Current Affairs January 2015T Suvarna Raju takes charge as chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics LimitedShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleFebruary 1, 2015No comments

T Suvarna Raju has taken charge as chairman of state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).He will be 17th chairman of HAL and will replace RK Tyagi’s following his retirement.Earlier, in September 2014, Public Enterprises Selection Board had selected him from among five contenders to succeed Tyagi.T Suvarna Raju

He hails from a village in West Godavari district in coastal Andhra Pradesh. He had joined HAL in June 1980 as management trainee after graduating from IIT in

Chennai. Before this appointment he was Director for design and development in HAL. He also holds

distinction of being awarded first patent in the HAL in 2002 and has applied for a around 1,000 patents since 2013.

He also had drafted HAL’s first research and development (R&D) policy and played important role in spearheading India to be self-reliant in producing 25 kN (kilo Newton) turbofan engines.

HAL had initiated several R&D programmes under his leadership which includes Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), HTT-40 trainer, Jaguar Darin-III and Mirage aircraft upgrade.

He is also the first member-secretary of the design development management board in Ministry of Defence and member-secretary of the national aeronautics coordination group.Sergio Mattarella elected as President of ItalyShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 31, 2015No comments

Italy’s parliament has elected constitutional court judge Sergio Mattarella as the country’s president.He will Italy’s 12th president and succeed Giorgio Napolitano who had resigned earlier in January 2015 citing reason of poor health before his 2020 expiry term.President of Italy: His role is mainly ceremonial but can declare legislation unconstitutional. He also has the power to dissolve parliament, nominate prime ministers and call early elections. He has tenure of 7 years.Union Government releases Commemorative Postage Stamps on Swachh Bharat MissionShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 31, 20151 Comment

Union Government has released set of three Commemorative Postage Stamps on Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission).This set of 3 stamps was released by Union Ministry for Communications & Information Technology and issued by Department of Posts.These stamps were released to in order to achieve the vision of Clean and Healthy India.Department of Posts has selected the design for the stamps through a competition among the children on the theme of Swachh Bharat Mission.Swachh Bharat Mission

It was launched by the Prime Minister on the 2nd October, 2014 on the occasion of Birth Anniversary of Father of the Nation- Mahatma Gandhi.

This mission seeks to achieve Clean India and aims to provide access to toilets to all households in the country.

It also seeks to provide adequate arrangements for Solid and Liquid Waste Management.

Current Affairs January 2015Serena Williams wins Australian Open 2015 Women’s Singles titleShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 31, 2015No comments

Serena Williams of United States has won Australian Open 2015 Women’s Singles title.In the finals she defeated Russia’s Maria Sharapova by score of 6-3, 7-6, 7-5.With this win Serena Williams has won 6th Australian Open title and 19th Grand Slam title.Serena Williams

Currently she is ranked No. 1 in women’s singles tennis. She also has won 4 Olympic gold medals, 1 in women’s singles and 3 in women’s doubles.

Her 19 singles title includes: 6 Australian Open Titles -2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015. 2 French Open Titles- 2002, 2013. 5 Wimbledon Titles- 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012. 6 US Open Titles- 1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014.

RBI constitutes high level panel on urban cooperative banks (UCB)Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 31, 2015No comments

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has constituted a high-powered panel on urban cooperative banks (UCB).It will be headed by RBI Deputy Governor R Gandhi and comprise of eight member who will be experienced bankers. They will submit its report within three months from the date of its first meeting.

This high-powered panel will re-examine and recommend appropriate set of businesses, size, conversion and licensing terms for the UCB sector.The Terms of Reference of the high level panel are:

Businesses: Examine the line of businesses that UCBs may be permitted to undertake and their benchmark in terms of size of business, capital requirement, regulatory regime etc.

Size of UCB: Suggest the appropriate size up to which a UCB may be able to grow without undue risk to the system.

Conversion Criteria & licensing terms : Suggest the criteria for allowing voluntary conversion by a UCB and examine whether the time is opportune to give license to new UCBs.

Determine the modalities of implementing the suggestion of the Malegam Committee. Especially, whether the 50 per cent in value of deposits should be held by voting members. Thus, propose a feasible structure that puts majority voting in the hands of contributors of funds in UCB.Maharashtra government gives nod for GM food trialsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 31, 2015No comments

Maharashtra government has given nod to confined genetically modified (GM) food trails in state.In this regard, state government has granted no-objection certificates (NOC) for open field trials of 5 genetically modified (GM) crops. They are rice, chana (chickpeas), maize, brinjal and cotton.NOC was granted by state government after state-level Committee, headed by Anil Kakodkar had given clearance for field test of these five GM crops.Based upon the results of these trials, government take further steps.With this decision, Maharashtra has become the fourth state after Punjab, Delhi and Andhra Pradesh to approve open field trials in GM crops.Confined trials: It is typically carried out in small plots of one hectare or less. It is primarily meant to collect data on the potential bio-safety impact of the GM crop lines.Why state governments NOC are required for GM food trails?

Earlier, Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the previous UPA Environment Ministry had permitted field trials of GM food in India.

But GEAC had inserted mandatory condition of separate NOCs from states for such trials. So, states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have banned such research activities.

Current Affairs January 2015First Canister-based Agni-V missile successfully test-firedShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 31, 2015No comments

For the first time, a canisterised version of Agni-V missile was successfully test-fired on 31 January 2015 from Wheeler Island off Odisha coast.This was the third successful flight test of the Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) and the first canister trial.Test: The missile was launched from sealed canister, mounted on a TATRA truck. It was carrying dummy payload. Test showed that dummy payload withstand temperatures more than 3,0000 C and hit the target at pre-designated point in the Indian Ocean.Implication: A canister-launch system of Agni-V missile will give the forces the requisite operational flexibility. With this system, ballistic missile can be transported and can launched from any place.Agni-V missile

Agni-V ICBM is indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

It is Part of the Agni series of missiles, one of the missile systems under the original Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.

Range: 5,500–5,800 km. It will allow India to strike targets across Asia and into Europe It is a 3 stage solid fuelled missile with composite motor casing in the second and third

stage. It carries Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRV) payloads. A single

MIRV equipped missile, that can deliver multiple warheads at different targets. Incorporate advanced technologies involving ring laser gyroscope and accelerometer for

navigation and guidance. First successfully test-fired by DRDO from Wheeler Island off the coast of Orissa on April 19,

2012. With this, India joined an “elite nuclear club” that also included China, Russia, France, the US, the UK and possibly Israel.Scientist V K Saraswat joins as full-time member of NITI AayogShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 31, 2015No comments

Former DRDO chief Vijay Kumar Saraswat has taken charge as full time-member of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog.V K Saraswat

He had played a very significant role in the development of the country’s first Liquid Propulsion Engine, DEVIL.

He was Project Director of Prithvi and had steered the design, development, production and induction of the first indigenous Surface-to-Surface missile system into the armed forces.

He was Secretary of Defence (Research & Development) and Director General of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).

Awards: He was conferred the Padma Shri (1998) and Padma Bhusan (2013).BackgroundEarlier on 1 January 2015, Union Government had announced the replacement of 6 decade year old Planning Commission with new age NITI Aayog to function as both a think-tank and a policy forum for government.On 5 January 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Chairman of NITI Aayog had appointed V K Saraswat along with eminent economist Bibek Debroy as its full time members and Arvind Panagariya as its first Vice-Chairman.Senior IPS officer Krishna Chaudhary appointed as new ITBP DGShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 31, 2015No comments

Senior IPS officer Krishna Chaudhary has been appointed the new Director General (DG) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).His name was announced by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will be in office till June 2017.

Krishna Chaudhary is 1979-batch Bihar cadre officer. Before this appointment he was working as the Director General of the Railway Protection Force.Background

The post of ITBP DG has been vacant since 1 January 2015 after the retirement of Subhas Goswami on 31 December 2014.

Till the vacant time, CRPF DG Prakash Mishra was holding the additional charge of the ITBP chief.Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

It is one of the eight statutory Central Armed Police Forces of India and was established on 24 October 1962, under the CRPF Act, in the wake of India- China War of 1962.

Later Parliament enacted the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force Act, 1992 to provide full autonomy to ITBP.

At present ITBP has about 50,000 personnel strong force, to secure the 3,488 km border with China along Tibet Autonomous Region and operates under Ministry of Home Affairs.

ITBP force also render in a variety of internal security tasks in the country  including civil Medical Camp, disaster management, nuclear, biological and chemical disasters and UN peacekeeping missions around the world.

Current Affairs January 2015Gujarat government launches Taluka Planning Atlas projectShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 30, 2015No commentsGujarat government has launched Taluka Planning Atlas (TPA) project.It was launched by Chief Minister Anandiben Patel at a function held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.Taluka Planning Atlas (TPA) project

This project has been undertaken by the state planning department with the help of director of Economics and Statistics, Gujarat and Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (BISAG).

TPA aims to help the local administration in taking effective decisions about the development in respective regions.

In this regard, TPA will provide the maps that will give precise information about the current status of various facilities and schemes.

Under this project, an atlas of 100 maps will be compiled to showcase various facilities as well as government schemes at village level in each taluka.

It will include precise information about facilities such as number of primary and secondary schools, health centres, dairies, cold storages, post offices, banks, etc.

It will be implemented in phases. In the first phase, atlas for one taluka each in 33 districts will be prepared and put on state government portal Gswan.

This atlas has used the information consisting of village profile provided by every village in state as well as taluka panchayat based on various indicators of development since 2010.Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe appointed as Chairman of African UnionShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 30, 2015No comments

Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe has been appointed as Chairman of African Union (AU).He will be 13th Chairman of African Union (AU) and succeed Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz for a one-year term. The position of chairman of the AU is a rotating one on yearly basis and largely ceremonial.Robert Mugabe: He has ruled Zimbabwe since independence. He is Zimbabwe’s longest serving President and had assumed office in December 1987. Currently, he is also chairman of the 15-nation Southern African Development Community.African Union (AU)

It is the successor of Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and came into existence in 2002 at Durban summit in South Africa.

Headquarters: It is located at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Motto: A United and Strong Africa. Objective: As pan-African organization, AU aims at promoting unity and cooperation among

African nations. It also strives to spread democracy and good governance in the continent. Members: At present the African Union has a total of 54 members. Morocco is the only

African country which is not the part of the Union.IIT Bombay launches Mass Open Online Courses (MOOC)Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 30, 2015No comments

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has launched Mass Open Online Courses (MOOC) in three subjects, computer programming, thermodynamics, and signals and systems.It aims to provide mass online education programme that will provide free online courses by giving access to high quality, IIT-style education to Indian students in Indian language.Key features of Mass Open Online Courses (MOOC)

It is launched as part of institute’s IITBombayX platform developed in collaboration with edX, a not-for-profit initiative by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University.

It will provide 16-week Computer Programming course in two parts aimed at computer programming students.

The course on Thermodynamics is designed for mechanical engineering students and will last 12 weeks.

Signals and Systems will be a 16-week course in two parts designed for electrical engineering students.

The students will get an honour certificate of achievement certifying successful completion of the course after they have qualified in the tests.

It will also offer training workshops for invited teachers on effective teaching for each of these three subjects under the Train 10,000 Teachers or T10KT programme of the institute.

Zomato buys Turkey’s restaurant search company MekanistShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 30, 2015No comments

India’s online restaurant search and discovery service providerZomato has announced the acquisition of Turkey’s restaurant search company Mekanist.With this acquisition, Zomato has increased its coverage from about 27,500 restaurants in Istanbul and Ankara to more than 50,000 restaurants across Turkey.Now, Mekanist’s traffic and restaurant-related content will be shifted to Zomato. While, Turkish restaurants now will be able to make use of Zomato’s hyperlocal advertising model to reach out to target customers.Over the past year, Zomato has acquired five restaurant search players in New Zealand, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Italy.Earlier in January 2015, it had taken over Urbanspoon for about $52 million, which enabled Zomato to enter US and Australian markets.

About ZomatoIt was founded in 2008. Since, then it has expanded to global market on its own. At present it has its presence in India and 21 other countries.Zomato’s founder is Deepinder Goyal and he is current CEO. Its Headquarter is in New Delhi.World Bank Report on Himachal Pradesh releasedShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 30, 2015No commentsThe World Bank has released report Scaling the Heights: Social inclusion and sustainable development on Himachal Pradesh.It was released by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dhani Ram Shandil in Shimla.This was first of its kind report prepared by the World Bank for Himachal Pradesh. The report reveals that state has effectively balanced economic growth with social inclusion.Some facts from report

Himachal Pradesh has emerged as one of the states with the best human development outcomes in the country.

The performance in poverty reduction, education, women employment and health sectors was much better as compared to other states in India.

The state had also taken lead in implementation of various national programmes and had given special emphasis on infrastructural development.

The state had prepared a plan to mitigate the natural disasters which had been well appreciated by the government of India.

But female child sex ratio, under-nutrition in children and an ageing population still remain issues of concern in the state.

Current Affairs January 2015GNLF founder Subhash Ghisingh passes awayShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 30, 2015No comments

Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) founder Subhash Ghisingh has passed away in New Delhi. He was 78.

He had spearheaded the Gorkhaland movement in the 1980s for a separate state for ethnic Gorkha people living in Darjeeling district of West Bengal.Subhash Ghisingh

He was born on 22 June 1936 at Manju Tea Estate in Darjeeling, West Bengal. In 1954, he had joined the Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army as a soldier but quit in 1960. In 1968, he formed a political organisation called Nilo Jhanda to protect rights of the ethnic

Gorkhas. Later, in April 1979, he raised the demand for a separate state for the Nepali-speaking people of the Darjeeling hills.

In 1980, he had founded GNLF and led the movement, which disrupted the Darjeeling district with massive violence between 1986 and 1988.

Later in 1988, this issue was resolved and resulted in setting up of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, a semi-autonomous body.

He was first chairman of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council after winning the first council elections and was its chairman from 1988 to 2008.Eminent singer Shekhar Sen appointed as Chairman of Sangeet Natak AkademiShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 29, 2015No comments

Eminent singer, composer, lyricist and actor Shekhar Sen has been appointed as the chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA).His appointment was announced by Union Ministry of Culture and will have term five years with immediate effect.This post was vacant since September 2014, after then Chairman Leela Samson had resigned.Shekhar Sen

Since 1983, as a singer, lyricist and composer, he has done many research oriented musical programmes including Dushyant Ne Kaha Tha, Madhya Yugeen Kaavya, Pakistan Ka Hindi Kavya, Meera Se Mahadevi Tak.

He also has rendered many significant bhajan albums. He is famous for his mono act musical plays Tulsi, Kabeer, Vivekananda, Sanmanti, Saahab

and Soordas. His performances have been acclaimed in India and abroad where he has performed. Awards: He has received prestigious awards including the Padma Shri (2015), Safdar

Hashmi Puraskaar (2001) by Sangeet Natak Academy of Uttar Pradesh, Shantaram Samman (2008) by Rajya Hindi Sahitya Academy of Maharashtra.You may read more about Sangeet Natak Akademi here

India to host ICC World Twenty20 in 2016Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 29, 2015No comments

India is going to host International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20 in 2016.It was announced by ICC Board meeting chaired by Chairman N. Srinivasan held in Dubai. ICC Board meeting also scheduled the ICC events during the period 2015-2019.Following schedule was announced

India will host the World Twenty20 from 11 March to 3 April 2016. While, Ireland and Scotland will host the qualifiers between 6-26 July, 2015.

England will host three ICC events in the next four-year period. In 2017, England will host two events- the Champions Trophy from 1 to 19 June and

Women’s World Cup from 4 to 27 August and 2019 ICC World Cup from 30 May to 15 July 2019.

2018 Women’s World Twenty20 will be organised in the West Indies between November 2 and 25.

Current Affairs January 2015Packaging of foodgrains & sugar in jute material mandatory: CCEAShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 29, 2015No comments

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has made packaging of foodgrains & sugar in jute material mandatory for jute year 2014-15.In this regard CCEA mentioned that packaging with jute material will be mandatory for minimum 90 per cent of production in case of food grains and 20 per cent in case of sugar production.

With this decision, government is seeking to help the jute sector which generates a lot of livelihoods for farmers and workers.CCEA also has approved providing financial support to the Jute Corporation of India (JCI). In this regard, government will provide subsidy to JCI on a continuous basis to off-set the losses on account of Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations.The quantum of subsidy will include the difference between the Purchase and Sale Price of MSP Raw Jute.Union Government to sell up to 10% stake in Coal India Limited (CIL)Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 29, 2015No comments

Union government has announced to sell up to 10 per cent stake in state owned Coal India Limited (CIL) on 30 January 2015.This decision was cleared by high-powered ministerial panel headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.It will help the government to raise revenue of 24,000 crore rupees at the current market price and meet the fiscal deficit.Government is planning to divest 5 per cent stake in the company via share sale and the remaining 5 per cent through the green-shoe option.Currently, the government holds 89.65 per cent stake in CIL. As per the minimum shareholding norms for listed companies, the government needs to lower its stake to 75 percent.Coal India Limited (CIL)

It is a state-controlled coal mining company, headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is the largest coal producer company in the world and contributes around 81% of the coal

production in India. Union Government of India owns 90% of the shares in CIL and controls the operations of CIL

through Ministry of Coal. In April 2011, CIL was conferred the Maharatna status by Government of India. It is India’s

5th most valuable company in terms of market value.Nation pays tributes to Lala Lajpat Rai on his 150th birth anniversaryShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 29, 2015No comments

On 28 January 2015, nation paid tributes to national martyr of freedom movement, Lala Lajpat Rai on his 150th birth anniversary.Events marking this day: Various seminars and symposia were organised at many places in Punjab to remember Lala Lajpat Rai. Special programme and sports meet was organised in his ancestral village Dhudi ke of Moga district where thousands of people paid their tributes to national martyr at the memorial. While, intellectual’s apprised young generation about Lala and his sacrifice for the nation.About Lala Lajpat Rai

He was born on 28 January 1865 in Dhudike (now Moga district) of Punjab. He was popularly known as Punjab Kesari meaning The Lion of Punjab also known asSher-

E- Punjab in Punjabi for his contribution to the freedom movement. He was part of the Lal Bal Pal trio i.e. assertive nationalists Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar

Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal from 1905 to 1918. Lal Bal Pal trio had advocated the Swadeshi movement involving the boycott of all imported items and the use of Indian-made goods in 1907 during the anti-Partition agitation in Bengal which began in 1905.

He was lawyer by profession and had practiced his legal profession for few years but later curtailed it to focus on all his efforts to the freedom struggle.

He was also associated with the foundation of Punjab National Bank in 1895 and laterLakshmi Insurance Company.

He also had helped to establish the nationalistic Dayanand Anglo-Vedic School and became a follower of Dayanand Saraswati (founder of the Arya Samaj).

In 1888 and 1889 he was a delegate to the annual sessions of Indian National Congress (INC) and was elected as its President in the Calcutta Special Session of 1920.

In 1921, he had founded Servants of the People Society, a non-profit welfare organisation, in Lahore, which shifted based to Delhi after partition, and has branches in many parts of India.

His books: As an author he had written many books which includes The Story of My Deportation (1908), Arya Samaj (1915), The United States of America: A Hindu’s Impression (1916), Unhappy India (1928) etc.

Death: He died on 17 November 1928 after sustaining serious injuries in lathi charge carried by the police when he leading a non-violent protest against the Simon Commission.

SC directs search engines to block sex determination advertisementsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 29, 2015No comments

Supreme Court (SC) has directed search engines like Google India, Yahoo and Micrsoft’s Bing to block advertisements on sex determination and strictly comply with the laws.This ruling was given by SC bench comprising of Justices Dipak Misra and Prafulla C. Pant on public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Dr. Sabu Mathew George in 2008.PIL had highlighted that the use of Internet and popular search engines to promote sex determination technologies violates laws.SC directions to search engines

Withdraw advertisements on sex determination as it violates Section 22 of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act,1994.

Search engines must upload this order on their policy page and also the page containing terms and conditions of service to serve as a warning for persons intending to put up such advertisements.Background

Though sex determination is illegal India, it is still practiced which has a severe effects on male-female ratio.

As per UN data, India’s child sex ratio has dropped from 964 in 1971 to a low of 918 in 2011. While between 2001 and 2011, child sex ratio has declined in more than two-thirds of the

districts in the country  and this problem is worse in urban areas.

Current Affairs January 2015Subrahmanyam Jaishankar appointed as new Foreign SecretaryShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 29, 2015No comments

Union Government has appointed Subrahmanyam Jaishankar as the new Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs (i.e. Foreign Secretary).His name was cleared by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.He will be replacing incumbent Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh whose tenure was curtailed with immediate effect. She had assumed office in August 2013 and was due to retire in August 2015.About Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

He was born 9 January 1955 and is son of Indian foreign policy doyen K Subhramanyam. He is Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1977 batch and was one of the key officials

who negotiated in the India’s nuclear deal with the US in 2009. Before this appointment, he was India’s Ambassador to United States and was appointed in

September 2013. Previously he had served as India’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China from 2009

to 2013. High Commissioner to Singapore from 2007 to 2009 and Ambassador to the Czech Republic from 2001 to 2004.Maharashtra government issues Letter of Intent to buy B R Ambedkar’s London houseShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 28, 20151 Comment

Maharashtra government has issued Letter of Intent (LoI) to buy Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar’s London house to the Indian High Commission in United Kingdom(UK).This is the house where architect of the Indian Constitution Ambedkar had lived in 1920 during his stint with the London School of Economics.

State government is buying this 2050 square feet three-storey house on 10, King Henry Road, NW3 of London and has finalised at a sum of 35 crore rupees.This house is of cultural and national importance and pride of millions of people of India as Dr. Ambedkar had stayed in it when he was completing higher studies at the London School of Economics in 1920-21.State government after buying the house will convert it into a memorial-cum-museum and open it to public from 14 April, 2015 i.e. on the 124 birth anniversary of the architect of the Indian constitution.Sri Lanka’s new government reinstates impeached chief justice Shirani BhandaranayakeShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 28, 2015No comments

Sri Lanka’s new government led by President Maithiripala Sirisena has reinstated former Chief Justice Shirani Bhandaranayake to her former position.She was impeached by the previous government of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.With this move, country’s new government is attempting to deliver on election promises assuring independence of the judiciary.

Shirani Bhandaranayake was 43rd and first woman Chief Justice of Sri Lanka appointed in May 2011.

In 2013, she was unceremoniously removed from this post after she was impeached in late 2012.Earlier in January 2015, Sri Lanka’s new government had reinstated the rank of former army Chief General Sarath Fonseka, who was stripped of all ranks and sentenced to jail by Rajapaksa.General Sarath Fonseka was Sri Lanka’s only four-star general who had led the Army to defeat the Tamil Tigers in 2009. In 2010, he had fallen out with Rajapaksa and challenged him in the election of 2010. Thereafter Fonseka was arrested, court martialled and jailed for corruption.

Current Affairs January 2015Kalyan Singh sworn in as Himachal Pradesh GovernorShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 28, 2015No comments

Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh has sworn in as the 26th Governor of Himachal Pradesh.He was administered oath of office by Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmed Mir at oath taking ceremony held at Raj Bhawan in Shimla.He was given an additional charge of Himachal Pradesh after then governor Urmila Singh, completed the full five year term on January 24.About Kalyan Singh

Kalyan Singh was born on 5 January 1932 in Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh. He was elected as member of Uttar Pradesh legislative Assembly for six times consecutively

from 1967. He has served two terms as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. First term from 24 Jun 1991

to 6 Dec 1992. Second term from 21 Sep 1997 to 12 Nov 1999. In 1977, he was Health Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He was also Member of Parliament from

2004 to 2014. He is 20th Governor of Rajasthan and was appointed on 26 August 2014.

Article 153: It says that there shall be Governor for each state. But 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 facilitated the appointment of the same person as a governor for two or more states.

Ancient star with five Earth size planets discovered by astronomersShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 28, 2015No comments

Astronomers have discovered a star that is 11.2 billion years old and has at least five Earth-size planets.It was discovered by team of astronomer’s after analyzing data from NASA’s planet-hunting Kepler spacecraft for over four years.

Key findings This star is named as Kepler-444. It is 25 percent smaller than our Sun and is 117 light years

from Earth. It belongs to the first generation of stars and considered as part of one of the oldest systems

in the galaxy. This star has five known planets which have sizes that fall between Mercury and Venus. These 5 planets are so close to their star that they complete their orbits in fewer than 10

days. This discovery is going to help astronomers learn more about the history of our solar

system- Milky Way.

Current Affairs January 2015Gujarat Technological University launches e-Raksha centre to fight cybercrimeShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 28, 2015No commentsGujarat Technological University (GTU) has launched e-Raksha Research Centre to curb rising menace of cybercrimes.This research Centre will provide solution for issues related to cyber security by encouraging research and enhance capability in this field.Key facts e-Raksha Research Centre

This centre is established by GTU in collaboration with Cyber Peace Foundation (CPF). Its goal is to establish a peaceful and harmonious cyber space through research in this area. Various activities like research on latest techniques of cybercrime and capacity building on

this issue to the faculties, students and government officers will be undertaken by this centre.

It will also support Union government’s Make in India campaign by manufacturing routers, switches, firewalls, UTMs (Unified Threat Management) and other network appliances.

This centre will also train students in areas of cyber security and enhance their capability to provide solution for issues related to it.

It will support government in protecting critical infrastructure and mission critical services including research on malwares such as botnet by setting up malware analysis test bed.Gujarat Technological University (GTU): It is headed by the state government and came into existence on the 16th of May, 2007.Maharashtra to observe Industries Day on September 17Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 28, 2015No comments

Maharashtra government has announced that, September 17 (on Vishwakarma Jayanti) will be observed as Industries Day in each district.Significance of Day

It will be observed as part of State government’s effort to provide balanced growth to existing small, medium and large scale enterprises.

It will also render assistance to state government for setting up new industries to boost the state’s financial health.

On this day, all districts in state will exhibit their growth potential and opportunities received for their development in the year.

It will provide state government single platform to ensure that its policies benefit people at the grass-root level with regards to industrial growth as well as provide employment opportunities.

In each district of state, a committee will be set up under district collectors for holding the Industries Day celebrations.

On this day, awards to industries at the district level will be given for their exemplary performance.India challenges WTO panel’s ruling in US poultry case to DSBShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 28, 2015No commentsIndia has challenged a World Trade Organisation (WTO) panel’s ruling that challenges country’s ban on United States (US) poultry product imports.In this regard, India has appealed to the Dispute Settlement Board (DSB) of the WTO.Background

In 2007, India had banned imports of various agriculture products including poultry meat and eggs from the US. They were banned as a precautionary measure to prevent outbreaks of Avian Influenza.

In March 2012, US had dragged India to the WTO for banning these products. WTO ruling: WTO panel’s ruling in October 2014 in this regard had said that India’s

measures are arbitrarily and unjustifiably discrimination on international trade and constitutes a disguised restriction on it.

US Stance: US also had contended that India’s Avian Influenza measures amounted to an import prohibition was not based on the relevant international standard or on a scientific risk assessment.

India’s Stance: While, India has claimed that the panel ruling is committed with several legal errors in its interpretation and application of numerous articles of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) agreement.Why US is focusing on India’s poultry business?

US is one of the world’s largest exporters of chicken meat. It is looking India as one of its potential markets poultry exports.

While, in past few years India’s broiler meat consumption has increased and has touched to 3.72 million tonnes in 2014 from 3.45 million tonnes in 2013.

Current Affairs January 2015Australian cricketer Sean Abbott wins Bradman young cricketer of the year awardShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 28, 2015No comments

Australian cricketer Sean Abbott has won Bradman young cricketer of the year award 2015.While, Steve Smith was awarded the Allan Border Medal and being named both Test and one day player of the year.Sean Abbott is the bowler, who was unwittingly at the centre of the tragic death of Phillip Hughes. In November 2014, he had delivered bouncer to Hughes that hit him in head during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG against South Australia.Bradman young cricketer of the year award: It was instituted in 1990. It is bestowed annually by Cricket Australia to best player under the age of 24. The recipient is presented with a bat personally signed by Sir Donald Bradman (He had signed 100 bats in 1989 for this award)RBI signs an information sharing agreement with Brazil’s Central BankShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 27, 20151 Comment

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of Supervisory Information with Brazil’s Central Bank- Banco Central do Brasil (BCB).This MoU was signed by Anthero de Moraes Meirelles, Deputy Governor for Supervision, BCB and S.S. Mundra, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India.

RBI by signing such MoU with supervisors of other countries is seeking to promote greater co-operation and share supervisory information among the authorities.

In this regard, RBI in total has signed 23 such MoUs, one Letter for Supervisory Co-operation and one Statement of Co-operation (SoC), with different Central Banks of other countries and overseas regulators/supervisors.DP Sinha appointed as secretary (security) in the cabinet secretariat

Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 27, 2015No commentsAppointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Divya Prakash Sinhaas secretary (security) in the cabinet secretariat.Since November 2013, this post was lying vacant after Yashovardhan Azad who was holding the post then, was appointed information commissioner.Divya Prakash Sinha

He is IPS officer, belonging to 1979 batch of the Manipur-Tripura cadre. Before this appointment he was special director with Intelligence Bureau (IB). He is associated with IB for several years handling operations in key regions such as the

northeast and even Delhi. He known to be instrumental in neutralization of banned terrorist outfit Indian Mujahideen

(IM) and various extremists groups in North east India.

Current Affairs January 2015K Durga Prasad appointed as Special DG of CRPFShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 27, 2015No commentsAppointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed K Durga Prasad as the special director general (DG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).He will be in office for next three years or till further orders, whichever is earlier.K Durga Prasad

He is IPS officer of 1981 batch from Andhra Pradesh cadre. Before this appointed, he was director of the Special Protection Group (SPG), but was

removed from this post in November 2014. It should be noted that SPG provides security to the prime minister, former prime ministers

and their family members.About Central Reserve Police Force (CRFP)

CRPF is the largest Central Armed Police Forces in India. It operates under the aegis of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

It was established in 1939, under Crown Representative’s Police but after independence it was made statutory Central Reserve Police Force after the enactment of the CRPF Act, 1949.

At present CRPF is the world’s largest paramilitary force with 228 battalions and over three lakh personnel.

Function: Its primary role is to assist States/Union Territories in police operations to maintain law and order and contain insurgency.Barack Obama becomes first US President to be Chief Guest at Republic-DayShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 27, 2015No comments

US President Barack Obama has become the first American President to be Chief Guest on Republic Day celebrations.He is also the first American President to visit India twice (earlier he had visited India in November 2010).Key highlights of 66th Republic Day celebrations

In this Parade, US President witnessed India’s military might and cultural diversity. This year’s parade was more based on cultural diversity rather than showing on military might.

For the parade, Barack Obama arrived in his own vehicle named cadillac one (The Beast) and not with President Pranab Mukherjee. Thus, breaking the traditional practice, as the Chief Guest usually comes to the venue with the President, the Head of the State.

Several States displayed tableaux depicting their local flavor and traditions. While, some Union government departments displayed tableaux related to government

initiatives like Make in India and ‘save the girl child. For first time in history, all women contingents of the three services Army, Navy and Air

Force marched in the parade. Some of India’s latest military arsenal was displayed in this year’s parade. However,

Nuclear-capable Agni missiles- a highlight for the past several years was not displayed this year.Libby Lane, first female bishop of England consecratedShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 27, 2015No comments

Church of England has consecrated Reverend Libby Lane as its first female bishop in a ceremony held at York Minster (a Gothic cathedral) in northern England.

With this consecration, Church of England ended its 500 year old male dominated tradition and considered as a historic move towards widening female participation in the Church.BackgroundEarlier in December 2014, she was appointed Bishop after Church formally had adopted legislation to allow women bishops.In this regard General Synod- the law-making body of the Church of England had given nod to this legislation in November 2014 which was passed by UK Parliament in October 2014.Reverend Libby Lane

Since April 2007, she was Vicar of St Peter’s Hale and St Elizabeth’s Ashley, in Greater Manchester, England.

In 1993, she was ordained as deacon and later in 1994, as priest. In January 2010, she was appointed as Dean of Women in Ministry for the Diocese of

Chester.

For first time all-women contingent marches on 66th Republic Day paradeShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 26, 2015No comments

For the first time in the history of India’s Republic Day, all-women contingent from the three forces Army, Air Force and Navy marched down in the parade.

Army contingent was led by Capt Divya Ajith. Navy contingent was led by Lieutenant Commander Priya Jeyakumar. Air Force contingent was led by Squadron Leader Sneha Shekhawat.

Each contingent had 148 women personnel. In previous Republic Day parades, women officers were just participating.Some facts

Capt Divya Ajith who had led Army contingent is a graduate from the prestigious Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai.

Earlier, in 2010 she had created history by becoming the first woman in the army to receive the coveted Sword of Honour (which is awarded to the best cadet of a course).

Currently, Indian army does not have women in combat roles.

Current Affairs January 2015Colombia’s Paulina Vega crowned Miss Universe 2015Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 26, 2015No comments

Colombia’s Paulina Vega was crowned 63rd Miss Universe after beating out contenders from the United States, Ukraine, Jamaica and Netherlands.Miss USA Nia Sanchez from Las Vegas was named a runner-up, along with Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha.Paulina Vega- She is granddaughter of celebrated Colombian singer Gastón Vega. Currently, she is a student of business from the northern Colombia city of Barranquilla.Miss Universe

It is an annual international beauty pageant that is run by the Miss Universe Organization. Along with the Miss World and Miss Earth contests, Miss Universe is one of the three largest

beauty pageants in the world and one of the most anticipated beauty pageants worldwide. It was founded in 1952 by the California clothing company Pacific Mills.

Major Mukund Varadarajan and Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh awarded Ashok Chakra posthumouslyShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 26, 2015No comments

Two army personnel, Major Mukund Varadarajan and NaikNeeraj Kumar Singh were awarded the highest peacetime military honour, the Ashok Chakra posthumously by President Pranab Mukherjee.The awards were received by their wives at the 66th Republic Day celebrations.Both the army men had laid down their lives while battling groups of militants in separate operations in Shopian and Kupwara districts of Kashmir.

In April 2014, Major Mukund Varadarajan who was an officer in the Rajput Regiment of the Indian Army had killed three terrorists in an encounter in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir.

While in August 2014, Naik Neeraj Singh was leading a search operation in general area Gurdaji of Kupwara district, he died after heavy fire from terrorists.About Ashok Chakra

It is India’s highest peacetime military decoration awarded for valor, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield

It is the peace time equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra, and is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent valour or self-sacrifice other than in the face of the enemy.Anti-austerity Syriza party wins Greece’s general electionsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 26, 2015No comments

In Greece, anti-austerity Syriza party has won general election.In this election Syriza party has won about half the seats in Parliament.While the earlier ruling government led by outgoing Prime Minister Antonis Samaras of centre-right New Democracy party has been placed second.Syriza party

It was formed in 2004 as an umbrella group. Syriza- an acronym means the Radical Coalition of the Left.

It is led by Alexis Tsipras and first came to prominence following the 2008 Greek riots. In this general election, Syriza Party has promised to end Greece’s painful austerity

measures and wants to renegotiate its debt.

Current Affairs January 2015Padma Awards 2015Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 26, 2015No comments

President Pranab Mukherjee has announced the names of Recipients of this year’s Padma awards. He approved conferment of 104 Padma Awards.

Padma Awards, the country’s highest civilian awards, are conferred in three Categories viz. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

This years list comprises 9 Padma Vibhushan, 20 Padma Bhushan and 75 Padma Shri Awardees. Among these awardees 17 are women and equal number are in category of foreigners, NRIs, PIOs. While, 4 are posthumous awardees.The Awards are given in various disciplines- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.2015 Padma Vibhushan AwardsIt is the second highest civilian award. It is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service.Sr No Name of the Awardee Discipline State/Domicile1 L. K. Advani Public Affairs Gujarat2 Amitabh Bachchan Art Maharashtra3 Prakash Singh Badal Public Affairs Punjab4 Dr.D.Veerendra Heggade Social Work Karnataka5 Dilip Kumar Art Maharashtra6 Swami Rambhadracharya Others Uttar Pradesh

7 Prof. Malur Ramaswamy Srinivasan Science & Engineering Tamil Nadu

8 Shri Kottayan K. Venugopal Public Affairs Delhi

9 Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan (Foreigner) Trade & Industry France/UK

2015 Padma Bhushan AwardsIt is the third highest civilian award. It is awarded for distinguished service of high order.Sr No Name of the Awardee Discipline State/Domicile1 Jahnu Barua Art Assam

2 Dr. Vijay Bhatkar Science & Engineering Maharashtra

3 Swapan Dasgupta Literature & Education Delhi

4 Swami Satyamitranand Giri Others Uttar Pradesh5 N. Gopalaswami Civil Service Tamil Nadu6 Dr. Subhash C. Kashyap Public Affairs Delhi7 Dr. (Pandit) Gokulotsavji Maharaj   Art Madhya Pradesh8 Dr. Ambrish  Mithal Medicine Delhi9 Sudha Ragunathan Art Tamil Nadu10 Harish Salve Public Affairs Delhi11 Dr. Ashok Seth Medicine Delhi

12 Rajat Sharma Literature & Education Delhi

13 Satpal Sports Delhi14 Shivakumara Swami Others Karnataka15 Dr. Kharag Singh Valdiya Science & Karnataka

Engineering16 Prof. Manjul Bhargava(NRI/PIO) Science &

Engineering USA

17 David Frawley (Vamadeva)(Foreigner) Others USA

18 Bill Gates(Foreigner) Social Work USA19 Melinda Gates (Foreigner) Social Work USA20 Saichiro Misumi(Foreigner) Others Japan2015 Padma Shri AwardsIt is the fourth highest civilian award. It is awarded for distinguished service in any field.Sr No Name of the Awardee Discipline State/Domicile1 Dr. Manjula Anagani Medicine Telangana

2 S. Arunan Science & Engineering Karnataka

3 Kanyakumari Avasarala Art Tamil Nadu

4 Dr. Bettina Sharada Baumer Literature & Education

Jammu & Kashmir

5 Naresh Bedi Art Delhi6 Ashok Bhagat Social Work Jharkhand7 Sanjay Leela Bhansali Art Maharashtra

8 Dr. Lakshmi Nandan Bora Literature & Education Assam

9 Dr. Gyan  Chaturvedi Literature & Education Madhya Pradesh

10 Prof. (Dr.) Yogesh Kumar Chawla Medicine Chandigarh11 Jayakumari Chikkala Medicine Delhi

12 Bibek Debroy Literature & Education Delhi

13 Dr. Sarungbam Bimola  Kumari Devi Medicine Manipur

14 Dr. Ashok Gulati  Public Affairs Delhi15 Dr.  Randeep  Guleria Medicine Delhi16 Dr. K. P. Haridas Medicine Kerala17 Rahul Jain Art Delhi18 Ravindra Jain Art Maharashtra

19 Dr. Sunil Jogi Literature & Education Delhi

20 Prasoon Joshi Art Maharashtra21 Dr. Prafulla Kar Art Odhisa22 Saba Anjum Sports Chhattisgarh

23 Ushakiran Khan Literature & Education  Bihar

24 Dr. Rajesh Kotecha Medicine Rajasthan25 Prof. Alka Kriplani Medicine Delhi26 Dr. Harsh Kumar Medicine Delhi27 Narayana Purushothama Mallaya Literature & Kerala

Education28 Lambert Mascarenhas Literature &

Education Goa

29 Dr. Janak Palta McGilligan Social Work Madhya Pradesh30 Veerendra Raj Mehta Social Work Delhi31 Tarak Mehta Art Gujarat32 Neil Herbert Nongkynrih Art Meghalaya

33 Chewang Norphel Others Jammu & Kashmir

34 T. V. Mohandas Pai Trade & Industry Karnataka

35 Dr.Tejas Patel Medicine Gujarat36 Jadav Molai Peyang Others Assam37 Bimla Poddar Others Uttar Pradesh

38 Dr. N. Prabhakar Science & Engineering Delhi

39 Dr. Prahalada Science & Engineering Maharashtra

40 Dr. Narendra Prasad Medicine Bihar

41 Ram Bahadur Rai Literature & Education Delhi

42 Mithali Raj Sports Telangana43 P. V.  Rajaraman Civil Service Tamil Nadu

44 Prof.  J. S. Rajput Literature & Education Uttar Pradesh

45 Kota Srinivasa Rao Art Andhra Pradesh

46 Prof. Bimal Roy Literature & Education  West Bengal

47 Shekhar Sen Art Maharashtra

48 Gunvant Shah Literature & Education Gujarat

49 Brahmdev Sharma (Bhaiji) Literature & Education Delhi

50 Manu Sharma Literature & Education Uttar Pradesh

51 Prof. Yog Raj Sharma Medicine Delhi

52 Vasant Shastri Science & Engineering Karnataka

53 S. K. Shivkumar Science & Engineering Karnataka

54 P. V. Sindhu Sports Telangana55 Sardara Singh Sports Haryana56 Arunima Sinha Sports Uttar Pradesh57 Mahesh Raj Soni Art Rajasthan58 Dr.Nikhil Tandon Medicine Delhi59 H. Thegtse Rinpoche Social Work Arunachal

Pradesh60 Dr.Hargovind Laxmishanker TrivediMedicine Gujarat61 Huang Baosheng(Foreigner) Others China

62 Prof. Jacques Blamont(Foreigner) Science & Engineering France

63 Late Shri Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin(Posthumous) Others Maharashtra

64 Jean-Claude Carriere(Foreigner) Literature & Education France

65 Dr. Nandrajan “Raj” Chetty(NRI/PIO)

Trade & Industry USA

66 George L. Hart(Foreigner) Others USA

67Jagat Guru Amrta Suryananda Maha Raja(NRI/PIO)

Others Portugal

68 Late Shri Meetha Lal Mehta (Posthumous) Social Work Rajasthan

69 Tripti Mukherjee(NRI/PIO) Art USA70 Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori(NRI/PIO) Medicine USA

71 Dr. Raghu Rama Pillarisetti(NRI/PIO) Medicine USA

72 Dr. Saumitra Rawat(NRI/PIO) Medicine UK

73 Prof. Annette Schmiedchen(Foreigner)

Literature & Education Germany

74 Pran Kumar Sharma alias Pran(Posthumous) Art Delhi

75 R. Vasudevan(Posthumous) Civil Service Tamil NaduThese Padma Awards are conferred by the President of India at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhawan around March/ April every yearEdgar Lungu sworn into office as Zambia’s new presidentShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 25, 2015No comments

Edgar Lungu has sworn in as Zambia’s sixth President.He was declared elected as President in elections held at 24 January 2015 to replace the late Michael Sata, who died in office in October 2014.

In this election his ruling party Patriotic Front (PF) won with a narrow margin by securing 48.33 percent of total votes over his rival Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND).He will be in office and lead southern African nation for the remainder term of Sata’s until next a general election scheduled in September 2016.Edgar Lungu is former defence minister from the Zambia’s ruling Patriotic Front (PF).India, U.S. sign three MoUs on smart citiesShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 25, 2015No comments

India and United States (US) have signed three Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) on smart cities.These MoUs were signed by the representatives of United States Trade and Development Agency (USTAD) and the respective Chief Secretaries of State Governments of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh in the presence of Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu.These MoU’s seeks to give a boost to Union governments flagship smart cities scheme, by building smart cities in

Vishakapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Ajmer in Rajasthan. Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh.

US will help each respective state to conduct feasibility studies, finding investors, ways to use the best technology and formulating the plan for building three smart cities.While, respective state Governments will provide resources like technical information and data related to smart cities planning; staff, logistical and travel support and budgetary resources.

Current Affairs January 2015Parupalli Kashyap Wins Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold Title 2015Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 25, 2015No comments

India’s Parupalli Kashyap has won $120,000 Syed Modi India Grand Prix Gold badminton title 2015.In the final match he defeated Kidambi Srikanth to win the men’s singles title held at the Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.Kashyap won the final match by score of 23-21, 23-21.About Syed Modi International India Open Grand Prix championship

It is named after a famous Indian badminton player Syed Modi, an eight-time National Badminton champion.

After his death, a badminton tournament was constituted in his memory, Syed Modi Memorial and All India Syed Modi badminton championship hosted each year at Lucknow.Saina Nehwal wins Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament 2015Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 25, 2015No comments

Indian ace shuttler Saina Nehwal has clinched the Syed Modi International India Grand Prix Gold badminton title 2015 in the women’s singles category.In the final match she defeated world champion Carolina Marin (Spain) by score of 19-21, 25-23, 21-16 held at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.With this win she has retained this title which she had won in 2014.About Syed Modi International India Open Grand Prix championship

It is named after a famous Indian badminton player Syed Modi, an eight-time National Badminton champion.

After his death, a badminton tournament was constituted in his memory, Syed Modi Memorial and All India Syed Modi badminton championship hosted each year at Lucknow.India funds Nepal’s Pancheshwar project to counter Kheri floodsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google

January 25, 2015No comments

India will provide fund of Rs 1500 crore to Nepal’s Pancheshwar multi-purpose project on Mahakali river for countering the Kheri floods in Uttar Pradesh.This move of Union government comes after a delegation of MPs visited Nepal and had submitted their report to government.Pancheshwar multi-purpose project

It is located at Narayan Ghat of Dharchula on Mahakali River( also known as Kali Ganga in Uttarakhand ) in Nepal. The height of dam is the 315 meters.

After completion dam will be the second largest dam in the world with a capacity of 6720 Mega Watt (MW) power production.

In case of power sharing, India has reached into an agreement with Nepal to procure additional electricity produced by project.

This project will regulate and control the free flow of Karnali and Mohana rivers which cause floods in Kheri, Pilibhit of Uttar Pradesh and other Terai districts of northern India.

Pooja Thakur- first woman officer to lead guard of honour at Rashtrapathi BhavanShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 25, 2015No comments

Wing Commander Pooja Thakur has become the first woman officer to lead the ceremonial Guard of Honour at Rashtrapathi Bhavan.On 25 January 2015, she led the ceremonial Guard of Honour which was inspected by the U.S. President Barack Obama at Rashtrapathi Bhavan.President Barack Obama is on 3 day visit to India. He is first American President to be Chief Guest of India’s Republic Day celebrations 2015.Pooja Thakur

She hails from Rajasthan. She belongs to the administrative branch of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Currently she is posted at Disha- the publicity cell under the Directorate of

Personnel Officers at the Air Force Headquarters. As a sportsperson she is active in para-jumping and adventure sports.

TRAI issues draft rules for full mobile number portabilityShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 25, 2015No comments

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued draft regulations to facilitate full mobile number portability (MNP).In this regard, TRAI has issued draft amendment to the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulation, 2009. It will enable mobile subscribers to retain their numbers when they shift to other states or telecom service areas.TRAI has sought public comments on the subject by 6 February 2015.Key highlights of draft amendment

It insets a clause in current rules in order to safeguard interest of post-paid mobile service users. It was necessary as these users were facing disconnection in new network even after clearing all their dues of their old telecom service provider.

It also fixed a time line for both the old or donor service providers and new or recipient service provider. This time line will clarify dues regarding the any with their subscribers to ensure continuity of service.What is Mobile Number Portability?Mobile Number Portability (MNP) enables mobile telephone users to retain their mobile telephone numbers when changing from one mobile network operator to another.

Currently, MNP norms allow users to retain their numbers while changing their operators within the same service area. It should be noted that India has 22 telecom circles or service areas.

Current Affairs January 2015National Voters Day observed on 25th January every yearShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 25, 2015No comments

Every year National Voters’ Day (NVD) is observed on 25th January.This year i.e. 2015 is fifth National Voters’ Day and theme of this year is Easy Registration, Easy Correction.Functions: On this occasion, awards for best electoral practices are given to Chief Electoral Officers and District Election Officers. Media houses and civil society organisations are also given awards for best campaign in Voters’ Education and Awareness.Background

It was initiated in 2011 to commemorate the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The ECI’s aim behind National Voters’ Day is to enhance registration of voters, particularly of the spring chickens, by using this social occasion to make Universal Adult Suffrage a complete reality, and thus increase the worth of Indian democracy.Arundhathi Subramaniam wins inaugural   Khushwant Singh Memorial Prize for PoetryShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 25, 2015No comments

Poetess Arundhathi Subramaniam has won the inaugural Khushwant Singh Memorial Prize for Poetry.She has been conferred this prize for her work When God is a Traveller. Her name was announced at a prize ceremony held at Jaipur Literature Festival.The jury, which included Ashok Vajpeyi, Jeet Thayil, Namita Gokhale, Pavan K. Varma and Soli Sorabjee had chosen her work When God is a Traveller from among the nominated books of poetry by a single author published between September 15, 2013 and 2014.Arundhathi SubramaniamShe is a poetess and a writer on spirituality and culture.Work- She has authored three books of poems: Where I live (2005), Sadhguru- More Than A Life (2009), Pilgrim’s India (2011).Award: She has received the Raza Award for Poetry (2009)Khushwant Singh Memorial Prize for PoetryIt was established in 2014 by Suhel Seth in memory of the late Khushwant Singh.It is conferred to Indian poets writing in English or Indian language translation. The award is carrying a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh.Queen Elizabeth II Now Oldest Living Monarch in WorldShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 25, 2015No comments

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II is now the world’s oldest living monarch. Currently she is 88 years old.Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz was oldest living monarch but he died on 23 January 2015.It should be noted that, Queen Elizabeth II is one of the eight octogenarian monarchs in the world. Others include the King of Thailand and the Emperor of Japan.Queen Elizabeth II

She was born on 21 April 1926. She acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952 after her father, King George VI died. In 1945, she had actively joined World War II as a driver in the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial

Service (WATS). She is also the second longest reigning monarch in British history, behind her great-great

grandmother Queen Victoria. She is Queen of 16 of the 53 member states in the Commonwealth of Nations. She is also

Head of the Commonwealth and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Current Affairs January 2015RBI lifts ban on carrying 1,000, 500 bank notes to and from Nepal, BhutanShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 24, 2015No comments

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lifted ban on carrying Indian bank notes of Rs 1,000 and 500 denominations to and from Nepal, Bhutan.In this regard RBI has issued a circular that eased the restriction on export and import of bank notes of 1,000 and 500 denominations for Nepal and Bhutan.However, RBI has put a limit of carrying such notes at Rs 25,000 per person.Earlier in May 2000, RBI had imposed ban following the request of Union government to curb smuggling of counterfeit currency.Implication: It will provide a great relief to workers from both nations as well as Indian tourists travelling to Nepal and Bhutan.Shanta Kumar Committee on Restructuring of FCI submits report to PMShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 24, 2015No commentsThe High Level Committee (HLC) for Restructuring of Food Corporation of India (FCI) chaired by Shanta Kumar has submitted its report to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Some Recommendations of Shanta Kumar CommitteeOn procurement related issues:  

FCI should hand over all procurement operations of wheat, paddy and rice to Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Punjab as they have sufficient experience and reasonable infrastructure for procurement.

FCI procurement should focus on eastern belt, where farmers do not get minimum support price.On stocking and movement related issues:

FCI should outsource its stocking operations to various agencies such as Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), State Warehousing Corporation (SWC), Private Sector under Private Entrepreneur Guarantee (PEG) scheme.

It should be done on competitive bidding basis, inviting various stakeholders and creating competition to bring down costs of storage.

Movement of grains should be containerized in order to reduce transit losses. While, railways should have faster turn-around-time by having more mechanized facilities.NFSA and PDS related issues

Restructuring the National Food Security Act (NFSA) by virtually diluting its scope and coverage from 67 per cent of population to about 40 per cent population.

In order to curtail leakages in PDS, government should defer implementation of NFSA in states that have not done end to end computerization.End to end computerization:

It recommends end to end computerization of the entire food management system, starting from procurement from farmers, to stocking, movement and finally distribution through PDS.

It will help for real time basis monitoring in order to curb leakages.BackgroundIn August 2014, Union government had set up 8 members High Level Committee (HLC) on FCI restructuring. It was restructuring chaired by Shanta Kumar.Other members are: FCI Chairman-cum-Managing Director C Viswanath, Electronic and IT Secretary Ram Sewak Sharma, Former Chairman of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) Ashok Gulati, Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Chhattisgarh; and Academicians G Raghuram and Gunmadi Nancharaiah of IIM-Ahmedabad.Thailand impeaches former Prime Minister Yingluck ShinawatraShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 24, 2015No comments

Thailand’s military-appointed legislature has voted to impeach former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.She was impeached for her role in overseeing a government rice subsidy program that lost billions of dollars.More than three-fifths i.e. 190 legislatures voted against Yingluck in the legislature of 220 members. It should be noted that, for this impeachment more than three-fifths votes of the legislatures was required.Most members of the legislature who voted against her are part of the military or political opponents her government and past governments allied with her brother Thaksin Shinawatra (former Prime Minister who was ousted in a 2006 coup).This impeachment means she will be banned from politics for five years.While, Thailand’s military government is also planning to indict criminal charges on her for negligence related to losses and alleged corruption in the rice scheme. If she is convicted, she could face 10 years in jail.

Current Affairs January 2015

Saraswathi Menon named on Panel to Review UN Peace-Building ArchitectureShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 24, 2015No comments

Saraswathi Menon, an eminent Indian academician has been named on advisory panel to Review UN Peace-Building Architecture.She is among seven experts nominated by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to conduct a policy and institutional review on UN’s peace-building architecture and make recommendations.The other 6 experts are: Anis Bajwa (Pakistan), Funmi Olonisakin (Nigeria), Sahel Sahara Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah (Mauritania), Charles Petrie (France), Gert Rosenthal (Guatemala) and Edith Grace Ssempala (Uganda).7 expert’s advisory group function:

It will undertake studies in countries like Burundi, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Timor-Leste in order to conduct a policy and institutional review of the UN peace-building architecture.

It will also develop findings and recommendations based on this work. The group will submit a report to the General Assembly and the Security Council for further

consideration through an inter-governmental process.BackgroundEarlier in December 2014, the Presidents of the UN General Assembly and the Security Council had asked the Secretary-General to nominate up to seven experts to form an Advisory Group on the review of the peace-building architecture.About Saraswathi Menon

She is former Director of the Policy Division in UN-Women and has extensive experience as a researcher and academician as well as in the UN system.

Earlier she was Director of UN Development Programme’s (UNDP) Evaluation Office. Her UN career includes experience in both policy and programme areas. She has served in

UNDP as Resident Coordinator, Deputy Resident Representative in various countries. Before joining the UNDP, she was lecturer in sociology at the Madras University, Tamil Nadu.

SBI signs 100 mn euro loan pact with EIBShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 23, 2015No comments

India’s largest bank State Bank of India (SBI), has signed a loan agreement for 100 million euro (about Rs 700 crore) with European Investment Bank (EIB).This agreement was facilitated by SBI Capital Markets, a subsidiary of SBI.It is the third tranche of a total sanctioned loan of 200 million euro by EIB to SBI for lending it to private businesses in the country.SBI will utilize this loan to support the development of private sector in country in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will be also utilized social and economic infrastructure as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation.Earlier on 25 June and 28 November 2014, first tranche of Euro 55 and second tranche of Euro 45 million was signed between both banks.India, US inks pact to cooperate in ICTE to facilitate Digital India programmeShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 23, 20151 Comment

India and United States have agreed to cooperate in the field of Information and Communications Technology and Electronics (ICTE) to facilitate Union government’s ambitious Digital India programme(DIP).In this regard, Joint Declaration of Intent for cooperation was signed by Secretary in the Department of Electronics and IT- RS Sharma and US Ambassador to India- Richard Rahul Verma.Key highlights of Joint Declaration

It will facilitate Union government’s flagship DIP, including electronic manufacturing and cyber security and several other such related fields between the two countries.

Within period of next five years, it will help in strengthening industrial, technological, research and innovation and economic cooperation between India and the US.

Under the umbrella of the ongoing India-US ICT Dialogue, it will also provide platform to US companies for exploring opportunities to collaborate in DIP, electronics manufacturing and human resource development

Current Affairs January 2015Jhumpa Lahiri wins DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2015Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 23, 2015No comments

Indian American Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri has won prestigious DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2015. Fifth edition of this prize was announced at the Jaipur Literature Festival.She has received the prestigious $50,000 DSC Prize for her bookThe Lowland. Her book was chosen by 5 judges from 75 books.The Lowland is a tale of two Indian brothers during time of 1950’s in Calcutta. It depicts story of both brothers one who get involved in the Naxalite movement in the late 1960s and the other leaves for the United States.Jhumpa Lahiri

Her original name is Nilanjana Sudeshna. Works- Her debut short story collection Interpreter of Maladies (1999) has won the 2000

Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Her first novel was Namesake (2003) was adapted in a movie with the same name which

was directed by Mira Nair. Suresh Kalpenn acted in this movie. The Lowland (2013). Currently, she is a member of US President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.

DSC Prize for South Asian Literature It is awarded annually to writers of any ethnicity or nationality writing about South Asia such

as culture, politics, history, or people. It was instituted in 2011. It is funded by infrastructure company the DSC Group. Other recipients are: Pakistani author H.M. Naqvi (Homeboy)- 2011, Sri Lankan author

Shehan Karunatilaka (Chinaman)-2012, Jeet Thayil(Narcopolis) 2013 and Cyrus Mistry (Chronicle of a Corpse Bearer)-2014.US scientists make safe GMOShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 23, 2015No comments

US scientists have taken the first step towards making safe genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) by using synthetic biology so they cannot spread in the wild.Using synthetic biology, scientists have re-written the genetic code of bacteria by using synthetic chemicals to grow them. In this case, scientists have engineered organisms so that they require synthetic amino acids for survival or for life.Key characteristic of these GM bacteria is that they die if escaped into nature as they fed synthetic amino acids for survival.Implication of this research

Currently, genetically engineered micro-organisms are used in Europe, the US and China to produce drugs or fuels under contained industrial conditions.

With this GMOs scientist can build safety measures so that their spread could be controlled and can be used in the outside world.Now the future challenge is to re-engineer the code of other lifeforms.Vodafone appoints Sunil Sood as India CEOShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 23, 2015No comments

Vodafone has appointed Sunil Sood as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for its India operations. He will be first Indian CEO of Vodafone.He will replace Martin Pieters will step down on 1 April 2015. Presently, he is Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the companyMartin Pieters was the longest serving CEO of a telecom firm in the country and was CEO since 2009.

Under Pieters’ leadership, Vodafone India had doubled its revenues and added more than 100 million customers. He also played important role in increasing market share of Vodafone India and launched data services which is used by more than 57 million customers.About Sunil Sood

He is graduate with a B Tech from IIT Delhi and PGDM from IIM Kolkata. He is also a graduate of Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.

In 2000, he had joined Vodafone India’s predecessor business, Hutch and has held roles leading the company’s operations in Gujarat, Kolkata and Chennai.

He had previously worked for Pepsi in a range of Indian and international leadership roles.

Current Affairs January 2015Telugu comedian and director M.S.Narayana passes awayShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 23, 2015No comments

Popular Telugu comedian and director Mylavarapu Surya Narayana has passed away in Hyderabad, Telangana. He was 63.He is noted for his comic timing and facial expressions with witty dialogues in Telugu Cinema.About Mylavarapu Surya Narayana

He was born on 16 April, 1951 in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. He is popularly known as M.S.Narayana and had acted in over 700 Telugu movies. He had started his career as a teacher and later graduated into acting. He had won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor- Telugu film Dookudu. He also had

won Andhra Pradesh State Nandi Award for Best Male Comedian five times for the films Maa Nanna ki Pelli, Ramsakkanodu, Sardukupodam Randi,Shivamani and Dookudu.

S. Narayana had made his debut as director in the film Koduku with his son Vikram in 2007.Yemen government resigns under pressure from Shia Houthi rebelsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 23, 2015No commentsPresident Mansour Hadi of Yemen along with Prime Minister Khaled Bahah and his cabinet have resigned.Yemen government’s resignation comes after the President agreed to the demands of Shia Houthi rebels, who had stormed his palace and private home in Sana’a (Capital of Yemen) earlier.However parliament speaker Yahia al-Rai refused to accept the President’s resignation.

Who are Shia Houthi rebels of Yemen? This rebel group takes its name from Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, their former commander,

who was killed by Yemeni army forces in September 2004. They adhere to a branch of Shia Islam known as Zaidism (a sect of Islam exclusively present

in Yemen). These rebels are members of a group also known as Ansar Allah (Partisans of God). They are

fighting to win greater autonomy for their heartland of Saada province, and also to protect Zaidi religious and cultural traditions from perceived encroachment by Sunni Islamists.

It should be noted that Zaidis make up one-third of the population of Yemen. They had ruled North Yemen under a system known as the imamate for almost 1,000 years which came to end in 1962.

After death of Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, his successors had led five uprisings. But in 2010, ceasefire was signed between Yemeni government and Houthi rebels.

But current crisis began after President Hadi had declared that Yemen will be federation of six regions by drafting constitution in February 2014.

Houthi rebels have rejected this draft constitution creating federation of six regions in Yemen.Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz passes awayShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 23, 2015No comments

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has passed away. He was 93-year old patriarch.Abdullah’s brother Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is his successor and new King of Saudi Arabia. Salman in turn, has named his half-brother Muqrin as the new crown prince and his heir.Earlier, king Salman was the Crown Prince and defence minister since 2012. He was also the Governor of Riyadh province for five decades before that.About Abdullah bin Abdulaziz

He was born in Riyadh in August 1924 (although actual date is disputed). In 1962, he was appointed commander of the Saudi National Guard. In 1982, he became crown prince and first deputy prime minister when King Fahd succeeded

King Khalid. In August 2005, he succeeded to the throne following the death of then King Fahd. He had

handled the affairs of the country for a decade, before when his predecessor King Fahd suffered a debilitating stroke.

He played important role in introducing the cautious changes in ultraconservative Muslim kingdom by bringing significant reforms in the country. These include increased women’s rights and economic deregulation.

Under his leadership Saudi Kingdom joined hand with its powerful ally U.S. to fight against al-Qaida.

King Abdullah had been the guiding force behind Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) as the Head of world’s largest crude oil producer and exporter.

Current Affairs January 2015Supreme Court bars N Srinivasan from contesting BCCI electionsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 22, 2015No comments

Supreme Court (SC) has barred Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President-in-exile N Srinivasan, from contesting any BCCI election on grounds of conflict of interest.This judgment was given by two-member SC bench of Justices T S Thakur and F M I Khalifulla.SC judgment in case BCCI elections

It struck down the Amendment in the BCCI rules that allowed Srinivasan to own IPL team. It mentioned the Amendment is bad as conflict of interest in cricket leads to great confusion.

No one who has commercial interest including N Srinivasan shall be eligible for any post in the BCCI and so he is disqualified on the ground of commercial interest.

The Bench directed BCCI to hold fresh elections of office bearers within six weeks.The SC bench also held that charges against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team official Gurunath Meiyappan (son in law of Srinivasan) and Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra stands proved in the 2013 IPL betting scam. However, charges against Srinivasan were not proved.Along with judgment, SC also set up a judges committee under a former Chief Justice of India to decide on the punishment in the 2013 IPL betting scam.Prof Kaptan Singh Solanki sworn-in as governor of PunjabShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 22, 2015No comments

Haryana governor Prof Kaptan Singh Solanki took over the additional charge of Governor of Punjab. He will be 34th governor of Punjab.He was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Shiavax Jal Vazifdar at Punjab Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh.He was given the additional charge of Punjab after the tenure of then governor Shivraj V Patil  retired on 21 January 2015 after his tenure came to an end.Constitutional provisions of Governor

Article 153: It says that there shall be Governor for each state. But 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 facilitated the appointment of the same person as a governor for two or more states.

Article 156: Governor is appointed by President and hold office during the pleasure of President. It should be also noted that this article also mentions tenure of Governor. In this regard it says that Governor shall hold office for the term of 5 years from date he enters office.Union Government launches Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaignShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 22, 20151 Comment

Union Government has launched ambitious Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao(BBBP) campaign to save and empower girl child.The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Panipat in Haryana.Why Haryana was chosen to launch Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign?

Haryana was chosen to launch the nation-wide Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao initiative because of the skewed sex ratio in the state.

It has one of the lowest Child Sex Ratio in country which stands at 879 girls per 1,000 boys as against the national child sex ratio of 918 girls per 1000 boys.

Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao (BBBP)campaign It aims to spread awareness about the declining trend of Child Sex Ratio in the country. Objective: To prevent gender biased sex selective elimination by strict enforcement of laws

with stringent punishment to violators.  The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD), is the nodal agency for the

implementation of the scheme. While, Centre has provided initial corpus of 100 crore rupees for it.

It will be implemented in 100 districts of the country, including 12 districts of Haryana. In this regard, union government will try to ensure access and availability of essential

requirements related to nutrition, health-care, education, protection and elimination of discrimination of girl child.

This scheme will also generate awareness and improve the efficiency of delivery of welfare services meant for women.

Current Affairs January 2015Kerala’s Periyar tiger reserve wins NTCA biennial awardShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 22, 2015No comments

Periyar Tiger Reserve located in Kerala has won the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) biennial award for encouraging local public participation in managing the reserve.Public participation in managing the Periyar Tiger Reserve

India Eco-Development project (IEDP): People’s participation started in the reserve in December 1996 by establishing India Eco-Development project (IEDP). It was a community-based eco-tourism initiative, which promoted tourism activities which helped visitors. It also promoted pepper growing in this region and marketing it.

Periyar Foundation: Later in 2006, reserve set up the Periyar Foundation which was a model for other reserves in biodiversity conservation and community participation in managing natural resources. It involved 75 communities living around the reserve, including tribal people.

There are around 19 different eco-tourism programmes apart from village eco-development programmes for public participation in managing the reserve.Union Budget Session will begin on February 23Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 22, 2015No comments

The Budget Session of Parliament will begin on 23 February 2015.Railway Budget will be presented on 26 February, while Economic Survey on 27 February.It will be first full-year General Budget of the NDA government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It will be presented on 28 February 2015.These dates were announced by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs that met under the chairmanship of Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu.Some facts

Budget is a statement of the estimates receipts and expenditure of Union Government in a financial year.

Constitutional provisions of Budget are mentioned Article 112. It should be noted that word Budget is not mentioned in Constitution rather it is referred as ‘Annual Financial Statement’.

Budget is presented in two parts namely: The Railway Budget and the General Budget. Railway Budget: It is estimates of receipts and expenditure of Ministry of Railways only . General Budget: It is estimates  of receipts and expenditure of all Ministries of Union

Government.Microsoft unveils virtual assistant Cortana for Windows handsetsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 22, 2015No comments

Technology giant Microsoft has unveiled virtual assistant-Cortana for Windows Phone handsets.Cortana is female voice-controlled application. It uses Microsofts search engine Bing and data stored on the handsets to make personalised recommendations and carry out tasks.It is named after AI system in the firm’s Halo video game franchise.Initially, it will be made available in US, then in UK and China and finally other markets as part of a wider Windows Phone 8.1 system software update.It should be noted that Apple and Google already offer comparable facilities on their iOS and Android platforms.

Current Affairs January 2015Economist Bibek Debroy takes over as member of NITI AayogShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 22, 2015No comments

Economist Bibek Debroy has taken over as the full-time member of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog.Bibek Debroy

He has been working as a professor at the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi. Previously he has worked as Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies

and as a Consultant in Finance Ministry in various capacities. He was also the Chairman of High Powered Committee of the restructuring on Railways. He has been associated with a number of prestigious institutes in the field of academics. It

includes Presidency College Kolkata Delhi School of Economics Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, the National Council of Applied Economic Research, Trinity College, Cambridge, and institute for South Asian Studies , Singapore.

He has authored several books, papers and articles on Economic issues. He also has authored a ten-volume unabridged English translation of the Hindu epic the Mahabharata.BackgroundEarlier on 5 January 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had appointed Bibek Debroy along with Scientist V K Saraswat as full time member of NITI Aayog.Union Government launches HRIDAY schemeShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 21, 2015No comments

Union government has launched a Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme to preserve and rejuvenate the rich cultural heritage of the country.Union governments ambitious Rs 500 crore HRIDAY project was launched by Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi.In the initial phase, 12 heritage cities have been identified which will be rejuvenated and developed under HRIDAY.The 12 cities are:  Amritsar, Varanasi, Gaya, Puri, Ajmer, Mathura, Dwarka, Badami, Velankanni, Kanchipuram, Warangal and Amaravati.HRIDAY- Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana

It aims to bring urban planning, economic growth and heritage conservation together for heritage cities.

It also seeks beautification in an inclusive and integrated manner with focus on cleanliness, livelihoods, skills, safety, security, accessibility and faster service delivery of heritage cities.

Heritage management plan (HMP) will be prepared for the identified cities which will outline heritage resources and develop policies to guide their conservation, restoration, future use and development.

It will seek to improve last-mile connectivity heritage sites by documentation, conservation of areas, providing more facilities for women, senior citizens and differently abled citizens.

HRIDAY will be dovetailed with the Tourism Ministry’s Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme which has an outlay of Rs 100 crore for augmentation of infrastructure at pilgrimage sites across the country.Cyberabad CP awarded by ECI for Best Electoral Practices-2014Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 21, 2015No comments

Cyberabad Police Commissioner (PC) CV Anand has been conferred with the Election Commission of India’s (ECI’s) National Special Category Award for the Best Electoral Practices- 2014.He has been bestowed this award for the commendable election related measures taken by him in the area of ‘Expenditure Monitoring and Tackling Money Power’ during the General Elections of 2014.He will receive the award in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on January 25 on the occasion of National Voter’s Day Function.ECI’s National Special Category Award

It was instituted in 2011.

It recognises the efforts and innovations of the officers and to commend and encourage individual and team accomplishments in diverse fields of election management.

It carries a cash reward of Rs 50,000 along with a plaque and citation. Lok Sabha election 2014 was the first General Election after Institution of the award.

Current Affairs January 2015Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana features into Guinness book of World RecordsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 21, 2015No comments

NDA government’s flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has entered into Guinness book of World Records.Guinness book of World Records has given certificate stating it as most bank accounts opened in one week.In one week, 18,096,130 bank accounts were opened as part of the financial inclusion campaign from 23rd to 29th August, 2014. It was achieved by the Department of Financial Services (Government of India).Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the goal of eradicating financial untouchability of the poor by opening at least one bank account for every family in the country in less than six months.

It seeks to financially empower the poor by providing them access to formal banking system. It also seeks to provide platform for Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) which will curb leakages

in government subsidies and thus saving government exchequer. Initially, after its launch the scheme had a target of opening 7.5 crore bank accounts by 26

January, 2015, but later it was revised and raised to 10 crore bank accounts. As on 17th January 2015, PMJDY has achieved feat of opening of 11.50 crore bank accounts

under it in the short span of 5 months since it was launched.Japanese automaker Toyota tops in global vehicle salesShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 21, 2015No comments

Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. has topped in global vehicle sales in 2014 by selling 10.23 million vehicles, beating Volkswagen and General Motors.While, Germen automaker Volkswagen AG is second in global vehicle sales list and has sold 10.14 million vehicles in 2014.Detroit-based General Motors (GM) is third in the list and has sold at 9.92 million vehicles.Some facts

In 2014, Toyota’s sales grew 6 per cent in the U.S, 13 per cent in China, and 10 per cent in Brazil compared to year 2013.

But in 2011, company had suffered a setback in top position rank, when its production was hit by the earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan but it made a comeback as No. 1 in 2012.

It should be noted that, GM was top-selling automaker for more than seven decades. But in 2008, it was surpassed by Toyota.Twitter buys Indian start-up ZipDialShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 21, 2015No comments

Leading social networking website Twitter has bought Indian mobile marketing start-up ZipDial. It will be first Indian technology product startup to be bought by Twitter.This deal is expected to cost Twitter around $34-35 million (Rs 215 crore).About ZipDial

It is Bengaluru based startup, founded in 2011. It is co-founded by Valerie Wagoner, an American origin entrepreneur who graduated from Stanford University.

ZipDial’s mobile marketing platform gives information about businesses to users when they place a missed call.

This interaction information is useful in areas where people aren’t always connected to the Internet or can access data only through intermittent Wi-Fi networks

Its mobile mobile marketing platform has nearly 60 million users, which includes the world’s leading brands and media companies.

Current Affairs January 2015EU decides to lift ban on import of mangoes from IndiaShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 21, 2015No comments

European Union (EU) has decided to lift seven-month-long ban on the import of mangoes from India. In this regard, a European Commission committee unanimously voted to lift the ban.The ban was lifted after an audit carried out by the European Commission’s Food and Veterinary Office in India in September 2014.This audit had showed that India world’s biggest producer of mangoes have made significant improvements in the phytosanitary export certification system of mangoes.Background

EU had imposed temporary ban on import of mangoes from in 1 May 2014 after authorities in Brussels found consignments of the premium Alphonso mangoes infested with fruit flies.

Along with Alphonso mangoes they also had banned import of 4 vegetables- aubergines, bitter gourds, snake gourds and patra leaves.

They had imposed ban citing the reason that fruit flies from these consignments may damage European salad crops.However, it should be noted that EU has not lifted ban on these 4 vegetables and will be reviewed at later stage after collecting more evidence.India ranks 78th globally in Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) 2014Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 21, 2015No commentsIndia ranked 78th globally in Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) 2014 list of 93 countries in terms of talent competitiveness of its human capital.This GTCI list was compiled by INSEAD business school in partnership with Adecco and Human Capital Leadership Institute of Singapore (HCLI).GTCI measures a nation’s competitiveness based on the quality of talent it can produce, attract and retain.Key facts of Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) 2014 list

Top twenty scoring countries in the GTCI 2014 are all high-income countries. While, the top rankings were dominated by European countries, with only six non-European countries in the

top 20 which included Singapore (2nd), the United States (4th), Canada (5th), Australia (9th), New-Zealand (16th) and Japan (20th).

Rich countries were able to top in the list, since they tend to have better universities and a greater ability to attract foreign talents through higher quality of life and remuneration, making them more talent competitive.

Top 10 in GTCI list: Switzerland (1st), Singapore (2nd), Luxembourg (3rd), United States (4th) and Canada (5th), Sweden (6th), United Kingdom (7th), Denmark (8th), Australia (9th) and Ireland (10th).

India’s lower position indicates acute shortage of skilled workforce. It also ranks at last among BRICS members.

India’s neighbuors in GTCI list:  China (41th), Sri Lanka (76th), Pakistan (89th), Bangladesh (90th).Union Government launches monitoring system for skill development schemeShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 21, 2015No commentsUnion Government has launched Management Information System (MIS) to check progress and implementation of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) scheme in different states.MIS aims to check real time progress on skill development and enhancing livelihood opportunities for urban poor under DAY scheme.It was launched by Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) Minister M Venkaiah Naidu.Key facts about Management Information System (MIS)

This system is developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC) at a cost of Rs 2.24 crore. It enables real time and regular monitoring of the progress of DAY  scheme and its seven

components which include employment through skill training and placement, self-employment groups, shelters for urban homeless and support to urban vendors.

It will help to remove the deficiencies in the present manual submission of monthly progress reports which are submitted by states.

Current Affairs January 2015Punjab government launches e-stamping projectShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 21, 2015No commentsPunjab government has launched e-stamping project in the state. It was launched by state Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal.This project seeks to computarise revenue departments of the state in order to remove malpractices and end leakage of government revenue. It also seeks to make revenue transactions safe and secure.Key facts

At present, e-stamping has been initiated as a pilot project in five districts of state. They are Mohali, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Bathinda.

All districts of state will be covered under this project by 31 March 2015. This project will help citizens to pay the exact fee through a wire transfer, a draft or even a

cheque for stamp instead of buying it from middlemen at higher cost.

E-stamps have various safety features which includes a unique ID generated by computer and could be verified online and also UV, ultra violet, micro film and thermal fixtures besides an encrypted 2 D bar code.Maharashtra government declares Chandrapur as dry districtShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 21, 2015No commentsMaharashtra Government has declared mineral rich Chandrapur district (in Vidarbha region) as dry district.Thus imposing ban on the sale, purchase, production and consumption of liquor in the district.In this regard, state government has cancelled all alcohol permits in Chandrapur district and henceforth will be shifted to other districts.Chandrapur district is third district in state to be declared dry district. The demand for banning liquor in Chandrapur was made in late 2010, following which a committee was set up by state government. Thus, this decision was taken that in the interest of health of the people of Chandrapur, liquor consumption must be prohibited.Earlier, Wardha and Gadchiroli districts from same region were declared dry districts.Wardha was declared dry district as it is closely linked to Mahatma Gandhi with his ashram situated in Sevagram.While, in the case of Gadchiroli the decision to declare it as a dry district was taken in 1992 owing to a public outcry to ban alcohol in view of growing Naxal movement.India’s Tigers population increases by 30% since 2011Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 20, 2015No comments

As per tiger census report 2014, the population of tigers in India has increased from 1,706 in 2011 to 2,226 in 2014.This tiger census report was released by Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar.Key facts of tiger census report 2014

It shows an increase of 30 per cent in country’s tiger population compared to 2011 tiger census report.

The latest tiger census figures show that Karnataka has the highest number of tigers in the age group of 1.5 years and more. It has 408 tigers in that age group.

While census figures show that 340 tigers are in Uttarakhand, 308 in Madhya Pradesh, 229 in Tamil Nadu, 190 in Maharashtra, 167 in Assam, 136 in Kerala and 117 in Uttar Pradesh.

As per new census, India is estimated to be home to around 70% of the world’s tigers.

For census, total of 3,78,118 sq km of forest area in 18 tiger states was surveyed with a total of 1,540 unique tiger photo captures.Tiger censusIn India, tiger census is carried out after a gap of every three years by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).2008 tiger census: Tiger population estimated was 1,411.2011 tiger census: Tiger population estimated was 1,706.

Current Affairs January 2015First successful organ donation from newborn takes place in UKShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 20, 2015No comments

Doctors from United Kingdom (UK) have carried out the first successful organ donation from a newborn baby.It is considered as a milestone in neonatal care after donor’s kidneys and liver were used to save the lives of two patients.Successful organ donation involved

Kidneys, which were transplanted into a patient with renal failure. Liver cells (hepatocytes), which were transfused into a further recipient.

The donor was six-day-old baby girl who had died after she was born in extremely poor health. After donors death, her parents had given their consent for organ donation in order to benefit of other sick patients.

Implication: In future organ donation from newborns will play significant role in saving the lives sick newborns dying due to organ failure.India’s growth to reach 6.3 per cent in 2016: UN WESP reportShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 20, 2015No comments

According to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2015 report, India’s growth in terms of GDP is expected to reach 5.9 per cent in 2015 and 6.3 per cent in 2016.Key highlights of report

India: Its growth recovery is partly the result of improved market sentiment after the new government took office in the second quarter of 2014 and had announced plans to reform the bureaucracy, labour laws and public subsidies.

South Asia: Economic growth in South Asia is set to gradually pick up from an estimated 4.9 percent in 2014 to 5.4 percent in 2015 and 5.7 percent in 2016. India, will account for about 70 percent of regional output in South Asia.

Average inflation in this region is expected remain moderate at 7.8 percent in 2015 and 7.2 percent in 2016, as commodity prices are likely remain subdued and domestic demand picks up gradually.

Global economy: It is expected to grow at 3.1 percent in 2015 and 3.3 percent in 2016, compared with an estimated growth of 2.6 percent in 2014.About United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) reportThis report is published at the beginning of each year by the combined efforts of

UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). 5 UN regional commissions. World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

Australian cricketer David Warner fined over speak English incidentShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 20, 2015No comments

Australian cricketer David Warner was fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC) over speak in English spat with Indian counterpart Rohit Sharma.

He was fined 50 per cent of his match fee over the incident.Incident: David Warner had demanded Sharma speak English instead of his native Hindi during India- Australia’s tri-series ODI match held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).The incident was sparked after India batsman Rohit Sharma ran a contentious single off an overthrow the Australians believed came after Warner’s return deflected off Sharma. It should be noted that Cricket etiquette dictates that batsmen do not run when a throw deflects off their body or bat.

Current Affairs January 2015Union Government reconstitutes Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 20, 2015No comments

Union Government has reconstituted Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). In this regard, government has appointed 1 chairperson and 9 board members.

Chairperson: Filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani was appointed chairperson. He will be office in for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

9 Members are: BJP leader Vani Tripathi Tikoo, filmmakers Ashoke Pandit and Chandra Prakash Dwivedi, film writer Mihir Bhuta, Syed Abdul Bari, Ramesh Patange, actor George Baker, actor-filmmaker Jeevitha and actor- playwright S Ve Shekhar.Background

Earlier, then Chairperson of CBFC Leela Samson had resigned after Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) cleared the controversial film Messenger of God featuring Dera Saccha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in lead role.

As the Chairperson of Censor Board she had denied the clearance certificate to the film saying that the movie depicts Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh as a God.

Following her resignation, 9 board members also had resigned creating vacancies in the booard.Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)It is a statutory body under the aegis of Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.The Board, consists of non-official members and a Chairman (all of them are appointed by Union Government)Headquarters: Mumbai.Its function is to regulate the public exhibition of films in India under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952 by granting them certificate under 4 categories. They are

U: Unrestricted Public Exhibition.

UA: Unrestricted Public Exhibition- but with a word of caution that Parental discretion required for children below 12 years.

A: Restricted to adults. S: Restricted to any special class of persons.

Eminent political scientist Rajni Kothari passes awayShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 20, 2015No commentsEminent political scientist, scholar and former Planning Commission member Rajni Kothari passed away in New Delhi. He was 86.About Rajni Kothari

He was born on 16th August, 1928. He was a well-known political thinker, political theorist, academician and writer. He had started his career as a lecturer at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

(Baroda University). In 1961, for first time he received recognition when his essays series, Form and Substance in Indian Politics were published in Economic and Political Weekly (then Economic Weekly) over six issues.

In 1963, he had founded Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) – a social sciences and humanities research institute based in New Delhi.

In 1980, he had founded Lokayan (Dialogue of the People), a forum for interaction between activists and intellectuals.

He was member of the Planning Commission during the national Front Government led by then Prime Minister V P Singh.

He was also associated with number of prestigious institutions including Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), International Foundation for Development Alternatives and People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).

Books: His famous published works include Politics in India (1970), Caste in Indian Politics and Rethinking Democracy (1973), In Search of Humane World Order Poverty: Human Consciousness (1989) and the Amnesia of Development and Communalism in Indian Politics (1995).

Awards: In 1985 on behalf of Lokayan, he has received the Right Livelihood Awardfrom the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm (widely referred as the Alternative Nobel Prize). He has also received the UGC’s Swami Pranavananda Award in Political Science.IIT, ONGC ink MoU to develop indigenous technologies to enhance oil explorationShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 20, 2015No commentsIndian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) have signed a Memorandum of Collaboration to develop indigenous technologies to enhance oil exploration.It was signed in the presence of the Union Minister of Human Resource Development Smriti Irani and the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi.Key facts

As per Memorandum of Collaboration both parties will work towards a collective Research and Development Programme.

This programme will aim for developing indigenous technologies to enhance exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons and alternate sources of energy.

It is a long-term initiative between both parties for sustained research, development and capacity building.

It will provide a multi-pronged approach that will help to foster research capability and transform experiential based learning in oil exploration sector.

It will also help to realize full potential of India’s inherent strengths to develop indigenous technologies in order to make country global leader in this sector.

Current Affairs January 2015World Future Energy Summit begins in Abu DhabiShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 19, 2015No comments

The World Future Energy Summit 2015 has begun in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).It is eight edition of the summit and will be four day event.It will provide platform to delegates including world leaders, international policy makers, industry leaders, investors, experts, academia, intellectuals and journalists from all over the world including India.Delegates will discuss the future of renewable energy and how to overcome the challenges in tapping potential of it.Key highlights of World Future Energy Summit

It will provide a platform for commercial solutions to clean and green energy. It will include exhibition of first-of-its-kind, fully integrated hybrid product that captures both

solar and wind energy to provide more consistent power generation. Summit will also display a mobile solar power plant on a trailer with a 4.8 kWp capacity and

battery storage of up to 20 kWh and a new turbine that converts energy from sea waves. It will also display parabolic sun-dish concentrators combined with a specialized steam

generator suitable for enhanced oil recovery, power generation, water desalination operations and power generations are on display.United Nation and Mali government declares country Ebola-freeShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 19, 2015No comments

Mali Government has declared country Ebola free. It was announced after no new case of deadly virus was reported in last 42-day period (i.e. two incubation periods of 21 days for Ebola virus).While, United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER) has also declared that Mali as Ebola free.Key facts

Mali was the sixth West African country to record cases of Ebola virus. First case was reported in October 2014. As per World Health Organisation (WHO) in Mali, in total 8 cases were reported, killing 6 of

them.According to WHO, it is the worst Ebola (viral haemorrhagic fever) outbreak in history which has infected at least 21,296 people.Till date deadly Ebola virus has killed more than 8,400 people mostly from West African countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.Indian-American Frank Islam presented with Martin Luther King AwardShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 19, 2015No comments

Frank Islam, an eminent Indian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist has been presented with the prestigious Martin Luther King Jr Award.He was given the award for his contribution to the legacy of the great leader through his efforts in international service and civil engagement.

About Frank Islam He was born in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh to a peasant father. He had moved to US when he

was only 15 years old. He is an entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist. In 1993, he had bought a struggling IT company in Maryland. Later in 2007, he sold it to

spent rest of his life in philanthropy, both in India and the US. Currently, he heads the FI Invest Group a firm that he established after selling his IT

Company. He is also board member of several think tanks, academic and cultural organisations

including pretigious Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts, the Brookings Institute and US Institute of Peace.

Books: He has written two well-regarded books on the American condition. They are Working the Pivot Points: To Make America Work Again (2013). Renewing the American Dream: A Citizen’s Guide for Restoring Our Competitive Advantage (2010).Martin Luther King Jr Award

It is an annual award started in 1991. It honors the legacy of noble peace recipient civil right leader Martin Luther King Jr and the

legendary Dorothy I Height and their impacts both at home and abroad. 

Current Affairs January 20152014 hottest year on record: US scientistsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 19, 2015No commentsAccording to US scientists, year 2014 was the hottest year on record, with global average temperature increasing about 0.8 degrees Celsius since 1880.It was revealed by two separate analyses carried out by NASA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).Key outcomes

10 warmest years since records began in the 19th century have all been since 1997. In 2014, record temperatures were spread around the globe. It included most of Europe

stretching into northern Africa, the western United States, far eastern Russia into western Alaska, parts of interior South America, parts of eastern and western coastal Australia and elsewhere.

Recent trends of warming have been dominated by human emissions of greenhouse gases. Earlier, it was thought of chaotic weather patterns. But later it was considered that year-to-

year fluctuations in average global temperature are caused by phenomena such as El Nino or La Nina.

El Nino or La Nina phenomena generally warm or cool the tropical Pacific oceanic region and are thought to have played a role in the flattening of the long-term warming trend over the past 15 years.

However, 2014’s record warmth occurred during an El Nino-neutral year.

Andhra Pradesh government signs pact with ICRISAT to boost sustainable farmingShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 18, 20154 Comments

Andhra Pradesh government has signed a pact with the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to boost sustainable farming in the state.In this regard, Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed by state government with ICRISAT.Key highlights of agreement

It seeks to provide assistance in making agriculture sustainable and profitable in state by increasing productivity of agriculture and allied sectors.

Strategy paper: ICRISAT will prepare a strategy paper for primary sector mission, hold research and development (R&D) and establish sites of learning in districts of Andhra Pradesh.

Use of Technology: Best technological tools and scientific practices from across the world will be incorporated into primary sector activities of state.

International expertise: ICRISAT will bring in international expertise from CGIAR centres. It will include consortium of international organisations like International Livestock Research Centre (ILRI), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), International Water Management (IWMI), Asia Vegetable Research and Development Centre (AVRDC), International Centre for Improvement of Maize and Development Centre (AVRDC), World Fish Centre and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

This consortium will also bring in regional and national research institutions for the benefit of farmers.

Pilot sites: It will be established in 13 districts (10,000 hectares each) of state to educate farmers for increasing productivity, profitability and sustainability through science-led development and climate-smart agriculture

Quality assurance system for soil analytical laboratories: It will be developed to undertake capacity building for staff and upgrade existing soil labs for nutrient profile analysis.

Public–private partnership (PPP): ICRISAT will assist state government in developing PPP mode guidelines, mobilise private entrepreneurs and organise a Global Investors Meet.

Current Affairs January 2015

Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani lays Foundation stone of IIM-VisakhapatnamShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 18, 2015No commentsUnion HRD Minister Smriti Irani has laid the foundation stone for Indian Institute of Management (IIM)-Visakhapatnam at Gambheeram village of Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.Key facts

It is the first institution among the 11 Central premier institutions to be established in the state as per the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

IIM- Visakhapatnam will start its functioning from 2015-16 from the campus of Andhra University till the construction of campus is completed.

It should be noted that IIM- Visakhapatnam will be fourteenth IIM of the country.Union Government is also planning to introduce a bill on Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in Parliament, in order to empower these public, autonomous institutes to award MBA degrees instead of postgraduate diploma certificates.5th General Assembly of IRENA begins in Abu DhabiShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 18, 2015No comments

The 5th General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has began in Abu Dhabi.Government leaders from more than 150 countries including India and representatives from more than 110 international organizations are taking part in this two day meet.5th meet of IRENA seeks to address global issues like enhancing the share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix and to tackle global challenges like climate change, energy access and energy security.About International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)It is an intergovernmental organization to promote adoption and sustainable use of renewable energy. It is the global hub for renewable energy cooperation and information exchange within its member nations.It was founded in 2009 and its statute entered into force on 8 July 2010.Headquarters: Abu Dhabi.Members: In total it has 138 Members. India is one of the 33 Permanent members of IRENA.Winners of men’s & women’s single title of Sydney International Tennis tournament

Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 18, 2015No comments

Men’s single titleViktor Troicki of Serbia has won the men’s single title of Sydney International Tennis tournament 2015.In the finals, he defeated Russia’s Mikhail Kukushkin by score of 6-2, 6-3.It is Viktor Troicki’s 2nd career title. His first title was 2010 Kremlin Cup.Women’s single titlePetra Kvitova of Czech Republic has won the women’s single title of Sydney International Tennis tournament 2015.In the finals, she defeated Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic by score of 7-6, 7-6.It is Petra Kvitova’s 15th career title. She is two times Wimbledon Champion (2011 and 2014) and currently ranked World no. 4.Sydney International Tennis Tournament

It is also known as Apia International Sydney, is one of the oldest professional tennis tournaments in the world, dating to 1885.

It is currently noted as an ATP 250 point event on the men’s tour and a WTA Premier event on the women’s tour.

It is played annually at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre in Homebush, New South Wales, Australia.

IAF gets first indigenously-built Light Combat Aircraft TejasShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 17, 2015No comments

First indigenously-built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas was handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at ceremony held at Bengaluru, Karanataka.It was handed over after it was granted Initial Operational Clearance (IOC)-II, which signifies that aircraft is airworthy to fly in different conditions.About Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas

Tejas is outcome of India’s LCA programme, which began in the 1983 to replace country’s aging MiG-21 fighters.

It is a lightweight multi-role jet fighter indigenously-built by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

It is a tailless and having compound delta wing design. It is powered by a single engine.

It is mounted with inbuilt MultiMode Radar (MMR), Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) systems.

As part of LCA programme, 20 aircraft will be built by 2017-2018, to make the first squadron of the aircraft.

IOC-I was granted to the aircraft in January 2011 after it was built by HAL. While, IOC- II was granted in September 2014, after the aircraft successfully completed its maiden flight.

It is yet to receive the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) and excepted to receive it by the year-end which includes testing mid-air refuelling and its long-range missiles capabilities.President launches pulse polio immunization programmeShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 17, 2015No comments

President Pranab Mukherjee has launched the Pulse Polio Immunization(PPI) Programme by administering polio drops to children at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.It was launched by President ahead of the National Immunization Day which is observed on 18 January.PPI Programme is a Government drive to sustain polio eradication from the country. As part of it children less than 5 years of age are given polio vaccine drops.Background

Since 1995, India has been implementing the Pulse Polio Immunization Programme.

On 27 March 2014, India and 7 other Asian countries were declared polio-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

7 other Asian countries are: Bangladesh, Bhutan, North Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives and Myanmar.

It should be noted that WHO declares any country polio free if no case is reported for three consecutive years.Key facts about Polio Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease, which mainly affects young children below age of 5.

Transmission: The virus is transmitted from person-to-person. It mainly spreads through the faecal-oral route (e.g. contaminated water or food). After entering body, it multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and can cause paralysis.

Symptoms:  Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs. In some cases, it causes permanent paralysis. There is no cure for polio, it can only be prevented by immunization. You may read more about Pulse Polio Immunization(PPI) Programme   here

Current Affairs January 2015New travel and trade rules between US and Cuba come into effectShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 17, 2015No commentsNew travel and trade rules between the United States (US) and Cuba have come into effect on 16 January 2015.It is considered as biggest policy shift between the two countries in more than 50 years after restrictions were imposed on travel and trade .New travel and trade rules between the US and Cuba

It allows US citizens to use credit cards in Cuba and US businesses to export some technologies. Earlier this facility was not available to US citizens.

It also allowed US citizens to take home up to 100 dollar in alcohol and tobacco from Cuba.Background

These new travel and trade rules are implemented after US and Cuba agreed to re-establish diplomatic ties between the two countries in December 2014.

Enmity between US government and Cuba’s communist government started in 1959 after the Cuban revolution led by Fidel Castro had overthrown then Cuban President Fulgencio Batista.

In 1961, Cuba had broken all its diplomatic relations with US and had joined hands with US cold war rival Soviet Union. During this time, US had imposed travel and trade ban on Cuba.

Enmity between both nations had attained its peak in 1962 after Cuban missile crisis that brought whole world to the brink of nuclear war.

But after the fall of Soviet Union in 1991, Cuba was left alone without any strong international support.Union Government launches schemes to support entrepreneurs from Scheduled CastesShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 17, 2015No commentsUnion Government has launched Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes Scheme to encourage budding and existing entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes (SCs).It was launched by Union Social Justice Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot in Delhi.Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes Scheme

Objectives: To promote entrepreneurship amongst the SCs who are oriented towards innovation and technological growth by providing concessional finance to them. It also seeks to enhance direct and indirect employment generation for SC population.

It consists of an initial capital of Rs. 200 crore. Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) Limited will be the Sponsor this scheme. While,

Settler and Asset Management Company (AMC) will be nodal agency to operate the scheme. Under this scheme, Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will provide

assistance of Rs. 15 crore to each 30 persons a year, in the form of loan.Union Cabinet gives nod to FM Phase 3 auctionShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 17, 2015No commentsUnion Cabinet has given its nod for conducting FM Phase-III auction and renewal of Private FM Radio licenses from Phase-II to Phase-III in 69 existing cities for 135 channels.It  was decided in Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Key facts of FM Phase-III auction

The Phase III will e-auction around 839 FM channels in 294 cities. It is expected to commence before the end of the present fiscal year. However, it will continue over the next three years.

It will be done according to recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on payment of migration fee.

Union Government already had appointed an e-auctioneer to monitor the e-auction. Successful auctions of all proposed channels in Phase-III seeks to add an estimated revenue

of over 550 crore to the National Exchequer.Background

Earlier, the decision relating to Phase-III was taken by then Union Cabinet of UPA Government on 7 July 2011.

But it was delayed as channel auction was proposed on e-auction basis. In March 2014, the Empowered Committee had decided to charge a fee for migration to

existing operators who wanted to move to Phase-III.In India, as of now two phases of Private FM Radio have been implemented. They are Phase-I (1999-2000) and Phase-II (2005-06). While, there are 243 private FM channels operating in 86 cities of the country, spanning 26 States and three Union Territories.Thus, cabinet’s decision for auction is critical for the private radio industry since some of the licenses of the channels are expiring on 31 March, 2015.

Current Affairs January 2015

Tribal Food Festival-2015 begins in New DelhiShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 17, 2015No comments

Tribal Food Festival-2015 has begun in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram.It is 3 day event organized by Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) on behalf of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs.The main objective of Tribal Food Festival-2015 is to introduce and create awareness on the varieties of ethnic Tribal Foods to the people of Delhi. It also seeks to provide additional source of income to the tribals.In this unique event, tribals from various States including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Nagaland and Odisha have participated.

Missing Mars probe Beagle 2 found on Mars after 11 yearsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 17, 2015No comments

A British-built space probe Beagle 2 has been found on the surface of Mars, 11 years after it was thought that it was lost on Mars.It was discovered in the high-resolution images taken by HiRISE camera mounted on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO).Thus, its discovery has ended the decade long mystery of what happened to the mission since 2003.After the discovery, the Royal Society has announced an award in commemoration of Prof Colin Pillinger (died in 2014) who was Principal Investigator of Beagle2 probe.

About Beagle2 Beagle2 was released to its landing trajectory from its mother craft- European Space

Agency’s Mars Express (MEx) orbiter on 19 December 2003. After its release, it was due to land six days later on Mars surface using parachutes and

airbags. But nothing was heard from probe’s radio contact after its scheduled touchdown. It was assumed by many scientists that it had been destroyed in a high-velocity impact

during landing.

Current Affairs January 2015Veteran freedom fighter Ghelubhai Naik passes awayShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 16, 2015No commentsVeteran Gandhian and freedom fighter Ghelubhai Naik passed away in Dangs district of Gujarat. He was 90.He was well-known for his social work and tribal development in Dangs district of Gujarat.About Ghelubhai Naik

Being Gandhian and freedom fighter, he was close to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Following Gandhian principles, he started his social work in Dangs as the Sarvodaya worker

in 1948. He along with Chunilal Vaidya had set up Swaraj ashram in Dangs district for spreading the

education among the tribal. He also played important role in changing names of thousands of tribal people, who earlier

beared names like Ravio, Thagio, Nariyo etc, in order to bring them in mainstream society. His lifelong social work played key role in promoting education, de-addiction and spreading

awareness about health and upliftment of Dangi tribe.J&K wins National e-Governance award 2014-15 for best district-level initiativeShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 16, 20152 Comments

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has been selected for National e-Governance award 2014-15 for its best district level initiative in the country.J&K state has been selected for this award by Department of Administrative Reforms for its e-Panchayat project.This award will be presented during 18th National Conference on e-Governance to be held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat on January 30-31, 2015.Background

J&K’s e-Panchayat project was shortlisted among 53 nominees for spot study which was done by PriceWater Coopers Ltd and officers of Department of Administrative Reforms of PMO in November-December 2014.

Finally it was is selected by the by jury headed by Secretary Administrative Reforms and conferred after approval of Prime Minister who heads Ministry of Personnel, Department of Administrative Reforms.J&K’s e-Panchayat projectIt was launched in 2013-14 for strengthening 147 panchayats in the state.This project provided platform for a decentralized regime of panchayats in the state by shifting the service delivery from block level to panchayat level.National e-Governance awardIt was instituted in 1997. It is given by Department of Administrative Reforms.Purpose of the award

It recognizes the achievements in the area of e-Governance. It seeks to disseminate knowledge on effective methods of designing and implementing

sustainable e-Governance initiatives. Encourage incremental innovations in successful e-Governance solutions. Promote and exchange experiences in solving problems, Mitigating risks, resolving issues

and planning for success.It should be noted that J&K state has bagged this award for first time in 18 years since award was instituted.Haryana government announces yoga guru Ramdev its brand ambassadorShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 16, 20151 Comment

Haryana government has announced yoga guru Ramdev as its brand ambassador.By appointing the yoga guru as its brand ambassador state aims to promote yoga and Ayurveda in the state.It was announced by Haryana’s minister of sports and health Anil Vij.In order to promote ayurveda in a big way, state government is planning to to develop a first ever herbal forest with over 25,000 plants over 1,000 acres of land in the state.State government also plan to open “Vyayamshalas” and “Yogshalas” in 6,500 villages and cities of Haryana.

Current Affairs January 2015

SEBI notifies stringent insider trading normsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 16, 2015No commentsThe Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has notified stringent revamped rules related to the Insider trading.Insider trading refers to the trade of a company’s stocks or other securities and making unethical profits with access to the non-public information. This is detrimental to the other / small investors who don’t have such information.In this regard market regulator has issued SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015. Thus, revamping nearly two-decade old regulations on insider trading.The key facts about new rules are as follows:

It highlights greater clarity on concepts and definitions along with a stronger legal and enforcement framework for prevention of insider trading.

The new rules has expanded the definition of insider. It says that that anyone who is in contractual, fiduciary or employment relations with the promoters will be presumed to be ‘insiders’. Thus, the new rules include the immediate relatives of promotes, directors and employees who are in possession or have access to such information, within the scope of insiders.

The new rules make it mandatory that the perpetual insiders such as promoters and directors will have to disclose their future trading plan in advance to the stock exchanges. They are required to trade strictly as per that plan in order to protect the interest of investors

The definition of the unpublished price sensitive information (UPSI) has been broadened. Earlier, it has reference to only to company but now, it will have reference to company as well as securities.BackgroundThe rules have been prepared after taking into consideration recommendations of Sodhi panel and other panel recommendations.It should be noted that a panel headed by former Justice N K Sodhi (former Chief Justice of Karnataka and Kerala High Courts) had submitted its report on insider trading norms in December 2013.

Leela Samson resigns as Chairperson of Central Board of Film CertificationShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 16, 2015No comments

Chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Leela Samson has resigned.

She resigned after Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) cleared the controversial film Messenger of God featuring Dera Saccha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in lead role.The Censor Board headed by Ms. Samson had earlier denied the clearance certificate to the film saying that the movie depicts Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh as a God.Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT)

FCAT is a statutory body. It has been constituted under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

It comes under the aegis of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Headquarters: New Delhi. The Tribunal has a Secretary to look after its day to day affairs. Function: It hears the appeals filed as per provisions of Cinematograph Act.

Any applicant can file an appeal before the tribunal for a certificate in respect of a film who is aggrieved by an order of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).Leela Samson

She is a Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, instructor and writer. She is recipient of the many awards for her contributions to Bharatanatyam.

It includes Padma Shri (1990), Kalaimamani (2005) given by Government of Tamil Nadu, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1999–2000).HS Brahma appointed as Chief Election Commissioner of IndiaShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 15, 2015No comments

President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed Harishankar Brahmaas the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India.He will be 19th CEC of India and succeed V S Sampat who had retired after attaining age 65 on 15 January 2015.He will take charge on 16 January 2015.About Harishankar Brahma

He is a retired IAS officer of 1975 batch from the Andhra Pradesh cadre. He hails from the state of Assam. He is second person from North East India

to become Chief Election Commissioner after J. M. Lyngdoh.

He had assumed charge of Election Commissioner on 24 August 2010, after he retired from position of Secretary in Ministry of Power.Chief Election CommissionerAs per the provisions of Article 324 of Constitution

Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners are appointed by the President.

They hold office for the term of 6 years or until they attain age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only throughimpeachment by Parliament.

Current Affairs January 2015US designates Taliban Chief Mullah Fazlullah as Global TerroristShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 15, 2015No commentsUnited States has designated Maulana Fazlullah, chief of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)- an outfit of Pakistan’s Taliban, as global terrorist and has imposed sanctions against him.It was announced after US Secretary of State John Kerry had asked Pakistan to target all terror outfits like the Lashkar-e-Taiba, Taliban and the Haqqani Network that pose a threat to itself, neighbours like India and to US.What does it means? 

Being designated as global terrorist, all the property and interests of Maulana Fazlullah that are in US or that come within the US, or the possession or control of US persons will be freezed.

It also prohibits US nationals against engaging in transactions with Maulana Fazlullah.Why Maulana Fazlullah is designated as global terrorist?

In November 2013, he was elected as TTP chief commander after the death of former TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud.

Under his leadership, TTP had carried out barbaric attack on army school in Peshawar on 16 December 2014, killing at least 150 people, mostly children.

In 2012, prior to becoming the leader of TTP, he was behind the killing of Pakistani Army Major General Sanaullah Niazi as well as ordering the shooting of schoolgirl and activist Malala Yousafzai (later won Nobel peace prize-2014).

He is also responsible for the beheading of 17 Pakistani soldiers.It should be noted that United Nations and US already have declared Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as banned Terrorist Organisation after Al-Qaeda.RBI cuts repo rate by 25 basis pointShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 15, 20152 Comments

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cut down repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.75 percent from 8 percent, with immediate effect.It was announced ahead of the scheduled date of monetary policy announcement on 3rd February 2015 as part of RBI’s 6th bi-monthly monetary policy statement.RBI’s 6th bi-monthly monetary policy statement says that

Repo rate: RBI has reduced the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 25 basis points from 8.0 per cent to 7.75 per cent.

Cash reserve ratio (CRR): RBI has unchanged CRR and kept it at 4.0 per cent of net demand and time liabilities (NDTL).

Reverse repo rate: RBI has adjusted reverse repo rate under the LAF to 6.75 per cent. While, RBI has adjusted Marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate to

8.75 per cent with immediate effect.Team India unveils new eco-friendly ODI jersey kitShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 15, 2015No commentsIndian cricket team has unveiled new eco-friendly ODI jersey ahead of the triangular series starting in Australia on 16 January 2015. It was unveiled in Melbourne.Key facts of Team India’s eco-friendly ODI jersey

It is made out of 100% recycled polyester obtained from 33 recycled plastic bottles. The new light weight kit combines high performance innovation with sustainability. The jersey is light, comfortable and packed with innovation. This eco-friendly jersey kit is made by BCCI’s official apparel sponsor Nike.

Current Affairs January 2015Army Day is being observed on 15 JanuaryShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 15, 2015No comments

In India, Army Day is being observed every year on 15 January. Significance of Day: In 1949, on this day Lt. General (later Field Marshal) Kodandera

Madappa Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army (of the independent India) by succeeding British Army General Roy Butcher.

Events: It is celebrated every year at all the Army Command headquarters and national capital by organizing army parades including many other military shows.This day inspires the troops to continue to enrich the glorious traditions of the Indian Army with their dedication and sacrifice.On 15 January 2015, it will be the 67th Indian Army Day.India’s Open water swimmer Bhakti Sharma sets world record in Antarctic OceanShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 15, 20152 Comments

India’s open water swimmer Bhakti Sharma has set a new world record by swimming 1.4 miles in 52 minutes in one degree temperature in the Antarctic Ocean.She has bettered the earlier record of British open water swimmer Lewis Pugh and American swimmer Lynne Cox. She is also the first Asian girl and youngest in the world to achieve this feat.Hindustan Zinc had sponsored her to achieve this feat and pursue swimming career.About Bhakti Sharma

She has been pursuing open water swimming for the last 10 years. She holds the distinction of being the youngest female swimmer in the world to swim in 5

oceans (Indian, Atlantic, Pacific, Antarctic and Arctic) and 7 seas. Awards: She is recipient of the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award-2010.

Government hands over new Maritime Security Gadget to Navy, Coast guardShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google

January 15, 2015No commentsUnion Home Minister Rajnath Singh has handed over Resident Identity Card (RIC)readers to Navy Chief Admiral R K Dhowan and Coast Guard Director General Vice-Admiral A G Thapliyal.As part of RIC Scheme, these maritime security gadgets will be used by security agencies to check identity cards of the residents of coastal areas issued under RIC Scheme.Government had issued more than 65 lakh people mainly residents of coastal villages with identity cards as per RIC Scheme under the National Population Registrar.Key facts of Resident Identity Card (RIC) scheme

It aims to strengthen coastal security measures in 9 states and 4 Union Territories which have a sea-line running along their borders.

The scheme of issuing Cards is being implemented by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner- an office under the aegis of Union Home Ministry.

Under this scheme, Union Government will prepare National Population Registrar (NPR) in 3,331 coastal villages by issuing Resident Identity Cards (RIC).

RIC readers will be used by coastal security agencies to authenticate an individual’s demographic and biometric authentication without using Internet services.

RIC cards are manufactured indigenously and can be read only when the key present in the RIC readers.

RIC reader is temper-proof and self-destructs itself if it is opened in an unauthorized manner. Initially, these card readers will be issued to the Navy and Coast Guard. Later it will be given

to Maritime Police stations and state governments.

Current Affairs January 2015Italy’s President Giorgio Napolitano resignsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 14, 2015No comments

Italy’s President Giorgio Napolitano has resigned from office. He has resigned citing reason of poor health ahead of his 2020 expiry term. He also announced his retirement after stepping down as President.About Giorgio Napolitano

He was a long-time member of the Italian Communist Party and was elected to Italian parliament for first time in 1953.

He was Minister of Interior from 1996 to 1998 under then Prime Minister Romano Prodi. President: In 2006, he was elected by parliament as President of Italy for first time. He was

re-elected as President in 2013 and was to retire in 2020. He is longest-serving President of Italy and was in office for around 8 years.

As a President, he was regarded as a guarantor of stability amid of current unstable governments and Italy’s longest recession since World War II.President of Italy: His role is mainly ceremonial but can declare legislation unconstitutional. He also has the power to dissolve parliament, nominate prime ministers and call early elections. He has tenure of 7 years.Eminent Sanskrit scholar Prabhu Nath Dwivedi named for Sahitya Akademi Award 2014Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 14, 2015No comments

Eminent Sanskrit scholar Prabhu Nath Dwivedi has been conferred with prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2014 for Sanskrit language.He was chosen for his work Kanakalochanaha- a collection of 16 short-stories based upon various social issues eroding the system.His book was selected by a three-member jury of the Sahitya Akademi.Mr Diwedi is Sanskrit teacher and has been teaching in various universities for more than three decades.BackroundEarlier in December 2014, Sahitya Akademi had announced names of 22 poets and authors for prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2014. But they had not announced the winners of Manipuri and Sanskrit language.About Sahitya Akademi Award

Sahitya Akademi Award (साहि�त्य अकादमी पुरस्कार) is conferred on writers of outstanding works in one of the twenty-four major Indian languages.

24 major Indian languages are- Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Rajasthan, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

The award consists of a casket containing an engraved copper-plaque, a shawl and a cheque of 1 Lakh rupees.SHAR director MYS Prasad selected for Vikram Sarabhai Memorial Award 2014-15Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 14, 2015No comments

M.Y.S. Prasad, director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota Range (SHAR), has been selected for the prestigiousVikram Sarabhai memorial award 2014-15.He will be presented award by the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA).He was selected for this award for his outstanding contribution to R&D in the field of space science in his long and chequered career at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).Prior to Dr. Prasad, former ISRO chairmen Dr. Satish Dhawan, Dr. K. Kasturi Rangan, Dr. G. Madhavan Nair and Dr. K. Radhakrishnan have received this prestigious award.Vikram Sarabhai memorial award

It was instituted in 1997-98 by ISCA- a premier scientific organization of the country. Every alternate year it is awarded to distinguished scientist of the country in recognition of

their outstanding contributions. This award comprises a gold medal and certificate and presented at the inaugural function

of the Annual Session of ISCA.

Current Affairs January 2015Pope Francis declares Indian priest Joseph Vaz as saint in ColomboShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 14, 2015No comments

Pope Francis has declared 17th century Indian priest and missionary Joseph Vaz as saint in Colombo, Sri Lanka.Pope announced it while addressing a holy mass for 5 lakh people at the Gall Face Green in Colombo. Joseph Vaz has become first priest from Sri Lanka, canonised as saint.About Joseph Vaz

He was born on 21 April 1651 in Benaulim Goa (then Portuguese India) and was ordained as priest in 1676 in Goa.

Later in 1687, he moved to Sri Lanka and worked for revival of Catholic Church in a period of Dutch repression of Catholics.

Since then he had founded several churches and chapels, helping revive the faith of Catholics by Calvinists in Sri Lanka.

He died in 1711 and was beatified by Pope John Paull II in Colombo on 21 January 1995.ISRO Mars Orbiter Mission team wins 2015 Space Pioneer AwardShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 14, 2015No comments

The team of ISRO’s Mars Mission has been awarded 2015Space Pioneer Award in the Science and Engineering category by National Space Society (NSS).They are being conferred with this award for achieving the rare feat of entering Mars orbit in maiden attempt.Mars Orbiter Programme Team will receive the award during NSS’ 34 th International Space Development Conference which will be held in Toronto from 20 May 2015.ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission(MOM)

It was launched on 5 November, 2013. It made history on 24 September 2014 after it entered Mars orbit in maiden attempt.

It achieved two significant missions. First, entering into orbit around Mars and secondly, taking full-disk colour imagery of Mars with its onboard high resolution camera.

It should be noted that, the Mars Orbiter programme team is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is headed by eminent ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai.About Space Pioneer AwardIt recognizes those individuals and teams whose accomplishments have helped to open the space frontier. It was instituted in 1988.This prestigious award is be given by the National Space Society (NSS), an American educational and scientific organization.Award memento consists of a silvery pewter Moon globe cast. It is casted by the Baker Art Foundry in Placerville, California. Originally, this sculpture was created by Don Davis, the well-known space and astronomical artist.Government sacks DRDO Chief Avinash Chander, 16 months before end of his tenureShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 14, 2015No comments

Union Government has sacked chief of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) Avinash Chander, 16 months before his contract end.Termination of his contract was approved by Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with effect from 31 January 2015.He was appointed as DRDO chief in June 2013.  He was to retire on 30 November 2014, but government had extended his tenure beyond his retirement on contract basis.About Avinash Chander

In 1972, he had joined DRDO after completing graduation in Electrical Engineering from IIT Delhi. He is a fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineers.

He is the chief architect of Agni series of ballistic missile systems and considered asAgni man of India.

India’s range of Agni missiles were developed missiles under his technology forecast, perspective planning and relentless efforts.

Awards: He was awarded Padma Shri for his contribution in the successful development of 5000-km range Agni-V missile.

Current Affairs January 2015USAID, Gates Foundation to partner with government for Swachchh Bharat MissionShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 14, 2015No commentsUnion Urban Development Ministry, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Bill and Milinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) have agreed to partner inSwachh Bharat programme.In this regard, USAID has inked a pact with the Urban Development Ministry while BGMF signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.The Memoranda were signed in presence of Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma.Key facts

As a global partner in Swachh Bharat programme, USAID will assist union governments flagship programme by knowledge exchange and identification and sharing of best practices for water and sanitation services.

It will also provide technical support and promote public private partnership (PPP) and spend about $2.50 million per year on these activities.

While, BMGF as a partner will provide technical and management support in the implementation of the mission.

It will provide coordination of decentralised and non-sewered sanitation solutions, implementation and management through skill development focusing on towns located along the Ganga river at a cost of $2.50 million annually.Thus it can be said that Government’s Swachchh Bharat Mission got global boost, which will take sanitation beyond construction of toilets and offers holistic solutions towards cleanliness.Railway Ministry flagged off India’s first CNG train in HaryanaShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 13, 2015No comments

Railway Ministry has flagged off India’s first compressed natural gas (CNG) powered train between Rewari and Rohtak in Haryana.It was flagged off by Union Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu at Rewari junction of the Northern Railway zone.Some facts about CNG train

It is powered by Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU). It is based on dual fuel system- diesel and CNG.

This train is integrated with 1,400 HP engine to run on dual fuel through fumigation technology.

It is capable of running at a speed of 100 km per hour. Train comprised of two power cars and six car coaches, manufactured by Integral Coach

Factory at Chennai with the CNG conversion kit supplied by Cummins. Its successful implementation, marks a major landmark in adoption of green fuel by Indian

Railways.Implications:

It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions of Railways and also the consumption of diesel. Thus, contributing in environment conservation.

It will help to reduce the operating cost of locomotives by over 50% compared to conventional trains powered by diesel and electricity.RBI governor Raghuram Rajan wins Governor of the Year awardShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 13, 2015No comments

A British magazine has named RBI Governor and well-known economist Raghuram Rajan as the Governor of the Year in the Central Banking Awards for 2015.It was announced by British magazine Central Banking.Governor Raghuram Rajan was chosen for this award by magazine for his disciplined and focused approach in leading the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) during his first year as Governor.It also mentioned that, RBI Governor deserved the award for his deep understanding of the root causes of India’s economic problems.About Raghuram Rajan

He is 23 Governor of RBI and had taken charge in September 2013. Earlier, he was chief economic adviser (CEA) to India’s Ministry of Finance in 2013. He was chief economist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 2003 to 2007. He is also a celebrity economist known across the globe for predicting the 2008 global

meltdown. He has authored many books on economics and is professor of finance at the graduate

business school at the University of Chicago.Awards:

Fischer Black Prize- In 2003, he was awarded this award by the American Finance Association for contributions to the theory and practice of finance.

Deutsche Bank Prize for Financial Economics- In 2013, he was awarded this award for his ground-breaking research work which influenced financial and macro-economic policies around the world.

Best Central Bank Governor award- In 2014, he was awarded this award by Euromoney magazine.

Current Affairs January 2015Kamal Kishore Goyanka selected for Vyas Samman 2014Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 13, 2015No comments

Well-known Hindi scholar and writer Dr Kamal Kishore Goyankahas been selected for the prestigious Vyas Samman for the year 2014.He has been chosen for this award for his research work‘Premchand Kee Kahaniyo Kaa Kaalkramanusar Adhyayan’.Vyas Samman

This award is instituted by the K.K. Birla Foundation. It was started in 1991.  It is awarded annually in recognition of the hindi literary work published in past 10 years. The award carries monetary award of 2.5 lakh rupees, a citation and a plaque.

Government appoints Alur Seelin Kiran Kumar as ISRO chairmanShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 13, 2015No comments

Alur Seelin Kiran Kumar has been appointed chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).His name was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.He will replace former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan who had retired on 31 December 2014. He will have tenure of 3 years from the date he take charge.Previously, Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, was given additional charge of ISRO till the appointment of a new head following the retirement of K Radhakrishnan.About Alur Seelin Kiran Kumar

Education: He has an honours degree in Physics from National College, Bangalore University and an M Tech in Physical Engineering from Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.

ISRO career: In 1975, he started his ISRO career with the Space Application Centre. He had played a key role in developing image sensors for Bhaskara- India’s first remote

sensing satellite launched in 1979. He also had played important role in developing key components of India’s Chandrayaan-1

and Mangalyaan missions. Before this appointment, he was director of Space Application Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad. Awards: In 2014, he was awarded Padma Shri.

Current Affairs January 2015Border haat to enhance trade between India, Bangladesh opens in TripuraShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 13, 20151 Comment

India and Bangladesh inaugurated third border haat in Srinagar-Purba on the Tripura-Bangladesh border.It was inaugurated by Union Commerce and Industries Minister Nirmala along with her Bangladeshi counterpart Tofail ahmed in the presence of Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar.This is the first border haat opened in state Tripura which shares 856-km border with Bangladesh.Key facts of Border Haat

Haats in India Language means Rural Market. The aim of this border haat is to enhance border trade between the two countries.

It will also cater to the needs of the people living within a five km radius in this border area. It will facilitate bilateral trade of 16 locally produced goods between both nations. It includes

agricultural and horticultural crops, spices, poultry, dairy products, cottage industry items, furniture and handicrafts and hand-looms.

It will also boost people to people contacts between the two countries.Background

Border haats along the border of two countries are established under a MOU for Border Trade and Border Haats. It was signed by the two countries in October 2010.

As per the rules and guidelines of this MOU, traders in communities of both India and Bangladesh can trade their local produce without any duty.

This bilateral trade will take place once a week in this haat and each trader is allowed to do business of US $ 100 per day.

Justice S K Sinha becomes first Hindu Chief Justice of BangladeshShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 13, 2015No comments

Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha was appointed Chief Justice of Bangladesh by President Mohammad Abdul Hamid.With this appointment, he has become the first Hindu to hold highest judicial post  in the Muslim-majority country.He will succeed incumbent Chief Justice Md Muzammel Hossain as he is retiring on 16 January 2015 and will have a term of around three years.About S K Sinha

Legal career: He started his legal career in 1974 as an advocate of the district court, Sylhet after completing LLB.

He was an advocate of the high court in 1978 and later in the appellate division in 1990. In 1999, he was appointed as judge of the High Court and later in 2009 as judge of the

Appellate Division. It should be noted that Bangladesh has unitary Supreme Court structure and comprises two

divisions – the Appellate Division and the High Court division. Key judgments: His landmark judgments include on assassination of Bangladesh’s first

President Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the 5th and 13th amendments to the country’s Constitution.Cristiano Ronaldo wins FIFA Ballon d’Or award for the third timeShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 13, 2015No comments

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the FIFA Ballon d’Or award for year 2014.He has earned this title of world’s best football player for a third time. Earlier he was conferred with award in 2008 and 2013.

He has retained this highest individual honour in football after scoring 61 goals for Real Madrid and Portugal in 2014. He also had played important role, by making record tally of 17 goals in a Champions League season that helped his club to win an unprecedented 10th European Cup title.While in women’s section, Germany’s midfielder Nadine Kessler has been awarded FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year title.FIFA Ballon d’Or Award

It is an annual football association award given by FIFA to the male player who has performed the best in the previous calendar year.

This award was instituted in 2010 after France Football’s Ballon d’Or and the men’s FIFA World Player of the Year award were merged.

It is awarded to the male player, based upon highest votes secured by him from national team coaches and captains, as well as journalists from around the world.

Inaugural 2010 FIFA Ballon d’Or was awarded to Lionel Messi. Later he won this award for consecutive two years i.e. 2011 and 2012.

Current Affairs January 2015Arvind Panagariya takes charge as Vice-Chairman of NITI AayogShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 13, 20151 Comment

Eminent Economist Arvind Panagariya has taken charge as first Vice-Chairman of the newly-created National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog on 13 January 2015.After taking charges, he was briefed about newly created NITI Aayog by its CEO Sindhushree Khuallar and other senior officials.About Arvind Panagariya

He is an Indian-American economist and Professor of Economics at Columbia University. He holds a Ph.D. degree in Economics from prestigious Princeton University.

He was an ex-Chief Economist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). He has also worked for the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Trade

Organization, and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in various capacities.

He has written around 10 books and the latest was India: The Emerging Giant published in 2008.BackgroundOn 5 January 2015, Union government had announced the appointment of Vice- Chairman, 2 full time members, 4 ex-officio members (Union ministers) and 3 special invitees of Aayog.

They were appointed after government on 1 January 2015 had announced that NITI Aayog has replaced the 65-year old Planning Commission.It should be noted that Prime Minister is Ex-Officio Chairman of NITI Aayog.Prime Minister Naredra Modi also had appointed Economist Bibek Debroy and former DRDO chief V K Saraswat as full-time members of Aayog.While, Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Suresh Prabhu and Radha Mohan Singh were appointed as the Ex-Officio members of Aayog. Other Union Ministers like Nitin Gadkari, Smriti Zubin Irani and Thawar Chand Gehlot are Special Invitees in Aayog.Odhisa’s Sun Temple gets ASI’s Adarsh Monument tagShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 13, 2015No comments

 Sun Temple at Konark, Odhisa has been the coveted with Adarsh Monument tag by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).Along with Sun Temple, three other monuments of eastern India were given Adarsh Monument tag. They are

Hazarduari Palace in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. Vaishali-Kolhua in Bihar. Rang Ghar in Sibsagar (Sivasagar) district of Assam.

At present, 25 out of 3,680 protected monuments in India have been selected under theAdarsh Smarak Yojana.It includes monuments like Taj Mahal, Khajuraho, Qutab Minar and Red Fort which have highest number of tourists visiting them.By awarding this monument Adarsh Monument tag, Central government gives them special attention in order to boost international tourism.Under Adarsh Smarak Yojana, ASI provides amenities of international standards like washrooms, drinking water, signs, cafeteria, audiovisual centres, Wi-Fi connectivity, interpretation centres and encroachment-free areas around these monuments.Konark SunTemple: It is a 13th century temple of Odisha, built by Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. It is also known as Black Pagoda.It’s a World Heritage Site. It is considered as architectural marvel for which Odisha, best known worldwide.

Idukki district of Kerala becomes India’s first district with rural broadband networkShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 13, 20151 CommentIdukki district of Kerala has become first district in India to have high speed Rural Broadband Network i.e. National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) Internet connectivity.Union Minister of Information Technology and Communications Ravi Shankar Prasad commissioned this Hi-speed rural broadband network under the governments flagship Digital India programme.In Idukki, 8 block offices and 52 village panchayats out of 53 will benefit from this project.Facts about National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN)

NOFN is the largest rural connectivity project of its kind in the world. It aims to transform the country into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It seeks to link each of the 2.5 lakh village panchayats in the country spread over 6600

blocks and 631 districts through broadband optical fibre network in order to provide a minimum bandwidth of 100 Mbps.

On its completion, NOFN is expected to facilitate Broadband connectivity to over 600 million rural citizens of the country.

NOFN, is being funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of Telecom, Ministry of Communications & IT.

It will offer people with friendly services like e-governance, e-health, e-education, e-banking, public internet access etc. It will also enable delivery of various government services such as local planning, management, monitoring and payments of Government schemes at panchayat level.Thus it will help to provide non-discriminatory telecom infrastructure, in order to bridge the gap of digital divide in rural internet access.

Current Affairs January 201572nd Golden Globe AwardsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 13, 2015No comments

72nd edition of Golden Globe Awards was organized at Beverly Hills, California.The winners of various awards in 72nd Golden Globe Awards are as follows: 

Best Motion Picture Drama: Boyhood Best Motion Picture Musical/Comedy: The Grand Budapest Hotel Best Director in Motion Picture-Drama: Richard Linklater for Boyhood

Best Actor in Motion Picture-Drama: Eddie Redmayne for The Theory of Everything Actress in Motion Picture-Drama: Julianne Moore for Still Alice Best Actor in Motion Picture or Musical or Comedy: Michael Keaton for Birdman Best Actress in Motion Picture Musical or Comedy: Amy Adams for Big Eyes Best Actor in a Supporting role in Motion Picture: K. Simmons for Whiplash Best Actress in a Supporting role in Motion Picture: Patricia Arquette for Boyhood Best Original Score Motion Picture: Jóhann Jóhannsson for The Theory of Everything Best Foreign Language Film: Leviathan (Russia)

Union Government appoints Pournima Gupte as IRDA actuaryShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 13, 2015No commentsUnion Government has appointed Pournima Gupte as member (actuary) of Insurance Regulatory Authority of India (IRDA).With her appointment, IRDA got an actuary after a gap of three years. Since 2011, this post was lying vacant after R Kannan retired from IRDA.It should be noted that for the first time a woman has been appointed on the board of IRDA.Earlier, Pournima Gupte had worked with Life Insurance Corporation and has worked as actuary at Reliance Life Insurance and IDBI Federal.About Insurance Regulatory Authority of India (IRDA)

IRDA is an apex statutory body that regulates and develops the insurance industry in India. It was constituted as per provisions of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act,

1999. Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana. Structure and Composition: It is 10 members body consisting of: Chairman, 5 full-time

members, 4 part-time members. All members are appointed by Union Government. Current chairman of IRDA is T.S. Vijayan. On 31st December 2014, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) was

renamed as ‘Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’.Union Finance Minister Jaitley adopts 4 Gujarat villages as part of Sansad Adarsh Gram YojanaShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 12, 20151 Comment

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has adopted 4 villages in Vadodara district in Gujarat as part of the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana.He has adopted following 4 villages of Vadodara district:

Karnali village Pipaliya village Valida village Baglipura village

About Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY)SAGY encourages Members of Parliament (MP’s) from both Houses to identify and develop one village from their constituency as a model villageUnder this scheme, MPs will be responsible for developing the socio-economic and physical infrastructure of three villages each by 2019, and a total of eight villages each by 2024.Key objectives of the Yojana include:

The development of model villages, called Adarsh Grams, through the implementation of existing schemes, and certain new initiatives to be designed for the local context, which may vary from village to village.

Creating models of local development which can be replicated in other villages.Under this SAGY, the first Adarsh Gram must be developed by 2016, and two more by 2019.From 2019 to 2024, five more Adarsh Grams must be developed by each MP, one each year.  This implies that a total of 6,433 Adarsh Grams, of the 2,65,000 gram panchayats, will be created by 2024.Thus, SAGY aims to transform lives of many for whom economic development never happened and also bring about a sense of pride, volunteerism, and self-reliance in villages.

January 12 being observed as National Youth DayShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 12, 2015No comments

In India, January 12 is being observed as National Youth Day.This day marks birth anniversary of social reformer, philosopher and thinker Swami Vivekananda.On this day, numbers of functions are being organised nationwide to celebrate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.BackgroundUnion Government in 1984 had declared and decided to observe the birthday of Swami Vivekananda i.e. 12 January as a National Youth Day every year from 1985 onwards.Significance of day: It will help to propagate the philosophy and the ideals of Swami Vivekananda for which he lived and worked.  It will also help and act as a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth.About Swami VivekanandaSwami Vivekananda was born on 12 January 1863 and died on 4 July 1902.He was born Narendranath Dutta and was chief disciple of the 19th century saint Ramakrishna Paramhamsa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission.He was one of the most prominent figures of India who introduced Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the “Western” World.His inspiring speech given at World’s Religions Parliament held at Chicago in 1893 is famous.UN chief Ban Ki Moon inaugurates Gujarat’s second canal-top 10-MW solar power projectShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 12, 2015No comments

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon inaugurated Gujarat’s second canal-top 10-MW solar power project.

It is located on 5.5 km stretch of Vadodara branch of Sardar Sarovar project canal. It is implemented by Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL)Key facts of Gujarat’s Canal-top solar power project

It is considered as first-of-its-kind project in the world to generate power. This project is brain child of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier in April

2012, one-MW pilot project was commissioned on the Sanand canal when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat.

The project comprises around 33,000 to 36,000 solar panels and financed by the State government.

Platform for these panels has been designed in such a manner it can sustain a wind velocity of 150 km/hr.

Power generated from it is fed into the State grid and also to operate pumping stations on the canal.

Advantages: It saves land and also prevents evaporation losses from the canal. It generates clean source of energy without any kind of pollution.

Current Affairs January 2015First China-CELAC Forum ministerial meeting concludes in BeijingShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 11, 2015No commentsFirst ministerial meeting of the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) concluded in Beijing.It was two-day meeting and was co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Costa Rican counterpart, Manuel Gonzalez Sanz.First China-CELAC Forum ministerial meeting passed three major documents:

Beijing Declaration. Five-year cooperation plan. Regulations on the China-CELAC forum.

Both sides also reached a consensus on deepening political mutual trust, expanding cooperation and promoting development of the forum.On the concluding day it was announced that forum’s next meeting will be held in Chile in 2018.Implication of this forum: It is considered as historical meeting as it launched to improve overall cooperation between China and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean region.  It will also build a closer CELAC-China relationship and benefit people from both sides.Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)CELAC is a regional bloc of Latin American and Caribbean countries. It was outcome of Rio Group–Caribbean Community Unity Summit.It was created in 2011, in Caracas, Venezuela, with the signature of The Declaration of Caracas.

This bloc consists of 33 sovereign countries as its members in the southern American region representing around 600 million people.PM Narendra Modi inaugurates 7th vibrant Gujarat summitShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 11, 2015No comments

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 7th Vibrant Gujarat Summit in Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar.Key facts

Inaugural ceremony was attended by United Nations General Secretary and US State Secretary John Kerry.

Apart from them, several ministers from Europe, Japan, Australia and Canada and over 50 CEOs of top Indian as well as international companies attended it.

Gujarat Chief Minister Anandi Ben Patel earlier had welcomed all head of states dignitaries, diplomats and deligates to the summit.

This edition will be 3 day event, starting from 11 January and conclude on 13 January 2015. For the first time, eight countries Canada, Japan, China, Australia, the Netherlands,

Singapore, South Africa and U.S. have become partner for the summit with State. This event is expected to bring in record investments to Gujarat. State government expects

to sign over 20,000 Expression of Interest during the summit.About Vibrant Gujarat Summit

This mega business event is brainchild of PM Narendra Modi and had started it when he was Chief Minister of State.

It is biennial event and started in 2003. The summit is advertised as a platform to understand and explore business opportunities in

the State of Gujarat. It aims to provide single window platform to bring together business leaders, investors,

corporations, thought leaders, policy and opinion makers. In previous six Vibrant Gujarat Summits, state government had signed MoUs worth Rs. 48

lakh crore.People from 11 countries take part in First Buddha Heritage Walk in BiharShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 11, 2015No comments

People from 11 countries have taken part in First Buddha Heritage Walk in Bihar.In this heritage walk over 500 pilgrims from 11 countries walked through a 13-km-long forest trail.They walked through the trail which Lord Gautam Buddha had taken to reach Rajgir from Bodh Gaya around 2,543 years ago.It was organized by Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC).Buddhist monks from Japan, China, South Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, and India took part in it.Some facts about this route

As per scholars, this well documented route is among such several routes taken by Buddha during his 45 years of preaching in various parts of India.

It passes through lush green forest, hills and valleys and several ancient Stupas can be seen in the along the route.

It is also believed that Bimibsara (emperor of the Magadha Empire from 542 BC till 492 BC) took Lord Buddha to Venu Van near Rajgir on this route and offered him  place to stay as a gift. Buddha had stayed there during his visit.

Current Affairs January 2015DRDO successfully tests advance EW suite in Tejas-PV1 AircraftShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 11, 2015No comments

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested an advanced electronic warfare (EW) suite.It was tested onboard of the country’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas-PV1.Key facts about Electronic Warfare (EW) suite

It is developed by Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) of DRDO. EW suite consists of Radar Warner and Jammer. This suit gives pilot an additional capability of nullifying the effect of detected radar threat

by appropriate mode of jamming. It will replace existing EW systems, which are fitted on various combat aircraft as they

consist of basic equipment – Radar Warner Receiver. It only has capability to provide warning to the aircraft pilot in case of detection of a radar threat.Union Government unblocks 32 websitesShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 11, 20151 CommentUnion Government has unblocked 32 websites which were blocked earlier in November 2014.These websites were unblocked after they had promised to cooperate with the authorities and remove objectionable content.They were blocked for carrying anti-India views and spreading banned terrorist outfit Islamic State of Iraq and Syria’s (ISIS) propaganda.BackgroundEarlier in November 2014, these websites were blocked following complaint of Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

They were blocked by Department of Telecom (DoT) under Section 69 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009.These rules give powers to government to block access to information on websites if it threatens the interest of

Sovereignty and integrity of the country. Defence of India. Security of the state. Friendly relations with foreign states or public order. For preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence.

World Hindi Day is being observed on 10 January every yearShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 10, 2015No commentsEvery year 10 January is being observed World Hindi Day. Objective of this day is to promote use of Hindi language abroad.To mark the occasion, special functions are being organized. It is usually, observed by Union Ministry of External Affairs (MoEF) and Indian Missions abroad.Background of World Hindi DayOn this day in 1975, the First World Hindi Conference was organized in Nagpur by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It was held from 10 to 12 January 1975.In first conference, then Prime Minister of Mauritius Seewoosagur Ramgoolam was Chief Guest. This conference was attended by 122 delegates from 30 countries.Since then every year 10th January is being observed as the World Hindi Day.

3 day Flamingo Festival begins near Pulicat Lake in Nellore district of Andhra PradeshShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 10, 2015No comments3 day Flamingo Festival has begun at the famous brackish water of Lake Pulicat in Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary located at Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. It will be hosted in Doravari Satram mandal, in Nellore district.This festival provides a unique opportunity for people, particularly ornithologists, environmentalists, bird watchers, forest and tourism officials

To study the bio-diversity of Pulicat and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary To initiate measure to conserve the bio-zones for future generations in this

area.It also promotes eco-tourism in the district. In this three day festival, several cultural and entertainment programmes will take place.Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary

The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, considered one of the biggest habitats for some hundreds of pelicans and other birds.

It is located about 20 km north of the Pulicat Lake on the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border.

This sanctuary spread in an area about 459 hectares. Every year from October to March, different species of migratory birds,

roosting migrants and some rare and endangered species from various parts of the world visit the habitat.

This sanctuary plays important role in nesting of various birds especially migratory birds.

Birds found in this sanctuary are: Flamingos, Pelicans, Siberian Storks, Open Billed Storks, Night Herons, Egrets, Little Cormorant, Golden Backed Wood Pecker, Spotted and Ring Doves, King Fishers, Painted Storks, White Necked Storks, Spoon Bills and other species of birds.

The villagers in area nearby to this sanctuary treat the migratory birds with affection and provide protection to them.Tata’s Vistara airline starts domestic flight operationShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 10, 2015No comments

Tata’s Vistara airline has started domestic flight operation in India. Vistara started its flight operation after first flight took off from Delhi to Mumbai on 9 January 2015.Vistara airline is a joint venture of Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines (SIA). Earlier in 2014, Tata Group had to launch a full-service carrier in India with the help of SIA.Some facts about Vistara airline

As part of joint venture Tata group owns 51 percent stake of Vistara airline, while Singapore Airlines holds 49 percent of stake.

In the first year of their service, they will operate flights from Delhi to Goa, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Srinagar, Jammu and Patna.

To start full-service, Vistara has leased two A320s air crafts. It will be the third full-service airlines in India, after state-run Air India and

private carrier Jet Airways.This is the second time the Tata group, has entered the full service airline business in India. First time in 1932, they had started Tata Airlines, which was later renamed Air India in 1946, and was nationalised in 1953.

Union Government merges PIO and OCI cardsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 10, 2015No comments

Union Government has merged Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card-holders with Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card-holders.Union Home Ministry in this regard has issued notification mentioning that all PIO card-holders henceforth are deemed to be OCI card-holders with effect from 9th January 2015.Thus, withdrawing PIO cards with immediate an effect. Now only OCI cards facility with enhanced benefits will exist to provide maximum possible benefits to Indian Diaspora.This notification was announced on the concluding day of 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas.BackgroundEarlier on January 6, 2015 Government had promulgated Ordinance to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955.This amendment changed the eligibility and provided additional benefits of PIO Card holders that have been incorporated in OCI Card and certain other relaxation to OCI Card holders.Governments this decision comes in lines with Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously made announcement in USA and Australia visits.During this visit he had announced that PIO and OCI cards will be merged and the Indian Diaspora will be given maximum possible benefits.Aziz Qureshi sworn in as Governor of MizoramShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 10, 2015No comments

Aziz Qureshi has sworn-in as the Governor of Mizoram. Justice Michael Zothankhuma, Judge of the Gauhati High Court, administered the oath of office to Qureshi.The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Durbar Hall of the Raj Bhavan in Aizawl. It was attended by the s Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and some of his cabinet colleagues.Earlier Aziz Qureshi was governor of Uttarakhand. But in December 2014, he was transferred from Uttarakhand and was appointed as the Mizoram Governor.Constitutional provisions of Governor

Article 153: It says that there shall be Governor for each state. But 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 facilitated the appointment of the same person as a governor for two or more states.

Article 156: Governor is appointed by President and hold office during the pleasure of President. It should be also noted that this article also mentions tenure of Governor. In this regard it says that Governor shall hold office for the term of 5 years from date he enters office.

Current Affairs January 201515 NRIs awarded Pravasi Bharatiya Samman 2015Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 9, 2015No comments

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman 2015 has been awarded to 15 prominent non-resident Indians (NRI’s) on the concluding day of 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas.

They have been conferred with award for their contribution in various fields. The awards were presented by Vice-President Hamid Ansari at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.Recipients of awards are 

Satyanarayan Nadella- CEO of tech giant Microsoft. Donald Rabindernauth Ramaotar- He is President of Guyana and awarded for his work

for the Indian diaspora in Guyana. Mala Mehta- For her contribution to Hindi language. She is founder of Indo- Australian Bal

Bharatiya Vidyalaya in Thornleigh suburb in Sydney. Since its establishment, she has been pursuing the growth of Hindi in Australia.

Rajaram Sanjaya- He is India-born Mexican scientist. He is winner of the ‘2014 World Food Prize’ for developing 480 wheat varieties that have been released in 51 countries.

Kanwaljit Singh Bakhshi- He is Member of Parliament (MP) from New Zealand. He is also known for work he had done for the Indian diaspora in New Zealand.

Essop Goolam Pahad- He is a South African politician. He was Minister in the Presidency from 1999 to September 2008 in South Africa.

Mahendra Nanji Mehta- Uganda-based businessman of Indian origin. Professor Nathuram Poori -He is founder of Purico Group are also chosen for their

contribution to Indian diaspora. Lord Raj Lumba- He is a philanthropist and founder of clothing company Rinku Group. He

is a Liberal Democrat member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom. Kamlesh Lulla- He is chief scientist for Earth observation in the Human Exploration Science

Office at the Johnson Space Centre at NASA. He has named for the award for his exceptional service to the space science.

Nandini Tandon- She has been given this award for her work in life sciences and Healthcare and IT in USA and India along with other emerging markets.

Rajmal Parakh Duraikannu Karunakaran Shah Bharatkumar Jayantilal Ashraf Palarkunnummal

About Pravasi Bharatiya SammanIt is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians. As a part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), this award is conferred by the President of India on

Non-Resident Indian, Person of Indian Origin (PIO) or An organization or institution established and run by the Non-Resident Indians or Persons of

Indian Origin.This award carries a bilingual Sanad (certificate) under the hand and the seal of the President. In addition, it includes a citation, a gold medallion and a miniature of the medallion in the form of a lapel pin.About Pravasi Bhartiya DivasPravasi Bhartiya Divas is a programme organized by Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs to foster greater interaction between the Indian Diaspora and Indian government. It provides the Diaspora a platform to put forth their issues and grievances before the government. At the same time, the government also uses this occasion to showcase opportunities for investment in India to the expatriate community.

Started in 2003 by the then NDA Government, it is held every year for 3 days between Jan 7-9.

Mahatma Gandhi had returned from South Africa to India on Jan 9th in 1915, this event inspires the dates of this programme.Maithripala Sirisena sworn-in as 7th President of Sri LankaShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 9, 2015No comments

Maithiripala Sirisena has sworn-in as 7th President of Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court Judge K. Sri Pawan administered the oath of office to Maithiripala Sirisena at a oath taking function held at the Independence Square in Colombo.While, United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickramasinghe was sworn-in as Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister.Election verdict: Maithiripala Sirisena was declared elected in Presidential elections after he had defeated incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa by more than 4 and a half lakh votes. In this election he had secured 51.28 per cent of total votes casted.Summary on Sri Lanka’s 2015 Presidential Election

After the result was declared, incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa had conceded defeat. It should be noted that for the first time in Sri Lanka, an incumbent President was defeated.

Mahinda Rajapaksa was President for one decade and had played important role to end LTTE militancy in 2009.

He also played important in huge development projects in the island nation, but failed to address the political aspirations of the minority Tamil community, protect the Muslims from Buddhist hardliners and secure a better economic deal for the poor.

Maithiripala Sirisena was Health Minister Rajapaksa’s government. But after Presidential were declared in November 2014 he opposed Mahinda Rajapaksa by contesting the elections.

In this Presidential election, Maithiripala Sirisena got huge support of rainbow coalition of several parties and minority communities as he had promised constitutional, electoral and administrative reforms within a hundred days of coming to power.

He also had promised to abolish Executive Presidency in Sri Lanka and hand over political power to the Prime Minister and the Parliament.Maithripala Sirisena

He was born on 3 September 1951 and is son of a World War II veteran. Political career: He had joined mainstream politics in 1989 through the Sri Lankan

Freedom Party. He was first elected to Sri Lankan Parliament in 1989. He has held several ministries in Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga government. He was Minister of Agriculture in the first Rajapakas government elected in 2005. He was reelected in 2010 and appointed Minister of Health.

In 1971, he was arrested on suspicion of leading a revolt against the government and was in jail for almost two years.Governor’s rule imposed in Jammu and KashmirShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 9, 2015No commentsGovernor’s rule has been imposed in the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).It was imposed after President Pranab Mukherjee approved the recommendation of J&K Governor N. N. Vohra as there is deadlock in the State over formation of a new government after state assembly election.Earlier, Governor had submitted a report to the President, after caretaker Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had resigned.BackgroundJammu Kashmir State assembly election held in December 2014 had given hung verdict as no party has majority to form government in State.In this election, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged as the single largest party with 28 seats in the 87 members House. While Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has emerged second largest party winning 25 seats. But both parties failed to get the magic figure of 44 to form a government.Other parties like National Conference (NC) have 15 MLAs while Indian National Congress (INC) has 12 MLA’s.What is Governor Rule in Jammu & Kashmir?

In case of failure of constitutional machinery in any other state of India, the President’s Rule is imposed under Article 356 of the Constitution.

But in case of J&K, as per Section 92 of state Constitution, the Governor’s Rule can be imposed in the state for a period of six months only after the consent of the President of India in case of failure of constitutional machinery. During the Governors rule, State Assembly is either suspended or dissolved.

If the Constitutional machinery is not restored before the expiry of this six month period, the provision of Article 356 of the Constitution of India are extended to J&K and the President’s rule is imposed in the State.

It should be noted that, Governors rule has been imposed in the state for the 6 time since 1977.

Current Affairs January 2015M. Karunanidhi re-elected as DMK Chief for 11th timeShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 9, 2015No comments

M. Karunanidhi has been re-elected as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Party’s President for the 11th time. He was elected by the newly constituted general council of party.Facts about Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Party

It is a state political party in South Indian state of Tamil Nadu and Union Territory (UT) Puducherry.

It was founded in 1949 in then Madras Presidency by C. N. Annadurai as a breakaway faction from the Dravidar Kazhagam (known as Justice Party till 1944) headed by Periyar.

It was a former member of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). Karunanidhi was elected President of the Party on July 27, 1969 after C.N. Annadurai’s

death. Since then he is President of Party. This party also holds the distinction of being the first party in India other than the Indian

National Congress (INC) to win state-level elections with a clear majority on its own in any state.Chief Ministers of DMK in Tamil Nadu

N Annadurai- He was first CM of DMK. He was in office from 1967-69. M. Karunanidhi- He was CM on five separate occasions. They are 1969-71, 1971-76, 1989-

91, 1996-2001, 2006-11.NASA’s Kepler Telescope achieves big milestone with 1,000th exoplanet discoveryShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 9, 2015No comments

NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope has achieved a big milestone after it had discovered 1000 exoplanet.In order to achieve this milestone, planet hunting telescope had continuously monitored more than 150,000 stars beyond our solar system.It has offered scientists an assortment of more than 4,000 candidate planets for further study and recently, 1,000 exoplanet was verified among these monitored stars.Key facts

Using Kepler’s data, scientists have reached this millenary milestone after validating 8 more planet candidates that were spotted by the telescope.

Kepler team also has added another 554 candidates to the roll of potential planets. Among them 6 are near-Earth-size and orbit in the habitable zone of stars similar to our Sun.

As per Kepler team, 3 of the newly-validated planets are located in their distant suns habitable zone. They are in the range of distances from the host star where liquid water might exist on the surface of an orbiting planet.

Of the three planets, two are likely made of rock like Earth. They were named asKepler-438b and Kepler-442b.

Both Kepler-438b and Kepler-442b orbit stars smaller and cooler than our Sun. Thus making the habitable zone closer to their parent star, in the direction of the constellation Lyra.Exoplanet: It is is a planet that does not orbit the Sun and instead orbits a different star, stellar remnant, or brown dwarf. It is also termed as extrasolar planet.Japanese automaker Honda pays $ 70 million fine to US after failing to report safety issuesShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 9, 2015No comments

Japanese automaker Honda has agreed to pay US 70 million dollars in fines to the US authorities for failing to report safety issues involving its cars.It was announced by the US regulator National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after Honda had accepted liability for the breach on safety issues.As per NHTSA, Honda failed to report more than 1,700 death and injury claims involving its cars between July 2003 and June 2014.In this regard, Honda will pay two $35 million fines, making it as the largest amount ever paid by any automaker.BackgroundHonda was under investigation for violations of NHTSA’s Early Warning Reporting regulations.As per the NHTSA rules, it is necessary for the automakers to report quickly any information about possible defects, deaths and injuries or damage and warranty claims made by consumers.But Honda failed to reveal and report 1,729 cases involving deaths or injuries between July 2003 and June 2014 to the NHTSA.NHTSA earlier had reported that, few incidents of Honda cars involved Takata Corp air bags that had ruptured and had been the subject of massive recalls.But, Honda attributed this incident to its data entry and computer programming errors. Thus, failing to comply NHTSA rules and regulations. So the fine was imposed by US regulator.

Current Affairs January 2015PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Dandi Kutir museum in GujaratShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 9, 2015No comments

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Dandi Kutir museum in Gujarat’s capital of Gandhinagar. It is a state-of-the-art three-storey museum, based upon the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi.It was inaugurated on the occasion of the 13th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) and 7th edition of Vibrant Gujarat.Key facts about Dandi Kutir museum

It is the biggest permanent museum in the world based on life of one person- Mahatma Gandhi.

It traces the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi through various faces as barrister, his struggles in South Africa, return to India and successfully leading the freedom struggle.

Each and every aspect of Gandhi’s life is portrayed in the form of sculptures in the ‘salt-mound’ at Mahatma Mandir.

Dandi Kutir is located inside a 41-metre high salt-mound. This salt-mound depicts Gandhiji’s famous Dandi march of 1930 against the salt tax provisions imposed by the British regime.

Through number of exhibits that are displayed in museum, key concepts of Gandhian thoughts like Satyagraha, non-violence, self-reliance, Gram Swaraj are elaborately explained.

This museum also showcases 3D short film and also an audio-visual presentation of milestone incidents of the Indian Independence Movement.19th National Youth Festival begins in Guwahati, AssamShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 8, 2015No comments

The 19th National Youth Festival has begun in Guwahati, Assam. This festival coincides with the 152nd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.Theme of this edition of youth festival is Youth for Clean, Green and Progressive India. It aims to spread to spread national integration and harmony.

Events: It is 5 day event, which will provide platform to the young talents to perform their level best in music and cultural events.During this festival, different competitions, exhibitions, cultural programs, and seminars will be held.In this festival sports persons including Virender Sehwag, Sushil Kumar and Mary Kom along with several young MPs are participating to motivate the young minds towards nation building.  This youth festival is also likely to give a boost to the tourism industry of the state.It will showcase various shades of youth talent through Yuva Kriti, Food Festival, Young Artist Camp, Youth Convention, Suvichar and Adventure activities.Besides these there will be other competitive and non-competitive events between youths of different states.Opening ceremony: It was attended by Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Minister of State for Home state Kiren Rijiju at Nehru Stadium in Guwahati.About National Youth FestivalIt is an annual gathering of youth during National Youth Week i.e. from 12 to 16 January. It is celebrated to mark birth anniversary of youth icon Swami Vivekananda.It is organized by Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with one of the State Governments.President signs ordinance to pave way for e-rickshaws on Delhi roadsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 8, 20153 Comments

President Pranab Mukherjee has signed an ordinance to amend the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 as per Article 123 of Constitution. This ordinance will pave the way for plying of e-rickshaws on roads of Delhi.Earlier, in December 2014 Union Cabinet had approved promulgation of the ordinance as a bill in this regard was not able to pass in the recently concluded winter session of Parliament due to logjam in Upper House (Rajya Sabha).BackgroundPreviously in July 2014, Delhi High Court had banned E-rickshaws or battery-operated three-wheeler vehicles on safety concerns.Union government had brought Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill, 2014 to amend to parent Act in order to legalize E-rickshaws. It was passed by the Lok Sabha.Article 123 of Constitution: It gives legislative power to President. He can issue ordinances when Parliament is in recess i.e. not in session if there is urgent need to have a law on some urgent public matter.  The ordinance has similar effect to an act of parliament.However, every ordinance must be laid and approved by both houses of the parliament within 6 weeks from the reassembling.  If not placed and approved by both houses of the parliament after reassembling it becomes invalid.

Current Affairs January 2015Kotak Mahindra-ING Vysya merger gets shareholders nodShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 8, 2015No comments

Private sector Kotak Mahindra Bank has received its shareholders nod for merger of Bengalaru-headquartered  ING Vysya Bank with itself.It was approved by the 99.30 per cent in number representing 99.93 per cent in value of the shareholders present.This approval is considered as important step for merging of two banks to form new entity. Now this merger is subject to the final approval from Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI) and such other approvals.BackgroundIn November 2014, Kotak Mahindra Bank had announced that it is acquiring ING Vysya Bank in an all-stock deal.

This merger will make Kotak the fourth-largest private bank in India in terms of total business. The biggest three private banks are ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank.The management of these banks are expecting that the new merged entity will be operational by April 1, 2015.The acquisition will help Kotak Mahindra Bank to widen its reach in South Indian market and also help in acquiring SME customers as ING Vysya Bank was having stronghold in SME customers.After merger the combined banking entity will have a widespread network of 1,214 branches across pan India.Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi’s Prize for Display at Rashtrapati Bhavan museumShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 8, 20151 Comment

Kailash Satyarthi’s Nobel Prize has been put up for display at Rashtrapati Bhavan museum.It was put for display, after Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi dedicated his prize to the nation. He presented his medal to President Pranab Mukherjee in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.Now, visitors to Rashtrapati Bhavan will now be able to get a glimpse of the Nobel Peace Prize received by him.The medal made up of 18 carats gold and weighing 196 grams will be kept at Rashtrapati Bhavan museum for display.Rashtrapati Bhavan museum: It was inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee in July 2014. This museum provides public an inside view of the Rashtrapati Bhavan along with its art, architecture and lives of past presidents.About Kailash SatyarthiHe is the eighth Nobel laureate to have been born in India. He is an adherent of Gandhian philosophy. He has upheld Mahatma Gandhi’s practice of engaging and conducting peaceful protests against the exploitation of children for financial gain. He is the founder of the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood Movement). Through his NGO, he campaigns for protection of child rights and to abolish illegal human trafficking.

Indian diplomat Atul Khare named as UN Under Secretary-General for Field SupportShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 8, 2015No comments

Indian diplomat Atul Khare is named as UN Under Secretary-General for Field Support, Department of Field Support (DFS). It was announced by Secretary-General of United Nations Ban Ki-moon.He will succeed Bangladesh’s Ameerah Haq. This appointment makes him as one of the highest ranking Indian officials in UN.UN Department of Field Support (DFS)This department provides dedicated support to peacekeeping field missions and political field missions around the world.It also provides support in the areas of finance, logistics, Information, communication and technology (ICT), human resources and general administration to help missions promote peace and security.His appointment to this position will bring strategic management and innovative reform expertise in both headquarters and field perspective of UN’s DFS.About Atul KhareHe belongs to 1984 cadre of Indian Foreign Service (IFS).Diplomat career: As Indian diplomat, he has served in Indian Missions in Paris, Dakar, Port Louis and London as well as the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York.He is Former Director of The Nehru Centre and Minister (Culture), High Commission of India in London (2005-2006).United Nations career: Previously, he was Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor-Leste and Head of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) at the level of Under Secretary-General (2006-2009).Earlier he also has worked as Chief of Staff and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General with the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET).He also has served as Assistant Secretary-General leading the Change Management Team (2011-2012) and Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations and Deputy Head of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations in New York (2010-2011).

ICICI Bank launches India’s first contactless credit and debit cardsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 8, 2015No comments

India’s largest private sector bank Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI) Bank has launched country’s first ‘contactless’ debit and credit cards.These cards will provide its customers to make electronic payments by waving the cards near the merchant terminal instead of dipping or swiping.Facts about ICICI Bank’s contactless cards

These cards are based on the Near Field Communication (NFC) technology and powered by MasterCard contactless and Visa payWave technologies.

It provide customers with the improved convenience of speed as these cards require significantly less time than traditional cards to complete a transaction.

It also enhances security features for the customer.Presently, bank has introduced these cards in cities like Gurgaon, Hyderabad and Mumbai. ICICI Bank also has provided with over 1200 Electronic Data Capture (EDC) machines that are capable of accepting contactless payments in these cities.

Current Affairs January 2015Amitabh Bachchan appointed as Brand Ambassador of Andhra Pradesh health sectorShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 7, 2015No comments

Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan is appointed as the brand ambassador for health sector in Andhra Pradesh.His name was announced by the Andhra Pradesh state Health Minister Kamineni Srinivas.As a brand ambassador actor Amitabh Bachchan will participate in various health-related campaigns to be taken up by the state government without taking any remuneration for the services.Implication: It will help bifurcated state to boost and improve its health sector as it worst hit due to bifurcation. At present, state does not have proper health sector facilities due major corporate hospitals and medical and health institutions are located in then capital of undivided state Hyderabad (now capital of Telangana).Some factsIt should be also noted that, actor Amitabh Bachchan is also brand ambassador  of Gujarat Tourism since 1 February 2010.While in 2002, he was brand ambassador for the Polio Eradication Campaign.Punjab bans sale of loose cigarettes and tobaccoShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 7, 2015No comments

Punjab has become first state in India, to completely ban the sale of loose cigarettes (even as single sticks) and loose tobacco.State government had banned the sale of loose cigarettes and tobacco under Section 7 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA Act, 2003).Section 7 of COTPA bans sale of these products if they are traded, supplied or distributed without specified warning including pictorial warning on it.State government notification in this regard clearly mentions that loose cigarettes and tobacco products do not carry a pictorial or a written warning so they are banned.Earlier state government had banned sale of  nicotine in the form of e-cigarette.About COTPA Act, 2003

It was enacted by Parliament in 2003. It prohibits advertisement and regulates tobacco business in India.This Act has put restriction on tobacco products which includes cigarettes, gutka, panmasala (containing tobacco), cigar, cheroot, Beedi, Snuff, chewing tobacco, hookah, tooth powder containing tobacco.

Government gives nod to Neutrino   project in Tamil Nadu Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 7, 2015No commentsUnion cabinet meeting has approved setting up of India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project in Bodi West Hills, Tamil Nadu.  This cabinet meeting was headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Key facts about India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project

It is an underground project, jointly supported by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

It will comprise a complex of caverns – the main cavern, which will house detector which is 130 metres long, 26 metres wide and 30 metre high.

Along with main cavern, there will be two smaller caverns that will be used for setting up experiments for neutrino double detector and dark matters.

This underground complex will be approached by a 2-kms long tunnel. It will host experiments such as the neutrino-less double beta decay and the

search for dark matter. It also involves Inter-Institutional Centre for High Energy Physics (IICHEP) and

Iron Calorimeter Detector (ICAL).Along with project, government has also approved the construction of a 50,000 tonne magnetised iron calorimeter detector (ICAL). It will study the properties of the neutrino, in particular the mass hierarchy among different types of neutrino.NeutrinoIt is an electrically neutral, weakly interacting elementary subatomic particle with half-integer spin. It belongs to the lepton family.There are three types of neutrinos: electron neutrinos, muon neutrinos and tau neutrinos.President signs ordinance amending Citizenship Act, 1955Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 7, 2015No comments

President Pranab Mukherjee has signed the ordinance that amend’s Citizenship Act, 1955.Earlier, union government had promulgated this ordinance in order to merge Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) schemes. Thus, providing life-long Indian visa facility to PIOs.It was signed on the eve of the opening of the three-days meet of Indian diaspora i.e. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015 held in Gujarat.Key amendments

Citizenship Act amendments will benefit PIO and will give them benefits like life-long visa and exemption from appearing before the local police station on every visit etc.

It will also change the clause of parent Act which says that foreigners who marry Indians must continuously stay in the country for a period of one year before they get an Indian citizenship. In this regards they will get relief of 30 days in a year when they can travel outside the country.

The amendment also clears the way for relaxed visa norms for minor children of OCI cardholders.

Current Affairs January 2015PM releases commemorative coins to honour late industrialist Jamsetji TataShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 7, 2015No comments

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released commemorative coins to honour Tata Group founder Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata.PM released coins in the denomination of 100 and five rupee to mark Jamsetji Tata’s 175th birth anniversary.Thus, Jamsetji will be the first industrialist in India to be felicitated by the government in such a manner.He was chosen by the government because he is a legendary figure and the government wants to encourage Indian businesses through this initiative.So far government has minted coins in honour of artists, freedom fighters, scientists, institutions and organisations.Earlier, government had honoured Jamsetji twice by releasing his postal stamps one in 1958 and another in 1965.Jamsetji Nusserwanji TataHe was pioneer industrialist who had founded Tata Group- India’s biggest conglomerate company. He is regarded as Father of Indian Industry.He was born on 3 March 1839 in Navsari then part of the princely state of Baroda (Now in Gujarat).His successors’ work led to achieve:

Tata Steel: formerly known as Tata Iron and Steel Company Limited (TISCO ) is Asia’s first and India’s largest steel company. It is also world’s fifth largest steel company.

Indian Institute of Science (IISc): Located in Bengaluru, it is pre-eminent Indian institution for research and education in Science and Engineering.

Tata Hydroelectric Power Supply Company: later it was renamed Tata Power Company Limited, currently India’s largest private electricity company.It should be also noted that present Jamshedpur district in Jharkhand is named after him. Earlier it was known as Sakchi.Government launches subsidised 5 kg LPG Cylinder scheme for BPL familiesShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 7, 2015No comments

Central government has launched the sale of subsidised 5-kg LPG cylinders scheme for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and others.It was launched by Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Bhubaneswar, Odhisa.This scheme was launched as part of the oil companies’ Corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities to cover BPL population in urban areas.Under this pilot scheme, a BPL family would be provided with LPG connection. In this case customers not need to pay security deposit and cost of pressure regulator.Government by launching this scheme is aiming to promote LPG as it a cleaner fuel which will help in creating better and smoke less cooking environment and help in improvement of women’s health.Petroleum Minister also launched the sale of 5-kg cylinders under Free Trade LPG scheme in Bhubaneswar, Odhisa.Free Trade LPG scheme: It will cater the LPG requirement of all sections of the society including the economically weaker section, student, migrant labourers who do not have proof of address due to their short stay in a particular place.This scheme is aims at increasing the usage of LPG by providing customers with more affordable facilities.PM launches National Programme for LED-based Home and Street Lighting for energy conservationShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 7, 2015No comments

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched National Programme for LED-based Home and Street Lighting in New Delhi for energy conservation by reducing energy consumption.Along with this programme, PM launched scheme for Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulb distribution under the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP) and a web-based system to enable consumers in Delhi to register requests for procuring LED bulbs under DELP.National Programme for LED-based Home and Street Lighting

It aims to install LED bulbs for domestic and street-lighting in 100 cities across India by March 2016.

Under this programme, LED bulbs will be distributed in a phased manner from March 2015 onwards.

The initiative is part of the Government’s efforts to spread the message of energy efficiency in the country.

LED bulbs have a very long life, almost 50 times more than ordinary bulbs, and 8-10 times that of CFLs, and therefore provide both energy and cost savings in the medium term.

It will help in saving of energy around 24 crore units every year.

Current Affairs January 2015Sutirtha Bhattacharya takes charge as Coal India Limited’s full-time CMDShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 6, 2015No comments

Sutirtha Bhattacharya has taken charge as full-time Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Coal India Limited (CIL).He is a 1985 batch IAS officer and for this post his name was cleared by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet after it was recommended by the Public Enterprises Services Board (PESB).Prior to this appointment, he was the CMD of state-owned Singareni Collieries Company.BackgroundThe post of full time CMD was vacant for past six months after then full-time CMD S Narsing Rao had resigned from the post in May, 2014 to join Telangana government.Till this vacant time, Additional Secretary Coal A K Dubey was given the additional charge as CMD of CIL from June 26, 2014.About Coal India Limited (CIL)It is a state-controlled coal mining company. It is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal.It is the largest coal producer company in the world and contributes around 81% of the coal production in India.Union Government of India owns 90% of the shares in CIL and controls the operations of CIL through Ministry of Coal.In April 2011, CIL was conferred the Maharatna status by Government of India. It is India’s 5th most valuable company in terms of market value.Eminent Economist Arvind Panagariya appointed as NITI Aayog vice-chairmanShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 5, 2015No comments

Eminent free-market economist Arvind Panagariya has been appointed as Vice-chairman of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog.NITI Aayog is established by government to function as both a think tank and a policy forum and replaces decades year old Planning Commission.As a vice chairman, he will play a pivotal role in coordinating economic strategy and hold position similar to cabinet rank minister.About Arvind Panagariya

He is an Indian-American economist and Professor of Economics at Columbia University. He holds a Ph.D. degree in Economics from prestigious Princeton University.

He was an ex-Chief Economist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). He has also worked for the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Trade

Organization, and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in various capacities.

He has written around 10 books and the latest was India: The Emerging Giantpublished in 2008.Other Appointments of NITI AayogFull-Time Members:

Bibek Debroy- Economist. V.K. Saraswat- Former Secretary Defence R&D.

Ex-officio members: Rajnath Singh- Union Home Minister. Arun Jaitley- Union Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting Minister. Suresh Prabhu- Union Minister of Railways. Radha Mohan Singh- Union Minister of Agriculture.

Special Invitees: Nitin Gadkari- Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping. Thawar Chand Gehlot-Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. Smriti Zubin Irani- Union Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD).

International Hindi Conference 2015 will be hosted in New JerseyShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 5, 20151 Comment

International Hindi Conference-2015 (अंतरा�ष्ट्रीय हि�ंदी सम्मलेन-2015) will be hosted by New Jersey, United States in April 2015.Theme of 2015 edition of this conference is Expanding World of Hindi: Possibilities and Challenges.

Key facts of International Hindi Conference 2015

This conference seeks to provide a platform for participants to get together and identify challenges and find solutions for the advancement of the Hindi language in North America and the Caribbean region.

In this conference, Hindi scholars from various parts of the world, particularly from United States and India will participate.

Participants are expected to discuss individual and organisational partnerships and leadership and field capacity building and infrastructure building skills and topics.

In this case they are going to discuss topics such as material selection and development funding, professional development of teachers, and volunteer management.

This conference will also hold sessions on topics such as, Hindi in higher education, expanding the use of Hindi in businesses and commerce, Community support for Hindi, Current status of the teaching and learning of Hindi etc.

Edward Brooke, first black elected US senator passes awayShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 5, 2015No comments

Edward Brooke, the first elected black US senator passed away on 3rd January 2015. He was 95.He belonged to US’s Republican Party.About Edward Brooke

He was elected to US Congress in 1966 by voters of Massachusetts State at a time of widespread racial unrest in the country.

He was also the first African-American to hold the post of attorney general of any state in US. He was attorney general Massachusetts State.

He had served as Congressmen in the US Senate till 1979 and was one of only nine African-Americans to do so, including US President Barack Obama.

His name i.e. the Brooke amendment was given to US federal housing act, passed in 1969, which limited to 25 percent the amount of income a family must pay for rent in public housing.

He lost his bid for the third term to Congress in 1978. After this defeat he returned to private law practice.

In 2004, he was awarded US Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2009, he was also awarded Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award Congress has to honor civilians.National Flag designer Pingali Venkayya honouredShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on google

January 5, 2015No comments

Freedom fighter and National Flag designer Pingali Venkayyawas honoured by naming All India Radio(AIR) Vijayawada (in Andhra Pradesh) building after him.In this regard, Union Minister for Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs, M. Venkaiah Naidu unveiled the statue of Pingali Venkaiah, in the premises of AIR Vijayawada.On this occasion, minister also released a book on the biography of Pingali Venkayya, translated into Hindi by Mr.Venna Vallabha Rao.About Pingali Venkayya

He was born in Bhatlapenumarru, near Masulipatnam district in Andhra Pradesh.

In the National Conference of Indian National Congress (INC) held in Kakinada (in Andhra Pradesh) 1921, he had suggested that India should have a flag of its own that impressed Mahatma Gandhi.

After Mahatma Gandi’s request, he had designed the flag which initially had saffron and green colours, but in the course of time, modifications were made with additions like a spinning wheel at the centre and a third colour- white, Chakra i.e Dharma Chakra which depicts the “wheel of the law”.

It should be noted that India’s present flag was adopted during the meeting of Constituent Assembly held on the 22 July 1947, a few days before India’s independence from the British.

He was also an educationist who had set up an educational institution in Machilipatnam district of Andhra Pradesh and was an authority in geology, agriculture.

He died in 1963.

Current Affairs January 2015ICICI Bank Launches Digital Village Project in Akodara Village of GujaratShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 5, 2015No comments

Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI) Bank has launched its own version of Digital Village Project by adopting entire Akodara Village in Sabarkantha district of Gujarat.It was launched presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ICICI Bank MD and CEO Chanda Kochar to mark 60-year-celebration of the ICICI group’s existence.Key facts about ICICI Bank’s Digital Village Project

It is launched in lines with Governments flagship programme of Digital India. It seeks to provide entire village with services ranging from cashless banking to digitised

school teaching. As part of this project, banking platform at rural part will be digitized by covering all aspects

of banking like opening an account to sale of goods to purchase of products including milk from the vendors or local kirana stores.

In case of school teaching, it will digitized all school records alongwith the Gujarat syllabus and even teaching methods and tools.

It will also provide necessary infrastructure needed for digisiting entire village in order to provide villager with the access required to data and information in a digital format.

Besides basic banking facilities like ATMs and other digital banking services, other services like e-health, e-milk producer group, Wi-Fi connectivity and schools with digital black boards in the village, along with a host of other digital facilities will be provided under this project.About ICICI BankIt was established in 1955 as ICICI Ltd.Originally it was set up as an Indian financial institution as the initiative of the World Bank, the Government of India and representatives of Indian industry to provide project financing to Indian businesses.Later in 1994, it got merged to form ICICI Bank.UNICEF to prepare a Tea Atlas in AssamShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 5, 2015No comments

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has decided to prepare a Tea Atlas in India’s North Eastern State Assam. This atlas seeks to create a comprehensive database of the tea gardens and socio-economic condition of its workers in state.Key facts

It will cover all aspects of the Tea industry, including garden workers who comprise nearly 20 percent of the state population by mapping tea community database, graphs and maps.

It will also provide features like geographical locations of the gardens, proprietorship, various indicators like implementation of Plantations Labour Act and government schemes meant for the tea community.

In this case, tea communities have been identified as the focus of UNICEF Assam’s Social Inclusion and Equity Programming which addresses the issues like early marriage, alcoholism and child labour among them.

Current Affairs January 2015RBI relaxes KYC norms for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC’s)Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 4, 2015No comments

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has relaxed Know-Your-Customers (KYC) norms for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).In this regard, RBI has amended the KYC norms in order to remove the practical difficulties and constraints being faced by NBFC’s in getting KYC documents at frequent intervals.Previously, as per the norms it was necessary for NBFC’s to undertake KYC once in every 5 years for low risk category customers and once in two years for both high and medium risk categories.

But as per new norms, full KYC exercise will be required to be done at least every 10 years for low risk and at least every 8 years for medium risk individuals and entities.While for the high-risk individuals and entities, it should be done in at least every 2 years.This full KYC exercise will be done by taking into account whether and when client due diligence measures have previously been undertaken and the adequacy of data obtained.However, the new norm does not mention physical presence of clients for such periodic updations.RBI signs an information sharing agreement with US banking regulatorsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 3, 20151 Comment

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has signed an information sharing agreement with United States (US) banking regulators for better coordination with them in supervising financial institutions.Earlier in December 2014, RBI had concluded a Statement of Co-operation (SoC) on “Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of Supervisory Information” with the US banking regulators  like Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System(FRB), Office of the Comptroller of Currency (OCC) and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).SoC was signed by Michael S Gibson- Director, FRB; Martin Pfinsgraff, Senior Deputy Comptroller-OCC; Doreen R Eberley, Director-FDIC and Indian counterpart P R Ravi Mohan, Chief General Manager-in-Charge, Department of Banking Supervision, RBI.

RBI by signing such MoU/SoC with supervisors of other countries is seeking to promote greater co-operation and share supervisory information among the authorities.

In this regard, RBI in total has signed 22 such MoUs, one Letter for Supervisory Co-operation and one SoC, with overseas regulators/supervisors.BackgroundIn September 2014, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, both countries had issued a joint statement to boost the efforts of the RBI and American banking regulators and supervisors for exchange of information to enhance the effectiveness of cross border supervision.Sri Lankan Cricketer Kumar Sangakkara Joins Elite 12,000-Runs scorer Club in Test CricketShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 3, 2015No comments

Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara has joined an elite group of cricketers to make 12,000 runs in Test Cricket.He reached this milestone in Sri Lanka’s second Test match against New Zealand held in Wellington, New Zealand.He has become the fifth cricketer to make 12,000 runs. Other four cricketers are Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs), Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting (13,378 runs), Jacques Kallis from South Africa (13,289 runs) and India’s Rahul Dravid (13,288 runs).Earlier in December 2014, he had achieved another feat by becoming only the fourth batsman to surpass the 13,000-run mark in one-day internationals (ODI’s).Other three batsmen in this list are Sachin Tendulkar (18,426 runs), Ricky Ponting (13,704 runs) and Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya (13,430 runs).

Current Affairs January 2015Union Government extends AFSPA for another one year in AssamShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 3, 2015No commentsUnion Government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for another one year in Assam and has declared the entire ‘state of Assam’ as a ‘Disturbed Area’.As per government notification, this extension will for another one year beyond 03 November 2014 which is presently in force.Besides Assam, government has declared the area falling within 20 km wide belt along the border of Assam with Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya as Disturbed Area.In these disturbed areas, Army is empowered to take action for counter Insurgency (CI) operations against the underground (UG) outfits under the provisions of AF (SP) Act, 1958.Thus it seeks to control the violent incidents caused by the UGs which has direct disturbances to general law and order of the state.BackgroundThis extension comes after the law and order situation had worsen in the North eastern state of Assam and its border areas due to the violent incidents caused by the underground banned outfits like ULFA(I), NDFB(S), KPLT, UALA, NSCN(IM) and NSCN(K) etc.Facts about Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958

It was enacted by Parliament on September 11, 1958.

It conferred special powers upon the armed forces in disturbed areas in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. The act was introduced in Jammu and Kashmir in 1990.

AFSPA was enacted to provide army officers and jawans legal immunity for their actions in disturbed areas. Under this act, a member of the Indian armed forces cannot be prosecuted or tried in any criminal or civil court for any act committed by him or her while performing duty in a disturbed area. Moreover, no court or quasi-judicial body can question the government’s decision to declare any area disturbed.The provisions of AFSPA are very objectionable as it requires the following:

All that is necessary for a part of the State to be handed over to the armed forces is for the Governor or the Central Government to notify it to be in a “disturbed and dangerous” condition.

Even a non-commissioned officer of the armed forces is free, on the mere suspicion of violation of the law or commission of an offence, to fire upon or otherwise use force, even to the causing of death, against any person.

He can also without any warrant, arrest any person and enter and search any premises. No prosecution of anyone indulging in excesses purporting to act under AFSPA is possible

except with the previous sanction of the Government.PM inaugurates 102nd Indian Science Congress 2015 at Mumbai UniversityShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 3, 2015No comments

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Indian Science Congress 2015 at the Mumbai University. It is the 102nd edition of this congress and Mumbai is hosting it again after the gap of 45 years.The theme of 102nd Congress is Science and Technology for Human Development.The Congress sessions aims to bring together eminent scientists, research scholars to popularize science and foster a scientific temperament.Key facts

It is 5 day event and will witness deliberations and presentation of papers by the scientific fraternity from across the globe. More than 12 thousand delegates are going to participate in the session.

In this congress several symposia on relevant themes such as Women’s Science Congress, Children Science Congress and Science Exhibition etc will be also organized.

This edition will cover a wide variety of topics like: Agriculture and forestry, veterinary science, earth science, environment, engineering, information & communication, computer sciences, mathematics, medicine, biology, physics and plant sciences among others.

Other themes of interest include science & technology in SAARC countries, biodiversity conservation, space application, GM crops and the use of modern biotechnology in agriculture, clean energy systems for the future.Boxing India (BI) gets nod from Union Sports MinistryShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 3, 2015No comments

Union Sports Ministry has given nod to Boxing India (BI) as the new governing body for the sport.In this regard, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (Department of Sports) – Government of India has given the nod as it is a recognised member of the International Boxing Association (AIBA).It will help BI to expedite the administrative formalities and streamlining the overall functioning and activities boxing.Boxing India President: Sandeep Jajodia

Current Affairs January 2015Indian company IRCON restores Jaffna-Kankasanthurai rail track in Sri LankaShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 3, 20151 Comment

Indian Railway’s construction company (IRCON) has restored the rail track between Jaffna and Kankasanthurai in North Sri Lanka.This restored commercial Yal Devi Express service was formally inaugurated by Sri Lanka’s Transport Minister Kumara Welgama.This 18 kilometer track passes through the high security zone which was freed from the control of Tamil tigers in 2009.BackgroundThe entire rail line between Colombo and the Northern part of Sri Lanka was destroyed in the late 1980s by the LTTE.India’s IRCON is playing important role in rebuilding the 252 km railway track on this route. Indian government had provided a line of credit of 800 million dollars for these projects. In 2014, the line upto Jaffna was made operational after it was restored.Facts about Indian Railway’s construction company (IRCON)

It was established in 1976 by Union Government under the Companies Act, 1956. It is wholly owned by the Ministry of Railways. In 1995, it was renamed as IRCON International Limited.

Since its establishment, this company had undertaken construction of railway projects in India and abroad especially in difficult terrains.

It has completed more than 300 major infrastructure projects in India and over 121 major projects globally in more than 21 countries.Indian-origin man J Y Pillay reappointed as top advisor to Singapore PresidentShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 3, 2015No comments

Veteran Indian-origin civil servant Joseph Yubaraj Manuel Pillay was reappointed as the Chairman of the Presidential Council of Advisers (CPA) by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

He was sworn in as top advisor to Singapore’s President for a period of next four years.As Chairman of the CPA, he will exercise the functions of the President’s office in the absence of President. If he is unavailable, the Speaker of Parliament would act as the head of state.Presidential Council of Advisers (CPA):  This council was formed in 1992. It advises Singapore’s President in various areas, including safeguarding the past reserves of the Government and key appointments in the public services.About J Y Pillay

He has served in a number of senior civil service positions in Singapore. He was first appointed to the CPA on January 2, 2001 and served its Chairman since September 2, 2005.

He is one of the pioneers who helped build the Singapore economy after its separation from Malaysia in 1965. He also had served as Chairman of Singapore Airlines from 1972 until 1976.

In 2012, for his public service, Pillay was awarded the Order of Nila Utama (First Class) award- one of Singapore’s most prestigious National Day Awards.Former ISRO chief and Renowned Scientist Dr V R Gowarikar passes awayShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 2, 2015No commentsFormer ISRO chief and renowned Scientist Dr. Vasant Ranchod Gowarikar passed away in Pune, Maharashtra. He was 81.He is considered as the ‘Father of the Indian Monsoon Model’.About Dr. Vasant Gowarikar

Dr. Vasant Gowarikar was born in Pune on 25th March, 1933. He was renowned scientist and his significant contribution includes in field of space

research, weather and population study and Polymer Chemistry. In 1965, Dr Gowarikar along with Vikram Sarabhai started working on satellite technology in

the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. Both of them played important role in laying foundation stone for India’s space technology and space programmes.

He also headed Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). On 17th April 1983, under his leadership Satellite launcher SLV-3 became successfully operational in orbit.

He was the scientific advisor to late Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao from 1991 to 1993. For some time, he was  Vice Chancellor of Pune University.

He was also chairman of Marathi Vidnyan Parishad from 1994 to 2000. Books: Many books and scientific essays are credited to his name. His book ‘I Predict’, an

essay on the Indian population, has become famous. Awards: He was honoured with the Padmashree Award, Padma Bhushan (2008), Fie

Foundation Award, Nayak Gold Medal and Doctorates from many prestigious universities. The Fertilizer Encyclopedia: Dr. Gowarikar, along with his associates in 2008 had

compiled the massive The Fertilizer Encyclopedia that featured 4,500 entries of chemical composition of fertilizers. It contains collection of information related to fertilizers consisting of their manufacturing, application and environmental considerations.

Current Affairs January 2015IAS officer R K Srivastava takes charges as AAI ChairmanShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 2, 2015No comments

IAS officer R K Srivastava took over as the new chairman ofAirports Authority of India (AAI).Earlier in December, Srivastava was appointed as chairman of AAI by the government for 5 years.He is a 1984-batch Jharkhand-cadre IAS officer and  has replaced Sudheer Raheja who was charge of the post since late August 2014.Airports Authority of India (AAI)AAI is statutory body under the aegis of Ministry of Civil Aviation. It is responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining and managing civil aviation infrastructure in India.It also provides Air traffic management (ATM) services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas.AAI manages around 125 airports in India, which include 18 International Airport, 07 Customs Airports, 78 Domestic Airports and 26 Civil Enclaves at Defense airfields.Greece dissolves parliament ahead of snap electionsShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 2, 2015No commentsGreece’s Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has dissolved the country’s parliament ahead of snap elections to be held on 25 January.Dissolution of Parliament comes after it failed to elect the President in the third and final round of voting.In the third and final round for electing President, ruling government’s candidate Stavros Dimas (former European Commissioner) was defeated by 180 votes, resulting in dissolution of the Parliament.Prime Minister Antonis Samara’s ruling coalition government had came into power in 2012 after the General Elections.In 2012 General elections, Prime Minister Samaras-led New Democratic Party had won the elections and formed the government.Central Government appoints A.K. Mittal as Chairman of Railway BoardShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 2, 2015No comments

Central Government has appointed A.K. Mittal as Chairman of Railway Board. His name was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister.He will succeed incumbent chief Arunendra Kumar whose term had ended on 31st December 2014.About A.K. Mittal

He is an officer of the Indian Railway Stores Service of the 1976 batch. He has become first-ever officer from the Stores service to be Chairman of Railway Board.

Before this appointment A.K. Mittal was Member Staff of Railway Board and ex-officio Secretary to the Government of India.

He has also served as General Manager of South Western Railway (SWR). He also had held additional charge of General Manager, South Central Railway (SCR).

Current Affairs January 2015Delhi Police launches women safety mobile app ‘Himmat’Share on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 1, 2015No comments

Delhi police has launched women safety mobile application ‘Himmat’. It was launched by the Union home minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.It is an android based mobile app, which aims to cater employed women who have smartphones and travel alone late in the night.This application will allow women to send a distress call to Police Control Room (PCR) and their relatives in case of any emergency.Key facts of women safety mobile app ‘Himmat’

In case to use this app, user has to download this app on their smartphone. After downloading the app, new user has to register them with the Delhi Police website by

sharing their name, mobile number and that of a minimum of two relatives/friends.

In case of emergency, user can send an alert by shaking her phone or by pressing the power button/soft button.

As soon as the distress button is pressed, it will trigger a 30-second audio and video recording on the phone which will be relayed to the PCR. The victim will get a call back from the PCR.

After distress button is pressed, SMS alert consisting of all the details of the victim, including her location, time will be forwarded to the PCR. Then from PCR, SMS alert it will be forwarded to the police patrol cars in the area and the local station house officer (SHO) through the Delhi Police cyber highway.

In case of emergency, SMS alert will also be sent to minimum of 5 friends and relatives of the user. It will also post a status on the victim’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

In order to tackle false SOS alerts/ alarms the app is provided with inbuilt feature which cancels the registration after 3 such (False SOS alerts) incidents. But, the user can re-register to re-activate the facility.India and Pakistan exchange list of nuclear facilitiesShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 1, 20153 Comments

India and Pakistan on 1st January 2015 have exchanged the list of their nuclear installations and facilities under the agreement on Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations between India and Pakistan.The exchange of list was done through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad.It is the 24th consecutive exchange of such list between the two neighbouring countries which bars them from attacking each other’s atomic facilities.Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations between India and PakistanThis bilateral agreement bars both nations from carrying out any surprise attack (or to assist foreign power to attack) on each other’s nuclear installations and facilities.It  was signed on 31st December 1988 and entered into force on 27 January 1991. It was signed by then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and his Pakistani counterpart Benazir Bhutto.

Both countries inform each other about their nuclear installations and facilities that need to be covered under the Agreement on 1 January every year.Union government blocks 32 websites for spreading anti-India views and ISIS propagandaShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 1, 2015No commentsUnion government has blocked access to 32 websites for carrying anti-India views and spreading banned terrorist outfit Islamic State of Iraq and Syria’s (ISIS) propaganda. These websites were blocked after following an advisory given by an anti-terrorism team.The blocked uniform resource locator’s(URLs) include files, videos and source code-sharing websites.They were blocked by Department of Telecom(DoT) under Section 69 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and under Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009.These rules give powers to the central government to block access to information on website’s if it threatens the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of the country, defence of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence.

Current Affairs January 2015Tropical storm Jangmi hits PhilippinesShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 1, 2015No commentsTropical storm Jangmi has hit Surigao del Sur province on northern Mindanao in Philippines. This tropical storm is locally is known as Seniang.This storm had approached the land with gusts wind of 100 kph resulting heavy rain. This heavy rain has triggered flash floods and landslides in the country.Jangmi storm has also affected several parts of neighbouring countries of Philippines like Malaysia and  Thailand.In 2014, in total 30 storms had occurred in the Northwest Pacific, 16 of them have affected the Philippines. Among 16 storms, 6 were strong enough to be classified as typhoons. Earlier in December 2014, Super Typhoon Hagupit had lashed central parts of Philippines with winds of 215 kph.Union government blocks 32 websites for spreading anti-India views and ISIS propagandaShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 1, 2015No commentsUnion government has blocked access to 32 websites for carrying anti-India views and spreading banned terrorist outfit Islamic State of Iraq and Syria’s (ISIS) propaganda. These websites were blocked after following an advisory given by an anti-terrorism team.The blocked uniform resource locator’s(URLs) include files, videos and source code-sharing websites.

They were blocked by Department of Telecom(DoT) under Section 69 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and under Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009.These rules give powers to the central government to block access to information on website’s if it threatens the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of the country, defence of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence.Government signs $ 75 million loan deal with Asian Development Bank for KIUWMIPShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 1, 2015No comments

Government has signed a loan agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) for 75 million dollars and 1.8 million dollar grant for Karnataka Integrated Urban Water Management Investment Program (KIUWMIP).This loan fund will be used in the three towns of Byadagi, Davanagere and Harihar of Karnataka under the KIUWMIP.This loan seeks to expand and upgrade: urban water supply and sanitation infrastructure, improve water resource planning, monitoring and service delivery, and strengthen operational and administrative capacity in these towns.As per this agreement, the loan has a 25 year term including a grace period of five years.Implications: This project by utilizing the loan fund will help these urban towns to increase water treatment capacity by 15,000 cubic meters per day. It will also help expand and upgrade more than 1,000 kilometers of water pipelines and increase sewage treatment capacity by 48,000 cubic meters per day, thereby promoting water efficiency and environmental protection.About Karnataka Integrated Urban Water Management Investment Program (KIUWMIP)

KIUWMIP- is an investment program that aims to improve water resource management in urban areas of Karnataka State in a holistic and sustainable.

It seeks to modernize and expand urban water supply and sanitation (UWSS) by strengthening relevant institutions related to it in order to enhance their efficiency, productivity and sustainability in water use.

It takes help of innovative social instruments like as public-private partnership (PPP) or reform oriented incentive funds.

This Program also aims to improve the condition of more fragile environments located in North Karnataka that are increasingly affected by water resource degradation by promoting climate-resilient development, capacity-development techniques for conducive adaptation.

Current Affairs January 2015Government splits Chairman & MD post in PSU banks and names chiefs for 4 PSU banksShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 1, 2015No commentsGovernment has decided to separate the post of Chairman and Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in public sector banks.With this decision government is breaking the tradition of having the heads of state-run banks act as both chairman and managing director.As per the Finance Ministry, the Chairman in public sector banks other than State Bank of India (SBI) will be a part- time board member. He will preside over the board meetings and will not be an Executive Chairman.This means that for the first time, PSU banks will have a non-Executive Chairman, giving operational responsibility to Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).In pursuance of the decision, the government has appointed four Managing Directors and CEOs of following 4 PSU banks

Koteeswaran was named as MD and CEO of Indian Overseas Bank. Srinivas was named as MD and CEO of United Bank of India. Animesh Chauhan was named MD and CEO of Oriental Bank of Commerce. Kishore Sansi was named MD and CEO of Vijaya Bank.

Above 4 MD’s and CEO’s will have tenure of 3 years or till the date of superannuation, whichever is earlier. These appointments were made based on the recommendations of Appointments Board chaired by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor.Government also has decided to go for a fresh selection procedure for the post of Chairman and MD and CEO in Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank and Canara Bank, which are ‘A’ category large banks.Microsoft sues Indian firm C-Cubed Solutions for technical support scamShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 1, 2015No commentsMicrosoft has sued an Indian company C-Cubed Solutions along with other entities for misusing its name and registered trademarks by providing fraudulent technical support services to unsuspecting consumers.In this regard, Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit has filed a civil lawsuit in federal court located in the Central District of California against C-Cubed Solutions for unfair and deceptive business practices and trademark infringement.As per the lawsuit, C-Cubed Solutions along with other entities had used the Microsoft trademarks to enhance their credentials and confuse customers without any authorisation from them. Microsoft is demanding a jury trial against these entities.

Microsoft is also seeking from jury a permanent injunction to restrain and enjoin these entities for the infringement of their registered trademarks and directly or indirectly engaging in false advertising regarding the quality or security of Microsoft software.It should be noted that, law suit has mentioned C-Cubed as a private company associated under Indian law. Its directors include Marc Haberman, Rachel Eilat Haberman and Jay Wurzberger. It is a subsidiary of California-based Customer Focus Services (CFS) and operates the mail server by which CFS.Microsoft has chosen to sue these entities after they had received more 65,000 customer complaints regarding fraudulent tech support scams since May 2014.M Sathiyavathy becomes first woman to be appointed as Director General DGCAShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleJanuary 1, 2015No commentsIAS officer M Sathiyavathy has become first woman to be appointed as Director General (DG) of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).She will succeed Prabhat Kumar, to become first woman to become the chief aviation regulator for period of three years till 2017.She is a 1982-batch UT cadre IAS officer. Earlier she has served in the Civil Aviation Ministry as a Joint Secretary and Financial Adviser since February 2014.About Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)DGCA is India’s regulatory body for civil aviation. It comes under the aegis of Union Ministry of Civil Aviation.As a regulatory body, it seeks to promote

Safe and efficient Air Transportation through regulation and proactive safety oversight system in India.

Enforce civil air regulations, air safety and airworthiness standards in India as per International standards.

Tamu Lhochhar festival being observed in Nepal on 30th DecemberShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleDecember 30, 2014No comments

Tamu Lhochhar festival is being observed on 30th December with gaiety and full fervor in Nepal which marks new year among different communities.It is the biggest cultural festival of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism and generally being observed by the Gurungs at different places in Nepal including in the Kathmandu Valley.The people of Tamang, Sherpa, Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Jirel, Nesyangwa, Bhote, Dura and Lepcha communities and others celebrates this festival.The Gurung community mark this festival as Tamu Lhochhar while the Tamangs and other communities celebrate it as Sonam Lhochhar on the first day of waxing moon in the Nepali month Magh. While Sherpas and Bhotes celebrate it as Gyalpo Lhochhar.On this day, the junior members of the community and family receive blessings from seniors and greet each other wishing for good health, happiness and prosperity.People of these communities who are living and working abroad also celebrate this festival with exchanging New Year greetings and joy.Kerala Government lays foundation stone for Global Artists VillageShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleDecember 30, 2014No comments

Kerala government has laid foundation stone for the first government-run ‘Kalagramam’ i.e Global Artist village in the country at Kakkananpara in Kannur district of Kerala.The foundation stone was laid by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

Key facts of Global Artists Village Global Artists Village i.e. Kalagramam is a project planned by the Kerala

Lalithakala Akademi. This planned facility will provide artists from different parts of the country

and abroad to stay and work in the place surrounded by swathes of scenic beauty.

The art village project will be implemented in phases and the first phase of the project will be completed in four months.

The art village project envisages construction of four living rooms, mess house, conference hall and other amenities in the first phase of the project. It will provide accommodation facilities for the artists visiting there.

It is being developed on a 3.5-acre plot. State government has allocated Rs.75 lakh for the project and further going to extend it to Rs.3 crore.

Current Affairs January 2015Central Government to launch scheme for conservation of heritage and development of 12 citiesShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleDecember 22, 2014No comments

Central government is planning to launch scheme for conservation of heritage and development of 12 cities across the country.  It was announced by Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu.For this scheme government had allocated Rs. 500 crore in the Union Budget 2014 and it will be rolled out in January 2015.Under this scheme, 12 cities will be covered under the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY).The 12 cities are:  Amritsar, Varanasi, Gaya, Puri, Ajmer, Mathura, Dwarka, Badami, Velankanni, Kanchipuram, Warangal and Amaravati.From Andhra Pradesh and Telangana towns selected are Amaravati from Guntur district and Warangal which have rich heritage and culture.Warangal: It was the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty.Amaravati: It is situated on the banks of river Krishna and was the capital of Satavahanas in the 2nd Century. It is also a major Buddhist centre.

About Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) It aims to bring urban planning, economic growth and heritage conservation together for

heritage cities. It also seeks beautification in an inclusive and integrated manner with focus on cleanliness,

livelihoods, skills, safety, security, accessibility and faster service delivery of heritage cities. Heritage management plan (HMP) will be prepared for the identified cities which will outline

heritage resources and develop policies to guide their conservation, restoration, future use and development.

It will seek to improve last-mile connectivity heritage sites by documentation, conservation of areas, providing more facilities for women, senior citizens and differently abled citizens.Thus it will help to create improved connectivity platform and access to tourists.Losar festival beings in LadakhShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleDecember 22, 2014No comments

The festival of Losar has begun in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. 10 day long festival began with illumination of religious and residential places.This festival marks the beginning of New Year in Ladakh and it is an important social and religious celebration in Ladakh. Losar is Tibetan word for ‘new year’.Traditional Celebrations of festival:

Following tradition, people from Ladakh visit graveyards of ancestor family members and pray for peace for the departed soul.

Special food items during the festival are prepared to mark the occasion. People visit each other for exchange of Losar greetings.In India, Losar is also celebrated by Yolmo, Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, and Bhutia communities residing in different regions in the country.5th edition of Gyanodaya Express sets off for North-EastShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleDecember 19, 2014No commentsDelhi University’s fifth edition of Gyanodaya Express has set off for North-East with 870 students and teachers aboard.Dharohar-Gyanodaya Express was flagged off from Safdarjang Railway Station by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Sarbanda Sonowal, MoS Youth Affairs and Sports.

The educational trip started from December 18 and will end on December 29. It aims to enrich students about the culture and heritage of the North east region and will cover all eight northeastern states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.Besides learning about the culture and heritage of the northeastern states, students as part of trip will also meet representatives of local universities as well as senior functionaries of the North eastern states during the trip.As a part preparation for the heritage tour, DU earlier had offered foundation courses in Nepali and Bengali, which are widely spoken in Sikkim and Tripura.After the trip, Delhi University is planning to publish a book, ‘Dharohar: The glory of the Northeast’ on the experiences of the students on the journey as well as the projects churned out by them.Gyanodaya Express: It was started by Delhi University in 2012 as the ‘College-on-Wheels’ project.

Current Affairs January 2015Government initiate’s scheme to protect Endangered Languages of IndiaShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleDecember 18, 2014No commentsUnion Government has initiated a Scheme known as “Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India”.It was announced by the Union Human Resource Development Minister, Smt. Smriti Irani in a written reply to the Lok Sabha question.Key facts of the scheme

As part of this Scheme, all the mother tongues/languages of India spoken by less than 10,000 people will be considered as They will be protected, preserved and documented by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore.

Technology will play key role in the preservation of endangered languages and it will be an integral part of it.

Dictionaries and basic grammars in all the endangered languages/mother tongues are prepared in digital format. In addition, talking dictionaries in the endangered languages/mother tongues will be prepared with the help of technology.

The cultural and ethno-linguistic aspects of the languages/mother tongues and indigenous knowledge system of the communities will be video-graphed and stored electronically for archival and retrieval purposes.

A digital map with linguistic/cultural words with actual pronunciation for accounting variation in speech is also part of the scheme.The University Grants Commission (UGC) has also prepares guidelines in order to provide assistance for establishment of Centre of Endangered Languages in Central Universities.In this regard, UGC has accorded approval to 9 Central Universities to establish these centres and allocated Rs.50.00 crore.PM inaugurates Nagaland’s Hornbill festivalShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleDecember 2, 2014No comments

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Hornbill festival of Nagaland. PM Modi by wearing a traditional Naga headgear and by beating the traditional Naga gong three times declared the festival open at the picturesque heritage village of Kisama, Kohima.About Hornbill festival of NagalandHornbill (name of a bird) Festival is celebrated in Nagaland every year in the first week of December.  This festival is 10-day tourism promotional extravaganza which showcases rich culture of Naga tribes which includes shows of music and dance.It was established on 1st December 1963 and was inaugurated by the then President Dr. S Radhakrishnan. The festival is organized by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima the state capital. Notably, it is also supported by the Centre as one of the biggest indigenous festivals of the country.The Hornbill Festival provides a colourful mixture of dances, performances, crafts, parades, games, sports, food fairs and religious ceremonies. The festival both exposes the culture and tradition of tribal peoples, and reinforces Nagaland’s identity as a unique state in India’s federal union.Martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur observed on 24 NovemberShare on emailShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on printShare on googleNovember 24, 2014No comments

Martyrdom Day of 9th Sikh guru, Guru Teg Bahadur was being observed on 24 th November 2014. It was on this day in 1675, Guru Teg Bahadur had sacrificed his life in Chandni Chowk, Delhi on the orders of the sixth Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.Events organised to observe Martyrdom Day of Guru Teg Bahadur

In Punjab, main religious congregations were being organised at Anandpur Sahib in Ropar district where Guru’s head was cremated and in the Gurudwaras which are related to the memory of Guru.

Community kitchens have been set up at many places. Devotees visited the Gurudwaras since morning and continuous gurbani recitation took place.

A special journey known as “Rin Uttar Yatra’ to pay gratitude to great guru has started from Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar district, Punjab on 23rd November 2014 and it will conclude at Gurudwara Sis Ganj Delhi.

Seminars were organized at many places in Punjab and Haryana by the Sikh scholars to apprise younger generation about guru’s sacrifice.About Guru Tegh BahadurGuru Teg Bahadur is also known as Hind Di Chadder- Protector of India. He had sacrificed his life for the unity of the society of that period and to stop religious tyranny under the rule of sixth Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. He became the 9th Guru of Sikhs on 16 April 1664, a position earlier occupied by his grand-nephew, Guru Har Krishan.He had travelled in different parts of the country, including Dhaka and Assam, to preach the teachings of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh guru. Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed on the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Delhi for resisting the forced conversions of Hindus in Kashmir.