Current Affairs 30th August 2013

 

New Chairman and Managing Director of ONGC is Dinesh K Sarraf
 Dinesh K Sarraf appointed as new Chairman and Managing Director of ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation). Currently he is acting as Managing Director for ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL). Current CMD of ONGC is Sudhir Vasudeva. Mr. Sudhir’s tenure will complete in February 2014.  Mr. Dinesh’s appointment was approved by Cabinet committee and Prime Minister who is heading the committee.

New Chairman of Computer Science India, Vizag, is TK Chand

TK Chand appointed as new Chairman for the Computer Science India, Vizag Chapter. He is director commercial of Visakhapatnam steel plant. In this occasion he requested IT Professional to take the advantage of decreasing the value of the rupees by exporting IT products. He also stated that in order to increase the efficiency in productivity computerisation is essential. PC Mahapatra was appointed as Vice Chairman of the chapter. Current he is acting as Executive Director (Projects) of RINL.

Electronic Passbook launched by Federal Bank

Electronic Passbook was launched by Federal Bank. This helps the customers to view their transactions in smart phones. This is the first bank to introduce this system. On the android platform this application can be loaded freely.  IOS and window version will be available in October, as stated by Surendran, head of Retail and International Operations of Federal Bank.

NR Narayana Murthy Quits as Chairman

From NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) NR Narayana Murthy quits. Now he has taken charge as executive chairman of Infosys. NPCI is the backbone for the IT which connects ATM’s of all the banks. It is the best promoter of Rupay for Indian alternative to Visa and MasterCard.

Sinopec, Chinese Oil Giant, Purchased Apache’s Egypt Business

1/3rd of Apache’s Egyptian oil and gas business of US firm was purchased by Sinopec, Chinese oil giant. Cost of this stake is $ 3.1 billion. This is the Sinopec’s first entry in to Egypt’s upstream oil and gas sector.

India Won against Malaysia, Enter into Finals

In 9^th Asia Cup Hockey tournament, India won against Malaysia and entered into finals. Korea already entered into finals.

Manu Gandas won Tata Steel Tamilnadu Amateur title

At Coimbatore Golf Club, Manu Gandas captured Tata Steel Tamilnadu Amateur Title. To attain this title he defeated Syed Saqid Ahmed. Manu at 8 under 280,   Aman Raj came third at 284, Udayan Mane placed fourth at 287, and Karan Taunk was fifth at 289.

GSAT Launched Successfully

India’s first military Satellite GSAT -7 has launched successfully. This was launched by European rocket. In an impressive launch, telecast live by Doordarshan, Ariane 5 Precisely placed Rs.185 crores home built communication spacecraft into intended GTO (Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit) after the flight of 35 minutes and 25 seconds duration. Launching cost of this satellite is Rs.470 crores including insurance.

2 Lakh Home PC’s are used to invent 24 pulsars

2 Lakh Home PC’s Power was used by the scientists to take an inventory of Milky Way and add 24 pulsars to the cosmic census. Pulsars are extremely dense neutron stars and strongly magnitised. Using the computer, international team for Gravitational Physics and for Radio Astronomy discovered 24 pulsars. This team was lead by Scientists from Max Planck Institutes.

Persons Cognitive Abilities will reduce due to Poverty

India and USA conducted a study on the person’s Cognitive ability. They have stated that poverty and the problems will reduce person’s cognitive abilities. This mental strain could be costing poor people up to 13 IQ points. Along with IQ they will also loss entire night sleep. This leads to make mistakes and bad decisions. This study was conducted under the leadership of Jiaying Zhao. He made the study in the lab of co-author Elder Shafir from Princeton University.

Japanese Unemployment rate declined to 3.8 %

Japanese Government declared that by the month of July 2013 unemployment rate declined to 3.8 %. This is the second consecutive month decline of the unemployment rate. Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has stated that unemployment rate is declined to 3.3 % in the women as against 3.5 % in the month of June. Unemployment rate in the man is 4.2 % in the on the month of July as against 4.1 % in the month of June.

8107 applicants from India for one way trip to mars

As on August 27^th 2013, 8017 applicants from India signed up for one way trip to mars. Among all the counties in the world India placed in 4^th Position. Top 10 countries for mar trip enrolment numbers are USA – 37,85; China – 13,214 ; Brazil – 8686 ; India – 8170; Russia – 7138; Britain  – 6999; Mexico – 6771; Canada- 6593; Spain – 3621; Philippines – 3516 as on 22^nd August 2013  , stated by Aashima Dogra of Mars One.

Instant Noodles can play key role to battle Global Hunger

Solution for Global Hunger: Study shows instant noodles can play key role to battle global hunger

As per a latest study by Deborah Gewertz, Professor of Anthropology at Amherst College in US, instant noodles can play a significant role in combating the challenge of global hunger which is aggravating with the increasing population.  

The study examines the history, manufacturing, marketing and consumption of the ubiquitous foodstuff and suggests that instant noodles will have an increasingly important global role in the future.

As per the study, instant noodles are served in variable forms and have already shown a remarkable potential to be a part of diverse lives. Researchers expect that the calories provided by the tasty, convenient, cheap, shelf-stable, industrially prepared instant noodles will remain important as food becomes scarcer in the future.

What is the origin of Instant Noodles?

• Instant noodles were invented by Taiwan-born inventor Momofuku Ando in Japan.
• They were first marketed on August 25, 1958, by Ando’s company Nissin under the brand name Chikin Ramen.

In India the most popular brand is Nestle’s Maggi which is regarded in popular culture as a two-minute noodle.

Iran to take legal action against US over 1953 coup

Iran has approved a bill that intends to sue the U.S for its involvement in the 1953 coup d’état that toppled the country’s democratically elected Prime Minister.  The bill comes following the release of latest declassified documents revealing more details of how the CIA masterminded the overthrow of Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh 60 years back. The bill proposes for establishing a panel to investigate the issue and submit a report within 6 months before legal action is initiated against the U.S. government in an international court.

 

What was the revelation on Iran’s 1953 coup? What was “Operation Boot” (U.K.) and operation “TPAJAX Project” (USA)?

The 1953 Iranian coup d’état which overthrew the democratically elected government of Iran, and its head of government Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh was orchestrated by the United Kingdom (under the name ‘Operation Boot’) and the United States (under the name TPAJAX Project). The CIA in August 2013 admitted that it was involved in both the planning and the execution of the coup, including the bribing of Iranian politicians, security and army high-ranking officials, as well as pro-coup propaganda. The CIA acknowledged that the coup was carried out under its direction and was an act of U.S. foreign policy, conceived and approved at the highest levels of government. The coup reinstated the autocratic regime of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. He was later brought down in the 1979 Iranian revolution.

Current Affairs 29th August 2013

Kapil Parakh Chosen for Fellowship Program by the White House

Kapil Parakh is Indian origin Cardiologist working in Washington area. He was chosen for the prestigious Fellowship Program for 2013-14 by the white House.  According to White House, this program was designed to increase the sense of participation in national affairs and to give promising American leaders first hand, high level experience with the working of the federal government.

Partnership agreement between Hypercity Retail and Snapdeal.com

Hypercity Retail is a part of Raheja Group. Snapdeal.com is the E-Commerce firm. Both the firms entered into partnership agreement with the view to sell Hypercity’s Products on its portal. Amit Maheshwari, Vice President of Snapdeal.com has stated that intension for the tie up is to provide the best products at the affordable price.

SIDBI Ties up with Franchise India

SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) tie up with Franchise India. This was done with the intension to give financial support for established franchisors in India, as stated by SIDBI, Deputy Managing director, N K Maini.

Rs.900 crores sanctioned to Karnataka by NABARD

Under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), NABARD (National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development) has sanctioned Rs.900 crores for Karnataka. As a part of first phase Rs.113.70 crores was released.  First phase amount will be utilised for the Rural and Agricultural Infrastructure projects in the state.  For the construction of 354 roads and 22 bridges, this fund will be utilised, as stated by NABARD Karnataka, Chief General Manager, and GR Chintala.

Wipro and Qatar Airways Partnership for Launching IT products

Wipro and Qatar Airways got into Partnership for Launching IT products for aviation industry. In 2012 September, partnership started between Qatar Airways and Wipro to research. Now Portfolio was developed. IT product portfolio consists of two categories of solutions. They are Mobility solutions and Enterprise solutions.

National sports day marked as Dhyan Chand Birthday

Every year National Sports day celebrates on 29^th August. This day is marked as birthday of Dhyan Chand who is the Hockey Legend. As a part of celebrations football and Walkathon tournaments conducted for the first time across the country. With the view the optimum use of Sports Authority of India Stadia, Come and Play Scheme was launched.

Second ASEAN Defence meeting Held in Brunei

In Brunei, second ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) held on 29^th August 2013. At the end of the meeting minister issued a joint declaration that ADMM plus countries will establish practical measures that avoid misunderstanding, miscalculations and undesirable incidents at the sea. Second decision taken in the meeting that Expert Working group on Humanitarian Mine Action will be established. This will be co-chaired by India with Vietnam. With the objective of developing cooperative frameworks and synergy and to address the security Challenges ADMM Plus was established in 2010.  From India Shri Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Defence attended this meeting.


Third Boeing C-17 Globe master III received by IAF

Third Boeing C-17 Globe master III received by IAF (Indian Air Force). This is the large versatile military transport aircraft. It is having the capability to carry oversize loads and heavy carryings to long distance. Another speciality is this can land on unprepared surfaces and on rough surfaces also.

Boeing 787 will operate to Japan by Air India

Boeing 787 will operate to Japan by Air India. Clearance was given by International Civil Aviation organisation as stated by Director General of Aviation.

Right to Education Anthem Launched by Pallam Raju

Right to Education Anthem Launched by Pallam Raju who is the Human Resource Development Minister. This was introduced with the intension to develop interest in the children. Now the children will learn RTE Message from popular public figures in a music form. This is available is 15 regional languages and in English also. Video of the anthem is available in all the government schools. This was written by Javed Akhtar and Sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and Sonu Nigam. This is the joint effort of National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and Human Resource Ministry.

Current Affairs 28th August 2013

Prime Minister Approved Deepak Sandhu as Chief Information Commissioner

Prime Minister Approved Deepak Sandhu as Chief Information Commissioner. Earlier she acted as Media Adviser to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Currently Satyanand Mishra is acting as CIC. Her appointment is approved by Prime Minister and File sent to the President for final approval. Ms.Sindhu is serving as Information Commissioner in Central Information Commission. Other roles of her are Registrar of Newspaper of India, Director for the Directorate of Film Festivals and Press Registrar, Director General for News All India Radio, Principle Director General for Media and Communication in Press Information Bureau.

Veteran Kashmir Journalist, DC Prashant, is no More

DC Prashant died at the age of 96. He was one of the few pre independence era journalists of Jammu & Kashmir. In 1946 he started his journalist career in Lahore. In 1947, he joined PTI (Press Trust of India). He was acted as MP from 1982 to 1986.


Demerger of Non Engineering Business by ITC

Wimco is the subsidiary company of ITC.  Today Board of Directors of ITC Approved for the demerger of Non Engineering Business of Wimco. Main business of Wimco is manufacturing of safety matches.

Granite Value is more than $ 80 is freely allowed

India imports granite stones. If its value is more than $ 80 per sq kilo meter they will be allowed freely. Marbles are low cost when it is compared with Granite stone. Import price for the import of marble is $ 325 per meter.

New CFO of WNS Holding is Sanjay Puria

Due to some personal reasons Deepak Sogani quits from WNS Holdings as CFO. Immediately company appointed Sanjay Puria as new CFO. Currently Sanjay is acting as Corporate Senior Vice President for finance as stated by Keshav R Murugesh, CEO of WNS.

Manoj Kohli, Bharati Airtel’s MD and CEO, relocating to India

Kohli is currently acting as in charge of Airtel operations   in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Africa. As a part of reshuffling of African operations, he is relocating to India. On September 16^th 2013, Christian de Faria will join in Airtel Africa. He will give reporting to Kohli.  Faria will take care of Anglophone operations.
Indian American women honoured to Indra Nooyi

Nooyi , Pepsico CEO and Chairperson, would facilitated with Special impact Award. This statement was announced by NGO Children Hope India (CHI).  This award will be given to at annual gala at Pier Sixty in Manhattan.  This organisation is giving support to thousands of children every year.

Infosys Highest Paid Indian Executive Quits the Company

Ashok Vemuri is the Infosys Highest paid Indian executive in Infosys. He quits the company. Rumour spread that he is going to join in iGATE. He was the head of companies operations in the America. Ashok is also acting as Global head of manufacturing and engineering services. Everyone in the industry considered that he would be next CEO of the company. Current CEO is SD Shibulal.

Mobile Rights License received by Seven3Sports

Seven3sports Company is Indian Sports Media Company. This company got mobile rights license from Ten Sports. Ten Sports is the official broadcaster of US open. From August 26^th onwards US open started. These games will continue till 9^th September 2013.

Promo of Swami Ayyappan won Anifest TVCA Award

Toonz Animations made animated Swami Ayyappan. Under the commissioned category Promo of Swami Ayyappan Won Anifest TVCA Award 2013 for the best film. Award was received by the directors of the movie. Directors are Chetan Sharma and Mahesh Vettiyar. Every year animation festival celebrates. Name of this festival is Anifest India. This is promoted by Tasi (The Animation Society of India).  These awards will be given for the strengthening the traditional topics and creative content.

New Rules for Retired Government Officials

New rule passed by central government stating that after completion of 80 years IAS, IFos, IPS will get 20 % additional pension. For every five years this extra pension percentage will be increased. At the age of 100 years they will get 100 % additional pension. After the completion of 100 years they will get additional benefits apart from regular pension. Current minimum pension they were attaining is Rs.3500 per month.

Current Affairs 27th August 2013

 

10 years completed by Spitzer Space Telescope in Space

From past 10 years NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope situated in the space. NASA celebrated this completing of 10 years by launching Delta II Rocket. Studies made by the telescope are scrutinised galaxies and planets, Counted stars, asteroids, comets. Spitzer discovered Bucky balls. These balls are soccer ball shaped carbon spheres in space.

Transaction Charges Reduced by NCDEX

NCDEX is Commodity Derivatives Exchange. For the members NCDEX decided to reduce transaction charges. Main objective to reduce the charges is to make the customers to do business easily as stated by Samir Shah, in charge Managing Director NCDEX. This will be implemented from September 1^st onwards. Till now transaction charges for the daily turnover of Rs.200 crores is Rs.62500. Now it was reduced to Rs.45000.

73 Alternative Investment Funds are allowed in India

SEBI (Securities Exchange Board of India) allowed 73 Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) to India fro the operations. Till April SEBI has given permission only to 49 AIFs. Now number has reached to 73. Major AIFs registered with SEBI are DSP Blackrock Alternative Investment Fund and Edelweiss Alternative Investment Trust, Monsoon Alternative Investment Trust, Tata Alternative Investment Fund, HBS Raksha Movies, Landmark Opportunity Fund, Arth Capital, KKR India.

New Forms Announced by SEBI to check Illicit Funds

With the view to check flow of Illicit Funds in the issuance of shares, SEBI has given new forms. SEBI make it compulsory for payment and allotments to be done directly through the beneficiary’s accounts.

Zinc Lead Silver Project acquired by Legacy Iron Ore Ltd

An agreement was signed between Legacy Iron Ore Ltd and TNG Ltd. This agreement was signed regarding the acquisition of Zinc Lead Silver Project.

8 % share of TVC Sky shop purchased by Morpheus Fund

TVC Sky shop is multi Channel Virtual Retailer. Morpheus Fund is private equity firm. 8 % share of TVC Sky shop purchased by Morpheus Fund for Rs.42 crores.

Henry Rebello, Former Athlete, Passes Away

Henry Rebello, Former Athlete, Passes Away at the age of 84. Henry represented India in 1948 Olympic Games . Rebello was highest quality triple jumper. He was self trained athlete. Henry trained himself by racing against car and running up and down staircases. In Sports Authority of India he acted as Director.

Apollo ties up with University of Rochester

University of Rochester Medical Centre had a tie up with Apollo Hospitals. Both the institutions will share multispecialities such as neurosciences, emergency medicine, gastroenterology and they will also share in clinical care and expertise as stated by Chairman of the Apollo Group, Pratap C Reddy. Emergency care Scheme of school children introduced as a part of 25^th annual celebrations of Apollo.

LIST OF AWARDS&HONORS 2013

1) Bono Honoured With Highest Cultural Award of France- the Commander of the Order
 
2) Britain honoured Krishna Menon by placing Blue plaque on his First Home in London
 
3) Zubin Mehta named for Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony.
 
4) Vidya Balan got the Best Actress Award at IIFA 2013
 
5) Five Indian-American Kid Chefs won White House Healthy Lunchtime Challenge 2013
 
6) Pranab Mukherjee conferred National Youth Award 2011-12.
 
7) Mukesh Hariawala conferred Indian Healthcare Visionary of the Decade Award.
 
8) Oomen Chandy received the UN Public Service Award
 
9) Russian Film the Major won Golden Goblet at Shanghai Film Festival.
 
10) Amrit Singh received the India Abroad Publisher's Special Award for Excellence 2012.
 
11) UIDAI won 21st Century Achievement Award 2013.
 
12) Three Ad Agencies Won Gold and Bronze Lions at Cannes Advertising Festival 2013.
 
13) Prof Michael Stratton, the scientist who identified genes causing breast cancer, was awarded knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
 
14) Tan Twan Eng, the Malaysian author was declared as the winner of Walter Scott Prize for his English fiction novel The Garden of Evening Mists.
 
15) Anish Kapoor, the Indian-origin sculptor was honoured with Knighthood, which is the highest honour of Britain by Queen Elizabeth II.
 
16) Indian street food vendors Ashok Sah and Vijay Chaudhary won the critics award at the World Street Food Congress in Singapore.
 
17) Central Himalayan Environment Association (CHEA), an NGO in Uttarakhand on 6 June 2013 bagged a French award for its contribution to protection of human rights.
 
18) Kevin Barry won IMPAC Dublin Literary Award for his debut novel City of Bohane. In the novel he has portrayed Ireland of 2053.
 
19) Michael Christian, one of the Australian radio presenters responsible for Royal prank, was awarded with Jock by the employer.

Hysterectomies will be a part of health survey

The government will collect information on Hysterectomies in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) in the 4^th round which is scheduled in January 2014.

What is “Hysterectomy”?

Hysterectomy is the complete or partial removal of the uterus and sometimes ovaries, cervix and fallopian tubes, usually performed by a gynecologist.

Hysterectomy may be of two types:

a) Total i.e. removing the body, fundus, and cervix of the uterus; often called “complete”.

b) Partial i.e. removal of the uterine body while leaving the cervix intact; also called “supracervical”.

Why is Hysterectomy performed?

Hysterectomy is opted for if the uterus is causing health problems that cannot be treated by other means. Some reasons a woman may have a hysterectomy are to:

• Treat cancers such as uterine , endometrial, or ovarian cancers
• Remove uterine fibroids -common, benign (noncancerous) tumors that grow in the muscle of the uterus
• Treat chronic pelvic pain
• Treat heavy bleeding

Why hysterectomies is being included in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)  ?

The step has been taken keeping in view the demand from the health activists and medical practitioners following reports of rising cases of hysterectomies across the country. According to the activists deceitful doctors were performing hysterectomies on pre-menopausal and even women younger than 30 years for monetary gains.

• The data generated during the NFHS could be used for formulating guidelines to conduct surgeries for removing the uterus. Hysterectomy may have a significant impact on woman’s health.
• So the rising concern is not just about the high expenditure and medical ethics but also about the complications and troubles that follow.
• Presently there are no exact statistics to show the prevalence rate of these operations and it is believed that they are the second most common surgeries performed on women, second only to caesarean sections.

July Month Current Affairs - Covering all Topics

Appointments:

1) New Chief Justice of India: The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee administered the oath of the office of Chief Justice of India (CJI) to Justice Palanisamy Sathasivam. Justice Sathasivam is the 40th CJI of India. 

2) New Chief Minister of Jarkhand : Hemant Soren sworn in as Ninth Chief Minister of Jharkhand.

3) New President of Pakistan Appointed : Mamnoon Hussain.

4) New Prime Minister of Egypt Appointed : Hazem El-Beblawi.

5) The Institute of Cost Accountants of India announced Suresh Chandra Mohanty as the new president of the body. Suresh Chandra Mohanty replaced Rakesh Singh.

6) Prince Philippe sworn in as the Seventh king of Belgium.

7) Abdul Rahim Rather, the Finance Minister of Jammu and Kashmir appointed as the new Chairman of GST ( Goods and services Tax ) Panel by the Empowered Committee of States Finance Ministers on GST.

8) New Governor of Meghalaya : KK Paul took over as the New Governor of Meghalaya.

9) Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil appointed new Governor of Sikkim 

10) New President of Nasscom (The National Association of Software and Services Companies) appointed: Former Telecom Secretary R. Chandrasekhar.

11) Adli Mansour Sworn in as the interim President of Egypt.

12) Sunil Soni appointed Director General of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

13) India’s next Foreign Secretary Appointed : Sujata Singh. 

14) Anil Goswami Took Over as the Union Home Secretary.

Awards:

1) IIFA Awards:

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!)

2) Tagore Award 2013: Zubin Mehta named for Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony 2013.

3) Rajiv Gandhi National Sadhbhavna Award 2013 : Amjad Ali Khan to get 21st Rajiv Gandhi National Sadhbhavna Award.

4) Bastian Schweinsteiger Won Journalists' Player of the Year Award by Kicker Magazine.

5) Edward Snowden awarded with German Whistleblower Prize.

6) Vandana Gandhi became the first Indian woman to receive Dubai Government's Emirates Woman Award for business excellence in June 2013.

Sports: 

1) Wimbledon 2013 Men’s Title: Andy Murray defeated Novak Djokovic at Center Court of London to become the first Briton in 77 years to win the Men’s Singles Title at Wimbledon 2013.

2) Wimbledon 2013 Women’s Title : In the Women's Singles category of Wimbledon, Marion Bartoli of France won her maiden Grand Slam title.

3) FIFA CUP 2013 (Football) : Brazil won the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 against Spain in the final match.

4) SAFF Football Title 2013: India defeated Nepal to lift Under-16 SAFF Football Title 2013.

5) Tour de France 2013( Bicycle Race): Chris Froome won 100th Edition of the Race.

6) IPCA ( Interntional Physically Disabled Chess Association )World Women's Individual Chess Championship : India's K Jennitha Anto won the 13th IPCA World Women's Individual Chess Championship title.

7) Serena Williams won Swedish Open title by defeating Johanna Larsson in the final of the Swedish Open.

8) Australian legend bowler Shane Warne joined the list of cricket legends to be inducted into the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Hall of Fame at Lord's.

9) India bagged a Gold medal in the Women's Recurve Team event at the Archery World Cup Stage-3 in Medellin, Colombia. The Indian trio of Deepika Kumari, Laishram Bombayla Devi and Rimil Biruly defeated the top seeded Chinese team of Cheng Ming, Xu Jing and Cui Yuanyuan, to reclaim the Women's Recurve Team Gold.

10) Commonwealth Chess Championship : Former world junior champion Abhijeet Gupta won the Commonwealth Chess Championship.

Miscellaneous:

1) New Member of European Union Elected : Croatia became the 28th Member of the European Union.

2) Nelson Mandela International Day observed on 18 July.

3) India signed agreement with Asian Development Bank for 60 million Dollars loan for NKUSIP North Karnataka Urban Sector Investment Program (NKUSIP).

4) India’s Weather Satellite INSAT-3D, carrying advanced weather monitoring payloads, was launched successfully by Ariane-5 (VA214) launch vehicle from Kourou, French Guiana.

5) Himachal Pradesh state government launched video chat facility in all six prisons of the state.

6) Incheon named as the World Book Capital for the year 2015. Incheon is in South Korea.

7) Bengaluru International Airport Renamed as Kempegowda International Airport.

8) The Union Government of India raised the FDI limit in Telecom Sector from 74 percent to 100 percent.

9) President Pranab Mukherjee launched Kisaan Portal for Sending SMS to Farmers.

10) RBI fined 22 banks for violating KYC and Anti-Money Laundering Norms.

11) Himachal Pradesh was declared as the first Smoke-free state of the country. The declaration was made in compliance to the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003.

12) India launched its first dedicated navigation satellite, IRNSS-1A using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C22. 

Obituaries:

1) Former Union Minister Khurshed Alam Khan died at the age of 95. He was the father of Union External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid.

2) Veteran actor Pran died due to Illness.

Important Days in July:

Doctor's Day - July 1

World Population Day - 11 July 2013

Malala Day -12 July

Disability Awareness Day - 14 July 2013

Kargil Vijay Divas  - July 26

Current affairs 26th August 2013

New Head of Audi India is Joe King

Joe King is appointed as New Head of Audi India. He will take charges of the company from 1^st September 2013. Earlier Head of Audi India was Michael Perschke. Now he will move to Head of Network Strategy and Business Management.

India Celebrated 103^rd Birth Day of Mother Teresa

India Celebrated 103^rd Birth Day of Mother Teresa. At orders Global Head quarters Mother House special prayers were conducted. She was born on 26^th August 1910 and died on 5^th September 1997. In 1979 she won Nobel Peace Prize. Mother Theresa made service to humanity especially uncared and poorest people. She made selfless service to millions of sufferings.

Tax Administration Reform Commission Set up by Union Government

Under the Leadership of Parthasarathy Shome Tax Administration Reform Commission was set up by Union Government. Main intention to set up this commission is to suggest the ways for stable as well as non-adversarial tax administration by reviewing the tax laws. Commission consists of seven members. Tenure is for 18 months. Chairman of the commission is Parthasarathy Shome, Full time Members are Sunita Kaila, YG Parande and Part time Members are S Mahalingam, MR Diwakar, SS N Moorthy, and MK Zutshi.

India defeated Korea in Asia cup hockey championships

India defeated Korea in Asia cup Hockey Championship and entered into semi-finals. In the first half Korea unable to made 5 penalty corners. Sreeraj played a major role to win this match.

Military Attack Helicopter WZ- 10 Launched By Chinese Military

Military Attack Helicopter WZ- 10 Launched By Chinese Military. This Missile is successful interrupting low altitude targets. Meaning of WZ – 10 is Armed Helicopter. This is first air to air Missile. This WZ- 10 was first appeared at 9^th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Guangdong in 2012.This was primarily designed for anti tank missions.

New Vaccine for Typhoid Launched by Bharat Biotech

A Leading Biotechnology company Bharat Biotech launched New Vaccine for Typhoid. This mostly preferred to give to the children below 2 years of age. It will be given even to the adults. This is World’s first clinically proven Thyroid Conjugate Vaccine as stated by Typbar – TVC. This will give long term protection to the children as well as to the adults as stated by CMD of Bharat Biotech, Krishna M Ella.

Short Term Work Visas Issuing By Brazil Government

Brazil Government liberalised issuing Short term work visas. By this IT professionals from India can take up their assignments to Brazil and can complete the assignments there. For short term visas clearance from Brazil Labour Minister is not essential. This short term work Visa is for 90 days. Persons who want to have short term experience in foreign they can apply for the visa.

Supreme Court Rejected IAS Durga Shakti Suspension Plea

Supreme Court Rejected IAS Durga Shakti Suspension Plea against UP Government. She was suspended on the reason that she ordered to demolish illegal Mosque wall at Gautam Budh Nagar. But several people were stating that she was indirectly suspended for the taking actions against Sand Mafia which is most politically powerful.

Rs.20 crores earned in 3 days by Madras Cafe

Release of Madras Cafe was restricted by Tamil activists and stated that they have shown LTTE Cadres in negative shades. After the controversy it was released in Tamilnadu and collected Rs.20 crores. On Friday collection was Rs.5.17 crores, earnings on Saturday is Rs.7 crores and On Sunday its earnings was 8.50 crores. Budget of this movie was Rs.10 crores.

Food Security Bill Passed In Parliament

Food Security Bill Passed In Parliament. Budget for this bill is Rs.124, 723 crores. In December 2011, this bill was first passed in Parliament. On 26^th August 2013, Lok Sabha approved the bill after debate. It will give nations 2/3^rd population, the right to get 5 kgs of food grains every month at highly subsidised rates of Rs.1 to 3/- per Kg.

Lok Sabha passes Food Security Bill

Sonia terms Bill a fulfilment of her party’s promise to wipe out hunger and malnutrition

The Lok Sabha on Monday literally burnt the midnight oil to pass the ambitious National Food Security Bill, 2013, that seeks to provide highly subsidised food grains to nearly 70 per cent of the population of the country.

Dubbed as a “game-changer,” the flagship measure of the UPA government will give a legal entitlement to 67 per cent population (75 per cent rural and 50 per cent urban) for getting subsidised grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). 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 and will be identified by the States based on parameters prescribed by the Union government.

The government had promulgated an Ordinance to this effect in July which had to be replaced by the Bill in the current Monsoon session of Parliament to make it a law. The Lok Sabha was sitting to deliberate on a number of amendments that were moved by several members after a six-hour long debate. There were some anxious moments for the treasury benches when an amendment to Clause 8 of the Bill, moved by the Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj, created confusion and was believed to have gone through as the Speaker Meira Kumar announced the result of the division.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath suggested a revote on it to which Ms. Swaraj agreed, saving the government from embarrassment. Her amendment was negated as the result of the division showed 252 Ayes and 141 Nays with the total number being at 393. The lengthy process of going through a volley of amendments to the Bill and subsequent division, demanded by many members, took more than three hours. 

In a rare speech in the Lok Sabha, Congress president Sonia Gandhi described the measure as a “big message” about India’s capability to take responsibility for the food security of all its citizens. She said the Bill would fulfil her party’s promise to “wipe out hunger and malnutrition.” However, the Opposition saw it as a “political gimmick” as general elections are due next year. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Murli Manohar Joshi termed it as a “vote security” Bill while Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav wanted the Bill to be put in abeyance and the proposed legislation discussed with the State Chief Ministers.

Union Food Minister K. V. Thomas assured the Lok Sabha that loopholes in the National Food Security Bill would be plugged. Asserting that the Centre would protect the federal system, he said that the Centre and the States would “go hand in hand” in implementing the measure. Brushing aside claims that the government had not had enough consultations on the legislation, he said: “There was no dearth of consultation ever since the original bill was drafted last year and it was sent to the Standing Committee.” He said the Government had accepted all the recommendations of the Standing Committee barring one on universalisation of the scheme.

The Minister said that the offtake of States for ongoing schemes like Targeted PDS and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) would be protected and the additional burden on account of the implementation of Food Security Bill would be to the tune of Rs. 5000 crores.

On modernisation and computerisation of PDS by the States, he said the Centre would bear 50 per cent of the cost incurred by the States but in the case of the North-Eastern States and Jammu and Kashmir the Centre would bear 90 per cent of the cost. 

He also assured the House that the MSP would be protected and foodgrains coming to mandis would be taken over by the Food Corporation of India. Seeking to bring all parties on board, he said that food grain supplies to the States would not be reduced with the implementation of the Food Security Bill. His reference was to Tamil Nadu as the AIADMK had raised concerns that the Bill would result in reduced supplies.

Current Affairs 25th August 2013

India Won Gold Medal in Archery World Cup

Rimil Buriuly, Laishram Bombayla Devi, Deepika Kumari belongs to Indian Archery Team. They won Gold Medal in the world Cup in Wroclaw. After Medellin meets this is the second successive Gold medal. To achieve this victory Indian team defeated Korea.  In the finals Korea earned 215 points and Indian team earned 219 points.


Abdul Samad Abdullah, Maldives Foreign Minister, is no more

Abdul Samad Abdullah, Maldives Foreign Minister, is no more. He was 67. Samad suffered with severe Kidney alignment. While taking the treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore he died. 15 years ago he had undergone heart bypass surgery. In 2012, he acted as Foreign affairs minister. To the People’s Republic of Bangladesh he acted as first high commissioner of Republic of Maldives.

Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi , First Odia Singer, is no more

Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi, First Odia Singer, is no more. He was 80. He was better known for his Gita Govind. For his Gita Govind he was honoured by French Government. From past few months he was suffering with throat cancer. Apart from that he got heart attack on 25^th August 2013 at around 11.30 AM. Family members had taken his body to the capital hospital. Doctors declared that he died. On August 10^th he celebrated 79^th birthday. He made several efforts to popularise poet Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda.

Sebastian Vettel won Belgian Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel won Belgian Grand Prix. He defeated Lewis Hamilton. This is the fifth victory of the season.


Taukelina Finikaso’s first Visit to India

Foreign Minister of Tuvalu, Taukelina Finikaso visited to India for the first time. His Visit is between 21^st to 25^th August 2013. During his visit he had a discussion regarding mutual interest related to regional, international and bilateral importance with Preneet Kaur. He is the India’s External affairs minister. He inaugurated newly constituted Honorary Consulate of Tuvalu which helps to increase bilateral relation.

Syria gave Green Signal to UN probe

Under the barrage of international pressure Syria gave green signal to UN probe into chemical weapon attack as ally Iran warned against US military intervention.

Current Affairs 24th August 2013

  National Media Centre Inaugurated At New Delhi 

National Media Centre Inaugurated At New Delhi. This 4 storied building built for 3 years. Rs.60 crores is the cost of the Media Centre.  This consists of a library, Work place for the media, conference halls, Cafeteria and High Speed internet. This Media centre played an important role in Tokyo and Washington. Swanky Centre having the capacity to provide accommodation to 283 Media persons, 24 work stations for the media, Cafeteria, Media Lounge, library, a brief room for about 60 people.

6 Crores 50 Lakh Rupees Penalty Imposed on 6 Banks by RBI

6 Crores 50 Lakh Rupees Penalty Imposed on 6 Banks by RBI for violating KYC (Know Your Customer) guidelines. Penalty imposed on Indian Bank, IDBI Bank, Dena Bank, Corporation Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, and Allahabad Bank.

1.5 Lakh No Frills Accounts Opened by APGVB in a Single Day

In Eight districts APGVB (Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank) Opened 1.5 Lakh NO Frills Account in a single day. This has done as a part of DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer). Branch less Banking Business opened 75,320 accounts in Warangal district (64 Villages) and remaining 72,122 accounts opened by 638 branches. All these accounts are Zero balance accounts.

Indian Foreign Exchange Reserves Reached to $ 278.80 Billions

Indian Forex increased from $ 205.8 million to $ 278.80 billion by the Week end of August 16^th. This data was released by RBI (Reserve Bank of India) on Saturday. By the week end August 9^th, Reserves increased from $ 1.43 Billion to $ 251.34 Billion. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) declined by $ 3.9 million and reached to $ 4.39 billion by the end of August 16^th. IMF (International Monetary Fund) also decreased by $ 2.0 Million and reached to $ 2.10 billion.


12^th Typhoon Hitting China

In this year 12^th Typhoon hitted china. Name of this Typhoon is Typhoon Tramil. In central Hunan Provenance 3.61 lakh people had effected. Largest Rainfall in Zixing (281.6 mm). Rainstorms included in the Typhoon. These rainstorms effected eastern part of Hunan and South Eastern part of Hunan.

One Man commission On Kishtwar Violence

One Man Commission arranged by Srinagar Government on Kishtwar Violence. This commission was headed by Justice RC Gandhi. He was a retired Judge of Jammu and Kashmir court. This violence arouse on August 9^th. Gandhi will inquire on the reasons for violence, how many number of people died, damage of property. He has to submit the report by the end of this month.  Due to this violence Sajjad Kichloo, home minster of Jammu & Kashmir resigned.

Department of AIDS Control Launched AIDS Control Support Project

Department of AIDS Control Launched National AIDS Control Support Project. This project was assisted by World Bank. Department of AIDS Control Support Project Belongs to Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Main aim of the program is to prevent the spread of HIV in the society. Rs.2550 Crores is the cost of the project. Main target is preventing injecting Drug Users (IDU), Men who have sex with Men (Homosexual), and Female Sex Workers.

Current Affairs 23rd August 2013

Third Largest Immigration group is India in US

 US think tank made a study on immigration. They released a report that Mexican placed first in the immigration to US. 2 place attained by China then India placed in third position. In 2011 nearly 40.4 millions of Indian immigrated to US. This news was first published by Online Journal Migration Policy Institute.

Aadhaar Card is Not Mandatory to Avail Subsidies

Rajeev Shukla, Minister of state parliament Affairs, has stated in Rajya Sabha that Aadhaar card is not mandatory to avail subsidies for all the government schemes. This includes cooking gas also. Card is not essential even for the services like obtaining passport, admission in schools, opening bank account etc…

Amithab Pathak, Gujarat Police Chief, Passes Away

Amithab Pathak, Gujarat Police Chief, is no more. He died with heart attack. He went to southern Thailand to spend holidays along with his family. While he was swimming he died. He was 58. Pathak was 1977 IPS batch.  On February 27^th he appointed as Director General of Gujarat Police.

Nine members of National Spot Exchange Limited declared as defaulters

Nine members of National Spot Exchange Limited declared as defaulters. They do not pay for claim settlements. These companies are Yathuri Associates, Vimladevi Agrotech Ltd, Tavishi Enterprises Pvt Ltd, Spin Cot Textiles Pvt Limited, NCS Sugars Limited, NK Proteins Limited, Lotus Refineries Pvt Ltd, Loil Overseas Foods Limited, and ARK Imports Pvt Ltd.

Temple architecture discovered at Badami

Temple architecture stunning piece discovered at Badami in the caves. In 6^th century Badami was the capital of Chalukya Dynasty. Various poses of Lord Vishnu appeared in the sculpture.

Railway Department incurred Loss of Rs.25000 crores
In the passenger segment Railway Department incurred loss of Rs.25000 crores in this year.

People’s Union of Civil Liberties Launched new Website for Modi claims

People’s Union of Civil Liberties Launched new Website to Restore Democracy as stated by Radhakant Saxena , NGO PUCL ‘s Vice President. Website Address is www.pheku.in this website do not target any political party but to make people aware about Modi claims.

Full Pension will Get by Army people after 29 years of Retirement

Kochi bench announced that Armed forces will get full pension after 29 years of Retirement. Vijay Pal Yadav Retire major general attained only 43 % of the basic pension after 31 years of his retirement. He approaches court. At last after several arguments bench declared that Armed forces should get full pension after 29 years. This bench consists of Justice Tripathi Shrikanth and Lt Gen Thomas Mathew.

Use of Chemical Weapon is a Crime in Syria

Use of Chemical Weapons is a crime in Syria stated by Ban Ki Moon, UN Secretary General. He also stated that any use of weapons anywhere, by anybody, under any circumstances would violate international law. This would result in serious consequences.

Government announced National E Mail Policy

With the intension to protect privacy of email users, government announced national e-mail policy as stated by Kapil Sibal Communication and Information Technology Minister. He asked all the Indian embassies and government department to use NIC server for email correspondence. Any foreign agencies NIC cannot access this server.

Australia Guilty for the violation of Human Rights

For indefinite detection of 46 refuges Australia has violated 150 international laws. Australia feeling guilty about the violation found by United Nations committee. Australia government passed an order to release refugees. Most of the refugees were Sri Lankan Tamils.
19^th Delhi Book Fair started at Pragati Maidan

At Pragati Maidan, 19^th Delhi Book Fair was started. Leadership and Readership is the main theme of this book fair. Today this book fair was started and ends on 31^st August 2013. Role of Libraries on the Indian Society is the theme focus.  With the collaboration of India Trade Promotion Organisation, Federation of Indian Publishers organise this book fair every year in Delhi.

Free Trade Hub Launched by China

Shanghai China’s Biggest Business Hub was launched. China is trying to push other countries to establish similar hubs to establish.

Sikkim is India’s greenest state

As per an official data, Sikkim is India’s Greenest State with a forest cover 47.3% of its total geographical area and is more than double the national average of 21 %.
The state government has fixed a target of bringing an additional 1,000 hectares of land under forest cover during the 12th Five Year Plan period (2012—17).

A Comparison of Sikkim in Green terms:

• The state has 500 sq km area under very dense forests which is 7.05 %.
• It has 2,161 sq km area under moderately dense which is 30.45%
• 698 sq km of its area is under open forests which is 9.84%

The above figures are significantly higher than the national average of 2.54 % very dense forests, 9.76% moderately dense and 8.73 % open forests.

Who owns the credit of keeping Sikkim green?

Sikkim has achieved the distinction of being the greenest state in the country mainly due to various protection and conservation measures like Sikkim Green Mission, Ten Minutes to Earth and Smriti Vans

U.S. to help India deal with new security challenges

The U.S. has agreed to share its expertise with India in countering new security challenges mainly terrorism. 

The U.S. government has agreed to provide Indian officers of various agencies access to its specialized agencies under the Department of Homeland Security particularly the Georgia head-quartered Federal Law Enforcement Training Centres (FLETC) to help them deal with the changing face of international terrorism.

According to this programme, the Indian officials and security officers would go through various courses like Cyber Security, Megacity Policing and Forensic.

India seeks to build an army of experts who can handle new technologies and mechanism to deal with various kinds of terrorism and anti-national activities with the passage of time.

Focus of US training programmes:

The U.S. programmes will deal with four aspects of terrorism:

1. Global supply chain, transportation, port, border and maritime security
2. Megacity policing and sharing of information among federal, State and local partners
3. Illicit finance, smuggling of cash, financial fraud and counterfeiting
4. Cyber security and critical infrastructure protection.

What is “Megacity Policing”?

The U.S. has also offered India to help develop the concept of Megacity Policing with the growing population in cities and increasing threat perception and which is a step it has been promoting since the 9/11 attacks. An advance course in surveillance, control room design and its operation by various security agencies and police authorities are key elements of this concept.

Who will participate in the US-security training programmes?

The officials would be among the agencies and government departments including the National Security Council Secretariat, the National Investigation Agency, the Intelligence Bureau, the National Technical Research Organisation, the Central Bureau of Investigation, the paramilitary and State police forces, the Customs, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Enforcement Directorate, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the Ministry of Telecom and Information Technology, the Coast Guard and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.

RBI lowers remittance limit, discourage green card dreams

Taking further measures to reduce the burden on the already weakened rupee, RBI reduced the limit for remittances made by individuals to $75,000 from $200,000 per financial year and banned the purchase of property outside India. The rich Indians with a view to invest in a business or buy property in some foreign countries to gain permanent residency find their dreams crushed with this measure.

 

Various countries and their conditions to afford a green card:

• Countries such as the US, UAE, Australia, Bahamas, Spain, Mauritius and parts of Canada offer permanent residency and fast track green card to those who invest in businesses or property there.
• The US EB 5 visa offers a fast track green card if one invests $500,000 in a business.
• Buying a property worth $500,000 one can get a permanent residency in the Bahamas.
• In Australia one has to invest $5 million to het the green card.
• In the UAE foreign property buyers are automatically given a three year residency permit.
• Canada’s Quebec province runs an investor programme which gives permanent residency to immigrants who can invest $800,000 in the province in the form of a guaranteed, interest-free loan.

Current Affairs 22nd August 2013

 

India is Third Largest Internet User of the World

A research conducted Firm Comscore regarding the usage of internet usage. India placed in the third position. Nearly 73.9 million people are using the internet services.  China attained first place and 2 placed attained by US. By the end of March 2013, in Asia Pacific 644 million people are using work and home internet users. Chain attained first place with 54 % and 2^nd place occupied by India with 11.5 %, Japan with 11.4 %, South East Asia using 9.6 % and rest of APAC using 13.5%.

New President of Zimbabwe is Robert Mugabe

Robert Mugabe took oath as Zimbabwe President. He will continue for another 5 years. This is the 7^th times he was acting as president.


Two wheelers of Hero Motocorp launched in Peru

Hero Motocorp is the largest two wheeler maker. It has entered into Peru market by introducing two wheelers of Hero brand. To sell companies two wheelers, MOTOCORP SAC was appointed by the company. Company aims to sell 100 million units by the end of 2020, as stated by Pawan Munjal, CEO and MD of Hero Motocorp. Available two wheelers in Peru Market are Karizma R, Karizma ZMR, Thriller, Hunk, Glamour, Passion Pro, and Scooter Pleasure.

Lending Rate of ICICI increased to 10 %

Lending Rate of ICICI increases by 0.25 pcs to 10 %. ICICI is countries largest private sector bank. This increased lending rates will effect from Friday onwards i.e. from 23^rd August 2013. Several private sector banks namely Yes Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank were increased interest rates by 20 paisa to 25 paisa.

No Marks Brands acquired Bajaj Corp Limited

No Marks Brands belongs to Ozone Ayurvedics. These brands were acquired by Bajaj Corp Limited. Acquisition Amount was not disclosed. In personal care Segment Company wants to establish its own name as stated by Kushagra Nayan Bajaj Chairman of Bajaj Corp Ltd. No Marks include several products such as lotions, facial scrub, Facial cream, Face wash. All products trade mark attained by Bajaj.

Stake of Kingfisher Finvest India Ltd increased to 2.01 %

Stake of MCF (Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilisers Limited) by Kingfisher Finvest India Ltd increased to 2.01 % from 1.96 %. Kingfisher Purchased 47000 shares for the amount of Rs.28.90 lakhs from NSE on 26^th July. It also purchased 14600 shares for Rs.8.96 lakh from BSE.

NRE Deposit Rates Revised by Federal Bank and DCB

For Resident and Non Resident customers NRE deposit rates revised by DCB and Federal Bank. Bank hiked Resident maturity deposit rates from 7 % to 8.5 %. Senior citizens can avail 0.5 % additional interest. NRE Term Deposits increased from 8.75 % to 9 %.

Bottling plant of Coca cola started in Greater Noida

Ahmet C Bozer, Coca cola International Executive Vice president and president inaugurated Bottling plant in Greater Noida.  In the line of bottling system this is the second plant. Rs.140 crores invested on setting up this plant. Annual water recharge capacity is 1.6 lakh kilo litters.

New Mobile application launched by Delhi Metro

Persons who are using Smartphone’s can get train timings and fares by using Mobile application. This can be developed by the website. Passengers will get several information relating to parking availability in the stations, metro map, route information, travel time, timings of last and first train at stations, nearest metro stations, as stated by Mangu Singh MD of Delhi Metro. Passengers who have android phones and i phones only can download this application.

New contract signed by Zensar technology in US

Two new contracts signed by Zesar technologies in US.  Contracts include outsourcing 5 years deal of total infrastructure. This deal is with global direct selling company for 5 of its remote sites.

MISPTM offered by 8KMiles

MISPTM (Multidomian Identity Service Platform) offered by 8K Miles Company.  This is cloud computing company. This service helps to set up identified federations with minimum frictions.

Net Income of BCCI for 2011 – 12 is Rs.350 crores

World’s richest Cricket board is BCCI. Net income for the financial year 2011-2012 is Rs.382.36 crores. During 2012-13 Gross Revenue is Rs.950 crores. These results announced by Ravi Savant Board Treasurer.


Hosni Mubarak Released from the Prison

Hosni Mubarak who was former Egyptian dictator released from prison.  From past two years he was in prison on charges for killing Protestants and of corruption. He was 85 years old. He was taken to court by medical helicopter from Cairo’s Tora Prison. He will remain in house arrest. Before house arrest he will taken to military hospital in Maadi.

Government approved Judicial Appointment Commission

Government approved Judicial Appointment Commission. Under the proposal government will set up panel committee to appoint and transfer senior judges. This panel will headed by CJI (Chief Justice of India). Other members of the commission will be law minister, two judges of Supreme Court, two eminent persons as members and secretary in the law ministry. Government approved that committee will have CJI and PM (Prime Minster) as other members. Leader of opposition party will be part of a committee either of the house of parliament. They will nominate two eminent persons to JAC.

Rajiv Gandhi Shiromani Award Received by Sohan Roy

Rajiv Gandhi Shiromani Award Received by Sohan Roy. He is the film director for the movie Dam 999. He is chief executive of Aries Group of companies.  This award presented by Devanand Konwar, Tripura Governor. Sohan made several experiments in naval architectural engineering. For the project Longest Snake boat he entered into Guinness book.

Ministry of Finance launches “STAR scheme”

STAR: (Standard Training Assessment and Reward) 

The Ministry of Finance launched the National Skill Certification and Monetary Reward Scheme that will be implemented on national level. The scheme will motivate the youth to acquire a vocational skill. The scheme is expected to benefit a million people in the first year of its implementation.

The scheme which is promoted by the name STAR (Standard Training Assessment and Reward) envisages for a monetary reward to financially help those who wish to acquire a new skill or upgrade their skills to a higher level.

The scheme will also be helpful for implementation of the National Skilling Mission which aims to add 500 million skilled Indians by the year 2022. While 150 million are expected to be contributed by the private sector working under National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), 350 million will be contributed by 18-odd ministries at the Centre. The scheme has been started with Rs 1000 crore budget to benefit at least 1 million people. Under this scheme each tested and certified trainee will get an average of Rs. 10,000 to cover training costs.

National Skill Development Corporation

National Skill Development Corporation, a body under the Ministry of Finance, is one of its kinds public private partnership initiative with 51% equity held by private sector and 49% by the Union Government. Established in 2010, NSDC is a professionally run not-for-profit company that includes 22 Sector Skill Councils and 87 training partners with over 2500 training centres present in 352 districts in the country.

Important Current Affairs 21st August 2013

Floating Retail Touch Point launched By Vodafone

As a part of customer service, Vodafone launched Floating Retail Touch point boat in the back waters.  This helps the people to reside on the banks of the backwater during monsoons. Timing are from 10 Am to 5.30 PM. Route is between Alappuzha to Changanacherry.  Boat is specially designed to meet the needs of the people who enjoy the banks of backend water, as stated by Kerala Business Head Murali.

Abhay Gupta New CEO of Manipal Technologies Limited (MTL)

Abhay Gupta appointed as New CEO of Manipal Technologies Limited (MTL). Earlier CEO was Anjani Mandal. Official announcement given by Gautham Pai, MD of MTL.


Long Term Investments would buy By RBI
With the intension to increase the liquidity flow in Indian  Banking system Reserve Bank of India approved to buy long term government bonds Worth of Rs.8000 crores. SLR and statutory Liquidity Ratio are also relaxed by RBI.

Samsung Electronics became largest Phone maker

Earlier Nokia was India’s largest Phone Maker now this place was occupied by Samsung Electronics. Market share of Samsung Electronics is 43.6 % as against 31.5 % in the last financial year.

M-Pesa Service launched by Vodafone

Along with ICICI, Vodafone launched M-Pesa Service along with Mobile money transfer.  With the intension to expand foot print in the capital this scheme was launched by Vodafone in Delhi.  Within two days this scheme will introduce in Luck now and Mumbai also.

Tax savings Fund launched by IDBI Mutual Fund

Tax savings Fund launched by IDBI Mutual Fund. This is Open Ended Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS). This product is specially designed for the investors who are looking for capital appreciation of investment apart from income tax savings. Open subscription opens offers from August 20^th and this will close on 3^rd September as stated by Balasubranamanian, Vice president and Fund Manager.

ICC T20 Rankings Issued

ICC T20 Rankings issued. Virat Kohli placed in 6^th position in the top 10 list. In the bowlers list no person from India has attained the position in top 10 lists. Suresh Raina placed in 8^th Position. Yuvraj Singh is in 16^th position. Best ranked Indian bowler is R Ashwin off spinner. He placed in 16^th position.

Fresh landslides triggered in Idukki

An investigation made by Sree Kumar’s team in Idukki. SreeKumar is a Christ College Associate Professor with the department of Geology and Environment Science. The team indicated possibility of fresh landslides in the areas near idukki. SreeKumar’s last project was on long term migration strategies in landline prone areas in the Western Ghats region of Kerala. This project conducted for 3 years.

RTI Applications can be filed on online

In New Delhi, online RTI portal launched by V Narayanasamy, Minister of state for personnel Public Grievances and Pensions. Website Address is www.rtionline.gov.in .

TPWS introduced in Kolkata Metro

Kolkata Metro Railways Dum Dum (Kavi Subhash Section) introduced new safety system. With the intension to enhance the safety system TPWS (Train Protection and Warning System) introduced. This new system will prevent the train from SPAD (Signal Passing at Danger). TPWS monitor speed restriction. It also helps to stop the train if it crosses the red signal.