08 ca aug 2013 datewise

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1 August 2013

Australia’s Most Powerful Super Computer Unveiled

Australia’s most powerful super computer, Raijin, was unveiled in Canberra. Raijin, named after the Japanese God of thunder and rain, has cost of $45.2 million to build and will cost $10.85 million a year to run. The super computer, unveiled at Australian National University (ANU),and it is the 27th most powerful computer in the world

Rajeev Rishi is new CMD of Central Bank

On 1 August Rajeev Rishi appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of Central Bank of India. Prior to the new appointment, Mr. Rishi served as the Executive Director of Indian Bank, since October 2010. Before joining Indian Bank, he was the General Manager of Oriental Bank of Commerce.

Karnataka Launched ” Ksheera Bhagya ” Scheme

On 1 August Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah launched “Ksheera Bhagya ” scheme at Hoskote.Government schools and anganwadi centres kids across the State will now receive 150 ml of milk three times a week under the Ksheera Bhagya scheme.

2 August 2013

SAARC Goodwill Ambassador Runa Visited India

Runa Laila, the SAARC Goodwill Ambassador for HIV/AIDS visited India from 31 July 2013 to 2 August 2013. The objective of the visit was to extend support to the cause of HIV/AIDS

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especially on the issues of Stigma and Discrimination related to People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV).

India’s DRDO Launches Explosive Detection Kit In US

On 2 August the India-developed US-manufactured Explosive Detection Kit (EDK) was launched at the US Chamber of Commerce building in Washington.In a first of its kind of reverse technology sharing between India and the US, an innovative Explosive Detection Kit developed by Indian scientists would be manufactured in America and sold globally for quick detection and identification of combinations of explosives.This was probably for the first time that technology developed by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) was being manufactured and marketed in the US.

Agni-V To Be Tested Twice This Year, Could Be Inducted By 2015

on 2 August 2013,the Director of Agni Missile Project, Defence Research and Development Organisation- Tessy Thomas announced that the Agni V missile would become operational by 2015, with two or three successful test firings. The announcement was made at the National Conference on Systems, Energy and Environment organised by the Government College of Engineering at Mangattuparamba.

3 August 2013

Arundhati Bhattacharya Appointed Managing Director Of SBI

On 2 August Arundhati Bhattacharya was appointed the managing director and chief financial officer of the State Bank of India(SBI).Arundhati succeeded Diwakar Gupta.With over three decades of experience at SBI, Bhattacharya has undertaken various assignments spanning credit, forex, treasury and retail operations.




Robert Mugabe Re-elected As President Of Zimbabwe

On 3 August Zanu-PF (Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front), the political party of the incumbent President Robert Mugabe has won the Presidential election of Zimbabwe .Mugabe won 61 percent of the vote against the 34 percent won by the Morgan Tsvangirai, the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe of Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party.With this win, Mugabe has won his seventh term to the office of the President of Zimbabwe .

4 August 2013

Hassan Rohani Sworn In As Iran’s President

On 4 August 2013,Hassan Rohani sworn in as Iran’s President .Mr Rohani succeeded Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nejad,whose eight-year tenure has left Iran with an economy in crisis and an international nuclear stalemate.He is the Iran’s seventh president.

India Won Bronze Medal at Junior Women Hockey World Cup

On 4 August Indian Junior Women Hockey team won its first ever Bronze medal in ERGO Hockey Junior World Cup at Monchengladbac, Germany .India defeated England by 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out.Indian forward Rani was declared the Best Player of the ERGO Junior Women Hockey World Cup 2013.

Japan Sends World’s First Talking Robot Into Space

On 4 August Japan has successfully launched the world’s first talking humanoid robot called “” Kirobo “” in to space , to serve as companion to astronaut Kochi Wakata who will begin his mission in November.Kirobo boarded the kounotori 4 cargo transfer vehicle launched from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Tanegasimha space center a top an H-IIB launch vehicle.The robot is part of a program that aims to provide companionship using such devices to people living alone




including the elderly.The 34 centimetres tall robot can speak Japanese and is designed to provide emotional support for people isolated for long periods.The Robot designed by Tomotaka Takahashi, of the University of Tokyo.”"Kirobo “” derived from the Japanese words for “hope” and “robot”.

Parimarjan Negi Won Politiken Cup

On 4 August Indian Grandmaster Parimarjan won the Denmark’s Politiken Cup at Copenhagen, Denmark by gaining 9 out of the total possible 10 points. He defeated the seventh seed, Italian Sabino Brunello in just 31 moves of Ruy Lopez.

5 August 2013

Franklin Wins Record 6 Golds at World Swimming Championships

On 5 August American swimmer Missy Franklin became the first woman to win six gold medals at a world-championships.Franklin earned her record sixth gold medal of the world championships in Barcelona, Spain.Franklin, who won four golds and a bronze at the 2012 London Games, joins American men Michael Phelps and Mark Spitz as well as German woman Kristin Otto with six golds in either a world or Olympic competition.

11-year-old UK girl has higher IQ than Albert Einstein

On 5 August an 11-year-old schoolgirl in the UK has achieved the highest possible score of 162 on a Mensa IQ test, making her brainier than scientists Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein.Cerys Cooksammy-Parnell, the grade six schoolgirl took up the Mensa IQ test with the aim of beating her father’s score of 142.




Karnataka Becomes First State To Establish Calamities Relief Fund

On 5 August Karnataka Government has become the first state in the country to establish State Natural Calamities Relief fund of Rs. 125 crore.The Relief Fund will provide for a natural calamities relief fund which would provide for building capital assets and relief in respect of man-made disasters that are not covered under the state disaster response fund guidelines of the Government of India.

Scientists Discovered Evidence Of Brain’s ‘ Grid Cells ‘

On 5 August A team of scientists in the US has discovered a new type of cell in the brain that helps people to keep track of their relative location while going through an unfamiliar area. These cells have been dubbed “grid cells” because they get activated in a triangular grid pattern.A research team from Drexel University, the University of Pennsylvania, UCLA and Thomas Jefferson University has discovered a new type of cell in the brain that helps people to keep track of their relative location while going through an unfamiliar area.The “grid cell” is distinct among brain cells because its activation represents multiple spatial locations.

Samantha Stosur Won Carlsbad Open Tennis Title

On 5 August Sam Stosur (Australia) won Carlsbad Open tennis title ,after defeated Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) in the final at Carlsbad (California ).The title was Stosur’s third in her career and the first since she won her only major, the 2011 U.S. Open.

6 August 2013

Raghuram Rajan Appointed as the New Governor of RBI

On 6 August Chief economic adviser Raghuram Govind Rajan has been appointed as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India




(RBI).He will take up the mantle of governorship in the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from 5 September 2013. The present incumbent – D Subbarao will demit his office on 4 September 2013.Rajan will have a term of three years.He will be the 23rd Governor of RBI.He is 50 years of age and so far, he is the youngest person to become the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.He was appointed as the youngest-ever Economic Counselor and Director of Research (chief economist) at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from October 2003 to December 2006.Rajan was appointed as Chief Economic Advisor to the Ministry of Finance, Government of India on 10 August 2012.

Sharapova Tops ‘ Forbes ‘ List of Best Paid Female Athletes

On 6 August Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova has topped the ‘ Forbes ‘ list of highest-earning female athletes for the ninth-straight year, raking in $29 million over the last 12 months.American Serena Williams is second on the list with earnings of 20.5 million US dollars, Chinese star Li Na in third with $18.2 million and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in fourth with $15.7 million.

Astronomers Discovered Lowest-mass Exoplanet Around a Sun-like Star

On 6 August Astronomers have announced that they had discovered the lowest mass exoplanet ever to be found orbiting a sun-like Star. The planet has the cryptic name GJ 504b.The image of the exoplanet was captured by making use of the infrared data from the Subaru Telescope in Hawaii. The newly captured exoplanet was dubbed as GJ 504b. It is the lowest-mass planet ever detected around the star, by making use of the direct imaging techniques.GJ 504b has the dark cherry blossom, a dull magenta colour.This planet orbits around its star at approximately 9 times the distance Jupiter orbits around the Sun.The researchers found that GJ 504b is about four times




more massive than Jupiter and has an effective temperature of about 237 degrees Celsius.

7 August 2013

India Successfully Test Fired Pinaka Rockets

On 7 August 2013,India successfully test-fired two rounds of indigenously developed Pinaka rockets from a multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) from a base at Chandipur-on-sea near Balasore, off the Odisha coast.The tests were routine trials conducted for training purpose. Earlier IN 2013, ten rounds of Pinaka rockets were tested from the same base. More advanced and second generation Pinaka Mark II Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System had undergone successful firing trials at Chandhan area in Pokhran field firing ranges in western Rajasthan during July 2013.

New International Terminal Became Operational at Chennai

On 7 August the New International Terminal at Chennai airport would begin operations.The cost for the construction of the new terminal was about Rs. 2,000 crore

8 August 2013

220 Indian languages Lost In 50 Years

According to the Vadodara-based Bhasha Research and Publication Centre survey ,India has lost around 20% of its languages in the past five decades.The country had 1,100 languages in 1961,but nearly 220 of them have disappeared,said Ganesh Devy,writer and lead coordinator of the survey called the Peoples Linguistic Survey of India (PLSI).The survey was carried out over two years from 2011.We have found 780 languages and must have missed about 100 or so.That makes it close to 880 languages.The rest have disappeared, he said.Most of them belonged to nomadic communities.




India Signs DTAC protocol with Morocco

On 8 August India signed a Protocol amending the India – Morocco Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) in New Delhi .The Protocol was signed by Dr Sudha Sharma, Chairperson, Central Board of Direct Taxes on behalf of Government of India and H.E. Mr. Larbi Reffouh, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to India on behalf of Government of the Kingdom of Morocco.The Protocol is based on international standards of transparency and exchange of information. It provides for effective exchange of information including banking information between tax authorities of the two countries.

Union Cabinet Approved the Setting up of ‘Bharatiya Mahila Bank ‘

On 8 August the Union Cabinet approved the proposal for setting up of ‘ Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) ‘ with an initial corpus of Rs 1,000 crore.The proposed bank will be headquartered in New Delhi.The Mahila Bank will start with 6 branches — one each in north, south, east, west, central and north eastern part of the country.The proposed bank is likely to begin operations by November this year.

Rajya Sabha Passed ‘Companies Bill 2012 ‘

The ‘ Companies Bill 2012 ‘ was passed in Rajya Sabha on 8 August.The bill will provide improved corporate governance norms and will raise the level of transparency of the corporate companies. It will also protect interests of investors.Earlier, the bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on 18 December 2012.The legislation will replace the 57-year old Companies Act, 1956 after getting the final consent from Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India.

Uttar Pradesh Launched ‘Bhumi Sena Scheme’




On 8 August ‘ Bhumi Sena Scheme ‘ was launched in Uttar Pradesh by the Chief Minister of the State, Akhilesh Yadav. The scheme was launched in a function held at Kalidas Marg, Lucknow for reclamation of the barren, usar (alkaline soils) and ravenous land. The scheme would help in increasing cultivation area in the state.The Bhumi Sena scheme aimed at benefitting landless and small farmers by making barren and usar land fit for agricultural purposes was first launched by former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav in 1990.

9 August 2013

Indian Physicist To Head Innovation Chair At New York University

On 9 August India-born distinguished experimental physicist, Dr Katepalli Sreenivasan, has been appointed to the Kleiner Chair for Innovation in Mechanical Engineering at the New York University (NYU). Sreenivasan, who currently serves at the Polytechnic Institute of NYU as dean of engineering and is known for his research on the behaviour of fluids and turbulence.The endowed chair, named in honour of Eugene Kleiner, co-founder of Fairchild Semiconductor, the world’s first computer chip producer, was given to Sreenivasan by NYU Provost David McLaughlin.

Indian-American Teens Win World Geography Championship

Three Indian American teens who represented the United States at the 11th National Geographic World Championship won the top prize defeating 17 other teams. Team captain Gopi Ramanathan from Sartell, Minnesota; along with Asha Jain from Minocqua, Wisconsin; and Neelam Kaur Sandhu from Bedford, New Hampshire , edged past Canada, which came in second.They also beat 3rd-place India in a tense tiebreaker round, according to the National Geographic website.

‘INS Arihant ‘ Nuclear Reactor Activated




On 9 August India has activated the reactor on board the ‘INS Arihant ‘ nuclear submarine, the first to be designed and built in India.With this success, India became a member of the exclusive club of countries that have built their own nuclear powered submarines along with Russia, US, UK, China and France.After the nuclear reactor is activated, INS Arihant has been undergoing trials at Navy’s key submarine base in Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and would be launched for sea trials soon since the nuclear reactor has gone critical.Nuclear triad has the ability to fire nuclear-tipped missiles from land, air and sea.Arihant means destroyer of enemies in Sanskrit is an Indian submarine, which is 111 meter long, 11 broad and 15 meter tall.The 6,000 tonne vessel was built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam ,at a cost of around Rs 15,000 crore .INS Arihant, was introduced to the public on 26 July 2009 at a symbolic launch ceremony by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s wife Gursharan Kaur.India operates the INS Chakra, which is an Akula II class submarine leased from Russia for ten years and has plans of building two more nuclear submarines indigenously.

Saudi King Pledges $100 Million To UN Counter-Terrorism Centre

On 9 August King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia donated $100 million to the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT).In 2011, Saudi Arabia signed an agreement with the United Nations to create the UNCCT and donated $10 million to its establishment.

Cabinet Approved Proposal For Establishing ‘New Media Wing’

On 9 August the Union Cabinet approved the proposal for establishing a ‘New Media Wing’ in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for publicizing government’s initiatives through multiple social media platforms.The proposal for establishment of New Media Wing has been drawn on the basis of the experience




of the initiative undertaken by the Ministry recently, on a pilot basis to position itself on the social media platforms such as Youtube, facebook and Twitter.

Number Of ‘ PhDs ‘ Increasing In India

On 9 August According to figures compiled by the University Grants Commission ( UGC) ,An increasing number of Indians are being awarded research degrees though the nation still lags behind countries like the US and China.The number of research degrees awarded increased by over 50 percent from 10,781 in 2008-09 to 16,093 in 2011-12. As per data compiled by Unesco Institute of Statistics, India’s contribution to world’s research publications has increased from 26,000 in 2002 to 44,000 in 2007.This, however, is far behind nations like the US and China.As per a paper published by the Yale University, the number of students to get PhDs in the US was 41,464 in 2007, while China had 48,112 PhDs in the same year.

10 August 2013

PV Sindhu Won Bronze Medal at World Badminton Championships

On 10 August Indian shuttler P V Sindhu has settled for a bronze medal in women’s singles category at the BWF World Championships 2013 after defeated by the world number three Ratchanok Inthanon in the semifinals in Guangzhou, China . PV Sindhu is also became the third badminton player to win a medal in World Badminton Championship. Prakash Padukone won the men’s singles bronze in 1983 while Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa won bronze in women’s doubles in 2011.

‘ ICGS Rajveer ‘ Commissioned

On 10 August ‘ ICGS Rajveer ‘ was commissioned at Visakhapatnam (AndhraPradesh) by defence secretary R K Mathur in the presence of vice-admiral Anurag G Thapliyal, director general of Indian Coast Guard.The IPV is equipped with




the most advanced and sophisticated navigational and communication sensors and equipment. The ship is propelled to a maximum speed of 31.5 knots .

11 August 2013

World Badminton Championship 2013 Winners

Women’s Singles :- Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon won the women’s singles title ,after defeated Li Xuerui (China) in the final at the World Badminton Championships at Guangzhou.This is the first time any shuttler from Thailand has won a gold at the Worlds in any category.

Men’s Singles :- China’s Lin Dan reinforced his claim to being the greatest badminton player in history after he defeated arch rival Malaysian Lee Chong Wei in the World Championship final to become the first man to win five world singles titles.

Women’s Doubles :- China’s top seeds Xiaoli Wang and Yang Yu won the women’s doubles title after defeated South Korea’s Hye Won Eom and Ye Na Jang in the final.

Men’s Doubles :- Hendra Setiawan and Muhammad Ahsan ( Indonesia ) won the title ,after defeated Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen (Denmark) in the final

Mixed Doubles :- Tontowi Ahmad and Lilyana Natsir (Indonesia) won the title ,after defeated Xu Chen and Ma Jin (China) in the final.

Soumyajit Ghosh, Manika Batra Win Titles In Brazil Open

On 11 August Indian table tennis player Soumyajit Ghosh won the Under 21 men’s title while Manika Batra bagged the Under 21 women’s trophy at the GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Brazil Open at Santos.Ghosh defeated Benjamin Brossier of France to win the men’s singles title.Manika defeated the host nation’s Caroline Kumahara to take the Under-21 women’s singles crown.




Rogers Cup Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners

Women’s Singles :- On 11 August Serena Williams (U.S) won the Rogers Cup Tennis Tournament Women’s singles title ,after defeated Romania’s Sorana Cirstea in the final at Montreal (Canada).Serena Williams won the Rogers Cup women’s title for the third time.

Men’s Singles :- Rafael Nadal (Spain) won his third Rogers Cup Men’s Singles title , after defeated Canada’s Milos Raonic in the final.

Former Union minister Devendra Prasad Yadav Died

On 11 August Former Union minister and senior Congress leader from Bihar, Devendra Prasad Yadav, died in NewDelhi.Yadav was a three-time Member of Parliament from Munger parliamentary seat of Bihar and had served as Minister of State for Education between 1971-77 in Indira Gandhi’s cabinet.He was also a member of the Congress Working Committee, the apex decision making body of the party, during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure.

12 August 2013

India Launched First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier ‘ INS Vikrant ‘

On 12 August 2013, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant was launched by the Defence Minister A K Antony’s wife Elizabeth at Kochi shipyard . Other nations capable of designing and building a ship of equivalent size are the US, the UK, Russia and France.It carries upto 37,000 tonnes of weight. Vikrant come into operations by 2018.The weight of this aircraft was 40 tonnes. The launch of warship, which has a length of 260 metres and is 60 metres wide, is behind schedule by three years. It is set to go for extensive trials in 2016 before being inducted into the Navy by 2018 end. Fighter aircraft–Mig-29K, Light Combat Aircraft and Kamov-31 helicopters–will deployed on board the carrier which will also carry an array of other weapons systems.




India Successfully Test Fired Nuclear Capable ‘ Prithvi-II ‘ Missile

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

Ibrahim Boubacar Keita Wins Mali Presidential Election

On 12 August Former Prime Minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has won the Mali’s Presidential elections , after his opponent and Ex-Finance Minister Soumaïla Cisse, conceded defeat. He was Prime Minister of Mali from 1994 to 2000 and President of the National Assembly of Mali from 2002 to 2007. He founded a political party, Rally for Mali (RPM), in 2001 and he has led the party since then.In addition to serving in the National Assembly, Keita was a member of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States.

13 August 2013

‘Arjuna Award’ For Virat Kohli, PV Sindhu and Ronjan Sodhi gets ‘Khel Ratna’ Award

On 13 August The Government of India announced the Arjuna Awards and Khel Ratna awards for the year 2013 .Ace Double




trap shooter Ronjan Sodhi was recommended for the prestigious “Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna”.Cricketer Virat Kohli and shuttler PV Sindhu among the 14 sportspersons picked for the “Arjuna “award .This year’s Arjuna awardees list features just one boxer, World Championship bronze medallist Kavita Chahal.Government of India has recomended the Arjuna Award for the following Members:-

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna :- Ace shooter Ronjan Sodhi

The Arjuna awardees:- Virat Kohli (Cricket), Chekrovolu Swuro (Archery), Renjith Maheshwary (Athletics), P V Sindhu (Badminton), Kavita Chahal (Boxing), Rupesh Shah (Snooker), Gaganjeet Bhullar (Golf), Saba Anjum (Hockey), Rajkumari Rathore (Shooting), Joshna Chinappa (Squash), Mouma Das (Table Tennis), Neha Rathi (Wrestling), Dharmendra Dalal (Wrestling), Amit Kumar Saroha (Athletics).

Rajya Sabha Passed The ‘Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2012 ‘

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

Chad Foreign Minister Moussa Faki Mahamat Visited India

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Minister for Foreign Affairs and African Integration of Republic of Chad visited India on 12-13 August .During his visit he met Salman Khurshid, external affairs of India and discussed on increasing bilateral cooperation between the India and Chad. Chad is a member of TEAM-9 (Techno-Economic Approach for African Movement) initiative comprising




of eight West and Central African countries seeking to benefit in technical and economic spheres through cooperation with India.

14 August 2013

Strong Earthquake Hits China

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

Egypt Vice President ElBaradei Resigned

Egyptian vice-president, Nobel laureate Mohamed ElBaradei, announced his resignation in a letter to the interim president on14 August .The resignation comes after scores were killed in a crackdown by security forces on loyalists of ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.

15 August 2013

Canadian Street Named After Mahatma Gandhi

A street in Canada’s Winnipeg city has been named after Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of India’s 67th Independence Day on 15 August. The street leading to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights will now be known as ” Honorary Mahatma Gandhi Way” . At a ceremony , the Mayor of Winnipeg Sam Katz explained that the street was named so after an individual who is synonymous with the struggle for human rights.

Marion Bartoli Retires From Tennis

On 14 August Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli of France announces her retirement from professional tennis.She announced the retirement after losing in the second round of the Cincinnati Masters to Romania’s Simona Halep. She is ranked




seventh in the world.Besides Wimbledon 2013, Bartoli won seven other WTA Tour titles, the first one was in Auckland in 2006. Recently she won two tournaments both in 2011 at Eastbourne and Osaka, Japan, prior to Wimbledon.

Former Nepal Prime Minister Man Singh Shrestha Died

Former Nepalese Prime Minister Marich Man Singh Shrestha has died in Kathmandu on 15 August.He had served as Nepal’s Prime Minister for about four years till April 1990, when the political parties launched an agitation to restore democratic rights.

Astronomers Solved Mystery of ‘ Magellanic Stream’s Origin

Astronomers have solved a 40-year mystery on the origin of the Magellanic Stream, a long ribbon of gas stretching nearly halfway around our Milky Way galaxy.Since the stream’s discovery by radio telescopes in the early 1970s, astronomers have wondered whether the gas comes from one or both of the satellite galaxies.Now, new Hubble Telescope observations reveal most of the gas was stripped from the Small Magellanic Cloud about 2 billion years ago, and a second region of the stream originated more recently from the Large Magellanic Cloud.The team used Hubble’s Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) and ESO’s Very Large Telescope to measure the abundances of heavy elements, such as oxygen and sulfur, at six locations along the Magellanic Stream.

16 August 2013

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

According to the new research shows , NASA’s long-lived Voyager probe crossed into interstellar space last year, becomes the first man-made object to leave the solar system.Voyager 1 spacecraft was launched in 1977 along with a sister probe, Voyager 2, to observe the outer planets. Voyager 1 is now approximately 120 times farther away from the sun than Earth. Voyager 2 is




heading out of the solar system in a different direction.The probes are powered by the slow decay of radioactive plutonium. Voyager 1 will begin running out of energy for its science instruments in 2020. By 2025, it will be completely out of power.

Former Cricketer Kalyan Mitter Died

On 16 August Former Bengal Cricketer and Coach Kalyan Mitter passed away in Kolkata.Kalyan Mitter’s first class career spanned from 1953 to 1969 during which he played 51 matches for Bengal and Bihar during which he scored 1698 runs and also took 50 wickets.He was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award by the Cricket Association of Bengal in 2011.

Kapil Dev’s Former Coach Desh Prem Azad Died

On 16 August Desh Prem Azad, the former coach of cricketer Kapil Dev and Dronacharya awardee died in Mohali.He trained cricketers such as Kapil Dev, Ashok Malhotra, Chetan Sharma and Yograj Singh in the late 1970s.Desh Prem Azad represented Haryana, the Maharaja of Patiala’s XI and Southern Punjab, while playing 19 first-class matches. In these matches, he scored 658 runs while grabbed 8 wickets in all.

17 August 2013

Indian American Professor Received Top US Environmental Award

On 17 August An Indian American professor of biological and agricultural engineering has been recognised by a top US environmental and water resources institute for his pioneering work in hydrology.Vijay P Singh, professor and Caroline & William N Lehrer distinguished chair in the department of biological and agricultural engineering at Texas A&M University, was named a recipient of the ” 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award” by the American Society of Civil Engineers Environmental and Water Resources Institute (ASCE-EWRI).His work has developed the application of kinematic wave theory to




the point where it is widely used throughout the world in hydrologic models used for water resource modeling, flood planning and hydrologic design.Singh has made numerous advances in hydrologic and environmental modelling and received prestigious awards for hydrology from multiple professional societies.Singh’s work on entropy theory has given rise a new branch of hydrology, called entropic hydrology.

Dilip Trivedi is new CRPF chief

On 17 August Senior IPS officer Dilip Trivedi has been appointed as the new chief of the country’s largest paramilitary force CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force). Trivedi, a 1978-batch officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre has served in various positions in the state police and has also served in the Centre as ADG of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.He succeeded Pranay Sahay who retired on 31 July 2013.

Virginius Xaxa Committee To Asses Status Of Scheduled Tribes

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

18 August 2013

Cincinnati Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners

Women’s Singles :- On 18 August Victoria Azarenka of Belarus won the Cincinnati Tennis Tournament women’s singles




title.Azarenka defeated Serena Williams of the U.S in the final at Cincinnati (U.S ) Men’s Singles :- In the Men’s category Rafael Nadal (Spain) has won the title for the first time.He defeated John Isner (U.S) in the final.Nadal’s five Masters titles this season are a career best. He’s tied with Novak Djokovic for most Masters titles in a season since 1990. He’s won seven of the nine Masters events during his career.

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

In the month of August ” My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions” by former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was launched by the Rupa Publication.In his new book Kalam shares the inspiration and the lessons he learned from personal stories of his life. The book describes the lesser known events from his life.

19 August 2013

India & Bangladesh signed MoU on Textiles Cooperation

On 19 August India and Bangladesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in textiles.The Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Zohra Chatterjee and the Sr. Secretary, Textiles, Bangladesh, Ashraful Moqbul have signed this MoU for cooperation in Textile sector, in the presence of the Union Minister for Textiles, Dr. Kavuru Sambasiva Rao, the Minister of Textiles Bangladesh, Abdul Latif Siddique and Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Textiles, Panabaka Lakshmi, in New Delhi.

Singapore Honours Indian Librarian Rasu Ramachandran For Contribution To Field

On 19 August Singapore has honoured Indian origin librarian, Rasu Ramachandran, for his contributions to the development of




the library profession over the past four decades.Ramachandran received Lifetime Contribution Award from Singapore President Tony Tan at a ceremony .Ramachandran, who joined the library in 1969, has helped draft the National Library Board (NLB) Act in 1995 which established the library with more flexibility and freedom to expand.Ramachandran served as a deputy chief executive officer of NLB for four years (2000-04), and as the secretary-general of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) for a year.The awards were given as part of Singapore hosting the 79th IFLA World Library and Information Congress.

20 August 2013

Muslims Have Lowest Living Standard In India

On 20 August According to the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) study titled ‘Employment and Unemployment Situation Among Major Religious Groups in India’ among various religious groups,Muslims have the lowest living standard in the country * According to the survey data , Muslims average per capita expenditure of just Rs 32.66 in a day.At the other end of the spectrum, Sikh community enjoys a much better lifestyle as the average per capita spending among them is Rs 55.30 per day, while the same for Hindus is Rs 37.50. For Christians it is Rs 51.43. * At all-India level, the average monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) of a Sikh household was Rs 1,659 while that for a Muslim household was Rs 980 in 2009-10.The average MPCE for Hindus and Christians were Rs 1,125 and Rs 1,543, respectively.The survey said that average monthly per capita consumption at all-India level was Rs 901 in villages and Rs1,773 in cities. Overall, the average MPCE was Rs 1,128. * Muslims were at the bottom in rural areas, with an average MPCE of Rs 833, followed by Hindus at Rs 888, Christians at Rs1,296 and Sikhs 1,498. * In urban areas, Muslims’ average MPCE was also the lowest at Rs 1,272 followed by Hindus at Rs 1,797, Christians Rs 2,053 and Sikhs at Rs 2,180.




Dhoni Beats Rafael Nadal – Usain Bolt In ‘ Forbes ‘ List Of Highest – Paid Athletes

On 20 August Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been ranked 16th in the latest ‘Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes with an earning of $31.5 million (around Rs.180 crore).In the list, he was placed above Rafael Nadal and Usain Bolt.As per the latest Forbes list of highest-paid athletes in the world, dhoni earned $31.5 million between June 2012 and June 2013.List of places don above F1 Fernando Alonso, who is on the 19th, Lewis Hamilton on the 26th, Novak Djokovic on the 28th, Rafael Nadal is in 30th place, and Usain Bolt in the 40th grade.Doni has risen 15 places in this year’s list. It took 31 th rank in the last year. Sachin Tendulkar is the only Indian athlete, who is one of the rank of 31 and a total annual revenue of $ 22 million (Rs 125 crore).List is topped by golfer Tiger Woods, who made $ 78.1 million last year, followed by Roger Federer, who earned $ 71.5 million, basketball player Kobe Bryant with earnings of $ 61.9 million.The calculation is based on earnings estimates, which includes salaries, bonuses and cash prizes from both the club and the national team, as well as approval of revenue.

5th India – China Strategic Dialogue Held In Delhi

The 5th India-China Strategic Dialogue was held at New Delhi on 20 August .The Indian side was led by Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh and the Chinese side was led by Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin.The two sides discussed several issues including enhancing understanding on the utilization of trans-border river waters, expanding bilateral trade and investment while addressing problems of the large and growing deficit faced by India, ways of maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the India-China border areas, methods of boosting cultural cooperation as well as people-to-people exchanges and expansion of scientific and technological cooperation.




Sonia Gandhi Launches ‘Food Security Scheme’ In Delhi

On 20 August Congress president Sonia Gandhi launched the Centre-Sponsored ‘ Food security scheme ‘on the occasion of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s 69th birth Anniversary.Delhi was the first state to implement the scheme.Under the scheme, a total of 73.5 lakh people will get foodgrain at highly subsidised rates.The food security programme would provide subsidised grains for 67 per cent of the population and would see government spending an estimated Rs. 1,25,000 crore to supply 62 million tonnes of grains. Under the scheme, beneficiaries would get wheat at Rs. 2 a kg, rice at Rs. 3 a kg and coarse grain at Rs. 1 a kg.Congress party ruled northern states Haryana and Uttarakhand have also launched this scheme.

Renowned Rationalist Narendra Dabholkar Shot Dead In Pune

On 20 August Maharashtra’s Renowned rationalist Narendra Dabholkar ,who fought for a law against superstition and black magic, was shot dead in Pune in Maharashtra.Narendra Achyut Dabholkar was an Indian rationalist and author from Maharashtra. He was the founder-president of Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS), an organization set up to eradicate superstition.Dabholkar started focusing on eradication of superstition, and joined the Akhil Bharatiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (ABANS). In 1989, he founded the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (“Committee for Eradication of Superstition in Maharashtra”), and campaigned against superstitions, confronting dubious tantriks and claimed holy men who promised ‘miracle cures’ for ailments.In 2010, Dabholkar made several failed attempts to get an anti-superstition law enacted in the state of Maharashtra. Under his supervision, MANS drafted the Anti-Jaadu Tona Bill (Anti-Black Magic Bill).

21 August 2013

India Third Largest Internet Using Nation




On 21 August According to research firm com Score latest report titled “India Digital Future in Focus 2013 ” , India with 73.9 million Net users is the world’s third largest Internet population, overtaking Japan (4th position) but behind China (First position) and the US. (Second position) Riding on a 31 per cent year-on-year increase, India’s online population grew to 73.9 million.With an extended online universe in excess of 145 million the market is at a tipping point for online businesses.India overtook Japan by adding 17.6 million users in 2012.Of the total 644 million home and work internet users in Asia-Pacific as of March 2013, China accounted for a lion’s share of 54 per cent followed by India (11.5 per cent), Japan (11.4 per cent), Southeast Asia(9.6 per cent) and rest of APAC (13.5 per cent).

Maharashtra Cabinet Approved “Anti-Black Magic and Superstition Ordinance”

On 21 August the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the “Anti-Black Magic and Superstition Ordinance” after the death of anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar.The decision was taken by the state cabinet in wake up of the protests that followed after the murder of Dabhokar in Pune on 20 August 2013.Dabholkar was at the forefront of a campaign to persuade the Maharashtra government to pass an anti-superstition and black magic bill.

Robert Mugabe Sworn In As Zimbabwe President

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

22 August 2013

21st Round Bhutan-China Border Talks

The 21st round of the boundary talks between the government of Bhutan and People’s Republic of China was held in Bhutan’s




capital Thimphu on 22 August.The Bhutanese delegation was led by Lyonpo Rinzin Dorje, Foreign Minister.The Chinese delegation was led by Mr. Liu Zhenrrin, Vice Foreign Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The meeting agreed to conduct Joint Technical Field Survey in the first week of September 2013 in Pasamlung area in Bumthang.The two sides expressed satisfaction with the talks and reaffirmed their commitment to resolve the boundary at the earliest through mutual consultation, understanding and accommodation on the basis of the Four Guiding Principles agreed to in 1988 and the 1998 Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility in the Bhutan-China Border Areas.China shares a contiguous border of 470 kilometres with Bhutan and its territorial disputes with the country have been a source of potential conflict.

India and Israel Signed MoU for Crop Diversification

On 22 August India and Israel have signed an MoU for setting up Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for developing fruits and vegetables to encourage crop diversification pattern.Haryana and Maharashtra covered in phase I while states such as Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Gujarat and are being covered in Phase-II (2012-15).

Cabinet Approved Amendments To Negate SC ruling On Convicted MPs and MLAs

On 22 August the Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Representation of People Act to negate a Supreme Court order on immediate disqualification of convicted MPs and MLAs.The development came after all major political parties backed the government on the move to amend the Act to negate the impact of the apex court verdict directing immediate disqualification of MPs and MLAs on being sentenced for more than two years in a criminal case.The Cabinet also approved amending the Constitution for overturning the SC ruling, which barred people in police or judicial custody from contesting polls. The two




proposals were approved in the form of amendments to the Representation of People Act .

Afghan Vice-President Mohammad Karim Khalili Visited India

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

23 August 2013

India and Iraq Signed Energy Cooperation Agreement

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

Indians Third Largest Immigrant Group In US

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




just two states- California and New Jersey.More than a quarter of them lived in three major metropolitan areas- New York, Chicago and San Jose.Two per cent of all unauthorised immigrants in the United States were also from India.

Boeing Delivered Indian Air Force’s 3rd C-17 Globemaster III

On 23 August the third Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifter was delivered to Indian Air Force (IAF).The C-17 is a large, versatile military transport aircraft able to carry heavy, oversize loads long distances and land on rough and unprepared surfaces. It has been used in humanitarian and military missions around the world .It joins the first and second India C-17 airlifters, which arrived in June and July, respectively.In operation since 1991, the C-17 is a large, versatile military transport aircraft able to carry heavy, oversize loads long distances and land on rough and unprepared surfaces. It has been used in humanitarian and military missions around the world

Vice President Releases Book “Ghalib & His Times”

The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari released a book entitled “Ghalib & His Times” brought out by Ghalib Institute on 23 August .The book portrays history through photographs and is a very valuable book for all to know the contemporary history. Ghalib Institute, New Delhi since its establishment in 1969, has endeavored to acquire and preserve illustrations about Ghalib’s life and times and his eminent contemporaries. The book has tried to revive through illustration that was lost.India and Delhi of Ghalib’s times is immensely important from historical angle.

24 August 2013

Sania Mirza – Jie Zheng pair Won New Haven Open Title

On 24 August India’s Sania Mirza won the women’s doubles title at the New Haven Open Tennis tournament along with her partner Jie Zheng of China.Sania and Jie defeated the pair of Anabel Medina Garrigues (Spain) and Katarina Srebotnik




(Slovenia) in the final at Yale.This is Sania Mirza’s 17th WTA doubles title and the third Title in 2013.

US Scientists Created World’s Most Accurate Clock

US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) scientists have built the world’s most accurate clock, whose ticking rate varies less than two parts in one quintillion, or 10 times better than any other.The clock, made from the element ytterbium, could be used for technological advancements beyond timekeeping, such as navigation systems, magnetic fields and temperature.

25 August 2013

Leander Paes – Daniel Nestor pair Won Winston-Salem Open Trophy

On 25 August India’s Leander Paes won Winston-Salem Open Tennis tournament title along with his partner Canadian Daniel Nestor . Nestor and Paes defeated Treat Huey (Philippines) and Dominic Inglot (Britain) in the final.Nestor become the first doubles player to reach the 900 match wins milestone.

Sebastian Vettel Won Belgian Grand Prix

On 25 August Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel won the Belgian Grand Prix .The defending triple world champion came home a comfortable 16.869 seconds ahead of second-placed Spaniard Fernando Alonso of Ferrari with Hamilton third for Mercedes.

Per Capita Income Up 6.7% in 2004-12

On 25 August According to official sources data ,the per capita income in the country increased 6.7 per cent per annum during 2004-05 to 2011-12, while the percentage of poor declined by 2.2 per cent over the period.For 2011-12, the Planning Commission




has estimated percentage of people living below the poverty line at 21.9 per cent.The poverty line in 2011-12 in terms of monthly per capita consumption expenditure was estimated at Rs 816 in rural areas and Rs 1,000 in urban areas.State-wise, Uttar Pradesh had highest number of people living below poverty line during 2011-12 at 598.19 people below poverty line out of every lakh.It was followed by Bihar at 358.15 people (per lakh), Madhya Pradesh 234.04 people, Maharashtra 197.92 people and West Bengal at 184.98 people living below the poverty line.

Eminent Classical Singer Raghunath Panigrahi Died

On 25 August Eminent Indian classical singer and music director Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi died in Bhubaneswar.Pandit Panigrahi’s effort to popularise poet Jayadeva’s ‘Gita Govinda’.Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi was born at Gunupur in Odisha’s Rayaga (earlier Koraput) district.Pandit Raghunath was the first Odia singer to be honoured by the French government for his ‘Gita Govinda’ composition way back in the 70s.He was also conferred with the Padmashri award in the year 2010.

Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Visited India

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

26 August 2013




Lok Sabha Passed ‘National Food Security Bill, 2013′

On 26 August Lok Sabha passed the ‘National Food Security Bill, 2013′.The Bill seeks to give legal rights to get subsidized grains every month to 67 percent of the overall population (of which 75 percent is rural and 50 percent is urban population).A beneficiary will be entitled to 5 kg of rice, wheat or coarse cereals at Rs. 3, Rs. 2 and Re. 1 per kg a month, respectively.The beneficiaries will be identified by the States based on parameters prescribed by the Union government.Once the Bill gets its nod in the Rajya Sabha and President’s accent, India will join the selected league of countries that guarantee food grants to a majority of its population.

Rajya Sabha Passed ‘The Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010′

On 26 August the Rajya Sabha passed a bill to amend marriage laws to provide for irretrievable breakdown of marriage as a ground for divorce, subject to certain safeguards to the wife and affected children.The Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010 was passed by voice vote. It seeks to amend the Hindu Marriage Act 1955 and the Special Marriages Act, 1954.Under the new bill, a provision has been made to restrict the grant of decree of divorce on the ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage if the court is satisfied that adequate provision for the maintenance of children born out of the marriage has not been made consistently with the financial capacities of the parents.The bill allows wife to oppose grant of divorce on the ground that a dissolution of marriage will result in grave financial hardships. The court can also restrict grant of divorce if it is not satisfied about adequate provision for maintenance of children born of marriage.

27 August 2013

Malala Yousafzai Wins International Children’s Peace Prize

On 27 August Pakistani school pupil and education activist Malala Yousafzai won the International Children’s Peace Prize 2013. The International Children’s Peace Prize is an initiative of




the Amsterdem-based Dutch KidsRights Foundation. It was launched in the year 2005 by former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, when he chaired the Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome. Since then, the prize has been awarded every year by a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. The prize is presented annually to an exceptional child, whose courageous or otherwise remarkable actions have made a difference in countering problems, which affect children around the world.

Madonna Tops ‘ Forbes’ 2013 Highest-Paid Celebrities List

On 27 August According to Forbes ’2013 list of highest-paid celebrities ‘ Madonna was the world’s highest-earning celebrity in 2012-13.Madonna made $US125 million between June 2012 and June 2013.Veteran film director Steven Spielberg took second place in the list, while musical talent show mogul Simon Cowell tied for third with Fifty Shades of Grey author EL James and disc jockey Howard Stern.

Mandela Is The First Recipient Of ‘Mahathir Award ‘ For Global Peace

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

28 August 2013

Brigalia Bam Awarded with Gandhi Peace Prize




On 28 August Brigalia Bam, former head of South Africa’s election body, received the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Peace and Reconciliation her commitment to democracy.The award was created in 2003 to mark the centenary of a newspaper, Indian Opinion, published in South Africa by Gandhi. It was created in memory of Mahatma Gandhi who began his socio-political life in South Africa and struggled ceaselessly for justice and for peace and reconciliation.

Indian-origin Cardiologist Named White House Fellow

On 28 August Dr Kapil Parakh, an Indian-origin cardiologist working in Washington area, is among a dozen people chosen by the White House for its prestigious fellowship programme for 2013-14.Dr Parakh is the director of heart failure at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Centre and assistant professor in the Departments of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Health Behaviour and Society.Dr Parakh is the co-founder of Health for America, a non-profit that mobilises youth to improve the health of communities through innovation while shaping the next generation of leaders.

Scientists Discovered New Element 115

An international team at the GSI research facility in Germany have confirmed the existence of a new element with atomic number 115, verifying earlier measurements performed by research groups in Russia. By bombarding a thin film of americium with calcium ions, the research team was able to measure photons in connection with the new element’s alpha decay. Certain energies of the photons agreed with the expected energies for X-ray radiation, which is a ‘fingerprint’ of a given element.The scientists have not named it yet but for time being it will be referred as, Ununpentium.

29 August 2013

Lok Sabha Passed ‘Land Acquisition Bill ‘




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

27 crore People Live Below Poverty Line In India

India’s population was estimated at 123 crore as of March 1, 2012, while as many as 27 crore people lived below the poverty line in 2011-12, Minister of State for Planning Rajeev Shukla explained in a written reply to Rajya Sabha on 29 August.As per the Population Census of 2011 conduced by the Office of Registrar General of India, the population in the country was estimated at 121 crore as of March 1, 2011.The poverty ratio in the country has decreased to 21.9 per cent in 2011-12 from 37.2 per cent in 2004-05.The rate of decline between 2004-05 and 2011-12 is three times faster than experienced between 1993-94 and 2004-05.As per the Millennium Development Goals Report 2013, the poverty rate in India fell from 49 per cent in 1994 to 42 per cent in 2005 and 33 per cent in 2010.

India’s First Defence Satellite GSAT-7 Launched Successfully

India’s first exclusive defence satellite GSAT-7 was successfully launched by European space consortium Arianespace’s Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou spaceport in French Guiana on 30 August.This launch will push ahead India’s maritime security.GSAT–7 has been built at an expense of 185 crore rupees and will act as the country’s maiden dedicated spacecraft for defence applications.The frequency bands of GSAT-7 will help space-based marine communications.The state-of-the-art satellite carrying payloads operating in UHF, S, C and Ku bands, had a lift-off mass of 2625 kg and is based on ISRO’s 2500 kg satellite bus with some new technological elements, including the




antennae.According to ISRO, GSAT-7 is an advanced communication satellite to provide wide range of service spectrum from low bit rate voice to high bit rate data communication.The satellite solar arrays generate 2900 W of electrical power.Payload of the GSAT–7 is designed to provide communication capabilities to users in distant oceanic regions.The launch cost for ISRO is nearly Rs 470 crore, including insurance.

Australia’s Aaron Finch Hits T20 World Record

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

Most Wanted Indian Mujahideen Terrorist Yasin Bhatka Arrested

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

” Dhyan Chand – The Wizard of Hockey ” Book Released

The first-of-its-kind graphic biography on former Indian Hockey player Dhyan Chand titled “” Dhyan Chand-The Wizard of Hockey “” was launched at Dhyanchand Stadium in New Delhi on 29 August .The biography was launched on the National Sports Day to commemorate the 108th birth anniversary of the legend.The




book has been written by Luis Fernandes, who researched extensively on the subject.The book is being printed by comic-series publication Amar Chitra Katha.The book focussed on Dhyan Chand’s achievements and goal-scoring feats at 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympics that got him the title The Wizard.

Second ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting – Plus Held In Brunei

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



News & Politics

08 ca aug 2013 datewise