanged views on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest and reached a broad consensus. The discussions enabled better understanding and appreciation of each other‘s concerns and perspectives and helped in forging closer understanding at the highest political level and also several MoUs were signed between the two nations. This was the first visit of Maliki to India E)MISCELLANEOUS Amazon Founder & CEO Jeff Bezos Buys Washington Post

Amazon Founder & CEO Jeff Bezos has purchased the Washington Post Newspaper of US. Seattle-based Amazon owner Jeffrey P Bezos has agreed to buy the newspaper assets of The Washington Post Company for USD 250 million.Bezos, whose entrepreneurship has made him one of the world‘s richest men, will pay $250 million in cash for The Post and affiliated publications to The Washington Post Co., which owns the newspaper and other businesses.The Washington Post (WP) is an American daily newspaper. It is the most widely circulated newspaper published in Washington, D.C., and oldest extant in the area, founded in 1877. 11-year-old UK girl has higher IQ than Einstein On 5 August An 11-year-old schoolgirl in the U.K. has achieved the highest possible score of 162 on a Mensa IQ test, making her brainier than scientists Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein. Cerys Cooksammy-Parnell, a grade six schoolgirl took up the test with the aim of beating her father‘s score of 142. She also scored the highest mark possible in the test, scoring 162 on the Cattell B scale. Sharapova Tops „ Forbes „ List of Best Paid Female Athletes On 6 August Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova has topped the ‗ Forbes ‗ list of highest-earning female athletes for the ninth-straight year, raking in $29 million over the last 12 months.American Serena Williams is second on the list with earnings of 20.5 million US dollars, Chinese star Li Na in third with $18.2 million and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in fourth with $15.7 million. Indian American Students Wins National Geographic World Championship

On 9 August A team of three young Indian American students defeated teams from 17 other regions to win top honours at the 11th National Geographic World Championship in Russia‘s St Petersburg.The team was made up of captain Gopi Ramanathan from Sartell, Minnesota; Asha Jain from Minocqua, Wisconsin; and


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Neelam Kaur Sandhu from Bedford, New Hampshire.In the biennial competition, teams of students answered questions on physical, cultural and economic geography.Ramanathan, already has won his state geography bee twice. He had finished seventh in the 2012 National Bee in Washington, DC. The competition was sponsored by Google, and presented by the US National Geographic Society in partnership with the Russian Geographical Society. Canadian Street Named After Mahatma Gandhi On 15 August A street in Canada‘s Winnipeg city has been named after Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of India‘s 67th Independence Day. The street leading to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights will now be known as Honorary Mahatma Gandhi Way. At a ceremony , the Mayor of Winnipeg Sam Katz explained that the street was named so after an individual who is synonymous with the struggle for human rights. Dhoni Beats Rafael Nadal – Usain Bolt In „ Forbes „ List Of Highest – Paid Athletes

On 20 August Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been ranked 16th in the latest ‗Forbes‘ list of highest-paid athletes with an earning of $31.5 million (around Rs.180 crore).In the list, he was placed above Rafael Nadal and Usain Bolt.As per the latest Forbes list of highest-paid athletes in the world, dhoni earned $31.5 million between June 2012 and June 2013.List of places don above F1 Fernando Alonso, who is on the 19th, Lewis Hamilton on the 26th, Novak Djokovic on the 28th, Rafael Nadal is in 30th place, and Usain Bolt in the 40th grade.Doni has risen 15 places in this year‘s list. It took 31 th rank in the last year. Sachin Tendulkar is the only Indian athlete, who is one of the rank of 31 and a total annual revenue of $ 22 million (Rs 125 crore).List is topped by golfer Tiger Woods, who made $ 78.1 million last year, followed by Roger Federer, who earned $ 71.5 million, basketball player Kobe Bryant with earnings of $ 61.9 million.The calculation is based on earnings estimates, which includes salaries, bonuses and cash prizes from both the club and the national team, as well as approval of revenue. Madonna Tops Forbes‟ 2013 Highest-Paid Celebrities List On 27 August According to Forbes ‘2013 list of highest-paid celebrities ‗Madonna was the world‘s highest-earning celebrity in 2012-13.Madonna made $US125 million between June 2012 and June 2013.Veteran film director Steven Spielberg took second place in the list, while musical talent show mogul Simon Cowell tied for third with Fifty Shades of Grey author EL James and disc jockey Howard Stern. Most Wanted Indian Mujahideen Terrorist Yasin Bhatka Arrested

Indian Mujahideen co-founder and one of India‘s most wanted terrorists, Yasin Bhatkal was arrested on 30 August.Yasin has been on the run since 2008. The IM leader is wanted in a string of terror attacks in Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune, Delhi and Hyderabad.Yasin, who co-founded IM in 2008 along with brother Riaz, is also wanted in the German Bakery bomb blast in Pune on February 13, 2010.

PLACES IN NEWS


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Strong Earthquake HitsChina

On 14 August China hit by strong earthquake with magnitude of 6.1.The earthquake occured in jolted parts of Tibet.Due to this earthquake at least 87 people were injured and over 45,000 homes damaged .The epicenter of the earthquake was identified nearer to the Ringo town. Submarine „INS Sindhurakshak „ Sinks After Major Blast In Mumbai On 14 August in a huge setback to the Indian Navy, a conventional submarine ‗INS Sindhurakshak‘ exploded after a fire on board and sank in the naval dockyard in Mumbai , in which 18 personnel, including three officers are feared killed.A smaller intensity explosion was followed by two massive blasts, causing a major fire in the Russian-made submarine.In 2010, a fire broke out on board Sindhurakshak leaving a sailor dead and two others injured. INS Sindhurakshak was a Russian-made Kilo-class 877EKM(Sindhughosh-class) diesel-electric submarine of the Indian Navy.Commissioned on 24 December 1997, it was the ninth of the ten Kilo-class submarines in the Indian Navy.On 4 June 2010, the Indian Defence Ministry and Zvezdochka shipyard signed a contract worth US$80 million to upgrade and overhaul the submarine. After the overhaul, it returned to India from Russia in 2013. 1300 People Killed In Chemical Attack On Syria On 21 August nearly 1300 people, including children were killed in in Damascus, the capital of Syria..This was one of the deadliest chemical attacks in the civil war of Syria. Toxic gas was fired from the rockets.

ABBREVIATIONS

DRDO —– Defence Research and Development Organisation SAARC —– South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation AGOC —— Asian Games Organisation Committee CDRI ——- Central Drug Research Institute FEMA —– Foreign Exchange Management Act FIPB ——- Foreign Investment Promotion Board IFTU —— International Federation of Trade Unions IRDA —– Insurance Regulatory Development Authority NABARD —- National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development SEBI ——- Security Exchange Board of India UNHCR —— United Nations High Commission for Refugees WMO —– World Meteorological Organisation

BOOKS IN NEWS

„The Moon Baller‟ Book Released On 5 August Former India No.1 and tennis ace Nirupama Vaidyanathan‘s autobiographical account ‗The Moon Baller‘ was released at a function held at the Madras Cricket Club.The book, which goes back in time to chronicle the times when professional tennis for Indian women was quite unheard of, was launched by tennis legend Vijay Amritraj.


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” My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions ” by Abdul Kalam Released

In the month of August ‖ My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions‖ by former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was launched by the Rupa Publication.In his new book Kalam shares the inspiration and the lessons he learned from personal stories of his life. The book describes the lesser known events from his life. „Dhyan Chand – The Wizard of Hockey‟ Book Released The first-of-its-kind graphic biography on former Indian Hockey player Dhyan Chand titled ‖ Dhyan Chand-The Wizard of Hockey ‖ was launched at Dhyanchand Stadium in New Delhi on 29 August .The biography was launched on the National Sports Day to commemorate the 108th birth anniversary of the legend.The book has been written by Luis Fernandes, who researched extensively on the subject.The book is being printed by comic-series publication Amar Chitra Katha.The book focussed on Dhyan Chand‘s achievements and goal-scoring feats at 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympics that got him the title The Wizard.

COMMITTEES

Virginius Xaxa Committee To Asses Status Of Scheduled Tribes On 17 August On the pattern of Sachar Committee for Muslims, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has set up a committee to assess the status of scheduled tribes with an aim of ensuring their uplift, particularly in socio-economic, health and education fields.Prof. Virginius Xaxa was appointed as the chairman of the seven-member committee.The committee will finalise and present its report within nine months from the date of this notification.The Prime Minister‘s decision of setting up a committee came after the government found that the STs, who form 7.5 percent of the country‘s population, are not getting enough dues despite the special status in the constitution.


International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances

The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances on August 30 each year.The UN General Assembly declared this day by its resolution 65/209, on 21 December 2010. The UN General Assembly, by this same resolution also welcomed the adoption of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. The involuntary or enforced disappearances are a result of abduction, detention or arrest or other factors or reasons. Also, there are growing numbers of reports which include ill-treatment, harassment as well as intimidation of the witnesses of these disappearances or of the persons or the relatives who have disappeared. National Sports Day Is Observed On 29 August National Sports Day in India is observed on 29 August of every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Indian hockey legend Dhyan Chand.National sports day celebrated every year on 29 August to bring awareness about sports in public.This year, events like walkathon and football tournaments were held across the country for the first time as part of the National Sports Day celebrations. On the occasion of


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National Sports Day, a scheme known as Come and Play has been launched for general public to make optimal use of Sports Authority of India stadia. Major Dhyan Chand is an iconic Indian hockey player who is remembered as a magician of Indian hockey. He was the prime member of Indian hockey team which brought three Olympic gold medals in field of Hockey – in 1928 (Amsterdam), 1932 (Los Angeles) and 1936 (Berlin).He was honored with Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1956 for his outstanding contribution to Indian Hockey.Major Dhyan Chand‘s birthday, 29 August is celebrated as National Sports Day in India. Major sports awards like Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya awards are presented on this occasion to the sportsperson who has shown tremendous commitment towards the game and made the Country proud. AUGUST

INTERNATIONAL Bangladesh Court Disqualifies Jamaat-e-Islami Party On 1 August a Bangladesh court has disqualified the country‘s largest Islamic party from taking part in the next general election.The High Court panel ruled that the opposition Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party‘s regulations violate the constitutional provision of secularism. Robert Mugabe Re-elected As President Of Zimbabwe

On 3 August Zanu-PF (Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front), the political party of the incumbent President Robert Mugabe has won the Presidential election of Zimbabwe .Mugabe won 61 percent of the vote against the 34 percent won by the Morgan Tsvangirai, the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe of Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party.With this win, Mugabe has won his seventh term to the office of the President of Zimbabwe .Robert Mugabe is one of the leaders of the guerrilla movements against white-minority rule of Zimbabwe and was elected to power in 1980. China Built Port Terminal Opens In Sri Lanka On 5 August Sri Lanka‘s President, Mahinda Rajapakse declared open the new International Container Terminal of the Colombo harbour.The $500 million Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) was built by China Merchants Holdings.The new South Port is the only harbor in South Asia that can accommodate the Triple-E Class vessels.85-pct of the investment is by CICT and the remaining 15-pct has been funded by the by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita Elected As New President of Mali On 12 August Former Prime Minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was elected as President of Mali.He won the Mali‘s Presidential elections , after his opponent and Ex-Finance Minister Soumaïla Cisse, conceded defeat. He was Prime Minister of Mali from 1994 to 2000 and President of the National Assembly of Mali from 2002 to 2007. He founded a political party, Rally for Mali (RPM), in 2001 and he has led the party since then. In addition to serving in the National Assembly, Keita was a member of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States. Britain Parliament Votes Against Possible Military Action In Syria

On 29 August the Britain Parliament rejected a proposal for military action in Syria .By


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a 285 to 272 margin British MPs rejected the government‘s motion to support in principle military action against Syria.

INDIA & WORLD

India Signs DTAC protocol with Morocco

On 8 August India signed a Protocol amending the India – Morocco Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) in New Delhi .The Protocol was signed by Dr Sudha Sharma, Chairperson, Central Board of Direct Taxes on behalf of Government of India and H.E. Mr. Larbi Reffouh, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to India on behalf of Government of the Kingdom of Morocco.The Protocol is based on international standards of transparency and exchange of information. It provides for effective exchange of information including banking information between tax authorities of the two countries. 5th India – China Strategic Dialogue Held In Delhi The 5th India-China Strategic Dialogue was held at New Delhi on 20 August .The Indian side was led by Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh and the Chinese side was led by Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin.The two sides discussed several issues including enhancing understanding on the utilization of trans-border river waters, expanding bilateral trade and investment while addressing problems of the large and growing deficit faced by India, ways of maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the India-China border areas, methods of boosting cultural cooperation as well as people-to-people exchanges and expansion of scientific and technological cooperation. India Third Largest Internet Using Nation On 21 August According to research firm com Score latest report titled ―India Digital Future in Focus 2013 ‖ , India with 73.9 million Net users is the world‘s third largest Internet population, overtaking Japan (4th position) but behind China (First position) and the US. (Second position) Riding on a 31 per cent year-on-year increase, India‘s online population grew to 73.9 million.With an extended online universe in excess of 145 million the market is at a tipping point for online businesses.India overtook Japan by adding 17.6 million users in 2012. Indians Third Largest Immigrant Group In US On 23 August According to the Migration Policy Institute latest study report , Indians have emerged as the third-largest immigrant group in the US behind Mexicans and Chinese, with nearly 1.9 million of them living in the country.Indian population in the US has grown to over 150 times its size since 1960, when the slightly more than 12,000 Indian immigrants represented less than 0.5 per cent of the total immigrant population of 9.7 million immigrants.Till 2011, Indian-born immigrants accounted for almost five per cent (1.86 million) of America‘s 40.4 million immigrants.Almost one-third of all Indian immigrants resided in just two states- California and New Jersey.More than a quarter of them lived in three major metropolitan areas- New York, Chicago and San Jose.Two per cent of all unauthorised immigrants in the United States were also from India.


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India and Iraq Signed Energy Cooperation Agreement

On 23 August India and Iraq signed an agreement on energy cooperation to boost the bilateral ties.The agreement was signed along with three other agreements after comprehensive talks between Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and his Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on strategic bilateral, regional and international issues. Iraq is an important Gulf nation and has emerged as India‘s second largest crude oil supplier after Saudi Arabia. India Announced Rs 5,000 crore For Bhutan

On 31 August India announced an aid of Rs 5,000 crore, including a special package of Rs 500 crore, for Bhutan as part of commitment to its continued socio-economic development, a move that assumes significance against the backdrop of unease in the bilateral ties recently. India will contribute Rs 4500 crore towards Bhutan‘s 11th Plan, as well as Rs 500 crore towards an Economic Stimulus Package.The decision was announced after talks in NewDelhi between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

NATIONAL

India Lost 220 Languages In Last 50 Years On 9 August A two-year survey by Bhasha Research and Publication Centre based in Vadodara has revealed that India has lost around 20 per cent of its languages over the last 50 years.Officials of the survey, called the People‘s Linguistic Survey of India (PLSI) has held that the country had 1,100 languages in 1961 of which 220 have vanished. The survey has found 780 languages and might have missed another 100, which makes it around 880.The 1961 census had recorded that India had 1,652 languages in all but the number was narrowed down to 1,100 later for variants of same languages were also included in the list. The 1971 census registered only 108 languages for it was decided that only those languages with over 10,000 speakers will be included. Rajya Sabha Passed The „Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2012 „ On 13 August Rajya Sabha passed a bill to make registration of marriages mandatory.The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2012, which was passed by Rajya Sabha, seeks to provide compulsory registration of marriages irrespective of religion. The registration of marriages will not apply to those who have registered their marriage under any other law.At present, there is provision for registration of only births and deaths. Lok Sabha Passed „National Food Security Bill, 2013′ On 26 August Lok Sabha passed the ‗National Food Security Bill, 2013′.The Bill seeks to give legal rights to get subsidized grains every month to 67 percent of the overall population (of which 75 percent is rural and 50 percent is urban population).A beneficiary will be entitled to 5 kg of rice, wheat or coarse cereals at Rs. 3, Rs. 2 and Re. 1 per kg a month, respectively.The beneficiaries will be identified by the States based on parameters prescribed by the Union government.Once the Bill gets its nod


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in the Rajya Sabha and President‘s accent, India will join the selected league of countries that guarantee food grants to a majority of its population. Rajya Sabha Passed „The Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010′ On 26 August the Rajya Sabha passed ‗The Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010 was passed by voice vote .It seeks to amend the Hindu Marriage Act 1955 and the Special Marriages Act, 1954 which provides for irretrievable breakdown on marriage as a ground for divorce as well as grants women the right to a share in the property of their husbands.Under the new bill, a provision has been made to restrict the grant of decree of divorce on the ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage if the court is satisfied that adequate provision for the maintenance of children born out of the marriage has not been made consistently with the financial capacities of the parents. Lok Sabha Passed „Land Acquisition Bill „

The Lok Sabha passed the landmark land acquisition and rehabilitation bill on 29 August 2013 that aims to provide fair compensation to those whose land is taken, brings transparency to the process and details measures for rehabilitation of those displaced.The bill, which will now be called, The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2012, replaced a nearly 120-year-old law enacted during British rule in 1894. Companies Bill 2013 Receives President‟s Assent

The new Companies Bill has received President‘s assent, that will make it into a law replacing the nearly six-decade old regulations that govern corporates in the country.The Companies Bill 2013 received assent from the President Pranab Mukherjee on 29 August 2013.The Companies Bill 2012 was passed in Rajya Sabha on 8 August 2013 . Earlier, the bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on 18 December 2012. With the President‘s assent, the Companies Bill 2012 became the Companies Act, 2013 (New Act).The new Bill, providing for sweeping changes in the way companies operate and are regulated in the country, received Parliamentary approval earlier this month. It would replace the Companies Act 1956.

STATES

Karnataka Becomes First State To Establish Calamities Relief Fund On 5 August Karnataka Government has become the first state in the country to establish State Natural Calamities Relief fund of Rs. 125 crore.The Relief Fund will provide for a natural calamities relief fund which would provide for building capital assets and relief in respect of man-made disasters that are not covered under the state disaster response fund guidelines of the Government of India. First Public Sector Breast Milk Bank Inaugurated In Kolkata On 7 August A modern and sophisticated breast milk bank was inaugurated at the state-run Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial Hospital (SSKM) by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee . This novel scheme was launched to cater to the basic needs of a child who is just born, but does not get the milk from the mother or when the mother dies after giving birth to the child.The breast milk bank would help specially to non-lactating mothers. The stored milk can be used to feed babies whose mothers fall ill during the six-month lactating period after pregnancy.


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India‟s First Cyber Forensic Laboratory (CFL) Established In Tripura

The first Cyber Forensic Laboratory (CFL) of India was established in Tripura on 11 August .The lab was established at the Tripura High Court and the purpose of the lab is to facilitate information related to court cases. The CFL was inaugurated by Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B. Lokur. „Agar-Malwa‟ Becomes The 51st District Of Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh government gave nod to creation of the new district of Agar-Malwa, taking the number of districts in the state to 51.The district will come into existence on 16 August.The new district will be created by bifurcating Shajapur district; it will comprise the tehsils of Agar, Badoud, Susner and Nalkheda. Headquarters would be at Agar town.Spread over 2,785 square km, Agar-Malwa will have population of 4.80 lakh. Sonia Sonia Gandhi Launches „Food Security Scheme‟ In Delhi On 20 August Congress president Sonia Gandhi launched the Centre-Sponsored ‗ Food security scheme ‗on the occasion of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi‘s 69th birth Anniversary.Delhi was the first state to implement the scheme.Under the scheme, a total of 73.5 lakh people will get foodgrain at highly subsidised rates.The food security programme would provide subsidised grains for 67 per cent of the population and would see government spending an estimated Rs. 1,25,000 crore to supply 62 million tonnes of grains. Under the scheme, beneficiaries would get wheat at Rs. 2 a kg, rice at Rs. 3 a kg and coarse grain at Rs. 1 a kg.Congress party ruled northern states Haryana and Uttarakhand have also launched this scheme. Maharashtra Cabinet Approved Anti-Black Magic and Superstition Ordinance On 21 August the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the ―Anti-Black Magic and Superstition Ordinance‖ after the death of anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar.The decision was taken by the state cabinet in wake up of the protests that followed after the murder of Dabhokar in Pune on 20 August 2013.Dabholkar was at the forefront of a campaign to persuade the Maharashtra government to pass an anti-superstition and black magic bill. Rajasthan Government Laid Foundation Stone For World‟s Largest Solar Park On 21 August State Government of Rajasthan laid the foundation stone for world‘s biggest solar park at Bhadla of Jodhpur District of Rajasthan.The solar park with generation capacity of 3000 MW would be commissioned in phased manner. In its first phase the solar park will generate 1000 MW.Solar Park would be established in 10 thousand hectare land and Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide 3000 crore rupees loan for development of transmission lines of this solar park.

CONFERENCES

BRICS Business Council Meeting Held In Johannesburg The first BRICS Business Council Meeting was held on 19 – 20 August 2013 in Johannesburg , South Africa.The objective of the meet is aiming to increase the trade and investment ties between participating economies.The two-day meeting was attended by the Chairpersons of the respective chapters of the BRICS Business Council that attended the meeting are: Jose Rubens de la Rosa (Brazil), Sergey


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Katyrin (Russian Federation), Onkar Kanwar (India) and MA Zehua (China).The meeting was chaired by Patrice Motsepe, Chairman of the South African and BRICS Business Council.In a joint statement following the first BRICS Business Council meeting ,the council made several recommendations include‘s urging governments to facilitate convenience in expediting multiple entry business visas for longer periods, as well as considering a proposal to create a BRICS business travel card ; Enhancing connectivity; and – Creating a BRICS business portal, which will be facilitated by the BRICS Business Council Secretariat, among others.The council has agreed to work together in areas such as infrastructure, mining and mineral beneficiation, value-added manufacturing development, skills development and sustainable development.BRICS an acronym for the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa group of countries.The BRICS Business Council was established during the 2013 BRICS Summit in Durban in March, with South African businessman Patrice Motsepe named chairman of the body. Second ASEAN Defence Ministers‟ Meeting – Plus Held In Brunei

The 2nd ASEAN Defense Ministers‘ Meeting-Plus has concluded in Brunei on 29 August .Defense ministers from ASEAN signed a declaration of commitment to enhance peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.They committed to adhere to the principles of equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit and respect for international laws in the handling of disputes. The defense ministers also agreed to promote better understanding and confidence-building measures among defense establishments.ASEAN Defence minister‘s meeting firstly convened in Vietnam‘s capital Hanoi on October 12, 2010, the regional event has involved 18 member states, including ministers from the 10 ASEAN nations.ASEAN Defence Ministers‘ Meeting – Plus was established in 2010.This forum is convened every two years.The third ADMM-Plus is scheduled to be held in Malaysia in 2015.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Malayalam Poetess Sugathakumari Awarded With „ Saraswati Samman 2013 „

On 2 August Renowned Malayalam poetess and social activist Sugathakumari has been conferred with the prestigious Saraswati Samman 2012 for Manalezhuthu (the Writings on the Sand), a collection of poems in Malayalam.Manalezhuthu was published in the year 2006.Saraswati Samman Award was instituted by KK Birla Foundation in 1991.This award is given every year to the literary work in any Indian language which is the part of Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. US Presidential Medal To Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey

On 8 August Barack Obama, the US President would confer the Presidential Medal of Freedom on former US President, Bill Clinton and talk show queen, Oprah Winfrey. It is the highest civilian honour of America. Indian American Professor Received Top US Environmental Award

On 16 August An Indian American professor of biological and agricultural engineering has been recognised by a top US environmental and water resources institute for his pioneering work in hydrology. Vijay P Singh, professor and Caroline ; William N Lehrer distinguished chair in the department of biological and agricultural engineering at


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Texas A&M University, was named a recipient of the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Society of Civil Engineers Environmental and Water Resources Institute (ASCE-EWRI).Singh is an internationally recognised and pre-eminent engineer specialising in water resources engineering and hydrology. His work has developed the application of kinematic wave theory to the point where it is widely used throughout the world in hydrologic models used for water resource modelling, flood planning and hydrologic design. Harshwanti Bisht Selected For “Sir Edmund Hillary Mountain Legacy Medal 2013 “ On 12 August Professor of economics, and conservationist, and mountaineer Dr. Harshwanti Bisht has been selected to receive the ―Sir Edmund Hillary Mountain Legacy Medal 2013″.The award is presented for remarkable service in the conservation of culture and nature in mountainous regions.In 2003 the Sir Edmund Hillary Mountain Legacy Medal was initiated by unanimous resolution of the Namche Conference: Parks, People and Mountain Tourism. Malala Yousafzai Wins International Children‟s Peace Prize On 27 August Pakistani school pupil and education activist Malala Yousafzai won the International Children‘s Peace Prize 2013. The peace prize carries a cash value of 100000 euros (133000 US dollars) which is invested in projects relating to the winner‘s cause. The International Children‘s Peace Prize is an initiative of the Amsterdem-based Dutch KidsRights Foundation. It was launched in the year 2005 by former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, when he chaired the Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome. Since then, the prize has been awarded every year by a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. The prize is presented annually to an exceptional child, whose courageous or otherwise remarkable actions have made a difference in countering problems, which affect children around the world. Mandela Is The First Recipient Of „Mahathir Award „ For Global Peace On 27 August Former South African President Nelson Mandela was awarded the first Lifetime Campaigner for Peace and Freedom of the Mahathir Award for Global Peace .Current South African President Jacob Zuma received the award on behalf of Mandela, who is in a critical condition in a hospital in Pretoria.The Mahathir Award for Global Peace is a peace award instituted by the Mahathir Global Peace Foundation. The foundation was formed to contribute to worldwide peace efforts.Mahathir bin Mohamad is a Malaysian politician who was the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia. He held the post for 22 years from 1981 to 2003, making him Malaysia‘s longest serving Prime Minister.

SPORTS & GAMES

India Won Bronze Medal at Junior Women Hockey World Cup On 4 August Indian Junior Women Hockey team won its first ever Bronze medal in ERGO Hockey Junior World Cup at Monchengladbac, Germany .India defeated England by 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out.Indian forward Rani was declared the Best Player of the ERGO Junior Women Hockey World Cup 2013.The Netherland team won the final against Argentina and clinched the trophy for a record third time.


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Parimarjan Negi Won Politiken Cup

On 4 August Indian Grandmaster Parimarjan won the Denmark‘s Politiken Cup at Copenhagen, Denmark by gaining 9 out of the total possible 10 points. He defeated the seventh seed, Italian Sabino Brunello in just 31 moves of Ruy Lopez. Jadeja First Indian After Kumble To Top ODI Bowlers‟ List

On 4 August Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja became the first Indian bowler to top the bowlers‘ chart in the latest ICC ODI Player Rankings after former captain Anil Kumble claimed the pole position way back in 1996.Overall, Jadeja is the fourth India bowler after Kapil Dev (March 1989), Maninder Singh (December 1987-November 1988) and Kumble to claim the number-one spot in ODIs. Franklin Wins Record 6 Golds at World Swimming Championships On 5 August American swimmer Missy Franklin became the first woman to win six gold medals at a world-championships.She claimed her record sixth gold medal of the world championships , swimming the leadoff leg for the Americans in the 400-meter medley relay in Barcelona, Spain.Missy Franklin won four golds and a bronze at the 2012 London Games, joins American men Michael Phelps and Mark Spitz as well as German woman Kristin Otto with six golds in either a world or Olympic competition.Franklin became the winningest female swimmer ever at a world meet, eclipsing the record that was shared by Tracy Caulkins, who won five times in 1978, and Libby Trickett, who did it in 2007. PV Sindhu Won Bronze Medal at World Badminton Championships On 10 August Indian shuttler P V Sindhu lost to the Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand in the semi-final match at the World Badminton Championships at Guangzhou, China.P V Sindhu now became the only second Indian singles player to win a medal after Prakash Padukone .Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa had won the doubles bronze in London in 2011. World Badminton Championship 2013 Winners Women‟s Singles :- Thailand‘s Ratchanok Intanon won the women‘s singles title ,after defeated Li Xuerui (China) in the final at the World Badminton Championships at Guangzhou.This is the first time any shuttler from Thailand has won a gold at the Worlds in any category. Men‟s Singles :- China‘s Lin Dan reinforced his claim to being the greatest badminton player in history after he defeated arch rival Malaysian Lee Chong Wei in the World Championship final to become the first man to win five world singles titles. Rogers Cup Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners Women‟s Singles :- On 11 August Serena Williams (U.S) won the Rogers Cup

Tennis Tournament Women‘s singles title ,after defeated Romania‘s Sorana Cirstea in the final at Montreal (Canada).Serena Williams won the Rogers Cup women‘s title for the third time. Men‟s Singles :- Rafael Nadal (Spain) won his third Rogers Cup Men‘s Singles title ,

after defeated Canada‘s Milos Raonic in the final. Marion Bartoli Retires From Tennis On 14 August Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli of France announces her retirement from professional tennis.She announced the retirement after losing in the


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second round of the Cincinnati Masters to Romania‘s Simona Halep. She is ranked seventh in the world.Besides Wimbledon 2013, Bartoli won seven other WTA Tour titles, the first one was in Auckland in 2006. Recently she won two tournaments both in 2011 at Eastbourne and Osaka, Japan, prior to Wimbledon. 2013 World Championships in Athletics Winners

The 14th World Championships in Athletics are held in Moscow, Russia from 10–18 August 2013. Russia (17 medals )topped the medal table with seven gold, four silver, and six bronze medals.The US (25 medals) came in second place at the event, receiving six gold, 13 silver, and six bronze medals. Jamaica (19 medals )placed third, with its athletes earning six gold, two silver, and one bronze. Winners Of The 2013 World Championships in Athletics :- * Jamaica‘s Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce both won three gold medals in the men‘s and women‘s 100 m, 200 m and 4 x 100 m relay respectively to become the most successful athletes at the event.Usain Bolt moved to the top of the all-time World Championships medal table by winning three gold medals.It was Bolt‘s second three gold performance at the World Championships.With this victory Usain Bolt has joined the club of highest (8) gold medal winners list along with American women‘s 200m specialist Allyson Felix, and retired US track stars Carl Lewis and Michael Johnson including relays. * Christina Obergfoll of Germany won the women‘s javelin title with a throw of 69.05 metres . * French athlete Teddy Tamgho claimed gold in the men‘s triple jump event ,, with a jump measuring 18.04m. * In the Men‘s 1, 500 metres race Kenyan Asbel Kiprop ( 3min:36.2 sec) won the gold and Eunice Jepkoech Sum of Kenya won gold in Women‘s 800 metres race (1min :57.38 sec) * Women‘s 10,000 meters Race :- Tirunesh Dibaba (Ethiopia) *Men‘s 10,000 meters Race :- Double Olympic champion Mo Farah of Britain created history once again in Moscow as he became the first British man to win a 10,000m world title.The Somalia-born Mo Farah went down in the history books as just the second man to win the 5000 and 10,000m races at the Olympics and the world championships. * Men‘s 20 kilometres Walk :- Aleksandr Ivanov (Russia) * Women‘s Marathon :- Kenya‘s Edna Ngeringwony Kiplagat becomes the first women in history to defend her world championship marathon title. * Shot put :- New Zealand‘s Valerie Adams has become the first woman to win four individual world athletics titles in the same event. * Men‘s 110 metres Hurdles :- David Oliver (USA) * Men‘s 400metres Hurdles :- Jehu Gordon (Trinidad) * Women‘s 400 metres Hurdles :- Zuzana Hejnova (Czech Republic ) * Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva won gold..Yelena Isinbayeva is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2004 and 2008), a three-time World Champion (2005, 2007 and 2013), the current world record holder in the event, who is widely considered the greatest female pole-vaulter of all time.


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Cincinnati Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners Women‟s Singles :- On 18 August Victoria Azarenka of Belarus won the Cincinnati Tennis Tournament women‘s singles title.Azarenka defeated Serena Williams of the U.S in the final at Cincinnati (U.S ) Men‟s Singles :- In the Men‘s category Rafael Nadal (Spain) has won the Cincinnati

Tennis Tournament title for the first time.He defeated John Isner (U.S) in the final.Nadal‘s five Masters titles this season are a career best. He‘s tied with Novak Djokovic for most Masters titles in a season since 1990. He‘s won seven of the nine Masters events during his career. Sania Mirza – Jie Zheng pair Won New Haven Open Title On 24 August India‘s Sania Mirza won the women‘s doubles title at the New Haven Open Tennis tournament along with her partner Jie Zheng of China.Sania and Jie defeated the pair of Anabel Medina Garrigues (Spain) and Katarina Srebotnik (Slovenia) in the final at Yale.This is Sania Mirza‘s 17th WTA doubles title and the third Title in 2013. Australia‟s Aaron Finch Hits T20 World Record Australian batsman Aaron Finch hit a new record in Twenty20 Internationals in Southampton (England), when he scored 156 runs off 63 balls against England at Southampton on 29 August.Finch mashed 14 sixes and 11 fours in his innings and surpassed the previous international record of 123, scored by New Zealand‘s Brendon McCullum.In the process he also became the first Australian to score a T20 international century.

ECONOMY

Union Cabinet Approved the Setting up of „Bharatiya Mahila Bank „ On 8 August the Union Cabinet approved the proposal for setting up of ‗ Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) ‗ with an initial corpus of Rs 1,000 crore.The proposed bank will be headquartered in New Delhi.The Mahila Bank will start with 6 branches — one each in north, south, east, west, central and north eastern part of the country.The proposed bank is likely to begin operations by November this year. India Signed Agreement With World Bank For Low Income Housing Finance Project On 14 August the government of India and the World Bank signed a $100 million credit agreement aimed at helping low-income households in Indian cities access loans to purchase, build or upgrade their dwellings.The Low Income Housing Finance Project would be implemented by the National Housing Bank (NHB).The credit agreement for the Low Income Housing Finance Project was signed between the Government of India, National Housing Bank (NHB) and World Bank in New Delhi. Muslims Have Lowest Living Standard In India According to the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) study titled ‗Employment and Unemployment Situation Among Major Religious Groups in India‘ among various religious groups,Muslims have the lowest living standard in the country * According to the survey data , Muslims average per capita expenditure of just Rs 32.66 in a day.At the other end of the spectrum, Sikh community enjoys a much better


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lifestyle as the average per capita spending among them is Rs 55.30 per day, while the same for Hindus is Rs 37.50. For Christians it is Rs 51.43. * At all-India level, the average monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) of a Sikh household was Rs 1,659 while that for a Muslim household was Rs 980 in 2009-10.The average MPCE for Hindus and Christians were Rs 1,125 and Rs 1,543, respectively.The survey said that average monthly per capita consumption at all-India level was Rs 901 in villages and Rs1,773 in cities. Overall, the average MPCE was Rs 1,128. * Muslims were at the bottom in rural areas, with an average MPCE of Rs 833, followed by Hindus at Rs 888, Christians at Rs1,296 and Sikhs 1,498. * In urban areas, Muslims‘ average MPCE was also the lowest at Rs 1,272 followed by Hindus at Rs 1,797, Christians Rs 2,053 and Sikhs at Rs 2,180. Per Capita Income Up 6.7% in 2004-12 On 25 August According to official sources data ,the per capita income in the country increased 6.7 per cent per annum during 2004-05 to 2011-12, while the percentage of poor declined by 2.2 per cent over the period.For 2011-12, the Planning Commission has estimated percentage of people living below the poverty line at 21.9 per cent.The poverty line in 2011-12 in terms of monthly per capita consumption expenditure was estimated at Rs 816 in rural areas and Rs 1,000 in urban areas.State-wise, Uttar Pradesh had highest number of people living below poverty line during 2011-12 at 598.19 people below poverty line out of every lakh.It was followed by Bihar at 358.15 people (per lakh), Madhya Pradesh 234.04 people, Maharashtra 197.92 people and West Bengal at 184.98 people living below the poverty line. 27 crore People Live Below Poverty Line In India India‘s population was estimated at 123 crore as of March 1, 2012, while as many as 27 crore people lived below the poverty line in 2011-12, Minister of State for Planning Rajeev Shukla explained in a written reply to Rajya Sabha on 29 August.As per the Population Census of 2011 conduced by the Office of Registrar General of India, the population in the country was estimated at 121 crore as of March 1, 2011.The poverty ratio in the country has decreased to 21.9 per cent in 2011-12 from 37.2 per cent in 2004-05.The rate of decline between 2004-05 and 2011-12 is three times faster than experienced between 1993-94 and 2004-05.As per the Millennium Development Goals Report 2013, the poverty rate in India fell from 49 per cent in 1994 to 42 per cent in 2005 and 33 per cent in 2010.


Australia‟s Most Powerful Super Computer Unveiled On 1 August Australia‘s most powerful supercomputer ―‖Raijin ―‖ was unveiled in Canberra.Raijin, named after the Japanese God of thunder and rain, has costed USD 45.2 million to build and will cost USD 10.85 million a year to run.The super computer, unveiled at Australian National University (ANU),and it is the 27th most powerful computer in the world. India‟s DRDO Launches Explosive Detection Kit In US

On 2 August the India-developed US-manufactured Explosive Detection Kit (EDK)


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was launched at the US Chamber of Commerce building in Washington.In a first of its kind of reverse technology sharing between India and the US, an innovative Explosive Detection Kit developed by Indian scientists would be manufactured in America and sold globally for quick detection and identification of combinations of explosives.This was probably for the first time that technology developed by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) was being manufactured and marketed in the US. Japan Sends World‟s First Talking Robot Into Space On 4 August Japan has successfully launched the world‘s first talking humanoid robot called ―‖ Kirobo ―‖ in to space. The robot was sent by H2B rocket from the island of Tanegashima. The rocket carried food, water and other supplies. Kirobo will serve as a companion for Japanese astronauts.Kirobo was put through a series of zero-gravity and other safety tests prior to sending him into space. Kirobo is 34 centimetres tall and can speak Japanese. It will provide emotional support for people in space. Kirobo will talk to JAXA astronaut Koichi Wakata when he arrives at the space station in November. The name of Kirobo is a merging of Kibo and robot. Kirobo was designed by scientists and engineers at the University of Tokyo. It is equipped with voice-recognition and face-recognition technology, as well as a camera, emotion recognition software and natural language processing. Japan Unveils Largest Warship

On 6 August Japan has unveiled its biggest warship since the Second World War as part of a plan to bolster its defense of territorial claims in disputed waters.The ship, named the ―Izumo‖, is classified as a helicopter destroyer, though its flattop design makes it look like an aircraft carrier.The ship is nearly 250 metres (820ft feet) long and is designed to carry up to 14 helicopters.Japanese Defense Ministry announced the ship is not intended to be used as an aircraft carrier and will not be used to launch fighter jets.It will also be used to bolster the nation‘s ability to transport personnel and supplies in response to large-scale natural disasters. Pinaka Rockets Successfully Test Fired On 7 August India successfully test fired two rounds of indigenously developed ―Pinaka‖ rockets from a multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) from a defence base in Chandipur-on-sea near Balasore, off the Odisha coast.The tests were routine trials conducted for training purpose. The tests were conducted by personnel from Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune unit at Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) firing point-2. Pinaka is an area weapon system with a range of 40 km.Pinaka system can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds. Ten rounds of Pinaka rockets were tested from the same base on 30 and 31 January and 28 February this year. „ INS Arihant „ Nuclear Reactor Activated On 10 August India has activated the reactor on board the ‗INS Arihant ‗ nuclear submarine, the first to be designed and built in India.With this success, India became a member of the exclusive club of countries that have built their own nuclear powered submarines along with Russia, US, UK, China and France.After the nuclear reactor is activated, INS Arihant has been undergoing trials at Navy‘s key submarine base in Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and would be launched for sea trials soon since


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the nuclear reactor has gone critical.Nuclear triad has the ability to fire nuclear-tipped missiles from land, air and sea.Arihant means destroyer of enemies in Sanskrit is an Indian submarine, which is 111 meter long, 11 broad and 15 meter tall.The 6,000 tonne vessel was built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam ,at a cost of around Rs 15,000 crore .INS Arihant, was introduced to the public on 26 July 2009 at a symbolic launch ceremony by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh‘s wife Gursharan Kaur.India operates the INS Chakra, which is an Akula II class submarine leased from Russia for ten years and has plans of building two more nuclear submarines indigenously. „ICGS Rajveer „ Commissioned On 10 August Seventh in the series of eight inshore patrol vessels (IPV), ICGS Rajveer was commissioned at Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) by defence secretary R K Mathur in the presence of vice-admiral Anurag G Thapliyal, director general of Indian Coast Guard.The IPV is equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated navigational and communication sensors and equipment. The ship is propelled to a maximum speed of 31.5 knots and has an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles. The special feature include an integrated Bridge System, Integrated machinery control system and an indigenously built 30mm gun mount with fire control system. India Launched First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier „ INS Vikrant „

India launched its first indigenous aircraft carrier ‗INS Vikrant ‗ on 12 August .Defence Minister A K Antony‘s wife Elizabeth launched the 37,500 tonne carrier ‗INS Vikrant‘ at Kochi shipyard.This will mark India‘s entry into a select club of countries capable of designing and building a carrier of this size. Other countries capable of designing and building an equivalent size ship are the US, the UK, Russia and France.Fighter aircraft–Mig-29K, Light Combat Aircraft and Kamov-31 helicopters–will deployed on board the carrier which will also carry an array of other weapons systems.INS Vikrant has a length of 260 metres and it is 60 metres wide.It is behind schedule by three years.The carrier is expected to be delivered to the Navy by the end of 2018. India Successfully Test Fired Nuclear Capable „ Prithvi-II „ Missile

On 12 August India has successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable ‗ Prithvi-II ‗ missile from a mobile launcher in salvo mode from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at (Odisha) Chandipur.Prithvi-II missile was launched by the personnel of the Strategic Force Command (SFC) from ITR‘s Launch Complex-III as part of routine user training. The missile scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) monitored the launch operations.The missile, with a range of 350 km, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) .The missile, 9 metres in height with a launch weight of 4.6 tonnes, is capable of carrying a warhead of more than 500 kg.The last users trial of Prithvi-II was successfully carried out from the same base on on December 20, 2012. Voyager Becomes First Man-Made Object To Leave The Solar System According to the new research shows ,NASA‘s long-lived Voyager probe crossed into interstellar space last year, becomes the first man-made object to leave the solar system.Voyager 1 space craft was launched in 1977 along with a sister probe,


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Voyager 2, to observe the outer planets. Voyager 1 is now approximately 120 times farther away from the sun than Earth. Voyager 2 is heading out of the solar system in a different direction.The probes are powered by the slow decay of radioactive plutonium. Voyager 1 will begin running out of energy for its science instruments in 2020. By 2025, it will be completely out of power. India‟s Super Hercules Lands At Highest Airfield On LAC The Super Hercules C 130 J transport plane landed at the world‘s highest and recently-activated Daulat Beg Oldie airstrip in Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir for the first time on 20 August .The Daulat Beg Oldie airstrip located at 16614 feet (5065 metres) in the Aksai Chin area..In April, the area saw a 21-day stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops who came and pitched tents in the vicinity of the airfield and returned only after several rounds of flag meetings between both sides.The achievement will enable the armed forces to use the heavy-lift aircraft to induct troops, supplies, improve communication network and also serve as a morale booster for maintenance of troops positioned there.C-130J is capable of lifting upto 20 tonnes of load. India‟s First Defence Satellite GSAT-7 Launched Successfully India‘s first exclusive defence satellite GSAT-7 was successfully launched by European space consortium Arianespace‘s Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou spaceport in French Guiana on 30 August.This launch will push ahead India‘s maritime security.GSAT–7 has been built at an expense of 185 crore rupees and will act as the country‘s maiden dedicated spacecraft for defence applications.The frequency bands of GSAT-7 will help space-based marine communications. It has coverage over India landmass as well as surrounding seas.Earlier, satellite communication in ships was through Inmarsat, a major provider of global mobile satellite communications services.The state-of-the-art satellite carrying payloads operating in UHF, S, C and Ku bands, had a lift-off mass of 2625 kg and is based on ISRO‘s 2500 kg satellite bus with some new technological elements, including the antennae.According to ISRO, GSAT-7 is an advanced communication satellite to provide wide range of service spectrum from low bit rate voice to high bit rate data communication.Payload of the GSAT–7 is designed to provide communication capabilities to users in distant oceanic regions. Its solar arrays generate 2900 W of electrical power. US Scientists Created the Most Precise Clock of the World

The National Institute of Standards and Technology Scientist from U.S , revealed in the month of August 2013 that they created the most precise clock of the world. The ticking rate of this clock varies less than two parts in one quintillion, or ten times better than any clock in the world. The clock is made up of the element ytterbium. This element can be used for technological advancements beyond the timekeeping. The clock can be used for various purposes such as checking temperature, navigation systems as well as magnetic fields.The co-author of the study which revealed the clock, Andrew Ludlow explained that the stability of this ytterbium lattice clock paves way for other practical applications of high-performance timekeeping.

PERSONS IN NEWS


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A) APPOINTMENTS Rajeev Rishi is new CMD of Central Bank of India On 1 August Rajeev Rishi took over as the Chairman and Managing Director of Central Bank of India .His appointment is for a period of five years.Prior to the new appointment, Mr. Rishi served as the Executive Director of Indian Bank, since October 2010. Before joining Indian Bank, he was the General Manager of Oriental Bank of Commerce.Rajeev Rishi, who belongs to Chandigarh, holds a BA and an LLB and an expert in Banking. Arundhati Bhattacharya Appointed Managing Director Of SBI On 2 August Arundhati Bhattacharya was appointed the managing director and chief financial officer of the State Bank of India(SBI).She is the first managing director at SBI, which is India‘s largest bank.Arundhati succeeded Diwakar Gupta. Hassan Rouhani Sworn In As Iran‟s New President On 4 August Hassan Rohani was sworn in as the new President of Iran in the ceremony held at the Iranian Parliament in Tehran.Rouhani is the seventh (different) President of Iran after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Raghuram Rajan Appointed as the New Governor of RBI On 6 August Chief economic adviser Raghuram Govind Rajan has been appointed as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).Rajan will have a term of three years.He will be the 23rd Governor of RBI.He is 50 years of age and so far, he is the youngest person to become the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.He was appointed as the youngest-ever Economic Counselor and Director of Research (chief economist) at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from October 2003 to December 2006.Rajan was appointed as Chief Economic Advisor to the Ministry of Finance, Government of India on 10 August 2012. Dilip Trivedi is new CRPF chief

On 17 August Senior IPS officer Dilip Trivedi has been appointed as the new chief of the country‘s largest paramilitary force CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force). Trivedi, a 1978-batch officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre has served in various positions in the state police and has also served in the Centre as ADG of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.He succeeded Pranay Sahay who retired on 31 July 2013. Michel Djotodia Sworn In As Central African Republic President On 18 August Former rebel leader Michel Djotodia was formally sworn in as the Central African Republic‘s President.Djotodia has been in charge of the country during the chaos that followed the rebels‘ seizure of control in March 2013, when they swept into power from their northern bases, overpowering South African forces protecting former leader Francois Bozize.Djotodia was a leader of the Seleka rebel coalition in the December 2012 rebellion; following a peace agreement, he was appointed to the government as First Deputy Prime Minister for National Defense in February 2013. Robert Mugabe Sworn In As Zimbabwe President

On 21 August Robert Mugabe has been sworn in for a new five-year term as President of Zimbabwe.Mugabe of Zanu-PF (Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front) party won the Presidential election (Parliamentary Election) by winning 61 percent votes in his favour on 3 August .


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Parthasarathi Shome Appointed As Chairman Of TARC

On 26 August the Union Government of India set up a commission under the chairmanship of Parthasarathy Shome to review tax laws and suggest ways for a stable and non-adversarial tax administration.The seven-member Tax Administration Reform Commission (TARC) will have a 18-month tenure to suggest various measures including an appropriate organisational structure for tax governance. Justice N V Ramana Appointed as Chief Justice of Delhi High Court On 30 August Justice Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana, Judge of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh,was appointed as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Delhi.Justice Ramana replaced Chief Justice D. Murugesan, who retired in June.Justice Ramana was appointed as a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on 27 June 2000.Ramana had enrolled as an advocate in February 1983 and has practiced in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, central and state administrative tribunals and the Supreme Court.He holds specialisation in constitutional, criminal, service and inter-state river laws.He has specialized in Constitutional, criminal, service and Inter-State River laws. He has functioned as Panel Counsel for various Government organizations. B)RESIGNS Egypt Vice President ElBaradei Resigned

Egyptian vice-president, Nobel laureate Mohamed ElBaradei, announced his resignation in a letter to the interim president on14 August .The resignation comes after scores were killed in a crackdown by security forces on loyalists of ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. C)DEATHS Veteran Music Director Dakshinamoorthy Died Venkateswaran Dakshinamoorthy, the veteran veteran carnatic musician and music director died on 2 August in Mylapore, Chennai.The veteran was known as Swamy in the music industry and gave music to songs of more than 125 films in Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi.He has to his credit about 859 songs that were composed by him over seven decades of his service to the world of Music. He debuted as a Music composer in the a Malayalam movie Nalla Thanka (Nalla Thankal in Tamil) in 1950.He was the proud recipient of Kerala State Film Award for best music director in 1971.In 1998, he received the Kerala State Film Award for Lifetime Achievement. Former Air Commodore Jasjit Singh Died On 4 August Noted strategic analyst Air Commodore (retired) Jasjit Singh died in NewDelhi. He was conferred with the Padma Bhushan, the second highest civilian award, in the year 2006 by the former president APJ Abdul Kalam. Former Union minister Devendra Prasad Yadav Died On 11 August Former Union minister and senior Congress leader from Bihar, Devendra Prasad Yadav, died in NewDelhi.Yadav was a three-time Member of Parliament from Munger parliamentary seat of Bihar and had served as Minister of State for Education between 1971-77 in Indira Gandhi‘s cabinet. Renowned Naturalist and Ornithologist Zafar Futehally Died

On 11 August Zafar Rashid Futehally an Indian naturalist, ornithologist and


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conservationist has died on 11 August at Kihim in Maharashtra.Zafar Futehally led the early years of the conservation movement in India and served as a link between conservationists and corporate.He was conferred with several national and international honours, including the Padma Shri in 1970.He also edited and published an anthology of writings by Indian birdwatchers, ―India through its birds‖, which was published in 2007. Former Nepal Prime Minister Man Singh Shrestha Died Former Nepalese Prime Minister Marich Man Singh Shrestha has died in Kathmandu on 15 August.He had served as Nepal‘s Prime Minister for about four years till April 1990, when the political parties launched an agitation to restore democratic rights. Kapil Dev‟s Former Coach Desh Prem Azad Died On 16 August Desh Prem Azad, the former coach of cricketer Kapil Dev and Dronacharya awardee died in Mohali.He trained cricketers such as Kapil Dev, Ashok Malhotra, Chetan Sharma and Yograj Singh in the late 1970s.Desh Prem Azad represented Haryana, the Maharaja of Patiala‘s XI and Southern Punjab, while playing 19 first-class matches. In these matches, he scored 658 runs while grabbed 8 wickets in all. Crime Novelist Elmore Leonard Died Elmore Leonard, one of America‘s best known crime novelists,has died on 20 August .Twenty-six of his books and short stories have been adapted for the screen, including ―Hombre,‖ ―Get Shorty,‖ ―Jackie Brown,‖ (based on 1992′s ―Rum Punch‖) and ―Justified,‖ a TV shows based on 1993′s ―Pronto,‖ 1995′s ―Riding the Rap‖ and the 2001 short story ‗Fire in the Hole.‖ His most recent novel, ―Raylan,‖ was released in 2012. Eminent Classical Singer Raghunath Panigrahi Died On 25 August Eminent Indian classical singer and music director Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi died in Bhubaneswar.Pandit Panigrahi‘s effort to popularise poet Jayadeva‘s ‗Gita Govinda‘.Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi was born at Gunupur in Odisha‘s Rayaga (earlier Koraput) district.Pandit Raghunath was the first Odia singer to be honoured by the French government for his ‗Gita Govinda‘ composition way back in the 70s.He was also conferred with the Padmashri award in the year 2010. Nobel Literature Laureate Seamus Heaney Died On 30 August Irish writer and poet Seamus Heaney, who won the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literature, died in Dublin.Seamus Heaney was born on 13 April 1939 in Northern Ireland.Northern Ireland-born Heaney published his first major collection of poems, ―Death of a Naturalist‖, in 1966 and went on to become one of the English language‘s leading poets.Heaney worked as the professor of poetry at Oxford University between 1989 and 1994. D)VISITORS Afghanistan Vice-President Mohammad Karim Khalili Visited India

The vice president of Afghanistan, Mohammad Karim Karim Khalili visited India from 20 – 22 August.During the visit Khalili met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New delhi .In the meet both nations discussed security issues and trade among other bilateral issues.Khalili also meet‘s India‘s president Pranab Mukherjee, vice-president


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Mohammad Hamid Ansari, and external affairs minister Salman Khurshid and discussed on both countries bilateral issues. Iraq‟s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Visited India Nouri Al-Maliki, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq visited India from 22 -25 August.During his four day visit , Maliki met with the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh and President of Indian Union, Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President of India, Hamid Ansari in New Delhi.Both the nations exchanged views on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest and reached a broad consensus. The discussions enabled better understanding and appreciation of each other‘s concerns and perspectives and helped in forging closer understanding at the highest political level and also several MoUs were signed between the two nations. This was the first visit of Maliki to India E)MISCELLANEOUS Amazon Founder & CEO Jeff Bezos Buys Washington Post Amazon Founder & CEO Jeff Bezos has purchased the Washington Post Newspaper of US. Seattle-based Amazon owner Jeffrey P Bezos has agreed to buy the newspaper assets of The Washington Post Company for USD 250 million.Bezos, whose entrepreneurship has made him one of the world‘s richest men, will pay $250 million in cash for The Post and affiliated publications to The Washington Post Co., which owns the newspaper and other businesses.The Washington Post (WP) is an American daily newspaper. It is the most widely circulated newspaper published in Washington, D.C., and oldest extant in the area, founded in 1877. 11-year-old UK girl has higher IQ than Einstein On 5 August An 11-year-old schoolgirl in the U.K. has achieved the highest possible score of 162 on a Mensa IQ test, making her brainier than scientists Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein. Cerys Cooksammy-Parnell, a grade six schoolgirl took up the test with the aim of beating her father‘s score of 142. She also scored the highest mark possible in the test, scoring 162 on the Cattell B scale. Sharapova Tops „ Forbes „ List of Best Paid Female Athletes

On 6 August Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova has topped the ‗ Forbes ‗ list of highest-earning female athletes for the ninth-straight year, raking in $29 million over the last 12 months.American Serena Williams is second on the list with earnings of 20.5 million US dollars, Chinese star Li Na in third with $18.2 million and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in fourth with $15.7 million. Indian American Students Wins National Geographic World Championship On 9 August A team of three young Indian American students defeated teams from 17 other regions to win top honours at the 11th National Geographic World Championship in Russia‘s St Petersburg.The team was made up of captain Gopi Ramanathan from Sartell, Minnesota; Asha Jain from Minocqua, Wisconsin; and Neelam Kaur Sandhu from Bedford, New Hampshire.In the biennial competition, teams of students answered questions on physical, cultural and economic geography.Ramanathan, already has won his state geography bee twice. He had finished seventh in the 2012 National Bee in Washington, DC. The competition was


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sponsored by Google, and presented by the US National Geographic Society in partnership with the Russian Geographical Society. Canadian Street Named After Mahatma Gandhi On 15 August A street in Canada‘s Winnipeg city has been named after Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of India‘s 67th Independence Day. The street leading to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights will now be known as Honorary Mahatma Gandhi Way. At a ceremony , the Mayor of Winnipeg Sam Katz explained that the street was named so after an individual who is synonymous with the struggle for human rights. Dhoni Beats Rafael Nadal – Usain Bolt In „ Forbes „ List Of Highest – Paid Athletes On 20 August Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been ranked 16th in the latest ‗Forbes‘ list of highest-paid athletes with an earning of $31.5 million (around Rs.180 crore).In the list, he was placed above Rafael Nadal and Usain Bolt.As per the latest Forbes list of highest-paid athletes in the world, dhoni earned $31.5 million between June 2012 and June 2013.List of places don above F1 Fernando Alonso, who is on the 19th, Lewis Hamilton on the 26th, Novak Djokovic on the 28th, Rafael Nadal is in 30th place, and Usain Bolt in the 40th grade.Doni has risen 15 places in this year‘s list. It took 31 th rank in the last year. Sachin Tendulkar is the only Indian athlete, who is one of the rank of 31 and a total annual revenue of $ 22 million (Rs 125 crore).List is topped by golfer Tiger Woods, who made $ 78.1 million last year, followed by Roger Federer, who earned $ 71.5 million, basketball player Kobe Bryant with earnings of $ 61.9 million.The calculation is based on earnings estimates, which includes salaries, bonuses and cash prizes from both the club and the national team, as well as approval of revenue. Madonna Tops Forbes‟ 2013 Highest-Paid Celebrities List

On 27 August According to Forbes ‘2013 list of highest-paid celebrities ‗Madonna was the world‘s highest-earning celebrity in 2012-13.Madonna made $US125 million between June 2012 and June 2013.Veteran film director Steven Spielberg took second place in the list, while musical talent show mogul Simon Cowell tied for third with Fifty Shades of Grey author EL James and disc jockey Howard Stern. Most Wanted Indian Mujahideen Terrorist Yasin Bhatka Arrested Indian Mujahideen co-founder and one of India‘s most wanted terrorists, Yasin Bhatkal was arrested on 30 August.Yasin has been on the run since 2008. The IM leader is wanted in a string of terror attacks in Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune, Delhi and Hyderabad.Yasin, who co-founded IM in 2008 along with brother Riaz, is also wanted in the German Bakery bomb blast in Pune on February 13, 2010.

PLACES IN NEWS

Strong Earthquake HitsChina

On 14 August China hit by strong earthquake with magnitude of 6.1.The earthquake occured in jolted parts of Tibet.Due to this earthquake at least 87 people were injured and over 45,000 homes damaged .The epicenter of the earthquake was identified nearer to the Ringo town.


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Submarine „INS Sindhurakshak „ Sinks After Major Blast In Mumbai

On 14 August in a huge setback to the Indian Navy, a conventional submarine ‗INS Sindhurakshak‘ exploded after a fire on board and sank in the naval dockyard in Mumbai , in which 18 personnel, including three officers are feared killed.A smaller intensity explosion was followed by two massive blasts, causing a major fire in the Russian-made submarine.In 2010, a fire broke out on board Sindhurakshak leaving a sailor dead and two others injured. INS Sindhurakshak was a Russian-made Kilo-class 877EKM(Sindhughosh-class) diesel-electric submarine of the Indian Navy.Commissioned on 24 December 1997, it was the ninth of the ten Kilo-class submarines in the Indian Navy.On 4 June 2010, the Indian Defence Ministry and Zvezdochka shipyard signed a contract worth US$80 million to upgrade and overhaul the submarine. After the overhaul, it returned to India from Russia in 2013. 1300 People Killed In Chemical Attack On Syria On 21 August nearly 1300 people, including children were killed in in Damascus, the capital of Syria..This was one of the deadliest chemical attacks in the civil war of Syria. Toxic gas was fired from the rockets.

ABBREVIATIONS

DRDO —– Defence Research and Development Organisation SAARC —– South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation AGOC —— Asian Games Organisation Committee CDRI ——- Central Drug Research Institute FEMA —– Foreign Exchange Management Act FIPB ——- Foreign Investment Promotion Board IFTU —— International Federation of Trade Unions IRDA —– Insurance Regulatory Development Authority NABARD —- National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development SEBI ——- Security Exchange Board of India UNHCR —— United Nations High Commission for Refugees WMO —– World Meteorological Organisation

BOOKS IN NEWS

„The Moon Baller‟ Book Released

On 5 August Former India No.1 and tennis ace Nirupama Vaidyanathan‘s autobiographical account ‗The Moon Baller‘ was released at a function held at the Madras Cricket Club.The book, which goes back in time to chronicle the times when professional tennis for Indian women was quite unheard of, was launched by tennis legend Vijay Amritraj. ” My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions ” by Abdul Kalam Released In the month of August ‖ My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions‖ by former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was launched by the Rupa Publication.In his new book Kalam shares the inspiration and the lessons he learned from personal stories of his life. The book describes the lesser known events from his life.


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„Dhyan Chand – The Wizard of Hockey‟ Book Released

The first-of-its-kind graphic biography on former Indian Hockey player Dhyan Chand titled ‖ Dhyan Chand-The Wizard of Hockey ‖ was launched at Dhyanchand Stadium in New Delhi on 29 August .The biography was launched on the National Sports Day to commemorate the 108th birth anniversary of the legend.The book has been written by Luis Fernandes, who researched extensively on the subject.The book is being printed by comic-series publication Amar Chitra Katha.The book focussed on Dhyan Chand‘s achievements and goal-scoring feats at 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympics that got him the title The Wizard.

COMMITTEES

Virginius Xaxa Committee To Asses Status Of Scheduled Tribes

On 17 August On the pattern of Sachar Committee for Muslims, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has set up a committee to assess the status of scheduled tribes with an aim of ensuring their uplift, particularly in socio-economic, health and education fields.Prof. Virginius Xaxa was appointed as the chairman of the seven-member committee.The committee will finalise and present its report within nine months from the date of this notification.The Prime Minister‘s decision of setting up a committee came after the government found that the STs, who form 7.5 percent of the country‘s population, are not getting enough dues despite the special status in the constitution.


International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances on August 30 each year.The UN General Assembly declared this day by its resolution 65/209, on 21 December 2010. The UN General Assembly, by this same resolution also welcomed the adoption of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. The involuntary or enforced disappearances are a result of abduction, detention or arrest or other factors or reasons. Also, there are growing numbers of reports which include ill-treatment, harassment as well as intimidation of the witnesses of these disappearances or of the persons or the relatives who have disappeared. National Sports Day Is Observed On 29 August National Sports Day in India is observed on 29 August of every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Indian hockey legend Dhyan Chand.National sports day celebrated every year on 29 August to bring awareness about sports in public.This year, events like walkathon and football tournaments were held across the country for the first time as part of the National Sports Day celebrations. On the occasion of National Sports Day, a scheme known as Come and Play has been launched for general public to make optimal use of Sports Authority of India stadia. Major Dhyan Chand is an iconic Indian hockey player who is remembered as a magician of Indian hockey. He was the prime member of Indian hockey team which brought three Olympic gold medals in field of Hockey – in 1928 (Amsterdam), 1932 (Los Angeles)


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and 1936 (Berlin).He was honored with Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1956 for his outstanding contribution to Indian Hockey.Major Dhyan Chand‘s birthday, 29 August is celebrated as National Sports Day in India. Major sports awards like Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya awards are presented on this occasion to the sportsperson who has shown tremendous commitment towards the game and made the Country proud.

SEPTEMBER 2013 CURRENT AFFAIRS INTERNATIONAL

Tony Abbott is Australia‟s new Prime Minister Tony Abbott , Leader of the Liberal Party elected as the Prime Minister of Australia on 8 October.Liberal Party won the 44th Parliamentary elections. Liberal Party defeated the in-power Labor Party in the general elections held on 7 September 2013 to return back in power as the Liberal-National coalition for the first time in six years.With this win, Tony Abbott the leader of the Liberal-National Coalition will become the Prime Minister of the Country and successor of Kevin Rudd of the Labor Party.The coalition won 88 seats in the 150 seat Parliament. The ruling Labor Party was successful in winning 57 seats. US and Russia Agreement on Removing Chemical Weapons on Syria The United States and Russia have on 14 September agreed on a framework for removing chemical weapons from Syria .The breakthrough was announced after three day talks between the US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva.The USA and Russia have agreed that Syria‘s chemical weapons must be destroyed or removed by mid-2014. USA outlined a six-point framework under which Syria must hand over a full list of its stockpile within a week. European Union Pledges 650 million euros To Somalia

The European Union has pledged 650 million euros ($868 million) in aid to Somalia to back a three-year reconstruction plan aimed at building on fragile security gains in the country.International donors met in Brussels on 16 September to approve Somalia‘s ―New Deal.‖International donors pledged 1.8 billion euros for Somalia. 232 Million Global Migrants Living Abroad World Wide On 12 September According to the new figures from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) showed that 232 million people, or 3.2 percent of the world‘s population, live abroad worldwide, compared with 175 million in 2000 and 154 million in 1990.With more people than ever living abroad, Asia sees the largest increase of international migrants in the past decade, and the US remains the most popular destination.New figures from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) showed that 232 million people, or 3.2 percent of the world‘s population, live abroad worldwide, compared with 175 million in 2000 and 154 million in 1990.The new estimates include breakdowns by region and country of destination and origin, and by sex and age. The north, or developed countries, is home to 136


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million international migrants, compared with 96 million in the south, or developing countries. Egyptian Court Bans Muslim Brotherhood The Egypt court on 23 September has banned the Muslim Brotherhood from carrying out any activities in the country.The court also ordered the seizure of any assets held by the Brotherhood, estimated by the interim military-backed government to have more than a million members.The administrative court gave the ruling after a lawsuit was filed by the leftist Tagammu Party to review the Islamist group‘s status as a non-governmental organisation.

INDIA & WORLD

3rd India – Republic of Korea Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue Held In Seoul The 3rd India – Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) was held in Seoul on 2 September .The Indian side was led by Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) side was led by First Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Kim Kyou-hyun.Both nations discussed ways to further expand and deepen their Strategic Partnership. They undertook a comprehensive review of bilateral ties, including in the fields of economic collaboration, defense and security cooperation, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.They agreed to step up cooperation in the spheres of maritime and cyber security.It was agreed that the 4th India-ROK Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue will be held at New Delhi at a mutually convenient time in 2014. Government Approves India-Abu Dhabi Air Services Agreement The India-Abu Dhabi bilateral air services agreement, which ran into controversy following the Jet-Etihad deal, was approved by the Government of India on 2 September enabling their airlines to fly 50,000 seats each week, up from the current level of 13,700.The agreement received post-facto approval of the Union Cabinet at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in NewDelhi 7th India-Laos Joint Commission Meeting Held In Vientiane The 7th India-Lao Joint Commission Meeting on bilateral cooperation was held in Vientiane on 9 September.In the meeting Indian side was led by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and the Laos side was led by Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.An Agreement under Line of Credit for four Irrigation Projects in three provinces in the Lao PDR for 30.94 million US dollars was signed and conversion of another Line of Credit to substitute the Nam Boun-2 hydro power plant by the extension of transmission lines to Thasala-Laksao amounting to 35.25 million US dollars was approved. The projects will contribute to socio-economic development in Lao PDR.The two nations identified agriculture, defence, ICT, culture, education, health, trade and investment promotion, mining as priority areas of cooperation between the two countries that would give further impetus to bilateral relations. India, Japan Signed Statement To Study LNG Pricing

India and Japan on 9 September signed a statement on conducting a joint study on


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the pricing of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) with an aim to form a transparent and globally competitive LNG price in the Asia Pacific market.India‘s Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Veerappa Moily and Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Toshimitsu Motegi signed the joint statement in Tokyo. India – China Agreed To Enhance Cooperation In Media Sector

India and China on 16 September have agreed to initiate steps to include media cooperation as part of 2014 celebrations being observed to commemorate ―Friendly Exchanges‖ between the two countries.The agreement was a part of the first meeting of the India-China Media Forum being held in New Delhi. The meeting took place between Manish Tewari, Minister for Information & Broadcasting of India and Cai Ming Zhao, Minister of State Council Information Office of China. India and US signed First Commercial Agreement Under Nuclear Deal

Five years after India and the US signed a landmark civil nuclear deal, the two countries have clinched the first commercial agreement on civilian nuclear power cooperation.President Barack Obama announced the agreement on 27 September after his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the White House Oval Office.India‘s nuclear operator NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited) and US firm Westinghouse have signed an agreement that will pave the way for setting up an atomic plant in India.

NATIONAL

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Launched „ Gandhi Heritage Portal „ In NewDelhi Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 2 September launched the ‗ Gandhi Heritage Portal ‗ in New Delhi.The Gandhi heritage Portal is set up to preserve, protect and disseminate original writings of Gandhiji.The Gandhi Heritage Portal is a technology-driven initiative aimed at making Gandhiji accessible all over the world on an electronic platform. It would be one of the most authentic open source archives on the life and work and thought of Mahatma Gandhi. 3rd All India Survey on Higher Education Launched On 3 September Minister of State for Human Resource Development Jitin Prasada launched the third All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE)-2012-13 .The survey was initiated in the year 2011 to prepare a robust data-base on higher education.Data for the year 2010-11 was collected during the first year of the survey.Keeping in view the usefulness of data collected during the very first year, Ministry has decided to make this survey an annual exercise of data collection in higher education sector. The survey covers all the Higher Education (HE) Institutions of the country including Universities, Colleges, and Stand-Alone Institutions.The main items of data collection under survey are Basic details, Programme details, Teaching & Non-Teaching Staff, Student Enrolment, Examination Results and Scholarships. Judicial Appointments Commission Bill Passed In Rajya Sabha The Rajya Sabha on 5 September passed the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, which seeks to scrap the collegium system of appointing judges to higher courts.The bill, which entails Constitutional amendment, seeks to set up a Judicial Appointments


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Commission (JAC) to recommend appointment and transfer of Supreme Court and High Court judges. Lok Sabha Passed Bill To Set Up First National Aviation University Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University Bill, 2013 was passed by the Lok Sabha on 6 September.The purpose of the bill is to establish the first-ever national aviation university in India, called Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University, which is named after Rajiv Gandhi. The University would train the cabin crew, pilots as well as aircraft engineers.The proposed university would come up at Sonia Gandhi‘s constituency of Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh. Cabinet Committee On Economic Affairs Approved Proposal For Restructuring SJSRY The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on 3 September approved the proposal for restructuring of the centrally sponsored Scheme of Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) in the 12th Plan and as the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) with an allocation of approximately Rs. 6,405 crore.The mission of National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) is reduction of poverty and vulnerability of the urban poor households by enabling them to access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities.The mission will also aim at providing shelter equipped with essential services to the urban homeless in a phased manner. President Gave Assent To Land Acquisition Bill The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill 2013,has received the assent of the President of India on 27 Septmeber.The bill has now become law.The Lok Sabha passed the bill on 29 August 2013 and Rajya Sabha passed the bill on 4 September 2013.The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Law, 2013, replaces a British-era law of 1894. It provides for fair compensation to owners whose land is taken over, brings transparency to the process and lays down measures for rehabilitation of those displaced.

STATES

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Launched New Health Initiatives For Assam Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad on 1 September launched several new health initiatives worth Rs.500 crores under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) for the strengthening of healthcare services in Assam.The new initiatives are – Free Generic Drug Service, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya karyakram (RBSK), National Iron Plus Initiative, Fleet of 359 New Ambulances for National Ambulance Service.Ghulam Nabi Azad also inaugurated Mother and Child Tracking System Call Centre and Tele-Radiology Project under NRHM. Himachal Pradesh Scrapped Palchan-Rohtang Ropeway Project

Himachal Pradesh cabinet on 4 September decided to cancel construction of Palchan-Rohtang ropeway project in Kullu district. The proposed project was planned to transport around 9000 visitors between Palchan and Rohtang daily to decongest the Manali-Leh road. There is a huge rush of tourists between May and July every year.


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Kerala Government Launched „ E-Payment „ Facility

The Kerala Government has launched on 5 September an ―e-payment facility‖ system enabling people to pay various utility bills and access Government department services online.The payment of Utility bills of Kerala State Electricity Board, Kerala Water Authority, BSNL and university fees could be done through the gateway using credit and debit cards of 66 banks identified for the scheme.One can avail the service at all Akshaya e-centers of the government which would act as decentralized information hubs and service delivery points. MP Government Decided To Constitute State Disaster Emergency Response Force The Madhya Pradesh Government on 10 September decided to constitute a State Disaster Emergency Response Force to deal with any calamity more effectively and provide immediate relief to affected persons.Initially, the State Disaster Emergency Response Force will be set up in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior and Jabalpur districts.100 jawans will be deployed in each of these districts. Union Government Approved 1000 crore Proposal To Develop J&K sports The Union Government of India on 16 September approved a special package 1000 crore Rupees to strengthen sports infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir .The objective of the special package is construction of new stadiums and sports fields across the state.The Jammu and Kashmir Government made a policy under which every block in the state will be provided with both indoor and outdoor sports complexes. Every panchayat in the state will be provided with a sports field, and the government will also upgrade the already available sports equipments. Prime Minister Manmohan Laid The Foundation Stone For New Airport In Rajasthan Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 21 September laid the foundation stone for a new airport at Kishangarh town in Ajmer District, Rajasthan.Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singhon also announced that small destinations in the country will have air connectivity with a network of more than 100 airports, planned to meet the expected passenger load capacity of 30 crore, by 2020.The first such airport will come up in Kishangarh town in Rajasthan‘s Ajmer district, the airport which is scheduled to get operational by 2016.

CONFERENCES

8th G-20 Summit Held In Saint Petersburg The eighth G20 Summit was held at St. Petersburg , Russia on 5 – 6 September 2013.The G20 nations discussed ways to ensure economic growth and financial stability, create jobs and combat unemployment, stimulate investment and promote multilateral trade, international development and anti-corruption. The members of the Group of Twenty (G-20) are: Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Great Britain, Germany, European Union, India, Indonesia, Italy, Canada, China, Mexico, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, USA, Turkey, France, South Africa, Republic of Korea, and Japan. The presidency of the G20 rotates annually among its members.During the summit, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh focused on the ongoing economic crisis and urged


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the G-20 nations to pay more attention to their monetary policies.The 2014 G-20 Australia summit will be the ninth meeting of the G-20 heads of government.It will be held in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, Australia, on 15-16 November 2014 .In a 27-page declaration adopted at the end of the two-day Summit , the group of 20 industrialised and major emerging economies also reaffirmed its commitment to roll back new protectionist measures. Important Points of G-20 Leaders‟ Declaration :- * Recognising the risk of economic slowdown and weakening trade posed by protectionism, the G20 has decided to extend until the end of 2016 its standstill commitment to further progress in removing barriers and impediments to global trade and investment. * G-20 Leaders endorsed an ambitious action plan to change national tax rules that encourage multinational companies to shift their profits to low- or no-tax jurisdictions, allowing them not to pay tax on much of their income. * The declaration committed itself to cooperate to ensure that policies implemented to support domestic growth also support global growth and financial stability and to manage their spillovers other countries. * It noted that the most urgent need is to increase the momentum of the global recovery, generate higher growth and better jobs while strengthening the foundations for long term growth and avoiding policies that could cause the recovery to falter or promote growth at other countries‘ expense. * Agreeing on the Action Plan, the leaders said cross-border tax evasion and avoidance undermine public finances and trust in the fairness of the tax system. * The Summit also shared Prime Minister Manmohan Singh‘s views on the need for orderly exit from the monetary stimulus undertaken in the context of 2008 economic crisis.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Zubin Mehta Received Tagore Award

World acclaimed orchestra conductor Zubin Mehta was conferred the prestigious Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony on 6 September by President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi.The award carries an amount of One Crore Rupees, a citation in a scroll, a plaque as well as an exquisite traditional handicraft/handloom item.He is the second recipient after sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar. Amitabh Bachchan Honoured With „ 2013 Global Diversity‟ Award Veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan was conferred with the ‗ 2013 Global Diversity Award ‗ at the House of Commons in the Palace of Westminster, Britain on 11 September.Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP, presented the award to Amitabh Bachchan.Bachchan, who has acted in more than 180 films, was voted the greatest star of the millennium in a 1999 BBC poll.France‘s highest civilian honour, the Knight of the Legion of Honour, was conferred upon him by the French Government in 2007 for his exceptional career in the world of cinema and beyond.


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Indian Freedom Fighter Gets „ House of Commons Award „

On 11 September An Indian freedom fighter was posthumously conferred a ‗Lifetime Achievement Award‘ at UK‘s House of Commons for his contribution during India‘s independence movement and its journey afterwards.Britain‘s Minister for Business Engagement with India Gregory Barker and Virendra Sharma, Chair of the Indo-British All Party Parliamentary Group jointly presented the award to late Jawaharlal Darda‘s son, Vijay Jawaharlal Darda, MP and Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Lokmat, the most widely circulated Marathi language newspaper. John Abraham Honoured With „ Pride of the Nation Award „ Bollywood actor John Abraham has been conferred with the Pride of the Nation award on 16 September for his attempt to raise the sensitive issue of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi‘s assassination through his role as a RAW agent in Madras Cafe.The award was presented by Anti Terrorist Front chairman Maninderjeet Singh in New Delhi. All-India Anti-Terrorist Front (AIATF) is an anti-terrorist organisation led by Maninderjeet Singh Bitta.In Madras Cafe film John Abraham made a courageous attempt to unravel the conspiracy behind the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. The film ―Madras Cafe‖ is set in the late 80s and early 1990s, during the time of Sri Lankan civil war and the assassination of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Malala Yousafzai Received „Amnesty „ International Award

Pakistani education rights activist, Malala Yousafzai has been named as the recipient of 2013 Amnesty International‘s highest award.Malala received Amnesty International‘s Ambassador of Conscience Award along with American singer and human rights activist Harry Belafonte at ceremony on 17 September in Dublin, Ireland.The Ambassador of Conscience Award is the human rights group‘s highest honour, recognizing individuals who have promoted and enhanced the cause of human rights through their life and by example.She made her first public appearance on 12 July 2013, her 16th birthday, when she delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. President of India Presented National Communal Harmony Awards For The Year 2011 & 2012 The President of India Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Communal Harmony Awards for the year 2011 and 2012 at a function in New Delhi. National Communal Harmony Award for 2011: - Odisha‘s MD Janab Haji Abdul

Bari and Mizoram‘s Khamliana jointly awarded for the year 2011 individual category. Both are social activists. National Communal Harmony Award for 2012:- The Foundation for Amity and

National Solidarity, Delhi awarded for Organisational category. The foundation formed in 1984.The Foundation works for spreading amity and communal harmony. Bunker Roy and Malala Yousafzai Received Clinton Global Citizens Awards India environmentalist Bunker Roy and Pakistan‘s teenage education activist Malala Yousafzai on 23 September 2013 declared as winners of the Clinton Global Citizens Awards for the year 2013. Roy is the founder of the Barefoot College, which has been providing solutions to problems in rural communities for more than 40 years.Malala Yousufzai has co-founded Malala Fund with the intension to continue support for


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universal access to education.They received these awards during Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting on 24 September in New York City.The Clinton Global Citizen Awards were launched in 2007 to honour outstanding individuals for their visionary leadership, demonstrated impact, and sustainable and scalable work in solving global issues.

SPORTS & GAMES

US Open Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners Women‟s Singles :- On 8 September Serena Williams (U.S) won the US Open Tennis Tournament 2013 Women‘s singles title after defeated Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.With this win Serena Williams secured her fifth US Open title and 17th Grand Slam title of the overall career. Men‟s Singles :- Rafael Nadal (Spain) won the 2013 men‘s singles U.S. Open title after defeated Novak Djokovic (Serbia) in the final.It is Nadal‘s second US Open title, and his 13th Grand Slam. Women‟s Doubles :- Czech duo Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka won the U.S. Open women‘s doubles title after defeated Australia‘s Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua in the final. Men‟s Doubles :- The pair of Leander Paes of India and Radek Stepanek of the

Czech Republic won the doubles title after defeated Alexander Peya of Austria, and Bruno Soares of Brazil in the final .Leander Paes has earlier won the US open title two times .Now Paes has 14 major titles in his cupboard, including six mixed doubles trophies. Tokyo To Host 2020 Summer Olympics On 7 September Tokyo has been chosen to host the 2020 summer Olympic Games by the event‘s organising committee, beating out Istanbul and Madrid in the final vote tally.Japan won the right to host Olympic Games for the second time. It had previously hosted the Games in 1964. Wrestling Selected for 2020 Olympic Games

Wrestling regained entry into the Olympic Games program on 8 September after the International Olympic Committee selected the sport for inclusion in the 2020 and 2024 Games over bids from squash, baseball and softball.IOC at its 125th session held in Buenos Aires, Argentina decided to include wrestling in the 2020 Olympics in addition to the 25 core sports.Wrestling, squash and baseball/softball were in contention for being included as an additional sport in the 2020 Olympics. Afghanistan Won SAFF Championship 2013

Afghanistan, for the first time in its history, won the trophy of South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship 2013 defeated India 2-0 in the final held at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on 11 September. India has won the championship six times (1993, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011).The next edition of the SAFF Championship will be held in India in 2015. Mohameddan Sporting Won Durand Foot Ball Cup Kolkata‘s Mohammedan Sporting club won the 126th Durand Foot ball tournament on 19 September as it defeated ONGC 2-1 in the final at the Ambedkar Stadium in New


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Delhi.They have lifted the cup after 73 years having won it back in 1940.The Durand Football Tournament was started at Simla in the year 1888 by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, who was then, the Foreign Secretary to Government of India. Durand is the third oldest football tournament in the world and oldest in Asia and India. Sania Mirza Wins Pan Pacific Open Doubles Title

Sania Mirza of India and Cara Black of Zimbabwe won the Toray Pan Pacific Open tennis championship women‘s doubles title after defeated Hao-Ching Chan (Chinese Taipei) and Liezel Huber (USA) in the final at Tokyo on 28 September .This was Sania‘s fourth title of the season. India Won Sultan of Johor Cup Hockey Tournament 2013 India defeated Malaysia 3-0 to win 3rd Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament in Johor Bahru on 29 September .The goals from the Indian side were scored by Amon Mirash Tirkey (22nd), Affan Yousuf (52nd) and Manpreet Singh (64th).

ECONOMY

Microsoft Decided To Buy Nokia‟s Mobile Phone Unit and Services Microsoft Corporation and Nokia Corporation on 3 September announced that both companies have decided to enter into a transaction whereby Microsoft will purchase substantially all of Nokia‘s Devices & Services business, license Nokia‘s patents, and license and use Nokia‘s mapping services.Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will pay 3.79 billion Euros to purchase substantially all of Nokia‘s Devices & Services business, and 1.65 billion Euros to license Nokia‘s patents, for a total transaction price of 5.44 billion Euros in cash.Nokia Corporation is a Finnish multinational communications and information technology corporation (originally a paper production plant) that is headquartered in Espoo, Finland.Its principal products are mobile telephones and portable IT devices.Nokia owns a company named Nokia Solutions and Networks, which provides telecommunications network equipment and services. India Now Has 7850 Ultra Wealthy Individuals On 11 September According to the ‖ 2013 Wealth-X report ―, India has 7850 UHNW (Ultra-High-Net-Worth) individuals in 2013 compared to 7730 in 2012 an increased of 1.6 percent. Out of these, 103 individuals have wealth of over USD 1 Billion dollars. The billionaire club has shrunk from 109 people in 2012 to 103 in 2013.Total combined wealth of billionaires also fell by 5.3 per cent $180 billion ($190 bn in 2012).A city-wise analysis shows that more than 90 per cent of India‘s UHNW population live in top 10 cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Gurgaon and Jaipur.Mumbai and Delhi, however, dominate with more than 50 per cent of the country‘s UHNW population based in one of these two cities. Cabinet Approved Buying $ 4.3 billion World Bank Bonds The Union Cabinet on 12 September gave the go-ahead to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to invest $4.3 billion in special bonds of the World Bank as it would help in securing additional funding from the multilateral lending agency for infrastructure


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development projects.Under the arrangement, the Reserve Bank of India will subscribe to special private placement of bonds by the IBRD, a lending arm of the World Bank. Indian Economy To Grow At 5.3% In 2013-14 The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (of India) on 13 September 2013 released the report ― Economic Outlook 2013-14 ― in New Delhi.The economic growth forecast of India for the current fiscal 2013-14 was lowered to 5.3 percent from 6.4 percent projected earlier. The PMEAC had in April 2013 projected 6.4 percent growth for Indian economy for current financial year.RBI too had earlier lowered its growth projection for this fiscal to 5.5 percent from 5.7 percent. Highlights of the of Economic Outlook India are as following : - * The PMEAC expects the agriculture sector to grow by 4.8 percent in the current fiscal up from 1.9 percent, while the industrial growth has been pegged at 2.7 percent as against 2.1 percent in 2012-13. * Services projected to grow at 6.6%in 2013-14 as against 7.1% in 2012-13. * Referring to the external sector, the advisory council expressed hope that the Current Account Deficit (CAD) in 2013-14 will come down to 70 billion US dollars or 3.8 percent of GDP, from 88.2 billion US dollars or 4.8 percent a year ago. * The trade deficit ,would come down to around USD 185 billion in 2013-14, against an estimated USD 195.7 billion in 2012-13. * Between 2010-11 and 2012-13, the combined impact of higher net oil and net gold imports on the CAD (Current Account Deficit) was almost 57 billion US dollars or 3 percent of GDP. * The CAD may go even below $ 70 billion in 2013-14 if the recent trends in exports and imports are maintained through the year. * Net Capital flows are projected to fall to USD 61.4 billion in 2013-14 against an estimated USD 89.4 billion in 2012-13 putting pressure on the country‘s forex reserves. RBI Increases Repo Rate By 25 Basis Points

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 20 September increased the repo rate or the short term lending rate by 25 basis points to 7.5 per cent from 7.25 per cent with immediate effect. This means that the Repo rate has been increased by 0.25 percent.The cash reserve ratio (CRR) remained unchanged at 4 percent.The RBI previously raised the repo rate in October 2011 by 0.25 per cent to 8.5 per cent. „ India Entertainment & Media Outlook 2013 „ Report Released According to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) – PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) ‗s latest report titled, ‗India Entertainment & Media Outlook 2013 ‗ was released on 13 September in New Delhi. Highlights of the „India Entertainment & Media Outlook 2013 „ Report :- * India‘s entertainment and media industry to clock over INR 224, 500 crore by 2017: CII-PwC study forecast CAGR of 18% over 2012-17 * Now the size of the Indian M&E sector increased from about 805 billion INR in 2011 to almost 965 billion INR in 2012 representing an year-on-year growth of 20%. * The television and print sectors dominate the industry with about 40% and 22%


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contribution to industry revenues respectively in 2012. * Internet access now commands about 18% share and films 12% of industry revenues. * Internet access now commands about 18% share and films 12% of industry revenues. * The print sector revenues are expected to increase at over 9% CAGR to reach 331 billion INR in 2017 from 212 billion INR in 2012. * Year-on-year sectors such as internet access (30%), internet advertising (29%), gaming (19%), and music (15%) are expected to continue on their high growth trajectory. * The radio sector is also expected to receive a fillip with the successful conclusion of Phase III licence auctions and it is expected to grow at a robust CAGR of about 16%.


Indian Air Force inducts its Biggest Transport Aircraft „ C-17 Globemaster III „

Union Defence Minister AK Antony on 2 September formally inducted IAF‘s biggest 70-tonne heavy-lift transport aircraft ‗ C-17 Globemaster III ‗ into service at the Hindon Air Base near Delhi.The C-17 Globemaster III aircraft has been procured from the US under a deal expected to be over Rs.20,000 crore.The C-17, with a capability to carry around 70 tonnes of load and around 150 fully geared troops, will replace the Russian Il-76 as the biggest aircraft in the IAF inventory till now.The IL-76 has the capability to carry loads upto around 40 tonnes.The IAF has placed orders with the US for ten C-17 aircraft under the deal signed in 2011 and three of them have already been delivered.The US Air Force is scheduled to complete the delivery of all the 10 planes by the end of 2014. NASA Launches Spacecraft To Study Moon Atmosphere

NASA‘s Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) mission was successfully launched by a Minotaur 5 (spin stabilised delivery version) rocket on 7 September from NASA‘s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.LADEE is a robotic mission that will orbit the moon to gather detailed information about the lunar atmosphere, conditions near the surface, and environmental influences on lunar dust. World‟s Largest Volcano Discovered Under Pacific Ocean The world‘s largest volcano has been discovered on 5 September by University of Houston researchers on the floor of the Pacific Ocean. The volcano, 1,600 kilometres east of Japan and called the Tamu Massif, is the size of the British Isles.At 310,000 sq km (119,000 sq mi) Tamu Massif is comparable in size to Mars‘ vast Olympus Mons volcano – the largest in the solar system..The volcano consists of a vast single rounded dome in the shape of a shield, which is believed to have been formed 144 million years ago when it last erupted.Its top lies about 6,500 feet below the ocean surface. Japan Launches New Epsilon Rocket Japan‘s Epsilon-1 rocket — the first in a new generation of space rockets and the country‘s first rocket in 12 years — lifted off on 14 September from a space center on Japan‘s southern main island of Kyushu.The rocket, 24 meters in height and 90 tons


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in weight, placed the Spectroscopic Planet Observatory for Recognition of Interaction of Atmosphere, or SPRINT-A, into its orbit about an hour after the launch. The telescope will be used to observe planets including Venus, Mars and Jupiter from its Earth orbit.The Epsilon is the first new rocket design for Japan since the H2A was introduced in 2001. The H2A remains Japan‘s primary rocket but officials hope the Epsilon will lead to improvements in the more costly H2A program. Japan hopes to be more competitive in the international rocket-launching business. India Successfully Test Fired Nuclear – Capable „ Agni V „ Long Range Missile

India‘s most deterrent nuclear capable ballistic missile, Agni-5 was successfully test fired on 15 September from Chandipur Test Range in Balasore district off Odisha coast.Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Agni-5 can carry a single nuclear warhead of over 1000 kg and can strike with precision targets in China and Europe.The indigenously developed missile Agni-V is capable of striking a range of more than 5000 km. It is about 17 meter long and 2 metres wide with launch weight of around 50 tonnes.The first test flight of the Agni-5 on 19 April 2012 was a phenomenal success after which India joined the select club of the United States, Russia, France, Britain and China who have such capabilities. Agni-5 will give India the ability hit back or have second-strike capability even after a nuclear attack. The missile is India‘s fastest-travelling object and the first one to cross the Equator when launched from India.In the Agni series, India at present has Agni-1 with 700 km range, Agni-2 with 2000 km range, Agni-3 and Agni-4 with 2500 km to more than 3500 range. US Launches Unmanned Cygnus Cargo Ship To ISS Orbital Sciences Corp launched the first flight of its unmanned Cygnus cargo ship on 18 September to the International Space Station, as NASA forges ahead with its plan to privatise US space missions.The Cygnus capsule, hitched to Orbital Science‘s Antares rocket, blasted off from NASA‘s Wallops Flight Facility off Virginia‘s eastern coast.Cygnus will ferry about 1,300 pounds (590 kilograms) of food, clothing and other cargo for the crew aboard the space station. Iran Displays 30 Missiles With 2000 km Range Iran paraded 30 missiles with a nominal range of 2,000 km on 22 September, the first time it had displayed so many with a stated capacity to hit Israeli targets.Iran displayed 12 Sejil and 18 Ghadr missiles at the annual parade marking the anniversary of the outbreak of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.The stated range of both missiles would put not only Israel but also US bases in the Gulf within reach.

PERSONS IN NEWS

A) APPOINTMENTS Rakesh Sood Appointed as PM‟s Special Envoy on Disarment and Non-Proliferation

On 1 September Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has appointed Rakesh Sood, India‘s former Ambassador to Nepal, Afghanistan and France and the country‘s first Ambassador in charge of Disarmament in Geneva, as his new Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation.Rakesh Sood is a recognised expert in his field


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and will be able to make a valuable contribution to the country‘s foreign policy on security, non-proliferation and disarmament issues. Deepak Sandhu Becomes The First Woman Chief Information Commissioner On 5 September Deepak Sandhu became the first woman Chief Information Commissioner of the country.She was administered the oath of the office by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee.Sandhu served in many key positions like Principal Director General (Media and Communications) in the Press Information Bureau, Director General of DD (News), Director General (News) All India Radio before taking over as Information Commissioner in 2009. Kulkarni Becomes First Indian American State Judge In Northern California On 6 September A leading Indian American lawyer, Sunil R Kulkarni, has become the first South Asian American state judge in Northern California with his appointment to Santa Clara County Superior Court.In 2010, Indian American Paul Singh Grewal was appointed a magistrate judge in US District Court for the Northern District of California. Thomas Bach is new IOC president

Thomas Bach of Germany on 10 September has been elected as the new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).Bach succeeds Jacques Rogge, the Belgian who is stepping down after 12 years.Bach is also the first gold medalist to become IOC president. He won gold in team fencing for West Germany in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Justice Prafulla Chandra Pant Appointed First Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court

On 19 September Justice Prafulla Chandra Pant has been appointed as the first Chief Justice of the newly established Meghalaya High Court.Justice Pant will succeed Justice T Meena Kumari whose term as the Meghalaya Chief Justice was over two months ago.Justice Pant is a judge of the Uttarakhand High Court.Born in Pithoragarh district of then undivided Uttar Pradesh, he joined the UP Judicial Service in 1976 and held different posts. After the creation of Uttarakhand, he was the first Secretary, Judicial, of the state. Srinivasan Re-Elected As BCCI President For The Third Term Narayanaswamy Srinivasan has been re-elected as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for a third term at its 84th annual general meeting (AGM) held at Chennai on 29 September. He was unanimously re-elected as the president of BCCI for the term of 2013-14. Ranjib Biswal Appointed as new IPL chairman Former national selector Ranjib Biswal on 29 September has been appointed as chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) during the Annual General Meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at Chennai.Prior to this appointment Ranjib Biswal was manager of the Indian Cricket team during the ICC World Cup 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. He is also the head of Orissa Cricket Association. B)RESIGNS Rajasthan Minister Babulal Nagar Resigned


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Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies Babulal Nagar on 19 September resigned from the Rajasthan cabinet after being accused of raping a woman. C)DEATHS Audio Pioneer Ray Dolby of famed Sound System Died Ray Dolby, the engineer who pioneered the noise reduction in audio recordings that produced clearer sound for music and cinema, died on 12 September in San Francisco.He was the founder of Dolby Laboratories.His works in noise reduction and surround sound has been appreciated across the world and have won recognitions too.Dolby moved his company to San Francisco in 1976 and in 1989 was awarded an Oscar for his contributions to cinema, which he shared with Dolby executive Ioan Allen.Dolby also was given music‘s Grammy award 1995 and television‘s Emmys in 1989 and 2005. World‟s Oldest Man Salustiano Sanchez-Blazquez Died The world‘s oldest man, a former musician and coal miner, Salustiano Sanchez-Blazquez has died at the age of 112 in Grand Island, New York on 13 September.Salustiano Sanchez-Blazquez was officially certified by Guinness World Records as the world‘s oldest man.He was born on 8 June 1901 in Spain. D)VISITORS Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Visited India

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia, visited India from 9 – 13 September 2013 .During this visit,President Sirleaf met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in NewDelhi and held delegation level discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues.Both sides noted that there still remained considerable potential for cooperation and agreed to enhance the partnership between the two countries in all areas of mutual interest.On 12 September 2013, the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for the year 2012 was conferred upon President Sirleaf. E)MISCELLANEOUS Malala Yousafzai Inaugurates Europe‟s Largest Library In UK

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head in a failed assassination attempt by the Taliban, on 3 September inaugurated Europe‘s biggest public library in her newly adopted home of Birmingham in UK.The library of Brimingham was built with cost of 189-million pound ,while it has more than 200 public access computers,theatres ,an exhibition gallery and music rooms. Zardari Becomes First Pakistani President To Serve Full Term Pakistan‘s president stepped down on 8 September 2013, after finishing his five-year term .Asif Ali Zardari is the first president in the history of Pakistani democracy to be democratically elected, serve his full term, and then step down.He served as the 11th President of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013. Diana Became First Woman to Swim Across Florida Straits without Shark Cage

Diana Nyad, 64-year old American long-distance swimmer became the first person to cross Florida Straits from Cuba without any shark cage on 2 September 2013. This was her fifth attempt to cross the 110-mile (177-km) distance.Diana Nyad completed the 110-mile or 177-km distance.


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Nina Davuluri Wins „ Miss America „ 2014 Title

Nina Davuluri, Miss New York, was crowned the new Miss America on 15 September in Atlantic City, New Jersey.Miss New York, Nina Davuluri, became the first contestant of Indian heritage and the second consecutive contestant from New York to win the Miss America pageant.She succeeds another Miss New York, Mallory Hagan, whose tenure was cut short when the pageant moved back to Atlantic City after a six-year stint in Las Vegas, where winners were chosen in January.Nina Davuluri from Syracuse, sashayed off with the tiara and the $50,000 scholarship cash.She is the first Miss America winner of Indian descent. Megan Young Crowned Miss World 2013 Megan Young of Philippines was crowned Miss World 2013 at the Bali Nasa Dua Convention Center in Bali, Indonesia on 28 September.Miss France, Marine Lorphelin took second place, while Miss Ghana, Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter ,came in third. Miss India World Navneet Kaur Dhillon finished among the top 20 finalists but couldn‘t reach final ten. She won the title of Miss Multimedia.

PLACES IN NEWS

China Inaugurated World‟s Highest Daocheng Yading Civilian Airport China has opened the world‘s highest civilian airport named ‖ Daocheng Yading‖ on 16 September in a restive and remote Tibetan region of southwestern Sichuan province.The Daocheng Yading airport in Ganzi prefecture in southwestern China is the world‘s highest civilian airport.The region is a gateway to Tibet.Daocheng airport in Garzi, a heavily ethnic Tibetan part of Sichuan, is 4411 metres above sea level, and overtakes Qamdo airport in Tibet, which sits at 4334 metres above sea level, for the title of world‘s highest. Strong Earthquake Hits Pakistan

A major 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit southwestern Pakistan on 24 September, killed more than 350 people and damaged several houses near the epicentre in a remote part of Balochistan province. The quake, with its epicentre 69 km from Awaran, was originally measured at 7.4 on the Richter Scale by the US Geological Survey which later it revised to 7.8. Pakistan‘s meteorological office gave the magnitude as 7.7.The 7.6 magnitude quake in 2005 killed at least 73,000 people and left several million homeless in one of the worst natural disasters to hit Pakistan.

ABBREVIATIONS

NCRB – National Crime Records Bureau AISHE – All India Survey on Higher Education MNIC - Multi-purpose National Identity Card IBRD - International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ICAO – International Civil Aviation Organisation HDI - Human Development Index ESMA – Essential Services Maintenance Act DRDO – Defence Research and Development Organisation CTBT – Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty


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BOOKS IN NEWS

” India and Malaysia : Interwined Strands” Book Released By Vice President of India The Vice President of India M. Hamid Ansari on 9 September released a book entitled ‖ India and Malaysia: Intertwined Strands ‖ at New Delhi . The book is authored by former Diplomat Veena Sikri. The book is written for the Institute of South East Asian Studies (ISEAS), Singapore. It is a comprehensive book on a very useful subject of relationship between India and Malaysia.

COMMITTEES

Nachiket Mor Committee To Frame Vision For Financial Inclusion

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 23 September announced a 13-member committee, including former Citibank CEO Vikram Pandit and Axis Bank chief Shikha Sharma, to frame a clear and detailed vision for financial inclusion/deepening across the country.The Committee is headed by Nachiket Mor, Member on the RBI‘s Central Board of Directors. The committee, which will submit its final report by December 31.Committee is to lay down a set of design principles that will guide the development of institutional frameworks and regulation for achieving financial inclusion and financial deepening in India.


International Day of Peace Observed on 21 September International Day of Peace observed on 21 September 2013 across the world to recognise the efforts of those who have worked hard to end conflict and promote peace. The International Day of Peace is also a day of ceasefire.The theme for the year 2013 is Education for Peace.Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by resolution 36/67 of the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session, which was held annually on the third Tuesday of September. World Rabies Day Observed on 28 September

World Rabies Day observed on 28 September 2013 across the world to raise awareness about the impact of rabies disease and to deliver the message that rabies is preventable.The theme for the year 2013 is Rabies: Understand it to defeat it.World Rabies Day is an initiative of Global Alliance for Rabies Control and the day started it in 2007 to create a global opportunity for people to focus on rabies prevention.The World Rabies Day is observed each year on 28 September- on the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur who developed the first efficacious rabies vaccine with his colleagues.

OCTOBER 2013 CURRENT AFFAIRS


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31st October: Jharkhand high court rejects Lalu Prasad Yadav's bail petition on fodder scam. Gujrat CM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Statue of Unity, a

proposed 182 meters (597 ft) monument of Vallabhbhai Patel which will be the tallest statue of the world when completed.

30th October: Infosys has agreed to pay a penalty of $34 million to the United States

government for making errors in 1-9 paperwork and other visa related matters. 45 passengers were burnt to death and five others injured when an air-

conditioned private bus, proceeding to Hyderabad from Bangalore caught fire in Andhra Pradesh's Mehabubnagar district.

Sensex closes at all-time high above 21,000. Srishti Rana of India crowned as Miss Asia Pacific World 2013 in Busan, South

Korea.

29th October: RBI hikes repo rate by 25 Basis Points to 7.75 % from 7.50%. India has developed a new tactical surface-to-surface missile 'Pragati' with a

range between 60-170 km. Mukesh Ambani becomes India's richest for 6th year in a row in Forbes' list

with a net worth of $ 21 billion. Union Government appoints Air Marshal Arup Raha as the next Chief of the Air

Staff who will replace Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne. Pioneer of Nayi Kahani movement and renowned Hindi writer Rajendra Yadav

dies at 84 in New Delhi.

28th October: The Supreme Court directed the Sahara Group to hand over title deeds of

property worth Rs. 20,000 crore to market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) within three weeks.

27th October: 5 killed and over 70 injured in seven crude bomb serial explosions ahead of

Narendra Modi's rally in Patna. Floods triggered by incessant rains for nearly a week left at least 45 persons

dead in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Sachin Tendulkar playing is last Ranji match as Mumbai take on Haryana at

Lahli, Haryana. Amitabh Bachchan received the 3rd Hridayanath Mangeshkar Award for his

contribution to the film industry. Germany's Sebastian Vettel became Formula One's youngest four-times world

champion on Sunday after winning the Indian Grand Prix for Red Bull.

26th October:


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BCCI terminated Sahara-owned franchise Pune Warriors from the IPL after defaulted on its payments and refused to furnish the bank guarantee for the next season.

25th October: The Prime Minister's Office has handed over all documents on the allocation of

two coal blocks to a firm owned by Kumar Mangalam Birla to the CBI. South African cricketer Faf du Plessis accused for ball-tampering on the third

day of the second Test against Pakistan in Dubai.

24th October: The legendary singer Manna Dey died of cardiac arrest at the age of 94 in

Bangalore hospital where was treated for respiratory illness. India ending an eight year ban on military supplies to Nepal with the supplies of

vehicles and arms. The extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India came into effect with the

handing over of the instruments of ratification of the much-awaited pact. Astronomers have found the most distant galaxy yet, designated by scientists as

z8_GND_5296, took about 13.1 billion years to reach the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope and the Keck Observatory in Hawaii, both of which detected the galaxy in infrared light.

23rd October: The Election Commission changed the Mizoram assembly election schedule by

advancing the polling to November 25 instead of earlier slated on December 4. Former Delhi health minister Harsh Vardhan will be the BJP's Chief Minister

candidate for Delhi election. India and China signed Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA) to

soothing tension on their contested border.

22nd October: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived in Beijing today on a three-day visit. India started pumping electricity for the first time from Kudankulam nuclear

power plant, Tamil Nadu with an initial output of 160 MW. CBI filed fresh status report in the Supreme Court on coal block allocation scam. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and JD (U) MP Jagdish

Sharma disqualified from the Lok Sabha as both are convicted in the Bihar fodder scam.

21st October: Congress MP Rashid Masood has been disqualified from the Rajya Sabha after

the Congress MP was convicted in a corruption case.

20th October: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived in Moscow to strengthen bilateral

strategic partnership.


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Lata Mangeshkar presented with the first national Yash Chopra Memorial Award in Mumbai.

Indian squash player Dipika Pallikal defeated former World number one Rachael Grinham of Australia to clinch the Macau Open title.

19th October: India’s tallest air traffic control (ATC) tower with 84-metre structure

inaugurated in Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai. An Italian court ruled that former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi

should be barred from holding public office for two years following a conviction for tax fraud.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has banned Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Pradeep Sangwan for 18 months after he was found violating the board's anti-doping regulations in IPL 2013.

18th October: The Archaeological Survey of India team began digging at Daundia Khera village

of Unnao district, UP for the prophesied 1,000 tones of gold as claimed by a local priest Swami Shobhan Sarkar.

Micromax has roped in Hollywood star Hugh Jackman as its brand ambassador.

17th October: The U.S. Congress approved a deal to end a partial government shutdown.US

federal workers back to work after 16-day shutdown.The workers have been furloughed since the partial government shutdown began October 1.

The Supreme Court ordered a CBI probe into the tapes of former corporate lobbyist Niira Radia.

Terence Walsh appointed as Chief Coach of the Indian National Hockey Team.

16th October: World Bank cuts India growth forecast to 4.7 per cent from 6.1 percent for the

current fiscal year. Indian Railways appointed acting chairman of Railway Board Arunendra Kumar

as the head of the board. INS Sunayna inducted into Indian Navy’s service which is the largest offshore

patrol vessel (OPV). New Zealand author Eleanor Catton wins Man Booker prize for her book "The

Luminaries". She becomes the youngest novelist to win the man booker prize at the age of 28 years. Also the book has set a new record for the longest winning novel with 852 pages.

Australian batsman set a new world record with their top five compiling individual half centuries while scoring 359 runs against India in Jaipur.

Virat Kohli scores the fastest century by an Indian batsman in ODI with 52 balls against Australia.

EPL club Liverpool launched a residential football academy in Pune.


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15th October: Kumar Mangalam Birla, head of the Aditya Birla Group has been charged with

conspiracy and cheating to land two coal blocks in Odisha in 2005 by CBI in new FIR.

An Afghan provincial governor Arsala Jamal killed in a bomb blast at a mosque after Eid prayers in Logar, close to the capital Kabul.

93 died in a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in central Philippine island of Bohol.

14th October: Vijayadashami and Dussehra celebrated across India. Eugene Fama, Lars Peter Hansen and Robert Shiller of America wins the Nobel

prize for economics for developing new methods to study trends in asset markets.

13th October: Over 70 people died and over 100 injured in a stampede at Ratangarh temple in

Madhya Pradesh's Datia district. Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel won the Japanese Grand Prix.

12th October: Cyclone Phailin has made landfall in Odisha. Over five lakh people have been

evacuated in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to grant cricketing

great Sachin Tendulkar his wish to play his 200th and farewell Test in his home town Mumbai.

11th October: Hague-based Organisation OPCW awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize. Agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan selected for the Indira Gandhi Award for

National Integration for the year 2012. India's industrial production growth slowed to 0.6 percent in August from an

upwardly revised 2.75 percent pace in July.

10th October: High alert has been declared as the cyclonic storm "Phailin" is expected to hit

coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh on Saturday night. Sachin Tendulkar announces retirement from Test cricket after playing 200th

game which is most likely to be held in Mumbai from November 14. Canada's Canada's Alice, 82 Munro won the Nobel Literature Prize. Malala Yousafzai, 16-year-old education activist from Pakistan wins European

Union's Sakharov human rights award.

9th October: The Nobel prize in chemistry awarded jointly to three US scientist named

Martin Karplus ( Harvard University), Michael Levitt (Stanford School of Medicine) and Arieh Warshel (University of Southern California).


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Wal-Mart Stores Inc and Bharti Enterprises breaking up their Indian joint venture. Now Wal-Mart will independently own and operate separate businesses in the country.

Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf granted bail and free to leave Pakistan after a decision by a court in Islamabad.

8th October: The Union Cabinet of India approved the National Identification Authority of

India Bill that will give statutory status to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

Peter Higgs (United Kingdom) and Francois Englert (Belgium) jointly awarded Nobel Prize for Physics.

Supreme Court lifted the restraints it put on N Srinivasan from assuming charge as the elected chief of the Indian cricket board (BCCI).

7th October: Government hike railway fares by two per cent for all classes because of a rise

in the prices of diesel and power. India test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile

with a strike range of 350 km from Balasore, Odisha. Arundhati Bhattacharya appointed as SBI's first woman chairperson. Randy Schekman(USA), James Rothman(USA) and Thomas Sudhof (Germany)

wins Nobel Prize for Medicine for cell transport. The Supreme Court has proposed a three-member panel headed by former

Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Mukul Mudgal to probe into IPL spot-fixing scandal.

6th October: Sania Mirza and Cara Black wins the Women’s Doubles in China Open tennis

championship trophy. Mumbai Indians wins the Champions League Twenty20 for the second time

after beating Rajasthan Royals by 33 runs in the final at the Ferozeshah Kotla. It is the last Twenty20 match for both Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.

5th October: The Union government launched the Inter Company LPG portability scheme in

24 cities across the country through which consumer can switch their LPG distributors through a portability system and also buy 5kg cylinders of liquefied petroleum gas at select petrol stations.

The Prime Ministers of Bangladesh and India inaugurated a joint power transmission plant through which Bangladesh will receive up to 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

4th October:


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Indian Election Commission announced election dates for five states - Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Delhi. The Polls in the five states will be start from 11th Dec to 4th of December and the counting will be on 8th December.

Afghanistan qualified for its maiden ICC World Cup after defeating Kenya by seven wickets to finish second in the World Cricket League Championship in Sharjah.

3rd October: The CBI court in Ranchi sent former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad to five

years in jail with a fine of Rs.25 lakh in the case of illegal withdrawal of public money from Chaibasa treasury.

The union cabinet formally decided to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh to carve out Telangana as India's 29th state.Hyderabad will be shared for 10 years as the capital of the old and new state.

Union Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi resigned from his post in protest against the Union Cabinet's approval of the formation of separate Telangana.

2nd October: The Union Cabinet decided to drop the controversial ordinance and bill aimed

at protecting convicted politician. Gandhi Jayanti observed in India. U.S. master writer and master of spy thriller novels Tom Clancy dies at 66.

1st October: Levy of 3% service-tax on all non-unit-linked products of LIC (Life Insurance

Corporation of India Limited (BPCL)

SEBI (Securities Exchange Board of India) approved Jet-Etihad deal. National Voluntary Blood Donation Day observed

) added as per IRDA guideline. S. Varadarajan took over as the new Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat

Petroleum Corporation

THANK YOU
