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February 2014 Current Affairs
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FEBRUARY 2014CURRENT AFFAIRS
UPLOADED TOhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/BANKPOANDCLERK
EMAILswagatranjandash@gmail.COMsaswata.siet@gmail.com
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Water, Peace and War Confronting the Global Water Crisis Mr. Brahma Chellaneys
book launched
February 27, 2014
The Vice President of India, Mr. M. Hamid Ansarilaunched a book titled Water,
Peace and War Confronting the Global Water Crisis authored by Mr. Brahma Chellaney.
About the Water, Peace and War Confronting the Global Water Crisis book
Focus: On a wide range of research from scientific and policy fields to examine the global linkages
between water and peace.
Author: Mr. Brahma Chellaney.
Founds a way on how we can secure humankinds water future and promised to become the
recognized authority on the most precious natural resources of this century.
The author sketched a bleak picture of water scarcity in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East regions that
are not only struggling with unstable governments, but also rapidly growing populations.
Water stressed conditions are also appearing in developed countries, viz.Australia, Spain, and
South Korea. Even the deep-water aquifers that support modern agriculture in North America are
dwindling.
Euthanasia Plea issue: Apex Court refers matter to constitution bench
February 27, 2014
The Supreme Court of India referred the issue of legalizing
euthanasia in the country to a five-judge Constitution bench. Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally
ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering. Due to conflicted opinions on euthanasia, the apex
court stated that the Constitution bench will go into all aspects of the issue and take a final decision
on framing guidelines.
The PIL filed by NGO Common Cause had contended that a person whose life was ebbing out
should be allowed to die, as the continuance of the life with the support system was an unnatural
extension of the natural life span. The Centre had vociferously opposed the plea terming it as
suicide which could not be allowed in the country.
Note: Jurisdictions where euthanasia or assisted suicide is legal
The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Estonia, Albania, and the US states of
Washington, Oregon and Montana.
Indian- American Scientist Sangeeta Bhatia developed cheap paper diagnostic for
cancer
February 27, 2014
The Indian-American scientist, Ms. Sangeeta Bhatiadeveloped a simple, cheap,
paper test that could improve cancer diagnosis rates and help people to get treated earlier. Ms.
Bhatia is professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Howard Hughes Medical
Institute.
About the paper diagnostic test for cancer
The diagnostic, which works much like a pregnancy test, could reveal within minutes, based on a
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urine sample, whether a person has cancer. The synthetic biomarker technology relies on
nanoparticles that interact with tumour proteins called proteases, each of which can trigger release of
hundreds of biomarkers that are then easily detectable in a patients urine.
Concept of synthetic biomarker technology: To amplify signals from tumor proteins (that would
be hard to detect on their own) by injecting special nanoparticles into the body.
These proteins are known as Matrix Metallo Proteinase (MMP) that help cancer cells to escape
from their original locations by cutting through proteins of the extra cellular matrix, which normally
holds cells in place.
These nanoparticles, coated with peptides (short protein fragments), can interact with tumour
proteins called proteases. In a patients body, these particles congregate at tumour sites, where
cancer proteases cleave the peptides, which then accumulate in the kidneys and are excreted in
the patients urine.
These biomarkers are easily detectable using an approach known as a lateral flow assay, the
same technology used in pregnancy tests. In tests in mice, the researchers were able to accurately
identify colon tumours, as well as blood clots.
Note: As per the current version of the technology, patients would first receive an injection of the
nanoparticles, and then urinate onto the paper test strip. To make the process more convenient, the
researchers are now working on a nanoparticle formulation that could be implanted under the skin for
longer-term monitoring.
1322- security helpline number launched by Northern Railway for passengers
February 27, 2014
Northern Railway launched 24 x 7 security helpline No.1322 to provide speedy
assistance to passengers in the event of thefts, harassment and other criminal incidents on rail
premises.
The call can be made from a landline or mobile number.
Once a passenger calls the helpline, a unique complaint number will be generated and provided to
the complainant to be followed for necessary action.
The security helpline service will be managed by Railway Protection Force (RPF).
At present, the facility will be operational in 731 stations of the Northern zone covering Ambala,
Ferozpur, Moradabad, Delhi and Lucknow divisions.
Future Plan: To launch 1322 as an all India helpline number for Railway passengers.
What is Tizen? Samsung launched Tizen-powered smart watches
February 27, 2014
Samsung launched second generation Gear smart watches powered by
Tizen operating system to break the iOS and Android duopoly in the mobile market.
Samsungs NX300M smart camera was the first device to run on Tizen, and the Gear 2 paves the
way for what Samsung calls the Tizen based wearable platform.
About second-generation Gear smart watches
Available in two models: Gear 2 and the camera-less Gear 2 Neo.
Both the variants of the Gear 2 are IP67 certified water and dust resistant.
Powered by the Tizen operating system.
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Weight: Gear 2(68 gm) and Gear 2 Neo (55 gm). Both the models are lighter than the original Galaxy
Gear (73.8 gm) and thinner too, at 10mm vs. 11.1mm.
The Super AMOLED display on the Gear 2, measures 1.63-inch with a 320-by-320 pixels resolution.
It can accept or ignore calls, messages, and also monitor heart-rate, and our movement activity.
The Gear 2 also has 4GB of internal memory, 512MB RAM, 2.0-megapixel camera (not included in
the Neo), Bluetooth 4.0 LE, and an IrLED sensor that will help control other electronic devices such
as TVs and set-top boxes through the Watch ON Remote app.
The Gear 2 will be available in Charcoal Black, Gold Brown and Wild Orange colors while the Gear 2
Neo will be available in Charcoal Black, Mocha Grey and Wild Orange colors. Gear 2 Neo is made of
plastic while the Gear 2 has a metal face. Both the watches will be available from April,2014.
What is Tizen?
It is a project within the Linux Foundation and is governed by a Technical Steering Group
(TSG) composed of Samsung and Intel among others.
Open-source Linux powered operating system.
Standards-based software platform supported by leading mobile operators, device manufacturers,
and silicon suppliers for multiple device categories viz. smartphones, tablets, netbooks, in-vehicle
infotainment devices, smart TVs, smart cameras, etc.
Objective: To offer a consistent user experience across devices.
Offers an innovative operating system, applications, and a user experience that consumers can
take from device to device.
Available programming languages: HTML5, C, C++.
Provides application development tools based on the JavaScript libraries jQuery and jQuery
Mobile.
Provides a robust and flexible environment for application developers, based on
HTML5. With HTML5s robust capabilities and cross platform flexibility, it is rapidly becoming the
preferred development environment for mobile apps and services.
The Tizen SDK and API allow developers to use HTML5 and related web technologies to write
applications that run across multiple device segments.
Indira Paryavaran Bhawan inaugurated by Dr. Manmohan Singh
February 27, 2014
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated Indira Paryavaran Bhawan in New Delhi, which
will house the Ministry of Environment and Forests and has a provision to accommodate its 600
officials.
About Indira Paryavaran Bhawan
Project of Ministry of Environment and Forests
A Project for Construction of New office Building at Aliganj, Jor Bagh Road, New Delhi.
Indias first on site Net Zero green building built by the adoption of Solar Passive design and energy
efficient building material.
The building is targeted to achieve LEED India Platinum Rating and GRIHA 5 star rating.
Cost: Rs. 209 crore, include the cost of land, solar photo voltaic power generation and its evacuation
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system, three level mechanized basement parking system, air-conditioning system supported by
geothermal
cooling, IT services, audio and video system in auditoriums and committee rooms, furniture,
provision for horticulture and other services including reuse of water by recycling the waste water and
also to make the building friendly to physically challenged.
Requirements of GRIHA 5-Star and LEEDS Platinum ratings
Effective Ventilation has been achieved by orientating the building in an East-West direction,
separating different blocks with connecting corridors and having a large central court yard.
The design is such that 75% of natural daylight is utilized to reduce energy consumption.
The entire building has an access friendly design for differently-abled persons.
With an Installed capacity of 930 KW peak power, the building has the largest roof top Solar
system among Multi storied buildings in India.
Total energy savings of about 40% has been achieved by adoption of energy Efficient Chilled
Beam system of Air Conditioning. This is an innovative air conditioning system, where air
conditioning is done by convection currents rather than air flow through diffusers and chilled water
is circulated right up to the diffuser points unlike the conventional systems.
Green materials have been used like Fly ash bricks, regional building materials, materials with high
recycled content, high reflectance terrace tiles and rock wool Insulation of outer walls.
Rapidly renewable Bamboo Jute Composite material has been used for door frames & shutters.
UPVC windows with hermetically sealed double glass, Calcium Silicate ceiling tiles having high
recycled content and grass paver blocks in pavements and roads.
Reduction in water consumption has been achieved by use of Low discharge water fixtures,
recycling of waste water through Sewage Treatment Plant, use of plants with Low water demand in
landscaping, use of Geothermal cooling for HVAC system, rain water harvesting and use of curing
compounds during construction.
Cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara: Brand ambassador of Gujarat Election Commission
February 27, 2014
Indias middle order batsman, Cheteshwar Pujara has been appointed as the brand
ambassador of the Gujarat stateElection Commission for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Objective: To encourage young voters of the region to caste their votes in the upcoming elections.
Mr. Pujara is known for his discipline, integrity and sense of duty towards his country as he has been
an integral part of Indias cricket team for the several years. He has a very clean image and has
always steered himself clear of controversies. He won the Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2013.
India and Canada inked 3 pacts to enhance business and cultural ties
February 27, 2014
India and Canada signed 3 pacts for cooperation inhealth sector, audio-visual
co-production and skill development. Currently, the Governor General of Canada, Mr. David Johnston
is on a 9 day visit to India.
MoUs signed between India and Canada:
The Grand Challenges Canada and Department ofBiotechnology will work together to address the
global health challenges especially for women and childhealthcare.
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The secretary of information and broadcasting, Mr. Bimal Julka and Mr. Stewart Beck (High
Commissioner of Canada to India) signed an agreement on the audio visual cooperation. This MoU
will enable Indian and Canadian film producers to utilize a platform for collaboration on various facets
of film making. The agreement is expected to deepen the engagement between the critical sectors of
the film industries of both countries there by, providing a new chapter of collaboration.
National Skill Development Corporation from India and Association of Canadian Community
College from Canada will work in skill development segment and to cooperate and share the
information and learning on this aspect.
Target Accelerator Programme (TAP) launched first accelerator programme for Indian
start-ups
February 27, 2014
The Indian arm of US retailer Target, Target India launched its Target Accelerator
Programme in Bangalore to incubate and provide mentoring to its first batch of five technology
startups.
Target will provide funding of up to $30,000 in cash and operational expenses to each of its
incubated ventures.
About Target Accelerator Programme (TAP)
Objective: Targets program is designed to help early-stage startups to develop ideas that could
improve the retail giants business and the broader retail industry.
Focus: on incubating startups operating in the areas of mobile, content, social, search, data and
analytics.
Runs for four-months in Target Indias Bangalore office and will annually incubate four to five
startups in the mobile, social media and big data analytics segment.
The selected startups will also be mentored and provided with business tools and operational
support.
Five shortlisted startups of the first batch of Target Accelerator Programme (TAP):
Turnaround Innovision: A website that helps in rotating 3D images to display products on host
websites.
Konotor: A two way communication channel between a client and their mobile app users.
MuHive Technologies: A startup that offers a social engagement platform to help organisations
simplify their social conversations.
Unbxd Inc: Enables personalised searches, product recommendations and website navigation.
Instaclique: by Nirmantra Technologies helps organisations to integrate social media
conversations online to decrease website bounce rates and increase customer engagement.
The Target Accelerator Programme is the first such programme launched globally by the Minneapolis
head quartered retail behemoth.
ISRO: Experimental launch of GLSV Mark III in May/June
February 27, 2014
The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) would carry out an experimental launch of GSLV
Mark III in May/ June. The national space agency, ISRO is also set to send its next satellite IRNSS-
1B on board rocket PSLV C24 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in March/April 2014.
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About Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mark-III)
Function: Mid-Heavy Lift Launch System.
Manufacturer: ISRO.
Objective: To launch heavy satellites into geostationary orbit and will allow India to become less
dependent on foreign rockets for heavy lifting.
Three stage vehicle with a first stage consisting of two identical large solid boosters strapped onto
the second liquid stage. The third stage is a cryogenic stage.
Have an Indian built cryogenic stage with higher capacity than GSLV MK-2 and a passive cryostage
where no engine will be burnt in the third stage.
CCEA nod to convert 7,200 km of state roads to highways
February 27, 2014
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave its nod to convert 7,200 Kms of states
roads into national highways. Together with this, during the UPA regime, approx 17,000 km of the
state highways converted into national highways.
Also, the Cabinet decided to rename Ennore Port in Chennai asKamarajar Port.
Note: National Highways Development Project (NHDP) is the flagship road building programme
of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, currently running into seven phases. The present
length of the National Highways in the country is about 80,000 km.
Ms Lakshmi Swaminathan : Became first Indian President of Administrative Tribunal of the
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
February 27, 2014
Ms. Lakshmi Swaminathan became the first Indian to become president of Administrative Tribunal of
the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for three years. Ms. Swaminathan is the seventh president of the
Tribunal. At present, she is a member of the Panel of Arbitrators of several public sector undertakings
and NSE.
About Administrative Tribunal of Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Establish: 1991, as an external mechanism to review personnel decisions by Management.
Composition: Consists of five judges, who are all nationals of member countries of ADB.
The Tribunal elected Judge Ms. Lakshmi Swaminathan as President and Professor Roy Lewis as
Vice-President on the occasion of the 35th session held in Manila.
ATP Delhi open: Somdev Devvarman wins singles title, Saketh Myneni and Sanam
Singh win doubles title
February 27, 2014
Indias top singles star, Somdev Devvarman won his third ATP Challenge Tennistitle after beating top
seed Aleksandr Nedovyesov by 6-3, 6-1 in the final in NewDelhi. Saketh Myneni, lifted the mens
doubles title with Sanam Singh and they put a bow on the Indian swing with doubles titles in the
capital city of New Delhi.
e-wallet Scheme launched by IRCTC
February 27, 2014
The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) launched e-Wallet Scheme to make
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payment process fast and to reduce transaction failures due to bank payment related problems.
(IRCTC is a public sector undertaking of theMinistry of Railways). At present, one has to make the
payment for the fare of the ticket, while booking e-ticket, through Credit card, Debit card or
Net banking.
e-Wallet Scheme
A rolling deposit scheme wherein the customers will have an account with the IRCTC and deposit
money to be used in future for booking e-tickets from its website (www.irctc.co.in).
Names of all passengers booked on a fully wait-listed e-ticket are dropped at the time of
preparation of reservation charts and fare is refunded automatically.
In case of ticket cancellation, the due refund will be credited to the e-Wallet account next day.
Available for PAN verified users only.
There is no difference between e-tickets booked through e-wallet scheme or those booked through
other payment options available on the website.
Click here for e-Wallet User Guide: eWALLET User Guide
Whistleblowers Protection Bill 2014: Passed by Parliament to encourage those
disclosing information on corrupt public servants
February 27, 2014
The Parliament of India approved the Whistleblowers Protection Bill 2014 to set up a mechanism to
encourage persons for disclosure of information on corruptionor willful misuse of power by public
servants. The bill also seeks to provide punishment for false or frivolous complaints. Recently,
the Rajya Sabha gave its nod to the bill without any amendment after keeping it pending for more
than two years. The Lok Sabha had passed the bill in 2011.
About Whistle-blowers Protection Bill 2014
Objective: To provide and protect mechanism, methodologies to encourage the person for
reporting any such corruption activities or any misuse of power by a bureaucrats or government
officer.
Will provide an adequate protection to persons reporting corruption or wilful misuse of discretion
which causes demonstrable loss to the government or commission of a criminal offence by a public
servant.
Sets the procedure to inquire into the disclosures and provides adequate safeguards against
victimisation of the whistleblower. It will also seek to provide punishment for false or frivolous
complaints.
Note: The bill would create a legal framework to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption
involving government officials.
Mr. Rishang Keishing: Indias oldest Parliamentarian retired after serving seven
decades
February 27, 2014
Indias oldest parliamentarian, Mr. Rishang Keishing (94) decided to retire after serving
the nation for seven decades. His term at Rajya Sabha (the Upper House of Parliament) ends on
April 9, 2014.
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Mr. Keishing started his political career as a socialist and became the member of the first Lok
Sabha in 1952 after being elected from Socialist Party; he joined the Congress in 1962. He had
served as Chief Minister of Manipur four times.
Note: After Mr. Keishings retirement, Mr. Ram Sundar Das of the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) will be
the oldest MP in the Lok Sabha.
M.P.Bezbaruah Committee: For protection of rights of North Eastern people
February 27, 2014
The Union Government expanded Bezbaruah panel to look into the various kinds of concerns of the
persons hailing from the North Eastern States, who are living in different parts of the country,
especially the Metropolitan areas, and to suggest suitable remedial measures which could be taken
by the Government.
Four new members drafted in the committee: Ms. Marina Nido(Mother of the Student Nido
Tania who died after being allegedly beaten by some shopkeepers in south Delhis Lajpat Nagar),
former IPS officerS T Sangliana and students leaders J Mavio and J T
Tagam fromNagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
Earlier, a six-member panel led by Former IAS officer M P Bezbaruah, was formed to propose
remedial measures to address concerns of people from the Northeast following outrage over the
death in Delhi of a 19-year-old student from Arunachal Pradesh.
Members: Retired IAS officers H W T Syeim, Allen Temshi Jamir, Tape Bagra and P Bharat
Singh and the Deputy Secretary in Ministry of Home Affairs S Saha as Member Secretary.
Terms of Reference of the Bezbaruah Committee:-
To examine the various kinds of concerns, including the concerns regarding security, of the
persons hailing from the North Eastern States.
To examine the causes behind the attacks/violence and discrimination against the people from the
North-Eastern States.
To suggest measures to be taken by the Government to address these concerns.
To suggest legal remedies to address all the concerns.
The Bezbaruah panel will interact with the students/professionals, NGOs, students organizations and
other persons from the North Eastern States living in Delhi to seek their suggestions.
Note: Suggestions can also be sent by e-mail atmpbcomm.Northeast@gmail.com and also by post to
S Saha, Member Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Room No. 172-C, North Block, New Delhi.
SOMAH Solution- to preserve donated organs; developed by Indian origin doctor Dr.
Hemant Thatte
February 27, 2014
An Indian origin doctor, Dr. Hemant Thatte developed a 21-chemical solution known as SOMAH
Solution that could preserve a donated organ for up to a week before a transplant.
Dr. Hemant Thatte is a senior cardiovascular surgeon at HarvardUniversity.
What is SOMAH Solution?
SOMAH Solution in Sanskrit means elixir of immortality.
The new preservative that is a mixture of 21 chemicals, has the potential to store the heart (and
other organs) for up to 7 days.
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A research paper published in the medical journal Circulation in October 2009 showed cells of
organs preserved in SOMAH had a lower rate of death than in another preservation solution.
The biggest advantage of SOMAH is that it can be used at room temperatures.
Presently, hearts and lungs need to be transplanted within 4-6 hours of being recovered from a
braindead
donor, the liver within 8 hours and kidneys within a bit more than 24 hours. In addition, the
available organs cannot be transported long-distance for transplant and have to be made available
locally.
Sochi 2014: Russia topped medal table as Winter Olympics came to an end
February 27, 2014
The 2014 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXII Olympic Winter Games, held in Sochi, Russia.
Host nation Russia finished on top of the medal table by winning 33 medals in the tournament.
Top five Countries who topped the list:
Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze
1 Russia (RUS)* 13 11 9
2 Norway (NOR) 11 5 10
3 Canada (CAN) 10 10 5
4 United States (USA) 9 7 12
5 Netherlands (NED) 8 7 9
Ashok Kumar Mathur-7th Pay Commission: Cabinet approved merger of 50% DA with
Pay and 7th Pay Commission Terms of Reference
February 27, 2014
In order to benefit over 50 lakh employees and over 30 lakh pensioners, the Union Cabinet approved
terms of reference for seventh pay commission. This includes merging dearness allowance above
50% with basic pay.
At present, Dearness Allowance (DA) is around 90% of basic pay and another hike of 10% is
expected soon. DA is calculated on the basis of change in retail inflation.
As per practice, the government uses CPI-IW data of the past 12 months to arrive at a quantum for
the purpose of any DA hike. Thus, the retail inflation for industrial workers between January 1 to
December 31, 2013 would be used to take a final call on the matter.
Note: To revise the salary structure of Union government employees from both civil and military
services, the Union Government constituted the 7th Central Pay Commission under the
chairmanship of Mr. Ashok Kumar Mathur, a retiredSupreme Court judge and retired chairman of
Armed Forces Tribunal.
Sri Lanka makes graphic warning on cigarette packs mandatory
February 27, 2014
The Sri Lankan parliament passed a law that makes it mandatory for putting graphic warning on
cigarette packs. Under the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act, the three regulations
passed to discourage smoking in the country.
As per the regulation
Pictorial warnings should be printed on the surface of both front and back portions of every
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cigarette packet, package or carton containing cigarettes covering 80% of the pack, package or
cartoon.
Also made it mandatory to specify health warnings on the packs and includes Smoking makes
children ill, Smoking causes heart diseases, Smoking causes cancer and Smoking causes sexual
impotence mandatory.
Note: In Srilanka, the numbers of cancer patients are on increase and annual death toll due to
smoking amounts to about 20,000 persons.
Online shopping portal for authentic tribal products launched
February 27, 2014
The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched an online shopping portal for sale of authentic tribal
products that will seek to create a niche market for indigenous artisans.
About the e-commerce portal
This online portal is initially open for only Indian shoppers and forinternational buyers later.
Features 69 tribal products viz. textiles, metal artifacts and jewellery, etc.
Launched by Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Raj V Kishore Chandra Deo.
Objective: To provide branding, source certification and developing standards for products.
Shawls, stoles and mufflers will be in available in Angora, sheep wool and Pashmina material from
states viz. Orissa, Assam, etc.
Paintings from four states and dokra metal artifacts and jewelleryfrom states
viz. Nagaland and Himachal Pradesh will also be available.
Detailed write- ups of the products will also be available.
The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation ofIndia Limited (TRIFED) is
making special efforts to promote the sales of handicrafts.
Future Plans: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has plans to launch a new website for the minor forest
produce viz. honey and tamarind.
IMF projected Indias FY15 growth at 5.4% February 27, 2014
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected 5.4% economic growth for Indiain 2014-15 and
proposed to strengthen the inflation management polices and doing away with supply bottlenecks for
better GDP.
The IMF forecast:
Consumer prices based inflation is expected to remain near double-digits in 2014-15, driven by
high food inflation that feeds into wages and core inflation.
The tight monetary policy would slow the growth recovery.
For the fiscal year 2013-14, Indias growth will be 4.6% and will pick up to 5.4% in 2014-15 at
factor cost. (These projections of India were a conclusion of its annual discussions with India).
As per Indias official estimates, the economy is probably to expand at 4.9% in 2013-14 as against
4.5% in the previous fiscal. The government expects to growth to pick up in the 2014-15 fiscal.
Patna Worlds Longest Free Wi-Fi Zone in India February 27, 2014
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The Chief Minister of Bihar, Mr. Nitish Kumar unveiled the worlds longest free Wi-Fi zone at the e-
Bihar summit in Patna. The free Wi-Fi zone stretched nearly 20 km between the National Institute of
Technology (NIT) at the eastern end of the Ashok Rajpath and Danapur at the western end of the
state capital, Patna.
This new free Wi-Fi zone beats the current worlds longest zone of 3.5 km in China.
In a bid to make Patna crime-free, Mr. Kumar also inaugurated the city surveillance and dial
100 project, wherein 100s of CCTV cameras would be installed all over the city for better safety and
security.
A state data centre has also been opened for storing of the data collected by these cameras.
This project will enable CCTVs to capture vehicle numbers and persons identity instantly, which
would be shared all over the network to nab any criminal. Every vehicle entering or exiting the city
would be monitored this way.
Positive Outcome of Free Wi-Fi zone: Still, internet connectivity in India is poor and Wi-Fi hubs are
rare. Also, free WiFi zones are next to negligible in the country. Such a step has put not just India on
the global map but even made Bihar an example to follow for other states.
Sikkim: Best State in implementation of rural tourism projects.
February 26, 2014
The Union Ministry of Tourism declared Sikkim as the best State in the implementation of rural
tourism projects. The Union Minister for Human Resource Development Dr. Shashi Tharoor
presented the National Tourism Award 2012-13 to Sikkims Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel in
New Delhi.
As per the Union Tourism Ministry, Sikkim is the perfect destination to experience warm hospitality,
rich culture and scenic natural beauty.
The tourism department of Sikkim had tied up with states viz. Kerala,Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa
for tourist flow from these states to Sikkim.
To ensure international tourism flow in the state, the department is also negotiating with countries
viz. Bhutan and Nepal.
To boost tourism in Sikkim
The Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling, launched an ambitious Rs.140 crore project for
developing various tourism convenience facilities, view points, halting points, conferences, retiring
units and other infrastructural facilities project in the state.
Sanctioned Rs.50 crores for setting up facilitation centres in Gangtok and various other important
tourist destinations of the state.
A total 20 facilitation centres will be set up in the state for strengthening tourism facilities, and
added that capacity building, training, marketing, manpower and human resources will be
strengthened under these facilitation centres.
The main facilitation centre will be set up in Gangtok at a total cost of Rs.40 crores, while the other
facilitation centres in small towns and major tourist destinations will be constructed at a cost of
Rs.50 lakh each. All facilitation centres will start to function by the year 2015.
Quadricycles to ply from October 1, 2014
February 26, 2014
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The Quadricycles will be allowed to run in cities across the country from
October 1, 2014. It will have hard top and doors. As a safety measure, it will be mandatory for such
vehicles to have seatbelts for both the occupants in the front and two in the rear seat.
Objective to permit Quadricycles: To replace the auto-rickshaws because the emission norms of
these vehicles are better than auto-rickshaws.
About Quadricycles
Four-wheel vehicle with a small engine.
Maximum speed: 70 kmph.
Manufactured by Bajaj Auto.
Expected to run 35 km on a litre of fuel.
Wont be allowed to ply on highways.
More efficient on security and safety concerns as it had introduced the provision of seatbelts and
braking system like that of cars, which falls under M1 category of vehicles.
The weight of the battery excluded from the vehicle curb weight to promote no carbon emission.
Odia- 6th Indian classical language
February 25, 2014
The Union Cabinet gave its nod for classifying Odia as a classical language to give impetus to
scholarships in the language. It is the sixth Indian language to get such prestigious tag after Sanskrit,
Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.
There has been a long-standing demand that Odia, which is one of the oldest languages and has no
resemblance to Hindi, Sanskrit, Bengali, Telugu, etc, be declared as a classical language.
What is a Classical Language ?
A classical language is a language with a literature (art of written work) that is classical. U.C.Berkeley
linguist George L. Hart defined Classical Language as follows:
It should be ancient, it should be an independent tradition that arose mostly on its own, not as an
offshoot of another tradition, and it must have a large and extremely rich body of ancient literature.
Classical languages are those which are ancient, of an independent nature and not a derivative of
any other tradition. And based on above, Chinese, Sanskrit, Tamil, Hebrew, Greek and Latin are
considered as the Classical Languages of the World. Of these only Chinese and Tamil are
used by masses now.
In India, Tamil was the first to gain the Classical Language status, followed by Sanskrit in
2005. These two languages (Tamil and Sanskrit) are undoubtedly parental sources for many
languages belonging to the Indo-European family and the Dravidian family of linguistic groups.
In 2006, the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture announced in the Rajya Sabha the
creation of a new category of languages as classical languages based on 4 norms:
(i) High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years;
(ii) A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by
generations of speakers;
(iii) The literary tradition should be original and not borrowed from another speech
community;
(iv) The classical language and literature being distinct from the modern, there may also be
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discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or offshoots.
A committee of linguistic experts followed it up, and based on its recommendation classical status
was conferred on Telugu and Kannada in 2008. Thus, the definition of classical languages has
undergone several changes over the years and the latest criterion too is susceptible to changes.
Benefits of declaring Odia as classical language
Two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in Odia language.
A Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Languages can be set up.
The University Grants Commission can be requested to create, to start with at least in Central
Universities, a certain number of professional chairs for classical languages, for scholars of
eminence in Odia language.
Which are the Classical Languages of India?
Languages thus far declared to be Classical are:
1. Tamil (2004)
2. Sanskrit (2005)
3. Kannada (2008)
4. Telugu (2008)
5. Malayalam (2013)
6. Odia (2014)
ASI & Google jointly launched the 360 Degree Online View of Indian Heritage Sites
February 25, 2014
The Archaelogical Survey of India (ASI) and Google jointly launched 360-degree panoramic
imagery of 30 out of 100 nationally-important monuments.
Objective: To create a dynamic, immersive online experience by which people within India and
around the world can understand and engage more of Indias diverse cultural heritage.
In pursuance of the signed agreement with ASI and Union CultureMinistry, Google created a virtual
walkthrough application using its Street View Trekker technology for the first time in India.
The images of sites that can be accessed on Google Maps through Street View are the Taj
Mahal, Humayuns Tomb, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Jantar Mantar, Fatehpuri Sikri, Itimad-ud-Daula,
Agra Fort, Krishnagiri Fort, Rajagiri Fort, Chandragiri Fort, Agha Khan Palace, Fort St George,
Nagarjuna Hill, Raigad Fort, etc.
Note: Street View Trekker Technology is a Street View camera platform, with 15 cameras on board
that capture a 360-degree view of the area around. It is mounted on a wearable backpack and the
total unit weighs around 20 kg. The operator walks through pedestrian routes and is designed to
reach places that can be accessed by foot.
Connaught Place: Worlds 8th costliest office location in 2013 February 25, 2014
As per the global property consultant Cushman & Wakefield report, Connaught Place in Delhi is the
worlds eighth costliest office location in 2013. It fell to the eighth position (from 4th position) due to
an appreciation in both the US dollar and euro against the Indian rupee in 2013.
Rank Location/City Occupancy Cost ($/sq ft/yr)
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1 West End, London (UK) 271.61
2 Central, Hong Kong 183.32
3 CBD, Moscow (Russia) 139.8
4 CBD, Beijing (China) 131.48
5 CBD, Tokyo (Japan) 128.34
8
Connaught Place, New
Delhi 122.73
Excerpts of the & Wakefield report 2014
Focus: On prime office rental performances and occupancy costs across the globe, including a
ranking of the most expensive locations across the world in which to occupy office space.
The location continues to remain high on priority for sectors viz. BFSI, consulting, trade, media,
etc.
Global office rents increased by 3% overall.
The USA and Mexico saw the prime rents rise compared to other top ranked cities that saw the fall
in prime rents.
Moscow and New Delhi recorded no change in rental values.
In Asia Pacific rental growth was largely flat on the back of a slowing economythough, the economic
climate improved as the year progressed.
Goverment directs banks: Dont publish pics of education loan defaulters February 25, 2014
The Union Government has directed banks not to publish photographs ofeducation loan defaulters in
newspapers. The banks have been adopting name-and-shame policy to force borrowers to pay up
defaulted loans, but the step by the government may act as a shield for the youth.
When the Bombay High Court refused to stop publication of photographs of a defaulter firm, saying it
was in larger public interest and in its ruling prompted banks to even publish names of some
education loan defaulters, then the Government of India (GoI) officially stated on the public
identification of defaulters that the same yardstick cannot be applied to all cases.
Note: The directive comes at a time when in the interim budget, the government declared an interest
subsidy scheme on unpaid education loans. The government would provide interest subsidy on
outstanding education loans sanctioned before March 2009. The move will cost the exchequer Rs
2,600 crore. Most students are not wilful defaulters. A large section where loans have gone bad is
mostly because of unemployment.
Taj Mahotsav 2014
February 25, 2014
The 10- day annual festival, Taj Mahotsav 2014 began in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It is organized by the
Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism to increase the Indian Tourism.
About Taj Mahotsav 2014
Celebrated from February 18 to 27 at Shilpgram near the Eastern gate of Taj Mahal.
Theme: Paigham-e Mohahabbat or the message of love.
This 10 days long carnival is actually a vibrant platform that gives us information of India where we
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can find Indias rich arts, crafts, cultures, cuisine, dance and music.
Legendary artisans from different parts of the country would get an opportunity to display their
exquisite works of art viz. wood or stone carvings from Tamil Nadu, Bamboo or cane work from
North East India, Paper mash work from South India and Kashmir, the marble and zardozi work
from Agra.
Taj Mahal is the most beautiful historical place of India which tells about incredible India.
Note: Taj Mahotsav started in 1992 and is organized by the Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism to
increase the Indian Tourism.
Email Miles- Tracks how far our email has traveled
February 25, 2014
Email miles is a new GPS based system that tells us how far our email has travelled. This new
technology uses Global Positioning System (GPS) and internet tracking to calculate the number of
miles an email has travelled before reaching an inbox.
About the new technology Email miles
A free and open source plug-in for standard email software.
Inventor: Jonah Brucker-Cohen
The system tracks where a message was sent from and where it was received and calculates the
total distance between the two and displays it on the screen alongside a map.
The system does all of its time and distance calculations using the internet and a coordinate
mapping system. When all of the mileage amounts are tallied, it adds them all and provides the
user with a map, the countries, continents and miles the email traveled.
In other words, Email miles show how indirect the route of emails can be.
India and Bahrain signed three pacts to boost bilateral ties, during the State Visit of
King of Kingdom of Bahrain to India
February 23, 2014
India and oil-rich Gulf nation Bahrain signed three pacts to boost bilateral ties.
The pacts were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Bahrain
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in NewDelhi.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bahrain:
In the fields of youth and sports: To strengthen bilateral cooperation through institutional
exchanges particularly through exchange of youth and sports teams in various disciplines.
On the establishment of a High-level joint commission for bilateral cooperation to replace the
Joint Committee for Technical and Economic Cooperation established in 1981. The High Joint
Commission, to be chaired by the Foreign Ministers, will serve as an umbrella framework for all
cooperation between the two countries.
Another MoU signed between the Foreign Service Institute and the Diplomatic Institute of
Bahrains Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote cooperation between the two organizations.
SC: People from any religious background are free to adopt child
February 23, 2014
The Supreme Court ruled that people are free to adopt children irrespective of their religious
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background. The move paved the way for adoption of child by persons hailing from Muslim
community even though it is not allowed under their personal law.
The bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam stated that the
Law entitles adoption by people belonging to any religion and any person, who does not submit
himself to personal law, can adopt a child.
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act is a small step towards the concept of
Uniform Civil Code mentioned in Article 44 of the Constitution of India.
Act does not mandate any compulsive action by any prospective parent leaving such person with
the liberty of accessing the provisions of the Act, if he so desires.
Act is an enabling legislation that gives a prospective parent the option of adopting an eligible child
by following due procedure.
The SC judgment came on petition filed by activist Ms. Shabnam Hashmi who had approached the
apex court after being refused permission to adopt.
Public Issues before Parliament- Mr. Vijay Dardas book released by Vice President
of India
February 23, 2014
The Vice President of India, Mr. Hamid Ansari released a book entitled Public Issues before
Parliament authored by Mr. Vijay Darda (MP) in NewDelhi.
The book is the summarization of the significant contributions made by Mr. Darda during his period
as Member of Parliament (MP).
It is dedicated to the common who considers Parliament as an embodiment of his hopes and
aspirations.
Mr. Darda is a politician from Indian National Congress party and is a Member of the Parliament of
India representing Maharashtra in theRajya Sabha since 1998.
Note: Mr. Darda is the chairman and editor-in-chief of the Marathi newspaper Lokmat.
Study: Fertilization destabilizes Global Grassland Ecosystems
February 23, 2014
As per study led by University of Minnesota researchers, the fertilization of natural grasslands,
either intentionally or unintentionally as a side effect of global farming and industry, is having a
destabilizing effect on global grassland ecosystems.
About the study on Fertilization destabilizes Global Grassland Ecosystems
First international experiment by using a network of natural grassland research sites around the
world known as Nutrient Network (or NutNet).
Assessed the effect of fertilizer on 41 sites across 5 continents.
The experimental network included eco-systems from alpine areas ofChina to Serengeti
in Tanzania.
Outcome: Found that plant diversity in natural ecosystems creates more stable ecosystems over
time because of less synchronized growth of plants.
Also found that grassland diversity and stability reduces when fertilizers added.
In other words, the balance output of the ecological safety net on addition of fertilizer was upset
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across diverse grassland as the various organisms in those disappeared.
NutNet is a grassroots campaign that is supported by scientists who volunteer their time and
resources.
Published in the international journal Nature.
Indias First Minority Cyber Village inaugurated in Rajasthan February 23, 2014
The Minister for Minority Affairs Mr. K Rehman Khan inaugurated Indias first Minority Cyber
Village in Chandoli in Alwar district of Rajasthan. Ministry of Minority Affairs has targeted villages
with substantial population of minorities for this project. Minority people will be benefited more from
this cyber village concept.
About Indias First Minority Cyber Village
Objective: To provide computer education to the people of 15 to 59 age group.
Chandoli has been selected as the first village for the pilot project as it holds more than 80% of
minority population and also because the minorities of the Mewat region is still backward in
education.
Under this project, experts will provide training of commuter skills to the people of chandoli.
Future plan: Government pondering to open special schools on the pattern of Kendriya Vidyalayas
for minority community and planning to come up with 200 new colleges in minority dominated areas
and the areas viz. Laxmangarh, Tijara, Kishengarhbas and Ramgarh.
Facebook announces purchase of WhatsApp for $19bn
February 23, 2014
The social media giant, Facebook announced purchased popular mobile messaging
company WhatsApp for a whopping $19 billion. To date, it is the largest acquisition by the Mark
Zuckerberg-led firm, which will give it a stronghold in the market for messaging. (Facebook
HQ:Menlo Park, California, US).
The whopping acquisition price includes $4 billion in cash, about $12 billion worth of Facebook
shares and $3 billion in restricted stock units to be granted to WhatsApp founders and employees
that will vest over four years following the closing of the deal.
About mobile messaging company WhatsApp
A cross-platform mobile app that allows users to exchange messages without having to pay
telecom charges.
In other words, it is simple, fast and reliable mobile messaging service that is used by over 450
million people on every major mobile platform.
Why Facebook bought WhatsApp?
The acquisition of WhatsApp by Facebook is to speed up the companys ability to bring connectivity
and utility around the world. As part of the deal, theWhatsApp co-founder and CEO Jan
Koum would join the Facebook board.
Benefit: WhatsApp would complement the existing chat and messaging services to provide new
tools for Facebook community.
WhatsApps core messaging product and Facebooks existing messenger app will continue to
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operate as standalone applications.
The acquisition will not impact the WhatsApps brand and the companys headquarters will remain in
Californias Mountain View.
Cabinet nod for Equal Opportunity Commission & Coal Regulator
February 23, 2014
The Union Cabinet approved the creation of Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC), to check
discrimination of minority communities in jobs and education.
About Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC)
Exclusively for minorities.
Mandate: To ensure that no minority community is discriminated against on religious grounds by
redressing complaints.
Deal with grievances viz. denial of accommodation or buying rights to minorities in housing
societies.
Has to make binding recommendations that people from minority communities find adequate
representation in government employment or educational institutions.
The Justice Sachar Committee that went into the socio-economicbackwardness of Muslims had
recommended setting up of the Commission.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) also gave its nod to the proposal to set up
coal regulator. The coal regulator would be
Set up through an executive order.
Empowered to specify the principles and methodology for determination of price of raw coal and
washed coal and any other by-product generated during washing.
Also regulate methods for testing for declaration of grades or quality of coal, specify procedure for
automatic coal sampling and adjudicate upon disputes between the parties. The bill for setting up a
regulator for the sector is pending before Parliament
Parliament nod to bill to protect rights of street vendors
February 23, 2014
Parliament passed Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street
Vending)
bill-2014 to regulate street vending activities and protect the rights of urban street vendors besides
ensuring steps against harassment by police and civic authorities. The Rajya Sabha adopted the bill
by a voice vote and without discussion. (the bill was already passed by Lok Sabha).
Excerpts of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending)
bill-2014
Objective: To protect the rights of urban street vendors and regulating street vending activities
and to create conducive atmosphere where street vendors will be eligible to carry out
their business in a fair and transparent manner, without fear of eviction and harassment.
Legalizes street vending activities to ensure urban street vendors safety from police harassment.
Propose: To set up Town Vending Committees (TVC), which will be responsible for deciding
vending zones and the number of vendors that each zone should have.
Provides protection of livelihoods rights, social security of street vendors, regulation of urban
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street vending in the country and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Provides time-bound release of seized goods, for both perishable and non-perishable goods
There is a provision for establishment of an independent dispute redressal mechanism under
the chairmanship of retired judicial officers to maintain impartiality towards grievance redressal of
street vendors.
In order to avoid uncertainty of authorities, the Bill provides for a survey of all existing street
vendors, and subsequent survey at-least once in every five years, and issue of certificate of
vending to all the street vendors identified in the survey, with preference to SC, ST, OBC, women,
persons with disabilities, minorities etc.
As per Section 29 of the Bill street vendors will be protected from harassment by police and
other authorities and there is a prime clause to ensure they carry on their business without the fear
of harassment by the authorities under any other law.
To prevent delay in implementation, the bill provides that the Rules under the Bill have to be
notified within one year of its commencement, and Scheme has to be notified within six months
of its commencement.
Note: The Parliament also passed two other bills: Governors Emoluments, (Allowances and
Privileges) Amendment and National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research
(Amendment). These two bills were also approved by the Rajya Sabha without discussion after these
were adopted by the Lok Sabha.
Asteroid 2000 Em26: Potentially hazardous space rock safely passed by Earth
February 23, 2014
The space rock, known as 2000 EM26, poses no threat and passed the Earth at just under nine times
the distance to the moon. Though, it is defined as a potentially hazardous Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA)
that was large enough to cause significant damage in the event of an impact.
This was subtle reminder of the dangers of the asteroid impacts just one year after historic event
took place on February, 2013.
A previous-unknown discovered asteroid exploded over Chelyabinsk,Russia and injured 1200
people and sent shock waves shattering windows and damaging buildings in Chelyabinsk.
About Near Earth Asteroid (NEA) 2000 EM26
Size: As big as three football fields (270m).
Speed: Approx 12.37 km/s.
Minor planet category: Aten asteroid (NEO, PHO).
Minimum possible close approach distance to Earth: 0.018 AU (27 lakh km).
Tracked by: Slooh robotic telescope service, Spain (that provided internet access to automated
observatories).
Nasas Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM)
First-ever mission to identify, capture and redirect an asteroid.
Plans to use capabilities of the new Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket and
highpower
solar electric propulsion to capture an asteroid in the near future.
Till now, 10,713 known near-Earth objects are discovered.
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Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy resigned as AP Chief Minister
February 23, 2014
Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy resigned from the post of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and also quitted
from the membership of the State Assembly and the Congress Party. Andhra Pradesh Governor E S
L Narasimhan accepted the resignation of Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy and asked him to
continue in office till alternative arrangements are made.
Why Mr. Reddy resigned from the CM post of Andhra?
To protest against the Congress and Centres decision to divide AP and the way the Andhra Pradesh
Reorganization Bill was dealt with in Parliament. Now, the formation of Telangana state waited for the
formal nod of President, as the Telangana Bill passed in both Houses of Parliament.
Highlights of the Telangana Bill:
Telangana will have 10 districts and the rest of Andhra Pradesh 13 districts.
Hyderabad will remain the joint capital of Telangana and residuary Andhra Pradesh for ten years.
The Bhadrachalam division will continue to be with Khammam district which will be part of
Telangana.
NTPC will construct a 4,000 MW power project in Telangana to solve the electricity problem in the
region.
A petroleum university will be constructed in Seemandhra region while seats for Semmandhra
students in educational institutes in Telangana will be reserved for ten years.
Article 371 D will continue for the both states to ensure equitable opportunities for education and
public employment.
Note: Telangana will become the 29th state of India after the approval of President of India.
MSME Ministry to launch virtual network to link clusters
February 23, 2014
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is set to launch a virtual network
wherein different clusters of micro, small and medium enterprises can connect on a common platform
and share information to help them expand their business.
About Virtual Cluster Approach
An initiative of the Ministry of MSME.
Purpose: To overcome the limitations of the Physical Approach requiring the location of the units
in one geographical area besides substantial resources for creation of infrastructure.
Will enable small businesses across different sectors to co-exist with their peers on a web-portal.
Around 2,000 industrial clusters have been identified for undertaking soft and hard interventions
with a view to increase the competitiveness of the enterprises.
Till now, the Ministry of MSME helped around 850 clusters through its MSE Cluster Development
Programme.
Duas layer: Dr. Harminder Singh Dua, Indian origin UK doctor discovered new layer of
cornea
February 21, 2014
To cure blindness of eye due to glaucoma, Professor Harminder Singh Dua from the Nottingham
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University discovered an ultra-thin layer hidden deep in the human cornea that can help treat
glaucoma. (He is an Indian origin UK doctor).
About the new layer discovered by Mr. Dua
This 15 microns thick new layer also known as Duas layer.
Located at the back of the cornea between the corneal stroma and Descemets membrane.
Plays a vital role in the structure of the tissue that controls the flow of fluid from the eye.
Makes an important contribution to the sieve-like trabecular meshwork called theTrabecular
Meshwork (TM) in the periphery of the cornea.
Benefit of this discovery: It will offer new clues on why the drainage system malfunctions in the
eyes of some people, leading to high pressure.
The study was published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
Previously, Scientists believed that the cornea consists of five layers- from front to back the corneal
epithelium, Bowmans layer, the corneal stroma, Descemets membrane and the corneal
endothelium.
What is Trabecular Meshwork (TM)?
TM is a wedge-shaped band of tissue that extends along the circumference of the angle of the
anterior chamber of the eye. It is made of beams of collagen wrapped in a basement membrane to
which trabecular cells and endothelial cells attach. The beams branch out randomly to form a
meshwork.
Pressure within the eye is maintained by the balance of aqueous fluid production by eye tissue
called the ciliary body and drainage principally through the TM to the canal of Schlemm, a circular
channel in the angle of the eye.
Defective drainage through the TM is an important cause of glaucoma, a condition that leads
to raised pressure in the eye that can permanently affect sight.
Note: Glaucoma is a devastating disease caused by defective drainage of fluid from the eye and is
the worlds second leading cause of blindness.
ModiNomics Sameer Kochhars book launched February 21, 2014
The Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mr. Arun Jaitley launched a book titled
ModiNomics: Inclusive Economics, Inclusive Governance, by Sameer Kocchar, in New Delhi.
About the ModiNomics: Inclusive Economics, Inclusive Governance
Author: Sameer Kochhar.
Focus: On the Gujarat story and tells how BJPs Prime Ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi brought
about a sea change through his unique brand of ModiNomics. Speaks about the vision of Narendra
Modi about economic and development strategies. Presents a deep insight of Modis idea of both
Inclusive Economics as well as Inclusive Governance.
Vizag Zoo: Soon, Indias first breeding centre for wild dogs (Dhole) February 21, 2014
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) or Vizag Zoo will be the first
zoo in India to have a conservation breeding centre for the endangered wild dog or Dhole. The
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Central Zoo Authority selected IGZP to have a breeding centre for Dholes.
Project: will be completed in two to three months.
Cost: Rs. 50 lakh.
In India, the Dholes are protected underSchedule 2 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. (As per
the schedule 2 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, permission is required to kill any individual
unless in self-defense or if an individual is a man killer.
About Dhole
Also called the Asiatic wild dog or Indian wild dog.
Scientific Name: Cuon alpinus. Order: Carnivora.
Highly social and cooperative animal lives in large clans which occasionally split up into small packs
to hunt.
Highest number of wild dogs in captivity in India: 22.
Classified as an endangered species by the IUCN: Due to ongoing habitat loss, depletion of its
prey base, competition from other predators, persecution and possibly diseases from domestic and
feral dogs.
P.C. Chacko committee: To recommend punitive measures for the pepper spray
incident in the Parliament
February 21, 2014
The Lok Sabha Speaker, Ms. Meira Kumar referred the pepper spray incident in the Parliament to
the Committee of Privileges, which has powers to recommend punitive measures. The senior
Congress leader Mr. PC Chacko is the head of the privilege committee.
About the P.C. Chacko committee
Consists of 15 members
Chairman of the Committee of Privileges of Lok Sabha: Mr. P C Chacko
Function: To examine every question involving breach of privilege or contempt of the House or of
the members of any Committee thereof referred to it by the House or by the Speaker.
Enjoys power to take punitive measures which include recommending imprisonment and even
expulsion among others.
Would also consider whether Members of Parliament should be frisked for security purposes
before entering the two Houses.
What is the issue behind the forming of the privilege committee?
On the issue of the introduction of Telangana Bill in the Parliament, a pepper spray was used by
some MPs in the Parliament, which resulted in the hospitalization of three MPs (Member of
Parliamentarians) and plunged the House into extreme confusion and disorder.
Later congress member Mr. L Rajagopal was expelled and 16 Seemandhra MPs were
suspended.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat stated that the decision to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee
has been done under Rule 227 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha,
where a question of privilege is referred to the Committee by the Speaker.
About Committee of Privileges
Examines the cases of breach of privileges of the House and its members and recommends
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appropriate action.
Function: Semi judicial in nature.
The Lok Sabha committee has 15 members while the Rajya Sabhacommittee has 10 members.
Purushottam Express will get first Braille signage coach in India
February 21, 2014
Purushottam Express (Train Number 12801/12802) will become the first train
in India to be attached with a Braille-embedded AC coach for visually challenged passengersby
the end of February 2014. Purushottam Express is a super-fast train running between Delhi and Puri.
Purushottam Express (Train Number 12801 UP/12802 DOWN)is a daily train which runs between
Puri in Odisha and New Delhi
About the first Braille signage coach in India
Manufactured at Integrated Coach Factory in Chennai with the inputs received from Research
Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO), Lucknow and in consultation with blind
associations. Costs about Rs. 40,000 to make a coach visually-challenged friendly as Braille printing
are superimposed on the stickers which can be used by both a person with normal vision as well as a
visually impaired person.
The AC coach is equipped with Braille-embedded signages on berths, toilets, wash basins and
doors as well.
Presently, coaches are provided with signages, instructions, seat numbers, etc that are mostly in the
form of vinyl stickers or metallic plates and have no Braille characters and cannot be read by
visuallyimpaired passengers.
Note: It was declared in the Rail Budget of 2013-14 that Braille stickers will be introduced for
visuallychallenged passengers.
Avinash Aruns Marathi film Killa won Crystal Bear award at Berlin Fest
February 21, 2014
Mr. Avinash Aruns directorial debut, the Marathi feature
film Killawon the Crystal Bear (Glasernen Bar) for the Best Film awarded by the Childrens Jury in
Generation Kplus section at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival (also known as the
Berlinale).
About Marathi film Killa
First Indian feature film to win Crystal Bear award.
Deals with the universal conflict of migration and how it impacts the lives of people, especially
children.
The story is about an 11 year old child, Chinu, who is coping with the death of his father and finds
it difficult to adapt to a new place he has migrated to.
Directed by Avinash Arun.
Produced by Madhukar R Musle, Ajay G Rai and Alan McAlex under the banner, Jar Pictures and
presented by M R Filmworks.
Will be released in May, 2014.
Note: Killa is the third Marathi film to premier and compete at the Berlin film festival.
Dr. VV Dongre and Prof. Guocheng Zhang bagged International Gandhi Award 2013
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February 21, 2014
The President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee presented the International Gandhi Award for the year
2013 to Dr. Vijaykumar Vinayak Dongre and Prof. Guocheng Zhang for making outstanding
contributions in the field of leprosy to eradicate the disease through treatment, training and research
at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.
International Gandhi Award
Instituted by the Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation (GMLF) that was established in 1950 to
commemorate Mahatma Gandhis service and scientific approach towards leprosy.
GMLF introduced the International Gandhi Award in 1986.
Recognizes the commendable contributions of individuals and institutions in ameliorating the
quality of life of people afflicted with leprosy.
The two awards are given every alternate year to individuals/institutions for making outstanding
contribution in the field of leprosy.
Note: Leprosy is an infectious disease that causes severe, disfiguring skin sores and nerve damage
in the arms and legs.
Highlights of interim Union Budget 2014-2015 Tax proposal
February 21, 2014
The Union Finance Minister Mr. P Chidambaram presented an Interim Budgetfor 2014-15. For the
period up to June 30, 2014, Mr. Chidambaram reduced excise duty on:
(a) Capital goods and consumer non-durables (falling under Chapter 84 and 85 of the
Schedule to the Central Excise Tariff Act): from 12 to 10 %.
(b) Small cars, motors cycles, scooters and commercial vehicles: from12% to 8%.
(c) Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs: from 12% to 8%
(d) Large & Mid-segment Cars: from 27/24% to 24/20%.
Other Key highlights of Budget 2014-2015 Tax proposal
No change in income tax rates.
Proposed to make appropriate reductions in the excise duty on chassis and trailers.
Excise duty on mobile hand set to be 6% on CENVAT credit to encourage domestic production.
The custom duty structure on non-edible grade industrial oils and its fractions, fatty acids and
fatty alcohols is reduce to 7.5% to encouragedomestic production of soaps and oleo
chemicals.
To encourage domestic production of specified road construction machinery, the exemption from
Counter Vailing Duty (CVD) on similar imported machinery is withdrawn.
A concessional custom duty 5 % on capital goods imported by the Bank Note Paper
Mill India Private Limited is provided to encourage domestic production of security paper for
printing currency notes.
The loading and un-loading, packing, storage and warehousing of rice are exempted from Service
Tax.
Interim Union Budget 2014-15
February 21, 2014
The Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram presented the Interim Budget 2014-15 in the Lok
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Sabha with an estimated plan expenditure of Rs. 5,55,322 crore and non-plan expenditure of Rs.
12,07,892 crore. Excise duty on cars, two-wheelers, SUVs and capital goods and consumer durables
has been slashed to boost the manufacturing and growth. There is no change in income tax rates.
Important points of the Union Budget 2014-15
Focus: On manufacturing and manufacturing exports.
Fiscal deficit for FY14 to be contained at 4.6% of GDP; FY15 target at 4.1 %
FY14 Current Account Deficit seen at $45 bn.
FY14 Q3 & Q4 GDP growth to be at least 5.2%.
Agriculture credit will cross $ 45 billion against $41 billion in 2012-13.
Food grain production estimated at 263 million tons in 2013-14
Proposed a venture capital fund with an initial capital of Rs. 200 crore to promote entrepreneurship
among scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
No change has been introduced under the tax laws but a change has been introduced for the
indirect taxes.
Budgetary support to railways increased from Rs 26,000 crore to Rs 29,000 crore 2014-15.
Ministry-wise allocations for flagship schemes:
Rs.82, 200 crore rural development, Rs.67, 398 crore for human resource development, Rs.33,
725 crore for health and family welfare, Rs.21, 000 crore for women and child development, Rs.15,
260 crore drinking water and sanitation.
Food subsidy will be Rs 1, 15,000 crore for implementation of National Food Security Act.
One -rank-one-pension scheme for defense personnel from 2015.
Defense allocation increased by 10% to Rs 2.24 lakh crore.
To strengthen the capacity of Central Armed Police Forces by modernization and providing stateof-
the-art equipment and technology, the government has allocated Rs. 11009 crore.
To formulate and promote the scheme of community radio station, the government sanctioned a
fund of Rs.100 crore.
For the Social Justice Ministry, Rs. 6730 crore has been sanctioned.
For the Panchayati Raj Ministry, Rs.7000 crore has been sanctioned.
For food, fertilizer and fuel subsidy, Rs. 246397 crore has been allocated.
To stimulate growth, the government has slashed excise duty to 10% from 12%.
Foreign exchange reserves up by $15 billion.
Rs 2,600 crore for education loan moratorium, to benefit 9 lakh borrowers for loans taken before
March 31, 2009.
A ten point agenda has been created by Mr. Chidambaram to makeIndia the third
largest economy after US and China.
Two projects sanctioned under Nirbhaya Fund of which the original was of Rs.1000 crore that was
non-lapsable and another Rs. 1000 crore has been granted.
3 more industrial corridors Chennai-Bangalore, Bangalore-Mumbai, Amritsar-Kolkata under
various stages of implementation.
Govt. committed to Aadhaar-based LPG transfer but scheme on hold temporarily.
Chennai and Panaji (India) to host World Bridge Championship 2015
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February 21, 2014
For the first time, India will host the World Bridge Championship for Bermuda Bowl (men) and Venice
Cup (women) in 2015. About 550 players from 66 countries are expected to be seen in action in this
world meet.
Cities short-listed to host the World Bridge Championship: Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Panaji,
Goa.
About World Bridge Team Championship
Conducted by World Bridge Federation (WBF) in every two years.
WBF President: Gianrrigo Rona of Italy.
Bridge Federation of India (BFI) President: N R Kirubakara Moorthy.
Premier tournament in international bridge and sees the top teams from each geographic region
competing against one another for the Bermuda Bowl trophy.
In addition, there are separate trophies for the top women`s team as well as the top senior team
(D`Orsi Trophy) globally.
Football Legend Sir Tom Finney: Former Preston and England winger passed away
February 21, 2014
Former Preston and England winger, Sir Tom Finney (91) passed away.
Mr. Finney was one of the Englands greatest footballers and the ultimate one-club man. He was
famous for his loyalty to his league club, Preston North End for which he made 569 first-class
appearances.
About Sir Tom Finney
Nickname:Preston Plumber.
Played for Preston from 1946 until he retired.
Scored 210 goals in 473 appearances.
Footballer of the year: In 1954 and 1957 (the first player to receive the honor twice).
Appointment: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) (1961),
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1992.
Knighted in the 1998 Queens New Year Honors.
President of Kendal Town.
67th BAFTA Awards 2014
February 21, 2014
The 67th BritishAcademy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) held at the Royal Opera House
in London.
Winners of the 67th Annual BAFTA Awards
Best Film: 12 Years a Slave
Outstanding British Film: Gravity.
Best Director: Alfonso Cuarn (Gravity).
Best Actor: Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave).
Best Actress: Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine).
Best Supporting Actor: Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips).
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle).
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Best Original Screenplay: American Hustle.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Philomena.
Best Editing: Rush.
Best Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki (Gravity).
Best Production Design: The Great Gatsby.
Best Costume Design: The Great Gatsby.
Best Original Music: Gravity.
Best Makeup and Hair: American Hustle.
Best Sound: Gravity.
Best Visual Effects: Gravity.
Best Film Not in the English Language: The Great Beauty.
Best Animated Film: Frozen.
Best Documentary: The Act of Killing.
Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer: Kieran Evans.
Best British Short Film: Room 8.
Best British Short Animation: Sleeping with the Fishes.
The EE Rising Star Award: Will Poulter.
Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema: Peter Greenaway.
Most awards: Gravity (6).
About British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)
Formed: 1947.
Headquarters: London.
Purpose: To supports, promotes and develops the art forms of the moving image film, television
and video games by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting
the public.
International Mother Language Day of Bangladesh 2014
February 21, 2014
International Mother Language Day (Bhasha Divas) observed across the world,
with Bangladesh leading on February 21, 2014.
Theme: Local languages for global citizenship: spotlight on science.
Objective: To promote awareness of linguistic, multilingualism and cultural diversity.
The day assumes special significance in Bangladesh where scores of people, mostly students and
teachers of the DhakaUniversity, were mercilessly shot down by the Pakistani army in 1952 in
erstwhile East Pakistan.
The activists had protested against imposition of Urdu as the national language side-stepping
Bengali their mother tongue.
But the incident calls for celebration too as the protest sowed the seeds of home-grown
nationalism that ultimately led to the creation of Bangladesh from the ashes of the Liberation War
in 1971.
About International Mother Language Day
Observed on February 21 every year.
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The Day is observed yearly by UNESCO member states and at its headquarters to promote
linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
On 16 May 2007, by resolution 61/266, the General Assembly proclaimed 2008 as the
International Year of Languages, to promote unity in diversity and international understanding,
through multilingualism and multiculturalism.
It is commemorated in Bangladesh since 1952 where a number of Dhaka university
students were killed by the Pakistani police and army during the Bangla Language
Movement.
Importance of International Mother Language Day: It is the greatest weapon to express ones
feeling. Mother Language of one country is the sign of independence of that country.
WTA rankings: Li Na climbs to World No.2 spot
February 20, 2014
In the latest Womens Tennis Association (WTA) singles rankings, Chinese
tennis ace Li Na ranked World No.2 following her second Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open
2014.
Top five players in the WTA Singles rankings:
1. Serena Williams (United States).
2. Li Na (China)
3. Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland)
4. Victoria Azarenka (Belarus)
5. Maria Sharapova (Russia)
Top three players in the WTA doubles ranking:
1. Peng Shuai (China)
2. Hsieh Su-Wei (Chinese Taipei)
3. Vesnina Elena (Russia)
Two-time Grand Slam champion, Li Na became the first Asian to be the second ranked player in the
world and her compatriot Peng Shuai became the first Chinese player to ascent to top world spot in
doubles after winning the QatarOpen with partner Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei.
Study: Titled Climbing behavior in extant crocodiles
February 20, 2014
The researchers from University of Tennessee, USA studied the tree-climbing and basking behavior
in reptiles, under the title, Climbing behavior in extant crocodiles. They noticed crocodilian
species on three continents viz. Australia,Africa and North America and examined previous studies
and anecdotal observations.
Crocodiles are known for impressive speed and agility around the water. As stated by new study,
they are also capable of climbing trees.
As per the study titled Climbing behavior in extant crocodiles
The scientists confirmed that four different crocodile species found in Australia, Africa and the
Americas are all able to climb, some as high as 4m, where they were observed basking in trees.
These species that are able to climb trees can go as high as 4m. Their abilities also vary by
size. Those small and lightweight crocs, 1.5m long, can climb the highest branches. Those heavier
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in weight can be found in lower branches, cannot go as high as 1m above water.
It was found that crocodiles developed the agility to climb trees to laze under the sun and to survey
their surroundings against possible threats or for possible food.
The Australian freshwater crocodiles can actually climb steep slopes along riverbanks up to 1.8
m.
In North America, the team saw crocodiles up to 1 meter long lounging on the aerial roots and low
branches of mangrove trees during the day.
The most commonly observed climbers were the slender-snouted crocodiles of Central
Africa. Some African crocodiles roosted as high as 3m above the surface of rivers.
Crocodiles lack the toe and foot structure that would be expected of a climber. Though, smaller
and juvenile crocodiles in particular were observed climbing vertically while larger ones tended to
climb angled trunks and branches, all of which is a measure of the reptiles spectacular agility.
Researchers believe that the tree climbing and basking are driven by two conditions:
thermoregulation
and surveillance of habitat.
Note: People who spend time around crocodiles have known about the climbing ability for decades.
Though, this study is the first to thoroughly examine the climbing and basking behavior.
Belgium became second country to allow Mercy Killing for children
February 20, 2014
The Catholic country, Belgium became the first country to allow euthanasia for terminally ill
children of any age. This action of legalizing death for the children came 12 years after the country
legalized euthanasia for adults. The Parliament of Belgium took the decision in spite of opposition
from the Church and some paediatricians.
Belgium became the second country after Netherlands to allow mercy-killing for
children and the first to lift all age restrictions.
Under the approved legislation by the Parliament, a young child will be allowed to end their life with
the help of a doctor. The legislation has not fixed any age limit for minors suffering from a terminal
illness to opt for the death by use of a lethal injection.
Other European countries that allows active euthanasia are:-
Luxembourg: Permits active euthanasia for over 18 years in age.
Switzerland: Doctors help adult patients to commit suicide.
About Euthanasia
Refers to the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering.
Forms of euthanasia: Active and passive euthanasia
Active euthanasia: when the medical professionals, or another person, deliberately do something
that causes the patient to die.
Passive euthanasia: wh
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