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<div>A Token number to be issued for each complaint for future reference<br /> IT Experts working in 3-shifts to operate the Public Grievance Cell<br /> Kerala Chief Minister’s Office had earlier introduced the ’round-the-clock<br /> webcasting’ in order to make certain transparency in the system of working<br /> Ramon Magsaysay Awards 2011<br /> HARISH HANDE<br /> India<br /> Entrepreneur based in Karnataka, was quote for his efforts to provide<br /> affordable solar power to more than one million poor. Harish Hande co-founded<br /> SELCO INDIA, a social venture, to eradicate poverty by promoting sustainable<br /> technologies in rural India. SELCO INDIA has installed solar lighting systems in over 1<br /> lakh 20,000 households in the rural areas of Gujarat and Karnataka<br /> NILEEMA MISHRA<br /> India<br /> Maharashtra born, established a centre that provides small loans to farmers,<br /> plus self-help projects for small villages. At the ceremony, she stressed on the need<br /> for self-sufficiency and social reform.<br /> ALTERNATIVE INDIGENOUS DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION, INC.<br /> (AIDFI)<br /> Based in the central Philippine province of Negros Occidental, was also cited<br /> for its work in combating rural poverty.<br /> Hasanain Juaini<br /> Indonesia<br /> Established an Islamic boarding school for girls<br /> KOUL PANHA<br /> Cambodia<br /> Founder of a group that advocates for free and fair elections in his country’s nascent<br /> democracy<br /> TRI MUMPUNI<br /> Indonesia<br /> Entrepreneur, who has built community-run hydropower plants in rural communities</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: October 21-24, 2011<br /> 2011-10-24 07:10:24 GKToday<br /> Suo-motto action by Government in opposition to deceptive<br /> advertisements<br /> A self-governing authority being established to take suo motu action against<br /> deceptive advertisements.<br /> The agency will comprise of experts from a variety of fields to verify the<br /> overstated claims about their products and services in their advertisements. I&B<br /> Ministry in talk with other stakeholders to sketch the policy at the soonest.<br /> Currently, the Food Processing, Health and Information and Broadcasting<br /> Ministries are dealing with deceptive advertisements under a variety of<br /> legislations independently.<br /> 68 th Azad Hind Haqoomat Day celebrated by Assam<br /> 68 th Azad Hind Haqoomat Day was celebrated in Guwahati.<br /> Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind (Provisional Government of Free India) was<br /> an Indian provisional government established in Singapore on October 21, 1943.<br /> Founded on October 21, 1943, the government was inspired by the concepts of<br /> Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose who was also the leader of the government and the<br /> Head of State of this Provisional Indian Government in Exile.<br /> Supreme Court allows F1 race and desires 25% of its sale proceeds<br /> reserved<br /> The Supreme Court passed a provisional order on the appeal demanding tax<br /> exemptions allowed to the organisers of the Formula 1 race in Greater Noida. SC<br /> held that the organisers would deposit 25% of sale proceeds from tickets in a<br /> separate account which would not be operated without its permission. The<br /> An investment protection agreement inked b/w India and Nepal<br /> An investment protection agreement inked b/w India and Nepal. Objective: It will<br /> augment investment in the two countries and give additional thrust to the<br /> developmental activities in Nepal. India is occupied in various development<br /> projects counting construction of power projects and its delivery in the Himalayan<br /> region.<br /> Chaudhary Charan Singh HAU, Hisar declared as ‘Centre of excellence for<br /> Pearl Millet (Bajra)’<br /> Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar was approved by<br /> the Union Agriculture Ministry has approved as a Centre of Excellence for pearl millet<br /> (Bajra) . Rs. 1 Crore has been authorized to popularize bajra , known as the primary<br /> food of the poor.<br /> Joint Venture b/w Bharti Enterprises (India) and Softbank (Japan)<br /> Bharti Softbank Holdings Pvt. Ltd, a 50:50 Joint Venture was formed b/w the Bharti<br /> Enterprises (the parent company of Airtel) and Japanese internet firm SoftBank<br /> Corp for offering mobile internet services in India.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : October 15, 2011<br /> 2011-10-15 15:10:57 GKToday<br /> RBI enhances per transaction limit to $ 3,000 for exporters<br /> RBI increased the limit for holding foreign currency abroad to $3,000 per<br /> transaction for exporters against the existing $ 500. As per the RBI, the RBI the<br /> verdict taken for export related remittal obtained via Online Payment Gateway<br /> Service Providers (OPGSPS). The provision is just offered in case of online<br /> transactions.<br /> Special battalion of SDRF to be raised in Sikkim<br /> Obtaining a key lesson via the disastrous Earthquake that induced great scale<br /> destruction in the State the previous month, the Sikkim Govt has now determined<br /> to hoist a battalion of State Disaster Response Force. Objective: To handle such<br /> calamities in times to come.<br /> The projected State Disaster Response Force to be equipped and trained on<br /> the lines of the National Disaster Response Force, pulling its workforce from the<br /> Para-military and police forces of the State Government itself.<br /> UN suspends partial aid to Kenyan refugee camp<br /> United Nations has provisionally freezed all non-life saving support operations in<br /> the world’s biggest refugee camp in Kenya subsequent to the kidnapping of two<br /> Spanish aid workers near the Kenya-Somalia border. Several staff members have<br /> been limited to their offices, pushing the annulment of services like education,<br /> counselling and the relocation of families awaiting further notice.<br /> ‘Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award’ conferred on Professor Yashpal<br /> The President Ms Pratibha Devisingh Patil bestowed the esteemed Lal Bahadur<br /> Shastri National Award to famous Scientist and Educationist, Professor Yashpal for<br /> the year 2011 for distinction in the fields of Public Administration, Academics and<br /> Management.<br /> Nobel Memorial Wall Exhibition opens at Delhi Metro Rail stations<br /> The Nobel Memorial Wall Exhibition collectively inaugurated by Embassy of<br /> Sweden and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, DMRC at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station,<br /> New Delhi. Objective: To spread awareness about all the Nobel Laureates from<br /> India. It will be open at the Rajiv Chowk and Huda City Centre Metro stations.<br /> Indian Nobel Laureates are being honoured as a part of the 5 th edition of The<br /> Sweden India Nobel Memorial Week.<br /> Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck marries commoner Jetsun<br /> Pema<br /> Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck tied the nuptial knot<br /> with his childhood friend and India-educated commoner Ms Jetsun<br /> Pema in a traditional Buddhist ceremony at a fortress in Punakha, the<br /> historical city, 71 km from capital Thimphu.</div> <div>existing Darjeeling-Gurkha Hill Council<br /> Centre to provide a `<br /> 600 Crore economic package to the proposed Gurkha Land Territorial<br /> Administration in Darjeeling for development work under each jurisdiction<br /> The fund to be released by the Centre over 3 years, starting from 2011</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : October 10, 2011<br /> 2011-10-10 15:10:26 GKToday<br /> CL-T20: Mumbai Indians the Champions<br /> Mumbai Indians won the CL (Champions League) Twenty20 cricket tournament<br /> thrashing Royal Challengers Bangalore in the finale<br /> In order to counterpunch Euro Zone debt crisis, Angela & Nicolas suggest<br /> all-inclusive packages<br /> Angela Merkel (German Chancellor) and Nicolas Sarkozy (French President)<br /> declared to deliver a comprehensive bundle of offers to resolve the euro zone<br /> sovereign debt crisis and support financially-disturbed European banks by the<br /> October, 2011 last.<br /> Jagjit Singh, the Ghazal Maestro passes away<br /> Jagjit Singh (70), the Ghazal Maestro passed away.<br /> Jagjit Singh ascended to prominence in 1970s and 1980s when he sang<br /> duet Ghazals with Chitra Singh(his wife).<br /> Jagjit Singh had sung in numerous Indian languages viz. Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi,<br /> Nepali, Punjabi, Sindhi and Urdu. In 2003 the Padma Bhushan (India’s 3 rd highest<br /> civilian honour) was conferred on him.<br /> He was the 1 st Indian composer, and jointly with his spouse Chitra Singh the<br /> foremost recording artiste in the entire history of Indian music to use digital multitrack<br /> recording for their album, Beyond Time (1987) – India’s first digitally<br /> recorded album.<br /> India to assist Sri Lanka in reconstruction of Schools<br /> India to assist Sri Lanka in reconstruction of 79 Schools in the war-affected<br /> Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The cost of the project will be around 160 million<br /> Sri Lankan rupees. India inked a MoU with Sri Lanka in this regard. India will also<br /> assume the job on renovation of the Tirukoteeswaram Temple in Mannar.<br /> ‘Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration’ to be awarded to Former<br /> Union Minister Mohan Dharia<br /> Mr. Mohan Dharia, Former Union Minister chosen for the 26 th Indira<br /> Gandhi Award for National Integration for encouraging and maintaining<br /> spirit of national integration.<br /> The award bears a citation and a Rs 5 Lakh cash prizes. Chairperson of<br /> the committee for Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration, Sonia<br /> Gandhi to deliver the honour to Mr. Dharia at a gathering on October 31, 2011.<br /> A Bilateral Trade objective of $2 Billion by 2012 fixed by India and the<br /> Czech Republic<br /> Elevating their economic cooperation, India and the Czech Republic set an objective of a bilateral trade volume of $2<br /> billion by 2012. The present volume is $1.3 billion.<br /> The decision in New Delhi b/w the visiting Czech Minister for Industry & Trade, Martin Kocourek and Commerce and</div> <div>Objective: It is aimed at enhancing flow of long term debt to fund infrastructure<br /> development<br /> IDF may be set up either as a trust or company<br /> A Trust based IDF will be regulated by the SEBI, while an Company based IDF<br /> will be regulated by the RBI<br /> The IDF would attempt to attain resources from domestic and off-shore<br /> institutional investors, especially insurance and pension funds<br /> IDF was proposed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in this year’s<br /> Budget<br /> The requirement of infrastructure in the 12th Plan has been pegged at $ 1<br /> Trillion<br /> Proposals exchanged b/w India and Pakistan on conventional, nuclear<br /> confidence-building measures<br /> India and Pakistan exchanged numerous proposals on conventional and nuclear<br /> confidence-building measures<br /> Proposal for admitting cruise missile tests in the existent bilateral agreement on<br /> Pre-Notification Of Flight Testing Of Ballistic Missiles, signed in October<br /> 2005, was considered by the Indian side during talks b/w the Foreign Secretaries<br /> on peace and security<br /> Making a reference to the recent nuclear accident at the Fukushima atomic plant<br /> in Japan after a disturbing Earthquake and Tsunami, Pakistani side proposed that<br /> the two sides could work together to address similar safety concerns<br /> The existing agreement between India and Pakistan on pre-notification of missile<br /> tests covers surface-to-surface ballistic missiles<br /> In the nuclear field, a leading Confidence Building Measure is the annual exchange<br /> of lists of nuclear installations of the two countries<br /> Training Programme for young lawyers launched by Government<br /> Government launched an aspirational Training Programme – Rajiv Gandhi<br /> Adhivakta Prashikshan Yojana<br /> for young lawyers practicing in Magistrate and Munsif courts<br /> Objective: To give inspiration and support to young lawyers<br /> Under the scheme 2 Months Professional Training will be given to the<br /> advocates so that they may serve the need of law professionals at the grass root<br /> level<br /> Initially each year, 10 practicing young advocates from every state will be<br /> selected for imparting the training and subsequently their numbers will be<br /> increased in the coming years<br /> Mr. Veerapa Moily: Union Law Minister<br /> Congress Working Committee endorses Government’s approach on Lokpal<br /> Bill<br /> CWC (Congress Working Committee) endorsed the Government’s approach to the<br /> Lokpal Bill<br /> Working Committee held the undisputed view that the Government should not<br /> submit to the any other external pressure<br /> The highest policy making body of the party met under the chairmanship of its<br /> President Mrs. Sonia Gandhi<br /> DTAA amended by India and Singapore</div> <div>Official retirement age abolished by Britain<br /> Official retirement age in Britain abolished<br /> The fresh laws stop employers pressurizing employees to leave their jobs as they<br /> reach the 65<br /> Now, the companies will have to give objective reasons for asking someone to go<br /> away their job on grounds of age<br /> Export of Endosulfan allowed by Supreme Court of India<br /> The apex Court of India permitted the export of more than 1 million tons of contentious insecticide Endosulfan to those countries from whom<br /> export orders have been received by the manufacturers in India, subject to strict monitoring by Customs and Environment Ministry officials<br /> FDI Limit for FM radio from 20% to 26%<br /> FDI Limit for terrestrial broadcasting and FM radio was increased from 20% to 26% by the Govt<br /> TRAI in 2010 made essential recommendations debating that escalating the limit will<br /> assist the 3 rd phase for FM radio, which experience 806 FM stations across 217 cities<br /> 63 rd All India Prize Money Independence Day Cup Football Tournament: Siliguri Club wins<br /> Nagaon (Assam), 63 rd<br /> Independence Cup Football: Siliguri SSB Club lifted the Cup<br /> First ever Double Decker Train flagged off in Howrah<br /> The first ever Double Decker Train was flagged off at a function in<br /> Howrah station<br /> The fully air conditioned Double Decker Train to run b/w Howrah and<br /> Dhanbad 5-days in a week<br /> Typhoon ‘Nesat’ hits china<br /> One million people in the southern Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region of China<br /> affected by typhoon ‘Nesat’<br /> The weather bureau warned of a second typhoon, ‘Nalgae’ that is likely to strike<br /> Guangxi around Wednesday, October 5, 2011<br /> Indian Navy’s 4 th fleet Tanker Shakti commissioned<br /> Indian Navy’s 4 th fleet Tanker Shakti was commissioned by Chief of<br /> Naval Staff, Admiral Nirmal Verma, at the Naval Dockyard in<br /> Visakhapatnam<br /> Shakti is built at the Fincantieri Shipyard, Italy</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 10, 2011<br /> 2011-09-10 18:09:27 GKToday<br /> 58 th National Film Awards<br /> 58 th National Film Awards presented to the best of Indian Cinema<br /> released during the year 2010<br /> President Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil today presented the 58 th National<br /> Film Awards for the year 2010 at a function in New Delhi<br /> Veteran Film maker K. Balachander conferred on prestigious the Dada Saheb<br /> Phalke Award for the year – 2010 for outstanding contribution to the growth and<br /> development of Indian Cinema<br /> List of winners:<br /> Dada Saheb Phalke Award for the year –<br /> 2010: K. Balachander<br /> FEATURE FILMS<br /> BEST LYRICS: Vairamuthu for BEST FEATURE FILM: Adaminte<br /> Makan Abu (Malayalam)<br /> INDIRA GANDHI AWARD FOR BEST DEBUT FILM OF A<br /> DIRECTOR: Baboo Band Baaja (Marathi)<br /> AWARD FOR BEST POPULAR FILM PROVIDING WHOLESOME<br /> ENTERTAINMENT:Dabangg (Hindi)<br /> NARGIS DUTT AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE FILM ON NATIONAL<br /> INTEGRATION:Moner Manush (Bengali)<br /> BEST FILM ON SOCIAL ISSUES: Champions (Marathi)<br /> BEST FILM ON ENVIRONMENT<br /> CONSERVATION/PRESERVATION: Bettada Jeeva(Kannada)<br /> BEST CHILDREN’S FILM: Hejjegalu (Kannada)<br /> BEST DIRECTION: Vetrimaran for Aadukalam (Tamil)<br /> BEST ACTOR: Dhanush for Aadukalam (Tamil) and Salim Kumar<br /> for Adaminte Makan Abu (Malayalam)<br /> BEST ACTRESS: Mitalee Jagtap Varadkar for Baboo Band Baaja (Marathi)<br /> and Saranya Ponvannan for Thenmerkku Paruvakkatru (Tamil)<br /> BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: J Thambi Ramaiah for Mynaa (Tamil)<br /> BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Sukumari for Namma Gramam (Tamil)<br /> BEST CHILD ARTIST: Harsh Mayar for I am Kalam (Hindi), Shantanu<br /> Ranganekar and Machindra Gadkar for Champions (Marathi) and Vivek<br /> Chabukswar for Baboo Band Baaja (Marathi)<br /> BEST MALE PLAYBACK SINGER: Suresh Wadkar for Mee Sindhutai</div> <div>The fixing of the limits of Bangladesh ‘s outer continental shelf is expected to<br /> help in resolving its maritime boundary disputes with both India and Myanmar<br /> Bangladesh has filed a case with the International tribunal for the law of the seas<br /> to resolve its maritime boundary dispute with Myanmar while it has also initiated<br /> arbitration proceedings with India at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Hague<br /> under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea</div> <div>PPL to expand its Sulphuric Acid, Phosphoric Acid and Fertiliser plant<br /> Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL): Asia’s largest DAP (Diammonium<br /> Phosphate) Fertiliser plant<br /> PPL has lined up an expansion plan of ` 600 Crore for the next 3 years in setting<br /> up an all-new Sulphuric Acid plant with 2000 tonnes per day capacity, enhancing<br /> capacity and efficiency of its existing Sulphuric Acid, Phosphoric Acid and Fertiliser<br /> plant at its project site at Paradeep in Odisha<br /> Manku Thampuran dies<br /> Noted Musician and the First Chairperson of the Kerala<br /> Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, Manku Thampuran, died in<br /> Mysore<br /> She was 97<br /> She was an A Grade artist of All India Radio, and a disciple of<br /> Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar<br /> Senior most woman member (Valiyamma Thampuran) of the erstwhile<br /> Cochin royal family<br /> A recipient of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi fellowship, Manku<br /> Thampuran was awarded Sangeetha Sampoorna by the Sreepoornathrayeesha<br /> Sangeetha Sabha<br /> China issues stapled visas to sportspersons<br /> China issued stapled visas to the sportspersons from the state, due to which<br /> three Karatekas were unable to represent India in the 11th Asian Karate-do<br /> Championship being held at Quanghou City in Fujian province of China<br /> The Chinese Embassy in Delhi gave stapled visas to Karatekas Likha Lej, Tage Saa<br /> and Rei Yadi, with other two officials of Arunachal Karate Federation, which<br /> prevented them from flying to China<br /> Indian authorities at New Delhi’s IGI Airport had to turn them away because of the<br /> stapled visas<br /> Stapled Visa: When the visas for a visiting country are issued on a separate paper rather<br /> than on the passport it is called stapled visa. Often, the immigration officers won’t stamp<br /> a passport if it carries a stapled visa.<br /> NAIS covers over 17 Crore Farmers<br /> NAIS = National Agricultural Insurance Scheme<br /> As per the Union Agriculture Ministry, over 17 Crore farmers with total area of<br /> more than 2 Lakh ha have been covered under National Agricultural Insurance<br /> Scheme (NAIS)<br /> Claims of `<br /> 21,000 Crore are payable to over 4 Crore farmers<br /> Currently NAIS is operational in 25 States and two Union Territories<br /> Main objective of the scheme is to protect the farmers against the crop losses<br /> suffered on account of natural calamities and diseases. The Scheme is available to<br /> all the farmers irrespective of their land sizes</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : October 1, 2011<br /> 2011-10-01 15:10:21 GKToday<br /> October 1, 2011: World Elders Day<br /> October 1, 2011: World Elders Day observed<br /> To build consciousness about healthy ageing, Madhya Pradesh Government<br /> awarded those who have achieved 100 years of age with ‘Shatayu Samman’<br /> Life Expectancy in India rises to 65 years<br /> Life Expectancy in INDIA improved from 40 years in 1951 to 65 at present<br /> As a consequence the population of the elderly has augmented 4 times<br /> The count of senior citizens over the 60 was over 76 million per 2001 Census and<br /> now it is expected to reach over 170 million by 2026<br /> Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act which<br /> entitles senior citizens to claim maintenance from their children, is an effectual<br /> step towards the rising incidents of elderly abuse vastly due to speedy<br /> urbanization and thus rising trend of nuclear families<br /> Anwar al-Awlaki, Top Al-Qaeda militant killed in US air strike<br /> Anwar al-Awlaki, Top Al-Qaeda militant killed in a US air strike in Yemen<br /> US-born Awlaki reported by US officials as the chief of external<br /> operations of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula was supposed to be hiding in<br /> Yemen<br /> President Ms Pratibha Patil visits CERN, Geneva<br /> CERN: European Council for Nuclear Research, is one of the World’s biggest<br /> and most esteemed centres for scientific research<br /> President, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil visited CERN, Geneva<br /> India is an Observer member-State to CERN<br /> Around 200 scientists of Indian origin are working at CERN<br /> About 10,000 Engineers and Scientists, 5,000 contractors from around the World<br /> are working in this laboratory for opening up the mysteries of the universe<br /> For killing Salman Taseer, Quadri sentenced to death by Pakistan Court<br /> The anti-terrorism court of Rawalpindi, Pakistan found Mumtaz Qadri culpable of<br /> murdering the ex- Governor of Punjab Salman Taseer who had urged reform<br /> of a blasphemy law<br /> The court sentenced Quadri to death for killing the former Governor on an<br /> Islamabad street on January 4, 2011<br /> Qadri had confessed to killing Taseer, stating that he rejected to the Governor’s call to amend the blasphemy law</div> <div>It also recommended measures for reformation of national banking systems and a stern regularization of financial markets, including for<br /> commodity derivatives<br /> “Arogya Kosh” to establish by the Delhi Government to assist poor<br /> patients<br /> In order to render financial assistance to poor patients suffering from critical<br /> diseases, Delhi Government has resolved to establish “Delhi Arogya Kosh”<br /> An amount of Rs 100 Crore to be released for this Kosh<br /> BPL Card or Antodya Card holder Patients will be eligible for this scheme<br /> Maximum assistance of up to Rs 1.5 Lakh will be provided to the patient<br /> Nevertheless in case of certain treatments like kidney transplantation and liver<br /> transplantation, the maximum assistance up to Rs 2.5 Lakh will be admittable on<br /> one time basis<br /> Aurobindo, Diod form JV for Russian market<br /> Aurobindo Pharma (a Pharma firm) has formed a joint venture with Russian<br /> healthcare equipment company, Ojsc Diod<br /> They will manufacture and sell medicines in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan<br /> The Joint Venture named: Aurospharma<br /> Aurospharma Company, to set up a plant to make Non Penicillin and Non<br /> Cephalosporin Rx generics and other drugs that are categorized as Over-the-<br /> Counter products in Russia<br /> Chief Dave Cameron Award 2010 for WCCB<br /> WCCB (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau), selected for Chief Dave Cameron<br /> Award 2010 for distinction in Environmental Crimes Enforcement and<br /> Education by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)<br /> Award is presented to full-service law enforcement agencies that work to put into<br /> effect environmental laws and educate the public<br /> Award will be presented to the organization next month at the IACP Conference at<br /> Chicago, USA<br /> WCCB, is a statutory body of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India for fighting organized wildlife crime and transboundary<br /> illegal trade<br /> Tenure of the JPC collectively stretched by Lok Sabha<br /> The Lok Sabha collectively stretched the tenure of the JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee), looking into the allocation and pricing of telecom<br /> licenses and 2G spectrum, till the last day of the 2012 budget session<br /> In the beginning, the tenure of the 30-member JPC was to end on the last day of the 2011 monsoon session of the Parliament<br /> Following the demands of the Opposition, JPC was constituted on March 4, 2011<br /> This demand even hindered the Parliament’s winter session in 2010<br /> The JPC (20 members-Lok Sabha + 10 members-Rajya Sabha) was responsible for looking into the pricing of telecom licenses</div> <div></div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : June 24, 2011<br /> 2011-06-25 18:06:41 GKToday<br /> Export of 5 Lakh Tonnes of additional sugar under OPG (Open General<br /> License) allowed by the Centre<br /> Central Government allowed export of 5 Lakh Tonnes of additional sugar under<br /> the Open General Licence<br /> EGoM, headed by Pranab Mukherjee (Finance Minister) also decided to release 50<br /> lakh tonnes of foodgrains for sale to above poverty line families<br /> Sugar production in India which is the world’s 2 nd largest producer is estimated to<br /> be 24.2 million tonnes in this season whereas the annual domestic demand for<br /> sugar is only 22.5 million tones<br /> UK declares to construct 8 new Nuclear Power Plants<br /> UK to build 8 eight new Nuclear Power Plants to avoid energy crisis<br /> Secretary of State for Energy Chris Huhne announced the construction of the<br /> plants<br /> New Home Secretary: Raj Kumar Singh<br /> Raj Kumar Singh appointed new Home Secretary<br /> 1975-batch Bihar Cadre IAS officer<br /> To take charge after the current officeholder, Mr. G K Pillai who retires on<br /> June 30, 2011<br /> Mr. Raj Kumar Singh is currently Secretary Defence Production in the Ministry of<br /> Defence<br /> Also served as Joint Secretary in MoHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) earlier<br /> Mr. Raj Kumar Singh to serve a fixed tenure of 2 years from the day he assumes<br /> charge<br /> Centre stretches ceasefire with NDFB(P), DHD(N)<br /> Centre stretched ceasefire with illegitimate NDFB(P)-[National Democratic<br /> Front of Bodoland (Progressive)] and DHD(N) [Dima Halam Daogah<br /> (Nunicha)] factions of Assam by another 6 months<br /> Previously Suspension of Operations agreements b/w the Centre and the two<br /> outfits expires on June 30, 2011<br /> Judgment to this effect taken after dialogue with leaders of the two outfits and the<br /> Union Home Ministry representatives<br /> The two militant groups are at present engaged in political dialogue with the<br /> Centre to settle their issues harmoniously<br /> Last round of talk was held in Guwahati last week with the Centre’s interlocutor, P<br /> C Haldar<br /> Norms cleared by Government for setting up of IDF (Infrastructure Debt<br /> Fund)<br /> Government cleared norms for setting up of Infrastructure Debt Fund (IDF)</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : July 3-4, 2011<br /> 2011-07-04 11:07:23 GKToday<br /> 9 day long Lord Jagannath’s Rathyatra commences<br /> 9 day Long Rathyatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri, Odisha<br /> Why it is celebrated: To mark the annual visit of the God to<br /> his birthplace<br /> Deities Lord Jagannath, brother Balabhadra and<br /> sister Subhadra taken in their respective chariots<br /> The King of Puri Gajapati Maharaj did the traditional<br /> cleanse of the grand road by a golden broom after the deities<br /> were taken into the chariots<br /> In Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Rathyatra of Lord Jagannath began from the 400-yearold<br /> Jagannath temple in Jamalpur area<br /> The Rathyatra is taken out at 110 places in Gujarat, and the procession in<br /> Ahmedabad has the longest tradition<br /> Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi did the symbolic ‘road cleaning’ ahead of<br /> passage of chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balram and their sister, Subhadra<br /> In Delhi, processions taken out from Jagannath temples at Hauz Khas and<br /> Thyagaraja Nagar<br /> Yingiluck Shinawatra: First Woman Prime Minister of Thailand<br /> Yingluck Shinawatra (Leader of Pheu Thai Party and Sister of<br /> ousted Premier Thakshin Shinawatra)<br /> Yingluck Shinawatra became the First Woman Prime Minister of<br /> Thailand<br /> Yingluck, dubbed as Thaksin Shinawatra’s political proxy, will be the<br /> 28th prime minister of the country<br /> General elections were the first key electoral test for Government since mass<br /> demonstrations by Thaksin’s “Red Shirt” supporters last year paralysed Bangkok<br /> and caused the worst political violence in decades<br /> Novak Djokovic: Wimbledon’s Men’s Singles Champion 2011<br /> Novak Djokovic of Serbia<br /> Novak Djokovic won the Men’s Singles title in the Wimbledon Tennis<br /> Championships in London<br /> In Finals he defeated defending champion Rafael Nadal of Spain<br /> Djokovic won the title in his maiden appearance in the final<br /> Supreme Court constitutes a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to<br /> investigate black money cases<br /> Supreme Court appointed a high-level Special Investigation Team(SIT)<br /> Headed by: B.P.Jeevan Reddy (Former apex court judge)</div> <div>Governor Andrew Cuomo assured his consent to the bill when it arrives at his<br /> desk<br /> Thus, New York to become the 6th, and the most populous state in the US to<br /> approve same-sex marriage<br /> West Bengal Government strikes down Rajarhat Township land<br /> West Bengal Government to annul the acquisition of the 1,587 acres of land at<br /> Rajarhat Township near Kolkatta<br /> Notifications published by the preceding Left Front Government for acquiring the<br /> land to be recalled<br /> Government to set up Twenty Tourism Parks to draw additional<br /> international tourists<br /> Government to set up Twenty tourism parks in the country on the pattern of<br /> Sentosa theme park in Singapore<br /> To attract additional international tourists<br /> Each Tourism park will have a hotel, convention centre, food, street and<br /> entertainment and amusement facilities<br /> To be developed with an expenditure of total Rs 1,000 Crore rupees<br /> Every park to be established in area of about 50 acres of land and will be equipped<br /> with sufficient amenities such as haats, craft centres and amphitheatres for<br /> hosting cultural events<br /> Tourism Ministry also in the course of distinguishing 36 new tourist destinations<br /> nationwide</div> <div>It will also assist in accelerating the stretch of novel and renewable energy and<br /> energy conservation projects using Japanese experience.<br /> Soft Loan: A soft loan is a loan with a below-market rate of interest. This is also<br /> known as soft financing.<br /> India assures $10 mn for South Sudan development<br /> Grant of $10 million towards socio-economic development of South Sudan.<br /> Development in all sectors and to take core sectors on a priority basis such as<br /> education, rural development, health and agriculture.<br /> Lift 20 Lakh tons of food grains under OMSS : Centre asks State<br /> Governments<br /> Centre asks State Governments to lift 20,00,000 tons of Rice and Wheat under<br /> OMSS (Open Market Sale Scheme)<br /> This is in order to keep the prices under control<br /> To lift the allocated quantity of food grains from FCI go-downs on priority basis<br /> and to make arrangements to distribute it to retail consumer.<br /> Rates for allocation under OMSS are below the economic cost incurred by the Food<br /> Corporation of India.<br /> States can use their own cooperatives and SHGs (Self-Help Group) for distribution<br /> in order to pass the benefits of the scheme to the deserving.<br /> As per latest FCI report, the Government had 65 Million tons of wheat and rice till<br /> the end of last month in its go-downs across the country.<br /> Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution : Prof. K V<br /> Thomas<br /> 2 Loan agreements signed by India with ADB<br /> India and ADB (Asian Development Bank) signed two loan agreements<br /> Under this ADB will give $ 432 million for development of highways in MP and<br /> improving Power sector in Bihar.<br /> Of this amount, $300 million to MP to assist it in up gradation of about 1,000 KM<br /> highways in the Eastern and West Central parts while $132 million to Bihar to<br /> improve its power sector.<br /> The project will help uphold elevated economic growth and lessen poverty in MP<br /> The loan provided to Bihar will assist it improve its Power transmission and<br /> distribution system and lessen technical and commercial losses. It will also assist<br /> the state in attracting investment and tapping its Economic potential.<br /> The bank also probable to route an urban development loan for Bihar in 2011 and<br /> the second Power Improvement Project in 2014.</div> <div>with his 62 nd birthday<br /> The site of his fast is Gujarat University Convention<br /> Centre,Ahmedabad<br /> Support extended by INDIA to NTC of Libya<br /> INDIA held that it supports the NTC (National Transitional Council) of Libya<br /> India conveyed eagerness to stretch all feasible support to the Libyan<br /> people in their political transition, reformation activities<br /> Humanitarian aid worth $ 1 mn has been provided by India via UN-<br /> OCHA to Liby<br /> a and aid of a further $ 2 m is under process<br /> 981 hectares of land of INDIAN Railways underneath encroachment<br /> Around 981 hectares of land that belongs to Indian Railways is<br /> underneath encroachment<br /> Thus about 0.23% of the total land holding of 4.31 Lakh hectares of<br /> the Railways is under encroachment<br /> There has been no augmentation in encroachments during the last 3<br /> years ending March 31, 2011<br /> 220 hectares of the encroached land falls under the Northern Railway Zone<br /> MoU inked b/w IIFCL, LIC & IDFC in order to offer Takeout Finance for<br /> Infrastructure Projects<br /> MoU inked b/w IIFCL, LIC and IDFC in the presence of Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in order to offer Takeout Finance for<br /> infrastructure projects<br /> This MoU to offer for takeout up to 50% of the total project cost in the ratio of 20:20:10 by IIFCL, LIC and IDFC respectively<br /> The method is probable to assist financing to the tune of Rs. 30,000 Crore in the scheme<br /> This will ease banks to take extra exposure in new projects, which successively will assist in bridging the gap in infrastructure financing to an<br /> enormous extent</div> <div>As per UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development), Indian<br /> economy likely to expand by 8.1% in 2011<br /> This would be the fastest growth rate in the world after China<br /> In its global release of Trade and Development Report 2011, the UNCTAD opined<br /> that the Indian economy will grow by 8.1% in 2011, against to 8.6% in 2010,<br /> despite down in developed nations and many other countries<br /> Different agencies and their projections about the growth of Indian Economy for<br /> the year 2011-12<br /> $3 million by World Bank for protecting Tigers in Nepal<br /> World Bank rendered $3 million in order to protect Tigers in Nepal<br /> Fund to be worn-out under Strengthening the Regional<br /> Cooperation for Wildlife Protection Project<br /> Project to be run for 4 years concentrating on preserving tiger habitat, checking<br /> the hunting down and illegal trade of tigers and supporting research<br /> As per latest figures Nepal has 155 tigers</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 10, 2011<br /> 2011-08-10 18:08:57 GKToday<br /> P.C.Alexander passed away<br /> Padinjarethalakal Cherian Alexander, a former IAS officer<br /> Served in Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s staff<br /> P.C. Alexander was at different times Principal Secretary to two Prime Ministers- Indira Gandhi and Rajiv<br /> Gandhi, Indian High Commissioner in the United Kingdom, Governor of Tamil Nadu and, Maharashtra, a United<br /> Nations civil servant and even a Rajya Sabha MP<br /> After her assassination in 1984, Rajiv Gandhi, who succeeded his mother kept him on in the same post<br /> He was helpful in getting Gandhi’s 260-odd letters to Herman Kallenbach<br /> SAFF under 16 Football: Pak lift inaugural title; Beat India 2-1<br /> Pakistan lifted the inaugural title of the SAFF under 16 Football Championship<br /> In Kathmandu they beat India 2-1 in the final<br /> Nepal secured the third position after defeating Bangladesh 2-1<br /> China’s first Aircraft Carrier<br /> China launched its first aircraft carrier for a maiden run on 10<br /> August 2011<br /> About 300 meters long<br /> It will be used for training and as a model for future carriers<br /> The launch of the aircraft carrier is considered a part of Chinese naval strategy for expanding eastwards for<br /> the next 30 years<br /> China bought its aircraft carrier from Russia<br /> The aircraft carrier was known as Varyag in Russia<br /> Picture: China’s first aircraft carrier at its shipyard at Dalian Port in northeast China’s Liaoning province. China launched the vessel, a refitted<br /> former Soviet craft, for a maiden run on August 10, 2011<br /> SC maintains Death Sentence for Mohammad Arif<br /> Supreme Court maintained the death sentence for Mohammad<br /> Arif alias Ashfaq in connection with the 2000 Red Fort attack<br /> case<br /> A division bench comprising justice VS Sirpukar and justice TS Thakur dismissed Ashfaq’s appeal which had<br /> challenged the death penalty awarded to him for the attack carried out on Delhi’s historic 17th century Red Fort<br /> by the sessions court and upheld by the Delhi high court while six others sentenced for various jail terms had<br /> been acquitted<br /> Food Ministry seeks inclusion of food wastage as school subject<br /> Food Ministry has written to the HRD Ministry and the State Education Ministers to include the “Food Wastage” as a subject at School level<br /> Objective: To create awareness amongst the youth. Inclusion of a chapter on this topic will be instrumental in making children conscious<br /> about the important issue from the very growing age<br /> Food and Consumer Affairs Minister, K V Thomas in his letter, has appealed for the subject to be included in the syllabus of secondary and<br /> higher secondary students<br /> Mr Thomas also requested the HRD Minister Kapil Sibal to ensure that the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)</div> <div>Restrictions to guard consumers from unregistered telemarketers<br /> But some categories are exempted from these restrictions which include<br /> transactional messsages related to banking operations, educational<br /> institutions and the like<br /> For New Silk Road initiative, US congratulates India<br /> US administration congratulated India for its vigorous contribution in the New<br /> Silk Road initiative to reinforce transit and trade in South and Central Asia</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : July 16, 2011<br /> 2011-07-16 18:07:27 GKToday<br /> Common Service Centre Diwas to be observed on 16 th July, 2011<br /> Common Service Centre, CSC, Diwas to be observed on 16 th July, 2011<br /> Department of Information and Technology decided to observe it every year to<br /> mark the incorporation of CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd on this<br /> day in 2009<br /> Satellite GSAT-12 functioning well<br /> The GSAT-12 satellite is functioning well and all operations are proceeding<br /> according to plan<br /> Satellite has been injected into the sub Geo synchronous Transfer Orbit with<br /> perigee, nearest point to the earth 284 kms and apogee, the farthest point from<br /> the earth 21,000 kms<br /> The orbit will be raised over the next few days<br /> The solar panels were automatically deployed and were generating power<br /> The Master control Facility at Hassan also took control of the satellite and that the<br /> telemetry and telecommand systems were working well<br /> The perigee of the satellite would be raised in a series of operations<br /> Once the final orbit is attained, the payloads will be tested and operationalized<br /> GSAT has an expected mission life of about eight years<br /> Eight banks not able pass the EU stress test with 16 in danger zone<br /> 8 out of 90 European banks have not been able to pass the Stress Tests designed<br /> to ensure they can withstand another financial crisis<br /> As per the European Banking Authority (EBA), which carried out the health-check,<br /> another 16 banks were in the danger zone<br /> The EBA called on national financial regulators to ensure that capital shortfalls<br /> would be quickly resolved<br /> 5 Spanish banks were not able to pass, as well as one in Austria and two in Greece<br /> Germany’s Helaba pulled out of the stress tests, effectively making it the 9 th bank<br /> to join the category<br /> 14 Taliban members removed from the Sanctions List by UN<br /> The UNSC (United Nations Security Council) removed 14 former Afghan<br /> Taliban leaders from an International blacklist on the request of the<br /> Government in Kabul<br /> They include 4 members of the Peace Council set up by the Afghan<br /> Government last September to pave the way for talks<br /> But it is understood that the Sanctions Committee refused to remove<br /> some other names as requested<br /> Rabi Bernard elected to Rajya Sabha<br /> The AIADMK nominee for the lone Rajya Sabha seat in Tamil Nadu has<br /> been declared elected</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 17, 2011<br /> 2011-09-17 17:09:32 GKToday<br /> Libya’s seat given to former rebels’ NTC by the UN General<br /> Assembly<br /> UN General Assembly voted to provide Libya’s seat in the Assembly to the<br /> nation’s rebel NTC (National Transitional Council) which had tumbled Muammar<br /> Gaddafi<br /> The 193-member assembly voted 114 in favour and 17 against NTC<br /> 15 abstentions were there<br /> In order to provide inducements to exporters, Government reveals fresh<br /> duty draw back scheme<br /> The Govt declared a fresh duty draw back scheme in order to provide<br /> inducements to exporters<br /> The Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB) Scheme for exporters will end after<br /> September 30, 2011<br /> From October 1, 2011 the fresh scheme comes into force<br /> In the current scheme, the Govt used to repay exporters about Rs 80 bn of taxes<br /> paid on imported supply<br /> Majority of the items which are by now covered in the duty drawback list will<br /> experience a minor decrease in the present drawback rates. The tax refunds<br /> would be decreased by 1-3%, on export of these items<br /> The total number of items would boost to around 4,000 from the current 2,835<br /> under the duty drawback<br /> Agreement inked b/w INDIA and UK for superior collaboration in Defence<br /> research and development<br /> For larger collaboration in the field of Defence research and development, India<br /> and the United Kingdom have signed an agreement<br /> The agreement was signed in London by British Chief Scientific Adviser Mark<br /> Welland and DRDO chief V K Saraswat<br /> The agreement will ease making the finest use of research and technology<br /> expansion capabilities of both countries via joint projects, combined research and<br /> industry and academic involvement<br /> Three-day fast for communal harmony started by Gujarat’s CM Narendra<br /> Modi<br /> Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi started his 3-day fast for peace,<br /> unity and communal harmony in Gujarat<br /> The BJP loyalist’s 72-hour fast under `Sadbhavna Mission’ concurs</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : June 28, 2011<br /> 2011-06-29 09:06:27 GKToday<br /> ADB to render grant of $ 25.1 million to Nepal<br /> ADB: The Asian Development Bank<br /> ADB to provide a render assistance of $25.1 million to Nepal Govt for the<br /> execution of HIMALI (High Mountain Agri-business and Livelihood<br /> Improvement)<br /> project<br /> and for Capital and infrastructure Capacity Support project<br /> HIMALI project comprises 3 components-<br /> Mountain agri-business development<br /> Value chain capacity development<br /> Project management activities<br /> The HIMALI project is for Rasuwa, Solukhumbu, Jumla, Dolakha, Sankhuwasabha,<br /> Mustang, Humla, Dolpa, Manang and Mugu districts<br /> Capital and Infrastructure Capacity Support Project: The key aim of the project is<br /> to smooth the progress of greater private sector participation<br /> The agreement signed b/w Nepal Government, Secretary of Finance Ministry<br /> Krishna Hari Baskota and ADB Country Director Barry J. Hitchcock in Kathmandu<br /> Out of the aid, the ADB to provide 1,441.17 million nepali rupees to the HIMALI<br /> Project and around 358.5 million nepali rupees for the Capital Market and<br /> Infrastructure Capacity Support Project<br /> Indo-Pak trade via ICPs to begin by October 2011<br /> Trade b/w India and Pakistan via ICPs (Integrated Check Posts) on both the sides to<br /> be commenced by October, 2011<br /> Further consultation needed before the formation of the CDS System: Air<br /> Chief<br /> CDS System: Chief of Defence Staff System<br /> Air Chief Marshal: P.V. Nayak<br /> As per Mr. Nayak further consultation and debate is essential prior to the creation<br /> of CDS system for the armed forces<br /> Mr. Nayak held that he was not in favour of CDS at this point in time<br /> Defending his views on the concept of CDS, Mr. Nayak held that the Armed forces<br /> have always been working with synergy<br /> UAE eager to invest more in the infrastructure and energy sectors in India<br /> UAE (United Arab Emirates) is eager to put in further in infrastructure and energy<br /> sectors in India<br /> The visiting UAE Foreign Minister Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan held comprehensive<br /> considerations with his Indian counterpart S M Krishna<br /> They signed an MoU on political references and talked over a host of bilateral,<br /> regional and international issues<br /> Bill to deal nuisance of forged certificates</div> <div>makes appropriate revisions to the National Curriculum Framework to include food wastage as a subject<br /> At the State Level, similar action can be taken by the individual state boards on the issue<br /> Annual Health Survey: Educated people go more for sex determination<br /> tests<br /> Annual Health Survey: More and more educated people in the cities across the country are opting for sex determination tests compared to<br /> people in villages<br /> Urban areas are recording a decline in female birth rate<br /> The survey found that sex ratio at birth, under 0-4 years and in all ages in rural areas is better than in urban areas<br /> V V Giri Memorial Award-2010<br /> Union Minister of Labour & Employment Shri Mallikarjun Kharge conferred the V.V.Giri Memorial Award 2010 to Dr. Panchmal Dinanath<br /> Shenoy as recognition of outstanding contributions towards the understanding of the emerging labour issues<br /> The V.V. Giri Memorial Award was instituted in 2008 by V.V.Giri National Labour Institute, Ministry of Labour & Employment to<br /> commemorate the birth anniversary (10th August) of former President of India late Shri V.V.Giri for outstanding research<br /> contributions in the area of labour studies. The award carries an amount of Rs.1 lakh and a citation.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : October 9, 2011<br /> 2011-10-09 14:10:11 GKToday<br /> “Sampriti II” Indo-Bangladesh combined military exercise commences<br /> “Sampriti II” – fortnight long India-Bangladesh combined Military<br /> Exercise started in Sylhet. A 25 member team (led Major S.Y<br /> Mahadhik) of the Indian army is taking part in the combined exercise<br /> with a team of the Bangladesh army.<br /> At the Jalalabad Cantonment of the Bangladesh Army, the exercise is<br /> being planned. The exercise to conclude on October 22, 2011<br /> Lokpal Bill: Govt concurs to make public sound recordings of combined<br /> Drafting Committee proceedings<br /> The authorities have consented to make public the sound recording of conference<br /> of the Joint Drafting Committee appointed to outline the Lokpal Bill.<br /> The Joint Drafting Committee consisted of 5 fellows member of Team Anna Hazare<br /> and the same number of Cabinet Ministers. The department of personnel has<br /> supplied the recordings to an RTI activist S C Agrawal after billing Rs 450 as extra<br /> fee for furnishing the sound recording of the deliberations.<br /> “Come and Play” Scheme launched by Govt in order to boost mass<br /> participation in sports<br /> Government launched the Countrywide “Come and Play” scheme. The<br /> objective of the scheme is to promote bulk involvement in sports and<br /> optimum utilization of sports infrastructure. The target of the scheme is 8-<br /> 17 age group.<br /> This is so that their latent capabilities can be fostered by organized training<br /> accessible at the sports centres. It will make sure access to above 80 SAI (Sports<br /> Authority of India) amenities to the young. As per the format the trainees will be<br /> supplied with playing field, non-consumable instrumentation etc. The Trainees can<br /> also carry their private sports kit with racquets / bats for rehearsal.<br /> Sebastian Vettel: Youngest Formula One World Champ in history to bag 2<br /> successive titles<br /> Sebastian Vettel, the Red Bull-Renault driver became the youngest<br /> person in Formula One History to bag two successive World<br /> Championship titles.<br /> With Bilateral Trade worth $50.8 Billion, China becomes Russia’s Largest Trading Partner<br /> With $50.8 bilateral trade from January to August 2011, China became Russia’s biggest trading partner.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Bachat Lamp Yojna<br /> 2011-09-22 21:09:00 GKToday<br /> Introduction<br /> Incandescent bulbs are energy inefficient. They convert 95% of the electrical energy in heat and only 5 % in the Light energy. Lighting accounts for<br /> about 20% of electricity consumption and has a significant potential for reduction of the load without compromising on the lumen output by use of<br /> energy efficient lighting in place of incandescent bulbs. Contrary to this , Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) provide that energy-efficient<br /> alternative to the incandescent lamp by using one-fifth as much electricity as an incandescent lamp to provide the same level of illumination. CFLs<br /> use less power, have a longer rated life, but have a higher purchase price. Government of India’s efforts for promotion of CFLs are having the<br /> desired impact on the market with the sales of CFLs in India having grown from about 20 million in 2003 to around 200 million in 2008. However, the<br /> penetration of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) in household sector remains low at about 5% -10% largely due to the high price of the CFLs,<br /> which is 8-10 times the cost of incandescent bulbs.<br /> What is Bachat Lamp Yojna?<br /> CFL Lighting Scheme or Bachat Lamp Yojana (BLY) promotes replacement of inefficient bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)<br /> by leveraging the sale of Certified Emission Rights (CERs) under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol.<br /> Bachat Lamp Yojana has entered validation for the UNFCCC CDM Programme of Activity.<br /> Bachat Lamp Yojana” seeks to utilize the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol to bring-down the price of CFLs.<br /> This public-private partnership between the Government of India, Private sector CFL Manufactures /Traders (Project Developers) and State<br /> level Electricity Distribution Companies would provide the framework to distribute high quality CFLs at about Rs.15 per piece to the<br /> households of the country.<br /> Under the scheme only 60 Watt and 100 Watt incandescent Lamps have to be replaced with 11to15 Watt and 20 -25 Watt CFLs<br /> respectively.<br /> Approach<br /> The Government would develop a programmatic approach (PoA) within which individual CFL supplier would develop CDM projects.<br /> The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), being the statutory body set up under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 by the Government of India,<br /> will coordinate the Small-Scale Programme of Activities (SSC-PoA) and will facilitate implementation of the programme in various States<br /> through their respective Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) with the assistance of the CFL suppliers.<br /> The development of the SSC-PoA is a voluntary action on the part of BEE and it would not seek any commercial revenues from the SSC-<br /> PoA. On the other hand, it will on behalf of the Government of India take the responsibility of monitoring of all project areas after the DISCOMs<br /> and the CFL suppliers have entered into a tripartite agreement (TPA) with BEE.<br /> BEE will undertake monitoring of each project area as required under an approved methodology of CDM.<br /> For this purpose, BEE has developed smart meters based on GSM technology that are fitted between the socket and the CFL in sample<br /> households (around 200 in each project area).<br /> The GSM based meter collects the data on hours of use and energy consumed by sending SMS to the central server.<br /> The development of the PoA is a voluntary action on the part of BEE and it would not seek any commercial revenues from the PoA. On the<br /> other hand, it will on behalf of the Government of India take the responsibility of monitoring of all project areas after the DISCOMs and the CFL<br /> suppliers have entered into a tripartite agreement (TPA) with BEE.<br /> This will be the largest PoA to be submitted to the CDM Executive Board by anyone in the world.<br /> Alongwith the PoA, BEE has also prepared model project documentation in accordance with requirements of the CDM to enable states and<br /> other private investors to take them up.<br /> Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)<br /> Ministry of Power, Government of India is promoting a company named Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) for implementation of<br /> energy efficiency in India.<br /> This company will promote energy efficiency projects like Bachat Lamp Yojana, Agricultural Demand Side Management and Municipal<br /> Demand Side Management.<br /> The company will also act as a Resource center for capacity building of State Development Agencies, Utilities, financial institutions,<br /> etc.peaking on the Economic Editors Conference.<br /> The overall size of energy investment market under Energy Service Companies (ESCO) in India is 74,000 crores and till now, only five per<br /> cent of the market has been tapped.<br /> USE of LED Lamps in India</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: September 30, 2011<br /> 2011-09-30 13:09:38 GKToday<br /> IBSF shifts Venue for IBSF World Men’s Snooker Championship from Bahrain to Bangalore<br /> International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) declared to shift the venue for IBSF World Men’s Snooker<br /> Championship from Bahrain to Bangalore<br /> IBSF World Men’s Snooker Championship planned to be held from November 28, 2011 to December 3, 2011<br /> IBSF moved the tournament out of Bahrain and conceded the hosting rights to India owing to lengthened crisis in some parts of<br /> Middle East Asia<br /> UNICEF: In India 63.8 Crore people practice Open Defecation due to poor Sanitation<br /> UNICEF as per 2008 data estimated that around 63.8 Crore (i.e. 54% of total population) people in India practice open defecation due to<br /> inadequate sanitation<br /> India accounts for 58% of those who practice open defecation across the globe<br /> The 5 States doing well in Sanitation are – Kerala, Sikkim, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra<br /> Uttar Pradesh alone accounts for 10% of population that suffers on account of inadequate sanitation<br /> Indonesia placed second with 5.7 crore people defecating in the open and it accounts for 5% of the population which still are denied sanitation<br /> China placed third with 5.6 crore people defecating in the open<br /> Ethiopia’s condition is worse than India’s – 60% of its population are put to embarrassment against the 54% in India<br /> Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are also ranked in the list for poor sanitation, but are better than India in giving<br /> sanitation to people<br /> The economic blow of insufficient sanitation costs India about Rs. 2.4 trillion or about 6.4% of its GDP. Diarrhoea single-handedly takes 4<br /> Lakh lives per annum, with 90% of it being children<br /> Albeit the miserable state exists, the yearly central budget is only Rs. 2,000 Crore which is just about 2% of the whole budget for Rural<br /> Development ~ Rs.1 Lakh crore<br /> SEBI’s approval for Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) to set up SME Exchange<br /> Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) : Asia’s oldest bourse<br /> BSE got an permission to set up an exchange for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from SEBI<br /> The consent likely to enhance BSE’s efforts in offering multiple asset classes to Indian investors<br /> The consent to establish SME will allow BSE to add towards the Governmental schedule of better financial inclusion and according capable<br /> enterprises of the future to entrée retail capital<br /> Companies with less than Rs 10 Crore capital base can now raise money from the primary market following the fresh exchange established<br /> by BSE<br /> The fresh exchange will be a catalyst in raising funds for SMEs<br /> At present, National Stock Exchange (NSE), India’s largest exchange, is in anticipation of a formal SEBI authorization to begin a like SME<br /> exchange<br /> An in-principle permission for setting up set SME exchanges was given to both BSE and NSE by SEBI in May 2011<br /> For Conservation of their Heritages, Bhopal and Maheshwar recognized in MP by France<br /> French Government recognized Bhopal and Maheshwar for upkeep of their heritages under its Indian Heritage Cities Network<br /> Sadar Manzil, Pari Bazaar and 3 ancient reservoirs – Motia Talab, Siddique Hasan Khan Talab and Munshi Hussain Khan Talab are amongst<br /> the heritage buildings of Bhopal , which will be taken up for upkeep and expansion works<br /> These sites will be conserved on the lines of Rheims city (A city in northeastern France to the east of Paris) of France</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 30, 2011<br /> 2011-08-30 04:08:28 GKToday<br /> Right to reject candidates in elections a tricky affair: Chief Election<br /> Commission<br /> According to the Election Commission, the demand for the right to reject<br /> candidates in elections as a ticklish affair.<br /> According to Chief Election Commissioner, S Y Quraishi, the proposed right of<br /> people to reject candidates required a bit of debate considering a situation of<br /> majority of the people rejecting all candidates. The poll authority would rather<br /> give voter education and ask them to come out in large numbers to choose a good<br /> candidate.<br /> According to Chief Election Commission the right to recall candidates has not been<br /> on the agenda of the Commission.<br /> Nuclear Regulatory Authority of India Bill Approved by the Union Cabinet<br /> The Union Cabinet of India on 30 August 2011 cleared the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of India Bill that supports an Autonomous Atomic<br /> Energy Regulatory Board.<br /> The rules of implementation of nuclear liability law have been finalized by a high level panel.<br /> The bill would help setting up an authority that would subsume the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).<br /> The AERB was set up in 1983 and it reports to the Atomic Energy Commission.<br /> The bill proposed to give Nuclear Regulatory Authority of India (NRAI) full authority to stop construction work and order a shutdown of an<br /> operating nuclear plant.<br /> The bill would strengthen the country’s nuclear regulator by making it a statutory body. It also proposed that the NRAI order cannot be<br /> challenged in a court of law.<br /> The authority will include renowned persons from engineering, environment, social, nuclear and finance areas.<br /> Supreme Court: Hiring a Lawyer not Mandatory for a Person to Fight his Case in Consumer Forum<br /> According to The Supreme Court, hiring a lawyer is not mandatory for a person to fight his case in a consumer forum and he can plead his<br /> case personally or through his agent.<br /> It ruled that it is clearly mentioned in the Consumer Protection Act that a person can plead his case through his agent and it will be against<br /> the consumer to force him to hire the services of an advocate for his case.<br /> The court rejected the plea of Bar Council of India which pleaded that only advocates should be allowed to appear before a consumer forum.<br /> Country celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr<br /> Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated throughout the country with religious fervour and festivity marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramazan.<br /> Eid-ul-Fitr, popularly known as the “Festival of Breaking of the Fast”, occurs as soon as the new moon is sighted at the end of the month of<br /> fasting, namely Ramadan. This festival celebrates the end of Ramzan, the Muslim month of fasting.<br /> Yoshihiko Noda elected as new Prime Minister of Japan<br /> Yoshihiko Noda elected as the new Prime Minister of Japan following the majority of votes in elections held at the House<br /> of Representatives.</div> <div>civil society initiative with a vision to integrate physically and mentally challenged children. She provides voluntary services and ,<br /> material in kind, equipments, surgery intervention support, clothing etc. to the children.<br /> Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Divas organized by Punjab<br /> Pushpa Gujral Science City, Kapurthala, Punjab organized a State Level Rajiv<br /> Gandhi Akshay Urja Divas function<br /> Significant lectures delivered by subject experts on energy saving<br /> India & Bangladesh sign boundary strip maps<br /> India and Bangladesh signed boundary strip maps for the India-Bangladesh land<br /> boundary<br /> Maps were signed by the India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Mr. Rajeet<br /> Mitter and Mr. Tariq Ahmad Karim, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India<br /> The ceremony for signing the Maps was held in Dhaka<br /> Both the High Commissioners began the process of signing a total of 1,129 strip<br /> maps relating to the delimitated area of the India-Bangladesh boundary as<br /> stipulated in the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement.<br /> India and Bangladesh are also occupied in adjudicating the issues related to land<br /> under adverse possession, enclave area and un-delimitated border areas<br /> The final agreement on all these issues to be signed during the upcoming visit of<br /> Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan to Dhaka in first week of September,2011<br /> Gold Fund launched by SBI Mutual Fund<br /> SBI Mutual Fund, one of India’s largest mutual funds house launched Gold Fund<br /> Gold Fund is an open ended Fund-of-Fund to enable the common man to invest systematically in goldthough the SIP route<br /> The fund is designed in a way that can enable an investor to invest through a single investment or through Systematic<br /> Investment Plan (SIP) as per their convenience<br /> The minimum denomination of investment is kept as Rs 100, which is very affordable for a common man<br /> The new fund offer is open for subscription from August 22 to September 5, 2011<br /> The minimum denomination of investment is kept as Rs. 500<br /> CPI Numbers for Agricultural Labourers & Rural Labourers for July,2011<br /> released<br /> 1. The All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers<br /> (Base: 1986-87=100) for July, 2011 increased by 6 and 7 points respectively to stand at 604 (Six hundred and four)<br /> points for both the series.<br /> 2. The rise/fall in index varied from State to State. In case of Agricultural Labourers, it recorded an increase between 2 to<br /> 15 points in 19 States and a decrease of 14 points in 1 State. Haryana with 669 points topped the index table whereas<br /> Himachal Pradesh with the index level of 492 points stood at the bottom.<br /> 3. In case of Rural Labourers, it recorded an increase between 2 to 15 points in 19 States and a decrease of 11 points in<br /> 1 State. Haryana with 663 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with the index level of 515 points stood at the bottom.<br /> 4. The Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural and Rural Labourers in respect of Haryana State registered the maximum increase of<br /> 15 points each mainly due to increase in the prices of rice, wheat atta, gram dal, goat meat, milk, onion, vegetables & fruits and bidi. On the<br /> other hand, the Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers in respect of Tamil Nadu State recorded a<br /> decline of 14 and 11 points respectively mainly due to decrease in the prices of rice, jowar, fish fresh and pan leaf.<br /> 5. Point to point rate of inflation based on the CPI-AL and CPI-RL decreased from 9.32% and 9.14% respectively in June, 2011 to 9.03% in July,<br /> 2011 for both the series. Inflation based on food index of CPI-AL and CPI RL are 6.39% and 6.38% respectively in July, 2011.<br /> 6. All-India Consumer Price Index Number (General & Group-wise)<br /> Group<br /> Agricultural<br /> Rural Labourers<br /> Labourers<br /> June, July, 2011 June, July, 2011<br /> 2011<br /> 2011<br /> General Index 598 604 597 604<br /> Food 593 599 594 600</div> <div>disarmament<br /> Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi presented a farsighted action plan for a Nuclear-<br /> Weapon-Free and Non-Violent World Order. This action plan sets out a roadmap to<br /> accomplish nuclear disarmament in a time bound fashion<br /> The Summit draws together more than 100 prominent Global Zero leaders and<br /> senior Government officials for policy discussions for bringing all countries<br /> possessing nuclear weapons to the table to discuss all-party nuclear arms<br /> reduction for the first time in history<br /> Agro-met and Fishery Advisory Service information brought profits to the<br /> farmers and fishermen<br /> The Agro-met and Fishery Advisory Service has harvested in economic profits to<br /> the farmers and fishermen in the country<br /> Information furnished to the farming society has earned them an economic benefit<br /> of Rs 50,000 Crore annually<br /> The fishermen have made Rs 34,000 Crore profit annually<br /> Earth System Science Organization furnishes valuable Agro-met information<br /> The data concerning latent fishing zones and weather increased productivity<br /> thereby benefiting them<br /> Agro-met services are now extended to 550 districts and will cover all the districts<br /> by next year<br /> About 2 million farmers are availing this service on their mobile phones<br /> World Bank sanctions $99 million package for Nepal- India project<br /> World Bank sanctions $99 million package for Nepal- India Electricity<br /> Transmission and Trade Project<br /> To help Nepal to extenuate its national energy crisis<br /> It will provide Nepal with around 100 MW of electricity<br /> Cross- border transmission project<br /> Women’s Reservation Bill: All party meet ends<br /> All party meeting on Women’s Reservation Bill concluded<br /> Ms Meira Kumar (Lok Sabha Speaker) stated consultations in this regard to<br /> continue in order to arrive at a consensus on the bill<br /> UK to provide Aid worth £ 1 billion to Bangladesh<br /> UK to provide £ 1 billion aid to Bangladesh over the next 4 years to support<br /> programmes for cutting down poverty, fortifying Education sector and other social<br /> sectors and to deal with issues associated with Climate Change<br /> Sri Lankan governing party defeats opposition sponsored bill on RTI<br /> The ruling party in Sri Lanka United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) utilized its<br /> majority in the Sri Lankan Parliament to defeat an opposition sponsored bill on<br /> Right to Information<br /> Sri Lanka’s major opposition United National Party’s (UNP) moved a private<br /> member’s bill which furnished liberty of access to official Information<br /> Ruling Party in Sri Lanka: President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s United People’s Freedom<br /> Alliance (UPFA)<br /> Opposition Party in Sri Lanka: United National Party’s (UNP)</div> <div>Centre asked the Supreme Court that the SIT (Special Investigation Team), needs<br /> to be scrapped<br /> SIT was appointed by SC to probe and unearth the black money stashed abroad<br /> Centre alleged that the investigating agency can’t function like a super power<br /> Attorney General G E Vahanvati told a bench of the Supreme Court that the<br /> Government had very serious reservations on the directions which had also cast<br /> defamation on sincerity of the Government in its take on the black money issue<br /> The Attorney General argued that the wide powers bestowed on the SIT has<br /> ousted every authority under the various Acts like FEMA, Income Tax, Prevention<br /> of Money Laundering Act.<br /> Sri Lanka to lift emergency laws<br /> The controversial emergency provisions in Srilanka prevailing since 2005 will not<br /> be lifted from next month<br /> Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the bill to extend the state of<br /> emergency, which is passed every month by the Parliament, will not be<br /> introduced when the tenure of the current law comes to an end<br /> Sri Lanka has been under emergency rule for the most part of the past 30 years,<br /> with the last phase of the tough law enforced in August 2005 after the murder of<br /> former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar by LTTE<br /> International community have been calling on the Sri Lankan government to<br /> completely remove the disputed laws but the Government argued that the rules<br /> were necessary to scrap the Tamil Tiger rebels<br /> However, even after the military defeated the LTTE two years ago, Sri Lanka<br /> continued to enforce these provisions on grounds of security concerns<br /> Haj Quota for Indians increased by the Saudi Government<br /> Haj Quota for Indians pilgrims has been increased by the Saudi Government by an<br /> additional 10,000 seats this year<br /> The seats will be distributed among various States and Union Territories in<br /> proportion to the number of applications received by them<br /> Bangladesh backs claim at UN hearing for delineation of its continental<br /> shelf<br /> Bangladesh made a presentation to members of the UN Commission on the Limits<br /> of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) on the legal and technical aspects of its claim filed<br /> with the commission for delineation of its outer continental shelf in the Bay of<br /> Bengal<br /> Bangladesh Foreign Minister made the presentation at the UN Headquarters in<br /> New York<br /> Bangladesh had submitted its technical report to the UN Commission for<br /> delineation of its outer continental shelf in the Bay of Bengal in the month of<br /> February this year under the provisions of Article 76 of the UN Convention on the<br /> Law of the Sea 1982<br /> Bangladesh has filed its claim before the UN Commission as part of its efforts to<br /> resolve its disputes over marine resources like oil blocks in the Bay of Bengal with<br /> neighbouring countries India and Myanmar<br /> Bangladesh is the 53rd country to submit its report to the United Nation’s<br /> Commission on the limits of the Continental Shelf to fix the country’s outer limits<br /> of the continental shelf in the Bay of Bengal</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs June 14 , 2011<br /> 2011-06-19 07:06:30 GKToday<br /> S.M.Krishna in Kazakhstan for SCO<br /> S M Krishna (External Affairs Minister India) in Astana to attend the Shanghai<br /> Cooperation Organization (SCO)-11th Summit.<br /> Kazakhstan’s capital : Astana<br /> SCO is expected to roll out the Memorandum of Obligations that the new aspirant<br /> members need to fulfill in order to become full members.<br /> The SCO is now in the process to finalize rules for taking in new members.<br /> India keen to play larger role in SCO.<br /> Areas of interest for India: Counter-Terrorism and Economic development of the<br /> region in addition to focusing on improving transport corridors amongst affiliate<br /> nations.<br /> SCO founded on June 15, 2001<br /> SCO members: China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.<br /> Observers: India, Iran, Pakistan and Mongolia<br /> For River Ganga Cleaning Project World Bank to extend $1 billon Loan to<br /> India<br /> World Bank and India signed 3 agreements in New Delhi for cleaning the Ganga<br /> River<br /> WB will provide $1 billon for the River Ganga cleaning project<br /> Besides this Credit worth approx $24 millon dollars will be given for the two<br /> projects: Strengthening Rural Livelihoods and Biodiversity Conservation in the<br /> India.<br /> Objective of Ganga project: To prevent the flow of untreated municipal sewage<br /> and industrial runoff into the Ganga by 2020.<br /> 2 protected areas, one each in Uttarakhand and Gujarat, will put in place a<br /> complete new model of managing the protected areas while safeguarding the<br /> livelihoods of local communities.<br /> The new models will be later applied in other areas of the country as well.<br /> Investments to be made in 4 key sectors:<br /> wastewater collection and treatment<br /> industrial pollution control<br /> solid waste management<br /> riverfront management<br /> The Ganga basin accounts for almost 1/4 of the country’s landmass<br /> This basin is abode to ~ 400 million people.<br /> The Ganga faces immense challenges from increasing population, urbanization<br /> and industrial growth, apart from ever growing pollutants.<br /> National Athletics Championship: Kerala overall champion<br /> Kerala overall champions in National Senior Inter-State Athletics Championships<br /> concluded in Bangalore.<br /> Asian Games gold medalist of Uttar Pradesh won gold in women’s 3000 m<br /> steeplechase.</div> <div>Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra officially became honorary lieutenant<br /> colonels in the Territorial Army with the army chief, Gen. V.K. Singh, pipping their ranks on their shoulders.<br /> Rasquinha to make comeback in WSH<br /> Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha will make a comeback in the sport after three years with the World Series Hockey (WSH)<br /> beginning Dec 17, 2011.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 13, 2011<br /> 2011-08-13 13:08:56 GKToday<br /> Austerity measures approved by ITALY to improve public finance<br /> The Italian cabinet approved austerity measures to improve public finances and<br /> reduce the nation’s budget deficit<br /> € 20 bn to be cut from government’s spending next year and another € 25 billion<br /> by 2013<br /> 50,000 Jobs in local Governments will go as Rome cuts central funding<br /> Italy’s borrowing costs rose sharply before the move as investors lost confidence<br /> in the Government’s ability to diminish its deficit<br /> Madhya Pradesh Government launches “Atal Bal Mitra Yojna”<br /> MP State Government launched “Atal Bal Mitra Yojna “ for the effective<br /> functioning of Anganwadi centers<br /> Under the scheme, the existing infrastructure facilities of Anganwadi Centres will<br /> be developed via public participation<br /> Financial assistance from public will help in bringing very low birth weight children<br /> to a normal level of nutrition<br /> Any person or institution may help improve the management of Anganwadi<br /> Centres and bring the severely malnourished children to normal level; they can<br /> contribute in cash or in kind<br /> Mission Director at the State and District Collectors in the ability of the Director of<br /> the Mission for District will be authorized to receive money for cooperation<br /> Online facility to be made available for the depositing funds<br /> Things or material provided through the public participation can be received at<br /> the Village and the Anganwadi level as well<br /> Hyderabad: ‘No free zone for employment’<br /> President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil gave her consent for the deletion of Clause 14<br /> (f) of the 1975 Presidential Order, which had made Hyderabad a free<br /> zone for employment<br /> Reason for doing so:<br /> Demand from Telangana leaders to make Hyderabad a ‘No free zone for<br /> employment’, where candidates from all over the state can compete for<br /> recruitment for Government posts, predominately in the police force<br /> Telangana Leaders desired omission of the clause so that candidates from<br /> Telanana get preference<br /> The Ministry of Home Affairs has also issued a notification that the President has<br /> given her approval for deleting the sub-paragraph (f) of Clause 14 of the 1975<br /> Presidential Order<br /> Thus, now Hyderabad discontinues to be a free zone for employment, and would<br /> become a part of other Telanaga districts<br /> Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy had taken up the matter with Union Home<br /> Minister P Chidambaram as well as Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh</div> <div>State Government of Rajasthan launched Aadhaar scheme in<br /> order to provide 12-digit Unique identification numbers in<br /> Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur<br /> Scheme also launched in Ajmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur through<br /> video conferencing<br /> The special cover of Aadhaar also launched by the UIDAI (Unique<br /> Identification Authority of India) and department of Posts<br /> NSSF: Approved by the Union Cabinet of India<br /> NSSF: National Social Security Fund<br /> NSSF approved by the Union Cabinet of India<br /> NSSF intended for unorganized sectors, likely to profit 43.3 crore workers in the<br /> unorganized sector<br /> Nirupama Rao to be awarded by the Sree Chithira Tribunal Trust for the<br /> year 2011<br /> Ms Nirupama Rao (Former Foreign Secretary and U.S. Ambassador-designate)<br /> selected for the yearly annual award instituted by the Sree Chithira Tirunal<br /> Trust for the year 2011<br /> Award constitutes Rs.1 lakh and a citation<br /> Ms. Rao selected for the award for her role in shaping the country’s Foreign Policy and<br /> her rich understanding of the India-China border issu</div> <div>‘Sports Bill’ to be re-drafted by the Government<br /> The Sports Ministry to make a modified draft of the National Sports Development<br /> Bill without compromising on the transparency and accountability clauses<br /> Sports Minister Ajay Maken reiterated his commitment to bring the Indian Cricket<br /> Board under the scope of RTI<br /> The Minister elucidated that the bill does not aims to control or pry into the<br /> working of several sports federations<br /> As per Mr. Maken, the objective to improve the arrangement of management of<br /> the sports organisations by introducing transparency and accountability and thus<br /> check any more scams like those during the latest Common Wealth Games in<br /> Delhi<br /> The Sports Bill was discussed by the Union Cabinet and was referred back to the<br /> Sports Ministry after quite a few ministers elicited dissent to many of the clauses,<br /> including cap on age and tenure restrictions<br /> ‘Solung’ festival celebrated across Arunachal Pradesh<br /> ‘Solung’ festival celebrated with gayety and conventional<br /> excitement all through the Arunanchal Pradesh<br /> SOLUING is a socio-cultural festival of the the Adi community<br /> The main festival was celebrated at Solung-Mopin ground in capital<br /> Itanagar<br /> On the day community people pray their divinity to conciliate them<br /> for socio economic, peace and opulence of the community<br /> The festival is celebrated in first week of September every year<br /> Justice Soumitra Sen resigns<br /> Justice Soumitra Sen resigned as Judge of the Calcutta High Court<br /> Justice Sen sent his res<br /> ignation to the President Pratibha Patil and the Lok Sabha Speaker,<br /> Meira KumarThe Lok Sabha was scheduled to take up his impeachment<br /> proceedings against the Judge<br /> The Rajya Sabha had already voted in favour of impeaching him<br /> Justice Sen has been found guilty of misappropriating funds as a judge and of<br /> misrepresenting facts<br /> A special committee established by Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari had<br /> found charges of financial unregularity against Justice Sen to be right<br /> Mr. Sen charged of defalcate nearly Rs 24 Lakh in the 1980s when he was a<br /> lawyer and was nominated recipient by the Calcutta High Court<br /> Accelerate execution of SABLA, IGMSY schemes: Centre asks Uttrakhand</div> <div>For SC and ST employees working with the state government, Rajasthan<br /> Government decides to fix quota in promotion<br /> For SC employees it will be 16% and for ST employees it will be 12%<br /> State Government elucidated that if in case this limit is already crossed, then no<br /> official will be demoted and Government will create shadow posts for them<br /> As per the Rajasthan Government , orders passed by the high court will be<br /> complied with<br /> Cabinet also talked about Bhatnagar committees’ report which was<br /> constituted after the court’s order over reservation in promotions<br /> India Signs DTAA with Uruguay<br /> India signed a DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) with the<br /> Uruguay for the avoidance of double taxation and for the prevention of fiscal<br /> evasion w.r.t. taxes on income and on capital</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 14, 2011<br /> 2011-09-14 18:09:52 GKToday<br /> MoU inked b/w India and Sri Lanka to set up 3- tier English Language<br /> Training System in Lanka<br /> MoU inked in Colombo b/w India and Sri Lanka for setting up of a 3-tier English<br /> Language Training System in Sri Lanka<br /> India will coach 40 Sri Lankan English Teachers in the first batch, who will be the<br /> master-trainers for teachers of the language, as part of the MoU<br /> The teachers will tour to Hyderabad-based English and Foreign Languages<br /> University, on the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation scholarship<br /> India will aid to set up 9 Centres for English language training – one in each of the<br /> provinces<br /> High Commissioner of India Mr Ashok K Kantha in his address said that the MoU<br /> signed today will further develop assistance b/w India and Sri Lanka in English<br /> language training<br /> 3 Supreme Court judges sworn in<br /> 3 judges, including a woman, were sworn in today as Supreme Court judges<br /> Justices S.J.Mukhopadhaya, R.P.Desai and J.S.Khehar were administered the oath<br /> of office by Chief Justice S.H.Kapadia, taking the total strength of judges at the<br /> peak court to 29 from the present 26<br /> The peak court has a authorized strength of 31 judges including the CJI, but at<br /> present it is having only 26 judges, out of which 4 are scheduled to retire by 15 th<br /> October, 2011<br /> Ad-hoc bonus to central govt employees announced by Government<br /> Govt declared an ad-hoc bonus of up to Rs 3,500 to Group C and D Central Govt<br /> employees and personnel of the armed and Para military forces ahead of the<br /> festival season<br /> Govt has certified fund of non-productivity linked bonus (ad-hoc bonus)<br /> equivalent to 30 days emoluments for the accounting year 2010-11 to the central<br /> government employees (Group C and D), The limit for bonus is Rs 3,500<br /> The bonus will also be given to all non-gazetted employees in Group B, who are<br /> not covered by any productivity- linked bonus scheme<br /> Humanitarian support to Africa nations to be provided by India<br /> India to offer humanitarian support of 8 million US dollars to Somalia, Kenya and<br /> Djibouti in the African continent<br /> These countries have been stricken with stern famine and drought<br /> The aid to be rendered via the World Food Programme<br /> I&B Ministry bags award on National Hindi Diwas<br /> Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is amongst 57 institutions and<br /> individuals who bagged award on National Hindi Diwas</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 7, 2011<br /> 2011-08-07 19:08:03 GKToday<br /> US & South Korea to practice destroying North’s WMDs<br /> US and South Korean troops will practice destroying North Korean weapons of<br /> mass destruction during a yearly joint exercise this month<br /> They will form a combined unit called the Joint Task Force for Elimination when<br /> they begin a 10-day Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise on August 16, 2011-<br /> 08-09<br /> Ulchi Freedom Guardian: Annual computer-assisted simulation command-post<br /> exercise<br /> Some 350 troops from the US Army’s 20th Support Command and South Korean<br /> soldiers will simulate the detection and destruction of North Korean atomic bombs,<br /> missiles and chemical weapons<br /> US and South Korean officials describe the exercise as defensive and routine<br /> The North habitually describes such joint drills as a practice for invasion<br /> Dr. Cornelius Elenjikkal (Former Archbishop of the Archdiocese of<br /> Verapoly, Varapuzha) passed away<br /> In Kerala, former Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Verapoly (Varapuzha)<br /> Dr Cornelius Elenjikkal, 93 passed away<br /> Dr Elenjikkal was also the former President of the Kerala Catholic Bishops<br /> Council and the Bishop of Vijayapuram for nearly 16 years<br /> A lyricist who has penned over 500 devotional songs, Dr Cornelius<br /> Elenjikkal has authored ten books<br /> He had deep knowledge in Upanishads and held doctorates in Hindu Philosophy<br /> and Canon Law<br /> Free electrification under RGGVY provided to 167 Lakh BPL Families till<br /> July 15, 2011<br /> Free electrification connections under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran<br /> Yojana, RGGVY have been provided to 167 Lakh<br /> BPL families, till July 15, 2011<br /> Over 98 Lakh villages across the country have been provided free electricity<br /> under this Yojana<br /> Government has taken a number of steps for effective implementation of the<br /> RGGVY<br /> They include setting up of an inter-Ministerial Monitoring Committee which<br /> periodically meets to sanction projects and reviews progress of implementation,<br /> States have been asked to set up committees at district level to monitor their<br /> progress<br /> Grant amount for free electrification connection to BPL families has been raised<br /> from Rs. 1500 in the last plan to Rs. 2200 rupees in the current plan<br /> Government aims to speed up construction of roads to 20 km per day<br /> Government aims to award 7,300 km of highway stretches as part of its drive to<br /> take up the pace of construction to 20 km a day</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs June 17, 2011<br /> 2011-06-21 11:06:46 GKToday<br /> New Land acquisition Policy in Kerala<br /> Kerala Govt. planning to bring new land acquisition policy<br /> It will please the interests of the land owners whose property is acquired for<br /> expansion projects<br /> Govt examining possibility of making land owners shareholders, whose property is<br /> acquired for BOT projects<br /> Kerala Chief Minister : Ommen Chandy<br /> Law to be brought to protect Journalists<br /> Govt considering to bring central law to protect journalists<br /> The objective: To avoid recurrence of incidents like murder of investigative<br /> journalist J Dey in Mumbai. To prepare a draft bill to protect journalists and their<br /> properties, such as cameras.<br /> Main provision of the draft bill is to make attacks on journalists a non-bailable<br /> offence<br /> The Law Minister of India: M Veerappa Moily<br /> PM: Manual scavenging to be eradicated within 6 months<br /> At the inaugural session of the conference of the state ministers of Welfare and Social<br /> Justice, Dr. Manmohan Singh (PM) stated the following points:-<br /> In the next 6 Months : Manual Scavenging will be eliminated from every part of<br /> the country<br /> Conversion of dry latrines to be completed once and for all.<br /> Centre to bear the financial liability of the post metric scholarship schemes for SC<br /> Students for the entire 12th Plan period.<br /> The State Govt to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach the SC Students in<br /> a transparent manner.<br /> The expert group of the ministry of Social justice and Empowerment to draft a<br /> new Law in place of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995<br /> After consulting the state governments and other stake holders, the government<br /> will introduce the bill in Parliament<br /> For CECA, India, Russia expresses political intent<br /> CECA: Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement<br /> During the bilateral meeting b/w Mr. Anand Sharma (Union Minister of Commerce<br /> and Industry) and Elvira Nebullina (Minister of Economic Development of the<br /> Russian Federation), Mr Sharma said that the economic collaboration b/w two<br /> nations must expand further than G-2-G trade and investment<br /> The two Nations to jointly set up steel plant worth Rs 9K crore rupees near Bellary<br /> in Karnataka by<br /> National Mineral Development Corporation, NMDC (India’s largest iron ore<br /> producer) and Russian steel maker OJSC Severstal<br /> The two nations also agreed to form 6 working groups under India Russia Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation, with<br /> Government and private participation on :</div> <div>Devotees celeberates ‘Suna Besha’ of Lord Jagnnath at Puri<br /> In Odisha, more than 10 lakh devotees gathered at the holy city of Puri to see the<br /> ‘Suna Besha’ or the ‘Golden Attire’ of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra<br /> and Devi Subhadra<br /> The 3 deities are decorated with golden ornaments<br /> Belief: It is believed by the devotees that there will be no rebirth if one sees the<br /> deities in ‘Suna Besha’<br /> UPSC allows candidates to appear in interview in Languages opted for<br /> written exams<br /> The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) decides that candidates who opt for<br /> an Indian language medium other than Hindi for the written Civil Services exam<br /> can now give the interview in the same Indian language, English or Hindi<br /> The UPSC said in an affidavit submitted in the Bombay High Court that as per the<br /> recommendations of an expert committee, even those candidates who give the<br /> main exam in English can now choose for the interview English, Hindi or any other<br /> Indian language, opted by them for the compulsory Indian language paper in the<br /> written part of the test<br /> The affidavit was submitted by UPSC in response to a PIL filed by a IAS aspirant<br /> India asks China to accelerate clearance of Pharmaceutical companies to<br /> gain access in market<br /> India asked China to accelerate clearance for its pharmaceutical companies to<br /> gain access to China’s market<br /> Entry of Indian pharmaceuticals to this country’s market would also greatly<br /> benefit Chinese people as India produces comparatively affordable drugs<br /> India has recognized Pharmaceuticals along with IT as a major area of<br /> opportunity to push its exports to China to reduce the growing trade imbalance<br /> between the two countries<br /> NADA cautions sports persons about banned drugs<br /> The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) warned athletes and<br /> sports persons to be wary of banned drugs<br /> As per NADA athletes and sports persons would ultimately be<br /> held responsible and not their coaches or others who encourage<br /> them to take steroids to boost their performance<br /> There is a need to increase awareness among athletes and sports<br /> persons about banned substances both by NADA and the World<br /> Anti-Doping Agency<br /> Committee for reform in power sector set up by the Planning Commission<br /> A Committee setup by the Planning Commission to suggest ways and means for<br /> Reforms in the Power Sector<br /> Committee to be headed by former CAG, V.K. Shunglu</div> <div>awarded with The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, in recognition of<br /> his outstanding contribution to the promotion of economic relations and mutual<br /> understanding between Japan and India.<br /> UP cabinet okays Savtri Bai Phule Balika Kalyan Yojana<br /> Uttar Pradesh government has announced to introduce Savtri Bai Phule Balika<br /> Kalyan Yojana for the girls of the Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antodaya family in<br /> all the government- aided diploma institutions and polytechnics in the state.<br /> Samsung India is India’s Olympic sponsor for London Games<br /> Indian Olympics Association (IOA) has signed a MoU with Samsung India<br /> Electronics , making Samsung Indiaas Oylmpic partner and official sponsor of the<br /> Indian contingent for next year’s Games.<br /> Samsung also announced the launch of its Olympic Ratna Program whereby it<br /> is providing scholarship support to six top Indian athletes shooters Abhinav Bindra,<br /> Gagan and Ronjan Sodhi; boxers Vikas Krishan and L Devendro Singh and archer<br /> Deepika Kumari – all of whom have already qualified for the 2012 Games.<br /> World’s 1st 24X7 Cricket Channel NEO Cricket launched<br /> NEO Broadcast America, Inc, a group company of Nimbus Communications Ltd,<br /> has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Time Warner Cable, the<br /> second-largest cable operator in the US, to launch a 24-hour cricket channel, NEO<br /> Cricket in New York City.<br /> Indore to host All India Mayors’ Conference<br /> Indore is the host of All India Mayors Conference, inviting mayors from 35 cities<br /> including Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Shimla.<br /> Chhattisgarh to set up 7 mini industrial parks<br /> Chhattisgarh government has decided to set up seven mini industrial parks with a<br /> view to giving a boost to small scale industries generating employment<br /> opportunity for over 1.35 lakh unemployed youths. Under the programme, an<br /> engineering park is proposed to be set up with about 500 micro and small scale<br /> industries on a 300 acres in the steel city of Bhilai.<br /> About 50,000 unemployed are likely to get employment in the proposed<br /> engineering park. While a herbal medicinal park and a food park were proposed to<br /> be set up in Dhamtari district s Banjari and Bagod areas, the new capital Raipur<br /> will have a jems and jewellery park, a plastic park in Tilda, a metal park in<br /> Rababhata, an apparel park in Bhanpuri and a pharmaceutical park at Bhimiya.<br /> Update on India-China Trade<br /> India and China expected to achieve the bilateral trade target of 100 billion dollars<br /> by 2015.<br /> Total trade volume has gone up from 2.3 billion dollars in 2000-01 to 59.62 billion<br /> dollars in 2010-11.<br /> Trade deficit is the major concern as Trade deficit for the Indian side has increased<br /> from 9.1 billion dollars in 2006-07 to 20.8 billion dollars in 2010-11.<br /> Nupur Mitra appointed as new chairman and MD of Dena Bank</div> <div>the PDS machinery.<br /> Joint Council of IITs approves CET for IIT& NIT from 2013<br /> A pan-India common entrance test for admission to the IITs and National Institute<br /> of Technology, NITs, has been proposed by the Joint Council of Indian Institutes of<br /> Technology(IITs)<br /> Under the common examination, the Council also proposed to cover State<br /> Government run and private engineering colleges across the country<br /> Operation proposed from 2013-14 academic year.<br /> All-India merit list to be set based on the joint weightage given to class XII exam<br /> and to a common test. The examination will test a student’s logical ability and<br /> knowledge on non-subject matters.<br /> As per the suggestions by the Kakodkar Committee, the Council also decided<br /> to lift the fees of IITs students from Rs 50,000 per annum to Rs 2,00,000<br /> The Council also decided that during the study period the Student will pay only Rs<br /> 50,000 and the balance of fee of Rs 1,50,000 to be recovered when the Student<br /> gets employed. This fee hike would affect only general category Students as<br /> Students from ST, SC and OBC except creamy layer will continue to pay old fee.<br /> Supreme Court: “Chief Justice has no unfettered powers”<br /> The SC ruled no Government or authority, including the “Chief<br /> Justice”, has any “unfettered discretion” or “unaccountable<br /> action”.It said that any such exercise is subject to judicial review.<br /> A bench of justices R V Raveendran and Markandeya Katju held that in a<br /> democracy where the rule of law prevails, even the prerogative power is subject<br /> to judicial review.<br /> The top court passed the ruling while upholding an appeal filed by West Bengal<br /> Government challenging a decision of the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice to<br /> allow extra pay benefits to about 50 employees of the high court even though the<br /> Government rules did not authorize them.<br /> 4 th SAARC Energy Ministers meet in Dhaka, Bangladesh<br /> The 4th SAARC Energy Minister’s inaugurated in Dhaka, Bangladesh<br /> Focus of the meeting: Strengthening regional co-operation in the energy sector<br /> Seminar for Asian Parliamentarians inaugurated by Ms Meira Kumar<br /> Seminar for Asian Parliaments on preventing and responding to violence against<br /> women and girls in New Delhi inaugurated by Ms Meira Kumar<br /> The 3-day seminar will discuss on a variety of issues relating to violence against<br /> women and girls, including legislations on it<br /> Renowned Parliamentarians and panellists from UN offices, human rights<br /> advocacy groups, judiciary and Government establishments to make<br /> presentations at the Seminar</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : October 2, 2011<br /> 2011-10-02 16:10:38 GKToday<br /> October 2, 2011: Nation pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi<br /> Nation paid homage to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 142 nd<br /> birth anniversary<br /> October 2, 2011: The nation also remembers Lal Bahadur Shastri<br /> Nation paid homage to the 2 nd Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur<br /> Shastri on his 107 th birth anniversary<br /> National Institute of Sports Science & Medicine to be set up by the Govt.<br /> National Institute of Sports Science and Medicine, NISSM to be setup by the Govt.<br /> at the premises of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi at a cost of Rs 200 Crore<br /> Objective: The institute will aim at developing the much needed disciplines of Physchology, Nutrition, Biochemistry, Biomedical and Sports<br /> Medicine for providing cutting edge excellence, evaluation, performance and assessment related advice to evaluation, performance and<br /> assessment related advice to Indian Sports and athletes<br /> NISSM is modeled on the lines of China Institute of Sports Sciences (CISS)<br /> During the visit of Indian President to China on 27 May 2010, the decision was taken to setup the Institute<br /> NISSM to be registered as Society under Societies Registration Act by November 1, 2011<br /> Institute to be headed by a Director equivalent to a Vice- Chancellor of a Central University<br /> NISSM to work in partnership with national and international partners from USA, UK, China, South Korea, Australia, Germany and South<br /> Africa<br /> NISSM to function under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports<br /> Disposable plastic products banned by Himanchal Pradesh<br /> Himachal Pradesh has banned disposable plastic products from today<br /> Packaged drinking water will, nevertheless, not be impacted by the ban<br /> Following a total ban on utilization of recycled and plastic bags in the state in<br /> 2009, today ban now imposed on use of plastic cups and plates also<br /> But keeping in view the tourism sector mineral water bottles and glasses have<br /> been exempted<br /> Violators will be fined up to Rs. 5,000 under the law<br /> Blanket ban on usage & manufacturing of plastic bags in Delhi soon<br /> Delhi Government to inflict a blanket ban on the use and production of plastic<br /> bags in the next 2 months<br /> Draft notification in this concern has been issued by the State Government<br /> As per the notice those violating the ban could be imprisoned for up to 5 years or<br /> have to pay a fine of up to one Lakh rupees or both</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : July 11, 2011<br /> 2011-07-11 14:07:55 GKToday<br /> Ashadhi Akadashi being celebrated<br /> Ashadhi Akadashi is being celebrated on July 11, 2011 in Maharashtra<br /> Pandhapur the most popular place for the devotees from all over India, is a<br /> centre for Warkaries (the regular devotees) coming to this place for<br /> worshiping Vitthal –Rukhamini<br /> Over 8 lakh pilgrims came to have a glimpse of their god and goddess<br /> World Population Day: July 11, 2011<br /> July 11, 2011: World population day<br /> The theme this year: “Calling Attention to Urgent Global Issues”<br /> Observed on July 11, every year the day attempts to lift alertness on global<br /> population issues<br /> Recognized by the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) in 1989<br /> Five Billion Day on July 11, 1987: Approximately the date on which the<br /> world’s population reached five billion people. World Population Day inspired by<br /> this DATE only.<br /> Fernando Alonso wins British Grand Prix<br /> Fernando Alonso delivered Ferrari’s long-awaited first win of the<br /> 2011 season when he made the most of unpredictable and<br /> challenging wet-dry conditions to triumph at the British Grand<br /> Prix<br /> Some Facts:-<br /> 1. British Grand Prix: A race in the calendar of the FIA Formula One World<br /> Championship<br /> 2. Currently held at the Silverstone Circuit near the village of Silverstone in<br /> Northamptonshire, UK<br /> 3. The British and Italian Grands Prix are the oldest continuously staged<br /> Formula One World Championship Grands Prix<br /> Computerization of all Post Offices by 2012<br /> The Central Government has decided to<br /> computerize all 1.5 Lakh Post offices by 2012<br /> Around R`1800<br /> Crore to be spent for the purpose<br /> 1000 ATM Machines would also be installed at the post<br /> offices in the country<br /> The Minister of State for communication: Sachin Pilot</div> <div>June 15, 1987.<br /> Ms. Pratibha Devisingh Patil: The President of India to declare her assets<br /> public<br /> The President of India Ms. Pratibha Devisingh Patil decided to declare her assets<br /> First time that a President of India will be making assets public though there is no<br /> law that mandates her to do it<br /> The decision came after a proposal from the CIC (Central Information Commission)<br /> that the President of India should take a call on introduction of her and her<br /> family’s property details in public domain<br /> The President actually is not required to declare his/her assets to any public<br /> authority, however, President Patil would declare it<br /> Abhinav Bindra qualifies for London Games<br /> Former Olympic Shooting Champion from India: Abhinav Bindra qualified for the<br /> next year’s London Olympic Games<br /> Bindra qualified despite finishing a low 8th in the 10 m air rifle event of the<br /> Shooting World Cup in Munich, Germany<br /> India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, Bindra shot a qualification score of<br /> 596</div> <div>China’s First Unmanned Space Laboratory “Tiangong-1″ Successfully Launched by China<br /> Tiangong-1: China’s first unmanned space laboratory was successfully launched from a site in the Gobi Desert<br /> Tiangong-1 means heavenly palace<br /> China thus became the 3 rd country after Russia and USA to operate a permanent space station<br /> The space lab launched by China likely to be operational by 2020<br /> Tiangong-1 to aid China set up a manned space test platform competent of long term unmanned operation in space with impermanent<br /> human attendance<br /> After orbiting for a month on its own, Tiangong-1 to be joined by another spaceship, Shenzhou-8 after which both will then carry out the first<br /> space docking<br /> Salgaocar defeats East Bengal to win the Federation Cup<br /> 33 rd Federation Cup: Salgaocar defeated East Bengal 3-1 in the final at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata<br /> Salgaocar thus became the first non-Kolkata club to win the Federation Cup, a premier domestic cup competition in Indian football<br /> since Mahindra United in 2005<br /> Rajiv Vastupal, Chairman & MD of Rajiv Petrochemicals, elected President of AIMA<br /> Rajiv Vastupal, Rajiv Petrochemicals’ chairman & managing director was elected president of the All-India Management<br /> Association (AIMA)<br /> Established in 1957, AIMA is an autonomous body which plays a proactive role in pooling management thoughts in India<br /> GAIL India: First Public Sector Entity to obtain Shale Gas possessions abroad<br /> India’s largest gas transmission company by volume, GAIL India, a State-run gas utility became the first public sector body and the 2 nd Indian<br /> firm after Mukesh Ambani’s RIL to obtain shale gas possessions abroad<br /> GAIL India on 29 September 2011 declared a deal with US based Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc for acquiring a 20% interest in the latter’s Eagle Ford<br /> Shale acreage<br /> GAIL became the first State-owned energy company to get a grip in the US market</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : October 5, 2011<br /> 2011-10-05 13:10:11 GKToday<br /> 2 new SC Judges appointed by the President<br /> President Ms Pratibha Devisingh Patil appointed 2 new Judges to the SC. Justice Dipak<br /> Mishra, Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court and Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court<br /> Justice Justice Chelameswar were appointed to the Supreme Court.<br /> New Chairman of Press Council: Justice Katju<br /> Justice Markandey Katju (Former Judge of Supreme Court) appointed as<br /> new Chairman of PCI (Press Council of India.) Mr Katju has authored<br /> various books in his name, ‘Law in the Scientific Era’,<br /> ‘Interpretation of Taxing Statutes’, and ‘Domestic Enquiry’.<br /> India and Russia sign agreement to step up defence ties<br /> India and Russia articulated willingness to acquire all essential methods to<br /> promote their support on a jointly valuable basis. An agreement signed<br /> after the Eleventh meeting of the India-Russia Inter-governmental<br /> Commission on Military Technology in Moscow.<br /> India vigorously taking into consideration for membership in IACA:<br /> President<br /> President Ms Pratibha Devi Singh Patil opined that India taking into<br /> consideration to deal efficiently and sincerely with the subject of<br /> corruption. India considering to become member of International<br /> Anti- Corruption Academy, IACA,<br /> a joint initiative by the UN Office on Drugs And Crime, UNODC, the Republic of<br /> Austria, the European Anti Fraud Office, OLAF and other stakeholders. IACA:<br /> Trailblazer institute in Vienna, Austria that aspires to conquer present defects in<br /> knowledge and practice in the field of anti- corruption.<br /> UN resolution on Syria: India refrains whilst Russia, China veto<br /> UNSC resolution on Syria which threatens action against Syria if it did not at once<br /> stop the lethal onslaught of anti-regime protesters – India refrained from voting.<br /> Russia and China (both permanent members of UNSC) vetoed thus annulling the<br /> draft.<br /> Other countries that abstained from voting were Brazil, Lebanon and South Africa.<br /> Countries voting in favour of the resolution were Bosnia and Herzegovina,</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : July 2, 2011<br /> 2011-07-02 18:07:38 GKToday<br /> Vodafone to pay $ 400 million more to Essar to buy 33% stake in the joint<br /> venture Vodafone-Essar<br /> Vodafone: UK-based<br /> Essar: Indian Partner for Vodafone<br /> Vodafone to pay $ 400 million more to Essar in order to buy 33% stake<br /> in the joint venture Vodafone-Essar<br /> Vodafone’s holding in the venture would increase to 75.35%<br /> Vodafone would transfer 1.35% stake to an Indian investor to remain<br /> compliant with the existing FDI norms in the telecom sector as the the<br /> existing FDI limit is 74%<br /> World Bank to fund $648 Million for the Construction of the Hydro-Power<br /> Plant in Uttrakhand<br /> WB to fund a loan assistance of $648 million for the construction of the<br /> Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Plant on the Alaknanda river in Uttarakhand<br /> Hydro Power Plant expected to generate 1,665 million units of electricity yearly<br /> 444-MW Vishnugad Pipalkoti Project would also help reduce India’s greenhouse<br /> gas emissions by 1.6 million tones annually, compared to a thermal plant of the<br /> same capacity<br /> Mr. Pradeep Kumar appointed new CVC<br /> Defense Secretary Pradeep Kumar chosen as next CVC (Chief Vigilance<br /> Commissioner)<br /> Mr. Pradeep Kumar, retires as Defence Secretary on July 31<br /> He was chosen by consensus by a panel comprising Prime Minister<br /> Manmohan Singh, Home<br /> Minister P Chidambaram and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha<br /> Sushma Swaraj<br /> But his selection has been not been officially confirmed yet<br /> Mr. Kumar, a Haryana cadre IAS officer of the 1972 batch, was Secretary, Defence<br /> Production, prior to becoming the Defence Secretary<br /> Temple safety measures tighten up following Treasure Discovery<br /> Padmanabha Swami temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala<br /> Kerala Government further tightened up the security at the historical Sree<br /> Padmanabha Swami temple in Thiruvananthapuram<br /> Reason:<br /> Huge quantity of precious metals and diomonds worth around Rs 50,000 Crore<br /> have been unearthed from the underground cellars of the temple<br /> With this Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple emerged as the richest shrine in the<br /> country</div> <div>To provide financial facilities, chiefly to persons in the rural areas<br /> Radhika Duraiswamy: Secretary Department of Post<br /> The Post Bank concept is already existing in many countries of the world<br /> The Department of Post is working as the Registrar of UID<br /> Nearly 5000 identified post offices in the country<br /> People can go for their UID numbers in these Post Offices<br /> Kolkata office sending UID data to people by speed post<br /> Postal department opened about 5000 accounts of NAREGA workers<br /> More than 50% of wages for NAREGA being distributed via post offices<br /> Workers of unorganized sectors can open their accounts in post offices</div> <div>Three-time Indian Football Player of the Year I. M. Vijayan<br /> described Bhutia as “God’s gift to Indian football”<br /> He was the first Indian athlete to boycott the Olympic<br /> torch relay in support of the Tibetan independence movement<br /> Honours<br /> Arjuna Awardee in Football : 1998<br /> Padma Shri : 2008<br /> Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools, Delhi<br /> On 28 October 2010 he started Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools in Delhi in<br /> partnership with Football by Carlos Queiroz and Nike, Inc<br /> Baichung Stadium<br /> Baichung Stadium is a football stadium in Namchi, the district headquarters<br /> of South Sikkim district in the state of Sikkim, India<br /> The stadium was built in honour of Baichung Bhutia,in honour of his contribution to<br /> Indian football (first player to have such honour while he is still playing) The<br /> state plans to actively promote the sport made popular after Bhutia became the first<br /> Indian to play in a European league and captain the national team<br /> India inks DTAA with Georgia<br /> India and Georgia signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to avert<br /> tax evasion and swap banking information<br /> Agreement provides for business profits to be taxable in the source state if the<br /> activities of an enterprise has a permanent establishment there<br /> The agreement also provides for sharing of information to other agencies with the<br /> consent of supplying state<br /> This Agreement is to provide tax stability to the residents of India and Georgia and<br /> will facilitate mutual economic cooperation b/w the two countries<br /> North Korea willing to impose moratorium on WMD tests<br /> North Korea has conveyed willingness to enforce a moratorium on tests of WMD<br /> (Weapons of Mass Destruction) and resume the stalled six-party talks on its<br /> nuclear programme<br /> North Korea is ready to resume the six-party talks on the settlement of the<br /> nuclear problem in the Korean Peninsula without pre-conditions<br /> North Korean leader Kim Jong Il agreed to go ahead with international talks on denuclearization<br /> of the Korean peninsula<br /> Syed Habib, Former Indian Snooker Player passed away<br /> Former Indian No:2 snooker player Syed Habib passed away<br /> Habib was India No:2 in snooker for three years 1980,81,82<br /> He entered the billiards when he defeated the then World billiards champion Michael Ferreira in the Pune Nationals in 1987<br /> He also represented India in IBSF World Snooker in the year 1981 and IBSF World Masters Snooker in the year 2009.</div> <div>Android is a free and open source mobile operating system for mobile<br /> devices developed by the Open Handset Alliance led by Google<br /> Google acquired Android Inc. in August 2005, making Android Inc. a<br /> wholly owned subsidiary of Google Inc<br /> “Dal Bhat Scheme” lauched by Jharkhand<br /> The State Government of Jharkhand launched the “Dal Bhat Scheme”<br /> Under this Scheme: Lunch to be provided to a poor person at Rs 5, a person to<br /> get 200 gm of rice, pulses and chokha<br /> In order to execute the scheme, 100 food centres in all the 24 districts opened<br /> The food centres tol be run by NGOs and monitored by the district administration<br /> Sattelite Towns<br /> Ministry of Urban Development running a pilot scheme for Infrastructure<br /> Development in satellite town around mega-cities<br /> The scheme will assist in the development of infrastructure facilities related to Solid<br /> Waste Management, Water Supply and Sewerage in the selected towns to<br /> guide their future growth and ameliorate pressure on mega-cities<br /> It also provides for implementation of reforms such as e-governance, property<br /> tax, double entry accounting, creation of barrier free built environment<br /> and energy & water audit<br /> The 8 satellite towns identified for implementation of the scheme are:<br /> Vikarabad (Andhra Pradesh), Sanand (Gujarat), Sonipat (Haryana),<br /> Kankapura (Karnataka), Vasai-Virar (Maharashtra), Sriperumbudur<br /> (Tamilnadu), Pilkhua (Uttar Pradesh) and New Town (West Bengal)<br /> A satellite town or satellite city is a concept in urban planning that refers essentially to smaller metropolitan<br /> areas which are located somewhat near to, but are mostly independent of, larger metropolitan areas.<br /> Satellite cities are small or medium-sized cities near a large metropolis, that:<br /> predate that metropolis’ suburban expansion<br /> are at least partially independent from that metropolis economically and socially<br /> are physically separated from the metropolis by rural territory or by a major geographic barrier such<br /> as a large river; satellite cities should have their own independent urbanized area, or equivalent<br /> have their own bedroom communities<br /> have a traditional downtown surrounded by traditional “inner city” neighbourhoods<br /> may or may not be counted as part of the large metropolis’ Combined Statistical Area</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 18, 2011<br /> 2011-08-18 13:08:33 GKToday<br /> IRCON and Sri Lanka Railways Signed an Agreement on Infrastructure<br /> Development<br /> IRCON and Sri Lanka Railways signed an agreement for supply and installation of the<br /> signaling and telecommunication system for railway network in Northern Province of Sri<br /> Lanka<br /> The cost of the project is $86.5 mn<br /> It will cover the Anuradhapura-Medawachchiya and Kankasanthurai-Tallai Mannar<br /> sections<br /> The project is a part of Indian Line of Credit of $800 mn, which was extended by India at concessional terms<br /> The credit line was extended at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.5% with LIBOR capped at 3 percent<br /> The repayment period is 20 years with a five year moratorium<br /> China Announces Measures to support Honk Kong Economy<br /> China announced measures in order to make it comfortable for Hong Kong companies to invest in mainland securities<br /> It is a part of the latest steps by China to make the Yuan an International Currency<br /> An initial quota of more than $3 bn for foreign investors based in Hong Kong seeking to purchase yuan-denominated securities was<br /> announced<br /> China has long been using Hong Kong as a test bed for a loosening of its strict currency controls<br /> Hong Kong is one of two special administrative regions (SARs) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the other being Macau<br /> T-50 Stealth Fighter makes its Public appearance at MAKS Air Show, Moscow<br /> T-50 stealth fighter being jointly developed by Russia and India<br /> It made its first international public appearance at the MAKS air show in Moscow<br /> The T-50 resembles Russia’s best-selling Su-30 fighter jet but will have all its weapons hidden inside its body and wings to avoid radar<br /> detection and will fly at supersonic cruising speeds<br /> The aircraft also boasts of ultra-maneuverability and high-technology avionics<br /> “Courts have no mandate to re-evaluate exam answer sheet”: Supreme<br /> Court<br /> Supreme Court ruled that courts have no authorization to re-evaluate an answer<br /> sheet even if a candidate has been awarded less marks in an Examination<br /> A bench of the apex court ordered reduction of two extra marks awarded to a girl<br /> candidate for 2007 all-India medical entrance test by the Patna High Court,<br /> though correctly, during adjudication of her plea for revaluation of her answer<br /> sheets<br /> The bench held the view that the judges need not decide what is sensible in<br /> academic arena<br /> The apex court gave its ruling on an appeal by the CBSE (Central Board of</div> <div>The council of ministers in Rajasthan approved the Mukhyamantri Gramin BPL<br /> Aavas Yojna with an objective to provide houses to 10 lac BPL families in the<br /> next 3 years<br /> United Nations formally recommends South Sudan to join the United<br /> Nations<br /> The United Nations has formally recommended South Sudan to join the United<br /> Nations, becoming its 193rd member<br /> South Sudan’s admission is due to be completed with a vote by the UN General<br /> Assembly</div> <div>NHRC Chairperson Justice K G Balakrishnan to chair the Advisory Group on the<br /> Media and Human Rights<br /> Sachin’s proposals on revamping ODI format rejected by ICC<br /> International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat has<br /> ruled out changes to 50-over cricket despite a proposal put forward by<br /> Indian great Sachin Tendulkar<br /> Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar had proposed to the ICC to make “a<br /> radical switch” from 50-50 to four 25-over innings<br /> As per Sachin, 4 alternate innings of 25 overs for each side in an international<br /> would be the fairest way of balancing the advantages gained by the team that<br /> won the toss, when the pitch and weather conditions mean that a match can<br /> virtually be decided by the spin of a coin<br /> Tendulkar’s letter also proposed changes in voluntary Power plays<br /> ‘Zindagi Zindabad’ campaign launched by Haryana<br /> Haryana Government launched ‘Zindagi Zindabad’ campaign<br /> Objective: To make the individuals conscious about the services being provided<br /> by the Haryana State AIDS Control Society<br /> Election Commission: ‘Right to Recall’ not practical<br /> The Election Commission held that ‘Right to Recall’ is not practical in<br /> the country’s democratic set up<br /> Chief Election Commissioner S Y Qureshi said that country’s enormous<br /> demographic fluctuations and detailed electoral process does not allow<br /> such a law as proposed by Team Anna<br /> ICC 2012 World T20 schedule declared by ICC<br /> The International Cricket Council (ICC) declared the match schedule<br /> and revealed event logo of the ICC World Twenty20 2012<br /> The event to be held in Sri Lanka from September 18, 2012 to October<br /> 7, 2012</div> <div></div> <div>The Supreme Court was informed by the Enforcement Directorate that companies involved in the 2G scam violated the Foreign Exchange<br /> Management Act (FEMA) to the tune of Rs 10000 crore.<br /> The directorate detected FEMA violations to the tune of Rs 9,929.80 crore, the agency can now slap a penalty three times the violation.<br /> The enforcement directorate under the FEMA can thus slap a fine of nearly Rs 30000 crore, which was equivalent to the loss to the<br /> exchequer as estimated by the CBI due to alleged irregular allotment of the 2G spectrum in 2008<br /> The directorate is examining transactions involving around 350 accounts, of which nearly 200 were intimated by the Financial Intelligence Unit<br /> (FIU)<br /> Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) keeps track of suspicious movement of money in foreign accounts<br /> Rajkumar Ghosh becomes Director-refineries of state-run Indian Oil Corp (IOC)<br /> Rajkumar Ghosh took the chair of Director-refineries of state-run Indian Oil Corp (IOC).<br /> Mr.Rajkumar succeeded BN Bankapur<br /> Ghosh was working as executive director-refineries at IOC headquarters<br /> Also served as the executive director at Panipat refinery</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : June 23, 2011<br /> 2011-06-25 10:06:03 GKToday<br /> Ambubashi Mela commences at the Kamakhya temple in Assam<br /> The 4 day yearly Ambushi Mela started at the Shaktipeeth Kamakhya<br /> Dham in Guwahati<br /> The door of the temple closed for the visitors for next 3 days<br /> The temple complex is on the top of the Neelachal Hill<br /> Former Kerala Minister Mr. A. Sujanapal Sujanapal passes away<br /> Congress leader and former Kerala Minister Mr. A. Sujanapal passed away at<br /> Kozhikode<br /> Elected to Kerala Assembly from Kozhikode Constituency in 1991 and 2001<br /> Became Minister for forest and environment in the UDF Ministry headed by Sri<br /> Oomen Chandy in 2006<br /> Sujanapal wrote many travelogues<br /> Ms Nirupama Rao next ambassador to US<br /> Nirupama Rao (Foreign Secretary) appointed the next ambassador to the USA<br /> Ms Rao succeeds Meera Shankar as the US Ambassador<br /> 1973-batch IFS officer took over the office of the Foreign Secretary on August 1,<br /> 2009, becoming the second woman to head the Indian Foreign Secretary<br /> after Chokila Iyer<br /> She was to retire in December in 2010 at the age of 60 but was given an<br /> extension till July-end as the Government fixed a two-year term for the post of<br /> foreign secretary Ms Rao’s appointment as the next ambassador to USA comes as<br /> a significant development in the backdrop of crucial Indo-US ties<br /> Ms Rao, the first woman spokesperson of the MoEA (Ministry of External<br /> Affairs), was country’s ambassador to Sri Lanka and China before being<br /> appointed as the foreign secretary.<br /> Has extensive experience in handling India-China relations<br /> Served in the East-Asia Division of the MEA from 1984 to 1992<br /> By 2015 Bogibeel bridge to be ready<br /> The construction of nearly 5 Km long Rail-cum-Road bridge in Assam over<br /> river Brahmaputra at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh district is likely to be<br /> completed by 2015<br /> Connect Dibrugarh and Dhemaji districts<br /> Will be a benefit for road communication for public of Upper Assam, Arunachal<br /> Pradesh and Nagaland<br /> On completion, it will be the fourth and so far, the longest rail-cum-road bridge<br /> over Brahmaputra<br /> Extension of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana to domestic workers<br /> The Government permitted the extension of RSBY (Rashtriya Swasthya Bima<br /> Yojna) to all Registered domestic workers in the country<br /> Scheme expected to cover 47.50 Lakh workers in the country</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs June 13, 2011<br /> 2011-06-17 10:06:26 GKToday<br /> NDT collection declines by 48 percent<br /> For the first 2 months of this fiscal The Gross Direct Tax (GDT) collection was up<br /> by 37 %<br /> The Net Direct Tax (NDT) collection declined by 48% in the same time period.<br /> As per the data released by the Finance Ministry, the decline in the NDT was due<br /> to more than 200% rise in tax refunds given by the IT Dept in the month of April-<br /> May.<br /> NDT = GDT – Refunds<br /> Upendra Nath Brahma Soldier of Humanity Award<br /> Social Activist Niketu Iralu from Nagaland has been chosen for the Upendra Nath<br /> Brahma Soldier of Humanity Award for 2011<br /> Niketu Iralu (75 Years old) is Chairman of Naga Reconciliation Committee<br /> Award conferred by: The UN Brahma Trust<br /> Iralu is renowned peace maker among the Naga people and had been the key<br /> figure in spreading the Moral Rearmament Movement in 1957.<br /> As a member of the International Initiative of Change he has been working for<br /> peace at least in more than 30 countries<br /> He received the prestigious Gopi Nath Bordoloi National award in 2005.<br /> Income Certificate issued by MLA will also be accepted to issue monthly<br /> Tickets: Railway Ministry<br /> Income Certificate issued by MLAs will also be accepted to issue monthly Season<br /> Tickets for the benefit of persons working in unorganized sectors.<br /> Facility in addition to the 5 kinds of certificates already permitted under its ‘Izzat’<br /> Scheme.<br /> The Railway issues a monthly pass of Rs 25 for the distance of 100 KM to benefit<br /> the people earning less than fifteen hundred rupees in unorganized sector.<br /> Latest provisions of the scheme will be effective from next month.<br /> WB govt to discuss Singur bill<br /> Bill seeks to revoke the Singur lease contract with the Tatas and take back the<br /> land leased to them.<br /> Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said that her government is dedicated to<br /> return the 400 acre to unenthusiastic farmers and the residual nearly 600 acre for<br /> industry.<br /> State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority for Kerala<br /> The centre approved for the terms of reference for carrying out the environmental<br /> impact assessment of the Vizhinjam Trans Shipment Port project near<br /> Thiruvananthapuram.<br /> Mr Jairam Ramesh (The Union Minister of Environment and Forests) said that the<br /> environmental impact assessment will be done at the site already selected by the<br /> Kerala Government.</div> <div>Durand Cup Football: Cherchill brothers Win<br /> Churchill Brothers won the 124 th Durand Cup Football Tournament beating Prayag<br /> United in the Finals played at New Delhi.<br /> Karvachauth festival celebrated with great fervour<br /> In Northern India a festival of married women (Suhagins) is being celebrated with<br /> great enthusiasm. The Women keep fast on this day for the well being and long<br /> life of their husbands and take food late in the evening after offering ARGHAYA to<br /> the moon.<br /> Shram Awards 2009 Conferred<br /> 4 employees of Hindustan Zinc received the Prime Minister’s Shram Award for the<br /> year 2009 in the workmen group for their excellent track record and devotion to<br /> duty.<br /> The Prime Minister’s Shram Bhushan Award contains a ‘ Sanad’ and a cash award<br /> of Rs. 1 Lakh and the Prime Minister’s Shram Veer Award contains a cash award of<br /> Rs. 60,000.<br /> India’s longest tunnel ready<br /> The Northern Railways unfolded India’s longest railway tunnel cutting across the<br /> Pir Panjal range in J &K. The tunnel is part of the aspirational Udhampur – Srinagar<br /> – Baramulla rail link project of Northern Railways.<br /> Homogeneous KYC Regulation norms by Nov’11<br /> SEBI to come out by Nov’11 Homogenous norms for setting up a uniform Know<br /> Your Customer (KYC) Regulation Authority. It will relieve the burden comparable<br /> on the intermediaries as well as the common man, seeking to make investments.<br /> This mechanism once set would make certain that KYC exercise is undertaken only<br /> once and enabling all intermediaries to access a prospective client’s number for<br /> getting his KYC status.</div> <div>Karchan Wangtoo Hydro Electricity Project in Kinnaur, Himachal<br /> Pradesh<br /> 1000 MW Project, started generating more than 550 MW electricity<br /> Beneficial for: Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh<br /> 80% of the power generated to be sold to these 3 States<br /> Project was allocated to JP group in 2003 at the run of Satluj River with approximate cost of<br /> Rs 7000 Crores<br /> Himachal Pradesh to get 12% royalty from the project’s earning<br /> Establishment of a 15 Member Committee for the Re-introduction of<br /> legislative council in WB<br /> A 15-member committee to be established for the re-introduction of the legislative<br /> council in the West Bengal<br /> The Committee to submit its report to the House within 6 weeks</div> <div>has been established subsequent to cautiously studying the present state of<br /> affairs in the community in wake of the financial tantrum and its backwash.<br /> ONGC Videsh Signs Pact With PetroVietnam:<br /> The accord between India’s Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s foreign arm, ONGC-<br /> VL, and Vietnam’s oil and gas group, PetroVietnam, included new investments and<br /> the exploration and supply of oil and gas to the two countries.<br /> India and Vietnam on inked an agreement to promote oil and gas exploration in<br /> South China Sea besides other pacts including an extradition treaty, brushing<br /> aside the Chinese objection.<br /> India and Vietnam also decided to increase the trade target to USD 7 billion by<br /> 2015 apart from agreeing to work towards early finalisation of the India-ASEAN<br /> Free Trade Agreement in Services and Investment.<br /> No polio cases for over 200 days: NSP<br /> National Polio Surveillance revealed in its report that: No polio case has been<br /> reported in the country for over 200 days. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative<br /> has said that Pakistan is still staggering under a polio outburst due to fast<br /> transmission of the polio virus. Subsequent the report, India has escalated the<br /> inspection at the Indo-Pak border and over 115 children aged below 5 years have<br /> been vaccinated to avert the import of virus.<br /> Report to Chidambaram by J&K interlocutor<br /> The 3-member panel of interlocutors appointed by the Centre on Jammu and<br /> Kashmir have presented a permanent solution to the problem after wide-ranging<br /> probable consultations across the state.<br /> The 3 members in the Team were:-<br /> 1. Central Information Commissioner M.M.Ansari<br /> 2. Noted journalist Dileep Padgaonkar (Led the 3 Member Team)<br /> Academic Prof. Radha Kumar The panel has suggested solutions for economic<br /> growth and addressing the socio-cultural concerns of the 3 areas of the state. The<br /> Team met 600 delegations in 22 districts of the state in addition to conducting 3<br /> round table conferences with women activists and scholars to seek their outlook<br /> on the issue. The panel is believed to have recommended decentralization of<br /> powers to Panchayti Raj institutions in the state.<br /> India inks MoU with Afghanistan in order to provide technical cooperation<br /> to Afghanistan<br /> India entered into a MoU with Afghanistan to offer technical cooperation in the<br /> areas of skill development, industrial relations, health insurance and social<br /> security. India will improve capacity building programmes for labour<br /> administration.<br /> India will help Afghanistan in developing a Labour Institute to provide technical<br /> expertise in designing research studies in these areas. VV Giri National Labour<br /> Institute (VVGNLI) to organise training programmes for Afghan officials.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 5, 2011<br /> 2011-08-05 11:08:13 GKToday<br /> NASA discovers First Evidence of Water on Mars<br /> NASA Scientists claimed to have discovered the first substantiation of flowing<br /> water on Mars<br /> Evidence collected by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter the first<br /> discovery of active liquid water in the ground on the red planet<br /> The orbiter circling Mars since 2006, monitored several instances of<br /> what seemed to be water flows occurring at numerous locations during<br /> the Martian spring and summer<br /> Time-sequence imagery of the Newton crater in the southern mid-latitude region<br /> showed finger-like markings spreading along several steep slopes and then fading<br /> again once colder temperatures move in<br /> Soil Health Cards to be issued to farmers by 2013<br /> Soil health cards to be issued to farmers across the country by 2013<br /> Government according high priority to soil testing to get the status of its health<br /> and ascertain fertility for subsequent crop utilisation.<br /> Central Government providing assistance to state governments for setting up Soil<br /> Testing Laboratories (STLs) for increasing current capacity of states for soil testing<br /> About 413 Lakh soil health cards have been distributed to farmer’s upto 2010-11<br /> SC postulates tour operators not to carry luggage on roof of buses<br /> The Supreme Court ruled that the tourist operators cannot keep the luggage on<br /> the roof of the buses as it will jeopardize the life and safety of passengers<br /> It discarded the argument of transporters that limitations imposed on storing the<br /> luggage at the top was offensive of the fundamental rights guaranteed to a citizen<br /> for carrying out an occupation without restriction<br /> The apex court passed the judgement while dismissing appeals filed by<br /> transporters challenging Rule 128(9) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989,<br /> which says that no luggage could be carried on the roof of the vehicle<br /> Government to expand diabetes screening programme<br /> Government to expand the diabetes screening programme all over the country to<br /> tackle its rising cases<br /> The International Diabetes Federation estimated the total number of people in<br /> India with diabetes to be over five crore in 2010<br /> The figure likely to go up to eight crore by 2030<br /> Unhealthy lifestyle, physical inactivity and inappropriate diet are the major<br /> reasons for increase in diabetes<br /> Centre has also initiated a National Programme for Prevention and Control of<br /> Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases in one hundred districts in 21 States<br /> Finance Minister: Nationalized banks can’t stop disbursement of loans for<br /> fear of poor recovery</div> <div>300 small Political Parties did not file IT Return<br /> A nationwide investigation conducted by the Income Tax Department<br /> has established that 300 registered political parties have never filed their IT<br /> Returns<br /> IT Department directed by the EC to issue notices to such Parties<br /> Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) asked by the EC to ensure the financial<br /> status of these small parties for suspected violation of tax laws and money<br /> laundering<br /> The CBDT carried an investigation on this issue and submitted its Report to the<br /> election panel<br /> A number of political parties also do not possess Permanent Account Number<br /> (PAN)<br /> As the donations to Political Parties are relieved from payment of<br /> income tax, it is suspected that people are floating such political<br /> parties in large numbers to escape taxes<br /> Income Tax Department asked by the EC to step up the investigation and to serve<br /> show-cause notices to these small parties under the pertinent provisions of Income<br /> Tax Act and make certain the source and efficacy of the funds they received<br /> through donations<br /> The report tracked the I-T returns of these small parties in 13 states including<br /> Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and North East<br /> Regularly I-T returns have been filed by all the National and other major Political<br /> Parties<br /> Chief Election Commissioner Mr. S.Y.Quraishi observed that almost 75 to<br /> 80% of the registered political parties have not participated in any elections for<br /> the last several years<br /> Satyavanrao Atram passes away<br /> Satyavanrao Atram: Former Maharashtra Member of Legislative Assembly and<br /> President of the Nag-Vidarbha Aandolan Samiti Raje Satyavanrao Atram</div> <div>BCCI elected new office holders in the 82nd Annual General Meeting<br /> (AGM) 2011<br /> Mr. Narayanaswami Srinivasan took over as the chief of BCCI from<br /> incumbent Shashank Manohar<br /> New Chairman of IPL (Indian Premier League): Rajeev Shukla<br /> India to take up with US administration its restrictive trade practices<br /> India will take up with US administration its protective trade practices<br /> These policies have made Indian exports to the US more expensive and raised<br /> costs of Indian IT companies operating in America<br /> Anand Sharma , Commerce and Industry minister to meet up US trade<br /> representative Ron Kirk<br /> Mr. Sharma is likely to build a well-built case for removal of the sharp increase in<br /> professional visa fees and the extra duties forced on Government imports<br /> Mr. Sharma is also likely to ask for speedy restoration of the generalized system of<br /> preferences scheme that grants duty-free imports of specific goods from<br /> developing countries like India.</div> <div>Sapkal (Marathi)<br /> BEST FEMALE PLAYBACK SINGER: Rekha Bhardwaj for Ishqiya (Hindi)<br /> BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Madhu Ambat for Adaminte Makan<br /> Abu (Malayalam)<br /> BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Madhu Ambat for Adaminte Makan<br /> Abu (Malayalam)<br /> BEST SCREENPLAY: (Original): Vetrimaran for Aadukalam (Tamil)<br /> BEST SCREENPLAY: (Adapted): Anant Mahadevan and Sanjay Pawar<br /> for Mee Sindhutai Sapkal (Marathi)<br /> BEST SCREENPLAY: (Dialogues): Sanjay Pawar for Mee Sindhutai<br /> Sapkal (Marathi)<br /> BEST AUDIOGRAPHY: Kaamod Kharade (Location Sound Recordist)<br /> for Ishqiya (Hindi)<br /> BEST AUDIOGRAPHY: Debajit Changmai (Re-recordist of the final mixed<br /> track) forIshqiya (Hindi)<br /> BEST EDITING: TE Kishore for Aadukalam (Tamil)<br /> BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN: Sabu Cyril for Enthiran (Tamil)<br /> BEST COSTUME DESIGNER: Indrans Jayan for Namma Gramam (Tamil)<br /> BEST MAKE-UP ARTIST: Vikram Gaikwad for Moner Manush (Bengali)<br /> BEST MUSIC DIRECTION (Songs): Vishal Bhardwaj for Ishqiya (Hindi)<br /> BEST MUSIC DIRECTION (Background Score): Issak Thomas<br /> Kottakapally forAdaminte Makan Abu (Malayalam)<br /> Thenmerkku Paruvakkatru (Tamil)<br /> SPECIAL JURY AWARD: Mee Sindhutai Sapkal (Marathi)<br /> BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS: V Srinivas M Mohan for Enthiran (Tamil)<br /> BEST CHOREOGRAPHY: Dinesh Kumar for Aadukalam (Tamil)<br /> BEST FEATURE FILM IN EACH OF THE LANGUAGE SPECIFIED IN THE<br /> SCHEDULE VIII OF THE CONSTITUTION<br /> BEST ASSAMESE FILM: Jetuka Patar Dare<br /> BEST BENGALI FILM: Ami Aadu<br /> BEST HINDI FILM: Do Dooni Char<br /> BEST KANNADA FILM: Puttakkana Highway<br /> BEST MALAYALAM FILM: Veettilekkulla Vazhi<br /> BEST MARATHI FILM: Mala Aai Vhhaychay<br /> BEST TAMIL FILM: Thenmerkku Paruvakkatru<br /> BEST ENGLISH FILM: Memories in March<br /> SPECIAL MENTION: Bettada Jeeva (Kannada)<br /> SPECIAL MENTION: Aadukalam (Tamil)<br /> NON-FEATURE FILMS<br /> BEST NON-FEATURE FILM: Germ (Hindi)<br /> BEST DEBUT NON-FEATURE FILM OF A DIRECTOR: Pistulya (Marathi &<br /> Telugu)<br /> BEST ETHNOGRAPHIC FILM: Songs of Mashangva (Tangkhul, Manipuri &<br /> English)</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: 5 & 6 July 2011<br /> 2011-07-06 14:07:11 GKToday<br /> Dree festival in Arunachal Pradesh<br /> Dree Festival: The chief festival of the Apatani community in Arunachal<br /> Pradesh<br /> Dree being celebrated in the state with conventional passion<br /> Few rites are performed to worship and appease Gods and Goddesses, who protect<br /> the crops, and ensure well-being<br /> In every village, after observing Dree, 7 days taboo period is strictly<br /> observed<br /> During this 7 days period, people are not allowed to work in the field or garden nor<br /> they can bring green vegetables and fire woods as it is supposed that if the<br /> adherence of these taboos is violated the performance at the time of festival may<br /> not be successful<br /> India, Netherlands to intensify efforts to augment trade, economic ties<br /> India and Netherlands to intensify efforts to augment trade and economic ties,<br /> which stands at over € 5 Billion at present<br /> Decision taken after the External Affairs Minister Mr. S.M.Krishna held extensive<br /> talks with his Dutch counterpart Professor Rosenthal in New Delhi<br /> Netherlands, a founding member of EU and NATO is one of the most<br /> developed countries and the 16th largest economy globally<br /> Both leaders also held talks on wide range of bilateral, regional and international<br /> issues<br /> SBI to open a branch in Netherlands<br /> India to set up an Indian Cultural Centre in Netherlands in the near future<br /> Professor Rosenthal expressed Netherlands’ support for India’s permanent<br /> membership in an expanded UN Security Council<br /> $ 200 million Loan extended to Kerala by the World Bank<br /> $ 200 million Loan to Kerala by WB (World Bank)<br /> Objective:-<br /> To assist Kerala improve its basic infrastructure facilities in urban and<br /> rural areas<br /> To help the state usher in second-generation reforms towards greater<br /> decentralisation at the local level<br /> Around 978 gram panchayats and 60 municipalities in Kerala to benefit from<br /> the Project<br /> EU combat group formed by France, Germany and Poland<br /> France, Germany and Poland joined forces to form a joint European Union<br /> combat group<br /> Agreement signed in Brussels, 4 days after Poland assumed the rotating EU</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: August 1, 2011<br /> 2011-08-01 23:08:26 GKToday<br /> August 1, 2011: Monsoon Session of Parliament commences<br /> August 1, 2011: The monsoon session of the Parliament commences<br /> Government decided to introduce 32 new bills including the Lokpal Bill<br /> Other key bills to be introduced include Land Acquisition Bill, Food Security Bill,<br /> the Benami Transactions Bill and the Mines and Minerals Bill<br /> Payment dispute of crude oil resolved b/w Iran and India<br /> Iran and India resolved the payment disagreement that was bullying to arrest the<br /> Iran’s crude exports to India<br /> As per the National Iranian Oil Company the two sides agreed to settle the bill as<br /> soon as possible<br /> Earlier, Iran had jeopardized to cut off supplies to India in case of payments not<br /> made by India till August 1, 2011<br /> US sanctions on Iran made it hard to send International bank payments<br /> About 12% of India’s oil demand is met by crude from Iran<br /> Rajan Mathai: New Foreign Secretary of takes charge<br /> Rajan Mathai: New Foreign Secretary of India took charge<br /> Mr. Mathai was India’s former ambassador to France<br /> To hold office for a two-year term<br /> He succeeds Nirupama Rao, who has been named India’s<br /> ambassador to the US<br /> Mr. Rakesh Sood, India’s ambassador to Nepal, will succeed Mathai<br /> as New Delhi’s envoy in Paris<br /> Export restrictions from cotton lifted by Government<br /> Government lifted export restrictions on cotton<br /> Now Cotton is allowed to be shipped under Open General Licences for the rest of<br /> the cotton season<br /> Restrictions lifted as there is ample stock of cotton in the country<br /> After registering themselves with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade,<br /> Exporters free to export any quantity for the remaining 2 months of the season<br /> Government placed a cap on cotton exports at 55 Lakh bales in October 2010 in<br /> order to check spiralling prices and ensure availability of the raw material for the<br /> domestic textiles industry<br /> As per the Cotton Advisory Board, due to low industry demand over 50 Lakh<br /> surplus bales to be available at the end of the current season</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Macro Management of Agriculture Scheme<br /> 2011-06-10 09:06:25 GKToday<br /> Macro Management of Agriculture Scheme (MMA)<br /> The Macro Management of Agriculture Scheme (MMA) was formulated in 2000-01, by<br /> bringing together under one umbrella 27 centrally sponsored schemes relating<br /> to cooperatives, crop production programmes, watershed development programmes,<br /> horticulture, fertilizer, mechanization and seeds.<br /> This scheme was revised and its role was redefined in 2008-09. The Revised scheme<br /> has 10 Sub-schemes which are related to crop production and natural resource<br /> management:<br /> Following are some salient features of this scheme:<br /> 1. Practice of allocating funds to States/UTs on historical basis has been replaced by new allocation criteria based on gross cropped<br /> areaand area under small and marginal holdings<br /> 2. The Central assistance is provided to the States/UTs as 100 per cent grant;<br /> 3. Rationalization of the subsidy structure to make the pattern of subsidy uniform under all the schemes implemented by the<br /> Department of<br /> 4. Agriculture & Cooperation<br /> 5. The subsidy norms for states have been revised.<br /> 6. The areas which are not covered under ISOPOM are covered by MMA as a new component.<br /> 7. The revised MMA seeks active participation of all tiers of the Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs).<br /> 10 Sub schemes of the MMA are as follows:<br /> Integrated Cereal Development Programme for Rice, Wheat and Coarse Cereals<br /> Integrated Cereal Development Programme for Pulses and Oilseeds<br /> Sustainable Development of Sugarcane Based Cropping System<br /> Farm Mechanization<br /> Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)<br /> National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Area (NWDPRA)<br /> River Valley Project & Flood Prone River (RVP & FPR)<br /> Reclamation & Development of Alkali & Acid Soil (R&DAAS)<br /> State Land Use Board (SLUB)<br /> Primary Market Activities and Extension Activities</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs – June 11, 2011<br /> 2011-06-11 12:06:20 GKToday<br /> New Framework guidelines for Eco-tourism<br /> The Ministry of Environment and Forests has come up with a detailed set of framework guidelines for eco-tourism, in which it asks the state<br /> Governments to check unplanned tourism in and around natural eco-systems in the country.<br /> The states have been asked to prepare site-specific eco-tourism plan for each of the protected area. Further, the guidelines also have asked<br /> the states to levy local conservation cess on all the privately run tourist facilities within 5 kms of the boundary of the protected area.<br /> All states have been asked to notify their own State-level Eco-tourism Strategy by December 31 , 2011 and place the same in the public<br /> domain in local languages.<br /> The temple boards of pilgrimage sites located in Protected areas have been asked to give a minimum of five percent of their gross revenue<br /> for development of local communities through the Panchayat and Gram Sabha.<br /> Indian Delegation reaches Sri Lanka for talks on Tamil rehabilitation<br /> A high level Indian Government delegation has reached Sri Lanka to discuss an array of bilateral issues with the Sri Lankan Officials.<br /> The most important issues between India and Sri Lanka at the moment are :<br /> Progress in the rehabilitation of war affected Tamils in the northern province<br /> Devolution package based on 13th amendment of the Constitution of Sri Lanka.<br /> Reconciliation process with the Tamils.<br /> The Indian delegation has the following people:<br /> Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao<br /> Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar<br /> National Security Advisor, Shiv Shankar Menon.<br /> Apart from a meeting with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the delegation is also expected to have meeting with representatives of<br /> Tamil parties and the opposition groups in Sri Lanka.<br /> MF Hussain laid to rest<br /> Renowned painter Maqbool Fida Husain , who died recently at the age of 95 was laid to rest at the Brooklyn cemetery, Woking in London.<br /> 40% Rise in Cotton Acreage in Country<br /> As per the latest data released, Cotton has been sown in 20.14 lakh hectares of area as compared to 14.41 lakh hectares last year, which<br /> records a 40% rise in the acreage under cotton cultivation in the country.<br /> Sugarcane has been planted in 50.44 lakh hectares of area till date as compared to 48.63 lakh hectares at this point of time last year,<br /> showing 4% rise.<br /> India’s 1st Senior National Hockey Championship<br /> Hockey India’s first Senior National Hockey Championship (Men) 2011 has started in Bhopal .<br /> Rajanarasimha is the new Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh:<br /> Andhra Pradesh Higher Education Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha was elevated as Deputy Chief Minister of the state.<br /> The 53-year old Congress leader from Telangana region, also holds the charge of Agriculture as an additional Portfolio at present has held<br /> important portfolios in the last three cabinets in the state.<br /> Haryana Government bans Maruti Strike<br /> The state Government of Haryana passed prohibitory orders to impose a ban on the strike in Maruti Suzuki India.<br /> The state government has also referred the matter of the employees’ strike to the local labour court under the provisions of the Industrial<br /> Disputes Act, 1947.<br /> The Manesar plant has been chanced upon with the strike, in which some 2,000 workers gone off the work , leading to a production loss of<br /> about 800 units a day. This strike is in 7 th day on June 11, 2011 and till now the reported loss is around 270 Crore Rupees.</div> <div>Ludhiana, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar and Jamshedpur.<br /> U.S. tobacco companies sue Federal Government over graphic warning<br /> labels<br /> Four major U.S. tobacco companies sued the US Federal Government<br /> The companies alleged that forcing them to put graphic warning labels on<br /> cigarette packages is unconstitutional<br /> As per the companies, the new rules violate their right to free speech.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 8, 2011<br /> 2011-08-08 18:08:47 GKToday<br /> Lobsang Sangay: Tibet’s PM-in-exile<br /> Mr. Lobsang Sangay took oath as Kalon Tripa, the<br /> prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile,<br /> at a ceremony held in Dharamshala in Himachal<br /> Pradesh<br /> Ceremony presided over by the spiritual leader Dalai<br /> Lama<br /> Dalai Lama also announced to hand over all political responsibilities to THE<br /> democratically-elected leadership of Lobsang Sangay<br /> Mr. Lobsang Sangay (44) is a senior fellow of Harvard Law School. He took over<br /> the reigns of the government from 73-year-old monk-scholar Samdhong<br /> Rinpoche, who held the post for the past 10 years in two 5-year terms<br /> Singapore celebrates ASEAN’s 44th anniversary<br /> Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) marked its 44 th<br /> anniversary on August 8, 2011 with a flag-raising ceremony at the<br /> Indonesian Embassy in Singapore<br /> Indonesia is the current Chairman of ASEAN<br /> For the first time ASEAN flag will be flown at all member states’<br /> diplomatic and consular missions in ASEAN countries<br /> ASEAN day is celebrated every year to promote greater awareness, and<br /> understanding of ASEAN countries among its peoples and communities<br /> India, Pakistan to contend for vacancy at WTO’s highest court<br /> India and Pakistan going to battle it hard for a vacancy for<br /> judge at the WTO’s highest court for trade disputesthe<br /> Appellate Body<br /> India nominated former trade envoy Mr. Ujal Singh Bhatia as its candidate<br /> India and Pakistan have nominated their recent trade envoys<br /> Mr. Bhatia was India’s ambassador to the WTO during 2004 and 2010<br /> Pakistan nominated its former trade envoy Manzoor Ahmad, who has worked<br /> closely with Islamabad’s trade ministry<br /> N.S. Prabhakar Naidu: Aeronautical Engineer who flight-tested the first Indian Sail Plane Naidu died<br /> Aeronautical engineer N.S. Prabhakar Naidu (83)<br /> A doyen among the first batch of aeronautical engineers to graduate<br /> from the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1952, passed away in<br /> Seattle, United States<br /> An eminent technocrat whose innovative concepts contributed to<br /> advanced aircraft design, performance, safety and reliability<br /> He flight-tested the well known Folland Gnat jet fighters</div> <div>The UAVs can carry a variety of cameras to look deep into the enemy territory for surveillance and reconnaissance<br /> purposes</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 22, 2011<br /> 2011-08-22 10:08:10 GKToday<br /> India slips to No: 3 Position in Test Rankings<br /> England under the captaincy of Andrew Strauss defeated India 4-0 in the test series that concluded in<br /> Oval<br /> England bowler Stuart Broad was named man of the series for his side<br /> India’s man of the series was named as Rahul Dravid<br /> With this victory, England crowned themselves the number one team in Test rankings with 125 points<br /> followed by South Africa with 118 points<br /> The Indians, who started the series as the number one Test team, slipped to the number three position<br /> following the 4-0 defeat<br /> Andy Murray won the ATP’s Cincinnati Masters (Western & Southern Open)<br /> Men’s Singles Title<br /> Fourth seeded British Andy Murray won the ATP’s Cincinnati Masters title for the second time after defeating World No.<br /> 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia<br /> Murray had won the Cincinnati Masters title last in 2008<br /> The Cincinnati Open is an annual outdoor hardcourts tennis event held in the Cincinnati suburb of Mason, Ohio, USA.<br /> The event started on September 18, 1899 and is the oldest tennis tournament in the United States played in its original<br /> city.<br /> “Indian Express” Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi won Men’s Doubles<br /> Title at the Cincinnati Masters (Western & Southern Open)<br /> Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi won their third title of 2011 and<br /> first at Cincinnati after 10 years, following a hard-fought win over<br /> French-Serbian combination Michael Llodra and Nenad Zimonjic<br /> This is the third title of the season for the Indian Express as they are<br /> referred. They had earlier won titles at the Sony Ericsson Open and Chennai Open.<br /> Maria Sharapova won the Women’s Singles Title Cincinnati Masters<br /> (Western & Southern Open)<br /> Fourth-seeded Russian Maria Sharapova defeated Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic to win the women’s singles title at the<br /> Cincinnati Open<br /> Vania King and Yaroslava Shvedova won the Women’s Doubles Title at the<br /> Cincinnati Open (Western & Southern Open)<br /> Vania King (USA) and Yaroslava Shvedova (Russian / Kazakhstan) won the Women’s Doubles Title at the Cincinnati Open<br /> after defeating Natalie Grandin (South Africa) and Vladimíra Uhlířová ( Czech Republic)</div> <div>world number three<br /> In 2011, Saina has just one title, the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold in her pocket<br /> In 2010, Saina had won 3 titles – Indian Open Grand Prix Gold, Singapore Super<br /> Series and Indonesian Super Series – before winning the Commonwealth Games<br /> gold medal and the Hong Kong Super Series</div> <div>Monsoon Session<br /> Government to bring in a Bill in Parliament concerning Sports Bodies in India<br /> Some provisions of the proposed Bill:-<br /> 1. To declare all sports federations (including BCCI) as Public<br /> Authorities<br /> 2. Federations will be open to RTI queries<br /> 3. Sports Ombudsman / Lokpal will be there to hear all types of complaints<br /> 4. Anti-Doping norms would get legislative sanctions via this Bill<br /> 5. To check sexual harassment cases in sporting bodies provision will be<br /> there<br /> 6. In BCCI, One-fourth of the Executive body’s members to be ex-<br /> Cricketers (at National Level)<br /> 7. Tenure and age norms for BCCI, no person above 70 Years will head the<br /> BCCI<br /> 8. Tenure for President: 12 years and other members: NOT more than 8 years<br /> Union Sports Minister: Ajay Maken<br /> New Antrix Chief: Dr. V S Hegde<br /> ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) announced Dr. V S Hegde<br /> as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director for Antrix<br /> Dr. V S Hegde: Veteran remote-sensing applications scientist. Served<br /> Bangalore-headquartered ISRO as its Scientific Secretary since January<br /> 2010, and had previously played a key role for several years in ISRO’s<br /> Earth Observation Satellite Programmes<br /> Appointment, announced by ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan in Banglore<br /> This declaration is a part of plans to reform Antrix in altering times so that it can<br /> take advantage of commercial opportunities emanating out of the space agency’s<br /> programmes<br /> Antrix: A ‘Miniratna’ Company, it provides space products and services to<br /> customers worldwide<br /> Antrix Corporation Limited: ISRO’s marketing arm<br /> Books: “Man’s Fate and God’s Choice”<br /> “Man’s Fate and God’s Choice”: A Book by Mr. Bhimeswara Challa<br /> The Book was released by Honorable Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari<br /> As per Shri Ansari, the book is an intellectual journey in a classical sense and while<br /> congratulating the author for such a valuable book he opined that the book<br /> addresses a perennial theme-’The man, his environment and his creature’<br /> About the Book:-<br /> The book put forward that any improvement in human behavior needs a cathartic<br /> change at the deepest levels which call for diluting the authority of the mind and<br /> resurgence the long-dormant intelligence of the human heart.To meet that confront,<br /> we need minimum numbers, a ‘critical mass’ to create self-sustained momentum for<br /> transformation through consciousness chang.And every single human of this<br /> generation should behave in such a way that he or she is that single person whose<br /> transformation could make the decisive species-scale difference.The book offers a<br /> menu of ideas and an agenda of action</div> <div>Biak, Indonesia acquired the signals from GSAT-12 immediately after the injection<br /> of the satellite<br /> The solar panels of the satellite were deployed automatically<br /> This is the nineteenth mission of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and the second<br /> flight that employs PSLV-XL configuration<br /> It has 4 stages using solid and liquid propulsion systems alternately<br /> The first stage also has six solid propellant strap-on motors (PSOM-XL), each<br /> carrying 12 tonnes of solid propellants for higher payload capability<br /> Government approves creation of extra storage capacity<br /> The Government has accepted establishment of extra storage capacity of about<br /> 152 Lakh tonne food grains<br /> To be taken up in 19 states in the initial phase in<br /> public private partnership mode</div> <div>As per the Government: ‘Nationalized banks cannot stop disbursement of loans for<br /> fear of poor recovery ‘<br /> Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee opined that a balanced approach needed to<br /> disburse loans in the priority sector and necessary measures are being taken to<br /> contain the growing trend of Non Performing Assets, of the bank; all nationalized<br /> banks have been asked to take due care while granting loans<br /> SPIC MACAY to get Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award<br /> SPIC MACAY<br /> : An organization promoting Indian classical music and culture<br /> 19 th Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award to be presented to the<br /> SPIC MACAY for its outstanding contribution towards the promotion<br /> of communal harmony, peace and goodwill<br /> The award is given annually on 20 th August<br /> Rs. 1,134 Crore provided by Government for establishing model schools in<br /> 17 states<br /> Government provided Rs. 1,134 Crore for setting up 1,107 model schools at block<br /> level in 17 states<br /> Andhra Pradesh has got the maximum of Rs. 412 Crore for setting up 355 model<br /> schools and Bihar, the second highest at Rs. 118 Crore<br /> Government in 2009, launched a centrally-sponsored scheme to set up 6,000<br /> model schools at block level<br /> Of these, 3,500 were to be set up in educationally backward blocks via the State<br /> Governments and the remaining in blocks which are not educationally backward<br /> via PPP<br /> Decontrolling of urea prices approved by National NeGoM<br /> A group of ministers on fertilizers approved decontrol of urea prices<br /> The Meeting also allowed the companies to raise rates of the<br /> fertilizer up to 10% this fiscal<br /> Objective: The move will aid government reduce its subsidy bill<br /> Government spends around Rs. 75,000 Crore on fertilizer subsidy<br /> at present<br /> Urea is the only fertilizer which is till now under government control<br /> The government had partially freed other fertilizers from its control in<br /> the last financial year<br /> Urea is the cheapest and the most used fertiliser in the country</div> <div>NSKFDC is assigned to work for the rehabilitation of Safai Karamcharis,<br /> Scavengers and their dependents by providing working loan at concessional rates<br /> of interest<br /> Mr. Mukul Wasnik: The Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment<br /> PMO to supply RTI applicant Correspondence b/w PM and Raja<br /> The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) will provide to an RTI applicant the<br /> correspondence between Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and former Telecom<br /> Minister A Raja in connection with 2G spectrum allocation<br /> Annual Plan worth Rs 22,124 Crore to Bengal finalized by the Planning<br /> Commission<br /> The Planning Commission finalized a yearly plan of Rs 22,124 Crore to West<br /> Bengal for the year 2011-12<br /> Focus of the development initiatives: health, education and employment<br /> generation<br /> Food Security Bill to ensure Right to Food: NAC approves the draft<br /> NAC (National Advisory Council) accepted the draft Food Security Bill<br /> It attempts to make certain Right to Food to the poorest of the poor in the<br /> country<br /> The Bill recommends: 35 kgs of food grains for below poverty line household per<br /> month at subsidized rates<br /> Entitles 75% of country’s population to highly-subsidized food grains<br /> As per the Draft Bill: two types of households are eligible for discounted grain:<br /> priority households- below the poverty line (BPL)- cover about 40% of the total<br /> population- entitled every month to 35 Kg and will pay 3 rupees per Kg of rice<br /> and 2 rupees per kg of wheat<br /> general households-Lower Middle Class families- constitute the other 30% – will<br /> have the right to 20 Kg at a price not exceeding 50% of the Minimum Support<br /> Price paid to farmers for the food grains<br /> Bill envisages a strong grievance redressal and monitoring system from the<br /> Centre to the block levels<br /> Includes formation of an independent and empowered district grievance<br /> redressal officer<br /> NAC chairman: Sonia Gandhi<br /> India necessitates for a substantive dialogue amongst all the nations<br /> owning nuclear weapons<br /> India necessitates for a substantive dialogue amongst all the nations possessing<br /> nuclear weapons<br /> To fabricate trust and confidence and for cutting down the strikingness of nuclear<br /> weapons in international affairs and security doctrines<br /> The Global Zero Summit beginning in London Wednesday evening<br /> PM Dr Manmohan Singh extended support for the ambition of a world free of<br /> nuclear weapons<br /> As per Dr Singh, the aim of nuclear disarmament can be accomplished by a<br /> gradual process insured by a worldwide assurance and a settled all-party<br /> framework that is global and non-preferential<br /> Reformist steps are required for the de-legitimization of nuclear weapons<br /> India has been firm in its stand for global, non-prejudiced confirmable nuclear</div> <div>FIFA bans Myanmar for the 2018 World Cup Football<br /> Myanmar banned from participating in qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup and fined $ 28,000 by FIFA<br /> FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) banned Myanmar due to the trouble caused by the crowd in 2014 FIFA World Cup<br /> Asian Qualifiers against Oman on July 28, 2011<br /> Myanmar was trailing 2-0 in the second leg in its capital Yangon when the crowd became violent just before the end of the first half. FIFA<br /> immediately awarded Oman a 2-0 victory over Myanmar. The game was stopped after the fans threw rocks and glass bottles at the Oman<br /> football coach Paul Le Guen and the Oman players<br /> The Myanmar Football Federation is excluded from taking part in the matches of the preliminary competition for the 2018 FIFA World Cup<br /> Russia<br /> The 2018 world cup football is scheduled to take place in Russia</div> <div>gold jewellery is voluntary in nature.<br /> Federal Bank inks Memorandum of Understanding with NSIC<br /> Federal Bank has inked MoU with NSIC (National Small Industries Corporation).<br /> Objective: Alleviating soft credit flow to the MSME (micro, small and medium<br /> enterprises) sector. The tie-up would offer a an extensive platform for extension of<br /> simple credit to Federal Bank’s MSME customers.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 12, 2011<br /> 2011-09-12 18:09:56 GKToday<br /> 14 non-dairy based calcium-rich food developed by Indian scientists<br /> Indian Scientists have developed 14 non-dairy based calcium-rich food<br /> They have also developed 12 dairy-based calcium-rich products to raise calcium<br /> intake in children<br /> The products to also benifit those kids who are not fond of milk<br /> The non-dairy-based calcium-rich products include finger millet or ragi dosa,<br /> sesame or til ladoo, sesame-soybean chutney<br /> The dairy-based calcium-rich products include finger millet porridge, rice porridge<br /> with poppy seeds, cheese sandwich, spinach-cottage cheese vegetable and sweets<br /> like rasmalai and rasgulla<br /> Court Martialled IAF office Anjali Gupta commits suicide<br /> Former Indian Air Force officer Anjali Gupta, who was the first woman<br /> to be court martialled by the IAF, committed suicide in Bhopal<br /> She had accused her senior officers of sexually abusing her<br /> She was dismissed by the IAF in February 2006 after she was found guilty on<br /> seven counts ranging from indiscipline, insubordination to financial<br /> misappropriation<br /> Anjali Gupta became the first IAF officer to be dismissed from service after her<br /> allegations of sexual harrassment by her seniors proved to be false<br /> Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Amit Gupta has been suspended from<br /> service after he was arrested by the police in connection with the alleged suicide<br /> of former officer Anjali Gupta<br /> ‘Janani Shishu Suraksha Yojana’ launched by the Rajasthan Government<br /> Janani Shishu Suraksha Yojana launched by the Rajasthan Govt<br /> Objective: To bring down maternal and child mortality rate in Rajasthan<br /> Under the scheme all pregnant women and sick infant would be provided free<br /> treatment in govt hospitals<br /> Pregnant women to be provided free medicines and other consumables before,<br /> during and till 6 months after the delivery<br /> Also the ill infants would be provided all medicines free up to 30 days of their birth<br /> The pregnant and infants would also be provided free transport facility from home<br /> to health institute and back<br /> Multi-Million Dollar aid programme to be undertaken by UN in Pak<br /> UN to launch a multi-million dollar aid programme in Pakistan’s southern Sindh<br /> province, where floods activated by heavy rains have killed many people and<br /> sunken hundreds of villages<br /> “Pang-LhabSol” celebrated in Sikkim<br /> The festival of Pang-LhabSol was celebrated today in Sikkim with<br /> customary joy and religious passion<br /> On this day, the people worship the Mount Kanchenjunga whom</div> <div>Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai passed away<br /> Africa’s 1 st woman Nobel Peace laureate Wangari Maathai (71) passed<br /> away. Ms Maathai bagged the Nobel Peace Prize, 2004 for her<br /> position on rights of women and protection of Kenya’s<br /> environment.<br /> Maathai earlier established the Green Belt Movement, which was<br /> deep-rooted in protecting the dangerous, counting the poor, in particular women.<br /> The movement also required shield of Kenya’s environment prior to increasing to<br /> embrace political and economic matters.<br /> ‘Micro Finance Project for Women’ launched by Delhi Govt<br /> A micro-finance project for women was launched by the Delhi Govt. The objective of the project os to offer monetary support to over 1 Lakh<br /> susceptible women in Delhi.<br /> Samajik Suvidha Sangam(SSS) will execute the project by the alliance with Delhi chapter of SEWA. Under the scheme, loans to be provided<br /> to women at a nominal interest rate of 1.5%.<br /> Parrikar replaced as PAC chief<br /> The arguements over the draft report of the PAC (Public Accounts Committee) on illegitimate mining in Goa took up a twist with Speaker of<br /> Goa Assembly Mr. Pratapsinh Rane substituting Mr. Manohar Parrikar (Leader of the Opposition and senior BJP leader) by Mr. Vijay Pai-Khot<br /> (another party MLA,) as PAC head.<br /> The PAC report accused the Goa Govt for illegitimate mining, citing loss of income, and enormous scathe to the forests and the environment.<br /> Father of “C” Language Dennis Ritchie passes away<br /> Dennis MacAlistair Ritchie(70) passed away on October 8, 2011. He was a US Computer Scientist distinguished for<br /> developing the “C” Language and bearing an tempt on other programming Languages and OS (Operating System)<br /> such as “Multics” and “UNIX”. Dennis bestowed with the Turing Award in 1983 and the National Medal of Technology<br /> 1998.<br /> Dennis Ritchie was the chief of Lucent Technologies System Software Research Department, he retired from it in the year 2007.<br /> Ritchie was prominent as the originator of “C” Language and he was also a Main Developer of the UNIX OS. He was co-author of the ultimate<br /> book on C, The C Programming Language, commonly referred to as K&R (in reference to the authors Kernighan and Ritchie). He was also<br /> known for his works in ALTRAN, B, and BCPL.<br /> Ritchie’s development of C and his role in the creation of Unix together with Ken Thompson has placed him as an significant trailblazer of<br /> contemporary computing. The “C” Programming Language is still extensively utilized even at present in application and OS development, and<br /> its impact is seen in most contemporary programming languages. Unix has also been significant, laying concepts and principles that are now<br /> unshakable commandments of computing.</div> <div>New IIP Index<br /> The CSO has launched a new series of India’s Index of Industrial production (IIP).<br /> The Base Year of the new IIP is 2004-05 and it comprises 682 items.<br /> As per India’s Chief Statistician T C A Anant , the new IIP index will give a better picture of growth in various sectors of the economy because<br /> it is more broader.<br /> The base Year till now was 1993-94 and it was not usable as the list contained an array of outdated items such as typewriters and tape<br /> recorders.<br /> The new list contains some new items such as cell phones and ipods also.<br /> What caused E. coli outbreak in Germany?<br /> The German officials have held contaminated sprouts as source of E. Coli, which claimed the live of 30 people and affected more than 2800<br /> people recently.<br /> The above conclusion was stated by the head of the Robert Koch Institute, Mr. Reinhard Burger, who initially pointed the source among the<br /> Spanish sprouts and vegetables.<br /> V for Peace-n-Harmony<br /> Volunteers for Peace and Harmony (V for Peace-n-Harmony) has been launched by National Foundation for Communal Harmony<br /> (NFCH) with an aim to create a network of volunteers.<br /> The programme in inspired from the Gandhism and the event coincides with 10th anniversary of international year of volunteers<br /> (IYV-2001) being celebrated by the United Nations.<br /> Demand to rename Dadar Junction as Chaityabhoomi<br /> Nationalist Congress Party, which is partner in Maharashtra’s ruling coalition, puts a demand to rename Mumbai’s major railway junction at<br /> Dadar as Chaityabhoomi in honour of late Dalit icon B.R. Ambedkar.<br /> Women in Indian armed Forces<br /> The 1.4-million-strong armed forces have about 2,000 women officers in their ranks. The army counts 2.5 percent women in its ranks, the<br /> navy 3 percent and the IAF over 7 percent.<br /> What is Goondas act?<br /> The Goondas act is related to the Union Territory of Pondicherry. It was given<br /> assent by the President on 2010, and the state officials have now made the first<br /> arrest under this act, which is now being implemented in the Puducherry and<br /> Karaikal regions.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: August 3, 2011<br /> 2011-08-03 09:08:40 GKToday<br /> Brahmasree Malliyoor Sankaran Namboothiri passed away<br /> Eminent Sanskrit scholar and Bhagavatham proponent<br /> Malliyoor Sankaran Namboothiri passed away in Kuruppanthara,<br /> near Kottayam<br /> ‘Bhagavata-Hamsam’ Brahmasree Malliyoor Shankaran<br /> Namboothiri (91) was a well known proponent of ritual<br /> narration of Bhagavatam-stories<br /> Obama Signs Bill To Raise Debt Ceiling<br /> US President Barack Obama signed an agreement raising the US Government’s<br /> debt ceiling<br /> The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 74 to 26<br /> The new law instantly authorized the Treasury to borrow an<br /> additional $400 bn, with additional borrowing allowed later<br /> The Bill also planned to reduce the nation’s $14.3 trillion deficit by<br /> at least $2.1 trillion over 10 years<br /> After an intense debate for weeks, the House of Representatives passed the bill by<br /> a vote of 269 to 161<br /> As per the bill, a bipartisan committee in Congress to work in order to find further<br /> savings in federal budgets<br /> New Chairperson of NCW: Mamta Sharma<br /> New chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW): Mamta Sharma<br /> Succeeded Ms Girija Vyas<br /> Ms Sharma was a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly and<br /> President of Rajasthan State Women Congress Committee<br /> 26th Asian Men’s Elite Boxing Championship starts in South Korea<br /> The 26th Asian Men’s Elite Boxing Championships starts in Inchio,<br /> South Korea<br /> 160 boxers from 23 nations entered the Asian Boxing Confederation’s<br /> biggest event of the year<br /> 10-member Indian squad is participating in the tournament<br /> The Indian squad consists qualified athletes such as Commonwealth Games bronze<br /> medalist Amandeep Singh, talented Santosh Harijan, Asian Championships silver<br /> medalist Jai Bhagwan Singh, Beijing Olympian Dinesh Kumar and Commonwealth<br /> Games winner Paramjeet Samota<br /> Next CM of Karnataka: Mr. Sadananda Gowda<br /> Next CM of Karnataka: D V Sadananda Gowda<br /> Elected as leader of the BJP legislature party through secret ballot<br /> Aadhaar Scheme launched in 4 Circles of Rajasthan</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 11, 2011<br /> 2011-08-11 19:08:04 GKToday<br /> China launches communications satellite for Pak<br /> China launches a Communications Satellite for Pakistan in the coming<br /> The satellite, PAKSAT-1R, carried by a Long March-3B carrier rocket<br /> PAKSAT-1R, which is a part of Pakistan’s Space Programme-2040<br /> China launched PAKSAT-1R for Pakistan’s SUPARCO (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) on August 11<br /> from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, in Sichuan Province, China.<br /> The satellite has a design life sof 15 years and will provide TV broadcasting, Internet and data communication services across<br /> South and Central Asia, Eastern Europe, East Africa and the Far East.<br /> China and Pakistan share a long history of space technology cooperation. Pakistan’s first low-orbit satellite, BADR-A, was<br /> launched by China in 1990 with Long March 2E rocket.<br /> days<br /> Nose as Brain Damaging Herpes Virus Entry: Research<br /> Researchers have claimed that the human nose acts as a<br /> gateway to several types of viruses linked to brain<br /> disorders. According to the researchers, the nose can be a portal<br /> to herpes virus-6(HHV-6), which is a member of herpes<br /> viruses family.<br /> The virus is responsible for brain disorders, such as multiple<br /> sclerosis, encephalitis and epilepsy.<br /> As per<br /> Neurovirology expert from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and<br /> Stroke, Dr. Steven Jacobson who conducted the research, the virus also causes<br /> roseola, a disease common among infants, which leads to high fever and skin<br /> rashes.<br /> Until now, it has been a mystery as to how the virus enters the brain given our<br /> intelligence which is largely protected by the so-called blood-brain barrier that<br /> filters out many germs and drugs.<br /> Lok Sabha pay homage to freedom fighter Khudiram<br /> Bose<br /> The Lok Sabha paid tribute to freedom fighter<br /> Khudiram Bose (1889-1908) who gave his life on this<br /> day in 1908 to liberate the nation from colonialism<br /> and imperialism.<br /> Members joined the Chairman Ms. Meira Kumar paying tribute to the great<br /> son of the soil who will always be an inspiration to the country’s citizens.<br /> The House also paid tribute to all freedom fighters to others who sacrificed<br /> their lives in the struggle for freedom of the nation<br /> Govt asks National Space Commission to regularly review functioning of<br /> ISRO, Antrix<br /> Government calls on the Space Commission to periodically review the functioning<br /> of ISRO’s commercial arm Antrix and</div> <div>Oldest Known Fossils of Life on Earth found by the Australian and British Geologists<br /> The Australian and British geologists have found evidence of what may be the oldest-known fossils of life on Earth<br /> The sulfur-based microbes they discovered are ~3.4 billion years old<br /> The fossils were very well preserved between the quartz sand grains of the oldest beach known on Earth in some of the oldest sedimentary<br /> rocks that can be found anywhere<br /> The discovery confirms that life emerged surprisingly shortly after the Earth finished being pulverized by asteroids during the Late Heavy<br /> Bombardment, which completed around 3.8 billion years ago<br /> Standard & Poor’s President Devan Sharma to step down by end of 2011<br /> Ratings agency Standard & Poor announced that Deven Sharma, the<br /> president of the agency would step down from the post by end of<br /> 2011<br /> Sharma had turned into a public face of the rating agency following its historic downgrade on U.S. continuing debt rating<br /> Sharma’s decision to resign came at a time when Standard & Poor’s is under immense pressure from a number of fronts, that includes the<br /> Justice Department which held an inquiry about its ratings of mortgage securities and lot of stress is given by the activist investors to<br /> disintegrate its parent company<br /> Sharma had joined S&P in 2006 as executive vice-president, Investment Services and Global Sales, and later was named president in 2007.<br /> Before joining S&P, he served as the executive vice-president, Global Strategy, at the McGraw-Hill Companies for five years<br /> Douglas Peterson, a top executive at Citigroup was chosen to replace Sharma as president of Standard & Poor<br /> Sexual-assault Case against Dominique Strauss-Kahn dismissed by Supreme Court in Manhattan<br /> The sexual-assault case against Dominique Strauss-Kahn was dismissed bringing an abrupt end to what had been a three-month criminal<br /> investigation<br /> The dismissal order was issued by Justice Michael J. Obus of State Supreme Court in Manhattan<br /> Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was accused of sexually assaulting an immigrant hotel housekeeper after she entered his suite<br /> to clean it<br /> Proponent of Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana Ustad Azizuddin Khan passed away<br /> Proponent of Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana (school of music), Ustad Azizuddin<br /> Khan passed away<br /> He was dearly called as Baba among his disciples<br /> Azizuddin Khan settled down in Kolhapur at the insistence of<br /> Chhatrapati Shhahu Maharaj<br /> He initially came from Uniara of Rajasthan<br /> The Jaipur-Atrauli gharana is a khayal-based stylised singing school founded by his grandfather Alladiya Khan in the late 19th Century<br /> A branch of the Agra gharana, it gained reputation in the early half of the 20 th Century<br /> The gharana is exceptional in that it was the first such school to be founded in Khyal singing,<br /> whereas other major gharanas were previously founded on Dhrupad-based singing style<br /> Some of his noted disciples include Mallikarjun Mansur, Dhondutai Kulkarni and Shruti Sadolikar-Katkar</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs November 3, 2011<br /> 2011-11-03 08:11:04 GKToday<br /> Dr Sukumar Ashikode bestowed with Mathrubhumi Puraskaram<br /> Famous writer and orator Sukumar Ashikode was conferred with the prestigious<br /> Mathrubhumi literary award for his invaluable contribution to the field by<br /> Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Co Ltd.<br /> Uttarakhand Governor gives assent to Lokayukta Bill<br /> Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva gave her assent to the Uttarakhand<br /> Lokayukta Bill, 2011, within two days of it being passed in the state Assembly.<br /> Uttarakhand had become the first state to bring such a strong law to fight the<br /> corruption.<br /> The bill, aimed at putting in place a tough Lokayukta as an institution, to ensure<br /> that government machinery was held accountable to the public, was passed by<br /> the state assembly unanimously previously.<br /> Bihar decides to open one women police station each of 40 districts<br /> Bihar government has decided to open one women police station each in all the 40<br /> districts in the state.<br /> State cabinet also approved a proposal to be sent to Bihar Governor for convening<br /> the winter session of state legislature from December 2. The winter session would<br /> continue till December 9.<br /> India’s only woman footballer Arjuna Shanti Mullick awarded<br /> Shanti Mullick is the former captain of the Indian Women s National Team and the<br /> only Woman Arjuna Awardee in football (1983). She was recently honored in New<br /> Delhi by the Subroto Mukherjee Sports Education Society for her contribution in<br /> the game.<br /> West Bengal abolishes pass-fail system till VIII Standard<br /> Mamata Banerjee Government in West Bengal has decided to abolish the system<br /> of passing exams up to class eight in all schools under West Bengal Secondary<br /> Education. Now, there will be no pass-fail system up to class eight.<br /> Germany emerges as India’s second biggest partner in collaborative<br /> research<br /> As per a German Research Foundation report, Germany after the US has emerged<br /> as the most productive partner in collaborative research with India in the field of<br /> science and technology<br /> 13 per cent of all Indian publications in international collaboration had been shared<br /> with Germany between the period of 2004 and 2009.<br /> Bhargava to be conferred with Japan decoration<br /> Ravindra Chandra Bhargava, Chairman of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, will be</div> <div>New CMD Air India: Rohit Nandan<br /> Joint Secretary in the Civil Aviation Ministry Mr. Rohit Nandan took<br /> over as CMD of the skint Air India<br /> Mr Nandan, a 1982 batch IAS officer, has been appointed for a<br /> period of 3 years<br /> William Bratton to act as consultant on how to curb street<br /> violence<br /> William Bratton: Former New York Police Commissioner<br /> Mr. Bratton has agreed to act as an unpaid consultant to British<br /> authorities on how to curb street violence<br /> The announcement comes after several days of riots that erupted in London and<br /> other cities across Britain<br /> The violence was in the first place triggered off by the fatal shooting of a 29-yearold<br /> man in London’s economically dejected Tottenham area<br /> Britain would look to the US for solutions to curb violence and seek advice from<br /> U.S. cities that have fought gangs, including Boston, Los Angeles and New York</div> <div>of India’s BMD programme and the programme’s architect is Dr. Saraswat, DRDO<br /> Director-General.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 6, 2011<br /> 2011-08-06 18:08:20 GKToday<br /> Lok Sabha passes grants of Rs. 25,707 Crore and Appropriation bill<br /> Lok Sabha passed the Supplementary demands for Grants of Rs.<br /> 25,707 Crore and the relevant Appropriation bill by a voice vote<br /> As per the Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, supplementary<br /> grants needed because of the augmented expenditure on the<br /> various counts MPLAD schemes besides the hike in stipend for<br /> Anganwadi workers and Compensation paid to Bhopal Gas tragedy<br /> victims<br /> CAG report on CWG-2010<br /> The report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) – on Common<br /> Wealth Games tabled in the Lok Sabha<br /> It posed allegations against Delhi Chief Minister condemning her of abnormalities<br /> and extravagance in the games<br /> As per the report Delhi Government committed lapses and irregularities in the<br /> bidding process and held responsible numerous ministries and agencies including<br /> the DDA, MCD, NDMC and PWD for the complete mess<br /> It observed numerous cases of wasteful expenditure by the Delhi<br /> government and civic agencies amounting to the tune of over 100<br /> Crores rupees over street scrapping and an excess expenditure of over<br /> 31 Crores on street lighting by MCD, NDMC and PWD<br /> The report, also points a finger of suspicion at Organizing Committee of<br /> the Games headed by Suresh Kalmadi, now in jail<br /> It suspected that Kalmadi had preferred many companies<br /> The report said the Prime Minister’s Office named Kalmadi for appointing as<br /> Committee’s chief despite objections from the then sports Minister Late Sunil Dutt<br /> Oxygen Molecules in Orion Constellation found by NASA Scientists<br /> Herschel Space Observatory’s large telescope and infrared<br /> detectors furnished the first definite finding of oxygen molecules in<br /> space<br /> Molecules discovered in the Orion star-forming complex<br /> Individual atoms of oxygen are widespread in space, mostly around<br /> massive stars<br /> But molecular Oxygen, which makes up about 20% of the air we breathe, remains<br /> undetected<br /> Astronomers looked for the subtle molecules in space for decades using balloons,<br /> as well as ground- and space-based telescopes<br /> The Swedish Odin telescope spotted the molecule in 2007, but the sighting could<br /> not be confirmed<br /> Oxygen gas was discovered in the 1770s<br /> Oxygen is the 3 rd most common element in the universe<br /> Herschel: European Space Agency cornerstone mission, with Science<br /> instruments provided by pool of European institutes<br /> NASA’s Herschel Project Office is based at JPL, which contributed mission-enabling</div> <div>Colombia, France, Gabon, Germany, Nigeria, Portugal, the United Kingdom and<br /> the United States.<br /> UNSC, a 15 member council has been talking terms of a resolution for more than 3<br /> months. The draft declaration excoriated the brutal onslaught by President Bashar<br /> Al-Assad’s forces in opposition to pro-democracy protesters and called for instant<br /> end to the violence.<br /> Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri (India’s Permanent Representative to the UN) opined that<br /> the conduct of the global commune should be such that it eases a participation of<br /> the Syrian Govt and the opponents in a Syrian-led all-encompassing political<br /> procedure and not make difficult the state of affairs by bullying of sanctions,<br /> Government alterations.<br /> Mr. Puri further opined that the declaration also didn’t place any liability on the<br /> opponents in Syria to renounce violent behaviour and connect with the nation’s<br /> authorities for restitution of their grudges by means of peaceful political route.<br /> ‘Aakash’: World’s cheapest tablet PC launched in New-Delhi<br /> ‘Akash’: World’s cheapest Tablet PC Aakash was launched in New<br /> Delhi. Objective: It will aid in bridging the digital divide in the<br /> country. The tablet costs about $40 but it will be slowly brought<br /> down to nearly $10. A component of the<br /> Government’s National Mission on Education’s Sakshat Project, Aakash aims<br /> to link all higher education institutions in the country. It will generate open source<br /> material from IITs so that educatee from institutes in remote locations and rural areas<br /> can access lectures. The s/w for the Tablet PC developed indigenously by the<br /> IIT, Rajasthan.<br /> Features:<br /> Android 2.2 operating system<br /> 7 inch (18-centimetre) screen<br /> Wi-Fi Internet access<br /> A media player<br /> 180 minutes of battery power<br /> Video Conferencing<br /> 2 USB ports<br /> 32GB expandable memory<br /> Powered by 366 Mhz processor<br /> It weighs 350 grams<br /> It has 256MB RAM<br /> It has standard 3.5 mm headphones jack<br /> The tablet comes with a 12-month replacement warranty and supports formats<br /> like DOC, DOCX, PDF and PPTX.<br /> Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi to host South Asian Football Federation<br /> Championship<br /> Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, New Delhi, will be hosting the South Asian Football<br /> Federation Championships scheduled in December. An agreement in this regard<br /> signed b/w All India Football Federation, AIFF and Sports Authority of India, SAI.<br /> Agreement will enable them to host international and domestic tournaments at the<br /> JLN stadium.</div> <div>Education schemes.<br /> Maritime Boards to be Constituted by Coastal States<br /> All coastal states in India asked to constitute SMBs (State Maritime Boards) at the<br /> earliest.<br /> Union Minister of Shipping: G K Vasan<br /> All ports dealing with EXIM cargo would install Vessel Traffic Management System<br /> for security purpose.<br /> The Port Regulatory Authority Bill to be proposed.<br /> Port capacity of the country would go up 3 times more than it was at present as<br /> per the Maritime Agenda 2020.<br /> The tonnage would increase 4 times<br /> 2 more major ports would be set up:-<br /> One on east coast<br /> One on west coast<br /> WB govt to passes Singur bill<br /> The Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Bill, 2011<br /> Bill seeks to revoke the Singur lease contract with the Tatas and take back the<br /> land leased to them.<br /> To hand over 400 acres of land at Singur to the farmers who never accepted<br /> compensation for their land from the government.<br /> The historic Bill vested 997 acres of the Nano plot with Government for concluding<br /> return of about 400 acre to those farmers.<br /> The primary aim of this Bill: To return back the land to the owners whose land was<br /> taken by the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee administration for the what it called public<br /> purpose of setting up the country’s first Nano factory of Tata Motors at Singur in<br /> Hooghly, about 40 km from Kolkata.<br /> The Bill marks the deliverance of the major and first political swear of chief<br /> minister Mamata Banerjee, who as opposition leader, vowed to return the land to<br /> the disinclined land losers.<br /> On May 18, 2006 former chief minister of West Bengal B. Bhattacharjee and Tata<br /> chairman Ratan Tata announced Singur as location of the site for the production of<br /> the world’s cheapest car: Nano<br /> After constant protest by Mamata Banerjee, on October 3, 2008 Tata announced exit<br /> from Singur.<br /> ATP Aegon Championships : Paes-Bhupathi end as Runners-up<br /> Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi ended runners up at the ATP Aegon<br /> Championships in London<br /> Lost finals to American twins Mike and Bob Bryan<br /> ‘Indian Express’: Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi<br /> Paes and Bhupathi had lost to Bryan brothers in the Australian Open summit clash<br /> in January also.<br /> This defeat meant a 3 rd title of the 2011 season slipped out of the hands of the Indian<br /> veterans, who had won the Chennai Open and Miami Masters earlier.</div> <div>Bilateral trade b/w the India and Vietnam stood at around $ 3 billion in 2009.<br /> Myanmar Declared an official pardon for More than 6300 Prisoners<br /> Myanmar declared a pardon for more than 6,300 prisoners. This was done following an appeal by the Govt appointed Human Rights<br /> Commission in Myanmar to free prisoners. The choice by the Govt of Myanmar is designed at swaying the West to finish sanctions that have<br /> hurt the regime.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : July 23, 2011<br /> 2011-07-23 22:07:02 GKToday<br /> Polio campaign: International experts exalts India<br /> International experts have praised India for having just one case of polio in the<br /> first 6 months of 2011<br /> As per them, India has run very high quality vaccination campaigns<br /> They, however, added that a plan to rid the world of polio by the end of next year<br /> is off track<br /> The report by independent monitors, warned that Pakistan risks becoming the last<br /> global outpost of this brutal disease<br /> Polio also resurfaced in four other countries<br /> There were around 1,000 cases of polio worldwide last year<br /> The virus remains present in Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan<br /> In the countries where it has resurfaced there, have been twice as many cases –<br /> 162 – as there were in the endemic countries. The experts are also particularly<br /> concerned about new cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chad<br /> GAGAN : Safety System launched by AAI<br /> GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN)<br /> The Airports Authority of India, AAI launched the process of implementing a critical<br /> safety system for safe navigation of flights<br /> GAGAN safety system will improve air navigation, not only over the Indian<br /> airspace but also over the airspace over the Indian Ocean region from Southeast<br /> Asia to the African shores<br /> An accord to employ the Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) as a<br /> pilot project at Chennai airport was signed by the AAI and the US Trade<br /> Development Agency recently in New Delhi<br /> India 4 th country in the world to adopt this system<br /> It will augment information for satellite navigation to aircraft flying over Indian<br /> airspace and routes over high seas with high level of accuracy, integrity and<br /> continuity during the entire flight operations – from take-off to landing<br /> Delhi celebrates Indian Broadcast Day July 23, 2011<br /> July 23, 2011: A symposium and cultural programmes are being organized in New<br /> Delhi to mark the Indian Broadcast Day<br /> Government approves two projects for National Highways<br /> Government approved two highway projects<br /> Projects worth over Rs. 2,330 Crore<br /> Cover Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Kerala<br /> Objective: with a view to expediting the infrastructure work in these states<br /> Includes the project for development of 4 laning of 150 km long Chhattisgarh-<br /> Odisha Border – Aurang section on National Highway-6 in Chhattisgarh<br /> This is also aimed at helping reducing the time and cost of travel for traffic,<br /> particularly heavy traffic, plying between the two states</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 15, 2011<br /> 2011-09-15 18:09:49 GKToday<br /> Project Unnati<br /> In order to implement UHDP Practice for Mango Cultivation, Coca-Cola India and Jain Irrigation come together under<br /> Project Unnati.<br /> UHDP: Ultra-High Density Plantation<br /> Coca-Cola India and Jain Irrigation declared the commencement of Project Unnati<br /> Unnati to set an exceptional joint venture with farmers to reveal and facilitate implementation of ultra-high density<br /> plantation (UHDP) practice for mango cultivation<br /> Project to persuade sustainable, recent agricultural practices and assist double mango yields.<br /> In the initial stage of the project, 200 sample farms of size b/w 1-3<br /> acres will use the UHDP method for mango cultivation whilst also employing the<br /> advantages of drip irrigation. The process is likely to increase farmer’s income by<br /> escalating yield per acre and also reduce the water used. The initial stage has an<br /> investment spending of more than $2 Mn and will be shared evenly b/w the two<br /> companies. The process will be implemented first with UHDP farming in some<br /> farms in Chittoor and Cudappa districts of Andhra Pradesh, an area famous for the<br /> Totapuri Mangoa<br /> key ingredient in Coca-Cola made mango drink “Maaza”.<br /> The demo farms will be used to showcase and train farmers on the method and<br /> implementation of UHDP practice under a joint capacity building programme<br /> under the support of Jain irrigation and Coca-Cola University.<br /> Figures put forward that demand for packaged mango-based beverages is set to increase constantly over the upcoming years. But, the area<br /> under mango cultivation is not increasing at the same rate. UHDP mango plantation is a feasible solution and can be applied in all<br /> conventional mango growing areas.<br /> Mustafa Abdul-Jalil Delivered his First Public Speech in Libya<br /> Mustafa Abdul-Jalil: The head of Libya’s National Transitional Council, delivered his first public speech in the capital<br /> Tripoli, demarcating his plans for the state. Mustafa Abdul Jalil was Minister of Justice under Colonel Muammar al-<br /> Gaddafi. During the 2011 Libyan civil war, Abdul Jalil was identified as the head of the National Transitional Council.<br /> He stressed the requirement for a new democratic state with a dynamic role for women in New Libya<br /> In his first public speech, Abdul-Jalil affirmed he would not accept any extremist ideology, on the right or the left.<br /> Supreme Court: ‘No one should die of starvation & malnutrition’<br /> SC held that no one in India should die of hunger and<br /> undernourishment and it is the duty of the government to supply food<br /> to the poor.<br /> The peak Court asked all states to identify how much extra food grains<br /> under PDS are essential to meet up the purpose.<br /> A bench of Justices Dalveer Bhandari and Deepak Verma also asked the Centre to<br /> take steps for the computerisation of entire PDS (Public Distribution System) to<br /> stop stealing and corruption.<br /> The bench approved the order while dealing with a PIL filed by Peoples Union for<br /> Civil Liberties (PUCL) complaining about large-scale corruption and abnormality in</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current affairs : July 19, 2011<br /> 2011-07-19 17:07:41 GKToday<br /> India, Sri Lanka to jointly find a Solution to the problems related to fishing<br /> communities<br /> India and Sri Lanka to work out a “practical arrangement” to help fishing<br /> communities of both sides to live peacefully<br /> During the last couple of years, several instances reported where fishermen from<br /> both sides have crossed into each others’ territory and have been detained for<br /> doing so<br /> Sri Lanka assured that the well well-being of the detained Indian fishermen was of<br /> paramount concern for it and under no conditions, use of force is reasonable<br /> India, US concur to improve Science & Technology coordination<br /> India-US agreed on improving Science & Technology coordination b/w the two<br /> countries<br /> Cross-cutting areas relating to energy, agriculture, affordable healthcare, nutrition<br /> and monsoon forecasting<br /> Need to work towards making agriculture resilient<br /> Need for further research on forecasting various hazards like cyclones and in this<br /> connection, usage of instrumental spectra aircraft<br /> Sharing of data on issues relating to monsoon and flood and strengthening the<br /> exchange of data<br /> Facilitating exchange of scientists from both the countries by addressing<br /> bottlenecks relating to Visa for S&T professionals<br /> India urged for a Liberal visa regime to ensure seamless issuance of visas for<br /> Indian scientists willing to work in the US<br /> There was general consensus on substantially increasing financial outlay by both<br /> sides<br /> The Indo-US Science and Technology Endowment Fund which is currently<br /> $30 million could have its corpus increased and the current allocation of $ 50<br /> million for both the sides for next 5 years could be enhanced to $ 100 million<br /> Four Indians in ICC’s “All Time Greatest Test team” for Test Cricket<br /> Four Indians found place in the ICC’s ‘All Time Greatest Test team’ for Test Cricket<br /> The players are –<br /> 1. Sachin Tendulkar<br /> 2. Virender Sehwag<br /> 3. Sunil Gavaskar<br /> 4. Kapil Dev<br /> ‘All Time Greatest Test team’ chosen via an online poll across the world<br /> Fans voted on the International Cricket Council’s official website, to pick the<br /> leading 11 as part of the celebrations to commemorate the 2,000th Test match,<br /> which will be played between England and India at Lord’s from July 21, 2011</div> <div>Kerala Govt has agreed to set up the State Environmental Impact Assessment<br /> Authority and the State Expert Appraisal Committee.<br /> Centre in dialogue with World Bank and UNDP for a Rs 90 Crore grant for the reestablishment<br /> of the Vembanad Eco System and Rs 10 crore rupees will be<br /> sanctioned immediately for starting the desilting, sewage treatment and pollution<br /> control work in the lake.<br /> In Japan Radioactive strontium found in groundwater<br /> Highly toxic radioactive strontium found in groundwater near the Fukushima<br /> nuclear plant.<br /> First time the substance has been detected in groundwater near the plant’s No:1<br /> and No:2 reactors.<br /> Strontium up to 240 times the legal limit.<br /> Strontium accumulates in bones and can cause bone cancer and leukaemia.<br /> Strontium (Sr) Atomic No: 38 in Periodic Table<br /> Sr is an Alakaline Earth Metal, soft silver-white or yellowish metallic element that is highly reactive chemically.<br /> Turns yellow when exposed to air.<br /> Strontium-90 ( 90 Sr) isotope is present in radioactive fallout and has a half-life of 28.90<br /> years.</div> <div>of the Institutes, and Chairman, University Grants Commission.<br /> As per Mr. Sibal the bill has the objective to establish an independent mechanism<br /> to accredit the quality of higher education institutions<br /> A National Knowledge Network, is being set up to overcome the deficiency of<br /> faculty<br /> Pains being made to provide equal opportunities to both rural and urban students<br /> India inks TIEA Agreement with Switzerland<br /> India inked an agreement with Switzerland for sharing banking information on<br /> demand<br /> The Agreement likely to come into force by September<br /> Objective : It will assist in sharing banking information of Indians having accounts<br /> in Switzerland<br /> Swiss Parliament had ratified the agreement but as per rules all states of that<br /> country have to ratify it<br /> India’s Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) with 4 sovereign entities,<br /> namely Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and Isle of Man already<br /> in force<br /> India inked TIEA with Cayman Islands but it is yet to come into force<br /> Zoroastrian New Year ‘Navroz’ celebrated by the Pasi families<br /> ‘Nav’ means new and ‘roze’means day<br /> The Parsi families in Mumbai celebrated the Zoroastrian New Year ‘Navroz’<br /> with great ebullience<br /> They thronged the Agiyary and sought blessings for the year ahead<br /> As per to a legend, 3000 years ago Shah Jamshed of the Peshadian dynasty<br /> rose to the throne on the Navroz day</div> <div>Chief Minister of Kerala: Oommen Chandy<br /> Chief Minister’s Office to go LIVE on Internet<br /> One can Log onto www.keralacm.gov.in any time of the day and see the<br /> live footage of the Kerala Chief Minister’s chamber and Office<br /> Objective:<br /> 1. To ensure Transparency<br /> 2. All meetings and press conferences and cabinet briefing to be available<br /> live on the site<br /> 3. A person wishing to send any information can log on and upload what<br /> they want and the advice would be further be looked<br /> 4. An IDEA-BANK named ‘Vision 2030‘ there on the website to invite Ideas<br /> from people<br /> 4 cameras have been placed inside office and chamber.<br /> Facility to be extended to other Minister’s office also<br /> In 2004 also when Mr. Chandy was CM, he went for the facility but it<br /> was operational only when he was in his chamber<br /> Nakul Patil, CIDCO Chairman passes away<br /> CIDCO: City and Industrial Development Corporation<br /> CIDCO Chairman and former MLA Nakul Patil passed way<br /> Iken School Eco System in Orissa by Mexus Education<br /> ”The Iken School EcoSystem” launched by Mexus Education<br /> Under the The Educate India 2011 programme by Mexus Education<br /> Objective:<br /> 1. To present a platform to capitalize on the participation of students in<br /> academics and learning in and beyond the school<br /> 2. To deal with the most vital classroom challenge, running different<br /> Intelligence activity of their class at ease in the brief 40 minutes of<br /> their session<br /> 3. To build up products that would assist teachers deal with disparity in<br /> aptitude of students while students remain occupied in subject topics<br /> through entertaining media like videos<br /> The Govt also encouraged the initiatives and supported for growing the<br /> corporate<br /> Mexus established across Orissa in less than 3 months<br /> Mexus united across the schooling domain from the oldest missionary<br /> school to upcoming international institutions</div> <div>Government asked the Uttrakhand Chief Minister to accelerate the execution of<br /> the SABLA and IGMSY (Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana) schemes in the<br /> State<br /> Government has expressed worry over the sluggish speed of execution of these<br /> schemes in the State<br /> SABLA scheme aims at empowerment of adolescent girls<br /> IGMSY aims at improvement in the health and nutrition status of pregnant,<br /> lactating women and infants by promoting suitable practices during pregnancy,<br /> safe delivery and lactation<br /> Several lacunae in the progress of both the schemes have been observed</div> <div>Ms Rao to take over as India’s Ambassador to USA<br /> Mr Mathai: 1974-batch IFS officer, to assume the office on August 1, 2011<br /> To hold the post for a period of 2 years<br /> A brief about Mr. Mathai’s Career:-<br /> Completed PG studies in Political Science at the University of Poona<br /> Joined the IFS in 1974<br /> Served in Indian embassies in Vienna, Colombo, Washington, Tehran and<br /> Brussels<br /> Joint Secretary in the MoEA in New Delhi between January 1995 to February<br /> 1998, headed the division dealing with India’s relations with Bangladesh,<br /> Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Maldives<br /> Served as Indian Ambassador to Israel from February 1998 to June 2001<br /> Indian Ambassador in Qatar from August 2001 to July 2005<br /> Held the post of Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK in London from<br /> August 2005 to January 2007<br /> Thailand crawfishes out from the UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention<br /> Thailand crawfishes out from the UNESCO’S World Heritage Convention<br /> Reason for the withdrawal:<br /> A Row with Cambodia over a disputed Nine Hundred Year Old temple.<br /> The verdict made since the Convention established to put on its agenda the<br /> Cambodia’s projected management plan for the Preah Vihear temple,<br /> which is the centre of controversy and conflict b/w the two neighboring<br /> countries and that has left 28 people dead in two episodes of fierce<br /> fighting b/w their armies earlier this year<br /> The verdict was proclaimed by Thai delegate at an assembly of the Convention in<br /> Paris<br /> Thailand – along with Cambodia – was one of 21 members of the Convention<br /> selected to serve on the World Heritage Committee<br /> World Heritage Committee assembles annually to determine on the add-ons to the<br /> World Heritage list<br /> Recommendations of the NAC to be incorporated in Land Acquisition Bill<br /> Law Minister of India: Virappa Moily<br /> As per Mr. Moily, the NAC’s (National Advisory Council’s) recommendations on the<br /> land acquisition will be incorporated in the Land Acquisition Bill which is to be<br /> introduced in Monsoon session of Parliament<br /> As per Mr. Moily, once it becomes an Act, it will take care of the ambitions of land<br /> losing people in the country<br /> The NAC chaired by Ms Sonia Gandhi in a letter to the Government, suggested a<br /> checklist of seven parameters which includes provisions for rehabilitation<br /> package that is sensitive to the aspirations of the affected people<br /> A 17-member Parliamentary Monitoring Committee created by Nepal to<br /> administer the Peace Process<br /> A 17-member Parliamentary Monitoring Committee announced by Nepal to<br /> administer the Peace Process<br /> The Constituent Assembly formed the Committee, headed by the Speaker Subash<br /> Chandra Nembang</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: September 29, 2011<br /> 2011-09-29 13:09:08 GKToday<br /> Financial tax resisted by UK, proposed by European Commission<br /> Bank shares fell in London following the United Kingdom’s stand to oppose a<br /> financial transaction tax on European Union members proposed by the European<br /> Commission<br /> The Financial Transaction Tax would raise about € 57 bn yearly and would come<br /> into effect at the beginning of 2014<br /> London would be hardest hit by The Financial Transaction Tax as the bulk of<br /> banking transactions in Europe come via London<br /> Kindle Fire tablet computer launched by Amazon<br /> Amazon launched a new tablet computer called the Kindle Fire<br /> The product will rival Apple’s oddly triumphant i-PAD<br /> Bilbao Final Masters, Sao Paulo, Brazil: Ivanchuk shocks Anand<br /> World Champion Viswanathan Anand suffered an unusual loss, going<br /> down to Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine in the 3rd round of the<br /> fourth Bilbao Final Masters in Sao Paulo, Brazil<br /> PMEAC: Indian economy likely to grow by 8% in current fiscal<br /> Dr C Rangarajan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory<br /> Council held that Indian economy is expected to grow by 8% in the<br /> current fiscal<br /> Dr C. Rangarajan said that since there are some concerns regarding the industrial<br /> production which has led to reconsideration of the growth rate from the previously<br /> expected 8.2%<br /> Indian hockey team Australia tour: Chetri named captain<br /> Goalkeeper Bharat Chetri named captain of the Indian hockey team for<br /> the tour of Australia starting next month<br /> Chetri replaces Rajpal as the skipper<br /> Sandeep Singh and Sardara Singh who were banned by Hockey India for 2 years for charges of indiscipline have also found a place in the<br /> squad<br /> Next Director General of BSF: U. K. Bansal<br /> U.K.Bansal, Senior IPS Officer will be the next Director General of Boder<br /> Security Force<br /> Mr. Bansal to replace Mr. Raman Srivastav, who retires on October 31,</div> <div>The step will benefit the exports sector<br /> Scheme gets an extension of 3 months from June 30 to September 30th 2011.<br /> The Govt spends yearly about Rs 8,500 crore for re-reimbursing exporters on the<br /> taxes paid on import equivalent content of export products under the 14-year-old<br /> DEPB scheme<br /> Under the DEPB, a Lion’s share of about 60% of the funds goes to exporters in the<br /> chemical and engineering sectors<br /> In MGNREGA scheme implementation Sikkim excels<br /> Despite its geographically little size and small population, Sikkim stand out in<br /> implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee<br /> (MGNREGA) Scheme<br /> About 3/4 of the one lakh rural households of the state have been provided with<br /> the job cards under the scheme so far<br /> The Scheme started in the state five years ago<br /> Rs 84 crore were used up under the scheme previous year while a sum of Rs 118<br /> crore is expected to be spent this year under MGNREGA Scheme<br /> Avg 85 days employment was provided to the beneficiaries last year with 46 per<br /> cent people getting 100 days job<br /> No complaints have been acknowledged on implementation of the MNNREGS in<br /> Sikkim by the Courts so far<br /> Institute of Election Studies launched in Delhi<br /> The EC (Election Commission) launched the India International Institute of<br /> Democracy and Election Management (IIDEM) in New Delhi<br /> A higher resource centre of Training, Research, Learning and an extension for<br /> participatory democracy and election management.<br /> A national and international hub for exchange of good practices in election<br /> management<br /> Inaugurated by the Chief Election Commissioner Dr S Y Quraishi at Nirvachan<br /> Sadan<br /> IIDEM to work for<br /> Increasing voter education<br /> building human resource for a well organized conduct of free and fair elections in<br /> India<br /> building mutually beneficial partnership with other nations<br /> The institute has four components which include:<br /> Training and Capacity Development<br /> Voter Education and Civic Participation<br /> Research, Innovation and Documentation<br /> International Projects and Technical Collaboration<br /> First course of IIDEM will be launched last part of June for the Electoral Commission<br /> of Kenya<br /> Brij Bihari Pandey: The Oldest prisoner of India freed<br /> India’s oldest prisoner, Brij Bihari Pandey (108) freed from the Gorakhpur Jail<br /> He spent 24 years behind bars for committing multiple murders<br /> Bihari (when 84) along with 15 others killed 4 people in Maharajganj district on</div> <div>“Himayat” launched by the Centre for training of Unemployed<br /> Kashmiri Youth<br /> “Himayat“: A programme launched by the Union ministry of Rural Development in Srinagar for imparting training and placement to over one<br /> Lakh youth from poor families in Jammu and Kashmir<br /> The Programme to be implemented in 5 years<br /> The project to be funded by the Rural Development Ministry’s National Rural Livelihood Mission<br /> Central Government to spend Rs.235 crore per year<br /> Priority to be given to youth who are school and college drop-outs and training will be provided at each of the block headquarters<br /> The private sector institutions such as IL&FS and Don Bosco Technical Institute have been chosen to impart the training to the youths, who<br /> would be selected for the programme on the basis of applications<br /> After a 3 month training, the first batch of 800 youths will be placed with Cafe Coffee Day, Wal-Mart, V-Mart and Bajaj Allianz insurance<br /> The rural development ministry will spend about Rs 23,000 rupees per youth in the programme<br /> Once the trained youths complete their course and take up employment, the ministry will keep track of their progress over the next three<br /> years and, if required, provide them further training<br /> Programme is part of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s vision for creating employment for youths of Jammu and Kashmir, and 1,500<br /> youngsters will complete the training in its first year<br /> Though most girls want employment within the state, many men are ready to work outside Jammu& Kashmir also<br /> Some of the jobs on offer are in cities and towns like Shimla, Jaipur and Chandigarh<br /> Lord Krishna’s birthday celebrated all over India<br /> The festival of “Janmashtami” celebrated across the country<br /> Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Krishnashtami, Saatam<br /> Aatham, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, Sree<br /> Jayanthi or sometimes merely as Janmashtami, is a Hindu festival<br /> celebrating the birth of Krishna, an avatar of the god Vishnu<br /> Krishna Janmashtami is observed on the Ashtami tithi, the eighth<br /> day of the dark half or Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhadrapada in the Hindu<br /> calendar, when the Rohini Nakshatra is ascendant. The festival always falls within<br /> mid-August to mid-September in the Gregorian calendar<br /> Rasa lila, dramatic enactments of the life of Krishna, are a special feature in<br /> regions of Mathura and Vrindavan, and regions following Vaishnavism in Manipur<br /> While the Rasa lila re-creates the flirtatious aspects of Krishna’s youthful days, the<br /> Dahi Handi celebrate God’s playful and mischievous side, where teams of young<br /> men form human pyramids to reach a high-hanging pot of butter and break it.<br /> This tradition, also known as uriadi, is a major event in Tamil Nadu on<br /> Gokulashtami<br /> Dahi Handi goes Global<br /> Dahi Handi Mandals are going global this Gokul Ashtami<br /> Mumbai celebrated the festival of the year ‘Dahi Handi’<br /> This year the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC)<br /> facilitated the participation of the famed Castellers da Vilafranca<br /> Group from Spain known for forming human pyramids in Europe<br /> Mumbai’s Govinda groups and the famous Castellers compete on the<br /> streets to form the highest human pyramid<br /> In Spain, the formation of human pyramids is a tradition during the harvest<br /> season, while in Mumbai the Dahi Handi pyramids celebrate Lord Krishna’s<br /> childhood antics</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 24, 2011<br /> 2011-09-24 12:09:38 GKToday<br /> Perfomax”: Composite herbal formulation by DRDO<br /> DRDO launched a composite herbal formulation “Perfomax” which assists in<br /> ameliorating physical and mental performance at Higher Altitudes and Hypoxic<br /> Conditions<br /> The formulation is rich in antioxidants and other bioactive compounds and will<br /> assist better the performance of defence people working at elevated altitudes<br /> The new herbal solution helps enhance the performance of brain, heart, kidney and lungs and also improves blood circulation<br /> Shourya missile successfully Test Fired by INDIA<br /> India effectively test-fired hypersonic missile – Shourya<br /> The nuclear able missile was test fired from the launch complex of<br /> Integrated Test Range at Chandipore near Balasore off Odisha coast<br /> The hypersonic missile can bear usual warheads up to 1 tonne and can fly at 6-7<br /> times the speed of sound at low altitudes<br /> It is the land-variant of underwater-launched missile K-15 being fitted<br /> into nuclear-powered submarine Arihant. K-15 is already under<br /> production<br /> It is the second developmental trial of the missile. Shourya was earlier launched<br /> successfully on November 12, 2008<br /> The missile will be inducted into the Indian Army soon<br /> The missile’s manoeuvrability makes it less susceptible to the present-day antimissile<br /> defence systems<br /> “Martyr of Peace” conferred on Burhanuddin Rabbani<br /> Title “Martyr of Peace” posthumously conferred on Burhanuddin<br /> Rabbani , Former Afghan President and the High Peace Council chief<br /> Afghan President Hamid Karzai declared the same at the funeral<br /> ceremony of Burhanuddin Rabbani<br /> Prof. Rabbani, President of Afghanistan from 1992 to 1996, was killed by a suicide bomber<br /> “Act now and act together: IMF<br /> Christine Lagarde, IMF chief called for nations to “act now and act<br /> together” to keep on the path to economic recovery<br /> Ms Lagarde was giving speech following one more week of instability on the<br /> world’s share markets<br /> Over the trading loss, UBS Chief resigns</div> <div>India-Slovenia sign 3 agreements<br /> India and Slovenia signed 3 agreements.<br /> One on cooperation in the field of Education, Science and<br /> Technology.<br /> The other two are shared promotion and protection of<br /> investments including an MoU between BIS (Bureau of Indian<br /> Standards) and Slovenian Institute for Standards.<br /> The agreements were signed after the delegation level talks b/w PM Dr M. Singh<br /> and his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor in New Delhi.<br /> In the previous 5 years, the bilateral trade amid India and Slovenia has quadrupled<br /> to €245 million<br /> India seeks admission in Central and SE-European markets via the European<br /> nation.<br /> Mr Pahor to travel to Agra and then to Bangalore tol visit the IIS (Indian Institute of<br /> Science), Infosys, Biocon and Narayana Hrudayalaya.<br /> Slovenia, a part of the former Yugoslavia, announced Independence in 1991.<br /> It was recognised by India in May 1992.<br /> Agriculture credit flow of Government goes past target by 14%<br /> Agriculture credit flows surpassed its target by about 14% to over Rs 4,26,000<br /> Crore in last financial year.<br /> Target of agricultural credit disbursal at Rs 3,75,000 Crore during 2010-11.<br /> Target for the current financial year fixed at Rs 4,75,000 Crore.<br /> Banks asked to step up direct lending, particularly to small and marginal farmers.<br /> GOI providing crop loans at concessional interest rates since 2006-07.<br /> A Voluntary Code of Conduct adopted by more than 1,500 companies in<br /> private sector<br /> Above 1,500 companies in the private sector adopted a voluntary code of conduct<br /> for implementation of affirmative action.<br /> Disclosed by the industry associations during the Review Meeting of the<br /> Coordination Committee on Affirmative Action in the Private Sector, chaired by<br /> TKA Nair (Principal Secretary to Prime Minister) in New Delhi.<br /> Under the Programme 1,12,702 persons have benefited so far.<br /> The action has four major points (4Es):-<br /> Employability<br /> Education<br /> Entrepreneurship Development<br /> Employment<br /> FICCI and ASSOCHAM appointed Ombudsman to monitor the progress, CII in the<br /> process of doing so.<br /> For implementation of the 4E Programme:<br /> CII adopted district of Nawashahar in Punjab and Cooch Behar in West Bengal<br /> FICCI adopted Sonbhadra in UP<br /> Focus: Skill improvement and livelihood support for deprived population in<br /> these districts.<br /> The Industry Associations also supporting Mid Day Meal programmes and</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 1, 2011<br /> 2011-09-01 18:09:20 GKToday<br /> $ 230 Million given by the British Royal Air Force to Central Bank in Libya<br /> About $ 230 Million dollars worth Cash delivered by the British Royal Air Force to<br /> the Central Bank in Libya in Benghazi<br /> This newly-minted stock is part of bigger consignment which is being printed in<br /> Britain<br /> The delivery was however halted in the beginning of the crisis to due to a possible<br /> danger of money being controlled by Col. Gaddafi’s men<br /> Elimination of Plan & Non-Plan distinction in Budget proposed by the<br /> Expert Committee<br /> Elimination of plan and non plan distinction in the Budget has been proposed by<br /> the Expert Committee set up by the Planning Commission<br /> As per Dr. C. Rangarajan: Shift in budeting approach is necessary to achieve the<br /> coveted targets<br /> As per Dr Rajan, the Chairman of Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, this<br /> will further assure sound and well timed execution and monitoring of the centrally<br /> sponsored programmes<br /> The Committee asked for adopting a holistic view on expenditure and this will<br /> need changes in organisational structure besides appropriate interventions in HRD<br /> and IT<br /> The plan panel to hold consultations with various Central Ministries as well as the<br /> State Governments for taking their inputs to make certain that the coveted aim as<br /> advocated by the Committee are accomplished<br /> The novel approach recommended by the Committee to make certain improved<br /> deliverance of services principally in the fields of health, education and<br /> infrastructure development<br /> The Committee also advocated that PPP (Public-Private-Partnership) of a Ministry<br /> or Department should be treated as a Capital Expenditure<br /> 24-hours Public Grievance Redressel Cell in Kerala Chief Minister’s Office<br /> commences<br /> IT enabled 24×7 Public Grievance Redressel Cell in Kerala CM Oommen<br /> Chandy’s Office began functioning<br /> Objective: To make certain speed and transparency in administration in the Chief<br /> Minister Office<br /> People can lodge complaints from anywhere in the world, anytime all through the<br /> week<br /> The centre can be accessed on<br /> ’1076′ toll free number for BSNL customers<br /> Other mobile service holders need to dial 1800425<br /> No Call to be left un-acknowledged</div> <div>Industry Minister.<br /> Minimum Vote Limit raised from 6% to 8% by ECI<br /> ECI (Election Commission of India) increased the cap of min. votes a political party must get in Election in order to obtain<br /> the position of a State party or uphold it ahead.<br /> The new min limit is 8% of total valid votes polled in State Assembly or Lok Sabha polls. Previously, the limit was 6%. In<br /> addition, the party ought to have returned not less than two members to the Legislative Assembly in case of Assembly<br /> polls or not less than one member in Parliament from the State in case of Lok Sabha elections.<br /> The ECI amended its Election Symbols reservations and allotment order 1968 in order to make these changes and<br /> issued a new order: the Election Symbol reservations and allotment amendment order 2011.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs July 13, 2011<br /> 2011-07-13 14:07:53 GKToday<br /> Target of generating 1 Lakh MW Electricity in 12th year plan<br /> The Power Ministry set a target of generating 1 Lakh MW (Mega Watt)<br /> electricity in the 12th year plan<br /> As per The Union Minister of Power Sushil Kumar Shinde:<br /> 1. The total installed capacity in the country is about 1,78,000 MW, out of<br /> which 38,000 mega watt is the capacity addition in the current Plan<br /> 2. 12,000 mega watt capacity addition work was carried out in the year 2010-<br /> 11 which is ever the highest addition in any previous plan<br /> 3. The average energy shortage in the peak hour has reduced to 8% from the<br /> earlier shortage of 24%<br /> Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) approves draft of Food Security Bill<br /> Empowered Group of Ministers, EGoM approved the draft Food Security Bill<br /> The Bill provides highly subsidized wheat and rice to the poor as a matter of legal<br /> right<br /> The Ministers’ panel headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee cleared the<br /> flagship proposal of the UPA government which will provide food grains at a cheap<br /> rate to 75% of the rural population and 50%<br /> Thus 68% of the country’s total population will have the food security<br /> A quantity of 7 kg per month per person will be given to the BPL (Below Poverty<br /> Line) people @3 Rupees per kg for rice and @2 Rupees per kg for wheat<br /> Anti-Dumping Duty on import of Chemicals<br /> Anti-Dumping Duty on import of a chemicals used in industrial cleaning processes and<br /> ceramics manufacture has been imposed by the Government<br /> Reason:<br /> - To protect domestic players from cheap Chinese shipments<br /> Restrictive duty of up to $ 0.556 per Kg on the import of ‘Sodium Tripoly<br /> Phosphate’ for a period of 5 years<br /> Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD): A nodal<br /> agency under the Commerce Ministry<br /> DGAD after an investigation concluded in its probe that the domestic industry had<br /> suffered a material injury on account of dumping of the product by China<br /> Anti-dumping duty has already been imposed on imports of fabric, yarn, nylon<br /> tyre cord and several other chemicals<br /> Government to invest $1 billion on internal security<br /> Government will be investing around $1 billon on the internal security<br /> modernizing programmes<br /> Security forces account for around 60-70% of the overall procurements of<br /> equipment and solutions for security</div> <div>The abuse of official position and possessing disproportionate assets by them are<br /> also being investigated<br /> Japan PM Naoto Kan Resigns<br /> Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan has announced his resignation<br /> Thus the next PM for Japan would be the 6 th one in last 5 years<br /> Mr Kan said that as promised on 2 June, he is resigning as the leader of<br /> the DPJ. He said, once the new leader is selected, he will also resign as<br /> the Prime Minister<br /> Kan’s decision to stand down was widely expected, in the midst of<br /> falling approval ratings and party infighting<br /> No case pending against Indian student of Tri Valley University: Sibal<br /> The Government announced that there is no more case pending against any<br /> Indian student who studied in the Tri Valley University in USA<br /> India had already made it very clear to the US authorities that any inhuman<br /> treatment to Students would be unacceptable<br /> 1800 Students were affected after the university was shut down in January 2011<br /> In the case of Tri-Valley university, the Government interfered via diplomatic and<br /> political channels to assure the safety of the Indian students<br /> Indian Mission and Consulates in the US are on a regular basis meeting the<br /> affected Students and providing all possible assistance to them<br /> India has already conveyed to the US government that Indian students should be<br /> given sufficient Time and opportunity to transfer to other universities or return to<br /> India honorably</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: September 2, 2011<br /> 2011-09-02 18:09:12 GKToday<br /> Efforts by ITBP to increase infrastructure and logistics at Sino-Indian<br /> border<br /> Efforts are on by The Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) force to increase its<br /> infrastructure and logistics at the Sino-Indian border.<br /> Information received about development of infrastructure by China on its side<br /> Step taken by the Government to strengthen border management with a focus on<br /> security<br /> Chhattisgarh may become 6 th state of the country to implement citizen’s<br /> charter<br /> Chhattisgarh may become the 6 th state in the country to implement the citizens’<br /> charter.<br /> All those governmental services meant for the common people on a regular basis<br /> come under its purview<br /> The draft bill is named Public Service Guarantee bill<br /> According to the government this bill will reduce corruption and difficulties faced<br /> by the common man while availing certain services<br /> Exercise of approving annual plans should be dispensed by Planning<br /> Commission : C Rangarajan<br /> According to an expert committee headed by Chairman of the Prime Minister’s<br /> Economic Advisory Council C Rangarajan, Planning Commission should dispense<br /> with the exercise of approving annual Plans of states<br /> The committee recommended Planning Commission to be responsible for<br /> formulation of the Five-Year Plan and the task of firming up annual budgets should<br /> be assigned to the Finance Ministry<br /> It suggested removal of planned and non-planned distinction in the Budget and all<br /> public expenditure should be split into capital and revenue expenditure.<br /> According to the panel, shift in budgeting approach is needed to ensure proper<br /> and timely implementation and monitoring of the centrally sponsored programs<br /> and other schemes<br /> The new approach advocated by the Committee will ensure better delivery of<br /> services particularly in the areas of health, education and infrastructure<br /> development.<br /> The Committee was constituted by the government to suggest steps to improve<br /> management of the public expenditure<br /> Violation of FEMA by Companies involved in 2G Scam: Enforcement Directorate to SC</div> <div>IT<br /> Pharma<br /> Banking and Finance modernization<br /> Precision Engineering<br /> Nano Technology<br /> Political Parties’ Tax Return details to be provided by the IT Department<br /> Under the RTI Act, the Income Tax Department to provide full details of tax<br /> returns of political parties<br /> This came after the CIC (Central Information Commission) issued it orders in this<br /> regard<br /> Thus a step to bring in transparency in the funding of parties<br /> Earlier such information was restricted by the IT Dept. citing the section of the<br /> Income Tax Act, which allowed denial of any such information.<br /> Chief Election Commissioner S Y Qureshi.<br /> The general public will now be able to obtain the details of income, donations and<br /> expenditure by all the political parties, which file their income tax returns.<br /> Hi-tech shelters for high altitudes handed over by DRDO to Indian Army<br /> DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) handed over hi-tech<br /> shelters to the Indian Army for use at high altitudes<br /> These Shelters designed and developed by DRDO are Integrated Thermally<br /> Regulated Shelters<br /> They will provide protection to the soldiers against extreme climatic condition of<br /> the Himalayan regions<br /> Equipped with integrated air monitoring systems bio digesters and temperature<br /> regulators.<br /> Shelter design is modular and all the services like electrical, plumbing and water<br /> supply, sewage disposal, kerosene gensets and solar power are well integrated<br /> Shelters have been designed to withstand seismic activities upto a level of zone 5<br /> and sub-zero temperature upto minus 35 degree Celsius.<br /> Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister : Dr V K Saraswat committed the<br /> shelters to the HQ 14 Corps at a function in Leh, Ladakh.<br /> Germany restates its plea to India to sign the CTBT<br /> Germany restates plea to India to sign the CTBT<br /> Germany said that it would support India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers<br /> Group (NSG)<br /> Thomas Matussek: German Ambassador<br /> In ongoing Kharif season area under paddy slightly higher so far than last<br /> year<br /> In the ongoing Kharif season the area under Paddy is slightly higher so far than<br /> last year<br /> Product<br /> Sown Area this<br /> Year<br /> Sown Area in previous<br /> Year<br /> Rice 10.35 10.32<br /> Cotton 21.65 15.42<br /> Sugarcane 50.94 48.71<br /> Oilseeds 3.47 3.00<br /> Pulses 2.86 2.36<br /> Values: Lakh Hectares<br /> </div> <div>Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj raised the issue of non-inclusion of Prime<br /> Minister under the Lokpal<br /> The Lokpal to have a Chairman with 8 members to assist him<br /> The post of Prime Minister and Senior Judiciary kept out of the ambit of the Bill<br /> Bill to now go to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for comprehensive<br /> discussions<br /> Panama flagged vessel MV RAK CARRIER sinks off Mumbai coast<br /> A Panama flagged vessel MV RAK CARRIER sunk 20 nautical miles off the Mumbai<br /> coast<br /> Following the distress signal, Navy and Coast Guard promptly swung into action<br /> and saved the lives of all the 30 crew members<br /> Samudra Prahari , Indian Coast Guard’s oil pollution response vessel has been<br /> asked to remain in the area and monitor any likely oil spill<br /> In order to identify water resources in Country, `<br /> 140 Crore invested by Dept. of Science & Technology<br /> Rs. 140 Crore rupees invested by the Department of Science & Technology on a<br /> project to identify Water resources in the country from which unusable water will<br /> be extracted and made drinkable<br /> Centre to identify 25 clusters in the country where there are various kinds of<br /> challenges in providing drinking water including contamination<br /> Department also looking for a Company that will be able to make water available<br /> at 20 Paise per litre<br /> Centre plans Economic Census<br /> Centre planning to conduct the 6 th Economic Census<br /> Census will be in collaboration with the States and Union Territories in 2012<br /> Cover all enterprises engaged in various economic activities in both organised and<br /> unorganised sectors of the economy<br /> The information collected, would provide a framework for follow up action for<br /> planning and development, especially for the unorganised sector of the economy</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : November 1, 2011<br /> 2011-11-01 16:11:29 GKToday<br /> West Bengal moots Four-tier plan to upgrade health infrastructure<br /> The West Bengal Government has mooted a four-tier plan to upgrade the health infrastructure in the state while initiating formulation of a<br /> policy to invite private participation in the sector.<br /> Magma wins Spotlight Gold Award (US) for Communication excellence<br /> Magma Fincorp, a leading asset finance company, has won the Spotlight Gold Award 2011 at the Global Communications Excellence<br /> Competition in the US.<br /> Haryana refutes reports about Maruti shifting to Gujarat<br /> Haryana Government denied that Maruti Udyog Limited (MUL) was shifting from Haryana to Gujarat and strongly criticised the false<br /> statements of opposition parties made in this regard.<br /> World Cup Kabaddi Opens at Bathinda<br /> Second Pearls World Cup Kabaddi started at Bathinda as 14 countries for men section and four countries in women section upped their ante<br /> to put their claim on Rs 4.11 crore prize money kitty.<br /> India s largest Diabetes awareness campaign launched in Mumbai<br /> India s largest campaign on diabetes awarness, Women for Diabetes Care , an initiative under the aegis of Abbott Diabetes Blue Fortnight<br /> (ADBF) 2011, was launched in Mumbai. The campaign focuses on women s role in stemming the tide of the disease.<br /> Chhattisgarh celebrates Rajyotsav 2011<br /> Chhattisgarh begins its 11th formation day celebrations — Rajyotsav-2011.<br /> Governor Shekhar Dutt started the five-day extravaganza later this evening at the Government Science College Ground.<br /> Twenty-one personalities and social organisations have been selected for awards to be conferred with during the valedictory function to be<br /> graced by Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former central minister Murli Manohar Joshi.<br /> Odisha imposes fishing ban in Gahirmatha sanctuary for turtle mass<br /> nesting<br /> Orissa Government imposed a seven month long ban on fishing along the 20 km stretch of Dhamra-Barunei mouth within Gahirmatha<br /> marine sanctuary in a bid to protect the endangered Olive Ridley turtles who were spotted in the mid sea.<br /> Coal India celebrates 37th Foundation Day<br /> Public sector Coal India Limited(CIL) celebrated its 37th Foundation day.<br /> Savio Medeira is new Indian football coach<br /> Savio Medeira was officially appointed as the head coach of the Indian football team, till May next year, by the AIFF.<br /> Haryana sets up Mandi Vikas Kosh<br /> Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board has set up a Mandi Vikas Kosh for maintenance of the mandis in the state on the occasion of<br /> Haryana Day on November 1.<br /> Under the Mandi Vikas Kosh, an annual amount of Rs 10 lakh would be given to A Class Mandis, Rs five lakh and Rs three lakh to B and C<br /> Class Mandis respectively.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current affairs : August 20, 2011<br /> 2011-08-20 10:08:26 GKToday<br /> 5 DNA Laboratories planned by the Zoological Survey of India<br /> Union Ministry of Environment & Forests has given its nod to Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) to establish 5 DNA laboratories<br /> The 5 places where DNA test centers will be established are:<br /> 1. Dehradun<br /> 2. Chennai<br /> 3. Kolkata<br /> 4. Hyderabad<br /> 5. Pune<br /> Objective: Restraining wildlife poachers<br /> In order to keep a check on poaching of animals listed under Wildlife Protection Act, it will carry out the DNA test of these species<br /> It will assist the wildlife experts in the investigation of dead animals and body parts smuggled to various countries for therapeutic and spiritual<br /> purposes<br /> It will aid in tracing out that whether the dead animal found was being poached or killed by another animal<br /> It will also assist to check the series of development in animal genes and the evolution of animals<br /> Usually, smugglers get bail from the court due to lack of evidence as wildlife authorities are not able to produce solid proof on the genetic<br /> code of the animals<br /> At Present, facilities for DNA test of wildlife and aquatic animals are available only at Hyderabad<br /> Indian Golf Team won Bronze in Nomura Cup in Fiji<br /> Nomura Cup: Golf<br /> An amateur Indian golf team won bronze in a team event at the 48-year old Nomura Cup in Fiji<br /> 18 Countries participated<br /> The Indians edged past defending champions Korea on the final day<br /> Australia and New Zealand won gold and silver<br /> Prof. Kiran Seth gets Rajiv Gandhi Sadhbhavana Award<br /> Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh presented the Rajiv Gandhi Sadhbhavana<br /> Award to the founder of SPIC MACAY (Society for Promotion of Indian<br /> Classical Music And Culture<br /> Amongst Youth) - Prof. Kiran Seth.<br /> The award was given for the Soceity’s outstanding contribution in the field.<br /> Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award-2010 Announced<br /> Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award for the year 2010 announced<br /> Following 3 individuals chosen for conferment of the prestigious award<br /> 1. Smt. Mira Kagti, Assam- she has established Shishu Sarothi in 1987 for providing education, rehabilitation and training services<br /> to the children suffering from Cerebral Palsy and persons with disability. At present her Institute caters to around 800 children<br /> and their families to cope with and manage their children`s special needs.<br /> 2. Dr. S.A. Thasleem Sulthana, Andhara Pradesh-She is doing service to the orphaned and mentally handicapped children, and<br /> working for the welfare, rehabilitation of mentally retarted, hearing impaired, visually challenged and physically challenged<br /> children.<br /> 3. Dr.Mallika Nadda, Himachal Pradesh-She is a leading social activist in Himachal Pradesh. She founded Chetna, at Bilaspur a</div> <div>Mechanisms set up to prevent imports for Chinese products<br /> Government to establish various institutionalized mechanisms in order to avoid<br /> imports of Chinese products<br /> Micro and small enterprises in India are unjustly affected by the Chinese products<br /> Government has referred the concerns of the Small Scale Industries Association on<br /> the issue of imports of Chinese products to the Director General of Anti Dumping<br /> and allied duties for examination<br /> 10 MP districts to implement the “Sakshar Bharat Yojna”<br /> “Sakshar Bharat Yojna” is being carried out in 10 districts in MP in the initial phase<br /> to eliminate illiteracy<br /> Objective: To boost literacy rate to 80% in the particular 10 districts<br /> Via this scheme, efforts are being made to lessen the gap b/w male and female<br /> literacy up to 10%<br /> The 10 districts are: Betul, Datia, Jhabua, Katni, Khargone, Mandla, Mandsaur,<br /> Morena, Sheopur and Tikamgarh<br /> PM Dr. Manmohan Singh and his wife Ms Gursharan Kaur pledge to donate<br /> eyes<br /> On the occasion of the “National Eye Donation Day”, Prime Minister Manmohan<br /> Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur have pledged to donate their eyes by signing<br /> the pledge form<br /> As per the Doctors, of over 4.5 million visually challenged persons in India, nearly<br /> three million can gain their sight through cornea transplant<br /> Restore of vision among the corneally-blind can happen via the Eye donation<br /> More than 400 organisations are registered with Eye Bank Association of India<br /> These Organizations are airing consciousness about eye donation and alleviating<br /> eye donation<br /> A Toll Free number 1919 has been furnished by BSNL and MTNL in India to ease<br /> access to the nearby eye bank<br /> Yahoo fires its CEO, Ms Carol Bartz<br /> Mr. Roy Bostock, Yahoo’s Chairman, fired the Yahoo’s CEO Carol Bartz<br /> Due to her dismal performance, the decision was taken over by the Yahoo board<br /> Yahoo’s CFO Timothy Morse took over as interim CEOw<br /> Ms Bartz, was made CEO in 2009 to replace co-founder and then CEO Jerry Yang after he resigned in 2008<br /> Her term however botched to bring in a large amount course and success for Yahoo in the last few years<br /> Revenue and earnings began to slip for Yahoo<br /> Yahoo’s brand also become fuzzy as Ms Bartz announced a swing towards being a digital media leader with original content in early 2011</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : June 21, 2011<br /> 2011-06-24 08:06:38 GKToday<br /> Cancellation of flights due to Ash Clouds in Australia<br /> The Chilean ash clouds returned to Australia<br /> Forced cancellation of flights<br /> The clouds created by the eruption of the<br /> Puyehue volcano<br /> high in the Andes<br /> As per the Airservices Australia the ash cloud is denser and larger than that which<br /> caused widespread disruption to flights last week<br /> Talks regarding DTAA with Mauritius suspended for sometime but to be<br /> reviewed again<br /> DTAA: Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)<br /> The talks had been suspended for sometime but they are being revived again.<br /> At present, under the DTA, investments from Mauritius are exempted from tax in<br /> India<br /> As a result of it a large amount of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) as also<br /> investment in the stock market come through companies registered in Mauritius<br /> India has been receiving a revenue loss of over Rs 60 crore yearly year as a Result<br /> of DTAA<br /> In Asian trade Oil mixed<br /> Oil mixed in the Asian trade as persistent insecurity over Greece’s debt crisis<br /> hardened support from a recoil in US stocks<br /> New York’s main contract Light Sweet Crude rose 21 cents to 93.47 dollar a barrel,<br /> while Brent North Sea crude eased eight cents to 111.61 dollar<br /> Abyei Region, Sudan controversy: Finally an Agreement reached<br /> Negotiators for North and South Sudan reached a landmark agreement regarding<br /> the future of the disputed Oil-Rich region of Abyei<br /> The accord was signed in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa<br /> The Agreement calls for:-<br /> Complete demilitarization of the region<br /> Deployment of Ethiopian peacekeepers<br /> To establish a council to oversee security in Abyei<br /> The council to comprise two members from both sides (North and South Sudan)<br /> along with a representative from the African Union<br /> The Agreement clears the way for the return of tens of thousands of displaced<br /> persons and establishes a basis for talks on Abyei’s final status to be held after the<br /> south secedes on July 9, 2011<br /> All-party meeting on Women’s Reservation Bill convened by the Lok Sabha<br /> Speaker<br /> Ms. Meira Kumar: The Lok Sabha Speaker<br /> She convened an all-party meeting in New Delhi to discuss Women’s Reservation</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: October 6, 2011<br /> 2011-10-06 13:10:01 GKToday<br /> Himachal Pradesh: Largest Ever Water Supply Scheme Inaugurated<br /> In Himachal Pradesh largest ever water supply scheme constructed at a cost of Rs 70 Crore was inaugurated in Kangehan area of Kangra<br /> district. The scheme to profit a populace of 1,31,000.<br /> Priority given to supply safe drinking water to the inhabitants by the State Govt and all the labors are being made to build fresh water supply<br /> schemes in the outmost areas of the State, in addition to growing the present ones.<br /> PSLV C18 to put 4 satellites in orbit<br /> PSLV C18 to be lift-off from the spaceport at Sriharikota at 11 a.m. on October 12,<br /> 2011. The rocket will put 4 satellites in the orbit. The 4 Satellites are: -<br /> 1. Megha-Tropiques, built by India and France to recognize global tropical weather<br /> and climate<br /> 2. SRM Sat, built by the students of SRM University, Chennai<br /> 3. Jugnu, a satellite integrated by students of IIT, Kanpur<br /> 4. VesselSat from Luxembourg<br /> Poor quality of students entering IITs: Murthy<br /> Former Infosys chairman N.R. Narayana Murthy voiced his unhappiness over the<br /> caliber of engineers that pass out of the IITs. He stressed for a need to revamp the<br /> selection criterion for Students looking for ticket in the prominent technology<br /> institutions.<br /> He held that the quality of students entering Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)<br /> has dropped over the years owing to the coaching classes that train engineering<br /> aspirants and majority of the Students performed weakly at jobs and global<br /> institutions of higher education.<br /> Apple co-founder Steve Jobs dies at 56<br /> The former CEO and co-founder of Apple, Steve Jobs (56) passed away.<br /> He was suffering from pancreatic cancer for quite a few years.<br /> Padma Shree Dr Mathoor Krishnamurti passes away<br /> Dr. Mathoor Krishnamurti, renowned author and a devout<br /> Gandhian passed away. He received more than 20 awards<br /> in his native country including the Padma Shri, the fourth<br /> highest award for a civilian for his role of a guardian of Indian tradition and culture<br /> and Gandhian principles.<br /> He was also India’s unofficial cultural ambassador in London for a long time. He<br /> was the Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bangalore. He also established<br /> London centre of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.<br /> He was actively involved in various programmes in propagating Indian thoughts<br /> and values and authored a number of books.<br /> Swedish poet Tomas Transtromer, wins Nobel Literature Prize</div> <div>1. Dr Mahan Mj (Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University, Howrah)<br /> 2. Dr Palash Sarkar (Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata)<br /> Medical Sciences<br /> 1. Dr Kithiganahalli Narayanaswamy Balaji (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore)<br /> Physical Sciences<br /> 1. Dr Shiraz Minwalla (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai)<br /> The SSB Prize for Science & Tech. was first awarded in the year 1958<br /> SSB for Science & Tech. is regarded as the country’s highest award in science and it is named after the founder director of CSIR, Shanti<br /> Swarup Bhatnagar<br /> Gven to a Scientist up to 45 years of age and has a prize of Rs 5 Lakh<br /> World Boxing Championship commences Baku, Azerbaijan<br /> The World Boxing Championship in Baku, Azerbaijan<br /> More than 650 boxers from 120 countries to participate in the event<br /> It is one of the biggest World Championships, also from here the initial<br /> batch of Olympic qualifiers will be identified<br /> Sunken World War II Merchant Ship “S. S. Gairsoppa” found off the coast<br /> of Britain, £155m treasure on board<br /> S. S. Gairsoppa: A sunken World War II merchant ship located off the coast of<br /> Britain<br /> The British merchant ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat while carrying 200<br /> tons of silver meant for funding the British war effort<br /> S. S. Gairsoppa was located at a depth of about 4,700 m in the North Atlantic<br /> Around £155m treasure on board<br /> Under a deal with Britain, the salvage firm will retain 80% of the silver’s value and<br /> the rest 20% will be returned to the British Govt<br /> Dev Anand to be awarded National Kishore Kumar Award<br /> Dev Anand: Evergreen actor and director of Bollywood to be awarded<br /> the Madhya Pradesh Government’s National Kishore Kumar Award for<br /> the year 2010-11<br /> Mr. Rajesh Roshan to be awarded the National Lata Mangeshkar Award<br /> Both the awards carry an amount of Rs 2,00,000 and a plaque</div> <div>Tomas Transtromer , a Swedish poet won the 2011 Nobel Prize in<br /> Literature. His phantasmagorical works about the mysteries of the<br /> human mind won the Nobel.<br /> Indian & Bangladesh Armies to participate in joint exercise<br /> A team of Indian army will visit Bangladesh next week to take part in joint<br /> exercise with the Bangladesh army. The exercise will begin on October 9, 2011 in<br /> Sylhet and will finish on October 22, 2011.<br /> The squad level exercise in Sylhet is part of the labours to set up friendliness and<br /> joint cooperation b/w the armies of the two adjacent nations. In 2010, a 23<br /> member team of the Bangladesh army had taken part in joint exercises with<br /> Indian army at Jorhat.<br /> Scientists claim that Comet: Hartley 2 contains water like Earth<br /> Scientists claim that Comet ‘Hartley 2′ comprises water like that found on Earth,<br /> than all the comets known.<br /> Scientists studied the comet using the Herschel space telescope with an aim to<br /> determine the portion of deuterium, an uncommon sort of hydrogen, there in the<br /> comet’s water.<br /> The findings published in the “Nature”, clues at the thought that a great deal of<br /> the Earth’s water might have originally come from a comet’s impact.<br /> India and Indonesia launch CECA negotiations<br /> India and Indonesia set up the negotiations for CECA (Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement). CECA to envelop economic<br /> cooperation, trade in goods and services and investment.<br /> The trip by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Mr. A. Sharma at the Indonesia-India Biennial Trade Ministers’ Forum (BTMF) in Jakarta<br /> takes up importance owing to the fact that India would be taking part in ASEAN and East Asia summits next month at Bali under the<br /> chairmanship of Indonesia.<br /> Both Govt also settled to set up a working group on trade and investment forum and an additional working group on recognition and removal<br /> of trade barriers. Mentioning that India is not free from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Indonesia carries on to inflict ban on import of Indian<br /> buffalo meat. India’s argument is India has FMD-free zones. Currently, India exports buffalo meat to more than 60 countries, including<br /> Malaysia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Germany, the UAE, Russia and Jordan.<br /> Likewise, delays are faced by the Indian pharmaceutical companies in drug registration and owing to few regulations viz. those needing<br /> foreign drug registration holders to set up a production facility in Indonesia within 2 years of registration and an FDI cap of 70%, which<br /> restrains Indian exports of pharmaceuticals and Indian investment in the pharmaceutical sector. The prestigious “India Show” will be held by<br /> India in Jakarta on March 6, 2012.</div> <div>Pan, Supari, etc. 774 779 778 783<br /> Fuel & Light 645 654 644 653<br /> Clothing, Bedding &<br /> 572 580 576 585<br /> Footwear<br /> Miscellaneous 552 560 549 557<br /> 1. The CPI – AL/RL for August, 2011 will be released on 20th September, 2011</div> <div>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was unanimously re-elected the national chairperson of the All India Trinamool Congress at an<br /> organisational poll.<br /> Jeevesh Nandan, new CEO of Noida<br /> Uttar Pradesh government posted Jeevesh Nandan as new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Noida. He will take charge from Mohinder<br /> Singh.<br /> India welcomes agreement among Nepal poltical parties<br /> India welcomes the seven-point agreement reached among the political parties in Nepal to take the integration and rehabilitation of the Maoist<br /> combatants to its logical conclusion.<br /> Nepal has been facing political instability since the end of the 10-year conflict in 2006 followed by the abolition of monarchy in 2008.<br /> The constituent assembly has been extended three times after failing to reach a consensus on a Constitution.<br /> Under the deal reached recently, the parties agreed to stick with a November 30 deadline for completing the Constitution. The deal also<br /> settled the status of 19,000 rebel fighters, who had been confined to camps since the end of the conflict.<br /> National Innovation Council (NIC) plans to establish $1 bn fund<br /> The National Innovation Council plans to create a one billion dollars fund to build an ecosystem for innovation for the benefit of 20-odd local<br /> industrial clusters identified by the council in collaboration with industry chambers.<br /> NIC Head Mr Sam Pitroda, who is also Adviser to the Prime Minister on Public Information, Infrastructure and Innovations<br /> disclosed this in a seminar.<br /> India to host SAFF Cup in Delhi<br /> Defending champions India will host the 10th SAFF (South Asia Football Federation) Cup football championship in New Delhi from December<br /> 2 to 11, 2011.<br /> India have won the title for a record five times after qualifying for the final on seven occasions, and despite being ranked lower than rivals<br /> Bangladesh and Nepal. This time the championships will be held at the World class Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium which is now being developed<br /> as a football hub as part of the legacy plan of the ministry of sports.<br /> The tournament held biennially includes the teams from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan and<br /> India. These 8 teams will be the eight teams vying for honours in the competition, which India is staging for only the second time.<br /> India had hosted the fourth edition of the tournament in Margao in 1999 when it won the cup.<br /> Pakistan gives India MFN status<br /> Pakistan has granted the “Most Favoured Nation” (MFN) status to India, reciprocating a 15-year-old gesture.<br /> India had given MFN status to Pakistan in 1996.<br /> Pakistan also agreed to double bilateral trade from $2.5 billion to around $5 billion.<br /> Google India offers free website to small, medium businesses<br /> Google India has launched a new initiative, “India Get Your Business Online” to provide a free website, personalised domain and hosting to<br /> small and medium businesses (SMB) across the country, in partnership with US-based hosting firm HostGator.<br /> India close to eliminating syphilis<br /> National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has said that India is close to eradicating syphilis, one of the most common sexually transmitted<br /> infections (STIs).</div> <div>Entire process to be completed by the end of the current fiscal year<br /> The Results concerning to the identification of poor household will be utilized in<br /> the 12 th five year plan<br /> The Census being conducted with the cooperation of various State<br /> Governments<br /> Entire practice to assist developing targets to be covered under a range of<br /> flagship programmes viz. MG NAREGA, Indira Awas Yojna etc.<br /> The Census to cost around Rs 3,800 Crore<br /> Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Office of the Registrar<br /> General of India and Census Commissioner-India and Ministry of Home Affairs<br /> are associated with this work<br /> Australian, Michael Jack Nobbs appointed as the new coach of Indian<br /> Men’s hockey team<br /> Australian Michael Jack Nobbs appointed the new coach of the Indian<br /> men’s Hockey<br /> Appointed for an exceptional 5-year period<br /> The 4 th Foreign coach to take up the responsibility of revitalizing Indian<br /> hockey<br /> 57-year-old Nobbs, succeeds Spaniard Jose Brasa, takes over charge<br /> immediately<br /> Nobbs’ contract till the Olympics-2016 at Rio de Janeiro<br /> Maharashtra’s State bird<br /> Yellow-footed green pigeon to stay as the State bird of Maharashtra<br /> State Wildlife Board turned down BNHS-The Bombay Natural History Society’s<br /> (an NGO) suggestion to give the forest owlet the desirable status<br /> Since the forest owlet is very rarely found, the State Wildlife Board decided<br /> that it cannot be declared the State bird<br /> The scientists held that 19 States have State birds that are rare, unique and<br /> a threatened species, like-<br /> White-winged wood duck in Assam<br /> Blood pheasant in Sikkim<br /> Black-necked crane in Jammu and Kashmir<br /> e-challan system for traffic violations launched in Chennai<br /> Chief Minister Jayalalithaa inaugurated the electronic challan system for<br /> booking on the spot traffic violation cases and solar-powered portable traffic<br /> signal system in the Chennai</div> <div>world body to the National Transition Council (NTC)<br /> India positioned 8 th in WSF Men’s World Team Squash Championship<br /> India finished eighth in the WSF Men’s World Team Squash Championship held at<br /> Paderborn,Germany<br /> India lost 0-2 to the United States in the classification match for the seventh place<br /> National champion Sourav Ghosal lost the first singles to Julian Illingworth, while<br /> Mahesh Mangaonkar lost the second singles to Todd Harrity<br /> Egypt retained its title after defeating England 2-1 in the final played at the<br /> Ahorn-Sportpark<br /> It was 23 rd World Squash Federation event, hosted by Germany for the first time,<br /> participated by a record 32 nations and more than 120 athletes<br /> Dr Baburam Bhattarai wins Nepal’s Prime Minister Election<br /> UCPN (maoist) party Vice Chairman Dr. Baburam Bhattarai elected as<br /> the Prime Minister<br /> Dr. Baburam defeated his rival Ram Chandra Poudel from Nepali<br /> Congress<br /> Dr. Bhattarai was supported by the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi<br /> Morcha an alliance of five Madhes-based parties<br /> Samyukta Loktantantrik madhesi Morcha is an alliance of five parties that<br /> supported Bhattarai and the decision came after a four point deal was signed<br /> between the Alliance & the Maoists.<br /> ICAR working on scheme to increase Agriculture productivity<br /> ICAR- country’s premier agri-research body, is working on a scheme<br /> to increase agricultural productivity by providing exact information to<br /> farmers on the type of crops they should grow, fertiliser and water<br /> requirements through the use of global positioning system (GPS)<br /> technology<br /> Jainpur in Meerut and Matiala in Ghaziabad are the two villages of<br /> Western Uttar Pradesh where the initiative is being implemented by<br /> the Project Directorate for Farming System Research (PDFSR), an institute of ICAR<br /> in Meerut.<br /> According to PDFSR India’s agricultural land is shrinking rapidly so there is a need<br /> to conserve and utilise the natural resources for maximum productivity by using<br /> appropriate techniques of farming system<br /> ICAR developed an integrated farming system, in this system rice cultivation is<br /> integrated with pisciculture and poultry farming, which increases the productivity<br /> by up to four times.</div> <div>Latest ‘James Bond’ movie named ‘Skyfall’<br /> The latest movie of “James Bond” franchise has been titled “Skyfall”.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs – July 8, 2011<br /> 2011-07-08 15:07:17 GKToday<br /> ‘News of the World’ Shut down<br /> ‘News of the World’: A British tabloid<br /> The tabloid shuts after 168 years of print following bedlam over phone<br /> hacking<br /> First edition: October 1, 1843<br /> News International: Umbrella Company of the News Corporation’s British<br /> Newspapers, including The Times London and The Sun<br /> Exports of India to double by 2014<br /> As per Government India’s exports to double to $400 billion by 2014<br /> provided the Exports retain steady growth<br /> India’s exports grew over 46% in June to $29.2 billion<br /> India can achieve it target by 2014, if exports keep growing at an excess of $79<br /> billion as in the April-June period<br /> Due to the collective efforts and endeavors of manufacturers and exporters, this<br /> growth will be possible<br /> The 5 th Conference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and<br /> Parliamentarians<br /> The 5 th Conference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and<br /> Parliamentarians to commence in New Delhi<br /> Almost 130 delegates, observers and additional persons from the eight SAARC<br /> countries to attend the four day Conference<br /> Afghanistan, which joined SAARC in 2007 as its eighth member, joins the<br /> Conference formally for the first time<br /> Railway e-Tickets via SMS : “m-Ticket”<br /> Railway passengers can now obtain their e-tickets on their cell phones instead of<br /> normal print-outs. This has been dubbed as M-Ticket.<br /> Passenger can book his train ticket through mobile phones. Passenger need not<br /> carry print out of his or her ticket and just have to show the SMS.<br /> UN appreciates India for being on track to reduce poverty<br /> United Nations highly praised India for being on path to lessen its poverty by half<br /> in four years from now.<br /> As per the latest UN report on Millennium Development Goals (MDG) India’s<br /> poverty rate is projected to fall to 22% by 2015 from 51% in 1990<br /> 135 th and the Final Space Shuttle Mission<br /> 135th and the final space shuttle mission lifted off from Cape Canaveral in Florida<br /> Space shuttle Atlantis was launched into history<br /> 12-day mission will ferry 3.5 tonnes of supplies to the ISS (International Space<br /> Station)</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : November 2, 2011<br /> 2011-11-02 17:11:36 GKToday<br /> Odisha Government prepares Rs 20 crore Plan to protect elephant from<br /> electrocution<br /> After some 100 elephants lost their lives, Orissa government has formulated a Rs 20 crore action plan to protect the wild elephants from<br /> electrocution in elephant corridors.<br /> It will be first implemented in Dhenkanal, Angul and Keonjar elephant corridors.<br /> Under the plan, the electric poles in the elephant corridor would be strengthened, sparking poles would be installed and the hanging electric<br /> wires would be strengthened to ensure that the wild elephants were not electrocuted.<br /> On India-Japan CEPA<br /> Bilateral trade between India and Japan during the year 2008-09 was of the volume of 10.91 billion dollar. During the year 2009-10 the bilateral<br /> trade slightly declined to 10.36 billion dollar. The bilateral trade during the year 2010-11 was of 13.362 billion dollar.<br /> Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed between India and Japan on February 16, 2011. This Agreement has<br /> come into force from August 1, 2011.<br /> The CEPA is most comprehensive of all the agreements concluded by India so far as it covers more than 90% of the trade.<br /> The Japanese side has put 87 per cent of their tariff lines under immediate tariff liberalisation.<br /> Poonam Rani to lead India in Junior Women Lal Bahadur Shastri<br /> Tournament<br /> Poonam Rani will lead Indian team in the four-nation under-21 hockey Junior Women Lal Bahadur Shastri tournament, starting from<br /> November 8, at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, in New Delhi in a round-robin format.<br /> Other teams are Australia, Germany and New Zealand.<br /> NIR Conclave in Jaipur in PBD 2012<br /> World NRI Conclave-Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2012 (PBD-12) is scheduled to be held in the Pink City Jaipur between January 7 and 9 next<br /> year.<br /> Birla, Auditorium, Jai Mahal Palace, Raj Bhawan, the historic City Palace and some venues are where different programmes could be held<br /> during the mega meet which would be attended by NRIs settled in various countries at different parts of the world.<br /> Interpol General Assembly begins in Hanoi<br /> 80th General Assembly of the Interpol, world police organisation, opened at Hanoi in Vietnam.<br /> It is discussing a wide range of issues to combat crime.<br /> A total of 142 delegations from Interpol member countries have been participating in the four-day event.<br /> This year s Interpol General Assembly has been focused on Connecting Police for a Safer World, Strong Partnerships, Innovation and<br /> Capacity Building .<br /> CBI Director Amar Pratap Singh is attending the session with a delegation consisting of senior officials from India.<br /> India ranks 134th in Human Development Index<br /> India is ranked at 134 out of 187 UN-recognised countries and territories. The 2011 Global Human Development Index (HDI) that ranks<br /> countries on their progress on three key dimensions of education, health and income — includes 187 nations and territories, the most<br /> comprehensive coverage since UNDP began publishing the Human Development Report in 1990.<br /> Between 1980 and 2011, India s Human Development Index (HDI) value increased from 0.344 to 0.547, an increase of 59.0 per cent or<br /> average annual increase of about 1.5 per cent<br /> In the Gender Inequality Index (GII) India is ranked 129 out of 146 nations.<br /> The report said that India has the world’s largest number of “multi-dimentionally poor” at 612 million, or more than half its population.<br /> Mamata unanimously re-elected national chairperson of AITC</div> <div>The State air carrier’s debt includes Rs 18,000 Crore as working capital loans<br /> taken from a consortium of banks. The remaining amount of loan is towards<br /> payment for the new aircrafts ordered<br /> Civil Aviation Minister: Mr. Vayalar Ravi<br /> Export of 5 Lakh Tonnes of sugar<br /> Meeting of EoGM (Empowered Group of Ministers) on Food has decided to export 5<br /> lakh tonnes of sugar<br /> EGoM, headed by Pranab Mukherjee (Finance Minister) also decided to release 50<br /> lakh tonnes of foodgrains for sale to above poverty line families<br /> Sugar production in India which is the world’s 2 nd largest producer is estimated to<br /> be 24.2 million tonnes in this season whereas the annual domestic demand for<br /> sugar is only 22.5 million tones<br /> Approval for opening up new Coal-blocks<br /> Environment Ministry gave its approval to open up new Coal Blocks in the<br /> Hasdeo-Arand forest region of Chhattisgarh. These are:<br /> Tara, Parsa East and Kante Basan<br /> Rejecting the recommendations of the Forest Advisory Committee, Environment<br /> Minister Jairam Ramesh cited reasons for the rejection that the coal-blocks are<br /> actually not in a no-go area in the Hasdeo-Arand forest region</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : October 13, 2011<br /> 2011-10-13 15:10:17 GKToday<br /> Rate Computer infection escalating in India: Microsoft<br /> As per the latest Microsoft Security Intelligence Report: In terms of cyber security albeit the world is turning further secure, in India the<br /> computer infection rate is hiking. India is having about 3 times the worldwide avg of certain threat categories such as viruses and worms.<br /> India’s infection rates have climbed 0.7% in the last quarter alone, while worldwide figures report a 1.1% fall.<br /> In India the affect was as follows (in term of % of all the affected Computers):-<br /> Worms: 38.3%, Trojans: 33.6% and Misc potentially unwanted software: 30.7%<br /> In India, various Trojans, Trojan downloaders, password stealers and monitoring tools all outnumber the situation globally. India is home to 3<br /> of the World’s most unsafe bots (software applications that run automated tasks over the Internet) – Win32/Lethic + Cutwail + Pramro<br /> India backs Palestine in its quest of Sovereignty<br /> India has restated its support to the Palestinian peoples’ struggle for a sovereign<br /> and independent state of Palestine. The Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari,<br /> addressing at the Mevlana University at Konya, Turkey held that the Palestine<br /> conflict is political and can’t be decided by might. Mr. Ansari held that India was<br /> the 1 st non- Arab nation to identify the Palestinian state in the year 1988.<br /> Mr. Ansari is on a tour to Turkey. For International Relations, he was bestowed an<br /> honorary doctorate by Mevlana University.<br /> Vishnudutt Nagar, a famous Economist recognized for Analytic Columns on<br /> the General Budget passed away<br /> Vishnudutt Nagar (82) a well known Economist passed away. Nagar played an important function in the formation of the Economics Deptt. at<br /> Ujjain’s Vikram University. He wrote investigative newspaper columns on the General Budget.<br /> World Mental Health Day observed on October 10, 2011<br /> World Mental Health Day observed on October 10, 2011 .<br /> The Theme of the Year- “The Great Push: Investing in Mental Health”<br /> It called for a multi-sectoral approach in polishing off roadblocks to mental healthcare, thus plummeting the load of neuropsychiatric<br /> disorders. It also spotlight the long-run cost effectiveness of investing in treatments for avoidance of mental disorders and endorsement of<br /> mental wellbeing.<br /> The day was fêted on October 10, 2011 with an aim to augment thoughts on mental disorders, and to support investments in<br /> avoidance, cure and encouraging consciousness of mental illnesses. The day is important in pulling awareness to issues relating to not<br /> only mental illness, but mental well being as well. To recognize mental health, a separate day was created by the World Federation for<br /> Mental Health (WFMH) in 1992 with a hope to generate public consciousness on mental health linked issues.</div> <div>Awards conferred by the President Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at Vigyan Bhavan<br /> The first prize was bagged by Labour Ministry, second prize by Law Ministry<br /> and third prize by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting<br /> “Dhhan Karay Neeti”: Paddy Purchase Policy announced by UP<br /> “Dhan Ki Neeti”: Paddy purchase policy announced by the Uttar Pradesh<br /> Govt under centre’s price support scheme ( Mulya samarthan Yojana ) for<br /> the Kharif season 2011 -12<br /> As per the paddy purchase policy, paddy of common grade will be procured by<br /> the procurement agencies at the rate of 1,080 rupees per quintal while paddy of<br /> Grade -A -category, will be procured at the minimum support price of one<br /> thousand one hundred and ten rupees per quintal (Rs 1,110 /per quintal)<br /> Paddy will be purchased directly from the farmers<br /> Cash reward of Rs 1.5 lakh to each Hockey Player declared by<br /> the Govt<br /> Govt declared Rs 1.5 Lakh as a reward for each player of the National<br /> Hockey team that just won the Asian Champions trophy<br /> Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) acquires AppLabs<br /> Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), global leader and U.S.-based technology services provider declared the<br /> acquirement of AppLabs, Hyderabad-based software testing company</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 14, 2011<br /> 2011-08-14 13:08:25 GKToday<br /> Palestine to present its candidature for realization as a state to the UN<br /> Palestine to present its application for international recognition of statehood to the<br /> UN next month<br /> It will submit the application at the 66 th General Assembly in New York in<br /> September 2011<br /> The Palestinian Authorities feel that they could no longer wait for independence to<br /> be reached via the dilly-dally peace talks with Israel<br /> Since Lebanon will take over as president of the General Assembly for coming<br /> session, the Palestinians feel that this would boost their chances of success<br /> Shammi Kapoor passes away<br /> Shammi Kapoor (Shamsher Raj Kapoor) was an<br /> Indian film actor and director<br /> He was a outstanding and extremely versatile lead actor<br /> in Hindi cinema from the late 1950s until the early 1970s<br /> Debuted in Bollywood in 1953 with the film “Jeevan<br /> Jyoti”<br /> Received the Filmfare Best Actor Award in 1968 for his<br /> performance in Brahmachari and Filmfare Award for Best<br /> Supporting Actor for Vidhaata in 1982<br /> Some of the major awards / recognitions received by Shammi Kapoor :<br /> 1. 1968 – Filmfare Best Actor Award, Brahmachari<br /> 2. 1982 – Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award, Vidhata<br /> 3. 1995 – Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award<br /> 4. 1998 – Kalakar Awards – Special Award for “contribution in Indian Cinema”<br /> 5. 2001 – Anandalok Awards Lifetime Achievement Award<br /> 6. 2002 – Invaluable Contribution To Indian Cinema at the IIFA.<br /> 7. 2005 – Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bollywood Movie Awards<br /> 8. 2008 – Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Indian cinema at the<br /> Pune International Film Festival (PIFF)<br /> 9. 2009 – Phalke Legend Actor Award by the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy<br /> Prime Minister of Nepal resigns<br /> Mr. Jhala Nath Khanal has resigned as Prime Minister of Nepal<br /> Mr. Khanal handed over his resignation to President Dr. Ram Baran<br /> Yadav<br /> Mr. Khanal had been recently under pressure from his own party<br /> that opposed the reshuffle of his ministry and swearing in of 9<br /> ministers from the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist)<br /> The Opposition Nepali Congress also asked his resignation as per the five point<br /> deal that was signed on June 30 th leading to the extension of the Constituent<br /> Assembly by 3 months</div> <div>Burhanuddin Rabbani, Former Afghan President killed by a suicide bomber in Kabul<br /> As head of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council, Rabbani shouldered responsibility to find a political solution to the 10-year<br /> war with the Taliban<br /> Burhanuddin Rabbani (1940 – 20 September 2011) was President of Afghanistan from 1992 to 1996 and for a second<br /> term in 2001. He was forced to leave Kabul because of the Taliban takeover of the city<br /> He also served as the political head of the United Islamic Front for the Salvation of Afghanistan (UIFSA), an alliance of<br /> various political groups who fought against Taliban rule in Afghanistan<br /> Rabbani regained political prominence almost a decade later, when he was named head of President Hamid Karzai’s peace council in<br /> October of 2010<br /> Australia won Test Series against Sri Lanka<br /> Under the captaincy of Michael Clarke, Australia won the Test series against Sri Lanka 1-0<br /> This was Clarke’s first Test tour as captain<br /> $80 mn loan approved by ADB for enhancement in Kathmandu water<br /> The Asian Development Bank (ADB) permitted a loan of $80 mn dollars<br /> to Nepal for water distribution improvements in Kathmandu<br /> The loan expected to profit more than 2.72 million individuals in the<br /> Kathmandu Valley<br /> This will develop piped water access to a lot of additional households<br /> The Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Improvement Project is likely to offer<br /> improved class water for additional hours and at elevated pressure and diminish<br /> water losses in the distribution system</div> <div>CBI arrests Reddy brothers in relation to the Illegal Mining<br /> CBI arrested former Karnataka Tourism Minister and Mining Mr. Czar G.<br /> Janardhana Reddy and BJP MLA D. V. Srinivasan Reddy<br /> Raids being carried out in connection with the probe that CBI launched<br /> into the illegal mining in Andhra Pradesh<br /> Raids come after Supreme Court vacated in December 2010 a stay on CBI probe<br /> into the illegal mining in the state<br /> North East’s First Integrated Tea Park to be set up in Chaygaon, Assam<br /> Procedure to establish the first integrated tea park of the North East region have begun<br /> The proposed park would come up at Chaygaon on the outskirts of Guwahati<br /> It would offer infrastructure of International standards and the state of the art facilities<br /> It would also build world class facilities for processing, warehousing, auction centre, blending and packaging, and generate employment<br /> India’s 55% total tea production is contributed by North East<br /> Following completion of the park, the tea export is likely to be amplified to a large degree<br /> Economist Professor D.U. Sastry passes away<br /> Professor D.U. Sastry: Renowned industrial economist<br /> Professor Mr. Sastry (81) passed away<br /> He was a resident of Andhra Pradesh<br /> He was a research fellow at the University of Pennsylvania and was associated with Nobel laureate L.R. Klein<br /> Professor Sastry made lots of contributions to Industrial Economics, begining with his work on demand for energy in north-western India, in<br /> association with P.N. Dhar<br /> Other studies related to sugar industry location, inventories in manufacturing, investment and financing in the corporate sector, import<br /> substitution, and the cotton textile industry. He was closely associated with the development perspectives of Karnataka studies under the<br /> overall guidance of Professor Rao, founder of the Institute of Social and Economic Change here<br /> Professor Sastry, a fine scholar, was widely read and organized and punctilious in his research</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: September 21, 2011<br /> 2011-09-21 12:09:11 GKToday<br /> Alzheimer’s Day being observed all over the globe<br /> Alzheimer’s Day is being observed all over the world<br /> Alzheimer’s Disease: Most common form of dementia, a group<br /> of disorders that impairs mental function. Unusual modifications in the<br /> brain deteriorate in due course, ultimately interfering with a lot of aspects of brain<br /> task. Memory loss is one of the initial symptoms, along with a steady decline of<br /> cognitive function and changes in personality. In the advanced phase of the<br /> Alzheimer’s disease, the patients become completely dependent on others.<br /> Iodine Deficiency Disorder Prevention Day being observed world over<br /> September 21, 2011: Iodine Deficiency Disorder Prevention<br /> Day observed across the globe<br /> India has set a goal to lessen the IDD (Iodine Deficiency Disorder) to<br /> less than 10% by 2012 and to bring it below 5% by 2017<br /> At present 263 endemic districts are there all over the nation i.e. the<br /> incidence of IDD in these districts is more than 10%<br /> Govt has taken quite a lot of initiatives to make sure 100% consumption of<br /> sufficient iodated salt at the household and community level<br /> Consumption of sufficient quantity of iodized salt is necessary for appropriate<br /> development of the body<br /> Union Govt removed the Ban on Export of Onions<br /> The Union Government removed the ban on export of onions with instant effect<br /> Decision taken by the EGoM headed by Finance Minister<br /> This was done owing to the protests by onion farmers in Maharashtra and Karnataka who had held demonstrations against the ban following<br /> a dip in prices<br /> NCW submits Report on Bhatta-Parsaul<br /> NCW: The National Commission of Women submitted its final report to the Union Ministry of State for Women and Child<br /> Development on Bhatta-Parsaul<br /> Bhatta-Parsaul are the 2 villages in Noida (Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP), where farmers alleged police heinousness, and<br /> mentioned the complaints of 7 women alleging they were raped by policemen<br /> The twin villages of Bhatta-Parsaul had in May 2011 witnessed violent clashes between the police and farmers, who<br /> protested against the land acquisition policies of the Uttar Pradesh Government.<br /> NCW in its concluding report observed that police officials positioned in the twin villages of UP had raped and beaten women during a<br /> farmers’ protest<br /> Mamta Sharma, NCW chairperson observed that women were frightened as the police put pressure on them. A committee of female<br /> members was thus set up to verify their testimonies<br /> The concluding report of NCW controvert the National Human Rights Commission’s report, which had stated that no mayhem were reported,<br /> but validated Congress party General Secretary Rahul Gandhi’s charge that women were indeed beaten and raped by policemen<br /> Former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani killed by Suicide Bomber</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : June 26, 2011<br /> 2011-06-28 11:06:22 GKToday<br /> World Cup Football (Women) commences in Germany<br /> The women’s football world cup begins in Germany<br /> One the day one, games b/w Germany and Canada in Berlin and b/w France and<br /> Nigeria<br /> 16 teams qualified for the tournament which will be played over nine cities<br /> The Finals to be held at Frankfurt on July 17, 2011<br /> “The INDIAN EXPRESS”: Paes, Bhupathi out from men’s doubles in<br /> Wimbledon<br /> ‘Indian Express’: Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi<br /> Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi made a shocking departure from the men’s<br /> doubles game of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London<br /> The duo lost to the French-Czech pair of Arnaud Clement and Lukas Dlouhy<br /> The defeat of Paes and Bhupathi leaves Somdev Devvarman the only Indian in the<br /> men’s doubles draw<br /> Somdev is playing along with Japanese Kei Nishikori<br /> 26 th June: International Day against drug abuse & illicit trafficking<br /> 26 th June is observed as The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit<br /> Trafficking<br /> throughout the world<br /> To reinforce action and support to attain the goal of an international society free of<br /> drug abuse<br /> Social Justice and Empowerment Minister: Mukul Wasnik<br /> As per Mr. Wasnik, the Government to soon arrive with a National Policy on<br /> Prevention of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking<br /> New Zealand PM in India<br /> Mr. John Key (The New Zealand Prime Minister) in India on a four-day visit<br /> A number of agreements likely to be signed to give additional impetus to the<br /> continuing economic cooperation b/w the two nations<br /> India and NZ have jointly established a business council and a trade committee to<br /> realize the full potential of economic partnership<br /> India and New Zealand currently negotiating a Free Trade Area Agreement<br /> Nano Yatra Nepal<br /> Tata’s Nano made its debut in Nepal with the introduction of the car today though<br /> its Nepali Company distributor<br /> Tata hopes to gain customers in Nepal, where there is an lack of an effective<br /> public transport and vehicles are expensive<br /> Bookings in the first phase have begun</div> <div>As per Mr. S.B.Agnihotri (Director General of Shipping) operations have been<br /> hampered for at least a fortnight<br /> Operational difficulties are faced due to engine trouble in the lead tug that<br /> strained to dump the rescue efforts till the next spring tide after 15 days when<br /> efforts to refloat the vessel would be made afresh<br /> No fear of any oil or cargo related pollution reported<br /> Transfer of MV Suez’s crew including 6 Indians to Pakistan’s warship<br /> When the Egyptian mercantile vessel<br /> MV Suez began taking on water in the Arabian Sea its 22-member crew,<br /> including 6 Indians transferred to a Pakistani warship<br /> The Vessel was on its way to the Omani port of Salalah when it ran out of fuel and<br /> started taking on water in violent weather<br /> The crew was in recent times released by Somali pirates following a payment of<br /> ransom<br /> Admiral Noman Bashir (Pakistan Navy chief) after getting a call for aid ordered the<br /> vessel’s crew to be shifted to the combat ship PNS Babar, which was escorting it<br /> The ship’s crew was then transferred to the PNS Babar<br /> Formerly, MV Suez’s Captain Syed Wasi Hasan appealed to Pakistan’s Foreign<br /> Ministry and the naval chief for instantaneous aid as he feared the vessel would<br /> roll over after being trapped in strong winds<br /> Postponement of Land acquisition for Posco Project<br /> Land acquisition for the Posco steel project near Paradip of Jagatsinghpur district<br /> in Odisha was again postponed<br /> It was followed after orders from senior officials of the State Government<br /> Land acquisition process could not be started during the last two working days<br /> due to bad weather conditions<br /> A huge number of anti-Posoc activists formed human chains in the outskirts of<br /> Gobindpur to protest the forceful land acquisition<br /> Posco: South Korean steel giant<br /> A Detailed National Inventory of Wetlands by ISRO<br /> A detailed national inventory of wetlands prepared by ISRO<br /> Prepared on the basis of satellite imagery<br /> Highlights areas of serious ecological worth and those which are in front of<br /> extreme risk due to developmental actions<br /> First time in India that the city-based Space Application Centre (SAC), a part<br /> of ISRO, has arranged such a register and atlas of all the wetlands that exist in the<br /> country<br /> Wetlands are the most productive ecosystems which play crucial role in<br /> hydrological cycle like helping in water supply, storm and flood control, providing<br /> food, fiber and raw materials and in recreational benefits. They support huge<br /> number of migratory birds coming from colder regions of the world in summers,<br /> apart from diverse local flora and fauna<br /> The very existence of these exclusive resources is under risk due to<br /> developmental activities and population pressure<br /> DTA with Mauritius to be reviewed<br /> DTA: Double Tax Avoidance (DTA)<br /> India to review DTA treaty with Mauritius</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : October 16 -19, 2011<br /> 2011-10-19 18:10:48 GKToday<br /> “Occupy Wall Street” Movement: Protesters fill New York City’s Times<br /> Square<br /> Thousands of protesters occupied New York City’s Times Square, buoyed by a day<br /> of demonstrations around the world in support of their month long campaign<br /> against corporate greed.<br /> It is a People powered Movement, Ongoing in New York City based in<br /> Zuccotti Park in the Wall Street financial district<br /> Causes: Wealth inequality, Corporate influence of government, Social<br /> Democracy, inter alia.<br /> Characteristics: Non violent protest; Civil disobedience; Occupation;<br /> Picketing; Demonstrations; Internet activism<br /> Slogan: “We are 99%”<br /> 99% is an fantasy % that represents the common people and 1% the<br /> elite class in USA<br /> National Women Boxing Championships concludes in Bhopal;<br /> Mary Kom adjudged Best Boxer; Suman, Neetu, Chann, Rani,<br /> Goyat, Jenny clinch Gold<br /> 12th Senior National Women Boxing Championship concluded in<br /> Bhopal. Suman and Neetu Chahal of Haryana, Mandkini Chann of All India Police,<br /> Meena Rani of Railways Sports Promotion Board, Kavita Goyat of Delhi and Jenny<br /> RL of Mizoram clinched gold in their respective categories.<br /> Five time World Champion M C Mary Kom of Manipur was adjudged as the Best<br /> Boxer.<br /> Fauja Singh : 100 year old Marathon Runner<br /> Fauja Singh, a 100 year old India-born runner became the oldest<br /> person to complete a full-distance marathon when he completed the<br /> race in Toronto. It took Singh 8:11:06 to cross the finish line.<br /> He finished the marathon more than 6 hours after Kenya’s Kenneth<br /> Mungara won the event. Singh was the last competitor to finish the<br /> Race.<br /> His Biography is titled “Turbaned Tornado”<br /> Uday Kumar Varma appointed as new Secretary, I&B Ministry<br /> Mr. Uday Kumar Varma appointed as the new Secretary of Ministry of I & B. An IAS<br /> Officer of 1976 batch, Mr. Varma succeeds Mr. Raghu Menon after his<br /> superannuation.<br /> Power of forfeiture vested with only competent court: Supreme Court<br /> The Apex Court interpreting Section 54(1) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972,<br /> held that forest officials have no power to order forfeiture of items like vehicles</div> <div>Due to uncertain economic conditions in Europe, and other western markets and<br /> slowdown in global trade volumes, India’s exports may not sustain their high<br /> growth rate in the coming months<br /> All Rural Development Programmes to be audited by the CAG<br /> The CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) to audit all Rural Development<br /> Programmes including MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment<br /> Guarantee Scheme), for their effective and transparent implementation<br /> New Rural Development Minister: Mr. Jairam Ramesh<br /> CAG: Mr. Vinod Rai<br /> A panel of Chartered Accountants in each and every district across the country to<br /> do Financial Audit<br /> As per Mr. Ramesh, action taken on the Audit Report is very significant and his<br /> precedence is to take a stock of the ground reality in the Naxal affected areas; to<br /> have a closer look at their problems<br /> Mr. Ramesh elucidated, funds are no constraint but the actual hitch is lack of<br /> proper Administration<br /> There are many complaints of delayed payment in MGNERGA<br /> President Ms Pratibha Devisingh Patil to visit Korea, Mongolia<br /> The President Ms Pratibha Devisingh Patil to visit Republic of Korea and<br /> Mongolia<br /> Visit aimed at accelerating India’s cooperation with these two countries<br /> In the first stage of her weeklong trip, she will leave New Delhi on the July 24,<br /> 2011 for Republic<br /> of Korea on the invitation of President Lee Myung-bak<br /> President Lee Myung-bak<br /> visited India last year as Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations<br /> In the second stage, she will visit Mongolia from July 27, 2011 at the invitation of<br /> President Elbegdorj<br /> President Elbegdorj had paid a State Visit to India in September 2009<br /> Ms Patil’s visit to these countries assumes importance in the backdrop of the fact<br /> that they are two important partners of India in North East Asia<br /> Hina Rabbani Khar: New Foreign Minister of Pakistan<br /> • Hina Rabbani Khar, 34, the youngest Foreign Minister in<br /> Pakistan’s History, beating the record of former Prime Minister<br /> Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who was 35 when he took over the portfolio in<br /> the Mr. Ayub Khan’s regime<br /> 9 th India-ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference<br /> External Affairs Minister S M Krishna to participate in the 9 th India-ASEAN Post<br /> Ministerial Conference in Bali, Indonesia<br /> Mr. Krishna to join discussions in the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers<br /> Consultations and the ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting for two days<br /> from July 22, 2011<br /> India-ASEAN Ministerial meet to Review cooperation and deliberate on its future<br /> direction<br /> India-ASEAN commemorative summit to be hosted in New Delhi in<br /> December 2012</div> <div>The Israeli soldier ‘Gilad Shalit’ and hundreds of Palestinians were released in a<br /> Historic prisoner swap deal b/w the Isreal and Palestine. It activated festivities in<br /> both Israel and the Palestinian dominions.<br /> Ratan Tata bags the ‘Swiss Ambassador’s Award for Exceptional<br /> Leadership’<br /> Ratan Tata (Tata Group Chairman) awarded with the ‘Swiss Ambassador’s Award for Exceptional Leadership’.<br /> The award recognizes persons who have contributed to the endorsement of Indo-Swiss bilateral relations or have stood out for<br /> their outstanding role in the society and industry.<br /> ‘Man Booker Prize’ for Julian Barnes<br /> This year’s Man Booker Prize was awarded to Mr. Julian Barnes, the British<br /> Author for his novel “Sense of an Ending’. The Book is about a man facing his<br /> past.<br /> Super Cup: East Bengal wins<br /> East Bengal defeated Salgaocar 5-4 in sudden death to lift the Super Cup in New<br /> Delhi.<br /> Supreme Court: Lavatories must in Government Schools by November,<br /> 2011<br /> The apex Court has directed all States and UTs to construct toilets, especially for<br /> the girls, in all Government run Schools by the end of November, 2011. The order<br /> was issued on a PIL in quest for direction of SC to Governments to provide basic<br /> facilities of drinking water and toilets in Schools.<br /> FC Barcelona to set base in India<br /> FC Barcelona, World’s premier football club declared its venture into grass-root<br /> growth of the game in India with a motivated talent exploration project.<br /> A week long Football Camp to be held in New Delhi in January 2012 by the Club<br /> during its first sporting venture in India. The Camp will be for the youth b/w 6-14<br /> years.</div> <div>Cabinet nod to operationalize the National Mission for Justice Delivery and<br /> Legal Reforms<br /> The Cabinet gave its nod to operationalise the National Mission for Justice<br /> Delivery and Legal Reforms.<br /> Objective of the Mission: To boost access to justice by dropping delays and arrears<br /> in the system and improve accountability through structural changes by setting<br /> performance standards<br /> Qatar diplomat elected by UN as the next President<br /> UN General Assembly has elected Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser, a diplomat from<br /> Qatar as the next President<br /> General Assembly begins its next session in September<br /> Al-Nasser to take over the job from Switzerland’s Joseph Deiss<br /> IT Returns: CBDT appraises exemption to salaried taxpayers with income<br /> up to 5 lakh rupees<br /> CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) notified the scheme exempting salaried<br /> taxpayers with total income up to 5 lakh rupees from filing income tax return for<br /> assessment year 2011-12<br /> The last date of filing return is July 31, 2011<br /> Individuals having total income up to Rs 5Lakh for the financial year 2010-11 and<br /> having interest income from deposits in a saving bank account not more than<br /> 10,000 rupees are not required to file their income tax return. They must pay the<br /> entire tax by way of deduction of tax at source and obtain a certificate of tax<br /> deduction in Form No.16<br /> Persons getting salary from more than one employer, having income from sources<br /> other than salary and interest income from a savings bank account, or having<br /> refund claims shall not be covered under the scheme<br /> Centre to create public awareness against food wastage<br /> Central Government to create public awareness against food wastage through<br /> Jago Grahak Jago campaign<br /> Food wastage gained importance in the milieu of the proposed Food Security Bill<br /> Enormous food is wasted in marriages and other social gatherings in the country<br /> Five star hotels too are discarding food<br /> IIPA (Indian Institute of Public Administration) will be assigned the work of<br /> conducting a scientific survey to find out the size of food wastage in the country<br /> Measures also to be suggested to prevent food wastage in Government functions<br /> and by the FCI<br /> Temples, Panchayats, NGOs, charity institutions will be cordon off to create<br /> awareness on food austerity.<br /> Minister for Consumer Affairs: Prof K V Thomas<br /> Panel to look into financial claims submitted by Air India<br /> Government to set up a committee of Secretaries headed by the Cabinet<br /> Secretary to investigate financial claims put in by Air India prior to issuing an<br /> additional equity of Rs 1,200 for the state air carrier<br /> The Secretaries committee also to examine the plan to restructure Air India’s<br /> massive debt of Rs 40,000 Crore</div> <div>Other members: Justice Reddy (Chairman of the SIT), Former<br /> judge, Justice M B Shah (Vice-Chairman of the panel)<br /> Objective: To monitor the investigation and steps being taken<br /> to bring back black money hive away in foreign banks<br /> The Bench also directed the Government to disclose the names of all the persons<br /> who have been issued show cause notices by the authorities in connection with<br /> the probe into the black money issue<br /> The Court passed the order on a petition filed by eminent jurist Ram Jethmalani<br /> and others seeking directions to the Government to track black money hived<br /> away abroad and to bring it back<br /> PM stresses for establishing linkages b/w various Policies of Govt and<br /> HIV/AIDS Programme<br /> Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stressed on the points that<br /> 1. Different ministries should make HIV sensitive policies and programmes to provide<br /> employment and assistance to HIV-AIDS infected persons<br /> 2. Linkages be built between MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment<br /> Guarantee) programme and HIV/AIDS programmes to facilitate employment of HIV<br /> positive persons<br /> The nutritional needs of HIV positive people, especially Women and Children<br /> should be undertaken by linking them with ICDS and other developmental<br /> schemes<br /> 3. Need to ensure that there is no stigma and discrimination towards HIV infected<br /> and affected persons<br /> 4. No child be denied entrance in schools and colleges because he or she is infected with HIV or because his or her parents are infected with<br /> the disease<br /> Thus, PM stressed that different Policies of the Government should be linked with the HIV/AIDS Programme:-<br /> Employment of HIV/AIDS infected people — (Link To) — MNREGA<br /> Programme<br /> Nutritional Needs of HIV/AIDS infected Women and Children — (Link To)<br /> — ICDS Programme<br /> Education Rights of HIV/AIDS infected Children — (Link To) — Right To<br /> Education Programme<br /> Contract signed b/w Bangladesh Railway and India’s Texmaco Limited<br /> Bangladesh Railway signed a contract worth $ 16.45<br /> million with the Indian company Texmaco Limited Indian<br /> Company to supply Oil tank wagons and break vans<br /> As per the agreement, 165 broad-gauge oil wagons and six broad-gauge break<br /> vans will be supplied to Bangladesh Railway within a year<br /> The wagons to be used to supply oil to power plants in Bangladesh<br /> The project being enforced under the $1 bn Credit Line provided by<br /> India to Bangladesh<br /> Braille script on Electronic Voting Machines in Maharashtra</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 6, 2011<br /> 2011-09-06 15:09:24 GKToday<br /> Report submitted by the Expert panel on Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram<br /> The panel of Experts for the decision on the safety, recording and opening the kallara (vault) B in the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in<br /> Thiruvananthapuram communicated to the apex Court that 1 year was necessary to accomplish the full work<br /> It communicated that a sum of Rs. 2.98 Crore would be required in order to meet all the expenses on videography, photography, providing<br /> infrastructure and to beef up security cover<br /> In order to check whether there was a need to open the Secret Vault B, the Supreme Court appointed the panel on July 21, 2011<br /> The aim of the Panel was to organize account of treasure and take videography and photography, to scrutinize which articles could be used<br /> for regular use in the temple and which could be kept for public view<br /> The panel was to sketch a long term plan for maintenance of the treasure and to set up safety measures<br /> In its interim report, the panel has noted that regarding the opening of kallara/vault B, a devaprasnam was carried on and the kallara ‘B’ was<br /> not opened<br /> Orders from the court were now awaited concerning the opening of the vault<br /> The panel, however opined that the opening of kallara B was required to ascertain the quantity and quality of the items stored inside, for<br /> inventory management, for ascertaining security measures, and for documentation of all artefacts/treasure items<br /> Panel suggested to take 3D images of the objects in all the kallaras<br /> As the jewellery was stored in iron boxes, there was a possibleness of corrosion, the items would then be needed to be put in wooden boxes<br /> The panel also suggested for appointing a Gold purity analyser by the Court for the evaluation of gold jewellery<br /> Panel recommended for digital mechanism to put in place for the jewellery<br /> The panel demanded for observation via closed circuit cameras and also desired that an LCD TV be established<br /> Impeachment motion against Justice Sen dropped by Lok Sabha<br /> Justice Soumitra Sen of the Calcutta High Court escaped impeachment<br /> by the Lok Sabha<br /> When the Law Minister Salman Khurshid conveyed to the House the<br /> information about Justice Sen’s resignation, the House before which the<br /> impeachment business was put, dropped it after a Sense of the House was sought<br /> by Speaker Meira Kumar relating to dropping the proceedings against Sen<br /> The Members responded in agreement after which the Speaker declared that the<br /> House agrees<br /> Justice Sen is the first Judge who has been impeached by the Rajya<br /> Sabha<br /> The Lok Sabha was to impeach Sen for misconduct and misappropriation of funds<br /> in the capacity of a Court Receiver, over which he was impeached by an<br /> overwhelming majority in the Rajya Sabha earlier<br /> The proceedings of the impeachment motion were set in process when over 50<br /> Rajya Sabha MPs moved such a motion<br /> Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Mohd. Hamid Ansari set up a special committee<br /> constituted to look into the allegations levelled against Justice Sen<br /> The Committee found the charges of financial abnormalities against Justice Sen to<br /> be truthful</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: September 18, 2011<br /> 2011-09-18 17:09:56 GKToday<br /> Japan’s Pop group SMAP performs in Beijing, China<br /> Japan’s best known Pop group SMAP performed a concert in the<br /> Chinese capital Beijing<br /> The concert is seen as part of an effort to better relations b/w Japan<br /> and China<br /> SMAP performed their 1 st overseas concert in their 20 year career<br /> SMAP is a Japanese boy band formed by Johnny & Associates. While originally<br /> consisting of six members, the current group members are Masahiro Nakai, Takuya<br /> Kimura, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Goro Inagaki, and Shingo Katori. The group’s name is an<br /> acronym standing for Sports Music Assemble People. Members: Masahiro Nakai, Takuya<br /> Kimura, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Goro Inagaki and Shingo Katori<br /> Ban on Clenbuterol under review<br /> Executives from Sports Anti-doping Agency are likely to talk about<br /> whether to relax the complete ban on a broadly ill-treated drug<br /> Clenbuterol at a meeting in Switzerland<br /> A lot of athletes use the drug, which was developed to treat asthma to build up<br /> muscles<br /> Clenbuterol (trade names: Spiropent, Ventipulmin) is a sympathomimetic<br /> amine used by sufferers of breathing disorders as a decongestant and<br /> bronchodilator. People with chronic breathing disorders such as asthma<br /> use this as a bronchodilator to make breathing easier. It is most commonly<br /> available as the hydrochloride salt clenbuterol hydrochloride.<br /> Shilpotsav/Silpotsav festival begins in New Delhi<br /> Shilpotsav / Silpotsav festival, a 15 day programme began in New<br /> Delhi<br /> Government to soon open the Shilpostav festival in other states also<br /> including Maharshtra<br /> The festival is an exclusive stage for the artisans to convey their art<br /> Artisans from Jammu and Kashmir ,Rajasthan Gujarat, Delhi,Uttar Pradesh and<br /> other States have come to participate in this festival<br /> The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to leave for 66 th UN general<br /> assembly session<br /> The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will thrust for further efficient ways for<br /> global economic and financial revival, UN reforms, Millennium Development Goals<br /> and anti-terror convention through his visit to the United Nations<br /> Dr Singh to leave for New York to participate in the High Level Segment of the<br /> 66 th UN General Assembly Session</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : July 22, 2011<br /> 2011-07-22 22:07:12 GKToday<br /> ‘Prahaar’ missile successfully test-fired<br /> India successfully conducted the first test-fire of its indigenously<br /> developed surface-to-surface guided short-range, solid fueled, quickreaction,<br /> tactical missile, Prahaar (Sanskrit:�हार<br /> , Strike) from the<br /> Integrated Test Range (ITR) of Chandipur, off Odisha coast<br /> The missile test fired from the Launch Complex-III of the ITR at 0810 hours<br /> The uniqueness of the missile with a payload of 200 kgs is that “in one<br /> salvo, six missiles can be fired at multiple targets in all directions<br /> covering the entire azimuth plane.”<br /> Capable of hitting both tactical and strategic targets<br /> It is a road mobile system and can also be deployed in a few minutes time, without much preparation<br /> INFORMATION<br /> Type: Tactical ballistic missile<br /> Place of origin: India<br /> Used by: Indian Army, Indian Air Force<br /> Prahaar (Sanskrit:�हार<br /> , Strike)<br /> Manufacturer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bharat<br /> Dynamics Limited (BDL)<br /> SPECIFICATIONS<br /> Weight: 1280 kg<br /> Length: 7.3 meters<br /> Diameter: 0.42 meter<br /> Warhead:200 kg<br /> Propellant: Solid<br /> Operational range: 150 km<br /> Speed: Mach 2.03 (2160 km/h)<br /> Launch platform: 8 x 8 Tatra Transporter Erector Launcher<br /> Women’s football: Japan beat USA on penalties to win World Cup<br /> Women’s Football World Cup Final at Frankfurt, Germany<br /> Japan won the women’s World Cup for the first time, beating the United States 3-1<br /> in a penalty shoot-out<br /> Japan captain Homare Sawa won the tournament’s Golden Boot</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 4, 2011<br /> 2011-08-04 18:08:50 GKToday<br /> Single-window Clearance System approved by SEBI for prior approvals<br /> Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved a single-window clearance<br /> system for market entities like stock brokers, for grant of prior approval for change in<br /> control of their management structures<br /> Objective: To speed up the process of allowing prior approval (in case of change of<br /> control) and a move aimed at doing away with unnecessary rules and red-tapism<br /> New Lokayukta of Karnataka: Former Supreme Court Judge Shivraj V Patil<br /> Justice Shivraj V Patil (Former Supreme Court Judge) sworn in as the new<br /> Lokayukta of Karnataka<br /> He succeeded Justice N Santosh Hegde who vacated office after completing 5-year tenure<br /> ‘Industrial Outlook Survey for the July-September 2011′ launched by RBI<br /> RBI launched its Industrial Outlook Survey for the July-September 2011 period<br /> Centre for Research Planning and Action (CERPA) was imparted the<br /> responsibility for conducting the research on behalf of RBI<br /> The Industrial Outlook Survey provides for an insight into the perception of nonfinancial<br /> public and private limited companies that are engaged in manufacturing<br /> activities about their performance and future prospects<br /> The survey aimed to provide useful forward looking inputs for policymakers,<br /> analysts and businesses<br /> Since 1998, RBI has been conducting the Industrial Outlook Survey on a quarterly basis<br /> CCEA approves equity infusion of `<br /> 1,200 Crore rupees into Air India<br /> Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved an equity infusion of `<br /> 1,200 Crore into Air India<br /> Objective:<br /> Ease the cash flow situation of the Company<br /> Prevent borrowings from market at high cost<br /> Lokpal Bill introduced in the Lok Sabha<br /> The Lokpal Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 4, 2011<br /> Proposed legislation to pave the way for creating a mechanism for citizens to<br /> approach newly created anti- corruption watchdog with complaints against<br /> officials, bureaucrats and Union Ministers<br /> Bill introduced by the Minister of State for Personnel, Mr. Narayan Swamy</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 22, 2011<br /> 2011-09-22 12:09:21 GKToday<br /> Annual session of UN General Assembly begins<br /> Annual session of UN General Assembly begins in New York<br /> Issues ranging from climate change, poverty and sustainable development, terrorism, human rights, situation in Libya, the<br /> issue of Palestinian application for UN Membership, impact of economic slow-down are the focus of discussions apart<br /> from reforms in the UN Security Council<br /> Supreme Court: Vault B of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple not to be<br /> opened now<br /> Supreme Court held that the vault ‘B’ of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy<br /> Temple in Thiruvananthapuram to be opened only following<br /> considerable work as regards documentation and conservation of<br /> assets unearthed from other ‘kalavaras’ (vaults) of the shrine is done<br /> Bench headed by Justice R V Raveendran declined the plea of an expert<br /> committee to hand over the security of the temple to Central paramilitary forces<br /> and directed the state government to provide infallible envelop to the temple to<br /> guard its assets which are estimated to be over Rs 1.50 Lakh Crore<br /> Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi passes away<br /> Former Indian Cricket Team Captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi (70)<br /> passed away<br /> He was the youngest captain of the Indian Cricket team’s<br /> history<br /> He played 46 tests in his international carrier and 40 as a captain<br /> Mansoor Ali Khan or Mansur Ali Khan(5 January 1941, Bhopal – 22<br /> September 2011, New Delhi), nicknamed Tiger Pataudi, was an Indian cricketer<br /> and former captain of the Indian cricket team<br /> He was the 9th and last Nawab of Pataudi until 1971, when India abolished<br /> royal entitlements through the 26th Amendment to the Constitution of<br /> India.<br /> Mohamed Mansur Ali Khan was the son of Iftikhar Ali Khan, eighth Nawab of<br /> Pataudi and his wife Sajida Sultan, second daughter of the last ruling Nawab<br /> of Bhopal.<br /> ABB bags $71 mn order from SAIL<br /> Multinational power and automation technology company, ABB secured a<br /> $71 m order from SAIL<br /> The order is for the supply of a high-voltage sub-station package to the steel<br /> major’s Bhilai plant, in Chhattisgarh.</div> <div>Re.1per kg rice scheme launched in Andhra Pradesh<br /> Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy launched the Re 1 per kg rice scheme in the state, on the day of Andhra Pradesh<br /> Formation.<br /> Rs.1 per kg rice scheme would benefit 2.01 crore white card holders in the state.<br /> Butt, Asif guilty of betting scam<br /> Pakistan cricketers Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif have been found guilty of their part in a spot-fixing scam.<br /> Fast bowler Asif was found guilty of conspiring to cheat. They plotted to deliberately bowl no-balls during a Lord’s Test match against<br /> England.<br /> Lt Gen S K Singh takes over as Vice Chief of Indian Army<br /> National Defence Academy (NDA) alumnus Lt Gen Sri Krishna Singh took over as the Vice Chief of the million-plus strong Indian Army.<br /> He succeeds Lt Gen Arvinder Singh Lamba.<br /> UK Bansal assumes charge of DG BSF<br /> 1974 batch Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer U K Bansal took over as Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF).<br /> Before this appointment, Mr Bansal has served as Special DG(West) and ADG (East) in the BSF, Regional Inspector General of Police in<br /> three Zones of Uttar Pradesh, Inspector General of Police, ITBP and at various posts in state police including Additional Director General of<br /> Economic Offence Investigations.<br /> Odisha launches Janani Sisu Surakshya Karyakram<br /> The Janani Sisu Surakshya Karyakram was launched in Orissa. The scheme would provide completely free and cashless services to<br /> pregnant women including normal deliveries and caesarean operations and treatment for sick new born (up to 30 days after birth) in<br /> designated government health institutions in rural areas.<br /> Arunachal gets new Chief Minister<br /> After a brief political crisis, Nabam Tuki was sworn-in as the 7th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. Governor Gen (Retd) J J Singh<br /> administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new Chief Minister.<br /> Manipur’s longest blockade called off<br /> The longest economic blockade in Manipur was called-off after 92 days after the state government gave a written assurance to upgrade<br /> Sadar Hills into a full fledged district.<br /> Cabinet approves mandatory procurement from MSEs<br /> Government gives its nod to a procurement policy under which 20 percent of goods purchased by central ministries and public sector<br /> undertakings would be from micro and small enterprises (MSEs).<br /> Manmohan Singh heads for Cannes Wednesday for G20 Summit<br /> Prime Minister Manmohan Singh departed for Cannes in the French Riviera for the 6th G20 Summit where the focus of the leaders is<br /> expected to be on how to resolve the sovereign debt crisis in Europe.<br /> China launches spacecraft Shenzhou-8<br /> China’s unmanned spacecraft Shenzhou-8 was blasted off from a launch centre in the northwestern Gobi desert .<br /> Bopanna, Advani named ‘Global Shapers’<br /> Davis cupper Rohan Bopanna and ace cueist Pankaj Advani have been inducted into the ‘Global Shapers’, an exclusive community of<br /> exceptional youth in their 20s, established by the World Economic Forum (WEF).<br /> Dhoni, Bindra now lieutenant colonels</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: August 9, 2011<br /> 2011-08-09 14:08:21 GKToday<br /> Term of RBI Governor D Subbarao extended by 2 years<br /> Government extended the term of RBI Governor D Subbarao by 2<br /> more years<br /> Mr. Subbarao was first appointed as the RBI Governor in<br /> September 2008<br /> His term was to expire in September this year<br /> Under Subbarao’s leadership, the RBI recently doubled the<br /> frequency of monetary policy reviews from quarterly to eight times in a year. The<br /> move helped tame inflation and spur growth of Indian economy<br /> “mchip”: $1 tiny chip tests blood, detects HIV in 15 min<br /> Scientists at the Columbia University developed a $1 plastic chip<br /> that can diagnose HIV and syphilis in 15 minutes<br /> The chip named the “mChip”, a credit-card-sized piece of plastic<br /> that is made applying a plastic injection molding process<br /> Examines multiple diseases with just one pinprick of blood<br /> Nothing moves inside the chip, and the microfluidics-based chip<br /> can be examined with assist from a cheap visual sensor<br /> The chip detects 100% of cases when utilized to test HIV or syphilis and human<br /> immunodeficiency virus together, with a 4% to 6% false positive rate.That’s<br /> same to what is ascertained with common laboratory exams in the developed<br /> world<br /> ‘mChip’ can diagnose prostatic adenocarcinoma<br /> It has already been authorized for use in Europe<br /> DD Direct Plus, Doordarshan’s DTH Service<br /> DD Direct Plus: Doordarshan’ DTH Service<br /> DD Direct Plus to have 150 channels<br /> Prasar Bharati Board approved its expansion<br /> There are no frequent changes in the frequencies of channels<br /> being shown through DD Direct Plus<br /> SEBI issues Show Cause Notice to NSE over Client Code Modifications by Brokers<br /> The capital market regulator, the Securities and<br /> Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a show-cause<br /> notice to the country’s leading stock exchange, National Stock Exchange,<br /> following a probe into alleged client code modifications by its broker<br /> members</div> <div>1. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has recently initiated the study on<br /> “Facilitating Market Transformation of LED Lamps in India”.<br /> 2. The objective of the study is to facilitate market transformation of LED lighting in India by covering the latest trends and technologies, case<br /> studies and suppliers of LED lighting.<br /> 3. Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a new technology that provides very long life lamps consuming about 2/3rd energy as compared to CFLs at<br /> present. However, the cost of LED in the market is about 8 to 10 times more than that of CFLs.<br /> 4. BEE has initiated demonstration projects in 23 States for providing LEDs in villages.<br /> 5. Besides projects for use of LEDs in street lighting applications have been approved in 32 States.<br /> 6. The objective of BEE is to enhance the demand for LED based lights so that their cost are reduced.<br /> Bachat Lamp Yojna as a PoA<br /> Bachat Lamp Yojana is the largest PoA (Programme of Activities) being<br /> implemented in India and was the largest PoA registered with CDM executive<br /> Board, when it was registered in May 2010.<br /> The scheme was developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the<br /> aegis of the Ministry of Power and was launched in February 2009.<br /> In May 2010, the scheme was registered under the Clean Development<br /> Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol.<br /> Developed to promote energy efficient lighting in India, BLY promotes replacement of<br /> inefficient bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) by leveraging the sale of<br /> Certified Emission Rights (CERs) under the CDM.<br /> How does BLY work?<br /> Under the BLY scheme, qualities CFLs are distributed to grid-connected residential<br /> households in exchange of an incandescent lamp (ICL) and INR 15. This means that<br /> any house hold can give a Bulb + Rupees 15 /- to get a CFL. CFL cost is around 8-10<br /> times of the Bulb so this Yojna basically removes the first cost barrier.<br /> To handle the problem of High Transaction Costs of preparation and registration of<br /> CDM projects and for wider reach and faster implementation, BEE developed a<br /> Programme of Activities (PoA) which would serve as an umbrella CDM project.<br /> A tripartite agreement works in the background between the BEE, Distribution<br /> Companies (DISCOMs) and CFL suppliers.<br /> The implementation of this project turns out to be the largest PoA in terms of carbon<br /> dioxide emission reductions, to be ever registered by the CDM Executive Board.<br /> All other individual projects are designed to be in conformance of with the umbrella<br /> project and they are added to the umbrella project as and when they are prepared.<br /> The replacement of all the 400m incandescent lamps (ICLs) by CFLs would lead to<br /> a potential reduction of over 6,000 MW in electricity demand.<br /> The current penetration of CFL in the household sector remains low at about 5-10 per<br /> cent largely due to the high price of the CFLs, which is 8-10 times the cost of<br /> incandescent bulbs. The Bachat Lamp Yojana focuses on this first cost barrier to<br /> reduce the cost of CFLs to that of incandescent bulbs for consumers. At Rs. 15 a<br /> piece for CFLs, the BLY is a win-win situation for all.</div> <div>She also stood by her Husband all through the struggle and turbulent phases of<br /> life including the Narmada Bachao Andolan<br /> ‘Samidha’: Her Autobiography, is a document of the dreams she and her<br /> Husband dreamt for humankind and their struggle to put life into them<br /> For the recognition of her Service she was Conferred upon many awards including<br /> Chaturang Lifetime Achievement Award in the year 2007 for her notable<br /> contribution in the field of social work<br /> India finishes eighth with 11 medals at the Asian Athletics Championship<br /> 19 th Asian Athletics Championships 2011 in Kobe, Japan<br /> India finishes 8 th with a total of 11 medals<br /> Bill to protect Consumers’ Interests, probably to be<br /> introduced in the Monsoon Session<br /> Bill to protect Consumers’ Interests against dubious operators in the real estate<br /> sector probably to be introduced in the Monsoon Session<br /> The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill 2011, prepared by the<br /> Housing and Poverty Alleviation Ministry, intends to encourage planned<br /> development of real estate and protection of public interest among others<br /> As per the draft:<br /> Developers will need to make public disclosures related to land title, project<br /> completion date and other relevant scheme details on the website of the<br /> proposed regulatory authority<br /> The promoters will also have to register themselves with the regulatory<br /> authority</div> <div>Makau won the Berlin race in 2 hours 3 minutes and 38 seconds,<br /> breaking the previous record set in the same marathon in 2008 by the Ethiopian<br /> Haile Gebrsalassie<br /> Britain backs India’s bid for permanent membership of UNSC<br /> Britain supported India’s proposal to get permanent membership of<br /> the UNSC<br /> The support came at a meeting between External Affairs Minister S M<br /> Krishna and his British counterpart William Hague who met on the sidelines of the<br /> UN General Assembly<br /> Japan Open, Men’s Singles Badminton Title: Chen Long<br /> Chen Long from China shocked World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei to win the men’s singles badminton title at the Japan Open<br /> Japan Open, Women’s Singles Badminton Title: Wang Yihan<br /> In the Japan Open’s women’s singles final, Chinese World champion and No. 1 Wang Yihan won the finale<br /> She won the same tournament in 2008 and 2009 also<br /> Singapore Formula One Grand Prix won by Red Bull Driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany<br /> Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany won the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in<br /> Singapore</div> <div><< For more on Gas Cracker Project,Assam please visit:<br /> Last Space Shuttle Launch of USA by NASA<br /> NASA declared the last launch of a US space shuttle to take place on Friday<br /> July 8, 2011<br /> The Atlantis ship gets the honour of concluding the 30 year Orbiter<br /> Programme<br /> The Atlantis Ship to lift off at 11:26 am Florida Time<br /> In order to witness a piece of History around 7.5 Lakh people expected to line<br /> the roads and beaches around the Kennedy Space Center<br /> Launch date fixed by US space agency managers<br /> 4 astronauts to ride Atlantis to orbit–<br /> Commander Chris Ferguson<br /> Pilot Doug Hurley<br /> Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus<br /> Mission Specialist Rex Walheim<br /> A 12-day trip to the International Space Station, where they will transport<br /> around 3.5 tonnes of supplies which includes a year’s worth of food<br /> It gives the US space agency some room to play with as it looks to introduce a<br /> commercial cargo re-supply service over the next 12 months<br /> A shuttle normally has 6 or 7 crew members onboard, but here the number<br /> of Astronauts has been reduced for this final flight as there is no orbiter<br /> left on reserve to go and liberate them should they to get into problem<br /> In the occurrence of a serious damage to Atlantis on lift-off, alike to the illfated<br /> Columbia ship in 2003, the astronauts would take refuge on the ISS<br /> awaiting return to Earth in Russian Soyuz capsules over a 10-month period<br /> Hunt for 16 Asian Countries to secure a birth in 2014 FIFA World Cup<br /> (Brazil) begins<br /> 16 Asian countries begin their hunt for a berth in the 2014 FIFA World Cup (Brazil)<br /> The first leg of the first round ties of the Asian Zone qualifying matches for the<br /> lowest ranked countries to be played on Wednesday June 29, 2011<br /> Socio-Economic and Caste Census 2011 launched by Govt. at the<br /> Shankhola village in West Tripura<br /> Socio-Economic and Caste Census 2011 formally launched in village<br /> Shankhola in West Tripura<br /> The Government of India has decided to conduct a Socio-Economic and Caste<br /> Census<br /> To be carried out by respective State/UT Governments with the Financial and<br /> Technical support of the GOI<br /> Starting from Tripura, enumerators will reach every household of the country<br /> This paves the way to mark the BPL (Below Poverty Line) households in both<br /> rural and urban areas of the country</div> <div>17 new Clusters for Small, Medium industries to be set up by West Bengal<br /> Government<br /> 17 new Clusters to be set up by the WB Govt for Small and Medium industries in<br /> the state<br /> A Report to be prepared on land available in the closed factories in the state and<br /> the quantity of idle land taken by a variety of industrial groups for setting up<br /> industries<br /> Field trial of VVPAT in 5 states to be conducted by the Election<br /> Commission<br /> VVPAT: Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail<br /> The EC to conduct field trial of VVPAT in 5 states on the 24th July 2011<br /> A few Political Parties recommended in October last year that the Commission<br /> should consider introducing VVPAT system<br /> This is to ensure a further verifiability and transparency in the electoral system<br /> VVPAT system: In this system when the voter presses the button for the<br /> candidate of his choice, a paper ballot containing the serial number, name of<br /> candidates and symbol of candidate will be printed<br /> All National and State Political Parties requested to appoint their representatives<br /> for the virtual elections so that they can give their views and opinion on the<br /> proposed system<br /> VVPAT system already used in Venezuela and in some states of the US<br /> The 5 districts where the trials will be held are-<br /> Leh<br /> Thiruvananthapuram<br /> East Khasi Hills in Cherrapunjee<br /> East Delhi<br /> Jaisalmer</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: October 3, 2011<br /> 2011-10-03 13:10:51 GKToday<br /> New rules of UK Govt restrain immigrants from gaining permanent UK<br /> citizenship<br /> New rules planned by UK Govt in order to curb immigrants’ rights to settle down<br /> permanently in the UK<br /> The move probable to unfavorably affect Indians in the hunt for living in UK<br /> Government to scrap a rule that provides foreign workers the right to live<br /> permanently in Britain after working there for 5 years<br /> The fresh rules tol also check the rights of their family members to join them<br /> Syrian National Council constituted to overthrow Prez Assad’s regime<br /> A national council formed by Syria’s key opposition groups intended at<br /> merging their efforts to bring down the Government of President<br /> Bashar al-Assad<br /> Opposition figure Bourhan Ghalioun declared the creation of the Syrian<br /> National Council<br /> Know about: Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee<br /> Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee: Daughter of Late Devadas Gandhi and Late<br /> Smt. Lakshmi Devadas Gandhi was born on the April 24, 1934 in New<br /> Delhi<br /> Devdas Gandhi was the fourth and youngest son of Mahatama Gandhi.<br /> Thus, Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee is the grand-daughter of Mahatma<br /> Gandhi<br /> Tara’s husband was late Dr. Jyoti Prasad Bhattacharjee, a leading economist.<br /> Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee is the Vice-Chairperson of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan<br /> Samiti and Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust<br /> Gandhi Smriti is the site of Martyrdom of Mahatma Gandhi for truth and Nonviolence<br /> Tara has been working for the welfare of the spinners and the weavers of khadi<br /> 3 Scientists share Nobel Prize for Medicine<br /> 3 Scientists shared the Nobel Prize for Medicine for their groundbreaking<br /> work on the immune system The work has opened up new<br /> prospects for curing cancer and other diseases<br /> The laureates are:-<br /> 1. Bruce Beutler of the United States<br /> 2. Jules Hoffmann of Luxembourg<br /> 3. Ralph Steinman of Canada</div> <div>technology for two of Herschel’s three Science instruments<br /> Indian Court of Arbitration for Sports set up to settle Sports Dispute<br /> The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) sets up a 8 member Indian Court of<br /> Arbitration for Sports (ICAS)<br /> ICAS set up under the Chairmanship of Dr. AR. Lakshmanan, former Supreme<br /> Court Judge and former Law Commission chairman<br /> Objective:<br /> To resolve all sports related disputes in India<br /> Other Members of ICAS: M.R. Culla and retired judges, Justices R.S. Sodhi, B.A.<br /> Khan, Usha Mehra, Lokeshwar Prasad and S.N. Sapra<br /> All sports related disputes in the whole world are settled by the International Court<br /> of Arbitration for Sports situated at Lausanne, Switzerland through a panel of<br /> eminent experts in the field of law, medicine, sports and others<br /> The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had given directions to the IOA to<br /> constitute the Indian court of Arbitration for Sports in order to resolve all sports<br /> related disputes within the territory of India<br /> All disputes in relation to sports under the Indian Olympic Association will<br /> therefore be decided by the Indian Court of Arbitration for Sports.<br /> Software developed to prevent Stampede Deaths<br /> German Scientists developed new software to prevent Stampede Deaths<br /> S/w can precisely sense when crowds are starting to build up to unsafe levels<br /> It could help prevent stampede deaths that often occur during festivals and mass<br /> celebrations<br /> S/w to give security staff a chance to scatter crowds to safety by pre-empting the<br /> crisis<br /> S/w observes the motion of the crowd by inspecting the movement of each pixel<br /> b/w different frames of crowd video footage<br /> When there are extremely symmetrical pixel motions, it means there is something<br /> odd going on and the S/w puts the operator on qui vive by highlighting the area in<br /> red</div> <div>Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Clandestine chambers opened<br /> Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala<br /> The secret chambers of the historical Temple opened in the presence of Supreme<br /> Court appointed observers<br /> The observers include: A Former high court judges and representative of state<br /> government, Travancore palace and archeological department<br /> The Two of the secret underground chambers close to the holy of holies of the<br /> temple are believed to contain priceless gold, silver ornaments, precious stones<br /> and antique value articles<br /> These chambers to be opened on Friday July 1, 2011<br /> They are closed for the last 136 years<br /> The Supreme Court in recent times directed to open the secret chambers and<br /> organize an account of items in a case relating to the temple<br /> The temple is run by a trust made by the Travancore royal house<br /> The Golden Jubilee session of AALCO in Colombo<br /> AALCO: Asia Africa Legal Consultative Organization<br /> Sri Lankan President: Mahinda Rajapaksa<br /> Mr. Rajapaksa inaugurated the 50th yearly session of the AALCO in Colombo<br /> About 200 representatives from 47 member states are taking part in the discussions<br /> on international issues, including piracy on high seas<br /> AALCO is an outcome of the Bandung Conference held in Indonesia in 1955<br /> Objective: Member States meet yearly to exchange views, experiences, and<br /> information on matters of common concern having legal implications and to make<br /> recommendations if deemed necessary<br /> Sri Lanka is hosting an AALCO yearly session for the 4 th Time<br /> Sri Lanka is privileged to host the Golden Jubilee Session<br /> The current President of AALCO, Celina Kombani, Minister for Constitutional and Legal<br /> Affairs of Tanzania will hand over the presidency to Sri Lanka Justice Minister Rauff<br /> Hakeem at the 50 th Session of AALCO in Colombo</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : July 7, 2011<br /> 2011-07-07 16:07:07 GKToday<br /> Special package for Jammu & Kashmir for the implementation of the<br /> Special Industry Initiative Scheme<br /> CCEA (Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs) accepted the execution of the<br /> Special Industry Initiative Scheme in Jammu & Kashmir<br /> Central Scheme with 100% Central assistance in partnership with National Skill<br /> Development Corporation, NSDC, and the Corporate Sector<br /> The Scheme to cover all districts of the State<br /> Companies will screen and select Trainees and after assessing the Skill Gap, then<br /> they will train them as per the requirements<br /> Rs 1000 Crore expenditure proposed to be incurred under the Scheme with an<br /> approximate expenditure of Rs 2.50 Lakhs per Trainee<br /> Central Government to make a provision of Rs 500 Crore in the next 5 years<br /> Target of the Scheme is to train 40,000 Graduates, Post Graduates and<br /> Professional Degree holders over a period of 5 years<br /> Scheme based on the recommendations of an ‘Expert Group’ set up by the<br /> Prime Minister’s Office on August 18, 2010, under chairmanship of Dr.<br /> Rangarajan<br /> Scheme launched to enhance the employment opportunities in the State of J&K<br /> and to formulate a jobs plan involving both the public and private sectors,<br /> especially for the youth<br /> National School Sanitation Initiative Launched<br /> As per the HRD Minister Kapil Sibal it would be made compulsory for the schools to<br /> focus on the practical aspects of sanitation, under the National School<br /> Sanitation Initiative<br /> Mr Sibal launched the website of the National School Sanitation and also launched<br /> an online National School Sanitation Ratings that would be mandatory<br /> DOPING: One Man Committee Constituted<br /> A One-man committee to inquire into issues concerning doping constituted by<br /> (MoYAS) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports<br /> Retd. Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, Justice Mukul<br /> Mudgal appointed for the same<br /> Terms of reference of the Committee: -<br /> To investigate the reasons for large scale prevalence of doping and modus<br /> operandi involved<br /> To investigate availability of the prohibited substances in and around training<br /> camps<br /> Committee to suggest remedial measures also<br /> Mr. Brenard Gousse chosen as the Prime Minister of Haiti<br /> Former Justice Minister, Brenard Gousse chosen by the Haitian President, Michel</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 19, 2011<br /> 2011-08-19 10:08:03 GKToday<br /> Lok Sabha passes Indian Medical Council Amendment Bill 2011<br /> Lok Sabha passed the Indian Medical Council Amendment Bill 2011<br /> The bill seeks to provide better health facilities in the country<br /> Government committed to add 15,000 Medical Post Graduation seats in the span<br /> of five years<br /> Government has formulated policies to give incentives to private sector to set up<br /> Medical colleges<br /> Government also taking effective measures to encourage medical practitioners in<br /> rural areas across the country<br /> Juvenile Justice Amendment Bill introduced in Rajya Sabha<br /> The Juvenile Justice Amendment Bill 2010 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha<br /> Objective: To ensure proper care and protection of children. To create a proper atmosphere for a balanced growth of the children. Children<br /> will also be properly treated for diseases as per the provision of bill.<br /> The Bill omits a provision from the Act which provided for the separate<br /> treatment of juveniles or children suffering from leprosy, sexually transmitted<br /> disease, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, or children with unsound minds.<br /> The Bill also replaces a provision which gave competent authorities in special<br /> homes or children’s homes the power to move children suffering from leprosy,<br /> unsound mind, or drug addiction to special facilities for such children.<br /> Under the Bill, the competent authority can move children who are mentally ill<br /> or addicted to alcohol or drugs, only if such condition leads to a behavioural<br /> change in the children. He can then order their removal to a psychiatric<br /> hospital or psychiatric nursing home.<br /> In case the child has been removed to a psychiatric facility, the competent<br /> authority can remove the child to an Integrated Rehabilitation Centre on the<br /> basis of the discharge certificate issued by the psychiatric facility.<br /> The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and<br /> Conditions of Service) Bill, 2011<br /> The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of<br /> Service) Bill, 2011 introduced in Rajya Sabha by the Ministry of Labour and<br /> Employment<br /> Objective:<br /> 1. To replace the word “workman” with “worker” in the 1979 Act<br /> 2. To make inter-state migrants regulation gender neutral<br /> West Bengal to be named Paschim Banga<br /> West Bengal state to be named: “Paschim Banga”<br /> A unanimous resolution to this effect was adopted at an all-party meeting chaired<br /> by the Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 13, 2011<br /> 2011-09-13 18:09:15 GKToday<br /> Tennis: US OPEN Results<br /> Men’s Singles<br /> Novak Djokovic (Serbia). He is the 6th man in the Open Era to win 3<br /> Grand Slam titles in the same year. Djokovic joined Andy Roddick, Pete<br /> Sampras, Boris Becker, Martina Navratilova and Manuel Orantes as the sixth<br /> player to hoist the U.S. Open trophy after facing match point at some point<br /> earlier in the tournament.<br /> Women’s Singles<br /> Samantha Stosur (Australia). She became the first Australian woman to<br /> win the US Open since Margaret Court in 1973, and first to win the Grand<br /> Slam title since Evonne Goolagong won Wimbledon in 1980.<br /> Men’s Doubles<br /> Jürgen Melzer (Austria), Philipp Petzschner (Germany)<br /> Women’s Doubles<br /> Liezel Huber (US), Lisa Raymond (US)<br /> Mixed Doubles<br /> Melanie Oudin (US), Jack Sock (US)<br /> Lt. Colonel Rank to Indian Captain MS Dhoni & Gold Medallist Shooter Abhinav Bindra<br /> Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra were<br /> conferred with the rank of honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army by the President<br /> The honour was conferred on Dhoni and Bindra for their special contribution in the field of cricket and shooting<br /> respectively, and their dedication to the Army on diverse occasions<br /> Dhoni led India to World Cup victory in 2011 and was instrumental in taking the team to the No 1 spot in Test rankings for<br /> the first time ever<br /> Bindra had won the only individual Olympic gold medal for India at the Beijing Olympics in 2008<br /> Bindra and Dhoni joined the ranks of senior cricketers Kapil Dev and Sachin Tendulkar who have been conferred with honorary ranks in the<br /> armed forces<br /> Kapil Dev is an Honorary Lt. Colonel in the Territorial Army, while Tendulkar is an honorary Group Captain in the Indian Air Force<br /> The Defence Ministry has also cleared a proposal to fly Dhoni and Tendulkar in IAF’s frontline Su-30MKI air superiority fighter aircraft at the<br /> Lohegaon airbase<br /> Miss Universe 2011: Leila Lopes from Angola</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: September 11, 2011<br /> 2011-09-11 18:09:18 GKToday<br /> Khanduri returns as Uttarakhand CM<br /> Mr. Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri was sworn in as the new Uttarakhand<br /> Chief Minister replacing Mr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank<br /> Mr. Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri CM for a second time<br /> Mr. Khanduri continues with all eleven faces of outgoing Nishank<br /> cabinet<br /> Khanduri was earlier elected unopposed as the leader of BJP legislative party<br /> meeting<br /> After being given marching orders by the BJP party high command, Ramesh<br /> Pokhriyal Nishank stepped down<br /> Anant Chaturdashi celebrated in Mumbai and Andhra Pradesh<br /> Anant Chaturdashi:<br /> The day marking the end of 10 day Ganeshotsav<br /> Anant Chaturdashi celebrated in Mumbai and Andhra Prasesh<br /> Thousands of Ganesh idols immersed at points across Mumbai’s various beaches<br /> and in twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad in Andhra Pradesh<br /> India bag 4 bronze medals at the Junior Weightlifting Championships<br /> India bagged 4 bronze medals with ‘Sanjita Chanu’ winning three of them in<br /> women’s 48kg category on the opening day of 18th Asian Junior<br /> Weightlifting Championships at Pattaya in Thailand<br /> Yukar Sibi added another bronze for India in men’s 62kg category section in clean<br /> and jerk by lifting 151kg<br /> India are being represented by 15 lifters, including 7 women, in the Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships at Pattaya, Thailand<br /> India earns Rs 215.27 Crore from flower exports<br /> India earned about Rs 215.27 Crore from exports of flowers to over 90<br /> countries last year<br /> The country shipped over 21,845 tonnes of flowers to 93 countries during the<br /> period, India and China have large portions of areas under floriculture<br /> Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the top flower producing<br /> states in the country<br /> Flowers worth Rs 44.81 Crore were exported to the USA in April-December 2010<br /> Other foremost destinations of Indian flowers delivery were Netherlands, UK, UAE<br /> and Germany<br /> Indian flowers also found markets even in smaller countries like Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Mali, St. Kitts Nevis and Finland</div> <div>The issue was taken up by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, which<br /> decided to recommend to the President that deletion of 14 (f) be approved<br /> AIIMS to launch cash cards to make payments<br /> The All India Institute of Medical Sciences will soon launch cash card<br /> facility<br /> Objective: This will considerably reduce the time patients waste in<br /> queues while making payment for various tests<br /> Patient can buy a pre-paid card at a cost of Rs 10 from the Hospital’s registration<br /> counter<br /> Patients can recharge their cards with a minimum amount of Rs 100 to a<br /> maximum of Rs 1,00,000 from the branches of the State Bank of India<br /> LS passes Transplantation of Human Organs Bill<br /> The Lok Sabha passed the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment)<br /> Bill, 2009<br /> Objective:<br /> To regulate the removal, storage and transplantation of human organs and check<br /> their illegal trade<br /> The legislation eases transplantation of tissues which was banned earlier<br /> A national registry of organ donors and recipients to be maintained<br /> Only registered medical practitioners will be allowed to perform transplant-related<br /> surgeries<br /> The bill establishes a strict supervision over all organ transplantations in the<br /> country<br /> The poor will largely profit from the step<br /> Army successfully conducts user trial of BrahMos<br /> missile<br /> Army successfully conducted the user trial of BrahMos<br /> Block-III supersonic cruise missiles • The Block III<br /> version has the capability of scaling<br /> mountainous terrain and can take a steep dive<br /> to engage targets located inside hillocks which<br /> are otherwise inaccessible.<br /> This was the 25 th test of the cruise missile which has already been inducted in<br /> the Army and Navy • Suitable for mountain warfare, the missile has the capability<br /> to attack ground targets from very low altitude with minimal radar signature and<br /> is considered best for surgical strikes<br /> Considered one of the fastest cruise missile in the world, BrahMos can win a speed<br /> of Mach 2.8.<br /> It has a propulsion system of two stages, with a solid-fuel rocket for initial<br /> acceleration and a liquid-fueled ramjet responsible for sustained supersonic cruise.<br /> Developed jointly by India and Russia, BrahMos is a stealth supersonic cruise<br /> missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land.<br /> The release version of submarine-air missiles are in various stages of development<br /> and is scheduled to test-firing in the next couple of years.<br /> Fire and forget missiles are stored, transported and launched from mobile</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 28, 2011<br /> 2011-08-28 04:08:15 GKToday<br /> Tony Tan wins Singapore presidential election<br /> Former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore Tony Tan won<br /> presidential election after vote recount<br /> He defeated top challenger, Tan Cheng Bock<br /> The election taken as a referendum on the ruling People’s Action Party , which has led the country since 1959<br /> SC: PM, CMs have discretion to disburse relief funds<br /> According to Supreme Court ruling Prime Minister and Chief Ministers have<br /> the discretion to disburse amounts from relief funds to victims of calamities<br /> and crime.<br /> It nullified a Rajasthan High Court judgement that a Chief Minister cannot<br /> grant compensation from his relief fund in an arbitrary manner to rape<br /> victims and the compensation must be uniform.<br /> According to the judgement, the disbursal of relief amount is purely ex-gratia<br /> at the discretion of the Chief Minister.<br /> Sandeep and Sardara banned for two years by Hockey India<br /> Hockey India slapped a two-year ban on star players Sandeep<br /> Singh and Sardara Singh for repeated indisciplinary activities<br /> The sanction imposed on both the players after a meeting of<br /> Hockey India key members, including secretary general Narinder<br /> Batra<br /> The two players reportedly left the Bangalore camp after some altercation with<br /> the coach<br /> Arab League forms ministerial committee with the aim to solve Syria crisis<br /> The Arab League will form ministerial committee with an aim to solve the crisis in<br /> Syria<br /> The committee is set to visit Damascus with an Arab initiative to solve Syria’s<br /> crisis<br /> The committee members are from Jordan, Tunisia, Qatar and Oman as well as<br /> Arab League chief<br /> Syria is witnessing a dangerous crisis that requires Arab cooperation to overcome<br /> it<br /> The committee called on the United Nations and countries in the world to unfreeze<br /> Libya’s assets. They also urged the United Nations to provide Libya’s seat in the</div> <div>Peter Svidler, Russian Grandmaster won the Chess World Cup held in<br /> Russia<br /> Russian grandmaster Peter Svidler won the Chess World Cup title<br /> He defeated fellow citizen Alexander Grischuk in the finale<br /> With the victory Svidler won a $96,000 prize money and a ticket to the 2012 world championship matches<br /> Russia holds the No.1 spot on the World Chess Federation’s top-10 list, followed by Ukraine<br /> Lal Sukla, Amar Kant selected for 45 th and Chandrashekhara Kambara, Sri<br /> for the 46 th Jnanpith Awards<br /> Eminent Hindi authors Amar Kant and Shrilal Shukla was chosen for India’s highest literary honour Jnanpith Award for<br /> 2009, while renowned Kannada litterateur Chandrasekhar Kambar won it for 2010.<br /> The selection board – chaired by noted writer and Jnanpith award winner Dr Sitakant Mahapatra – made the selections<br /> for the 45 th and 46 th Jnanpith awards.<br /> C. Achuthan, Former Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal<br /> (SAT) passed away<br /> Former presiding officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal C Achuthan passed away in Kerela<br /> Mr. Achuthan began with the Indian Legal Services and served as a legal advisor to the Central government<br /> He also served on the Company Law Board, previous to being elevated as the SAT’s solitary presiding officer from 1997<br /> to 2003<br /> Mr. Achuthan was one of the directors appointed by the Government to direct the scam-tainted Satyam Computer<br /> Services, now Mahindra Satyam, after the multi-Crore accounting scam was unearthed in January 2009<br /> He also chaired the new Takeover Regulations Advisory Committee of the capital markets watchdog Securities and Exchange Board<br /> ONGC, Coal India, NMDC awarded by the Government for Best Performance<br /> ONGC, Coal India (CIL) and NMDC awarded by the Government for best performance in various categories<br /> Best financial performance award in Maharatna and Navaratna category: ONGC<br /> Best financial performance award in Miniratna category: Goa Shipyard<br /> Good Corporate Governance award in Maharatna and Navaratna category: ONGC<br /> Good Corporate Governance award in Miniratna category: Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd.<br /> The company of the year award in Maharatna category: CIL<br /> The company of the year award in Navaratna category: NMDC and Oil India</div> <div>Several steps to improve the functioning and effectiveness of the Space<br /> Commission have been put in<br /> This was done against the backdrop of the controversial agreement Antrix-Devas<br /> In order to facilitate co-ordination between the DoS and Antrix, a co-ordination<br /> management committee headed by Secretary, DoS has been set up<br /> INSAT Coordination Committee has also been reconstituted<br /> Space Commission, the apex policy making for issues related to space, has also<br /> been requested to conduct appropriate peer review periodically in relation to<br /> governance and systemic reforms<br /> The Antrix Board was reconstituted with the appointment of full time Chairmancum-Managing<br /> Director<br /> VS Hegde, ISRO’s scientific secretary, has been appointed as CMD Antrix<br /> Corporation, with effect from July 7, 2011<br /> The Space Commission had recommended a structural revamp of Antrix against<br /> the backdrop of its controversial deal with Devas Multimedia to lease out bulk<br /> transponders on two satellites to the private firm<br /> Government assure LS on Caste based census<br /> Government assured the Lok Sabha today that the caste based census will go<br /> ahead and problems in implementing this decision will be resolved<br /> The Cabinet has already approved a resolution to this effect<br /> Coinage Bill 2011 passed by Lok Sabha<br /> The Parliament passed the Coinage Bill 2011 with the Rajya Sabha considering<br /> the Bill<br /> The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha previously<br /> Objective: Bill aims to consolidate the laws relating to coinage and the mints,<br /> the protection of coinage and to provide for the prohibition of melting or<br /> destruction of coins and prohibit the making or the possession thereof for issue<br /> and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto be taken into<br /> consideration<br /> Simultaneous amendment will be brought into the Indian penal code to match the<br /> different levels of punishment for coin melting and counterfeiting<br /> Committee set up by BCAS to study security of the Aero City Project<br /> A committee has been set up by BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) to<br /> examine the security aspects related to the Aero City Project coming up near<br /> IGI Airport in Delhi<br /> Actions to be taken following the recommendations of the committee<br /> SBI, Subsidiary Banks Laws Amendment Bill 2009 passed by Lok Sabha<br /> The Lok Sabha passed the State Bank of India, Subsidiary Banks Laws<br /> Amendment Bill, 2009<br /> The Bill further amends the State Bank of Hyderabad Act, 1956 and the<br /> State Bank of India Subsidiary Banks Act, 1959<br /> Bill seeks to improve the performance of the subsidiary banks of the State Bank<br /> and they will continue to have their functional autonomy</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs – July 1, 2011<br /> 2011-07-01 16:07:30 GKToday<br /> Rights To Disabled: Final draft submitted to the Central Government<br /> Final draft of “The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2011” to Union<br /> Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment by a Committee appointed by the<br /> Ministry<br /> Expert Committee’s Chairperson: of Dr (Mrs) Sudha Kaul, Vice Chairperson, Indian<br /> Institute for Cerebral Palsy, Kolkata<br /> Objective:<br /> 1. Proposed new legislation ensures wide-ranging rights to disabled persons as per<br /> International Standards<br /> 2. The new legislation to replace the existing: ‘Persons with Disabilities (Equal<br /> Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act,1995′<br /> 3. The suggested Law attempts to revoke the 1995 Act to substitute it with a<br /> comprehensive rights based law as per the provisions of the UNCRPD (United<br /> Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities)<br /> Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment: Mukul Wasnik<br /> Peter Burleigh: Interim USA Ambassador in India<br /> Peter Burleigh took the charge of the USA Mission in India as an Interim US<br /> Ambassador<br /> Assumed duties as the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Mission in India<br /> till a permanent Ambassador is appointed<br /> To succeed Mr. Timothy J Roemer, who completed his term<br /> Mr. Peter Burleigh is fluent in Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, and Sinhalese<br /> “Adopt a Tree” Campaign of World Wide Fund (WWF) to start July 4, 2011<br /> WWF (World Wide Fund) to start its yearly “Adopt a Tree Campaign” July 4,<br /> 2011<br /> Vigorous involvement of diverse institutions, corporate houses, resident welfare<br /> associations and Students<br /> In 2005 the Campaign was initiated<br /> Objective: Promoting plantation of native species in Delhi as they are more<br /> favorable to local environment<br /> WWF to extend the reach of the campaign reach to other states from this year<br /> WWF provides tree saplings free of cost, with only one commitment<br /> –’ to nurture the sapling into a tree‘<br /> About 3,000 saplings adopted in the year 2010<br /> Database of the saplings distributed maintained and periodical followups<br /> done in order to keep the track of the Trees and ensure that the sapling is<br /> well nurtured<br /> New Chairman of the Railway Board: Vinay Mittal<br /> Vinay Mittal took over as the new Chairman of the Railway Board</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 9, 2011<br /> 2011-09-09 18:09:58 GKToday<br /> 26 climatic zones to turn into beneficial tourist spots<br /> 26 climatic zones all over the country to be changed into beneficial tourist spots<br /> for improved tourist influx by the Government<br /> Tourism ministry is looking for 0.5% of the world tourists to be deviated to India<br /> Infrastructure being developed in PPP<br /> Air Taxi Services in Madhya Pradesh<br /> MP becomes the foremost state in India to offer air taxi services<br /> CM of MP, Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the air taxi service at Bhopal’s Raja Bhoj Airport<br /> Maiden flight of this service took off from Bhopal to Gwalior<br /> Air service to be b/w Indore-Gwalior, Indore-Jabalpur, Bhopal-Indore, Bhopal-Gwalior and Bhopal-Jabalpur in the morning and evening for the<br /> initial phase<br /> Underground River underneath the Amazon River traced by the Brazilian Scientists<br /> An underground river traced by the Brazilian Scientists, projected 4000 m beneath<br /> the Amazon River<br /> Hamza River (named after the head of the research team that located the river)<br /> stretches an estimated 6000 Km, discharging into the Atlantic Ocean<br /> The underground river, akin it’s over the ground counterpart, is supposed to flow<br /> from west to east, but at a much sluggish speed than the Amazon<br /> It is now believed that the discovery of this underground river might explain the<br /> low salinity of the Amazon<br /> US confirms to veto any Palestinian bid for statehood recognition in the<br /> UNSC<br /> USA confirmed it will veto any bid by the Palestinians to seek statehood<br /> recognition in the U.N. Security Council<br /> In the lack of action in the UNSC due to a U.S. veto, Palestinians can ask the<br /> General Assembly to lift their U.N. status from an observer to a “non-state<br /> member”<br /> USA has no veto in the General Assembly and thus, a Palestinian measure there<br /> would likely be approved by a large majority<br /> Petition challenging govt move to exempt CBI from RTI Act’s scope<br /> dismissed<br /> Madras High Court dismissed petition challenging latest Govt move to exempt the<br /> CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) from the scope of RTI (Right to Information<br /> Act), 2005<br /> Chief Justice of the Madras High Court in his judgement marked that the notice<br /> issued by the Centre exempting CBI from RTI is valid on the grounds of national<br /> security and intelligence<br /> The Court saw no justification in interfering in the matter</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 23, 2011<br /> 2011-09-23 12:09:22 GKToday<br /> “SLINEX 2011″: Indo-Sri Lanka Naval Exercise<br /> SLINEX 2011: Code named SLINEX 2011, it was the 5 day Joint<br /> Naval Exercise b/w India and Sri Lanka, in the seas off Trincomalee<br /> Started on September 19, 2011 it concluded on September 23, 2011<br /> Objective: Improving interoperability of the two navies<br /> INS Shivalik, considered one of the largest stealth frigate in the world also<br /> participated in the exercise<br /> USA : “Hakkani” terror network carried out recent attack on US Embassy<br /> in Kabul with ISI support<br /> United States held that the “Hakkani” terror network carried out recent attack on<br /> US Embassy in Kabul with the assistance of Pakistan’s ISI<br /> Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen held that “Hakkani”<br /> group is an arm of Pakistan’s intelligence service, ISI<br /> Mullen also opined that in prefering to use violent extremism as a mechanism of<br /> policy, Pakistan Govt particularly the Pakistani Army and ISI, endangers not only<br /> the vision of strategic corporation, but also Pakistan’s chance to be an appreciated<br /> nation with lawful regional influence<br /> World Bank assistance to clean Ganga, approved by CCEA<br /> Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) accepted the Environment and<br /> Forests Ministry’s offer for World Bank’s support to National Ganga River Basin<br /> Authority (NGRBA) for hiatus of pollution of river Ganga<br /> The total cost for the project for hiatus of pollution of Ganga river is estimated Rs<br /> 7,000 Crore<br /> The Loan agreement with World Bank was signed in June 2011<br /> Presence of raw uranium in Libya confirmed by UN agency<br /> The UN atomic agency confirmed the existence of raw uranium in Libya<br /> This was followed after US news channel reported that the new regime forces had<br /> found potentially radioactive material<br /> There is raw uranium stored in drums at a site near Sabha in central Libya<br /> The uranium, stored by the Government of Muammar al-Gaddafi, had been declared to the IAEA<br /> Advocacy group on media constituted by NHRC<br /> The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has constituted an<br /> advocacy group<br /> The group comprising 12 senior journalists<br /> Objective: The group will give advice to the NHRC on how best to use<br /> media to endorse human rights in the country and to re-examine the<br /> existent system of the Commission with regard to Media and make suggestions<br /> for additional development</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : October 10, 2011<br /> 2011-10-10 15:10:26 GKToday<br /> CL-T20: Mumbai Indians the Champions<br /> Mumbai Indians won the CL (Champions League) Twenty20 cricket tournament<br /> thrashing Royal Challengers Bangalore in the finale<br /> In order to counterpunch Euro Zone debt crisis, Angela & Nicolas suggest<br /> all-inclusive packages<br /> Angela Merkel (German Chancellor) and Nicolas Sarkozy (French President)<br /> declared to deliver a comprehensive bundle of offers to resolve the euro zone<br /> sovereign debt crisis and support financially-disturbed European banks by the<br /> October, 2011 last.<br /> Jagjit Singh, the Ghazal Maestro passes away<br /> Jagjit Singh (70), the Ghazal Maestro passed away.<br /> Jagjit Singh ascended to prominence in 1970s and 1980s when he sang<br /> duet Ghazals with Chitra Singh(his wife).<br /> Jagjit Singh had sung in numerous Indian languages viz. Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi,<br /> Nepali, Punjabi, Sindhi and Urdu. In 2003 the Padma Bhushan (India’s 3 rd highest<br /> civilian honour) was conferred on him.<br /> He was the 1 st Indian composer, and jointly with his spouse Chitra Singh the<br /> foremost recording artiste in the entire history of Indian music to use digital multitrack<br /> recording for their album, Beyond Time (1987) – India’s first digitally<br /> recorded album.<br /> India to assist Sri Lanka in reconstruction of Schools<br /> India to assist Sri Lanka in reconstruction of 79 Schools in the war-affected<br /> Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The cost of the project will be around 160 million<br /> Sri Lankan rupees. India inked a MoU with Sri Lanka in this regard. India will also<br /> assume the job on renovation of the Tirukoteeswaram Temple in Mannar.<br /> ‘Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration’ to be awarded to Former<br /> Union Minister Mohan Dharia<br /> Mr. Mohan Dharia, Former Union Minister chosen for the 26 th Indira<br /> Gandhi Award for National Integration for encouraging and maintaining<br /> spirit of national integration.<br /> The award bears a citation and a Rs 5 Lakh cash prizes. Chairperson of<br /> the committee for Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration, Sonia<br /> Gandhi to deliver the honour to Mr. Dharia at a gathering on October 31, 2011.<br /> A Bilateral Trade objective of $2 Billion by 2012 fixed by India and the<br /> Czech Republic<br /> Elevating their economic cooperation, India and the Czech Republic set an objective of a bilateral trade volume of $2<br /> billion by 2012. The present volume is $1.3 billion.<br /> The decision in New Delhi b/w the visiting Czech Minister for Industry & Trade, Martin Kocourek and Commerce and</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 5, 2011<br /> 2011-09-05 18:09:36 GKToday<br /> Teachers Day being celebrated throughout country<br /> Teachers Day is being celebrated all through the country on<br /> September 5, 2011<br /> The Day is fêted as an honour to the precious role played by Teachers<br /> in shaping the society via transmitting information and illuminating<br /> the career of pupils<br /> For students, Teachers Day is a chance to devote reverence and appreciation to<br /> Teachers for their altruistic attempt in defining their career and fertilizing the<br /> Education system in the course of action<br /> September 5 since 1962 as it is the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvapalli<br /> Radhakrishnan, a dateless teacher and former President of India and thus India<br /> observes Teachers Day on this day to mark the occasion<br /> Resignation of Justice Soumitra Sen accepted by the President Ms<br /> Pratibha Patil<br /> The President Ms Pratibha Devisingh Patil signed notification on<br /> resignation of Calcutta High Court Judge, Justice Soumitra Sen<br /> Mrs. Pratibhadevi Singh Patil put her signature on the notification<br /> issued by Ministry of Law and Justice<br /> Hand written resignation letter of Justice Sen was handed over to the President’s<br /> Secretariat by his advocate<br /> Impeachment motion against Justice Somitra Sen was scheduled to be taken up<br /> by the Lok Sabha<br /> However, according to sources, in view of the acceptance of the resiganation Lok<br /> Sabha Speaker Mrs. Meira Kumar is likely to consult political parties before any<br /> decision on impeachment process in the House is taken up.<br /> Bolivia celebrates ‘Pedestrian day’<br /> On the Bolivia’s first “National Day of the Pedestrian”, Cars and<br /> buses have been taken off the streets of Bolivia<br /> Objective: To raise awareness about the environment<br /> The car-free day comes at a time when the President Evo Morales is<br /> facing criticism over plans to build a highway through the Amazon rainforest<br /> The recent protests against the highway have been an discomfiture for Mr<br /> Morales, who is a eminent proponent of indigenous rights and the protection of<br /> “Mother Earth”</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 4, 2011<br /> 2011-09-04 18:09:48 GKToday<br /> Release of $2.1 billion more for Ireland bailout by IMF<br /> Another $2.1 billion of the rescue package will be released for Ireland by<br /> the International Monetary Fund (IMF).<br /> According to the IMF, Irish economy was showing signs of stabilisation.<br /> Along with those of Greece and Portugal, Ireland’s budget and banking crisis<br /> threatened the stability of the Euro.<br /> Heavy debt burdens are also on Spain and Italy<br /> Ganga pollution: High Court notice to UP Government<br /> While hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) to make river Ganga pollution free,<br /> the Allahabad High Court issued notices to Principal Secretary of Urban<br /> Development of the State Government and the Director General of Uttar Pradesh<br /> Jal Nigam.<br /> Despite the repeated orders passed by the court, no action was taken to prevent<br /> direct flow of dirty water of tanneries into Ganga.<br /> It was informed by the pollution control board of the state that treatment plants<br /> are not working in Kanpur and Unnao.<br /> Tripartite Agreement signed between Government and ULFA to suspend<br /> operation in Assam<br /> With an objective to bring peace in the north-eastern state of Assam, a tripartite<br /> agreement for Suspension of Operations against United Liberation Front of<br /> Assam(ULFA), was signed in New Delhi.<br /> The agreement was signed among the representatives of Central and Assam<br /> Governments and ULFA leaders.<br /> It agreed that the outfit will not carry out any seditious activity till the finding of a<br /> political solution to the complex insurgency problem while the security forces will<br /> also not take any action against the ULFA cadres.<br /> ULFA had earlier agreed to give up violence and find a solution to the problems as<br /> perceived by them through peaceful negotiations with the Government of India<br /> and Government of Assam.<br /> Indian Boxer Vijender Singh won gold at the World Police and<br /> Fire Games in New York<br /> Vijender Singh won gold and also won the Best Boxer award at the World Police and Fire Games in NewYork<br /> Vijender won two golds, two silvers and a bronze at the event</div> <div>this observation<br /> TrES-2b was discovered in 2006 by the Trans-Atlantic Exoplanet<br /> Survey<br /> It orbits its star at a distance of only three million miles. The star heats TrES-2b to<br /> a temperature of more than 1800 degrees Fahrenheit<br /> TrES-2b orbits the star GSC03549, which is located about 750 light-years<br /> away<br /> It can be observed near the constellation Draco<br /> TrES-2b is the darkest known exoplanet, reflecting less light than coal or black acrylic<br /> paint.It is not clear why the planet is so dark. One reason might be a lack of reflective<br /> clouds like those that make brilliant Jupiter, due to the proximity TrES-2b to its parent<br /> star and therefore high temperature. Another reason could be the presence in the<br /> atmosphere of chemicals that absorb light such as sodium vaporized titanium oxide or<br /> potassium gas.<br /> ‘Citizens have right to invoke RTI Act to fight corruption’: SC<br /> The Supreme Court articulated that the Citizens have a right to invoke the RTI Act<br /> to fight corruption and bring in transparency and accountability in the<br /> administration<br /> A bench of justices R V Raveendran and A.K. Patnaik opined that the provisions of<br /> RTI Act should be enforced firmly and all pains should be made to bring to light<br /> the necessary information under clause (b) of section 4(1) of the Act which relates<br /> to securing transparency and accountability in the working of public authorities<br /> and in discouraging corruption<br /> The bench made the remarks while dismissing the Central Board of Secondary<br /> Education’s plea that Students have no right to examine their assessed answer<br /> scripts<br /> The apex court however, said that the Act should not be misused for extracting<br /> impractical information in an indiscriminate manner<br /> IOC launches multi-function regulators for LPG cylinders<br /> State-owned Indian Oil Corp (IOC) launched multi-function regulators for<br /> domestic cooking gas cylinders<br /> The Multi-functional domestic presser regulator has numerous safety features<br /> which include leak detection, child lock, gas level indicator and excess flow shutoff<br /> feature<br /> The safety features of the regulator will be helpful in making kitchens safe and<br /> convenient</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: July 21, 2011<br /> 2011-07-21 20:07:05 GKToday<br /> All India Police Radio Officers Conference<br /> 28 th All India Police Radio Officers Conference 2011 was inaugurated in New Delhi by<br /> the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Mr. M. Ramachandran<br /> Conference organized by Directorate of Coordination Police Wireless, MHA<br /> Mr. Ramachandran laid stress on a focused role for the Police Communication<br /> organizations to address various Home land security needs via converged and<br /> collaborative means<br /> Government launches new web portal: www.parivahan,gov.in<br /> Government launched new web portal : www.parivahan.gov.in<br /> A web portal for basic citizen services like driving license and vehicle registration<br /> Minister for Road transport and Highways: Mr. C P Joshi<br /> National Register will create a data bank of all vehicles in the country<br /> The National Register created from the State Registers under the National<br /> Transport Project to act as a central repository of all crucial data<br /> It will provide basic citizen centric services to people anytime and anywhere in the<br /> country<br /> The portal connects 975 regional transport offices of the country<br /> Common Entrance Examination for all medical colleges<br /> Government decided to hold a Common Entrance Examination for admission to all<br /> Medical Colleges across the country from the next academic session<br /> Decision to hold a single Joint Medical Entrance Test taken at a meeting of<br /> Health Ministry Officials, the Board of Governors of the Medical Council of India<br /> and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) held in New Delhi<br /> About 10 Lakh Students take the common medical entrance exam in the country<br /> annually, for admission to 330 medical colleges across the country<br /> India’s Economic Growth Projections for 2011-12 lowered by Government<br /> to 8.6%<br /> Government lowered India’s economic growth projection for 2011-12 to<br /> 8.6% from the earlier estimate of about 9%<br /> Government also put that inflation will remain high till December 2011<br /> The Finance Ministry held that there is a perceptible slowdown in the last two<br /> quarters’ growth of Indian economy and the outlook for 2011-12 has to be inferred<br /> from movements of past data<br /> The economy grew by just 8.3% in the third quarter last fiscal and 7.8% in the<br /> January-March period, the lowest in five quarters<br /> Current inflation is being mainly driven by:<br /> Seasonal Effects<br /> Upward Movement in Crude Oil, Manufactured and Administered Fuel<br /> Prices</div> <div>which 7 to be along Indo-Bangladesh border<br /> As per Mr.Chidambaram the project will strengthen bi-lateral ties between the two<br /> countries<br /> The Intergrated Check Post will ease the infrastructural bottlenecks at entry and<br /> exit points on the land border of the country<br /> It will also increase the volume of trade and commerce between two nations<br /> Tata Steel Hockey Tournament: SAIL Hockey Academy wins<br /> SAIL Hockey Academy run by Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP)<br /> SAIL Hockey Team won the Tata Steel Hockey Tournament<br /> SAIL Team defeated Central Excellence team of Panposh Sports Hostel at<br /> Sundargarh<br /> Edna Kiplagat wins first gold medal of World Athletics<br /> Ms. Edna Kiplagat (31) of Kenya has won the first gold medal of the 2011<br /> World Athletics championships at Daegu, South Korea<br /> This was also her first world title .<br /> ‘Sense Of House’ adopted by Parliament on 3 major issues lifted by Anna<br /> Hazare<br /> Parliament unanimously agreed to a resolution in principle to 3 demands of the<br /> Anna Hazare Camp<br /> Both the Houses (Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha) settled to the resolution<br /> communicating the sense of the two Houses on the demands of Team Anna<br /> The demands included:<br /> Bringing lower bureaucracy under the ambit of the Lokpal<br /> Setting up of Lok Ayukatas at State Levels<br /> Charter that makes response of the Government to citizen’s issues time bound<br /> The Houses also determined that the declaration will be sent to the Standing<br /> Committee now looking into Lokpal bill for its inspection<br /> 600,000 lives a year can be saved via Vit-A Supplements<br /> Researchers lay claim that providing Vitamin A supplements to children under 5<br /> years of age in nations can save 6,00,000 lives yearly<br /> Pakistani and UK specialists lettering in the British Medical Journal , lay claim that<br /> they evaluated 43 studies involving 2,00,000 children, and discovered Deaths<br /> were cut off by 24% if children were provided the vitamin<br /> As per the Experts, taking Vit-A would also diminish rates of diarrhoea and<br /> measles<br /> Vitamin A is essential for the body for the visual and immune systems to work in<br /> good order<br /> Vit-A is present in foods like cheese, oily fish and eggs, liver etc.</div> <div>However no time frame allotted for the same<br /> Government may impose capital gains tax on investments through Mauritius<br /> At present, under the DTA, investments from Mauritius are exempted from tax in<br /> India<br /> As a result of it a large amount of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) as also<br /> investment in the stock market come through companies registered in Mauritius<br /> Mixed Model to be proposed by the Nepal Task Force<br /> In Nepal , the Nepal Task Force formed to settle disputes in the New Constitution<br /> It decided to propose a Mixed Model with both the President and Prime Minister<br /> to share executive powers in the new constitution<br /> Taskforce led by Sadbhawan party leader Laxman Lal Karna<br /> The Executive power rests upon the President and is aided by the PM with limited<br /> powers to run the day to day administration<br /> President: To be directly elected from the people<br /> Prime Minister: To be elected by the Parliament<br /> The task force will submit its report to the sub-committee of the Constitutional<br /> Committee in its next meeting<br /> Conference of State Finance Ministers to be inaugurated by Finance<br /> Minister Pranab Mukherjee<br /> Pranab Mukherjee (Finance Minister of India) to inaugurate a conference of the<br /> State Finance Ministers<br /> Agenda: To Plan on the operational guidelines for Financial Reporting under<br /> accrual based accounting system<br /> Other Participants will be the Secretaries to the Government of India, State<br /> Finance Secretaries, Financial Advisors from key ministries and State Accountant<br /> Generals<br /> Mukherjee also to release the operational guidelines for shifting to accrual<br /> accounting</div> <div>next financial year<br /> Chief Minister of Chattisgarh: Dr. Raman Singh<br /> The budget for agriculture and allied activities will be presented in the state<br /> assembly in addition to the main budget<br /> Thus, Chhattisgarh becomes the 3 rd state in India after Karnataka and<br /> Madhya Pradesh to present a separate budget for agriculture<br /> 9th and the final meet on Lokpal Bill ends<br /> The 9 th and the final meeting of the joint drafting committee on Lokpal Bill ended<br /> in New Delhi<br /> The Civil Society activists and the Government exchanged their versions on<br /> various aspects of the bill<br /> HRD Minister of India: Kapil Sibal<br /> Both the sides discussed salient features of the Bill<br /> Differences remain on 6-key issues which will now be taken to the all party<br /> meeting next month before sending it to the Cabinet for final approval<br /> The Govt’s draft doesn’t include Prime Minister within the ambit of the Bill, also<br /> the higher judiciary and conduct of MPs inside the House<br /> Apart from this there are some differences on some procedural issues<br /> Govt would convene an all-party meeting in July to discuss various aspects of the<br /> Bill<br /> Noted Economist Suresh Tendulkar passes away<br /> Suresh D. Tendulkar (8 May 1939 – 21 June 2011) was an Indian economist and<br /> former chief of National Statistical Commission<br /> Succeeded C. Rangarajan as Chairman of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime<br /> Minister of India (PMEAC)<br /> Died on 21 June 2011, as a result of cardiac arrest at Aditya Birla Memorial<br /> Hospital (ABMH), Pune (India)<br /> Education:<br /> B.Com: Pune University<br /> M.A: from Delhi School of Economics<br /> Ph.D. (in Economics):Harvard University<br /> Headed committee named as Suresh Tendulkar Committee to look into the people<br /> living under poverty line in India<br /> Prof. Tendulkar’s ground-breaking role was his widespread work on poverty and<br /> assessment of people Below Poverty Line (BPL)<br /> In his report submitted in November 2009 as Chairman of an expert group on the<br /> methodology for estimation of poverty constituted by the Planning Commission,<br /> he estimated that every third Indian is living in poverty and the number of the<br /> poor has shot up by nearly 10% to over 37%<br /> The report pointed out that 41.8% of the rural population spends a meager sum of<br /> Rs. 447 a month on essential necessities like food, fuel, light, clothing and<br /> footwear.<br /> He was also amongst the Reserve Bank of India’s central board of directors<br /> Visiting fellow, Professor of economics at the Delhi School of Economics<br /> Post Bank of India<br /> Post Bank of India to be set up by the The Postal Department</div> <div>The Department of Libraries and Research (DL&R) opened a Public<br /> Library and reading room in Kashmir<br /> Library devoted to the memory of the legendary Persian poet of the<br /> 17th century Kashmir, Gani Kashmiri<br /> Inaugurated at Rajouri Kadal in the old Srinagar city<br /> Minister for Tourism & Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora<br /> Aquaculture Mission to be launched by the Meghalaya Government<br /> An Aquaculture Mission to be launched by the Meghalaya Government<br /> NFDB (National Fisheries Development Board) to provide all essential<br /> support and aid to the Meghalaya Government in terms of grants,<br /> infrastructure, human resource development to both officials and Fish<br /> Farmers<br /> Objective:<br /> 1. Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Programme<br /> 2. To make livelihood in the rural areas attractive by creating and<br /> ensuring opportunities thereby minimizing the migration of the rural<br /> population to the urban areas<br /> Chief Minister of Meghalya: Mukul Sangma<br /> Passport Seva Kendras and Mini Passport Seva Kendras for speedy<br /> issuance of passports<br /> Passport Seva Kendras (PSK)/Mini Passport Seva Kendras introduced by<br /> the Union Ministry of External Affairs<br /> Objective:<br /> 1. To facilitate speedy disbursement of passports<br /> 2. Huge increase in the number of applications in the recent times<br /> throughout the country in view of a number of people travelling abroad<br /> Anil K Sobti: Project Director, Passport Seva Project, Ministry of<br /> External Affairs<br /> To open 77 PSKs across the country under public-private partnership<br /> mode by the Union Ministry of External Affairs<br /> 15 Mini Passport Seva Kendras also to be opened, one of which would<br /> be located in Puducherry<br /> All the PSKs to be functional by January 2012<br /> Ministry signed MOU with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which would<br /> offer front end operations like collection of applications, recording of<br /> bio-metric details and photographs of the applicants in the PSKs<br /> Women’s panel renamed by Pakistan<br /> Pakistan’s National Commission on the Status of Women to be known<br /> as the ‘National Commission for Women’<br /> An autonomous body following the devolution of the ministry of<br /> women’s development<br /> Kerala Chief Minister’s Office to go LIVE on Internet</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 23, 2011<br /> 2011-08-23 11:08:39 GKToday<br /> World’s longest periscope<br /> A 10 m long indigenously developed periscope for a nuclear reactor at<br /> the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Researc (IGCAR) at<br /> Kalpakkam near Chennai was dedicated to the nation<br /> The periscope is the longest in the world<br /> Costing around Rs 3.9 crore , the periscope was handed over to<br /> Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (Bhavini), Kalpakkam<br /> It will be used in Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor to view objects inside<br /> the reactor during maintenance<br /> U.N. nuclear official visits Iran’s restricted atomic sites<br /> Head of the IAEA’s safeguards division, Herman Nackaerts visited Iran’s normally<br /> restricted atomic sites<br /> Nackaerts and his delegation visited the Bushehr nuclear plant, enrichment<br /> facilities in Fordo and Natanz, nuclear sites in Isfahan and the Arak heavy water<br /> research facility<br /> The group was allowed to visit research sites for advanced centrifuges, and that<br /> there were talks on how to expand cooperation with the IAEA<br /> As per Iran it is all set to take steps to resolve its nuclear clash with Western<br /> powers in return for mutual steps from the international community<br /> The IAEA has said Iran did not cooperate with its recent probe of Western<br /> allegations that Iran is trying to produce nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear<br /> program is for peaceful purposes<br /> Western nations have enforced a series of economic and political sanctions on Iran to pressure it to stop enriching uranium<br /> Rs 1,877 Crore for transformation of Post Offices<br /> Rs 1,877 Crore provided by the Government for transformation and computer<br /> networking of Post Offices across the country<br /> The Post Offices have started several VAS (Value Added Services)<br /> Nearly 5 crore MGNREGA accounts have been opened apart from introduction of<br /> new services like Insurance and other financial services<br /> The speed post business is increasing at the rate of 20 to 30% per annum<br /> Many telegraph offices have been closed down due to increasing mobile, internet<br /> and SMS services but no employee on this account has been laid off<br /> Department of Posts is exploring feasibility of setting up Post Bank<br /> Baichung Bhutia retires from international football<br /> Former captain of Indian Football Team, striker Baichung Bhutia<br /> announced his retirement from international sports<br /> Baichung however, will continue to play for his club United<br /> Sikkim FC which he founded</div> <div>858 million mark crossed by the Mobile telephone users<br /> The Mobile telephone users in India crossed 858 million mark in July 2011<br /> As per the data released by TRAI, telecom operators in the country have added 6.67<br /> million new mobile connections<br /> India is the world’s 2 nd biggest mobile phone market, has had an addition of 19<br /> million users on an avg in 2010<br /> National Transition Council (NTC) recognized by IMF as legitimate Libyan<br /> Government<br /> The rebel’s NTC (National Transitional Council) has been recognized by the<br /> International Monetary Fnd (IMF) as the legitimate Government in Libya,<br /> promising the war desolated nation of fast and sustainable economic recovery<br /> The IMF alleged that it is ready to assist the NTC in its pains to endorse quick and<br /> sustainable economic revival<br /> One more satellite launching site to be set up by the Government<br /> Government has resolved to establish one more launching site for satellites<br /> The decision to locate a novel site was taken at a meeting held by the Prime<br /> Minister’s Principal Secretary T K A Nair in New Delhi. It was determined that a<br /> viability study to be conducted for the fresh site<br /> The two launch pads for satellite in the country are located at Sriharikota High<br /> Altitude Range, SHAR, both affected during the cyclone season<br /> During last few years, there have been requests from many countries for<br /> launching their satellites in India</div> <div>1975 batch Officer of Indian Railway Traffic Service<br /> Mr. Mittal succeeded Mr. Vivek Sahai<br /> ‘Mission Mode Programme for reduction of pendency of arrears in courts’<br /> launched<br /> Launch of ‘Mission Mode Programme for reduction of pendency of<br /> arrears in courts’ in the country by Mr. M. Veerappa Moily<br /> Launched on the occasion of 150 th year of establishment of the Calcutta High<br /> Court, the oldest court in India<br /> Rs 13,000 Crore to be spent this year for the project out of total allocation of Rs<br /> 21,000 Crore rupees for 3 years<br /> Objective:<br /> 1. Fast disposal of pending Cases<br /> 2. To dispose off 40% of cases in subordinate courts<br /> 3. To refurbish the infrastructure in the Courts<br /> 4. Introduction of modern facilities in courts<br /> 5. Extending insurance cover, provident fund, health policy and other benefits to<br /> improve quality of life for Lawyers and others involved in the Legal Profession<br /> 6. Target to reduce pending cases in all the High Courts in the country from 15 years<br /> to 3 years besides sub-ordinate courts<br /> Union Law Minister: Mr. M. Veerappa Moily<br /> e-Payment of Tax introduced in Puducherry<br /> Puducherry Chief Minister: N Rangasamy<br /> Mr. N Rangaswamy inaugurated e-payment of tax in Puducherry<br /> BM Sharma: New RPSC Chairman<br /> Mr. B M Sharma appointed the Chairman of the Rajasthan Public Service<br /> Commission(RPSC)<br /> Mr. B.M.Sharma: Noted scholar in Political Science<br /> To succeed: Mr. Mahendra Kumawat<br /> Mr Sharma was working as Vice Chancellor of the Kota University<br /> ‘Holiday Courts’ for employees by Himanchal Pradesh<br /> Himachal Pradesh High Court proclaimed establishment of ‘Holiday Courts‘<br /> the year-end<br /> Special ‘holiday courts’ to be set up in Shimla, Baddi, Paonta Sahib and Amb<br /> towns<br /> ‘Holiday Courts’ to work on weekly off days (Sundays and second Saturday every<br /> month) and on gazetted holidays – both State and Central<br /> Objective:<br /> 1. To assist litigants employed either in Government or semi-Government offices to<br /> attend to their legal matters on their off days<br /> ‘Holiday Courts’ part of the High Court’s Mission Mode Programme<br /> ‘Mobile Traffic Magistrate Courts’ in Himanchal Pradesh</div> <div>Rs 300 Crore<br /> As per the new draft, the aggregate foreign shareholding in the new bank should<br /> not exceed 49% for the first 5 years as against the current 74%<br /> On the corporate structure, the new banks to be set up only via a wholly-owned<br /> non-operative holding company registered with the Reserve Bank as a NFBC (Non-<br /> Banking Finance Company)<br /> Private sector entities or groups owned and controlled by Indian promoters will be<br /> eligible to promote banks which have diversified ownership, sound credentials and<br /> integrity, and a successful track record of at least 10 years<br /> However, entities or groups having 10% or more income or assets, or both, from<br /> real estate, construction and broking activities, individually or taken together, in<br /> the last three years, will not be eligible to set up new banks<br /> A special package by the Government to provide solar energy in Naxal<br /> affected areas<br /> Government to provide a special package (under the<br /> Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission) to supply solar<br /> energy in the Naxal affected areas<br /> Solar Lanterns and Solar home lighting systems to be provided<br /> under the scheme<br /> 30% financial assistance to be given towards cost of installation<br /> in general category states<br /> 90% of the cost to be borne by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy<br /> to special category states including Naxal hit areas<br /> Financial aid being provided under the Remote Village Electrification<br /> Programme for installation of renewable energy systems for electricity in the<br /> remote villages<br /> These remote villages are not likely to be connected by grid power under the<br /> Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana<br /> Expansion of CBWE is being considered by the Government<br /> According to the government, expansion of Central Board of<br /> Workers’ Education (CBWE), is under consideration on the<br /> basis of recommendations made by a government agency.<br /> Government may consider for increasing allowance of Rs 50 per<br /> day to unorganised sector workers during the awareness<br /> programmes.<br /> Government has increased its budget allocation for awareness programmes run by<br /> the Board.<br /> The Central Board for Workers Education is providing financial assistance for<br /> bringing awareness among the workers of organised and unorganised sectors. The<br /> assistance is provided through trade union organisations and institutions.<br /> Road Safety Audit by the Government</div> <div>Upon its return, the 30-year space shuttle programme will come to a close, with<br /> Atlantis and the other two shuttles retired to museums<br /> Jayant reserves seat at the London Olympics<br /> Jayanta Talukdar reserved a seat for the 2012 London Olympics from the men’s<br /> individual recurve event of the Archery World Championship<br /> Indian Women’s Recurve Team of Deepika Kumari, Laishram Bombalya Devi<br /> and Chekrovolu Sworo has already qualified for the London Olympics<br /> Mr. Shekhar Agarwal: New Secretary, Department of Defence Production<br /> Mr. Shekhar Agarwal assumed charge as Secretary, Department<br /> of Defence Production in the Ministry of Defence<br /> 1977 batch of the IAS<br /> Has enormous experience of working in Home, Finance and<br /> Personnel Administration<br /> Prof. Amartya Drn honored by NUEPA<br /> Professor Amartya Sen was conferred the Degree of Doctor of Literature, honoris causa, by the National University of Education<br /> Planning and Administration (NUEPA).<br /> Professor Amartya Sen is the Thomas W. Lamont University Professor and Professor of Economics and Philosophy, Harvard<br /> University, and the winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Economic Science.<br /> Professor Amartya Sen is the second recipient of the Honorary Doctorate conferred by the National University of Education<br /> Planning and Administration (NUEPA).<br /> 1 Crore Aadhaar Numbers<br /> First resident to get the Aadhaar number, Ranjana Sonawane, is a resident of Maharashtra.<br /> She received her number on 29th September, 2010 in Tembhli village of Nandurbar district.<br /> Now, 52 year old, NK Chheda from the same state Maharastra has the got distinction of being the resident whose Aadhaar<br /> number was a milestone of reaching 1 Crore Aadhaar numbers.<br /> India New Zealand to establish Joint Educational Council<br /> India and New Zealand have decided to establish a Joint Education Council to carry forward the education cooperation between<br /> the two countries.<br /> Both the countries already have signed an Education Exchange Programme during the visit of Shri Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for<br /> Human Resource Development to New Zealand.</div> <div>Oswald Gruebel, The chief executive of Swiss bank UBS resigned over<br /> an alleged $ 2.3 bn rogue-trading loss<br /> Gruebel felt that it was his duty to take responsibility for the recent<br /> unauthorized trading incident<br /> UBS’ Europe chief Sergio P Ermotti to take over as interim chief executive<br /> India Rail Engines to be rented to Pakistan Railway<br /> Pakistan Railways will rent engines from India<br /> The engines to be rented to Pakistan in order to enhance the<br /> Pakistan’s Railway’s performance<br /> In the initial phase some 50 engines will be hired from INDIA</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : June 18, 2011<br /> 2011-06-23 02:06:49 GKToday<br /> Foreign Secretary-Level talks b/w India and Pakistan from June 23, 2011<br /> India and Pakistan to hold Foreign Secretary-Level talks in Islamabad from June<br /> 23, 2011<br /> The Indian side is expected to press for effectual feat against those behind the<br /> 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks<br /> This will be the 2 nd meeting in 4 months<br /> The Indian side probable to put its concern over the nexus b/w ISI and 26/11<br /> attackers<br /> Ms. Nirupama Rao (Indian Foreign Secretary) to meet her Pakistani counterpart<br /> Mr. Salman Bashir<br /> Second term approved for Ban Ki-Moon by United Nations<br /> Security Council<br /> The UNSC has approved a 2nd five-year term for its current Secretary-<br /> General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon.<br /> The 15 member Council voted by applause for Ban Ki-Moons’s second<br /> term from 2012-2016<br /> For his Appointment, the 192-member General Assembly will vote on Tuesday<br /> June 21, 2011<br /> This will be the final step to his appointment<br /> No competitors against the former South Korean foreign minister<br /> Ban, succeeded Kofi Annan in 2007 as the 8 th Secretary General of the UN<br /> 8.2% growth for India projected in 2011: IMF<br /> For 2011, IMF- International Monetary Fund projected 8.2 % growth in the Indian<br /> Economy<br /> Statement appeared in the World Economic Outlook Report released in<br /> Washington<br /> US ruminates sanctions against Syria<br /> USA considering Economic sanctions against Syria’s oil and gas sectors<br /> USA also considering to bring war crimes charges against Bashar al-Assad (Syrian<br /> president) as part of a larger diplomatic effort to force his Govt to end its<br /> crackdown on dissent<br /> Tax incentive for exporters to be extended by Government<br /> Govt extended the Tax incentive scheme for exporters, Duty Entitlement Pass<br /> Book (DEPB), till September 30</div> <div>India-West Indies Test Series<br /> India clinched the 3-match series 1-0<br /> Ishant Sharma of India was adjudged man of the Series<br /> US suspends $800 million aid to Pakistan<br /> US suspended $800 Million aid to Pakistan<br /> Reasons quoted for the same:<br /> Infuriation over Pakistan’s reluctance to go full throttle in the war<br /> against terror<br /> The suspended aid is about one-third of the $2 billion yearly US security<br /> assistance to Pakistan<br /> India welcomed United States’ move to cut military aid to Pakistan<br /> As External Affairs Minister Shri SM Krishna further supply of military aid would<br /> have led to destabilising the region further<br /> Reasons for suspending the Aid:<br /> The US suspended $800 million worth of military aid to its ally Pakistan after it<br /> considered attempts to curb terror emanating from its own soil not up to the mark<br /> US’ deferral of military aid comes as of Pakistan’s denial to accept some of the<br /> controlled aid sent over by the US including rifles, ammunition, body armor and<br /> bomb-disposal gear<br /> The denial was due to Pakistan’s displease after ordering 100 Army Special Forces<br /> trainers to leave the country in recent weeks<br /> Some Army personnel from the US were denied visas who were proficient in<br /> providing training and operating equipments like radios, night-vision goggles and<br /> helicopter spare parts<br /> Removal of EU trade curbs: India seeks Poland’s help<br /> India sought help from Poland to settle trade<br /> disputes/obstacles for Indian agricultural exports to 27<br /> European Union countries<br /> Reason: Indian agri-exports to EU face several<br /> problems on account of use of some chemicals to<br /> preserve the products<br /> Issue taken up at a meeting in New Delhi b/w Commerce and<br /> Industry Minister Anand Sharma and visiting Polish Foreign<br /> Minister Radoslaw Sikorski<br /> Poland holds the European Union Presidency<br /> The two Ministers also revised the progress of the India-EU<br /> free trade pact<br /> India-EU free trade pact is officially known as “Broad-based Trade and<br /> Investment Agreement” BTIA</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: October 11, 2011<br /> 2011-10-11 15:10:34 GKToday<br /> PEN-Pinter award for Courage: A Writer in hiding wins<br /> Britain’s 2011 PEN-Pinter International Writer of Courage<br /> Award won by Roberto Saviano. Roberto Saviano is an Italian writer<br /> living in hiding under round-the-clock police protection for exposing<br /> the Mafia. Roberto Saviano’s 2006 best-selling novel “Gomorrah” is a<br /> depiction of the Naples Mafia.<br /> British playwright David Hare shares the 2011 Pinter prize, viewed that<br /> Saviano wrote Gomorrah at great risk to his own safety.<br /> Roberto Saviano took on the Neopolitan mafia, first in the novel Gomorrah and<br /> then in the film made from it thus he did so at great risk to his own safety.<br /> For fresh pharma ventures 100% FDI to continue<br /> In the Pharma sector India to continue to allow 100% FDI for fresh ventures.<br /> Judgment taken at a meeting chaired by PM Dr Manmohan Singh to talk about the<br /> FDI policy in drugs and pharmaceutical sector.<br /> Move to ease adding up of manufacturing capacities, technology attainment and<br /> progress of the pharma sector in the country.<br /> But in case of already active ventures in the Pharma sector, after approval from<br /> the FIPB (Foreign Investment Promotion Board) it was decided that the FDI to be<br /> allowed for a period of 6 months.<br /> Valmiki Jayanti (Pargat Diwas)celebrated<br /> Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti (Balmiki Jayanti) being celebrated on October<br /> 11, 2011 with great zeal all through the nation. It observes the<br /> birthday of well-known poet Valmiki.<br /> It falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Ashwin. This<br /> day is particularly admired in the Northern India and is recognized as<br /> “Pargat Diwas”.<br /> Addition of IPR at COP17 wished-for by India<br /> India wished for the inclusion of issues on IPRs (Intellectual Property<br /> Rights), equitable access to sustainable development and independent<br /> trade methods in the interim agenda of the 17 th meeting of the<br /> Conference of Parties, COP 17 to be held in South Africa in November 2011.<br /> The suggestion to include these 3 contentious but very significant issues have<br /> been submitted by the Govt to the Secretariat of the UNFCCC.<br /> Vietnamese President in India<br /> Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang in India for his 4 day visit to<br /> India.<br /> The visiting President to hold delegation level talks with PM Dr<br /> Manmohan Singh at Hyderabad House to strengthen India-Vietnam<br /> bilateral strategic partnership and to explore new areas of cooperation.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : June 25, 2011<br /> 2011-06-28 11:06:11 GKToday<br /> ‘Food Price Volatility and Agriculture’: Action Plan on Agriculture, G-20<br /> prepared with it<br /> Agriculture Ministers of G-20 Nations in Paris decided to launch 3 initiatives from<br /> September 2011<br /> To boost global farm production and exchange information regularly on key crops<br /> Action Plan includes suggestions to deal with instability in food prices and improve<br /> farm production globally to meet the growing demand<br /> The action plan titled ‘Food Price Volatility and Agriculture‘ to be submitted<br /> for consideration of G-20 leaders in November 2011<br /> India to proceed with the Plan to amplify its N-Energy<br /> At the yearly summit of the USIBC (US India Business Council), India made it<br /> certain to corporate America that it has no plans to halt its nuclear energy projects<br /> in view of the recent damage to a nuclear power plant in Japan<br /> Mr. Anand Sharma: Commerce and Industry Minister of India<br /> Mr. Sharma added that: nuclear energy in India is going to expand<br /> Google under inquiry for exploitation of Results to block Competitors and<br /> endorse its own services<br /> Google is under inquiry by US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a US regulatory<br /> body over manipulation of results to block competitors and encourage its own<br /> services<br /> Via its dominant search engine, Google manages 2/3 rd of all web searches in the<br /> US<br /> Investigation on whether Google is misusing its market dominance<br /> Competitors complained that instead of showing users the best results, Google<br /> endorses its own services like Travel and map websites, at their cost<br /> CAG: Transparency is the need of the hour<br /> CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India): Vinod Rai<br /> As per CAG Transparency is demand of the hour for a corruption-free social order<br /> and good governance<br /> As per him, in the era of globalization, common citizens have come at the centre<br /> stage<br /> Mr. Rai necessitated that the younger generation to bear the liability of deviating<br /> the ‘mainstream’ in a right direction and to edify the people about their duties and<br /> rights<br /> Bill Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage approved by New York<br /> New York’s Senate approved bill legalizing Same Sex Marriage thus nearly<br /> ascertaining concluding course of the law<br /> The state’s lower house previously approved a similar measure and New York’s</div> <div>tonnes last year<br /> Decision taken by EGoM (Empowered Group of Ministers) headed by Finance<br /> Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee<br /> A decision on allowing wheat exports was deferred<br /> Background:-<br /> Ban on non-basmati rice was imposed in April 2008 because of high<br /> food inflation<br /> Wheat exports have been prohibited since 2007<br /> BRICS vows to assist World’s poorest nations<br /> BRICS (The grouping of top 5 emerging countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) vowed to assist the World’s poorest nations<br /> to fight disease and to improve access to low-cost and effective lifesaving medicines<br /> BRICS’ cooperation will help build up public health systems<br /> International agencies – WHO &UNAIDS and BRICS Health Ministers commended<br /> India’s role in making quality, safe and effective drugs more accessible and<br /> affordable globally<br /> DG, WHO Dr. Margaret Chan praised India’s efforts when she stated that when<br /> African countries wanted a meningococcal vaccine at a cost of not more than 50<br /> cents, it was the Serum Institute of India which came forward and did the job.<br /> She said: “All the major manufacturers of the world were approached by WHO but<br /> could not meet the cost criteria, which was critical for the African countries. The<br /> supply of this vaccine by India has saved hundreds and thousands of lives in low &<br /> middle income African countries, where a person contracting meningitis often<br /> means 4-5 months of a household’s income”<br /> 10 million people in Africa need food: World Food Programme<br /> The World Food Programme expects 10 million people in need of food and as the<br /> worst drought in decades continues to devastate the Horn of Africa<br /> The drought centred in the triangle where the nations of Somalia, Kenya and<br /> Ethiopia meet<br /> The Drought produced a mass migration of starving citizens and created the<br /> largest refugee camps in the world<br /> International agencies face difficulties in providing aid to those who remain in<br /> Somalia which lacks a functioning Government and whose territory is dominated<br /> by the Islamist rebel group, al-Shabad<br /> The core strategies behind WFP activities, according to its mission statement, are to<br /> provide food aid to:</div> <div>of the dubious factory location till further orders from the High Court<br /> UP gets 3 new districts<br /> Uttar Pradesh got 3 new districts: Prabuddha Nagar,<br /> Panchsheel Nagar and Bhim Nagar in the western region of<br /> the state<br /> Thus the total number of districts has gone up to 75 in UP<br /> Chief Minister Mayawati declared formation of new districts<br /> during her visit to the western districts of UP<br /> Prabuddha Nagar carved out of Muzaffar Nagar district. Shamli<br /> and Kairana tehsils from Muzaffar Nagar included in the new district with<br /> headquarter at Shamli<br /> Panchsheel Nagar carved out from Ghaziabad. Garh Mukteshwar, Hapur and<br /> newly set up Daulana tehsils of Ghaziabad will be included in the new district and<br /> Hapur will be it’s headquarter<br /> Bhim Nagar will be the 75th district of the state. Bhim Nagar carved out<br /> from Moradabad and Badaun districts. Chandausi and Sambhal tehsils of<br /> Moradabad and Gunnaur from Badaun are being included in new district.<br /> Sambhal announced as its headquarter<br /> Expanded European Union Bailout Fund approved by German Parliament<br /> The German Parliament approved expanded powers for the European Union’s main bailout fund<br /> German Parliament voted in favor of an improved € 440 bn European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF)<br /> Lot of Germans are in opposition to devoting additional money to support struggling eurozone members such as Greece<br /> The authorization by the Parliament means that it would allow the fund to buy bonds of troubled states and present emergency<br /> loans to Governments<br /> Previously, Finnish parliament approved the proposed overhaul of the EFSF<br /> EU bailout fund must win the approval of all euro-zone members<br /> Lata Mangeshkar honoured with the First Hridaynath Award<br /> Lata Mangeshkar the legendary playback singer honoured with the first Hridaynath award for her contribution to Indian music<br /> On September 28, 2011 on Lata Mangeshakar’s (82) birthday, she was presented a cheque of Rs one Lakh, a trophy and a<br /> shawl by megastar Amitabh Bachchan<br /> The award has been instituted by Hridayesh Art, a Mumbai- based socio-cultural organization in honour of Lata Mangeshkar’s brother,<br /> Hridaynath Mangeshkar</div> <div>‘Mobile Traffic Magistrate Courts’ in Himanchal Pradesh<br /> The High Court of Himanchal Pradesh directed the subordinate courts to establish<br /> ‘mobile traffic magistrate courts’ in Shimla, Mandi and Dharamsala towns<br /> Objective:<br /> 1. To dispose of cases pertaining to petty offences and those under the Motor<br /> Vehicles Act<br /> 2. No pre-2005 case to remain pending in the high court by the end of this year<br /> ‘Mobile Traffic Magistrate Courts’ part of the High Court’s Mission Mode<br /> Programme<br /> Cricket Board of Sri Lanka dissolved<br /> Sri Lankan Govt dissolved the country’s Cricket Board<br /> Reason: In the midst of claims of corruption and mismanagement<br /> The Board run by political appointees on a temporary basis<br /> Board’s debts rose over $15 million after co-hosting this year’s world cup with<br /> India and Bangladesh<br /> New Commandant of OTA: Maj Gen Rajavelu<br /> Major General U M Rajavelu, Sena Medal took the command of the OTA<br /> (Officers Training Academy)<br /> OTA: India’s premier Defence Training establishement<br /> Succeeded Commandant Lt Gen Gautam Banerjee<br /> Gita instructions in Schools of MP<br /> Gita instructions to be taught in Madhya Pradesh Schools<br /> Earlier Surya Namaskaar (Sun Salutation) and singing of the National Song:<br /> Vande Mataram was initiated<br /> Implemented in Classes I to X in the current academic session<br /> Both Surya Namaskaar and Vande Mataram voluntary and the minorities<br /> exempted from it in MP<br /> National Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Award for Krishi Vigyan Kendra<br /> Bastar division’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra selected for the National Fakhruddin<br /> Ali Ahmed Award, 2010-11<br /> Reason for Awarding: For promotion and transfer of agricultural technology in<br /> tribal areas<br /> Composition of Award: Rs 2,00,000 and a Citation, presented by theICAR<br /> (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)<br /> New Union Home Secretary: Raj Singh<br /> Mr. Raj Kumar Singh took over as the new Union Home Secretary<br /> Mr. Singh to succeed G. K. Pillai<br /> Mr. Raj Kumar Singh: Bihar cadre IAS officer of the 1975 batch<br /> Public Library opened in Kashmir in the memory of 17 th Century Poet Gani<br /> Kashmiri</div> <div>Chinese Foreign Ministry firmly opposed to the Bill<br /> Rabindra Nath Tagore’s statue unveileded by President at Lausanne<br /> Varsity in Switzerland<br /> President Ms Pratibha Devi Singh Patil unveiled the statue of Rabindra Nath<br /> Tagore in the historic University of Lausanne in Switzerland<br /> An MoU was also signed b/w the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the<br /> University of Lausanne. It established the Rabindra Nath Tagore Chair on Indian<br /> studies here. 2011 marks the 150 th birth anniversary of Gurudev and the Chair<br /> established, commemorates the same<br /> INDIA & AFGHANISTAN sign SPA<br /> India and Afghanistan signed a SPA (Strategic Partnership Agreement)<br /> at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi<br /> Objective: To reinforce security cooperation b/w the two countries.<br /> Indian to mentor the security forces as they gear up to deal with the drawdown of<br /> Foreign Forces in 2014. It also provides for cooperation in the areas of trade,<br /> culture, health, education, people-to-people contact and several other fields.<br /> SPA specifies trade and economic cooperation in a lot larger detail, addressing<br /> aspects ranging from supporting Afghanistan in developing trading routes to<br /> exploring for hydrocarbons and mineral ores the country is plentifully gifted with<br /> Name of the Agreements Signed:<br /> 1. Agreement on Strategic Partnership between India and Afghanistan<br /> 2. MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Development of Hydrocarbons<br /> 3. MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Mineral Resources Development<br /> The proposal has been on the drawing board for six years since Afghanistan<br /> President Hamid Karzai first recommended it, but was not implemented as<br /> Pakistan was uncomfortable with the idea of India-trained forces on both its flanks.<br /> India has started escalating its coverage to the security situation in Afghanistan<br /> by making operational an airbase in Tajikistan, which has since been used to strike<br /> at the top leadership of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. It has also sought<br /> after consent to reopen a hospital at Farkhor on the Afghan border<br /> India and Afghanistan to also co-operate at the UN, with the objective being to<br /> assist India achieve a permanent seat in UNSC<br /> SPA specifies trade and economic cooperation. Thus both countries will try to<br /> operationalise their trilateral MoU signed with Iran to end Afghanistan’s landlocked<br /> isolation and dependence on Pakistan to reach the sea. It lighten up India’s<br /> likelihood of pocketing a profitable mining contract for Hajigak, considered to be<br /> the region’s largest untapped reserve of iron ore, and offers a chance to trace for<br /> oil in northern Afghanistan. Two MoUs — one in the field of mineral exploration<br /> and the other for the development of hydrocarbons — reflected the concern of<br /> both sides in these areas.<br /> India and Afghanistan also determined to build a positive trading and investment<br /> environment by simplifying customs and other procedures, starting air cargo<br /> operations and ameliorating credit and insurance facilities</div> <div>Mr. William Rabi Bernard: Popular TV host<br /> Mr. Rabi received the certificate of election from the returning officer<br /> and Assembly Secretary Mr A.M.P. Jamaludeen<br /> Mumbai Cricket Association Elections: Deshmukh defeats Vengsarkar<br /> Union Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh defeated former Indian Captain<br /> Dilip Vengsarkar, by 47 votes to become the president of the<br /> Mumbai Cricket Association<br /> Term of Office: Two next years<br /> Libyan Rebels recognized as Legitimate Government by the 32 Nation<br /> Libyan Contact Group<br /> The Libya Contact Group has formally recognized main<br /> opposition group as the Country’s Legitimate Government until<br /> a new interim authority is created<br /> The 32-nation Contact Group<br /> on Libya or the Libya Contact Group includes members of<br /> NATO, the EU and the Arab League<br /> The contact group declared Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi’s regime no longer<br /> legitimate<br /> This will potentially open up cash that the rebels fighting Libyan forces urgently<br /> need<br /> IGRUA to train 200 Pilots in coming years<br /> Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA)<br /> Government owned IGRUA to train 200 pilots in coming years<br /> Academy’s governing council has sought budgetary support from the Government<br /> in the 12th Plan for infrastructural requirements<br /> Helicopter Training also to start at IGRUA<br /> Cancel meeting with Dalai Lama: China to USA<br /> China asked the US President Barack Obama to cancel a meeting with the exiled<br /> Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, which is due to take place<br /> Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said, President Obama should not do<br /> anything that could interfere with China’s internal affairs<br /> China accuses the Dalai Lama of being a separatist<br /> Nirupama Rao appointed next Ambassador to US<br /> Nirupama Rao (Foreign Secretary) appointed the next ambassador to the USA<br /> Ms Rao succeeds Meera Shankar as the US Ambassador<br /> 1973-batch IFS officer took over the office of the Foreign<br /> Secretary on August 1, 2009, becoming<br /> the second woman to head the Indian Foreign Secretary<br /> after Chokila Iyer<br /> She was to retire in December in 2010 at the age of 60 but was<br /> given an extension till July-end<br /> as the Government fixed a two-year term for the post of foreign secretary</div> <div>The same name to be used in English als<br /> The proposal to be sent to the Centre for its approval after ratifying it by the state<br /> assembly<br /> SC lifts ban imposed by Uttar Pradesh Government on<br /> screening of “Aarakshan”<br /> Supreme Court quashed the ban imposed by Uttar Pradesh<br /> Government for the Screening of ‘Aarakshan’<br /> A bench of justices Mukundakam Sharma and A R Dave lifted the<br /> state’s two-month ban on the film in UP holding that the<br /> restriction would go against the democratic value of free<br /> speech and expression<br /> Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, which had also stopped the film’s release<br /> The apex court passed the order while upholding the writ petition filed by film<br /> maker Prakash Jha challenging the decision of UP, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh to<br /> suspend the screening of the film.<br /> INS Satpura commissioned in Indian Navy<br /> INS Satpura: India’s second Shivalik class indigenous stealth<br /> frigate<br /> INS Satpura commissioned in Indian Navy<br /> The Shivalik class frigate are conceived and designed by Indian Naval<br /> Team and would be frontline frigates of the Indian Navy in future<br /> INS Satpura will considerably heighten Indian Navy’s strike capabilities due to<br /> versatile control system with signature management and missile capabilities.<br /> Common Examination for Technical UG courses to be delayed by the<br /> Government till 2013<br /> The Government to have common examination for different under-graduate<br /> programmes across the nation from 2013<br /> Candidates to qualify for the prestigious institutes as per the merit<br /> Government to also crack down on fake universities, practice of taking capitation<br /> fee, misleading advertisements and other actus reus<br /> The National Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2010 amends<br /> the National Institutes of Technology Act, 2007, which declares certain institutions<br /> of technology as Institutions of National Importance and provides for instruction<br /> and research in these institutions<br /> The Act has a schedule of institutions declared as institutions of national<br /> importance<br /> The Bill adds another schedule to include 5 Indian Institutes of Science Education<br /> and Research (established in Kolkata, Pune, Mohali, Bhopal and<br /> Thiruvananthapuram) as institutions of national importance<br /> The Bill specifies the members of the Board of Governors of each institute<br /> The members include Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Director of the<br /> Institute ex officio, Director of one of the Indian Institutes of Technology, and<br /> three Secretaries to the Government of India.<br /> A Council shall be established for all the Indian Institutes of Science Education and<br /> Research. It shall consist of specified members including Minister in charge of<br /> technical education, Secretary of technical education, chairperson of every Board</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 21, 2011<br /> 2011-08-21 10:08:59 GKToday<br /> Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics<br /> Dr. Manmohan Singh will attend the closing ceremony of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Saha Institute of Nuclear<br /> Physics in Kolkata<br /> Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project for coastal states<br /> Centre sanctioned Rs 1,500 Crore for Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project for coastal states<br /> Objective: To have improved cyclone forecasting, tracking and warning systems, cyclone risk mitigation and<br /> capacity building in multi-hazard risk Management<br /> Government also plans the Construction of versatile cyclone shelters, including shelter-cum-go-down, approach<br /> roads, bridges to habitation and embankments, including construction and renovation of saline embankments<br /> High Precision Radiotherapy-RAPIDARC<br /> High Precision Radiotherapy “RAPIDARC”<br /> “RAPIDARC” was inaugurated at Madras Cancer Institute, Chennai for treating Cancer<br /> Centre has allotted Rs 731.52 Crore under the National Cancer Control Programme<br /> Under this programme, in 100 districts all over India, the Union Government is supporting 27 Regional Cancer<br /> Centres<br /> “RapidArc” radiotherapy technology is a new technique of treatment, greatly benefiting the cancer patients<br /> “RapidArc” is a fast, simple cancer treatment to the poor, enables unparalleled speed and shorter treatment time for<br /> sites such as Head & Neck, Spine, Thorax, Abdomen and Pelvis<br /> Noted historian, Prof. R S Sharma passes away<br /> Noted historian, Prof. R S Sharma (92) passed away<br /> He taught ancient and early medieval History of India at Patna University, Delhi University and the University of Toronto<br /> He wrote 115 books which have been published in 15 languages around the world<br /> He was the founding chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) in 1972<br /> President of the Indian History Congress in 1975<br /> First historian who critically studied the different aspects of early Indian social, economic and political structure and brought into focus the<br /> exploitation of weaker sections of Indian society<br /> He was particularly known for his distinct observations on institutions in ancient Indian society and his report on the Bihar-Bengal<br /> boundary dispute<br /> He received the Campbell Memorial Gold Medal by the Bombay Asiatic Society in 1987<br /> Recipient of the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Award in 1989<br /> Two uncommon Stupas and a Buddha statue in Afghanistan<br /> Two rare Stupas and a Buddha Statue discovered by Archaeologists in Afghanistan<br /> As per the experts, the discovery is a great achievement and it will throw light on the ancient history of Afghanistan<br /> Solar Powered UAVs for all weather conditions to be developed by India<br /> India plans to develop solar-powered unmanned flying machines / Unmanned Aerial Vehicles<br /> They will have the capability of remaining airborne for at least a month in all weather conditions<br /> There will be especially-designed solar panels to keep the UAV airborne even in nights and cloudy weather conditions<br /> with the help of Power generated and saved during the day<br /> UAV to prove real-time information and data of the area via a secure data link</div> <div>5 more Indian languages included by Google to its translation services<br /> Google now supports 5 new experimental alpha languages-<br /> Bengali<br /> Gujarati<br /> Kannada<br /> Tamil<br /> Telugu<br /> PF accounts accessible online from July 2011<br /> Online account accessibility for Employees Provident Fund beneficiaries from July<br /> 2011<br /> Possible for the beneficiaries to know particulars of the contributions made and<br /> balance amount available in their accounts through EPF website<br /> Rs 110 crore released by Union Govt to improve pulses production<br /> The Union Govt has discharged Rs 110 Crore to the states to improve pulses<br /> production in the rain-fed areas of 60,000 villages<br /> Rs 300 crore set aside for this purpose under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana<br /> for this financial year<br /> To persuade farmers take up pulses cultivation, the Government in recent times<br /> raise the MSP (Minimum Support Price) of pulses by up to Rs 400 for the year<br /> 2011-12<br /> Magiciam Gopinath Muthukad wins Merlin Award<br /> Magician Gopinath Muthukad of India won this year’s International Merlin<br /> Award<br /> Known as the Magicians’ Oscar<br /> Kerala-based magician second Indian to be chosen to receive the Merlin Award<br /> For exceptional contributions to Magic in 2011 bestowed by the US-based<br /> International Magicians Society<br /> Earlier, P.C.Sorkar Junior received the award<br /> Government empowers IT Department to begin legal action in cases of Tax<br /> evasion<br /> The Government authorizes the Income Tax Department to commence legal<br /> action in tax evasion cases<br /> Cases where the Indian investments are positioned overseas<br /> The CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) issued order that Income Tax<br /> department does not need any consent from superior authorities to commence<br /> legal action<br /> Step taken in the ground of CBDT receiving for the first time investment data of<br /> few Indians who had accounts in Germany’s Leichestein bank recently<br /> Govt to conduct new survey in Manual Scavenging<br /> Government to conduct a new survey to know the exact number of persons<br /> caught up in manual scavenging in the country<br /> Meeting to evaluate the operation of NSKFDC (National Safai Karamcharis<br /> Finance and Development Corporation)<br /> PM Manmohan Singh had recently assured that the country will soon be made free<br /> of manual scavenging</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: October 7, 2011<br /> 2011-10-07 13:10:15 GKToday<br /> Nobel Peace Prize jointly won by 3 women<br /> Nobel Peace Prize, 2011 was awarded jointly to 3 women-<br /> 1. Ms Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian President<br /> 2. Ms Leymah Gbowee, Liberian peace activist<br /> 3. Ms Tawakkul Karman of Yemen<br /> They were awarded for their work on women’s rights.<br /> Draft National Policy on IT unveiled<br /> Draft National policy on Information Technology, 2011, was unveiled. The policy<br /> aims to put public procurement via electronic mode for better transparency. The<br /> policy targets at utilizing the potential of IT to deal with the economic and<br /> developmental challenges the nation confronts.<br /> A pool of 10 million extra skilled manpower in Information Communication<br /> Technology, ICT sector to be produced. IT to be utilized in a key way in social<br /> sector initiatives like Education, Health and Rural Development to endorse equity<br /> and quality.<br /> NSD’s deemed varsity status withdrawn by the Govt<br /> The deemed university status granted to the National School of Drama in<br /> 2005 has been withdrawn by the Government of India with immediate<br /> effect. The Ministry of HRD held that National School of Drama was unable to meet<br /> the terms set for the Deemed University status.<br /> On joining missile programme, India analysing the NATO offer<br /> As per the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister to V.K. Saraswat, NATO’s<br /> invitation to India in the first week of September, 2011 to be a partner in its<br /> ballistic missile defence (BMD) programme is being studied.<br /> India has so far conducted 6 interceptor missile tests as part of its mission to set<br /> up a trustworthy shield against ballistic missiles. Of these, 5 interceptor tests,<br /> including the first 3 in a row, were successful. Now, DRDO busy with maiden<br /> launch of Agni-V ballistic missile in December.<br /> From the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur on the Orissa coast these 6<br /> tests featured a missiles were launched mimicking the path of a ballistic missile<br /> coming from an “opponent country” and an interceptor launched from the<br /> Wheeler Island destroying the incoming missile in mid-flight. DRDO is the author</div> <div>Secondary Education)<br /> SC upholds 10% relaxation on eligibility to OBCs<br /> The Supreme Court held that the minimum eligibility percentage for admittance in<br /> Central Universities for OBC category should be at the most 10% less than that of<br /> general category students<br /> A bench headed by Justice R V Raveendran held that the eligibility criteria for OBC<br /> category students should not be decided on the basis of admission given to the<br /> last candidate in general category<br /> The bench, however, clarified that there would be no disturbances in the<br /> admissions which have already been done by the universities for this academic<br /> session<br /> The court’s clarification came a petition filed by P V Indersan, a former professor of<br /> IIT Madras, seeking its direction in the light of discrepancies in implementation of<br /> OBC quota in different educational institutions<br /> In order to try corruption cases Government to setup 71 additional Courts<br /> Government to setup 71 additional courts to try cases under Prevention of<br /> Corruption Act<br /> 30 such courts are already functioning to speed up the trial of corruption cases<br /> The State governments have also set up 46 special courts to dispose such cases<br /> As per the Law Minister Mr. Salman Khurshid, there is no proposal to set up Fast<br /> Track Courts exclusively for hearing the cases related to corruption<br /> Gagan Narang to be conferred “Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award” – 2011<br /> Ace shooter Gagan Narang will be conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna<br /> Award<br /> Gagan Narang notched up 4 Gold Medals at last year’s Commonwealth<br /> Games<br /> He is the first Indian marksman to qualify for next year’s London Olympics with a<br /> bronze in the World Championships last year<br /> Coal India replaces Reliance Industries as the “Most Valued Indian Company”<br /> Coal India, a newbie in the elite list of 30 companies that constitute the Sensex<br /> on August 17, 2011 replaced Reliance Industries Ltd as the ‘Most Valued Indian<br /> Company’<br /> The nearly four-decade-old Kolkata-headquartered Coal India<br /> currently boasts of a market capitalization of Rs 2.5 lakh Crore,<br /> compared to RIL’s Rs 2.47 Lakh Crore</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: July 20, 2011<br /> 2011-07-20 17:07:13 GKToday<br /> 31 FDI proposals approved by the Government<br /> Government approved 31 foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals worth Rs.<br /> 3,844.70 Crore<br /> A total of 55 FDI proposals were taken up by the Foreign Investment<br /> Promotion Board (FIPB)<br /> Guidelines for Infrastructure Debt Fund soon to be issued by the<br /> Government<br /> Guidelines for Infrastructure Debt Fund (IDF) will soon be issued by the<br /> Government<br /> IDFs are required to improve country’s infrastructure sector chiefly via Foreign<br /> Investment<br /> RBI and SEBI to finalize the guidelines of IDFs<br /> This will help accelerate investment by the US companies in India<br /> India needs to spend $ 1 Trillion in the next five years to augment its<br /> infrastructure sector<br /> Women’s Football: Japan to meet US<br /> Japan to meet the US in the 2011 Women’s Football World Cup final at Frankfurt<br /> The Americans looking to become the first team to win three world cups, the<br /> previous coming in 1999<br /> In order to ward off accidents, the Railway Ministry to set up Safety &<br /> Security Board<br /> Railway Ministry to set up Safety and Security Board to ward off Rail accidents<br /> The Safety and Security Board to work under the Railway Board<br /> Experts from IIM and IIT to be included in the proposed board in order to suggest<br /> ways and means on how to avoid accidents and to extend best possible security<br /> to passengers<br /> Comprehensive Survey on number of sex workers directed by Supreme<br /> Court<br /> The Supreme Court directed the Centre, States and Union Territories to carry out<br /> an all-inclusive survey to determine the number of sex workers in the country who<br /> are willing to rehabilitate<br /> SC also directed the Centre and States to file affidavits within two weeks on<br /> suggestions and recommendations for improving the lot of sex workers<br /> A panel comprising senior advocates and NGOs to aid the court in monitoring the<br /> rehabilitation work for the sex workers<br /> The apex court passed the direction while dealing with a petition relating to the<br /> plight of sex workers, in which the bench had appointed senior counsel Jayant<br /> Bhushan as amicus curiae<br /> Power sector scheduling to spend Rs. 600 Crore</div> <div>ABB is a Swiss-Swedish multinational corporation headquartered in Zürich,<br /> Switzerland, operating mainly in the power and automation technology areas. It<br /> ranked 143rd in Forbes Ranking (2010).<br /> For Goa’s entire population: “Swarnajayanti Aarogya Bima Yojana”<br /> launched<br /> Goa became the first state in the country to have launched<br /> “Swarnajayanti Aarogya Bima Yojana”<br /> providing health insurance cover for the entire resident<br /> population of the state<br /> ICICI Lombard : Implementing agency for the new health insurance cover<br /> Goa State Government signed a MOU, with ICICI Lombard<br /> The cashless health insurance scheme renders for meeting expenses of<br /> hospitalization for medical and/or surgical procedure including maternity benefit<br /> to the enrolled families’ upto 60,000 rupees per family per year subject to limits in<br /> any of the government and private hospitals and nursing homes<br /> Around 3.2 Lakh families in the state would be permitted to be in the horizon of<br /> the “Swarnajayanti Aarogya Bima Yojana”<br /> India signs DTAA with Estonia<br /> India signed DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) with<br /> Estonia<br /> India and has decided to work with the European nation in the<br /> fields of information, communication and technology, education<br /> and e-Governance<br /> India will establish a Chair on Cyber Security in Tallinn University and a Chair on<br /> Indian languages, literature and history in one of the universities in Estonia<br /> The Estonian Govt has also declared 20 scholarships for Indian students, who enrol<br /> for an accredited doctoral programme leading to a PhD degree in Estonian<br /> universities in Information and Communication Technology, Health,<br /> Biotechnology, Environment Technology, Material Technology and Power<br /> Engineering.</div> <div>Security arrangements tightened in and around the temple complex at Neelachal<br /> Hills<br /> In the Monsoon Session Land Acquisition amendment bill to be introduced<br /> As per Mr. Jairam Ramesh (The Union Environment and Forests Minister) an amendment bill to the Land Acquisition Act would be tabled in<br /> the coming Monsoon session of Parliament<br /> Report: India’s 32% land area affected by degradation<br /> 22 major programmes are being enforced in India, counting the Mission for Green<br /> India, in order to deal with the issues of desertification, land degradation and<br /> droughts<br /> Poverty and environmental degradation are major problems in dry lands, where<br /> forests and trees add appreciably to rural livelihoods<br /> An estimated 32% of India’s total land area affected by land degradation,<br /> majority of which is undergoing desertification<br /> Degradation will have harsh implications for livelihood and food security<br /> The key anthropogenic factors resulting in degradation:<br /> Unsustainable agricultural practices<br /> Diversion of land to development programmes<br /> Industrial effluents<br /> Mining<br /> Deforestation<br /> The State Human Rights Commission looks for a reply from Uttar Pradesh<br /> Govt. on Rape cases<br /> The State Human Rights Commission released notices to the Uttar Pradesh<br /> Government and different district officials seeking a reply by 28 th June 2011 on<br /> recent Rape cases in different districts<br /> June 30 fixed as the next date of hearing by the Commission<br /> Taking suo moto cognizance of Rape cases in different districts in recent past, the<br /> State Human Rights Commission hunted for an Answer from the State Senior<br /> Officials demanding them to put forward a comprehensive account regarding the<br /> incidents of rape and action taken in each case<br /> About 4 atrocious Rape cases have been reported in the State during the last 24<br /> hours in which police initially did not take appropriate action<br /> The Officiating Chairman of the State Human Rights Commission Justice Vishnu<br /> Sahai, while referring incident of Kannauj in which accused has blinded a girl in<br /> their attempt to rape her remarked that the the horrible manner in which rape<br /> was committed, the culprits of such crimes need to be strictly dealt with<br /> From August 1, 2011 Monsoon Session of Parliament begins<br /> The Monsoon Session of Parliament will be held from the 1st of August to 8th<br /> September<br /> Decision to this effect taken at a meeting of the CCPA (Cabinet Committee on<br /> Parliamentary Affairs) headed by the Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee<br /> The Committee decided to suggest to the President to summon the session from<br /> 1st of August 2011</div> <div></div> <div>The Inter-Ministerial Task Force on meliorating India’s power sector is scheduling<br /> to spend close to Rs. 600 crore rupees on Smart Grid Technologies on energy<br /> efficiency<br /> The money will be spent on 15 pilot projects related to smart grid technologies<br /> Objective: -<br /> To improve overall efficiency in the power sector, especially in the transmission<br /> and distribution segments, with the help of IT<br /> Hash 10 World SIM National Billiards and Snooker Championship (Sub-<br /> Junior Girls Title) to Varsha Sanjeev<br /> Varsha Sanjeev of Karnataka won the Sub-Junior Girls title for the first time in the<br /> Hash 10 world SIM National Billiards and Snooker Championship in Chennai<br /> IMF calls on Europe to take immediate action to avert Euro-zone meltdown<br /> International Monetary Fund called on Europe to take immediate action to prevent<br /> a Euro-zone meltdown<br /> The appeal comes two days prior to European Union leaders are due to meet in<br /> Brussels for a summit on a second rescue of the financially gimped Greece<br /> As per IMF, Europian leaders need to act quickly in order to evade an infection<br /> that would damage not only the region but the global economy<br /> Record food grain produced by India<br /> A record food grain production in 2010-11 crop year on the support of a fine<br /> monsoon and higher support prices for farmers<br /> Wheat: 85.93 Million Tonnes<br /> Pulses: 18.09 Million Tonnes<br /> Country’s total food grain production estimated at ` 241.56 million tonnes in 2010-<br /> 11, as against 218.11 million tonnes in the year 2009-10<br /> Atlantis – Last leg of its concluding voyage<br /> U.S. space shuttle Atlantis on its way home after undocking from the ISS<br /> (International Space Station)<br /> Beginning the last leg of its final voyage and of the 30-year U.S. shuttle<br /> programmme<br /> Atlantis and its 4-member crew detached from the ISS early Tuesday July 19, 2011<br /> over New Zealand after an 8-day visit to deliver a year’s worth of supplies to the<br /> orbiting outpost and haul trash and used equipment back to Earth<br /> The shuttle flew one lap around the space station before steering away for the last<br /> time</div> <div>Martelly to be the Prime Minister of Haiti<br /> Nomination subject to parliamentary approval<br /> Base Rates raised by SBI<br /> SBI (State Bank of India,) raised its base rates by 0.25% to 9.5%<br /> This move by SBI to raise rates comes as a Result of ICICI Bank raising rates<br /> by the same percentage last week<br /> To give some relief to the small investors the Savings Deposit Rate was also hiked<br /> by SBI across all deposits by 1%<br /> << Base Rate is the minimum rate at which banks can lend >><br /> Most favoured Nation Status to each other by India and Bangladesh<br /> India and Bangladesh to give Most Favored Nation Status to each other in terms of<br /> Investment<br /> Agreement signed in order to promote and protect investments in both the<br /> countries<br /> Following discussions b/w External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and Bangladesh<br /> Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, instruments of ratification signed b/w them<br /> Agreement to be in effect for: 10 years<br /> Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Supreme Court holds back committee<br /> from opening the vaults<br /> Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala<br /> SC restrained the seven-member committee from opening the vaults of the Sree<br /> Padmanabhaswamy Temple<br /> A Treasure trove (i.e. A Treasure of unknown ownership found hidden) worth<br /> over Rs 1 Lakh Crore discovered recently in the Temple<br /> SC Bench asked the petitioner Raja Marthanda Varma, the erstwhile Prince<br /> of Travancore, and the Kerala Government to come out with apt suggestions in<br /> order to ensure holiness and security of the ancient temple<br /> Appearing for the erstwhile prince, senior counsel K K Venogopal, elucidated that<br /> the temple was a public property and no member of the royal family claims any<br /> ownership or right over the huge property and he told the bench that the property<br /> belongs to Lord Padmanabhaswamy<br /> The Trustee of the temple (i.e. the Royal Family) challenged the Kerala<br /> Government’s decision to take over the administration of the temple which was<br /> earlier upheld by the Kerala High Court<br /> Paramount security to be ensured in and around the temple in view of the<br /> discovery of the huge wealth<br /> Scholarship to 1 Crore Minority Students in next 2 years<br /> A target of providing the benefit of scholarship schemes to 1 Crore Minority<br /> Community’s Students in the next two years by the Government<br /> So far 60 Lakhs Students of such community have availed the benefit of<br /> scholarship scheme run by the Minority Ministry<br /> Minority Affairs Minister: Salman Khursid<br /> Third phase expansion of Private FM Radio Network<br /> The Union Cabinet took the decision for the expansion of private FM networks</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 29, 2011<br /> 2011-08-29 04:08:40 GKToday<br /> Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award conferred on ace shooter Gagan Narang by<br /> the President<br /> President Pratibha Devisingh Patil conferred the Rajiv Gandhi<br /> Khel Ratna award for the year 2011 on ace shooter Gagan<br /> Narang.<br /> She also presented 15 Arjuna awards along with 5<br /> Dronacharya awards and 3 Dhyanchand awards at<br /> Rashtrapati Bhawan<br /> Narang received the country’s highest sporting award for his contribution to the<br /> sport of shooting. He had clinched four gold medals at last year’s Commonwealth<br /> Games in New Delhi<br /> CBI forms Special Investigating Team to study CAG report on CWG<br /> CBI’s SIT (Special Investigating Team) to study the CAG’s report on<br /> Commonwealth Games<br /> SIT, headed by a Joint Director, to collaborate with other investigating agencies<br /> viz. IT Dept. and Enforcement Directorate<br /> SIT to advise on any new case if possible, apart from 14 regular cases and 3<br /> Preliminary Enquiries, which were registered by the agency on recommendations<br /> of the Central Vigilance Commission<br /> Privilege notices against actor Om Puri and civil rights activist Kiran Bedi<br /> Members in both Houses of Parliament gave Privilege notices<br /> against actor Om Puri and civil rights activist Kiran Bedi<br /> Reason: Using derogatory and defamatory language against<br /> politicians<br /> Puri and Bedi had allegedly targeted politicians During Anna<br /> Hazare’s agitation at Ramlila grounds on the Lokpal issue and<br /> then reportedly used derogatory and defamatory language against them<br /> Yoshihiko Noda elected as new Prime Minister of Japan<br /> Yoshihiko Noda elected as the new Prime Minister of Japan following the majority of votes in elections held at<br /> the House of Representatives, which is more powerful in the Diet or Parliament<br /> Noda becomes Japan’s sixth Prime Minister since 2006<br /> Mr. Noda, the former finance minister secured the leadership of the ruling Democratic Party<br /> Ex-PM Naoto Kan formally resigned with his cabinet on accusations of his handling of the March quake<br /> Draft guidelines on new banking licenses by RBI<br /> RBI unveiled the draft guidelines for new banking licenses<br /> The minimum required capital to set up a bank by a corporate is<br /> set at Rs 500 Crore in comparison to the present requirement of</div> <div>most trustworthy borrowers preserves<br /> The move is a reflection of the pivotal role of United States in the global financial<br /> system and the role of dollar as the reserve currency<br /> The FITCH ratings virtually amount to a vote of confidence for Washington’s<br /> Deficit reduction efforts<br /> The agency however, said that it will revisit its decision at the end of the year.<br /> Two weeks ago, Standard and Poor had downgraded US ratings to double AA+<br /> The S&P downgrade of the US had led to volatility in the global stock markets<br /> Earlier, Moody’s Investor Services have confirmed its AAA rating on US but<br /> assigned a negative outlook<br /> Rajya Sabha takes up impeachment proceeding against Justice Soumitra<br /> Sen<br /> Rajya Sabha initiated the impeachment proceedings against Justice<br /> Soumitra Sen of the Calcutta High Court on two grounds of<br /> misconduct<br /> The charges include misappropriation of large sums of money,<br /> which he received in his capacity as receiver appointed by the<br /> Calcutta High Court as a lawyer in 1984 and misrepresentation of<br /> facts before the court<br /> The motion for the removal of Justice Sen was moved in the house by Mr Sitaram<br /> Yechury and Mr Prasanta Chatterjee, both CPIM and Mr Arun Jaitley of the BJP<br /> A total of 58 members from Rajya Sabha had represented for removal of Justice<br /> Sen from his office<br /> A Universal Health Insurance Scheme being devised by the Planning<br /> Commission<br /> The Planning Commission is framing up a blue print for a Universal Health<br /> Insurance Scheme<br /> Scheme to provide a least amount of health cover to everyone in the country<br /> Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna -RSBY is at present available for all BPL families<br /> and other additional categories<br /> Under RSBY, below poverty line households are provided health insurance cover,<br /> which entitles them to hospitalisation coverage of up to Rs 30,000<br /> Beneficiaries under RSBY need to pay only Rs 30 rupees as registration fee, while<br /> the central and state governments pay the premium to the insurer<br /> The Commission has also called for increase in public expenditure on health to 2.5% of GDP per annum by the end of 12th Plan (2012-17)<br /> from the present level of 1.4%<br /> In order to impart training to workforce in MSME sector, Govt to set up 50<br /> new Training Centres<br /> Government to set up over 50 new training centres<br /> for upgrading skills of workforce in the micro, small<br /> and medium enterprises, MSME sector<br /> The National Skill Development Corporation set<br /> up by the Government aims to provide skill training to<br /> 150 million persons by 2022<br /> Out of the 150 million people, 15 million will be provided skill development<br /> training<br /> At present, 10 training centres are being operated in the states including Kolkata,</div> <div>The Awards has been institutionalized by International Cricket<br /> Council since 2004<br /> 2011:Clive Lloyd (Chairman)<br /> This year’s LG ICC Awards includes 10 individual prizes, including the LG People’s<br /> Choice Award and also features a newly designed Spirit of Cricket Award which<br /> honours a moment by an international player that has most adhered to the Spirit<br /> of Cricket<br /> The LG ICC Awards ceremony is now in its eighth year and this year it will be held<br /> in London, England. Previous ceremonies were held in London (2004), Sydney<br /> (2005), Mumbai (2006), Johannesburg (2007 and 2009), Dubai (2008)<br /> and Bengaluru (2010).<br /> India’s 1 st FIBA 3×3 Youth World Basketball Team announced<br /> The Basketball Federation of India declared 4-member Under-18 boys and girls<br /> teams that will represent the country at the first FIBA Invitational 3×3 Youth<br /> World Championship, to be held at Rimini, Italy from September 9,2011<br /> 3×3 Basketball is the formalised version of three-on-three half-court<br /> basketball<br /> The format got its first major international test at the 2010 Youth Olympics in<br /> Singapore<br /> The fast-paced games are played on one half of the FIBA regulation court<br /> Each team will consist of four players, of whom three will be on court at any given<br /> time, and one coach<br /> The Team members are:<br /> Boys Team Coach: Kulwinder Singh Gill<br /> Girls Team Coach: Pete Gaudet<br /> Justice Dinakaran’s plea rejected by Supreme Court<br /> Supreme Court dismissed former Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court P D<br /> Dinakaran’s plea questioning the Rajya Sabha-appointed committee’s verdict to<br /> cast charges against him by allegedly going past its jurisdiction<br /> A bench headed by Justice G S Singhvi also dismissed his contention that the<br /> panel has no power to carry on preliminary enquiry against him<br /> Justice Dinakaran had resigned from the post in view of impeachment proceedings<br /> against him<br /> Mr. Dinakaran had argued the committee had exceeded its jurisdiction by framing<br /> 14 charges on the basis of fresh complaints whereas there were only 12 charges<br /> at the time when the motion was introduced in Parliament<br /> Mr. Dinakaran faces various charges including accumulating disproportional<br /> wealth and judicial misbehavior<br /> Mr. Dinakaranhad asserted that the new allegations against him were “ultra vires”<br /> as they went beyond the original charges contained in the Rajya Sabha motion</div> <div></div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : November 4, 2011<br /> 2011-11-04 15:11:00 GKToday<br /> Constitution (113th) Amendment Bill gets President’s Assent<br /> Constitution(113th) Amendment Bill pertains to change of the name of Orissa to Odisha.<br /> President Pratibha Patil has given her assent to the Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill and the Constitution(113th) Amendment Bill, already<br /> approved by both the houses of Parliament.<br /> With this assent, the spelling of the name of Orissa was changed to Odisha and its language from Oriya to Odiya.<br /> Orissa Assembly had passed a resolution unanimously on August 28, 2008 urging the Union government to correct the spelling of the name<br /> and language of the state misspelt in the first and eighth schedule of the Constitution.<br /> The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on November 9, 2010 and sent to Rajya Sabha for concurrence. The Upper House passed it with<br /> amendments on March 24, 2011 and returned it to the Lower House the same day.<br /> Altogether 301 members voted in favour of the Constitution Amendment Bill and none against.<br /> PM for continuing deregulation of fuel prices<br /> Prime Minister Manmohan Singhopines that he stands for continuing with deregulation of fuel prices, cutting subsidies and other government<br /> expenses for fiscal consolidation, but he added that it has to be done taking political sensitivities of the government s allies on board.<br /> Komatireddy Venkat Reddy’s Fast for Telangana<br /> Former Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy is currently on an indefinate fast, until the Centre announces a roadmap for the formation of<br /> separate Telangana state. He says that he is ready to sacrifice his life for the cause of separate Telangana state.<br /> Khalsa Heritage Centre (KHC)<br /> Khalsa Heritage Centre (KHC) will be inaugurated at Anandpur Sahib, in the last week of November. Khalsa Heritage Centre (KHC)would<br /> showcase the rich legacy of the Sikh ideology and religion.<br /> Australia to bring legislation to curb match fixing<br /> Federal and state governments of Australia have decided to make match-fixing illegal from next year through a specialised legislation with<br /> punishment of upto ten years in jail for those found guilty.<br /> Australia is also planning for introduction of formal integrity agreements between sporting bodies and betting firms, while the federal<br /> government will oversee the formation of a national sports integrity office. Objective is to make an attempt to wipe out corruption in sports,<br /> including cricket.<br /> Net direct tax collection up 7 % during Apr-Oct<br /> Net direct tax collections increased 7.10 per cent at Rs 2,18,850 crore during April-October 2011 against Rs 2,04,347 crore in the same<br /> period last fiscal, according to official statement<br /> Gross direct tax collection during the reported period was up 20.28 per cent at Rs 2,84,081 crore as against Rs 2,36,176 crore in the April-<br /> October 2010.<br /> While gross collection of corporate taxes was up 20.35 per cent at Rs 1,89,872 crore against Rs 1,57,767 crore in April-October 2010, the<br /> gross collection of personal income tax was up by 20.17 per cent at Rs 93,769 crore against Rs 78,029 crore last year.<br /> Growth in wealth tax was 10.6 per cent (Rs 418 crore against Rs 378 crore), while for securities transaction tax (STT), it was a fall of 17.9<br /> per cent (Rs 2,958 crore against Rs 3,602 crore).<br /> Arunachal is to host National Weightlifting Championship<br /> Arunachal Weightlifting Association (AWA) will organise National Weightlifting Championship for the first time from November 21.<br /> All 28 states, seven Union Territories and Railways are expected to participate in the 10-day event.<br /> NCW gets maximum complaints from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi:<br /> Uttar Pradesh tops the list of complaints made to the National Commission for Women (NCW), followed by Delhi. This was stated by NCW</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 26, 2011<br /> 2011-09-26 12:09:13 GKToday<br /> PRITHVI (P-II) successfully test fired<br /> PRITHVI (P-II), Surface to surface strategic Missile developed by DRDO was successfully flight tested at on September 26, 2011, from<br /> Launch Complex-III, ITR, Chandipur, Balasore District in Orissa<br /> Launch operations carried by Armed Forces as part of usual training exercises<br /> DRDO monitored the launch<br /> It met all the mission objectives<br /> It is the first indigenous surface to surface strategic Missile<br /> Range: 350 km Load<br /> Propelled by: Liquid propulsion twin engine<br /> Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology conferred on<br /> 11 Scientists by CSIR<br /> 11 scientists were conferred with the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology for the year 2011 by<br /> The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)<br /> September 26: CSIR foundation Day<br /> 463 scientists (including 14 women scientists) have been conferred Prize till 2010<br /> The list of the awardees in the various categories is as follows:<br /> Biological Sciences<br /> 1. Dr Amit Prakash Sharma (International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi)<br /> 2. Dr Rajan Sankaranarayanan (CSIR Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, Hyderabad).<br /> Chemical Sciences<br /> 1. Dr Balasubramanian Sundaram (Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore)<br /> 2. Dr Garikapati Narahari Sastry (CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad).<br /> Earth, Atmosapere, Ocean & Planetary Sciences<br /> 1. Dr Shanker Doraiswamy (CSIR National Institute of Oceanography, Goa)<br /> Engineering Sciences<br /> 1. Dr Sirshendu De (Indian Institute of Technology, Dharagpur)<br /> 2. Dr Upadrasta Ramamurty (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore)<br /> Mahtematical Sciences</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: August 26, 2011<br /> 2011-08-26 19:08:26 GKToday<br /> Government emphasizes to prohibit corporal punishment in Schools<br /> Government has emphasized that corporal punishment in schools is prohibited<br /> Expressing concern over the rising cases of corporal punishment by teachers in<br /> schools, the HRD minister Kapil Sibal expressed that the CBSE has issued<br /> directions to its associated Schools not to resort to physical punishment of<br /> Students<br /> National Commission for Protection of Child Rights had also received complaints<br /> Mr Sibal expressed that under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory<br /> Education Act, 2009, no child between 6 to 14 years of age shall be subjected to<br /> physical punishment or mental harassment<br /> Mother Teresa’s 101 st birth anniversary: 26 th August 2011<br /> Mother Teresa (26 August 1910 – 5 September 1997), born Agnes<br /> Gonxha Bojaxhiu, was a Catholic nun of Albanian ethnicity and Indian<br /> citizenship,who founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India<br /> in 1950<br /> For over 45 years she ministered in her own way to the poor, sick,<br /> orphaned, and dying, while guiding the Missionaries of Charity’s<br /> expansion, first throughout India and then in other countries.<br /> Following her death she was beatified by Pope John Paul II and given the title<br /> Blessed Teresa of Calcutta<br /> She received numerous awards, including a number from the Indian Government,<br /> one of which was the Bharat Ratna (1980), as well as international awards, such as<br /> the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979<br /> Gujarat Governor appoints Justice R.A Mehta As Lokayukta<br /> Gujarat Governor appointed former Justice of Gujarat High Court<br /> Justice R.A. Mehta as Lokayukta in Gujarat<br /> Under the Lokayukt Act of Gujarat, 1986, the Governor has the<br /> power to appoint Lokayukt in the State on the recommendation of<br /> Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court<br /> Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court had already recommended the<br /> name of former Judge Justice R.A. Mehta as Lokayukt but the State Government<br /> was not appointing Lokayukt in the State since last seven years<br /> Justice R.A. Mehta was appointed as Lokayukt in the State for a 5-year term<br /> LG ICC Awards 2011 to be held in London on September 12, 2011<br /> The ICC Awards is a set of sports awards for cricket. The awards<br /> recognise and honour the best international cricket players of the<br /> previous 12 months</div> <div></div> <div>they revere as their guardian deity<br /> The festival also marks the signing of the historic blood<br /> brotherhood treaty between the ethnic Bhutia and Lepcha tribes in the<br /> 13th century A.D.<br /> MS Dhoni named captain of ICC ODI Team of Year<br /> Indian captain MS Dhoni has been named as captain of the ICC ODI Team<br /> of the Year and keeps wicket for fourth year in a row<br /> ODI Team of the Year has been chosen by a especially chosen selection<br /> panel chaired by West Indian batting legend and former captain Clive<br /> Lloyd<br /> ODI team of the year:<br /> MS Dhoni (IND) (capt & wk), Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL), Virender Sehwag (IND),<br /> Kumar Sangakkara (SL), AB de Villiers (SA), Shane Watson (AUS), Yuvraj Singh<br /> (IND), Graeme Swann (ENG), Umar Gul (PAK), Dale Steyn (SA), Zaheer Khan (IND),<br /> 12th Man – Lasith Malinga (SL)</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : June 27, 2011<br /> 2011-06-29 09:06:12 GKToday<br /> 17th SAARC summit<br /> 17th SAARC summit to be held in Maldives from the November 10, 2011<br /> Theme of the two-day summit will be -”building bridges”<br /> Objective of selecting the theme is to unite member countries in order to build an<br /> improved region<br /> SAARC consists of India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal,<br /> Bhutan and Maldives<br /> In order to wipe out witchcraft practice Assam Government escalates<br /> awareness activities<br /> In Assam, Govt steped up alertness activities to wipe out witchcraft practice<br /> widespread in a few parts of the state<br /> Awareness drive in the effected districts<br /> The Assam State Commission for Women in association with the Assam Police,<br /> revitalized the Project Prahari<br /> Project Prahari:<br /> A Plan of the state police, on track to combat the ill practice of witchcraft<br /> Street drama, circulation of leaflets and alertness meetings being held in the<br /> susceptible areas of the state<br /> Basant Nayak: Renowned Film Producer& Director of Odia Film Industry<br /> passed away<br /> Basant Nayak: Noted film producer and director of Odia film industry<br /> Produced several successful movies<br /> First production-direction venture was “Naga Phasa” in 1977<br /> Produced hit movies ‘Jahaku Rakhibe Ananta’ and ‘I Love You’ and ‘Don’<br /> Basant Nayak owned Brajraj Movies<br /> Ollywood: Odia film industry<br /> Rs 181 crore discharged by Union for the 7 Eastern States to stretch Green<br /> Revolution<br /> Centre released over Rs 181 Crore for the seven eastern states<br /> Including Eastern UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Chattisgarh, West Bengal and<br /> Assam to extend Green Revolution to east India<br /> Objective: To boost crop productivity in Eastern India which has two to three times<br /> additional rainfall compared to the Northwest States and yet low crop productivity<br /> The scheme introduced under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana in the<br /> financial year 2010-11 with an allocation of Rs 400 Crore<br /> India’s next Foreign Secretary: Ranjan Mathai<br /> Mr. Ranjan Mathai (currently India’s Ambassador to France) to be the next<br /> Foreign Secretary of India<br /> He succeeds Ms Nirupama Rao, who retires on July 31, 2011</div> <div>11 IID projects in Assam approved by the Centre<br /> The Central Government has approved setting up of 11 Integrated<br /> Infrastructure Development (IID) projects for endorsement of small-scale<br /> industries and rural economy in Assam<br /> The IID centres to offer infrastructural requirements to endorse firm linkages b/w<br /> agriculture and industry in addition to generating rural employment in those areas<br /> not covered by the Industrial Growth Centre project<br /> Every IID centre to cost around Rs 5 Crore , of which, Rs 4 Crores to be granted by<br /> the Centre<br /> Singhvi reappointed as chairman of Lokpal standing Committee<br /> Mr. Abhishek Singhvi has been reappointed as Chairman of the<br /> Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances<br /> and Law and Justice, paving the way for early consultations over the<br /> Lokpal Bill<br /> The 31-member Committee is among the several Parliamentary Committees<br /> reconstituted by Speaker Meira Kumar in consultation with Rajya Sabha Chairman<br /> Hamid Ansari<br /> The Committee to give its report in 3 months<br /> The term of the previous Committee chaired by Mr. Singhvi ended on the August<br /> 31, 2011</div> <div>Mrs Nupur Mitra has been appointed as Chairperson and Managing Director of<br /> public sector Dena Bank. She replaces Mr D L Rawal, who retired as CMD of the<br /> Bank on October 31. Dena Bank, with its 1299 branches and a large presence in<br /> Maharashtra and Gujarat has also identified Agriculture, MSME and Retail as thrust<br /> areas for lending.<br /> Kanimozhi denied bail in 2G Spectrum case<br /> CBI Special judge O P Saini dismissed the bail petitions of DMK MP Kanimozhi and<br /> seven other accused in 2G Spectrum scam case.<br /> The other accused are Kalaignar TV director Sharad Kumar, film producer Karim<br /> Morani, Kusegaon realty promoter Rajev Aggarwal, Asif Balwa, Swan Telecom<br /> promoter Shahid Usman Balwa, Raja s private Secretary R K Chandolia and former<br /> Secretary Telecom department Siddharth Behura.<br /> Dudhwa national park to open for public from Nov 15<br /> Dudhwa National Park is to be opened for tourist from November 15 after the<br /> monsoon closure.<br /> Dudhwa National Park of Uttar Pradesh is spread in around the area of 680 km<br /> with a buffer area of almost 190 km of the national park on the Indo-Nepal border<br /> of Lakhimpur Kheri district.<br /> The national park was established in 1958 as a wildlife sanctuary and the area was<br /> notified as a national park in January 1977.<br /> In 1988, the park was declared as a tiger reserve, and forms the Dudhwa Tiger<br /> Reserve together with the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary.<br /> Dudhwa National Park is home to one of the finest Sal forests in India, some of<br /> these trees are more than 150 years old and over 70 feet tall.<br /> Hispid Hare, earlier thought to have become extinct, was rediscovered here in<br /> 1984.<br /> In the mid 1980s, Indian Rhinoceros was reintroduced into Dudhwa from Assam<br /> and Nepal.<br /> Pushkar Camel Fair begins<br /> World famous Camel Fair began in Pushkar in a traditional way with ceremonial<br /> flag hosting and worship on November 3, but the actual five-day socio-religious<br /> annual event of Pushkar Fair will begin from November 6 on the auspicious day of<br /> Devprabodhini Ikadashi with ceremonial worship of the holy Pushkar sarovar.<br /> Since ancient era, dating back to 2000-3000 years, several lakhs of devotees from<br /> different parts of the country throng the lake for five days untill the full moon day<br /> of Kartik Purnima in October-November every year to take a holy dip in the lake.<br /> India opens the commercial bids of Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale<br /> India is in the final stages of its quest to buy 126 medium multi-role combat<br /> aircraft, estimated to be worth $10.4 billion, as the defence ministry opens the<br /> commercial bids of Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale to take a final call on the<br /> lowest bidder.<br /> Bangladesh Sundarbans to have dolphin sanctuaries<br /> Bangladesh will soon declare parts of the river area near the Sundarbans as<br /> “dolphin sanctuaries” to ensure a safe environment for the endangered freshwater<br /> mammals.</div> <div>266 ‘unwanted’ ‘Nakushas’ to be renamed “Aishwarya”<br /> Pointing an end to the practice in countryside Maharashtra of naming a girl child<br /> Nakusha (unwanted), particularly if the family was anticipating the birth of a boy,<br /> the Local Govt authorities “renamed” 266 such identified girls as Aishwarya<br /> (wealth) on Saturday October 22, 2011 at the Satara District, Maharashtra.<br /> Assam: Ranked 1 st in rice production<br /> The Union Agriculture Ministry ranked Assam 1 st in position in rice production in<br /> 2010-11.<br /> Assam produced around 51 lakh Metric ton rice in 2010-11 which is 15.4% higher<br /> than the year-ago period.<br /> Begum Nusrat Bhutto wife of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto passes away<br /> Begum Nusrat Bhutto (82), Wife of former Pakistani Prime Minister<br /> Zulfikar Ali Bhutto passed away. She was 82. She married Zulfikar Ali<br /> Bhutto in 1951. She is also the mother late Benazir Bhutto, former PPP<br /> chairman and former Pakistani Prime Minister.<br /> Massive Earthquake in Turkey<br /> A massive Earthquake of 7.3 magnitude in southeast part of the Turkey claimed<br /> 500-1,000 lives. Emergency workers battled to rescue people trapped in buildings<br /> in the city of Van and surrounding districts on the banks of Lake Van, near<br /> Turkey’s border with Iran.<br /> World Polio Day observed on October 24, 2011<br /> The World Polio Day was observed on October 24, 2011. On the<br /> occasion of World Polio day, the Govt has also determined to take<br /> care of any new case of polio as a public health emergency.<br /> Govt has prepared an Emergency Response Plan to give polio vaccines to children<br /> in all high risk areas. An intensive immunisation campaign has been launched all<br /> over the country to totally eliminate polio.<br /> In a noteworthy accomplishment, only 1 polio case has been noticed in<br /> India so far in 2011, making it the longest polio free period.<br /> 50 th raising day celebrated by ITBP on October 24, 2011<br /> ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police Force) celebrated its 50 th raising day<br /> on October 24, 2011.<br /> The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is an Indian force conceived on<br /> October 24, 1962 for security along the India’s border with the Tibet Autonomous<br /> Region of China, border covering 2115 kilometres. It is one of the Central Armed<br /> Police Forces. Only four battalions were sanctioned to begin with, to fill up the<br /> security vacuum that was prevalent at that time on the Indo-Tibetan border. Later<br /> in view of the additional responsibilities and the task redefined in 1976, the Force<br /> was restructured in 1978.<br /> The ITBP is trained in Civil Medical Camp, disaster management, and nuclear,<br /> biological and chemical disasters. ITBP personnel have been deployed abroad in<br /> UN peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Haiti, Sudan, and<br /> elsewhere.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : July 9, 2011<br /> 2011-07-09 14:07:49 GKToday<br /> South Sudan: An Independent Nation now<br /> South Sudan emerged as the an Independent Nation<br /> 54th nation of Africa<br /> 193rd country recognized by the UN and the 54th UN member state in Africa<br /> Born out of referendum in January, 2011 (Referendum: A popular vote by the<br /> electorate whether to approve a specific legislative act)<br /> In the referendum nearly 99% of mainly Christian and Animist in South Sudan<br /> voted for independence from the Muslim and Arab majority, ending years of civil<br /> war<br /> This Historic moment was witnessed by Honorable Vice President of India<br /> Mohd. Hamid Ansari<br /> (*This indicates India’s support for the nation)<br /> Formal proclamation of independence made today by Sudan’s President Omar al-<br /> Bashir and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon<br /> Food Bill sent by the NAC to the Government<br /> The NAC (National Advisory Committee) headed by Ms Sonia Gandhi sent the draft<br /> Food Security Bill to the Union Government<br /> Draft Bill attempts for legal food entitlements to 90% Rural and 50% Urban<br /> households via formation of priority and general categories of ration<br /> card holders<br /> Bill also suggests the establishment of a National Food Commission and State<br /> Food Commissions to supervise the implementation of the Act<br /> The a National Food Commission and State Food Commissions to have<br /> powers of a civil court to hold enquiries<br /> The 5 th Conference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and<br /> Parliamentarians<br /> The 5 th Conference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and<br /> Parliamentarians commences in New Delhi<br /> Almost 130 delegates, observers and additional persons from<br /> the eight SAARC countries to attend the four day<br /> Conference<br /> Afghanistan, which joined SAARC in 2007 as its eighth<br /> member, joins the Conference formally for the first time<br /> Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the<br /> Conference<br /> President of the Conference: Ms Meira Kumar (The<br /> Speaker of Lok Sabha)<br /> Ms Meira Kumar to deliver the Welcome Address in her<br /> capacity as the President of the Conference<br /> Bill concerning Sports Bodies to be introduced in the</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 25, 2011<br /> 2011-09-25 12:09:06 GKToday<br /> Delhi Metro: First Metro rail-based system to get Carbon Credits<br /> Delhi Metro certified by the UN as the first metro rail-based system in<br /> the world to get carbon credits<br /> The carbon credits offered to Delhi Metro for contributing to the fight<br /> against climate change by aiding in diminishing pollution levels in the city by 6.3<br /> lakh tonnes annually<br /> Delhi Metro assisted to remove more than 91,000 vehicles from the roads of Delhi<br /> per day<br /> Thus the Metro has aided in reducing pollution and emission of green house gases<br /> as it is a totally non-polluting and environment-friendly system.<br /> For sovereignty of Azerbaijan, India assures its support<br /> India pledged its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of<br /> the Republic of Azerbaijan<br /> Both the nations settled to reinforce the institutional framework b/w the 2<br /> countries<br /> Azerbaijan is considered one of the most significant spots in the world for oil<br /> exploration and development.<br /> “Rajiv Gandhi International Prize for Technology in Education” to be<br /> conferred on Azim Premji Foundation by IGNOU<br /> IGNOU to confer Rajiv Gandhi International Prize for Technology in Education upon<br /> Azim Premji Foundation<br /> The first awardee for this International Prize for Technology in<br /> Education and Development is the Azim Premji Foundation<br /> In its Silver Jubilee Year, The Rajiv Gandhi International Prize for Technology in<br /> Education and Development was instituted by IGNOU<br /> The award carries a cash amount of 5 Lakh rupees and a citation<br /> The prize to be given to an individual/institution that has made noteworthy<br /> contributions in education chiefly educational technology, for progress in<br /> developing countries across the world.<br /> Tehri Garhwal all set to become FIRST Himalayan site to set up a wind<br /> energy farm<br /> Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand all set to become the first Himalayan site,<br /> where the state government has given its nod to set up a wind energy farm on a<br /> hill top with the help of Central Government<br /> A notification to this effect has already been issued for producing 2.4 megawatt of<br /> wind power<br /> The Project funded by centre aims to exploit wind energy in the state<br /> Makau, Kenyan runner sets new world record in men’s marathon<br /> Kenyan runner Patrick Makau set a new world record for the men’s<br /> marathon</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: September 27, 2011<br /> 2011-09-27 12:09:06 GKToday<br /> State Agricultural Marketing Corporation to be established by West<br /> Bengal<br /> State Agricultural Marketing Corporation to be established by the West<br /> Bengal Govt<br /> Objective: To stop distraint sale of agricultural products by the farmers, to ensure that the farmers get proper prices of their products<br /> In order to Check Cow Slaughter in State, Gujarat Assembly Passes Bill<br /> Gujarat Legislative Assembly passed the Gujarat Animal Preservation (Amendment) Bill 2011<br /> Objective: To stop/discourage Cow Slaughter, 7-year jail term for cow slaughter or even transporting the animal for that purpose<br /> Due to the presence of some loopholes in the current law in Gujarat, which bans the slaughter of milch cattle below the age of 16 years,<br /> some cows are still slaughtered<br /> As per the provisions of Gujarat Animal Preservation Act (GAPA) 1954, in spite of ban on cow slaughter is there, there is no provision in<br /> the Act to prevent transportation of the animal for slaughter<br /> There had been a strong demand from the Maldharis (Pastoral People) in Gujarat for stricter laws against cow slaughter and trade of beef<br /> Extradition of Under World Don Abu Salem cancelled by the Portuguese High Court<br /> Cancellation of extradition of underworld Don Abu Salem was ordered by Portuguese High Court ordered for violation of agreement by India<br /> for slapping criminal offenses which draw death penalty<br /> Portugese court held that in observation of the fresh charges against Salem which demand death penalty, the authorization approved for his<br /> extradition has been terminated<br /> India beats Pakistan to lift Asian Kabaddi Title<br /> Indian Kabaddi team beat Pakistan to lift its first-ever Circle Style Asian Kabaddi title at Tabriz in Iran<br /> This was the first time that the championship was played outside India<br /> 8 nations participated in the championship<br /> Punjab’s Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who popularized the conventional game at international level, cited that the Asia Cup<br /> was a trailer of the 2 nd World Cup, to be held in the state of Punjab from November 1, 2011<br /> No commercials, unwanted SMS from today<br /> Telecom Users all over India will now be eased from unwelcome commercial calls<br /> and messages<br /> Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations<br /> 2010 was formally inaugurated by Kapil Sibal, Communications and Information<br /> Technology Minister<br /> The regulations will facilitate consumers to list themselves on the National<br /> Consumer Preference Register, NCPR by merely dialling 1909 or sending an<br /> SMS to this number<br /> Under the new regulations, telemarketers will also have to list themselves on the<br /> NCPR website<br /> Heavy fines to be forced on telemarketers transferring unwelcome calls to<br /> registered customers<br /> TRAI’s guidelines confining the number of SMSes sent per day to 100 by private<br /> mobile phone numbers also comes into force</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: October 14, 2011<br /> 2011-10-14 15:10:43 GKToday<br /> Appoint Child Welfare Officers in Every Police Station: SC to States and<br /> UTs<br /> The apex Court of India maneuvered the States and UTs to appoint child welfare officers in each police station. Objective: For supervising<br /> and expanding improved handling to juveniles by the police.<br /> The top court, which is supervising the execution of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, also intended for that state<br /> and national legal services authorities issue apt guidelines for training and orientation of police officers, who could be nominated as child<br /> welfare officers.<br /> New Policy for Overseas Acquisition of raw material assets by profit<br /> making PSUs approved<br /> A fresh policy for acquisition of raw material assets from abroad by CPSEs (Central Public Sector Enterprises) possessing a 3 year record<br /> of profit was approved by the Union Cabinet. By this policy, Navratna firms will be able to invest up to Rs 3,000 Crore in such assets without<br /> Govt approval (The current limit is Rs 1,000 Crore). Policy to ease the acquirement of coal, iron ore and other possessions abroad.<br /> IIFC brought under RBI’s supervision<br /> IIFC (India Infrastructure Finance Company) limited has been brought under the<br /> supervision of Reserve Bank of India. It will augment the professional capability of<br /> IIFC and improve its capital base from Rs 2,000 Crore to Rs 5,000 Crore.<br /> It can additionally be augmented to Rs 8,000 Crore following the authorization<br /> from the Finance Minister.<br /> Stake bought by the Sahara Group in Force India F1 team<br /> The Sahara Group bought 42.5% stake, worth USD 100 million, Force India F1<br /> team (owned by Vijay Mallya’s UB Group). Following the Team name has been<br /> changed to Sahara Force India.<br /> So, the stakes in the Sahara Force India F1 Team now are as follows:-<br /> Sahara India: 42.5%<br /> UB Group: 42.5%<br /> MoI Family: 15%<br /> Government ascertains quicker supply of coal through e-auctions<br /> Government has determined to present e-auction of coal to make sure quicker<br /> supply to Power generation units. The move will assist power sector to trounce the<br /> impermanent deficit of coal.<br /> Coal Ministry will assign extra amount of coal to the power sector from the e-<br /> auction quota. e-auction is a process whereby coal is sold at spot market price.<br /> Nearly 10% of the total coal produced by state-run Coal India is sold via e-auction.<br /> Govt probable to take verdict on obligatory hallmarking gold jewellery<br /> Govt probable to take verdict on obligatory hallmarking of gold jewellery in 3<br /> months.<br /> Objective: Hallmarking will guarantee the purity or fine quality of the valuable<br /> metal. At present, the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standard) hallmarking scheme for</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : July 17, 2011<br /> 2011-07-17 22:07:35 GKToday<br /> World Bank probable to approve $1 Billion credit for NRLP<br /> The Rural Development Ministry to sign agreement with World Bank for Soft Loan<br /> worth of $ 1 billion<br /> Objective of the Loan: To implement the National Rural Livelihoods<br /> Project (NRLP)<br /> under National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)<br /> Distribution of project funds among the states to be based on the relative share of<br /> rural BPL population in the total states<br /> Hugo Chavez delegates some of his powers to VP & FM<br /> Venezuelan President: Hugo Chavez<br /> Mr. Hugo arrived in Cuba to continue receiving medical treatment on<br /> cancer detected<br /> Mr. Chavez delegated some of his responsibilities to Vice President Elias<br /> Jaua temporarily<br /> 2011 Military World Games open in Rio de Janeiro<br /> 2011 Military World Games opened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil<br /> Games are officially known as the 5th CISM Military World Games<br /> About 4,900 athletes from 88 countries competing in 24 events<br /> during the 9-day Games<br /> A group of 149 services personnel will represent the Indian armed forces at the<br /> Games<br /> They include a number of National, Commonwealth and Asian Games medalists<br /> India will participate in 12 disciplines and the team include ace shooter Sanjeev<br /> Rajpur and star boxers Suranjoy Singh, T. Nanao Singh and Chhote Lall Yadav<br /> The Indian contingent is headed by Air Marshal J.N.Burma, President, Services<br /> Sports Control Board<br /> Volcano Mount Lokon re-erupts in Indonesia<br /> A volcano in North Sulawesi in central Indonesia has re-erupted<br /> Mount Lokon re-erupted spewing ash up to 3,000 to 3,500 meters high and<br /> moving to the north<br /> Mount Lokon of 1,750 meters high is one of Indonesia’s 129 active<br /> volcanoes<br /> `<br /> 250 Crore Tax payed by the India’s Richest Sporting body BCCI<br /> Keeping its reputation of being India’s richest sporting body , the<br /> Board of Control for Cricket in India, BCCI paid taxes to the tune of `<br /> 250 Crore for the last financial year</div> <div>The Information and Broadcasting Minister: Ms Ambika Soni<br /> 3 rd phase of expansion policy stretches out FM Radio services to about 227 new<br /> cities, over the present 86 cities<br /> The private FM channels will also carry All India Radio News bulletins<br /> $400 Million Loan to MP by the Asian Development Bank<br /> ADB (Asian Development Bank) to provide a $400 million loan to Madhya Pradesh<br /> To support rural development and establishment of business and employment<br /> opportunities in the state To provide 24-hour electricity to rural households<br /> To generate better Educational Opportunities for the state’s poor<br /> To ascertain inclusive growth and development in rural areas<br /> ADB to provide $200 million to the state in the first stage and besides this it will<br /> also provide Technical assistance of $1 Million for the Training of poor Women in<br /> target districts as Entrepreneurs</div> <div>The Cabinet Committee of Infrastructure also gave its nod to the development of<br /> four laning of 54 km long Walayar -Vadakkancherry section on National Highway-<br /> 47 in Kerala<br /> Both these projects are expected to raise the employment potential for local<br /> laborers<br /> Haryana bans virgin and recycled plastic<br /> Haryana State Government prohibited the manufacturing, sale, supply<br /> and use of virgin and recycled plastic carry bags and recycled plastic<br /> containers<br /> Step taken after considering the undesirable effects of its use on the environment,<br /> health and local ecology<br /> No person would be allowed to manufacture, sale or use containers made of<br /> recycled plastic for storing, carrying, dispensing or packing of food stuffs<br /> Only containers made by using natural color or white plastic and recycled plastic<br /> using pigments and colorants as per standards and specifications of BIS (Bureau of<br /> Indian Standards) are allowed<br /> Perfect landing by Atlantis<br /> The space shuttle Atlantis made a perfect landing, bringing an official end to 30<br /> years of U.S. space shuttle missions<br /> At 0556 Local Time, the space ship with a crew of 4 astronauts on board touched<br /> the ground at the Kennedy Space Center in the southern state of Florida<br /> Perfect weather conditions and a crowd of hundreds welcomed the shuttle home<br /> Atlantis’ 13-day mission capped off its 33 rd and final flight after 26 years in<br /> service<br /> The 4 th shuttle in NASA’s fleet, Atlantis first flew into space in October 1985. The<br /> crew departed from the ISS (International Space Station) after an 8-day visit to<br /> deliver a year’s worth of supplies, and haul trash and used equipment back to<br /> Earth<br /> To Develop Kankesanthurai port India and Sri Lanka sign MoU<br /> Kankesanthurai (KKS) harbor: In Sri Lanka in the Jaffna peninsula<br /> KKS soon to be developed with the aid of India<br /> India and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop the<br /> Kankesanthurai (KKS) port<br /> The Kankesanthurai Harbor was earlier destroyed during the 30 year war with the<br /> LTTE<br /> India: 10 th in Global Export of Services<br /> As per latest WTO (World Trade Report) report, 2011:<br /> India attained 10 th rank in export of services worldwide<br /> India emerged as the 20 th biggest merchandise exporter in 2010<br /> In 2009, India stood 12 th and 22 nd Globally in Services and Goods Exports,<br /> respectively<br /> In value terms, India exported Services worth $ 110 bn and merchandise exports<br /> worth $216 bn last year</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Reverse Repo Rate<br /> 2011-10-25 06:10:00 GKToday<br /> The RBI raised the RR (Repo Rate) and the RRR (Reverse Repo Rate) by 25 basis<br /> points on October 25, 2011. The Reserve Bank of India raised the repurchase rate to<br /> 8.50%. The reverse repurchase rate, or its borrowing rate, will be adjusted 0.25<br /> percentage points higher at 7.50%, while the marginal standing facility will be reset to<br /> 9.50%.<br /> Reverse repo rate is the rate of interest at which the RBI borrows funds from other banks in the short term . This is done by RBI selling<br /> government bonds / securities to banks with the commitment to buy them back at a future date. The banks use the reverse repo facility to<br /> deposit their short-term excess funds with the RBI and earn interest on it. RBI can reduce liquidity in the banking system by increasing the rate at<br /> which it borrows from banks. Hiking the repo and reverse repo rate ends up reducing the liquidity and pushes up interest rates.<br /> How Reverse Repo Rate Works?<br /> When the RBI increases the Reverse Repo, it means that now the RBI will provide extra interest on the money which it borrows from the banks. An<br /> increase in reverse repo rate means that banks earn higher returns by lending to RBI. This indicates a hike in the deposit rates.</div> <div>Opening price of the Tata Nano is 7.98 lahks nepali rupees<br /> Nepal is the second country after Sri Lanka where the car will be available<br /> internationally<br /> To mark the debut of the car, two nano’s are on a nationwide rally “Nano Yatra<br /> Nepal”<br /> IIFA awards<br /> IIFA (Indian International Film Academy) Awards in Toronto<br /> Best Film: Dabangg<br /> Special honours: Veteran actor Dharmendra and singer Asha Bhosle.<br /> Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan (For ‘My Name Is Khan’)<br /> Best Director: Karan Johar won (For ‘My Name Is Khan’)<br /> Best Actress: Anushka Sharma (For ‘Band Baaja Baraat’)<br /> Best Debut Male: Ranveer Singh (For ‘Band Baaja Baraat’)<br /> Best Debut (Female): Sonakshi Sinha (For ‘Dabangg’)<br /> Best Actor (Negative Role): Sonu Sood (For ‘Dabangg’)<br /> Best Music Direction: Sajid-Wajid alongwith Lalit Pandit (For ‘Dabangg’)<br /> Best Screenplay: Abhinav Kashyap and Dilip Shukla<br /> Best Supporting Actor: Arjun Rampal (For ‘Raajneeti’)<br /> Best Supporting Actoress: Prachi Desai (For ‘Once Upon A Time In Mumbai’)<br /> 2012 London Olympics: Gurmeet qualifies for in Race Walking<br /> Gurmeet Singh of India qualified for the 2012 London Olympics 20-Km Race<br /> Walking Competition after finishing 6 th in the 18th Dublin International Grand Prix<br /> in Ireland<br /> Gurmeet clocked One hour, 22 minutes, zero seven seconds to better the London<br /> Games qualifying ‘A’ standard of One hour, 22 minutes, three zero seconds at the<br /> Phoenix Park in Dublin, Ireland<br /> He also qualified for the World Championships to be held in Daegu, South Korea,<br /> from August 27 to September 4, 2011<br /> The Dublin International GP is a London Olympics and World<br /> Championships qualifying event as it is an IAAF Challenge Meet held<br /> under a European Athletics Permit<br /> The qualifying standards of London Olympics and World Championships are the<br /> same<br /> Women’s Asian Junior Under-19 Championship Title won by Anaka<br /> Alankamony<br /> Anaka Alankamony, a 16-year old girl from Chennai clinched the gold in the<br /> Women’s Asian<br /> Junior Under-19 squash Championship in Jordan<br /> Anaka beat top seed Tong Tsz-Wing from Hong Kong in the Finals<br /> Anaka now becomes the third Indian to win the crown after Joshna Chinappa and<br /> Dipika Pallikal<br /> Saina Nehwal finishes as Runner-Up in the final of the Indonesia Open<br /> Saina Nehwal finished as Runner-Up in the Indonesia Open Super Series<br /> Badminton Tournament<br /> In the Final Match in Jakarta , the defending champion lost to Yihan Wang (China)</div> <div>United States in 1971 left the system due to domestic troubles<br /> with high inflation<br /> The moves ignited global economic uncertainty and to oil prices<br /> Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams win Rogers Cup Tennis Title<br /> Serbian, Novak Djokovic won the Rogers Cup Men’s<br /> Singles Tennis Title<br /> American Serena Williams won the Rogers Cup Women’s Singles Tennis Title<br /> “Maharshi Badrayan Vyas Samman”<br /> The President confered prestigious Maharshi Badrayan Vyas Samman to 8 scholars<br /> in Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic and Pali languages<br /> The distinction is conferred once a year on the Independence Day in<br /> recognition of substantial contribution in the field of Sanskrit,<br /> Pali/Prakrit, Arabic and Persian<br /> SANSKRIT<br /> Dr. Braj Bhushan Ojha, Dr. Somanath Dash, Dr. Sampadananda Mishra, Dr.<br /> Veernaryana N.K. Pandurangi, Dr. Dharmendra Kumar Singhdeo<br /> PERSIAN<br /> Dr. Shahid Naukhez Azmi<br /> ARABIC<br /> Dr. Mujeebur Rahman<br /> PALI<br /> Dr. Mahaveer Prabhachandra Shastri<br /> The President also awarded Certificate of Honour to twenty three scholars<br /> Bangladesh observes National mourning Day<br /> Bangladesh observed National mourning Day on August 15,<br /> 2011 to mark the 36 th Death Anniversary of the country’s<br /> Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rehman<br /> On August 15, 1975 Sheikh Mujibur Rehman and all his family members<br /> except current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and his younger daughter<br /> Sheikh Rehana were assassinated</div> <div>To deal with the nuisance of forged certificates for getting admission to<br /> educational institutions, Government will table a Bill<br /> The Academic Depository Bill, 2011 which has been cleared by the Cabinet,<br /> to be tabled in the Monsoon session of Parliament commencing from August 1,<br /> 2011<br /> The Certificates will be in De-mat format in order that no one is able to produce<br /> forged certificates<br /> Objective: To curb the menace in the wake of increasing cases of getting<br /> admission through fake certificates<br /> New Anti Piracy Bill<br /> The Government will bring a New Anti Piracy bill in the monsoon session of Parliament<br /> Objective:<br /> The Indian piracy bill being vetted by the Law Ministry, to empower the Navy to<br /> arrest pirates in open seas and try them in the Indian courts<br /> The bill also allows Indian courts to prosecute pirates<br /> The bill attempts to define<br /> “Piracy”<br /> The people who can be termed as “Pirates”<br /> The Courts of law which would be trying these Pirates<br /> The amount of punishment<br /> Right now piracy is taken care under the provisions of IPC (Indian Penal Code)<br /> and the Admiralty law<br /> Several Ministries including Defence, Shipping and External Affairs have given<br /> their suggestions for framing the proposed law<br /> 14-team format for the Cricket World Cup 2015<br /> Under attack for its verdict to limit the 2015 World Cup to 10 teams, the ICC<br /> decided to restore the associate nations by returning to the old 14-team for the<br /> event<br /> The ICC had in April 2011 decided to restrict the 2015 World Cup in Australia and<br /> New Zealand to top 10 nations only<br /> The verdict was strongly opposed by the associate nations like Ireland and the<br /> Netherlands<br /> An elite unit to be prepared by the Government to address the issue of<br /> financing of terrorist activities<br /> The GOI to set up place an elite unit in the Home Ministry to efficiently address<br /> the issue of financing of terrorist activities<br /> The First-ever such cell will function under the MoHA<br /> But to be headed by an officer of the Indian Revenue Service<br /> The unit to function as the “nodal office” b/w several investigative and<br /> enforcement agencies to address solely with cases of terror financing and cases<br /> of money laundering for such activities<br /> The cell to have a strength of 8 Officials ab initio and will be a part of the Internal<br /> Security-I division of the Home Ministry<br /> Karchan Wangtoo Hydro Electricity Project in Kinnaur, HP, commences<br /> generating electricity</div> <div>Noda becomes Japan’s sixth Prime Minister since 2006.<br /> Kerala celebrates Atham festival<br /> Atham, harbingers the ten day long Onam festivities in Kerala.<br /> Atham is celebrated to welcome the legendary king Mahabali who is believed to visit homes on Thiruvonam day. The Onam festivities<br /> culminate on the tenth day of Atham on Thiruvonam day.<br /> To address mental health problem Government inks MoU with University<br /> of Melbourne<br /> A MoU was signed in Delhi between the Health and Family Welfare Ministry and University of Melbourne to address the problem of mental<br /> health in the country and the treatment gap on it.<br /> Four key pilot sites across India have been identified for the program<br /> Over the next two years, each of the four field sites will be supported by a tertiary care mental health institute and a local administrative<br /> committee representing the broad community stakeholders in partnership with the Health and Family Welfare ministry.<br /> Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi arrives in Kolkata<br /> Argentine superstar Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata for a friendly match<br /> against Venezuela</div> <div>Government undertook the road safety audit for the selected stretches of National<br /> Highways and Express ways<br /> Objective: To make Roads accident free<br /> Highway Authority follows Indian Road Congress (IRC) specifications in order to<br /> minimize the possibility of accidents<br /> Government contemplating to increase export duty on iron ore<br /> In order to discourage its export Government is considering increasing duty on<br /> iron ore<br /> Government has thus increased the duty from 5% to 20%<br /> The % of iron ore being exported from India is reducing regularly<br /> In 2008-09, it has reduced from around 106 million tonnes to over 97 million<br /> tonnes<br /> The total domestic consumption of iron ore in last fiscal was over 111 million tones<br /> and its production is about double the consumption in the domestic market<br /> Steps being taken to make available necessary iron ore by the steel plants across<br /> the country<br /> State Governments have been asked for taking stringent actions to check illegal<br /> mining of iron ore<br /> Eminent Malayalam theatre personality Dr Vayala Vasudevan Pillai passes<br /> away<br /> Dr Vayala Vasudevan Pillai: Eminent Malayalam theatre<br /> personality and playwright<br /> Dr Pillai passed away<br /> For the past 4 decades Dr Pillai was actively involved in all<br /> aspects of Malayalam theatre from writing and direction to<br /> teaching and research<br /> He received three national awards including the Sangeeth<br /> Natak Akademi award and nine state awards<br /> His important works include: Vishwadarshanam, Thulaseevaram, Agni,<br /> Rangabhasha, Varavelppu, Swarnakokkukal among others<br /> Pakistan ready to give MFN Status to India<br /> As per the Indian Government the relations between India and<br /> Pakistan will strengthen economic ties between the two<br /> countries once Pakistan grants Most Favoured Nation status<br /> to India<br /> MFN status will give a big boost to trade between the two countries which is<br /> already worth Rs 17,000 Crore<br /> Carmelita Jeter wins women’s 100m world title in Athletics<br /> Carmelita Jeter of the United States won the women’s 100<br /> meters title at the world athletics championships at Daegu,<br /> South Korea</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 2, 2011<br /> 2011-08-02 12:08:36 GKToday<br /> Ace Shooter Ronjan Sodhi ranked No.1 by ISSF<br /> Ronjan Sodhi : Champion double-trap shooter and Asian Games gold medalist<br /> Sodhi ranked No.1 in the world by the International Shooting Sport Federation<br /> (ISSF)<br /> Sodhi won gold in the World Cup Finals in Turkey in 2010<br /> He recently won the silver medal in the Beijing World Cup to reserve a seat in the<br /> Olympics<br /> India-Japan CEPA comes into Force<br /> India- Japan CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) entered into<br /> force<br /> India’s 3 rd CEPA (after Singapore and South Korea)<br /> India’s 1 st CEPA with a developed country<br /> India Japan CEPA was signed on 16th Feb, 2011 in Tokyo<br /> 2010TK7 : The 1 st Trojan Asteriod of Earth Discovered<br /> Astronomers discover 2010TK7 using WISE Telescope<br /> 2010TK7 – First known Trojan Asteroid in Earth’s Orbit<br /> Trojan asteroids were anticipated but never discovered yet<br /> New Director (Finance) of Power Grid Corporation of India: R.T.Agarwal<br /> New Director (Finance) PGCIL (Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd): R.T. Agarwal<br /> FM asked Industrialists to recommend ways to revitalize Indian Economy<br /> The Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee asked the Indian industry to give<br /> explicit recommendations to the government for revitalizing the Indian economy<br /> As per Mr. Mukherjee the journey on the road of reforms will continue and the<br /> weakening of business sentiment is somewhat due to an uncertain global<br /> environment and partly due to rising cost of domestic credit, but the<br /> fundamentals of the economy remain strong. The pessimism regarding deficiency<br /> of movement on policies and institutional process is based more on perception<br /> than facts<br /> Rajiv Awas Yojana anticipated to envelop about 250 cities across country<br /> by the end of 2017<br /> The Rajiv Awas Yojana is anticipated to cover about 250 cities nationwide by<br /> the end of 2017<br /> The scheme was launched in pursuance of the Government’s vision of creating a<br /> slum-free India in June 2011<br /> The States to select the cities in consultation with the Centre<br /> States to include all cities with over 3 Lakh population as per the 2001 Census<br /> Scheme meant to benefit slum-dwellers and the urban poor</div> <div>In the next two years, the Academy would become fully operational and engage<br /> the full strength of over 750 Short Service Commission (SSC) officers<br /> Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi elected GST panel head<br /> Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and State Finance Minister Sushil<br /> Kumar Modi unanimously elected as the new chairman of the<br /> Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers on<br /> Goods and Services Tax, GST<br /> Mr.Modi was elected in the State Finance Ministers’ meeting chaired<br /> by the Union Finance Minister Mr.Pranab Mukherjee<br /> Mr. Modi replaces Mr. Asim Dasgupta, who had served the post over<br /> a decade since formation of the body<br /> The Empowered Committee to out a detailed programme later<br /> The Committee had earlier overseen the implementation of Value Added Tax<br /> system across the states.<br /> Tourism in India grows by over 24% in 2010<br /> 24%+ growth registered by the Tourism Sector in India<br /> 10.7% growth in Domestic Tourist visits<br /> Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh are among the top<br /> ten States where maximum number of foreign tourist visited<br /> WHO, UNICEF caution Pakistan to stamp out polio by 2012 or<br /> face action<br /> UNICEF and WHO (World Health Organization) cautioned Pakistan to eradicate<br /> polio by 2012 or face action<br /> In a memo, WHO and UNICEF, censured Pakistan for not uprooting the threat of<br /> polio<br /> The two World bodies also conveyed their reservations on the way the anti-polio<br /> drives are carried in Pakistan<br /> If the situation demands, WHO could penalize Pakistan by enforcing various<br /> limitations, which could even include ban of Pakistan nationals from entry into the<br /> foreign countries</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 27, 2011<br /> 2011-08-27 19:08:47 GKToday<br /> 6 States get New Governors<br /> State<br /> Tamil<br /> Nadu<br /> Madhya<br /> Pradesh<br /> Mizoram<br /> Jharkhand<br /> Kerala<br /> Goa<br /> New Governor<br /> Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K<br /> Rosaiah<br /> Senior Congress leader Ram Naresh Yadav<br /> V Purushothaman<br /> Syed Ahmed<br /> Jharkhand Governor M O H Farooq transferred<br /> and appointed as Governor of Kerala for the<br /> remaining period of his term<br /> Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan<br /> given an additional charge<br /> Hanging in Rajiv Gandhi case on Sept 9, 2011<br /> On September 9, 2011 the 3 convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case to be<br /> hanged<br /> The mercy petition of the three convicts Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan to the<br /> President of India has been rejected<br /> The Superintendent of the Vellore Central Prison conveyed the information to the<br /> three convicts and also fixed the date of execution<br /> Their plea was rejected by the President 20 years after the assassination of Rajiv<br /> Gandhi and 11 years after the submission of the petitions<br /> Bulava ballistic missile successfully Test-Launched by Russia<br /> A second Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile was successfully<br /> test-launched by the Russian nuclear submarine Yuri Dolgoruky<br /> For the first time the Bulava missile had been launched at the<br /> maximum distance from the White Sea to the Pacific Ocean<br /> The weapon satisfyingly reached its target<br /> Bulava likely to become Russia’s key naval strategic missile<br /> Bulava has the potential of carrying 10 warheads with a range of 8,000 Km<br /> Foundation stone of Integrated Check Post at Petrapole laid by<br /> P.Chidambaram<br /> P. Chidambaram (Home Minister) laid the foundation stone of an<br /> Integrated Check Post at Petrapole border along Bangladesh at<br /> North 24 Pargana district in West Bengal<br /> Objective:<br /> To provide facilities like immigration, customs, quarantine and<br /> smooth cross-border movement of persons, goods and transport under one<br /> umbrella<br /> The project to be built with an investment of Rs 172 Crore and to be completed by<br /> January 2013<br /> Government has decided to set up 13 Integrated Check Posts in the country out of</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : June 22, 2011<br /> 2011-06-25 10:06:07 GKToday<br /> UN Secretary General: Ban Ki-moon re-elected<br /> Ban Ki-Moon was unanimously elected for a second term by the 192 Nations<br /> United Nations General Assembly<br /> The second 5 year term for Mr. Ban starts from January 1, 2012<br /> Mr. Ban has termed his re-election as a "very great honour beyond expression."<br /> Uttar Pradesh Govt to amend Criminal Procedure Code for rape linked<br /> incidents<br /> Uttar Pradesh Government has decided to amend Criminal Procedure Code for<br /> rape related incidents to avert crime against women<br /> Amendment for absolute trials of rape cases in 6 months<br /> Offences of assault on women will be made non-bailable<br /> Ordinance to this effect has been forwarded to the Governor<br /> USA uncovers Graphic new warning labels for cigarette packs<br /> USA unveiled graphic new warning labels for cigarette packs<br /> Images comprise photographs of horribly damaged teeth and lungs and a man<br /> exhaling smoke via a tracheotomy opening in his neck<br /> They will be hard to miss as they cover up the top half of cigarette packets, front<br /> and back<br /> Most comprehensive alteration to America’s smoking warnings since tobacco<br /> companies were forced to add the mandatory surgeon general’s warning in 1965<br /> US authorities given additional power to control the tobacco industry after<br /> President Barrack Obama signed new anti-smoking legislation into law two<br /> years ago<br /> World Heritage Site: Manas National Park<br /> The Manas National Park, Assam once again became World Heritage Site following<br /> removal of the ‘in danger’ tag by the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee<br /> Decision taken at 35 th meeting of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris<br /> Manas National Park was put in the UNESCO’s ‘in danger’ list following large scale<br /> destruction of wildlife and infrastructure during the height of Bodo insurgency in<br /> the late ’80s and early ’90s<br /> Spread over 500 square km in Bodoland Territorial Council in the foothills of<br /> Bhutan<br /> Got the World Heritage Site status in 1985<br /> Now Assam has 2 World Heritage Sites, the other one being Kaziranga National<br /> Park<br /> Manas home to a great variety of wildlife, including endangered species: tiger,<br /> pygmy hog, rhinoceros and elephant<br /> Put on the List ‘in danger’ in 1992, seven years after it had entered UNESCO’s<br /> World Heritage Site List<br /> 5 more Indian languages included in Google</div> <div>Headquarters : New Delhi<br /> Jaskiran Chopra’s novel “Autumn Raga”<br /> “Autumn Raga”, the first novel of senior journalist and writer Jaskiran<br /> Chopra at function by the famous author Ruskin Bond. Essence of the<br /> Book:<br /> The subtle manifestation of the “sense of loss”.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 15, 2011<br /> 2011-08-15 13:08:17 GKToday<br /> Celebrations of Independence Day across the nation<br /> India Celebrates its 65 th Independence Day on August 15, 2011<br /> Sena medal awarded to 114 Army personnel<br /> 3 Army doctors honoured with the Sena Medal<br /> for gallantry<br /> for taking on terrorists and saving the lives of their colleagues during an<br /> attack on Indians in Kabul last year A total of 114 Army personnel<br /> awarded the Sena Medal for gallantry on Independence Day for their acts<br /> of valour in different operations across the country<br /> Platinum Jubilee of Gold Medal Win of Indian Hockey Team celebrated in<br /> MP<br /> To celebrate the platinum jubilee of gold<br /> medal win of Indian hockey team in<br /> Berlin Olympics on August 15, 1936, a<br /> special programme organized in Madhya<br /> Pradesh<br /> With this win in 1936, India<br /> completed the hat trick of gold<br /> medal haul in the Olympics<br /> India won the gold medal in Berlin<br /> Olympics on August 15, 1936, in the<br /> presence of the then ruler of<br /> Germany, Adolf Hitler<br /> Our team had created a world record in hockey by remaining champion<br /> from 1928-1959 in the Olympics and the country had not lost a single<br /> match during those 31 years<br /> Chief Minister of MP, Shivraj Singh Chouhan honoured hockey players including<br /> Olympians at the function organised by the State Sports and Youth Welfare<br /> Department<br /> ‘Yaad-e-Berlin Olympic 1936′, a short film screened on the occasion<br /> People who were honoured include hockey Olympians Lieutenant Haripal Kaushik,<br /> Inamur Rehman, Aslam Sher Khan, Dhanraj Pillai and Ashok Dhyanchand<br /> 40 th anniversary of fall down of Bretton Woods currency regulation system<br /> August 15, 2011 marks the 40 th anniversary of the breakdown<br /> of the Bretton Woods currency regulation system<br /> set up after the Second World War<br /> The system fixed the value of the dollar against the<br /> value of gold</div> <div>The pace of construction has remained at four to five km a day<br /> Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had in recent times expressed worry over the<br /> pace of progress on the road construction<br /> In a meeting to reassess the progress of Infrastructure projects,PM Dr. M. Singh<br /> opined that the target of completing 20 km a day is neither excessive, nor<br /> unrealistic, given the priority India attaches to this sector<br /> Jammu and Kashmir: Special Scholarship Programme for BPL Students in<br /> CCEA (Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs) approved a special scholarship<br /> programme for BPL Students in Jammu & Kashmir<br /> Objective: To improve literacy and financially ameliorate the BPL students<br /> The students of J&K living below poverty line can now take admission in any part<br /> of India for pursuing medical, engineering and other degree courses<br /> Under the scheme, 5,000 students to be provided with scholarship every year for<br /> the next five years<br /> The Government will incur an expenditure of Rs. 1,200 Crore for this programme</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 8, 2011<br /> 2011-09-08 18:09:29 GKToday<br /> International Literacy Day: September 8<br /> UNs’ International Literacy Day is observed every year on 8 th September since 1966<br /> Theme for the year 2009-2011 of the UN Literacy Decade: “Literacy and Empowerment”<br /> The day highlights the importance of literacy in areas such as health and education<br /> The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and its partners promote the day to<br /> underline the significance of literacy for healthy societies, with a strong emphasis on epidemics and communicable<br /> diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria<br /> Year 1990 was marked as the “International Literacy Year” by the UN General Assembly<br /> New Kerala Governor: Mr. M.O.H. Farooq<br /> Shri M O H Farooq took over as the Governor of Kerala<br /> Mr Farooq, three time chief minister of Puducherry, had also served as<br /> Governor of Jharkhand and Union minister<br /> Dr Bhupen Hazarika’s Birthday Celebrated as “People’s Music<br /> Day” in Assam<br /> Numerous functions were organized in Assam, to mark the 86 th<br /> birthday of the Dada Saheb Phalke Award winning multifaceted genius,<br /> legendary singer, poet and cultural icon Dr. Bhupen Hazarika<br /> The day was observed as the ‘People’s Music Day’ (Gana Sangitor din) all<br /> over Assam<br /> Bhupen Hazarika has been the only person in the past 40 years to propagate the<br /> better cinema movement for integrating all the seven north-eastern states,<br /> including tribal culture<br /> New Governor of Madhya Pradesh: Ram Naresh Yadav<br /> Mr. Ram Naresh Yadav took charge as the new Governor of Madhya<br /> Pradesh<br /> Mr. Yadav replaced incumbent governor Rameshwar Thakur<br /> Step up in the management of hydrocarbon exploration needed: CAG<br /> CAG in its report has urged for a larger role of Centre in operational control and<br /> high value procurement decisions and suggested for improvement in the<br /> management of hydrocarbon exploration and production<br /> The report even pointed that the profit sharing method is not perfect and stressed<br /> the demand to change the method which was designed in the late 1990s<br /> It suggested that development plans should be considered from financial<br /> perspectives also apart from technical aspects<br /> It urged for yearly work programmes and opined that the budgets should be strictly in line with the approved development plans</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : June 19, 2011<br /> 2011-06-24 08:06:54 GKToday<br /> Summon to Sri-Lankan President by US Federal Court<br /> Summon received by the Sri Lankan Justice Ministry for President Rajapaksa<br /> Summon issued by the US Federal Court<br /> In connection with the 3 cases filed under the Haugue Convention<br /> Cases filed by the relatives of Tamil victims of alleged extra-judicial killings during<br /> Tamil uprising in Srilanka<br /> Petitioners claimed financial compensation under the United States Torture<br /> Victims Protection Act<br /> A New Technology to prevent contaminated water release into the Ganges<br /> Mr. Jairam Ramesh (Environment and Forest Minister of India) launched a new<br /> Green Technology<br /> To prevent contamination of the River Ganga by the water released from the<br /> Leather processing units<br /> Initiative launched at Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh<br /> Approximately 50% of the leather processing units in the Ganga river basin are<br /> located in UP and West Bengal<br /> To preserve 5,000 tones of raw hide, together they use around 3,000 tones of salt<br /> each day<br /> This activity results in pollution and contamination of ground water as about 90%<br /> of this salt mixes with the Ganga river<br /> The new LYOPHILISATION Technology<br /> helps in salt-free preservation of hides and also helps in bringing down the amount<br /> of water used in the process,<br /> The Process is low on Cr (chromium) intake and is a more cost-effective effluent<br /> treatment.<br /> The Union Environment Ministry has requested the Leather Industry to voluntarily<br /> accept the new Technology on a large-scale without the Ministry having to pass<br /> Laws to make it compulsory<br /> The leather industry over the next two years will need to install around 900 such<br /> lyophilizes<br /> Each unit costs b/w Rs 60 Lakhs to Rs 2 Crore<br /> The Conventional process of leather preservation uses large amounts of salt and<br /> the tannery waste matter has high amounts of dissolved solids thus making<br /> effluent treatment complex and expensive<br /> Abandonment of salvage operation for MV Wisdom for 15 days<br /> MV Wisdom:<br /> 9,000-tonne cargo vessel, which ran aground near the beach recently<br /> It was being towed to a ship breaking yard in Gujarat’s Alang<br /> But it broke away from the tug in rough weather and ran aground near the beach<br /> Operations to put it back in the sea started on Friday 17, 2011 but have not borne<br /> fruit so far<br /> It istuck on the Juhu beach in Mumbai<br /> Pains to save cargo vessel M V Wisdom were discarded for the third day</div> <div>presidency<br /> EU maintains a rotation of rapid reaction forces, known as Battle Groups, to be<br /> positioned in cases of emergency, though they have not yet been called into<br /> action<br /> The new unit will be known as the Weimar Triangle Combat Group<br /> Weimer Triangle Combat Group to become available in 2013<br /> Poland will command the group<br /> Poland will provide a majority of the 1,700 soldiers<br /> Germany will provide logistical support<br /> France will contribute medical support<br /> Operational command of the unit to be located near Paris, in Mount Valerien, France<br /> Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Kisan Sandesh Padyatra’<br /> Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi‘s ‘Kisan Sandesh Padyatra’<br /> Mr. Rahul Gandhi began his ‘Kisan Sandesh Yatra’ from Bhatta Parsaul area<br /> Bhatta Parsaul has become the nerve centre of the farmers’ movement in the<br /> state and has ignited a debate on U.P’s land acquisition policy<br /> Rahul Gandhi visiting villages in U.P. and holding small meetings with villagers on<br /> the farmers issue including the land acquisition policy of the U.P Government<br /> As per Mr. Gandhi he wants to understand the farmers’ views on the development<br /> issues<br /> Rahul Gandhi will continue his Padyatra up to Aligarh where the Congress is<br /> organizing a Kisan Mahapanchayat on the 9 th July<br /> 2011 on the land acquisition and other agrarian and developmental issues<br /> Arming of Tribals Unconstitutional: SC<br /> Supreme Court criticized the Practice of deploying Vigilante Groups like ‘SALWA<br /> JUDUM’ in the fight against Maoist<br /> Supreme Court asked the Central Government and Chhattisgarh Governments to<br /> discontinue from arming the Tribals in the name of SPOs (SPECIAL POLICE<br /> OFFICERs)<br /> Supreme Court held that these SPOs were<br /> UNCONSTITUTIONAL<br /> The Apex court criticized the Governments for supporting and funding creation of<br /> SPOs under various titles like ‘Koya Commandos’ and ‘Salwa Judum’<br /> Country pays tribute to Babu Jagjivan Ram<br /> Rich tributes to the former Deputy Prime Minister of India and<br /> one of the founding fathers of the Indian Constitution, Babu<br /> Jagjivan Ram on his 25 th death anniversary<br /> Popularly known as Babuji<br /> A man of diverse talents Babuji ascended from a modest beginning<br /> to become a cabinet minister and later the Deputy Prime Minister of<br /> the country<br /> During his tenure as Agriculture Minister, the country saw<br /> the Green Revolution<br /> He had an uninterrupted parliamentary career of half a century, which<br /> is a world record</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : June 29-30, 2011<br /> 2011-06-30 17:06:36 GKToday<br /> New IMF Chief: Christine Lagarde<br /> Ms Christine Lagarde (French Finance Minister) to head the IMF (International<br /> Monetary Fund)<br /> The First woman to head IMF since the institution’s inception in 1944<br /> The IMF executive board chose her over Mexican central bank<br /> governor Agustin Carstens<br /> Ms Lagarde succeeds Dominique Strauss-Kahn<br /> Ms Lagarde takes over at a turbulent time when budding nations<br /> want a greater voice in the IMF and the organization’s status has<br /> been held back by a scandal involving Dominique Strauss-Kahn<br /> Dominique Strauss-Kahn resigned in May to guard himself against<br /> charges of abuse against a hotel maid in New York<br /> Ms Lagarde will have to right away centre herself and deal with an IMF-European<br /> attempt to keep debt-stricken Greece adrift<br /> Puducherry Assembly elects its new Speaker- V. Sabapathy<br /> Puducherry Assembly elects Mr V. Sabapathy of the NR Congress ally as its<br /> unopposed Speaker of the Assembly<br /> The Pro-term Speaker of the Assembly Mr Tygarajan announced his election<br /> (Concept: The Proterm Speaker announces the Election of the New Speaker of the<br /> Assembly)<br /> Lt Governor of Puducherry: Mr Iqbal Singh<br /> The Gas Cracker Project of Assam to be completed by July, 2013 in all<br /> probability<br /> Gas Cracker Project put to force by the Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymers<br /> Limited, at Lepetkata in Dibrugarh district, Assam<br /> The Project probably to be finished by the month of July, 2013<br /> Opportunities:-<br /> Once finished the Project to create employment direct and in-direct in<br /> Engineering, Construction and Service Sectors to a minimum of 1 lakh people<br /> The Project to also provide a chance for the growth of down -stream plastic<br /> industries in the state<br /> Steps being taken by the State Govt:-<br /> Previously the Assam Government had already started an aspirational Plastic<br /> Park Project near the Gas Cracker Project at Tinsukia district in an area of 500<br /> acres to aid the development of plastic industries<br /> Steps being taken to generate consciousness amongst the youth about the<br /> opportunities present in the plastic industry<br /> Particular Technical courses introduced in Colleges, Universities and other Institutions in order to generate expert manpower</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: October 8, 2011<br /> 2011-10-08 14:10:22 GKToday<br /> Deployment of GLONASS network, completed by Russia<br /> Russia finished the deployment of its global positioning satellite group<br /> “Glonass”. GLONASS is the Russian comparable of the U.S. GPS (Global<br /> Positioning System). It is intended for military and civilian use. At present,<br /> there are 28 Glonass satellites in orbit.<br /> GLONASS (Globalnaya Navigazionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema or Global<br /> Navigation Satellite System) is a radio-based satellite navigation<br /> system operated for the Russian Government by the Russian Space Forces. It is<br /> an alternative and complement to the United States’ Global Positioning<br /> System (GPS), the Chinese Compass navigation system and the planned<br /> Galileo positioning system of the European Union.<br /> Development of the GLONASS began in the Soviet Union in 1976. Beginning on 12<br /> October 1982, numerous rocket launches added satellites to the system until the<br /> “constellation” was completed in 1995. Following completion, the system fell into<br /> disrepair with the collapse of the Russian economy. In the early 2000s, under<br /> Vladimir Putin’s presidency, the restoration of the system was made a top<br /> government priority and funding was substantially increased. GLONASS is<br /> currently the most expensive program of the Russian Federal Space Agency,<br /> consuming a third of its budget in 2010.<br /> By 2010, GLONASS had achieved 100% coverage of Russia’s territory and in<br /> October 2011, the full orbital constellation of 24 satellites was restored, enabling<br /> full global coverage. The GLONASS satellites designs have undergone several<br /> upgrades, with the latest version being GLONASS-K.<br /> GLONASS is a global satellite navigation system, providing real time<br /> position and velocity determination for military and civilian users.<br /> GLONASS’ orbit makes it especially suited for usage in northern<br /> latitudes, where getting a GPS signal can be problematic<br /> Consciousness drive on Iron Folic Acid Tablets in Assam<br /> Health department of Assam has started a consciousness campaign to enhance<br /> the utilization of Iron Folic Acid (IFA) tablets amongst women. Only 14% women in<br /> Assam at present eat IFA tablets.<br /> NRHM of the State in partnership with UNICEF has by now begun Adolescent<br /> Anaemia Control Programme in 7 districts to get better the health condition of<br /> girls’ b/w 10-19 years. A chief cause of death during pregnancy is Anaemia.<br /> In order to create Indian skill pool, Vocational Education Framework<br /> established<br /> The National Vocational Education Qualification Framework, NVEQF was<br /> launched by Mr. Kapil Sibal with a vision to impart skill training to the youngsters<br /> in different industrial spheres. The course to commence from the Academic<br /> Session 2012 in Polytechnics and Engineering Colleges of the country.<br /> The Course address the need for a skill talent pool in different industrial spheres.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: September 20, 2011<br /> 2011-09-20 12:09:42 GKToday<br /> New Laser developed by the Scientists to assist in Detecting Roadside<br /> Bombs<br /> A new laser developed by Researchers at Michigan State University<br /> United State Department of Homeland Security funded the research and it was published in the journal Applied Physics Letters<br /> The laser has the sensitivity and selectivity to look into large areas and detect improvised explosive devices, which cause 60% of coalition<br /> soldiers’ deaths in Afghanistan<br /> The Laser can precisely identify roadside bombs and aids recognize improvised explosive devices (IEDs)<br /> The laser combines short pulses that cause molecules in the explosive to vibrate<br /> Each type of molecule has special vibration frequency that exclusively find the material<br /> But, the new laser can make differentiation even for amounts as little as a fraction of a billionth of a gram<br /> First Overseas Campus set up by IIFT in Kampala, Uganda<br /> India-Africa Institute of Foreign Trade (IAIFT)<br /> Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), a Government-run Institute to setup its first overseas campus in Kampala, Uganda<br /> Objective: To help students of African nations comprehend the subtlety of globalization and capacity-building in the continent<br /> The institute India-Africa Institute of Foreign Trade (IAIFT), being set up as a part of the Indian Government’s plan to assist<br /> develop a higher education system in African countries in specialized fields<br /> Free Housing for Schedule Caste living in Jhuggis declared by Delhi Government<br /> Under the Rajiv Ratna Yojana, Delhi Govt declared free housing for Schedule Caste<br /> living in jhuggis<br /> 70,000 houses to be built under this scheme<br /> Rs 60,000 also to be paid to the people living in jhuggis under the rehabilitation<br /> process<br /> Rajasthan Public Service Guarantee Act, 2011 approved by the Rajasthan<br /> Cabinet<br /> Rajasthan Public Service Guarantee Act, 2011 was cleared by the Rajasthan Cabinet<br /> Objective: To provide services to the general man in a specific time frame; to make public administration and governance more effective<br /> and accountable<br /> “Bompu”: A New Frog Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh<br /> A new frog species discovered in Eagle Nest Wildlife sanctuary at Sessa in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh in a survey<br /> conducted as part of Eagle Nest Biodiversity Project with support of the state forest department<br /> Bompu was the name given to the frog after the neighborhood in the sanctuary where it was discovered<br /> The frog is inhabitant to the forest streams at an elevation of 2,000 m and lives beneath leaf trash and decaying logs<br /> The frog belongs to the family Megophrydae and the genus Leptobrachium<br /> Only 28 members of this genus are known worldwide and most of them are found in Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, China and Vietnam<br /> This finding is significant because only 2 other members of the genus are identified from India</div> <div>Mr. Mitul in charge for working out means to facilitate the US Government to put<br /> together an alignment of groups to make it comfortable for Indians in the Diaspora<br /> as well as other Diaspora communities to make contributions to growth<br /> Diaspora: “movement, migration, or scattering of people away from an<br /> established or ancestral homeland” or “people dispersed by whatever cause to<br /> more than one location” or “people settled far from their ancestral homelands”<br /> Journalist-turned-Polotician Mr. Inder Jit passed away<br /> Veteran journalist-turned-politician Mr. Inder Jit passed away<br /> In 1948, Mr. Inder Jit commenced his career as a journalist with the Hindustan<br /> Times and worked with The Times of India, India News, Feature Alliance and even<br /> with many Foreign Newspapers including London’s Daily Telegraph and The Times<br /> In 1988, Mr. Inder Jit was implemental in negotiating the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill<br /> Council (DGHC) agreement b/w the Gorkha National Liberation Front’s Subhash<br /> Ghisingh and the Centre<br /> On August 22, 1988, the agreement was signed in Kolkata<br /> After inking of the landmark agreement, Mr. Jit was elected to the Lok Sabha from<br /> the Darjeeling constituency in West Bengal in 1989 and 1991 on the Congress<br /> ticket</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 16, 2011<br /> 2011-08-16 13:08:20 GKToday<br /> Indian Universities under United Nation Programme<br /> The UNAI (United Nations Academic Impact) is an programme open to<br /> universities and other institutions of higher education and research<br /> It accomplishes activities in support of the mission and as per the instructions of<br /> the UN<br /> Objective: To encourage a culture of intellectual cooperation, serving as a point<br /> of contact for ideas and proposals relevant to the UN mandate, and promote direct<br /> engagement by institutions in programmes, projects and initiatives for the<br /> realization of the MDGs and objectives of the UN<br /> Around 50 Indian institutions have joined UNAI so far<br /> UNAI gives active support to 10 ubiquitously accepted principles in the areas of<br /> human rights, literacy, sustainability and conflict resolution, which are based on<br /> the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the MDGs goal<br /> Krishna Poonia Win Gold Medal at the Annual Athletic Meet in Portland, US<br /> Ms. Krishna Poonia: Indian discus thrower<br /> She won the Gold medal on August 14, 2011 in the Annual Athletic<br /> Meet at Portland in the United States<br /> Medal Record for Ms. Krishna Poonia<br /> Asian Games<br /> Bronze: In 2006 at Doha for Discus throw<br /> Bronze: In 2010 at Guangzhou for Discus throw<br /> Commonwealth Games<br /> Gold: In 2010 at Delhi for Discus throw<br /> Chhattisgarh to have 9 New Districts with effect from Jan 2012, taking total no: to 27<br /> Chhattisgarh to have 9 new districts with effect from January 2012, taking the overall<br /> number of districts in the state to 27<br /> The new districts:<br /> Sukma, Kondagaon, Gariabandh, Balodabazar, Balod, Bemetera, Mungeli,<br /> Surajpur and Balrampur<br /> Google to Buy Motorola Cell Unit for $12.5 bn<br /> Google to buy cellphone maker Motorola Mobility for $12.5 bn<br /> One of the biggest deals in the mobile handset space<br /> The deal will enhance Google’s competitive edge in the mobile<br /> computing arena and give it access to Motorola’s range of Android<br /> operating system based offerings<br /> Both companies have a strong presence in India</div> <div>Committee to submit its report by the end of the September 2011<br /> Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission: Montek Singh Ahluwalia<br /> Recommendations of the Shunglu Committee to be implemented after<br /> consultations with State Chief Ministers</div> <div></div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: October 4, 2011<br /> 2011-10-04 13:10:38 GKToday<br /> ADB extends $200 million loan to Assam for urban improvement<br /> Asian Development Bank (ADB) extends $200 million loan in order to develop<br /> water supply and other urban services in two key cities of Assam: Guwahati and<br /> Dibrugarh<br /> Projects are to be finished by December 2017<br /> “Poverty benchmark not final”- Clarifies Planning Commission<br /> Tendulkar Committee’s criterion not be applied for distribution of subsidized food<br /> and other poverty mitigation programmes – clarifies the Planning Commission<br /> It was further added that, Socio- Economic Caste Census which will be ready by<br /> January 2012, will offer the criterion for coverage of centrally sponsored schemes<br /> and that the Commission by no means had an outlook that the profits be limited<br /> to those living BPL only<br /> Planning Commission previously presented an affidavit ahead of the Supreme<br /> Court, demarcating the gauge for the poverty line. It was put at Rs 32 per head for<br /> a family of five, living in urban areas and Rs 26 per head for people living in rural<br /> areas<br /> Mr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia clarified that the Tendulkar Committee’s Criterion is in<br /> fact the benchmark of living of those at poverty line in 1973-74 and seems to be<br /> very little at the moment<br /> MoU inked b/w INDIA and SWITZERLAND on financial dialogue<br /> India and Switzerland inked MoU on financial dialogue<br /> Objective: MoU will assist providing a useful forum for exchange of<br /> financial and micro-economic issues. It will be pave way for improved<br /> cooperation b/w both the nations’ tax authorities and thus will allow<br /> the unearthing of black money that is stashed in Swiss banks<br /> US Senate votes to advance Bill to stop China undervalue Yuan<br /> The US Senate voted to advance a Bill pressuring China to prevent undervaluing<br /> its currency<br /> The Senate voted in favour of the proposed Currency Exchange Rate Oversight<br /> Reform Act of 2011<br /> The Bill intended to give officials extra tools to use if countries are unable to take<br /> measures to eradicate currency misalignment<br /> China opposes US Senate Bill<br /> China criticized the move by the US Congress to pass a law intended to punish<br /> Beijing for suspected currency manipulation<br /> The law allows the imposition of penalizing duties on Chinese imports to the US, if<br /> Beijing keeps its currency artificially cheap<br /> Chinese Govt departments issued statements against the US proposed legislation</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : July 15, 2011<br /> 2011-07-15 18:07:38 GKToday<br /> Italian Senate approves AUTERITY BUDGET<br /> The Italian senate approved an AUSTERITY BUDGET worth $ 68 billion in an effort<br /> to prevent the European debt crisis from engulfing the country. Italy has one of<br /> the major debt mountains in the Eurozone and wants to avoid any need for a bailout.<br /> The IMF (International Monetary Fund) asked Italy to ensure decisive<br /> implementation of spending cuts<br /> As per the IMF, Italy must make efforts to reduce public debt, maintain the<br /> stability of its financial sector and introduce structural reforms to boost growth<br /> A budget imposed on a country by its government with the goal of reducing the<br /> national deficit by way of cutting consumer spending<br /> Krishi Karman Awards<br /> Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will honoured 5 states, for<br /> achieving high food grain production in 2010-11 fiscal<br /> Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to deliver 83rd Foundation Day<br /> Lecture of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on 16 th July<br /> 2011<br /> The 5 Awardees are:<br /> Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Assam and Tripura<br /> The award carries ` 2 Crore in cash for over total food production and<br /> ` 1 Crore for each of the 4 Crops included in food grains<br /> Chief Ministers of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Assam and Chhattisgarh received<br /> the Krishi Karman awards<br /> Agriculture Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Tripura, Maharashtra and Karnataka<br /> received the awards on behalf of their States<br /> Railways to eliminate all unmanned level crossings by 2016<br /> The New Railway Minister, Dinesh Trivedi unveiled an 11-point programme to<br /> modernize the Railways and announced that there will be no unmanned crossings<br /> by 2016<br /> Currently, there are 32,694 level crossings across the country, of which 14,853<br /> are unmanned<br /> As per the Official data, 229 people were killed at unmanned level crossings in<br /> 2010-11 and 95 in 2011-12<br /> Govt worried over declining child sex ratio in rural areas<br /> The Government is worried over the declining child sex<br /> ratio in the rural areas<br /> As per Registrar General and Census Commissioner Mr.<br /> Chandramauli the urban malice has moved to the rural<br /> areas which is worrisome</div> <div>Official retirement age abolished by Britain<br /> Official retirement age in Britain abolished<br /> The fresh laws stop employers pressurizing employees to leave their jobs as they<br /> reach the 65<br /> Now, the companies will have to give objective reasons for asking someone to go<br /> away their job on grounds of age<br /> India determines to double up spending in R & D<br /> While addressing the Opening Plenary Session of the 8th Annual Meeting STS<br /> Forum on Science and Technology for the future of Humankind in Tokyo, The<br /> Minister of State for Planning, Science and Technology and Earth Science Dr.<br /> Ashwani Kumar stated that India has decided to double the expenses in Research<br /> and Development<br /> Key initiatives were being taken by India in super computing, material sciences,<br /> genomics, nano sciences and plan breeding techniques and synthetic biology<br /> Dalai Lama to be awarded ‘Mahatma Gandhi International Award for<br /> Peace’<br /> Dalai Lama to receive the Mahatma Gandhi International Award for<br /> Peace<br /> Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi declared the Award in<br /> Johannesburg on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and requested the<br /> South African Government to grant a visa to the Tibetan spiritual leader to visit<br /> the country<br /> The award will be given at the yearly Satyagraha Awards to be held at the Durban<br /> City Hall on October 9, 2011<br /> MAGI Awards<br /> The Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Peace and Reconciliation (MAGI Awards)<br /> was created in memory of Mahatma Gandhi who began his socio-political life in South Africa<br /> and struggled ceaselessly for justice and for peace and reconciliation. The award was created in<br /> 2003 to mark the centenary of a newspaper, Indian Opinion, published in South Africa by<br /> Mahatma Gandhi.<br /> The award comprises of a table top bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi seated and spinning to<br /> signify the importance of home industry for sustainable development and included with it is a<br /> scroll<br /> World Wide Travel Alert issued by US to its Citizens<br /> The United States issued a world-wide travel alert to its citizens, warning of a enhanced risk of violence in the wake of the killing of an<br /> important al-Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki<br /> The US-born radical Islamist cleric was killed by US drones in Yemen on September 30, 2011<br /> Social Auditing Programme of Gram Panchayats launched by the Assam<br /> Government</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 19, 2011<br /> 2011-09-19 18:09:03 GKToday<br /> 12 FDI Proposals worth Rs 242.88 Crore approved by the Union<br /> Government<br /> The Union Govt declared support to 12 foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals worth Rs.242.88 crore in foreign exchange<br /> The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) headed by Economic Affairs Secretary R Gopalan cleared proposals<br /> Justice Shivaraj Virupanna Patil, Karnataka Lokayukta Justice resigned over Charges of Violating Housing Society<br /> Laws<br /> Facing charges of violating co-operative housing society laws, Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Shivaraj Virupanna Patil<br /> resigned from his post<br /> Accusations are that he owned two residential sites in Bangalore city. Media reveal showed abnormality in the allocation<br /> of two residential plots to him and his wife.<br /> Patil, who took charge as the Lokayukta on August 3, 2011 is the first ombudsman (Lokayukta) to leave office<br /> without completing the term<br /> Justice Patil replaced Justice Santosh Hegde, whose report on illegal mining ended Yeddyurappa’s chief ministership in Karnataka<br /> For defaulting on payment, BCCI suspends Kochi Tuskers<br /> Due to non-payment of dues, BCCI, has suspended IPL franchise Kochi<br /> Tuskers Kerala<br /> Decision was taken in the board’s yearly General Meeting as the franchise was incapable to pay its bank assurance<br /> amount in the set time<br /> Japan to ink Memorandum Of Understanding with Tamil Nadu<br /> Japan to sign MOU with Tamil Nadu Govt on Small and medium enterprises to<br /> invest in state<br /> Mr. Tadashi Okamura, Chairman of Japan Chamber and Commerce and Industry<br /> (JCCI), held that MoU to motivate Japanese’s businessman in particular<br /> manufacture sector to take larger curiosity in India<br /> Joint Strategic Military Exercises to be held by the CSTO countries<br /> CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization): 7 former Soviet<br /> republics form the CSTO<br /> CSTO to hold joint strategic military exercises code-named “Center 2011”<br /> Drills will begin are due to take place in Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and<br /> Kyrgyzstan<br /> Game will be held under the leadership of Russian General Staff Chief Army<br /> General and the active phase of the drills will last until September 26, 2011<br /> New BCCI chief: Narayanaswami Srinivasan</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 12, 2011<br /> 2011-08-12 13:08:43 GKToday<br /> Cells that Can Destroy Leukemia developed by US Scientists<br /> U.S. scientists developed cells that can destroy leukemia in three weeks<br /> That could lead to new and effective treatments for deadly blood cancer<br /> A new engineering technique involving leukemia patients treated with their own<br /> T cells<br /> T cells: A type of white blood cells that were genetically modified to target and<br /> destroy tumors within the patient’s body<br /> White blood cells are unable to distinguish tumor cells from healthy tissue,<br /> allowing cancer to spread out of control<br /> To overcome this problem, scientists inserted a protein called chimeric antigen<br /> receptor on white blood cells so that they can attack tumor cells<br /> Inserted protein will bind with another protein called CD19 that is present in<br /> Leukemia tumour cells<br /> This results in the proliferation of T cells<br /> R. Narasimhan, Veteran Journalist and Advertising Professional passed away<br /> Veteran journalist and advertising professional, R. Narasimhan passed<br /> away<br /> Mr. Narasimhan joined The Hindu as a sub-editor in 1950<br /> He was responsible for the formation of the National Hindu Press Employees<br /> Union and has served as vice president and general secretary of the Madras<br /> Union of Journalists.<br /> India’s desert State Rajasthan’s First-ever Export of Certified Organic Food to the US<br /> The first-ever consignment of certified organic food to be exported from Rajasthan<br /> to the United States<br /> The organic food comprised mainly conventional pulses for which there is a<br /> heavy demand in the U.S.<br /> The pulses were produced from the processing unit of the Morarka Organic<br /> Foods in Sitapura Industrial Area<br /> Organic farming culture gaining ground in Rajasthan is deemed to be as<br /> significant as Harit Kranti (Green Revolution) introduced in 1965 by the then<br /> Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, as a result of which the wheat imports from<br /> the U.S. had stopped<br /> TrES-2b (or Kepler-1b): Coal-Black Alien Planet Is Darkest Ever Seen<br /> TrES-2b (or Kepler-1b): An extrasolar planet orbiting the<br /> star GSC 03549-02811 located 750 light years away<br /> The planet has been identified in 2011 as the darkest known<br /> exoplanet, reflecting less than 1% of sunlight<br /> It is darker than any planet or moon in our solar system<br /> NASA’s Kepler spacecraft was used by the astronomers to make</div> <div>The Ministers to swap views on Regional and International issues of interest to<br /> both the sides<br /> India and the member countries adopted a plan of action for 2010-15 during the<br /> eighth ASEAN-India summit held on October 30, 2010 at Hanoi, Vietnam.</div> <div>chief Mamta Sharma.<br /> Satyam’s Ramalinga Raju gats bail<br /> Earstwhile Satyam Computers Services Ltd founder-chairman B. Ramalinga Raju, his<br /> brother B. Rama Raju and former chief financial officer V. Srinivas were granted bail<br /> by the Supreme Court in the multi-crore accounting fraud.</div> <div>NSE was asked to explain the large number of client code modifications<br /> NSE also to justify why action should not be taken against it for not exercising<br /> caution over such transactions<br /> SEBI was alerted about the dealings by the CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes),<br /> which noticed that a large number of trades were reversed by changing client<br /> codes for tax evasion<br /> The tax department came across several instances where brokers transferred<br /> gains or losses from one individual to another by modifying client codes in the<br /> guise of rectifying an error<br /> SEBI independently verified the information given by the income-tax authorities and found it to be true<br /> A show-cause notice is not an indictment; it however contains allegations of violation. A showcause<br /> notice requires the entity to which it is served to explain its side of the story.<br /> National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)<br /> The Government to set up a National Intelligence Grid or NATGRID to access<br /> all intelligence data<br /> National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram’s<br /> ambitious project<br /> The NATGRID will pool information from 21 categories of database such as railway<br /> and air travel, income tax, bank account details, credit card transactions and visa<br /> and immigration records<br /> As per the initial plan, access to the combined data will be given to 11 agencies,<br /> including the Research and Analysis Wing, the Intelligence Bureau, the<br /> Enforcement Directorate, the National Investigation Agency, the Central Bureau of<br /> Investigation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and the Narcotics Control<br /> Bureau<br /> CEO of NATGRID: Captain Raghu Raman<br /> Government extended the services of NATGRID Chief Executive Officer Raghu<br /> Raman for 6 months from June 1, 2011<br /> Functions of NATGRID:<br /> 1. To function as a tool for strengthening the capability of the existing Intelligence<br /> and Law enforcement agencies<br /> 2. Improving access to information and it’s sharing<br /> 3. To link databases for Inputs to combat terrorism<br /> 4. To improve India’s capability to counter threats to its internal security by flagging<br /> potential Terrorist threats</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: August 24, 2011<br /> 2011-08-24 19:08:09 GKToday<br /> 60 Crore Aadhaar cards to be issued by 2014<br /> Target set by the Government to issue 60 Crore UID Cards, Aadhaar by the year<br /> 2014<br /> The Chairman of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Nandan Nilekani<br /> stated that nearly 2.87 Aadhaar cards have been issued to people in 9 states till<br /> now<br /> Steve Jobs of Apple Inc. resigns<br /> Jobs announced his resignation from his role as Apple’s CEO. In his letter<br /> of resignation, Jobs strongly recommended that the Apple executive<br /> succession plan be followed and Tim Cook be named as his successor.<br /> Steve Jobs is the Chairman of the Board of Apple, which he co-founded in 1976<br /> Apple is leading the consumer technology world with its revolutionary iPhone and<br /> App Store, its family of iPod media players and iTunes media store, and its Mac<br /> computers and iLife and iWork application suites<br /> In a letter, Mr. Jobs told the Apple Board of Directors that he could no longer meet<br /> his duties and expectations as the company’s CEO<br /> Jobs had battled pancreatic cancer and received a liver transplant. He had been on<br /> medical leave since January 2011<br /> Mr. Jobs has been elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors and will, in that<br /> role, continue to contribute unique insights, creativity and inspiration<br /> Tim Cook will take over as Apple’s new CEO at the recommendation of Jobs<br /> Jobs will now be the chairman of Apple’s board<br /> Steve also co-founded and was the CEO of Pixar Animation Studios<br /> Pixar merged with The Walt Disney Company in 2006 and Steve now serves on<br /> Disney’s board of directors<br /> Russia-North Korea to build 1,100 km gas pipeline<br /> Russia and North Korea to build a 1,100 km gas pipeline from Russia to South<br /> Korea via North Korea<br /> The accord was declared in the middle of Kim Jong-II’s official visit to Russia<br /> The project will be able to transmit up to 10 billion cubic meters of gas yearly<br /> Libyan rebels declare pardon for Gaddafi capture<br /> Libyan rebels have announced an amnesty for anyone within Col Muammar<br /> Gaddafi’s inner circle who captures or kills him<br /> Rebels have also announced a reward of $ 1.7 Million for capturing Gaddafi<br /> Col Gaddafi’s whereabouts are unknown, though rebels believe he is still in or<br /> around Tripoli<br /> Centre to SC: SIT on black money needs to be scraped</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 7, 2011<br /> 2011-09-07 18:09:01 GKToday<br /> National Aeronautics and Space Administration Researchers: DNA Building<br /> Blocks can be built in Space<br /> National Aeronautics and Space Administration funded researchers<br /> have discovered proof that a few building blocks of DNA, found in<br /> meteorites were probably shaped in space<br /> This research supports the theory that a kit of ready-made parts<br /> created in space and delivered to Earth by meteorite and comet<br /> impacts assisted the origin of life<br /> The finding increases proof that the chemistry within asteroids and comets is<br /> competent of creating building blocks of vital biological molecules<br /> The team discovered adenine and guanine, which are constituents of DNA called<br /> nucleobases, as well as hypoxanthine and xanthine<br /> The team also discovered trace amounts of three molecules related to<br /> nucleobases: purine, 2,6-diaminopurine, and 6,8-diaminopurine; the latter two<br /> almost never used in biology<br /> Jaipur declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance adopted by Health<br /> Ministers<br /> The Jaipur declaration adopted at the 29 th meeting of health ministers of 11<br /> South East Asian countries on Antimicrobial Resistance, committing to maintaining<br /> the efficaciousness of antibiotics via intellectual use and regulation<br /> Union Health Minister Gulam Nabi Azad inaugurated the meeting and 64th session<br /> of the WHO committee for south East Asia in Jaipur<br /> Through the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration on antimicrobial<br /> resistance, the health ministers demanded for urgent measures to<br /> check further development of antimicrobial resistance<br /> They recognized that the significant driver of antimicrobial resistance is the<br /> unfounded use of these agents and national Governments must take vital action<br /> to safeguard the effectiveness of existing antimicrobial agents<br /> The Declaration emphasizes concern at the spread of antimicrobial resistance<br /> which is negating achievements made in protecting human life and health<br /> It acknowledged that such resistance could become a serious obstruction in global efforts towards controling HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria<br /> etc<br /> UN Trade and Development Report 2011<br /> A UN report has described the current global financial crisis as a warning to the<br /> international community, and suggested that the financial reforms<br /> The reforms include a rules-based floating currency regime rules-based regime<br /> and stricter regulation of the market to solve the problem<br /> The Report on Trade and Development 2011 (TDR 2011) of the United Nations<br /> Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released worldwide, stated that<br /> the rules-based floating currency regime was necessary to curb excessive<br /> speculation</div> <div>SEBI has Power to direct unlisted firms: SAT<br /> Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) mentioned that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has broader powers under the<br /> SEBI Act to issue instructions to even unlisted firms in order to defend interest of investors in the securities market<br /> This observance by the SAT was in reaction to a Sahara Group contention that the jurisdiction to control an unlisted public company rests not<br /> with the SEBI but with the Central Government<br /> The issue was raised in front of SAT after SEBI instructed two Sahara Group firms (Sahara India Real Estate Corp and Sahara Housing<br /> Investment) to refund money to investors in the company’s OFCD (Optionally Fully Convertible Debentures) scheme<br /> Earlier in July 2011, the Supreme Court had instructed SAT to accelerate the case with in a period of 8 weeks and also settle on the<br /> jurisdiction to control such instruments<br /> The Sahara counsel pointed out Section 55 A of the Companies Act, which makes a distinction between listed and unlisted public companies<br /> with relation to the issue and transfer of securities<br /> India’s GDP Growth for the 2011-12 fiscal anticipated at 7.5-8% by the Rating Agency Moody’s<br /> Global rating agency Moody’s projected India’s GDP growth for the 2011-12 fiscal at 7.5-8%<br /> It also mentioned soaring domestic interest rates together with the present global uncertainties as the near-term factors that could affect its<br /> economic growth<br /> Moody’s also owns about 29% of ICRA Ltd, one of India’s leading credit rating agencies<br /> The rating agency is of the view that increasing domestic interest rates and an uncertain global economic atmosphere would perhaps<br /> diminish India’s near term GDP growth. However, the report cited that a recurring slowdown is not likely to change its credit outlook<br /> Moody’s analysis was in synchronisation with the outlook held by the RBI on inflation<br /> Inflation was probable to moderate to about 7% by the end of the fiscal in March 2012. The agency spotlighted on the concern over<br /> investment slowdown, a key matter that India Inc. mentioned for giving rise to a break in additional rate hikes by the RBI<br /> India is not resistant to an international growth slowdown, the report yet cited that the intensity of domestic demand and the diverseness of<br /> the economy offer a buffer against a retardation in globally uncovered sectors<br /> India and Israel Decide to augment Tourism Cooperation<br /> India and Israel decided to augment cooperation in Tourism Sector<br /> This decision came amidst a meeting b/w Stas Misezhnikov, Tourism Minister of<br /> Israel and Union Tourism Minister, Subodh Kant Sahai held in New Delhi<br /> As per the Israeli Minister, hoteliers of Israel are interested to set up hotels in India<br /> Mr. Misezhnikov also called for increasing the number of flights b/w India and<br /> Israel<br /> Tour operators and travel agents of India and Israel will interact with one another<br /> to enhance bipartisan touristry b/w both countries<br /> The potential for encouraging package tours also to be considered<br /> Tourist traffic from Israel to India was 40581 in 2009, which rose to 43539 in the<br /> year 2010<br /> An accord b/w India and Israel on mutual assistance in the field of tourism was signed in New Delhi in May, 1993. Both the countries have<br /> rectified this agreement<br /> India Tourism Office located in Frankfurt is responsible for promoting India as a tourist destination in the Israeli market<br /> India Tourism Office take part in International Mediterranean Tourism<br /> Market (IMTM) which is held in Tel Aviv to demonstrate India’s tourism<br /> destinations and products to the tour operators and consumers of Israel<br /> India is recognized in Israel as an ancient nation with strong cultural traditions and<br /> Israelis perceive India as an beautiful, substitute tourist destination<br /> UNCTAD: India’s GDP to develop 8.1% in 2011</div> <div>platforms and can be launched in both horizontal and vertical modes</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: September 28, 2011<br /> 2011-09-28 12:09:47 GKToday<br /> 104 th birth anniversary of Shaeed Bhagat Singh<br /> 104 th birth anniversary of Shaeed Bhahat Singh was observed all<br /> over India on September 28, 2011<br /> Born: September 28, 1907 at Village Khatkar Kalan Lyallpur, Punjab,<br /> British India<br /> Died: March 23, 1931(age 23) at Lahore Jail, Punjab, British India<br /> Organizations: Naujawan Bharat Sabha, Kirti Kisan Party, Hindustan Socialist<br /> Republican Association<br /> Influenced by: Anarchism, Communism, Socialism<br /> Political movement: Indian Independence movement<br /> Religion: Sikhism (early life), Atheism (later life)<br /> Navratras observed across INDIA<br /> The festival of Navratras began today<br /> Navratri, Navaratri, or Navarathri is a Hindu festival of worship of Shakti and<br /> dance & festivities. The word Navaratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit,<br /> nava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights. During these nine nights and ten<br /> days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped. The 10th day is commonly<br /> referred to as Vijayadashami or Dussehra.<br /> Navaratri represents celebration of Goddess Durga, the manifestation of Deity<br /> in form of Shakti [Energy or Power]. The Navaratri festival or ‘Nine Nights festival’<br /> becomes ‘ten days festival’ with the addition of the last day, Vijayadashami<br /> which is its culmination. On all these ten days, the various forms of Mother<br /> Mahisasura-mardini (Durga) are worshipped with fervor and devotion.<br /> Forms of Shakti<br /> Nine forms of Shakti are worshipped during the Navaratris. The Devis worshipped depend on the tradition of the<br /> region.<br /> 1. Durga, the inaccessible one<br /> 2. Bhadrakali<br /> 3. Amba or Jagadamba, Mother of the universe<br /> 4. Annapoorna devi, The one who bestows grains (anna) in plenty (purna: used as subjective)<br /> 5. Sarvamangala, The one who gives joy (mangal) to all (sarva)<br /> 6. Bhairavi<br /> 7. Chandika or Chandi<br /> 8. Lalita<br /> 9. Bhavani<br /> 10. Mookambika<br /> Well-known Sarangi proponent Inder Lal Dhandra passes away<br /> Well-known Sarangi proponent Inder Lal Dhandra (81) passed away<br /> He was recipient of the Sangeet Natak Academy Award<br /> Singur Land Rehab Act 2011 upheld by the Calcutta High Court<br /> Calcutta High Court upheld the Singur Land Rehabilitation and development Act,<br /> 2011 as constitutionally valid<br /> Calcutta High Court marked its judgment on an appeal filed by Tata Motors,<br /> demanding the constitutional validity of the legislation<br /> The Supreme Court, on a plea from Tata Motors, had stayed allotment of the land</div> <div>Industry Minister.<br /> Minimum Vote Limit raised from 6% to 8% by ECI<br /> ECI (Election Commission of India) increased the cap of min. votes a political party must get in Election in order to obtain<br /> the position of a State party or uphold it ahead.<br /> The new min limit is 8% of total valid votes polled in State Assembly or Lok Sabha polls. Previously, the limit was 6%. In<br /> addition, the party ought to have returned not less than two members to the Legislative Assembly in case of Assembly<br /> polls or not less than one member in Parliament from the State in case of Lok Sabha elections.<br /> The ECI amended its Election Symbols reservations and allotment order 1968 in order to make these changes and<br /> issued a new order: the Election Symbol reservations and allotment amendment order 2011.</div> <div>‘Rest of India’ lifts Irani Cricket Trophy<br /> The Rest of India lifted Irani Cricket trophy for the 6 th consecutive time after beating<br /> Ranji Champions Rajasthan by 404 runs in the finale.<br /> $172 million loan approved by the WB for Bangladesh<br /> World Bank approved loan of $172 million for supporting installation of solar<br /> home power systems in Bangladesh. The loan has been sanctioned as additional<br /> credit for the ongoing Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Development<br /> Project.<br /> India inclined for early adoption of CCIT<br /> India is inclined for early adoption of the CCIT (Comprehensive Convention on<br /> International Terrorism). India has called upon the worldwide community to promote<br /> the anti-terror legal framework and execute the Global Counter Terrorism Strategy in<br /> an integrated manner. Mr. Rahman Khan, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman in his<br /> address at the United Nations held that the comprehensiveness of the Global Counter<br /> Terrorism Strategy will not be concluded devoid of the conclusion of the CCIT which is<br /> at an important phase of discussion before the UN.<br /> Moody’s downgrade SBI’s Credit Rating from C- to D+<br /> Moody’s, a Global Credit Rating Firm downgraded the Credit Rating of SBI<br /> from C- to D+. The reasons for a –ve view of Moody’s on SBI was SBI’s<br /> scarcity of capital to mitigate bad loans or eventualities and thus it’s<br /> deteriorating asset quality.<br /> Goa Lokayukta Bill 2011 passed in Goa Assembly<br /> Goa Lokayukta Bill 2011 (which is a modified version of the Goa Lokayukta Bill 2003)<br /> was passed in the Goa Legislative Assembly.<br /> Salient features of the bill:-<br /> The Bill authorizes the Lokayukta (Ombudsman) to also examine the CM. Lokayukta’s term: 3 years. Lokayukta to be appointed by the<br /> Governor on the advice of CM in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court and the leader of opposition.<br /> Lokayukta or Upa-Lokayukta, shall not be removed from his office except by an order of Governor passed after an address by the State<br /> Legislative Assembly supported by majority of the House. Lokayukta can examine the grievance suo moto or on grievance made to him.<br /> The Bill cites that after first round investigation, if Lokayukta detects that there are rational basis for thorough inquiry, he should advance the<br /> complaint to the concerned Authority of the Government.</div> <div>4 th SAARC Business Leaders Conclave to be hosted by Nepal<br /> Nepal to host the 4 th SAARC Business Leaders Conclave in Kathmandu<br /> between September 20-22, 2011<br /> Theme ‘Peace and prosperity through regional connectivity’</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : October 12, 2011<br /> 2011-10-12 15:10:25 GKToday<br /> PSLV C-18 launched<br /> PSLV-C18 blasted off effectively at 11 am morning from the Satish Dhawan Space<br /> Centre at Sriharikota. The 20 th PSLV has been put into orbit. It will be stabilized<br /> into an orbit of 867 km altitude. The core-alone version of the 4-stage PSLV,<br /> devoid of the strap-on booster motors will put the 4 satellites in orbit.<br /> The 4 Payloads of PSLV C-18:-<br /> 1. Megha-Tropiques<br /> 2. SRMSAT<br /> 3. Jugnu<br /> 4. VesselSat-1<br /> TheMegha-Tropiques satellite for climate research launched along with three<br /> micro-satellites: the SRMSAT built by the SRM University, Chennai, the remote<br /> sensing satellite Jugnu from the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur and the<br /> VesselSat-1 of Luxembourg to locate ships on high seas.<br /> Hurricane “Jova” hovers over Mexico<br /> In Mexico, Hurricane Jova was hovering over the country’s seven Pacific coastal<br /> states and intimidating to make landfall in Colima. Red alert has also been issued<br /> in many states.<br /> Israel, Hamas agree on prisoner swap deal<br /> Israel and Hamas have arrived at a prisoner swap deal that will secure the<br /> discharge of abducted Israel soldier Gilad Shalit. The deal conveys the true<br /> balance b/w all considerations. A number of Palestinian prisoners will be freed in<br /> substitution for the release of Israeli soldier.<br /> China, Vietnam concur to solve South China Sea row<br /> China and Vietnam settled to arrive at a serene resolution to their difference of<br /> opinion over maritime territory in the South China Sea. Chinese Deputy Foreign<br /> Minister Zhang Zhijun and his visiting Vietnamese counterpart Ho Xuan Son<br /> pledged in a 6 point document to resolve their conflicts over the potentially oilrich<br /> waters via discussions.<br /> China is Vietnam’s largest trading partner but they have an established<br /> disagreement over sovereignty of the Paracel and Spratly island groups, which<br /> straddle vital commercial shipping lanes in what Vietnam calls the East Sea.<br /> Project meant at welfare of women & children initiated by ICWC<br /> The Indian Community Welfare Committee, ICWC, which runs under the patronage<br /> of the Consulate General of India in Dubai, set up a fresh project intended at<br /> welfare of women and children.<br /> The project started with a cash donation of 60 Lakh rupees from a Dubai-based<br /> Indian businessman and philanthropist Siddarth Balachandran. The particular fund</div> <div>Leila Lopes from Angola was crowned Miss Universe in Sau Paulo, Brazil<br /> Lopes was earlier crowned Miss Angola UK on 8 October 2010, the official representative of the Angolan community in<br /> the UK to the 2011 Miss Angola pageant<br /> The 1 st runner-up was Olesia Stefanko of Ukraine and the 2 nd runner-up was Priscila Machado of Brazil<br /> 30,000 jobs to be cut by the Bank of America<br /> Bank of America to slice 30,000 jobs in the times to come as part of a cost-cutting<br /> plan<br /> This stands for about 10% of the company’s employees<br /> BoA desires to save about $ 5 bn dollars a year by this. The bank that was<br /> punched hard by the sub-prime mortgage crisis<br /> The cuts came on the day that President Barack Obama sent his $ 447 billion jobs<br /> Bill to Congress, his effort to decrease the intensity of joblessness<br /> India inked pact with UAE for welfare of India’s manpower working in UAE<br /> India signed a pact with UAE for the wellbeing of Indian manpower working in UAE<br /> The pact renders for the methods for employment of workers, their tasks and<br /> regulations of the host country to be followed<br /> Around 17.5 Lakh Indians are operational in UAE and their yearly payment is<br /> approximately five $ 5 bn<br /> The investment from UAE in India is $ 44 bn and the trade is valued at $ 180 mn</div> <div>The dream team is:<br /> Virender Sehwag, Sunil Gavaskar, Donald Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar Brian Lara,<br /> Kapil Dev, Adam Gilchrist, wicket keeper, Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Curtly<br /> Ambrose, Glenn McGrath<br /> Kerala CM urges Centre to avert from import of natural rubber<br /> Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has urged the Centre to avert from the<br /> import of natural rubber<br /> The Centre’s decision led to opposition walk out in the Kerala State Assembly<br /> Replying to an adjournment motion, the Chief Minister assured the house that the<br /> concern of rubber farmers will be conveyed to the Centre<br /> As per Suresh Kurup, MLA who sought consent for the adjournment motion import<br /> is preventable since there is not much difference in domestic and international<br /> price of rubber<br /> Youth Unemployment still rising around the World: ILO<br /> As per ILO (International Labour Organization) Youth Unemployment continues to<br /> rise around the globe<br /> The jobless rate among 15 to 24 years old is a record high of 13%, about 81<br /> million people<br /> Vilasrao Deshmukh: New Science and Tech Minister<br /> Mr Vilasrao Deshmukh took charge as the new Science and Technology<br /> Minister. Mr Deshmukh is currently Minister of Science and Technology,<br /> Minister of Earth Sciences and President of the Mumbai Cricket Association<br /> Bangladesh to confer country’s highest honour on Indira Gandhi<br /> Bangladesh to confer the country’s highest honour ‘Bangladesh Swadhinata<br /> Sammanona’ on Former Indian Prime Minister Ms Indira Gandhi<br /> Reason for conferring: For Ms Gandhi’s outstanding contribution to<br /> Bangladesh’s war of liberation in 1971<br /> Tripartite agreement to resolve Darjeeling impasse signed<br /> The Tripartite agreement to resolve the Darjeeling impasse signed<br /> The historic agreement was signed among the Centre, West Bengal government<br /> and Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha in presence of the Union Home Minister Mr. P.<br /> Chidambaram and State Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee and President of the<br /> Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha Mr. Bimal Gurung at Pintail village at Sukhna in<br /> Darjeeling district<br /> As per Mr. Chidambaram, the signing of the agreement puts an end to the conflict<br /> in the region and will mark the beginning of better future for the hilly people<br /> As per Ms Mamata Banerjee there was no scope of division of Bengal in future. She<br /> criticized the opposition for politicizing the issue over the name of the new<br /> autonomous body<br /> The Gorkhaland territorial administration will be formed through election within six<br /> months<br /> This autonomous authority for the Darjeeling hills will replace the</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : October 20, 2011<br /> 2011-10-20 06:10:34 GKToday<br /> Muammar Gaddafi killed in Sirte<br /> Muammar Gaddafi was killed by fighters of the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC)<br /> in his hometown, Sirte.<br /> Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi (June 1942 – 20 October 2011), generally recognized as Muammar<br /> Gaddafi or Colonel Gaddafi<br /> Official ruler of the Libyan Arab Republic from 1969 to 1977<br /> Unofficial “Brother Leader” of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya from 1977 to 2011<br /> Seized power in a bloodless military coup in 1969 and served as the country’s head of state until 1977, when he stepped down from his<br /> official executive role as Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council of Libya, and claimed subsequently to be merely a symbolic<br /> figurehead. Critics have long described him as Libya’s autocrat or demagogue, despite the Libyan state’s denial of him holding any power<br /> and Gaddafi’s self-portrayal as a statesman-philosopher.<br /> In 2011, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya state he established was overthrown in a civil war which consisted of an uprising aided by a NATO<br /> intervention.<br /> His 41-year leadership prior to the uprising<br /> 4 th longest-serving non-royal leader since 1900, as well as the longest-serving Arab leader.<br /> He variously styled himself as “the Brother Leader” and “Guide of the Revolution”; in 2008 a meeting of traditional African rulers<br /> bestowed on him the title “King of Kings”.<br /> After establishing the Jamahiriya (“state of the masses”) system in 1977, he officially stepped down from power and had since then held a<br /> largely symbolic role within the country’s official governance structure.<br /> President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar: U Thein Sein visits India<br /> The President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar: U Thein Sein, visited India from October 12, 2011 to October 15,<br /> 2011.<br /> Following the swearing in of a new government in Myanmar March 201, this was the 1 st trip of any political leader from<br /> Myanmar to India.<br /> During his visit, the President of Myanmar signed quite a few accords with India counting the collaboration in Oil and Natural gas. A mutual<br /> statement was also issued by both the countries.<br /> India ranked “132″ by the World Bank on Business-friendly Reforms<br /> The World Bank and IFC’s (International Finance Corporation) release Doing Business 2012: Doing Business in a More Transparent<br /> World“. The report evaluated rules touching domestic firms in 183 National Economies and graded the economies in 10 areas of business<br /> regulation viz. opening a business, settling insolvency, trading across borders.<br /> The Rankings was topped by: Singapore on comfort of doing business for the 6 th straight year.<br /> India’s rank improved slightly from 139 in 2011 to 132 in 2012 reports.<br /> The 125 th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Bern, Switzerland<br /> The 125th Assembly of the Inter Parliamentary Union was held at Bern, Switzerland from October 16, 2011 to October 19, 2011. Bern was<br /> also the headquarters of the IPU from 1892 to 1911.<br /> India and Vietnam ink 6 Agreements<br /> India and Vietnam inked 6 agreements during the visit of Vietnamese President<br /> Truong Tan Sang to India. The agreements are as following:<br /> 1. India and Vietnam signed an extradition treaty<br /> 2. Oil exploration agreement in South China Sea<br /> 3. Friendship pact to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relations in 2012</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : June 16, 2011<br /> 2011-06-21 02:06:10 GKToday<br /> Short term lending and borrowing rates hiked by 25 basis points by the<br /> RBI<br /> The RBI raised the RR (Repo Rate) and the RRR (Reverse Repo Rate) by 25 basis<br /> points<br /> This was to combat inflation<br /> RR raised to 7.5% and RRR raised to 6.5%<br /> 10 th time since March last year, RBI has hiked the key Interest Rates to combat<br /> inflation<br /> With this rise in RR, the interest rate for the additional lending facility of the RBI<br /> under the marginal standing facility has gone up by 25 basis points, to 8.5 per<br /> cent.<br /> Other rates and ratios unchanged in its mid-quarter policy review<br /> RBI’s monetary policy standpoint remains tightly anti inflationary<br /> Pointing to the fact that the inflation is at an itchy level, the RBI held the present<br /> wholesale price figures belittle the pressure because domestic fuel prices have yet<br /> to reflect global crude oil prices<br /> RR = Rate at which RBI lends to banks<br /> RRR = Rate at which RBI borrows from banks<br /> Germany ATP : Bopanna-Qureshi win<br /> Top seeds Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi won their first ATP title of the season<br /> The defeated Robin Haase and Milos Raonic by 7-6 (8) 3-6 11-9 in the Final clash of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany<br /> PO Savings a/c to be taxed from this year<br /> Post Office savings accounts will be taxed from this financial year<br /> The CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) has beforehand come up with a notification in this view.<br /> The notification given to all tax collection ranges across country for its due implementation<br /> Taxpayers who invest in the PO saving a/c schemes, will now have to show the interest earned on this scheme while filing their income tax<br /> returns<br /> However, the interest up to Rs 3,500 in case of a single account and Rs 7,000 in case of a joint account will be exempted<br /> The present interest rates for PO savings deposits are 3.5 % per annum.<br /> Agreement for 6 development projects b/w India and Japan<br /> Agreement signed 6 development projects<br /> In the fields of:-<br /> Energy<br /> Power<br /> Transportation<br /> Forestation<br /> Metro Rail Project in Bangalore<br /> Tokyo will provide Rs 7,361 Crore soft loan.<br /> Agreement to support India’s quest for energy and its efforts to improve<br /> infrastructure necessary for rapid growth in economy.</div> <div>India and Singapore amended their DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement)<br /> for effective exchange of information in banking and taxation matters<br /> The protocol amending DTAA was signed in New Delhi<br /> India negotiated DTAAs and signed tax information swaping agreements with 44<br /> countries to reinforce exchange of information concerning tax evasion, money<br /> laundering and other criminal activities</div> <div></div> <div></div> <div>On June 9, 2011, Govt had brought the CBI, National Investigation<br /> Agency and NATGRID under second schedule of section 24 of the RTI<br /> Act which exempts security and intelligence organisations from the<br /> jurisdiction of RTI Act<br /> Supreme Court declines to hold back BCCI secretary as board President<br /> Supreme Court has refused to hold back BCCI secretary N Srinivasan from taking over<br /> as president of the Board<br /> Asian Champions Trophy (Hockey): India vs Pak ends in 2-2 draw<br /> India and Pakistan managed to draw their final group match of the hockey Asian<br /> Champions Trophy by 2-2<br /> “Onam” celebrated by Keralites<br /> Thiruonam celebrated all over world by Keralites<br /> The festival observes the prosperity and harmony that dominated during the rule<br /> of the mythological king Mahabali, who is considered to visit Kerala on<br /> Thiruvonam day</div> <div>1. Save lives in refugee and other emergency situations<br /> 2. Improve the nutrition and quality of life of the most vulnerable people at critical<br /> times in their lives<br /> 3. Help build assets and promote the self-reliance of poor people and communities,<br /> particularly through labour-intensive works programmes<br /> Drive to Fill backlog vacancies of Reserved Category by the Government<br /> A drive launched by the Government to fulfil the backlog vacancies of Scheduled<br /> Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs and Persons with Disabilities<br /> All ministries and departments directed to fill up the vacant posts in these<br /> categories by the end of March next year<br /> Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension : Mr V.<br /> Narayansamy<br /> Centre curbs five-star meets, jaunts<br /> In the face of amplifying inflation, the Government has resorted to the well-known<br /> ”tightening of the belt” as it declared a swing of ascetic measures that would cut<br /> down extravagant expenditures by its departments<br /> Government asked ministries and departments to restrict foreign travel and<br /> refrain from holding meetings in five-star hotels<br /> As per the official memorandum issued by the Finance Ministry:<br /> 1. The departments and ministries not to purchase new vehicles or create<br /> new posts, except for organizations which are to be set up during the<br /> course of the year<br /> 2. Officials not go abroad on study tours, workshops, conferences and<br /> presentation of paper at government expenses<br /> 3. Only those whose visit is funded by sponsors would be permitted to<br /> travel abroad<br /> 4. Holding of exhibitions, seminars and conferences abroad should be<br /> strongly discouraged except in cases of exhibitions for trade promotion</div> <div>Ms Rao’s appointment as the next ambassador to USA comes as a significant<br /> development in<br /> the backdrop of crucial Indo-US ties<br /> Ms Rao, the first woman spokesperson of the MoEA (Ministry of External<br /> Affairs), was<br /> country’s ambassador to Sri Lanka and China before being appointed as the<br /> foreign secretary.<br /> Has extensive experience in handling India-China relations<br /> Served in the East-Asia Division of the MEA from 1984 to 1992</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 3, 2011<br /> 2011-09-03 18:09:16 GKToday<br /> New peacekeeping operation head appointed by the UN<br /> Herve Ladsous appointed new chief of United Nations<br /> peacekeeping operations.<br /> Ladsous replaces Alain Le Roy.<br /> Ladsous will be in charge of some 1,20,000 peacekeepers<br /> Ladsous will monitors more than $7-billion budget for missions in Haiti, South<br /> Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, many other parts around the<br /> world.<br /> Significant changes in Kerala sex-ratio<br /> The sex ratio in Kerala where women outnumber men is declining fast in 0-6 age group.<br /> In Kerala the total number of children is less than its elderly population.<br /> The number of children below 6 years has declined by almost 2% in Kerala, during<br /> the last 10 years<br /> As per Census 2011, there are only 959 girls for 1,000 boys up to the age of 6<br /> which is contrary to what it was a decade ago.<br /> Boys are more in number compared to girls in the 10-14 age group.<br /> It noted sharp decline in the population growth rate state and it is negative in<br /> Pathanamthitta district. Kerala is witnessing this phenomenon for the first time.<br /> Large scale migration to other countries & preference for male child are being<br /> considered as its possible reasons<br /> Long life expectancy and declining birth rate can lead to negative population<br /> growth in Kerala similar to Europe or Japan<br /> Kalyan K.Chaudhuri, Veteran Journalist & Former President of Indian Journalist’s Association, passed away<br /> Veteran journalist Kalyan K. Chaudhuri passed away<br /> Mr.Chaudhuri was a Special Correspondent for Frontline magazine<br /> He focused primarily on political developments in the eastern region.<br /> In 1988 he was president of the Indian Journalists’ Association.<br /> Anil Kumar Chaudhary appointed as Director of Finance ,Steel Authority of India (SAIL)<br /> Steel Authority of India (SAIL) appointed Anil Kumar Chaudhary as its director, finance.<br /> Mr.Kumar succeeded Soiles Bhattacharya<br /> Priorto this he served as the Executive Director (Finance & Accounts) at SAIL’s Bokaro Steel Plant<br /> Dinesh Kumar Likhi who was SAIL’s general manager (Business Planning) appointed as director (Production & Marketing) of Mishra Dhatu<br /> Nigam Ltd which is also a public sector undertaking.</div> <div>Maximum share of this treasure belonged to the Kings of the Royal Family of<br /> Travancore<br /> The final list of inventories will be submitted to the Supreme Court<br /> Rajya Sabha TeleVision to be launched during Monsoon Session<br /> 24-hour Rajya Sabha Channel will be launched during the monsoon<br /> session of Parliament<br /> Channel to begin around 15th August<br /> When Parliament is not in session, the channel to telecast programmes<br /> concerning to democratic values and institutions targeted at the younger<br /> generation<br /> Chaturanan Mishra (Communist leader) passes away<br /> Chaturanan Mishra: Former Union minister and veteran Communist leader<br /> Mishra held many positions in the CPI (Communist Party of India)<br /> and All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)<br /> As a Freedom Fighter, he participated in the Quit India movement<br /> 3 time member of Bihar Legislative Assembly from 1969 to 1980<br /> Elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1984 and 1990<br /> Elected to the Lok Sabha in 1996 from Madhubani constituency<br /> Cabinet minister for Agriculture in the United Front Government led<br /> by H D Devegowda and I K Gujaral in 1996<br /> Petra Kvitova: Wimbledon Womens’ Singles Champion 2011<br /> Petra Kvitova Czechoslavia won the Wimbldon Woemen’s Singles<br /> crown<br /> Petra astonished favorite Maria Sharapova<br /> Petrova beat Sharapova at the Finals in London<br /> This is Petra’s First Grand Slam Title<br /> 21 year old eighth seed became only the third Czech woman to<br /> won the the Wimbledon Women’s Single Title<br /> MV Wisdom is re-floated securely<br /> MV Wisdom: Ship which ran aground on Juhu beach on June11, 2011<br /> Ship re-floated safely<br /> Ship re-floated by SMIT International; a Singapore based<br /> Salvage Company with the help of two powerful tugs<br /> Ship successfully pulled out by the ship SMIT LUMBA, which is equipped with<br /> adequate salvage equipment and manned by qualified and experienced salvage<br /> personnel<br /> Ship taken to Mumbai outer anchorage and thereafter the vessel to be ultimately<br /> towed to Alang-Bhavnagar Gujarat for scrapping</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : September 16, 2011<br /> 2011-09-16 18:09:04 GKToday<br /> September 16, 2011: International Day for protection of Ozone<br /> layer<br /> September 16, 2011: International Day for Protection of Ozone<br /> Layer<br /> Government released the UN’s prepared 13 th edition of Montreal Protocol, to mark<br /> the event<br /> The Environment Minister presented this years’ National award for<br /> prevention of Pollution to Ultra Tech Cements<br /> UNICEF: 7.6 million Children below 5 Years die world over<br /> The no: of children below 5 years who die yearly all over the world has<br /> dropped sharply from 12 million, 20 years ago, to 7.6 million<br /> As per the UNICEF and the WHO, there are many reasons for the change, together<br /> with better access to health care and immunisation<br /> In order to encourage scientific innovations for BRICS $ 2 million fund<br /> proposed by INDIA<br /> India has proposed two million dollars fund to promote scientific<br /> innovations for BRICS countries<br /> India will contribute an initial sum of $ 2 Mn as its share in the<br /> proposed $ 10 Mn aid<br /> India to follow assistance in the areas of mutual priorities such as Energy, Water,<br /> Health and Natural Disaster Management<br /> Former World Boxing Champion Nikolai Valuev in hunt for ‘yeti’<br /> The tallest and the heaviest world champion in Boxing history, the<br /> Russian giant, is trying to track down another giant, the “Yeti” in a<br /> remote part of Siberia<br /> Nikolai Valuev is heading an expedition after reports of several<br /> sightings in recent years<br /> The former WBA heavy weight champion has gone east in a search of a very<br /> different beast, the Yeti<br /> There have been several sightings of a hairy humanoid, about 6 ft tall but<br /> sufficient large and mystifying enough to be dubbed the Siberian snowman<br /> US declares IM as terrorist organisation<br /> US slapped sanctions on India-based terrorist group IM (Indian<br /> Mujahideen) by declaring it as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation<br /> US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton put sanctions on the organisation</div> <div>Satellite Monitoring of road construction projects in the country is being<br /> considered by The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways<br /> Talks are on with the National Remote Sensing Agency on the same<br /> This will assist in keeping a check on construction projects in difficult terrains.<br /> The country is expected reach the target of constructing 20 km of roads per day<br /> by 2013.<br /> 613th birthday of Kabirji<br /> 613th birthday of Bhakt Kabirji being celebrated in Varanasi<br /> State Level Functions at Punjab and Haryana<br /> Bhakt Kabir was a social reformer of medieval times.<br /> 237 couplets of Kabirji have been included in Guru Granth Saheb (The Holy Book<br /> of Sikhs)<br /> ECI to chair first Working group meeting<br /> ECI (Election Commission of India) to Chair the first working group meeting of the<br /> CNNEMB (Commonwealth Network of National Election Management Bodies) to be<br /> held in New Delhi<br /> CNNEMB : Network of Electoral Commissions of the 54 Commonwealth nations.<br /> 2 day meeting committed to Voter Education and Electoral Participation<br /> Apart from India, delegates from South Africa, Kenya and the Commonwealth<br /> Secretariat to attend the meeting.<br /> India is amongst the 11 members of the Steering Committee of CNNEMB.<br /> Participating nations to share their experiences on Voter Education and Electoral<br /> Participation.<br /> On nuclear programme issue Iran ready to hold dialogue with 6 nations<br /> Iran is ready to hold a dialogue with 6 nations on its nuclear programme<br /> Tehran willing to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and<br /> cooperation.<br /> Iranian leader in China to attend the summit of the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation<br /> Organization)<br /> The Iranian President : Mahmoud Ahmedinejad<br /> Capital of Iran: Tehran</div> <div>Social auditing programme of Gram Panchayats at Aamlokhi Gram Panchay under Baajia Development Block in Nagaon district was<br /> launched by the Assam Government on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti ( October 2, 2011)<br /> Objective: To make certain lucidity and arrest corruption in Panchayat Raj institutions. It is also be being believed as an instrument via which<br /> Government Departments can plan, manage and gauge their functions, consequences and competence</div> <div>Govt to extend DEPB scheme for 3 more months:<br /> DEPB : Duty Entitlement Passbook;<br /> The Govt likely to extend the tax relief for exporters under DEPB scheme<br /> for another 3 months, from its 30th of June deadline<br /> Trials begin of upgraded ‘Arjun’:<br /> Arjun: India’s main battle tank;<br /> The advanced version ‘Arjun Mark 2′ most likely be inducted next year<br /> into the Indian Army;<br /> Some Features : Phenomenal launching capabilities for its missiles,<br /> explosive armor panels, enhanced auxiliary power unit, mine plough,<br /> advanced system for land navigation, auto target tracking and digital<br /> control and other features.<br /> Indian Police to acquire 3D technology from US<br /> Indian Police to get latest 3D imagery technology from the United States<br /> Will equip Police force with modern weaponry and hi-tech systems.<br /> Modern global positioning system devices, Laser range finders, 3D imaging<br /> warfare technology and latest thermal imagers.<br /> The 3D technology – modern imagery system that can capture even images<br /> of an interior of a building.<br /> Agriculture Ministry to put into action a particular program to boost the<br /> area under Palm farming<br /> Will lift Palm Oil Production 3 Lakh Tonnes in 5 Years.<br /> Special programme to increase the area under palm farming by 60,000<br /> hectares to over 2.11 lakh hectares, from the current 1.71 lakh hectares.<br /> 300-crore rupee programme is to be implemented in eight states.Under the<br /> 12th Five Year Plan<br /> The ministry is giving particular attention to oilseed production in the<br /> country, which continues to insulate consumption despite fresh efforts at<br /> boosting production.<br /> In 2010-11, Oilseed production to exceed 30 million tonnes , comparable to<br /> about 8 million tonnes of edible oil.<br /> The country still has to import more than the domestic production to meet<br /> up consumption needs.<br /> In the 2010-11 financial year, India’s edible oil imports stood at 8.82 million<br /> tonnes – 82 lakh tonnes more than the total domestic production.</div> <div>Census 2011 marks a considerable fall in child sex ratio in<br /> the age group of 0 to 6 Years<br /> The fall has been 15 points in the rural areas and 4 points in urban areas in the<br /> last decade<br /> Delhi has recorded the lowest while Andaman and Nicobar Islands the highest<br /> child sex ratio in rural areas<br /> Haryana has recorded the lowest and Nagaland the highest child sex ratio in urban<br /> areas<br /> Guru Purnima<br /> Guru Purnima observed in traditional way of worship and to<br /> mark the respect for the Gurus<br /> The ancient city of religious faith and learning Varanasi (in<br /> UP) has a special day today<br /> Varanasi is one of the important seats of learning of classical<br /> singing and music in India<br /> As per tradition at some places disciples perform their<br /> musical talent before the gurus to show their skill what they<br /> had learnt from them<br /> Early in the Morning , a large number of people were reach<br /> various Ghats of Ganga in Varanasi and in Allahabad to take holy bath and offer<br /> traditional worships on the occasion of Guru Purnima<br /> President Ms Pratibha Devi Singh Patil calls for war against black money<br /> Speaking at the concluding ceremony of the year long celebrations<br /> commemorating 150 years of Income Tax in the country, the<br /> President Ms Pratibha Devisingh Patil emphasized that the war<br /> against black money has to be fought both domestically and through<br /> cross border measures<br /> Ms Patil stressed the need for better global cooperation to track<br /> down tax evaders taking shelter in other countries<br /> As per the President an environment of voluntary tax compliance<br /> has to be fostered and nurtured in the country<br /> She also emphasized that the importance of meeting tax obligations<br /> has to be ingrained in the minds of children as they can be made tax<br /> responsible citizens of tomorrow<br /> Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C17) Successfully Launches GSAT – 12<br /> Satellite<br /> In a historic achievement, the 18 th consecutive flight of the Polar<br /> Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV C-17 has successfully placed India’s<br /> latest communication satellite GSAT-12, in a Sub Geosynchronous<br /> Transfer orbit<br /> India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C17) successfully launched<br /> GSAT-12 communication satellite on July 15, 2011 from the Satish<br /> Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota<br /> The launch of PSLV-C17 was the 18th successive successful flight of PSLV<br /> After about 20 minutes of flight time, GSAT-12 was successfully injected into sub-<br /> Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (sub-GTO) with a perigee of 284 km and an<br /> apogee of 21,020 km with an orbital inclination of 17.9 deg<br /> ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC)’s ground station at</div> <div>‘Sausage Skin’ To Cure Diabetes<br /> Researchers have created a sleeve implant, which resembles a “giant<br /> sausage skin” to treat diabetes<br /> The two feet long device, built up as an incision-less option to a kind of<br /> weight-loss surgical procedure called a duodenal switch, can reverse the<br /> illness in a few weeks<br /> The duodenum is the name for the first 10 to 12in of the small intestine,<br /> which connects to the stomach<br /> The device named as the EndoBarrier is devised to have the similar effects<br /> as surgical treatment but is far securer<br /> It is a plastic sleeve, which lines the duodenum, meaning food can only be<br /> absorbed lower down the intestine<br /> The process is carried out under anesthetic within one hour</div> <div>4. Agreement in the field of agriculture and fisheries<br /> 5. Cooperation in sports and tourism<br /> 6. Agreement on Cultural Exchanges<br /> Book by K.P. Srivastava, former advisor to PM and Veteran Journalist<br /> released<br /> “Page from the Past-A journalist looks back”: K P Srivastava<br /> The book was released at a function in the Press Club of India. K.P. Srivastava, a veteran journalist and media adviser to former PM<br /> Chandrasekhar mentioned in his book the former era of Indian journalism, politics and social life.<br /> Olympic Champion Abhinav Bindra wins Air Rifle Silver in 4 th Asian Air-gun Shooting Championship<br /> Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra won the air rifle silver behind Asian Games champion Zhu Qinan of China in the 4 th Asian airgun shooting<br /> championship in Kuwait on October 19, 2011. In the Beijing Olympic Games, Bindra outperformed Zhu Qinan in by grabbing the Gold.<br /> Real-time Train Information System (RTIS) for 12 Important Trains launched by the Indian Railways<br /> Real-time Train Information System (RTIS) launched by the Indian Railways for 12 key trains.<br /> Via RTIS, passengers can entrée the precise train running information. RTIS is a GPS-based train tracking system. It was jointly<br /> developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Lucknow and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT),<br /> Kanpur to conquer the restrictions of the present Train Running Information System.<br /> Austerity bill approved by the Greek Parliament<br /> The Greek Parliament has gave its opening approval to a new austerity Bill<br /> intended to deal with the nation’s intensifying debt crisis.<br /> The bill to slash expenditure and boost taxes came after violent demonstrations in<br /> opposition to the methods. These intensely hated austerity methods are part of<br /> the price Greece is required to pay for sustained financial support from abroad.<br /> Bangalore Metro inaugurated<br /> Bangalore Metro rail was flagged off. The metro connects<br /> Byappanahalli to Mahatma Gandhi Road, a distance of over 7 Km.<br /> The first phase will cover 42.3 km across the city, with 18.1 km on<br /> east-west corridor and 24.2 km on north-south corridor, including 8.8<br /> km underground in the city centre.</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : June 12, 2011<br /> 2011-06-17 03:06:26 GKToday<br /> India clinches five-match ODI series against West Indies<br /> Jyoti Dey:<br /> decades.<br /> A senior journalist working with an English tabloid “Mid-Day” in<br /> Mumbai was shot dead.<br /> He extensively covered underworld and crime for over two<br /> Book: He wrote a book titled ‘Zero Dial’ on the underworld.<br /> Singhey Khababs Festival:<br /> A 3-day long Hindu festival ;<br /> Celebrated in: The Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir annually ;<br /> Began on 12 th June, 2011<br /> Meeting on Electoral Reforms in NE States held in Guwahati:<br /> 7 th meeting on electoral reforms comprising the 8 NE states held in<br /> Guwahati.<br /> Organized by: Union Law Ministry in collaboration with the Election<br /> Commission.<br /> Agenda of the Meeting: To discuss important issues relating to the poll panel’s initiatives to check criminalisation of politics,<br /> funding and better management of polls and regulation of political parties.<br /> Current Union Law Minister – Mr. Virappa Moilly , Chief Election Commissioner : S.Y. Quraishi<br /> World’s shortest man<br /> Guinness Book of World Records declared a Filipino: Junrey Balawing as the<br /> world’s shortest man;<br /> Measures : Just under 60 centimeters.<br /> SAARC Meeting:<br /> South Asian Free Trade Agreement;<br /> SAARC meeting of its commerce ministers in Maldives.<br /> The SAARC agreement on trade in services has so far been ratified by<br /> Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka i.e. 4 out of 8 Members<br /> Members of SAARC: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives,<br /> Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Total 8 Members<br /> Commerce and Industry Minister of India : Mr. Anand Sharma</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 17, 2011<br /> 2011-08-17 13:08:10 GKToday<br /> Competition Commission of India imposes heavy Penalty on Real Estate<br /> Giant DLF<br /> The Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a heavy penalty of<br /> Rs.630 Crore on real estate giant DLF for abusing its leading position<br /> CCI issued a cease and desist order against imposing unfair conditions on the<br /> buyers of its flats<br /> The Commission considered it appropriate to impose penalty at the rate of 7 per<br /> cent (totalling Rs.630.43 crore) of the average of the turnover for the last three<br /> preceding financial years on OP-1 (DLF)<br /> Kendra Sahitya Akademi Awards for Children’s Literature<br /> 6 novels, 5 collections of short stories, 7 books of poetry and 1 book of folk tales and<br /> plays in 24 Indian languages were selected for the 2011 Kendra Sahitya Akademi<br /> Awards for Children’s Literature<br /> The awards comprise a prize purse of Rs. 50,000 and a copper plaque<br /> Bala Sahitya Puraskar for lifetime contribution to children’s literature:<br /> Sailen Ghosh (Bengali), Shyam Dutt Parag (Dogri), Ramesh Parekh (Gujarati),<br /> Harikrishna Devsare (Hindi) and Maheswar Mohanty (Oriya)<br /> Poetry:<br /> Gh. Nabi Aatash (Kashmiri), Snehalata Rai (Nepali), Darshan Singh Asht (Punjabi),<br /> Abhiraj Rajendra Mishra (Sanskrit), Nuhum Hembram (Santali), M.L. Thangappa<br /> (Tamil) and Aasil Aseer Dehlavi (Urdu)<br /> Short-Story Writers:<br /> Maheswar Narzary (Bodo), Mayanath Jha (Maithili), Dileep Prabhavalkar (Marathi),<br /> Harish B. Sharma (Rajasthani) and M. Bhoopal Reddy (Telugu)<br /> Novelists:<br /> Bandita Phukan (Assamese), Siddhartha Sarma (English), Hundraj Balwani (Sindhi), N.<br /> D’souza (Kannada), Gajanan Jog (Konkani) and K. Pappootty (Malayalam)<br /> Shantibala Devi (Manipuri) was chosen for her book of folk tales and plays<br /> FITCH ratings sustains AAA status to US<br /> FITCH, a leading International credit rating agency, has<br /> confirmed the AAA status of United States<br /> Fitch Ratings believes that the US dollar’s position as the global reserve currency<br /> means it can tolerate higher debt to GDP levels than other ‘AAA’ rated sovereigns<br /> It means that the wealth and the financial suppleness of US as one of the world’s</div> <div>and weapons from poachers if the offence has been intensified at the executive<br /> level.<br /> SC ruled that the power of forfeiture is enthroned with only the proficient court<br /> and no such power can be worked out by forest officials who can merely<br /> compound an offence.<br /> ‘Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign” launched from Srinagar<br /> Asking for the revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), activists of the “Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign<br /> (SSSC)” in order to remove the black law of AFSPA from J&K and the Northeast.<br /> Election Commission: Common Symbol for Registered-Unrecognized<br /> Political Parties<br /> Subject to certain conditions, the Election Commission has permitted<br /> Registered-Unrecognised Political Parties to have a common symbol as<br /> a one-time offer during general elections either to Lok Sabha or to a<br /> State Assembly. Decision taken via an amendment in the Election<br /> Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.<br /> The allowance comes due to the requests by various political parties, which had<br /> also moved to the Supreme Court, looking for a course to the EC to deem making<br /> apt alterations in the Symbol Order.<br /> ‘Saranda Action Plan’ finalized by the Government for Naxal-hit districts<br /> The Govt has finalized a developmental action plan in Naxal affected districts<br /> particularly in eastern India. The ‘Saranda Action Plan’, set by Rural<br /> Development Ministry, will be implemented firstly in Jharkhand’s Naxal-hit<br /> Saranda district.<br /> As per the plan, instant precedence is to allocate solar lanterns and bicycles,<br /> construction of prefab houses for BPL families under the Indira Awas Yojana and<br /> bridges with the help of the Army and special water supply – hand pump<br /> schemes.<br /> India’s first F1 track Buddh International Circuit Unveiled<br /> India’s First F1 (Formula One) Racing Track: The Buddh International Circuit<br /> was unveiled at Greater Noida. First ever F1 Grand Prix to held in India from<br /> October 28, 2011 to October 30, 2011.<br /> Approximate length: 5.14 km<br /> Area: 875 acres (354ha)<br /> Track designer: “Hermann Tilke”<br /> Turns: 16<br /> Originally known as the Jaypee Group Circuit or the Jaypee International<br /> Race Circuit after the circuit’s owners, the circuit was officially named the Buddh<br /> International Circuit in April 2011.<br /> The 10-year contract for the race has been given to the Indian construction<br /> company Jaiprakash Associates. According to experts, the benefits of a booming<br /> economy like India joining the F1 calendar are clear. Not only would the hotel and<br /> tourism industry get an immediate boost, the country’s profile, too, would get a<br /> lift.<br /> Israeli Soldier ‘Gilad Shalit’ released in swap deal for several Palestinian<br /> captives</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : June 15, 2011<br /> 2011-06-20 13:06:19 GKToday<br /> Total Lunar Eclipse: Century’s Longest and darkest<br /> Century’s longest and darkest lunar eclipse<br /> Total phase lasted over hundred minutes<br /> The moon completely covered by Earth’s shadow at 11.52 p.m. and eclipse continued till 2.32 a.m.<br /> New Skill Policy introduced by Government<br /> A new Skill Policy<br /> Under this 50 crore workers will be trained into different skills in India by 2022<br /> Aim of the Policy:<br /> To attain quick and comprehensive growth via better employment scenario and ability<br /> to adjust to altering technologies and labour market stress.<br /> Improving productivity and living standards of workers<br /> Strengthening global competitiveness of the country<br /> Ensuring social security benefits to the unorganized segment workers was the major challenge before the GOI<br /> Number of steps taken to achieve this goal:-<br /> Flagship programmes like RSBY and MGNREGA<br /> Establishment of Labour Welfare Funds<br /> Enactment of Legislation to provide Social Security to unorganized workers<br /> After 7th meeting of Drafting Committee still No consensus on Lok Pal<br /> Differences continue b/w Civil Society’s representatives and Govt over<br /> essential issues regarding Lok Pal Bill.<br /> HRD Minister: Kapil Sibal<br /> Next meeting on 20th of June<br /> Separate Drafts to be presented by the Govt and Civil Society’s<br /> representatives<br /> They will then be sent to the cabinet<br /> HRD Minister: Kapil Sibal once again affirmed that the draft will be ready by 30th<br /> of June and the bill will be presented in the Monsoon session of Parliament.<br /> Cross Border Taxation issues: India, OECD agree to strengthen cooperation<br /> Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)<br /> India and OECD established to reinforce cooperation in cross border taxation issues<br /> The collaboration comes at a time when India is facing issues of tax evasion and black money<br /> Indian government has adopted a 5-fold strategy to deal with the threat of illegal finances<br /> Includes joining the global campaign against black money and creating appropriate<br /> legislative framework.<br /> Govt considering satellite monitoring of road construction projects</div> <div>BEST BIOGRAPHICAL FILM: Nilamadhaba (English)<br /> BEST ARTS AND CULTURE FILM: Leaving Home (English & Hindi)<br /> BEST SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FILM: Heart to Heart (Manipuri & English)<br /> BEST PROMOTIONAL FILM: Ek Ropa Dhan (Hindi)<br /> BEST ENVIRONMENT FILM: Iron is Hot (English)<br /> BEST FILM ON SOCIAL ISSUES: Understanding Trafficking (Bengali, Hindi<br /> & English)<br /> BEST EDUCATIONAL FILM: Advaitham (Telugu)<br /> BEST FILM ON SPORTS: Boxing Ladies (Hindi)<br /> BEST INVESTIGATIVE FILM: A Pestering Journey (Malayalam, Punjabi,<br /> Hindi, English & Tulu)<br /> SPECIAL JURY AWARD: Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein (Hindi)<br /> SHORT FICTION FILM: Kal 15 August Dukan Band Rahegi (Hindi)<br /> BEST FILM ON FAMILY VALUES: Love in India (Bengali & English)<br /> BEST DIRECTION: Shyam Raat Seher (Hindi & Engish)<br /> BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Shyam Raat Seher (Hindi & English)<br /> BEST AUDIOGRAPHY: Harikumar Madhavan Nair (Re-recordist – final mixed<br /> track) for A Pestering Journey (Malayalam, Punjabi, Hindi English and Tulu)<br /> BEST EDITING: Tinni Mitra for Germ (Hindi)<br /> BEST NARRATION: (for Writing the Narration): Nilanjan Bhattacharya<br /> for Johar: Welcome to Our World (Hindi and English)<br /> SPECIAL MENTION: Ottayal (One Woman Alone) (Malayalam)<br /> SPECIAL MENTION: The Zeliangrongs (Manipuri & English)<br /> SPECIAL MENTION: Pistulya (Marathi & Telugu)<br /> BEST WRITING ON CINEMA<br /> BEST BOOK ON CINEMA: From Rajahs and Yogis to Gandhi and Beyond: Images<br /> of India in International Films of the Twentieth Century (English) Publisher: Seagull<br /> Books<br /> SPECIAL MENTION: Cinema Bhojpuri (English)<br /> SPECIAL MENTION: Thiraicheelai (Tamil)<br /> BEST FILM CRITIC: Joshy Joseph (English)<br /> BEST FILM CRITIC: N Manu Chakravarthy (Kannada & English)<br /> 15 th meeting of National Integration Council<br /> The 15 th meeting of NIC (National Integration Council) chaired by the PM<br /> Agenda for the meeting includes: ways to control communalism and communal<br /> violence, ways to endorse communal harmony and to get rid of discrimination,<br /> particularly against minorities and scheduled tribes<br /> Discussion on how the State and the police should handle civil disturbances and<br /> how to control radicalization of youth in the name of religion and caste<br /> NIC, headed by the Prime Minister, includes Union Ministers, leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha and in the Rajya Sabha, Chief Ministers of<br /> all the States and leaders of national political parties and regional political parties<br /> Rajasthan Government decides to fix quota for SC/ST employees</div> <div>Maharashtra State Election Commission added the Braille script on<br /> the EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines)<br /> Objective: To facilitate Visually Challenged Voters in exercising<br /> their franchise<br /> The EVMs, installed with Braille sign to be used in all the elections<br /> in the state from now onwards<br /> The EVMs to also have security features<br /> Designed by:<br /> The Electronics Corporation of India Limited<br /> India Post 2012 Project started by GOI<br /> GOI started India Post 2012 Project<br /> In August 2010 Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the ‘INDIA<br /> POST 2012′ IT Modernization project with a total outlay of Rs 1877.2 crores<br /> Objectives:<br /> To develop Future business model for post offices in the country<br /> To transform Department of Post into a Technology enabled, and autonomous<br /> market leader<br /> The project focus on five initiatives:-<br /> Covering increased market share and revenues<br /> New products and services<br /> Improved services delivery<br /> Motivated workforce<br /> Rural development<br /> Mr. Sibal held a round table session with various industry leaders to give a shape<br /> to India Post 2012 project<br /> ‘Partnering India Post: 2012 and Beyond’<br /> conference held to understand fields, techniques and<br /> challenges for developing a long-term relationship between India’s postal<br /> department and key stakeholders<br /> Minister for IT and Communications: Mr. Kapil Sibal</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs July 18, 2011<br /> 2011-07-18 23:07:27 GKToday<br /> 14th yearly Meet of Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering<br /> 14th yearly Meet of the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering begins in<br /> Kochi, Kerala on July 18, 2011<br /> 350 delegates from 40 member countries and international organizations<br /> participating in the five-day meet<br /> India is currently the Co-Chair of the Asia Pacific Group on Money<br /> Laundering, along with Australia<br /> Joint Working Group of India and Pakistan meets in New Delhi<br /> India Pakistan Joint Working Group meeting in New Delhi<br /> The meeting between officials of the External Affairs and Home Ministries and<br /> Pakistan foreign ministry is the first engagement after the Mumbai triple blasts on<br /> July 13, 2011<br /> Pakistan’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar to visit India later<br /> in July 2011 for talks with External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna<br /> The Foreign Ministers’ meeting will be preceded by introductory talks between<br /> Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and her Pakistani counterpart Salman<br /> Bashir on the July 25, 2011<br /> Agenda of the Meeting:<br /> Discussions being held as a part of Confidence Building Measure (CBM) on<br /> Cross -Line of Control- LoC<br /> To recommend measures for strengthening and streamlining the existing cross-<br /> LOC trade and travel arrangements and propose modalities for introducing<br /> additional Cross-LoC CBMs<br /> “Ulchi Freedom Guardian”<br /> “Ulchi Freedom Guardian”- 10-day drill between USA and South<br /> Korea from August 16, 2011<br /> South Korea and the U.S. Combined Forces Command to hold a key<br /> yearly military exercise from August 16, 2011<br /> 10-day drill, called Ulchi Freedom Guardian, is a computer-assisted<br /> simulation exercise intended to develop the ability to defend South Korea<br /> North Korea has been informed about the exercise and has been assured that the drills are defense-oriented only<br /> Indian Army’s 2 nd OTA (essentially for SSC) begins functioning at Gaya<br /> An Officers Training Academy (OTA) of the Indian Army began functioning Gaya,<br /> Bihar<br /> With the establishment of the OTA, the Indian Army will be able to overcome the<br /> acute shortage of officers<br /> As per the General Officer Commanding in Chief of Army Training Command, Lt.<br /> General K. Surendra Nath at present, the Army needs around 14,000 more Officers<br /> The Officers Training Academy (OTA) has started training for 130 officers</div> <div>Country’s Growth forecast 8.2% this fiscal year: PMEAC<br /> PMEAC (Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council)<br /> PMEAC lowered country’s growth forecast to 8.2% this fiscal while revising the<br /> inflation projection upward to 6.5% till March 2012<br /> As per PMEAC Chairman Dr C.Rangarajan, Inflation to continue to hover around 9%<br /> in July-October period and is expected to moderate only after November, 2011<br /> SEBI: Mandatory for Promoters to Disclose Share Dealings<br /> SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) decided to make it mandatory for<br /> all promoter entities to disclose any considerable purchase or sale of shares by<br /> them<br /> Objective: To rein in insider trading by promoters without investors’ knowledge<br /> Currently, the Directors and the Top executives of listed companies are needed to<br /> make these revelations<br /> After SEBI’s decision in this regard however, all the promoters and persons who<br /> are part of the promoter group of a listed company would also be required to<br /> reveal their share dealings<br /> It would be essential for the promoters to make initial disclosures relating to their<br /> shareholding at the time of becoming promoter or part of promoter group<br /> Continuous disclosures also be required whenever there is a change in their<br /> holdings exceeding ` 5 Lakh in value or 25,000 shares or 1% of total shareholding<br /> or voting rights, whichever is lower<br /> At present, alike disclosures are obligatory to be made by the directors and<br /> officers of the company<br /> New Air Chief Marshal: Norman Anil Kumar Browne<br /> New Air Chief Marshal: Mr. Norman Anil Kumar Browne<br /> He took charge as India’s 23rd Chief of the Air Staff<br /> He succeeded Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik<br /> In Air Force Circles, Nick-named: Charlie Browne<br /> Currently appointed as one of the Honorary Aides De Camp to the President of<br /> India<br /> Built the Indian Defence Wing in Tel Aviv in 1997 and served as the Defence<br /> Attache till July 2000<br /> Param Vishist Seva Medal, Ati Vishist Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal bestowed<br /> upon him in the past<br /> New Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs: Naved Masood<br /> Naved Masood took over as the New Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs<br /> Naved Masood: 1977 batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre<br /> Mr. Masood substituted Mr. D.K.Mittal who was appointed as Secretary<br /> Department of Financial Services in the Ministry of Finance<br /> Mitul Desai (An Indian-American) appointed as Senior Adviser in the U.S. State Department<br /> Mitul Desai (an Indian-American), appointed as Senior Adviser in the U.S. State<br /> Department’s South and Central Asia Bureau to strengthen ties with the Diaspora<br /> groups</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : July 12, 2011<br /> 2011-07-12 13:07:05 GKToday<br /> Naresh Chandra Task Force<br /> Government to set up Task Force to review the existing National Security System<br /> The Task force to suggest the measures to fortify the security machinery in the<br /> non-conventional areas of the Country<br /> The Task Force set up under the chairmanship of former Cabinet Secretary<br /> Mr. Naresh Chandra<br /> The members of the Task Force are:<br /> Shri Naresh Chandra (Chairman)<br /> Shri PC Haldar<br /> Shri KC Verma<br /> Admiral Arun Prakash, (Retd)<br /> Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy, (Retd)<br /> Lt Gen VR Raghavan (Retd)<br /> Shri Brajeshwar Singh<br /> Shri Vinod K Duggal<br /> Shri G Parthasarthy<br /> Dr Anil Kakodkar<br /> Shri RV Raju<br /> Shri D Sivanandan<br /> Shri Suman K Bery<br /> Shri Manoj Joshi<br /> New Mines Bill to be introduced in the next session of Parliament<br /> The Government likely to bring a New Mines Bill in the monsoon session of<br /> Parliament<br /> 1. The proposed Bill to be sent for Cabinet approval<br /> The Bill provides for sharing of profits and royalty with the project-affected people<br /> 2. The Draft Bill provides 26% profit sharing by coal mining companies and 100%<br /> royalty sharing by others with project-affected people<br /> 3. The Bill also proposes to levy State and Central Cess on royalty paid by the miners<br /> Mines Minister: Dinsha Patel<br /> Ban on Exports of Non-Basmati Rice lifted by Government<br /> Government lifted an over 3 year ban and allowed exports of 1 million tonnes of<br /> non-basmati rice<br /> The Ban lifted in the wake of overflowing godowns with bumper crop<br /> Government godowns currently are overflowing with over 65 million tonnes of<br /> food grains, while the storage capacity is only 62.23 million tones<br /> The Agriculture Ministry has aimed at a total food grains output at 245 million tonnes for the 2011-12 crop year, as against 235.88 million</div> <div>NHRC issues Notices to states, Ministries for banning use of Asbestos<br /> NHRC (National Human Rights Commission) issued notices to all<br /> states and several Union Ministries on banning the use of white<br /> asbestos<br /> It asked them to file a status report on it within 4 weeks<br /> Reason for Action: NHRC took into consideration a complaint<br /> alleging that around 50,000 people die every year in the country due<br /> to asbestos related cancer<br /> The complainant Gopal Krishna of Toxics Watch Alliance sought<br /> NHRC’s intervention for a ban on the use of White asbestos, which<br /> is dangerous for the health and causes a variety of deadly diseases<br /> The appellant also requested for grant of compensation package for present and<br /> future victims of asbestos related diseases<br /> Some facts about White Asbestos:-<br /> White asbestos: A Chrysotile Asbestos , a fibrous material used for<br /> building roofs and walls<br /> Chrysotile is the most common form of Asbestos<br /> Chrysotile / White Asbestos has been recommended for<br /> inclusion in the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed<br /> Consent<br /> If listed in Rotterdam Convention, exports of Chrysotile<br /> would only be permitted to countries that explicitly<br /> consent to imports<br /> Rotterdam Convention: It is an international treaty that<br /> restricts the global trade in hazardous materials<br /> 78 Gold<br /> at Special Olympics World Summer Games for India<br /> Team representing India won 243 Medals for the Country at the<br /> Special Olympics World Summer Games held in Athens<br /> The medals include 78 Gold, 73 Silver and 92 Bronze<br /> The team returned from Athens today<br /> Rollers Skating bagged the maximum 31 Gold<br /> Actor Aamir Khan appointed as the Brand Ambassador for<br /> India’s Ministry of Women and Child Development<br /> Mr. Aamir Khan has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador<br /> for India’s Ministry of Women and Child Development for<br /> spreading the message of curbing malnutrition among<br /> children</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs: July 10, 2011<br /> 2011-07-10 14:07:09 GKToday<br /> Highest Tourism Growth Rate recorded in North-East<br /> North-Eastern region of the India recorded the highest growth in tourist arrivals in<br /> both foreign and domestic categories<br /> Over 6% of the Foreign Tourists coming to India visited the North-East in 2010-<br /> 2011.<br /> In domestic sector, the figure was over 8% per cent compared to the all India rate of 7%<br /> India decisively dedicated to principles of SAARC: PM<br /> Inaugurating the 5th Conference of Association of SAARC Speakers and<br /> Parliamentarians in New Delhi, Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh said<br /> that:<br /> India remains decisively dedicated to principles of SAARC<br /> India to go an extra mile to make SAARC an effective organization that benefits all<br /> citizens of South Asia<br /> New Delhi has already granted open access to its market for common regional<br /> economic growth<br /> SAARC nations need to come closer and cooperate in various spheres for bilateral<br /> and multilateral inclusive growth, as no country can prosper in isolation<br /> SAARC Nations need to share common knowledge and resources<br /> There is a need to come together to fight the menace of terrorism<br /> Solicitor General of India Resigns<br /> Solicitor General of India Gopal Subramaniam resigned from his<br /> post. Mr Subramaniam was upset at telecom ministry’s move to hire a<br /> private lawyer to represent the ministry in the 2G case<br /> Sadhana-’Tai’<br /> The mortal remains of the Ms Sadhana Amte were laid to rest at the<br /> Anandvan premises in Warora taluka of Chandrapur district,<br /> Maharashtra<br /> Ms Sadhana Amte:<br /> A senior social worker<br /> Wife of the Magsaysay Award winner late Shri Baba Amte<br /> Popularly known as Sadhana-`tai’<br /> ‘Samidha’: Her Autobiography<br /> Sadhana Amte (86) passed away after prolonged illness<br /> She is survived by sons Dr Vikas, and Magsaysay Award winner Dr Prakash Amte<br /> She supported her husband in establishing a rehabilitation colony for leprosy<br /> patients, `Anandwan’, several decades ago</div> <div>PM to lead a high-level delegation that includes External Affairs Minister S M Krishna,<br /> National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon and Principal Secretary to the Prime<br /> Minister T K A Nair<br /> Vote on military intervention in Libya: India’s abstention positive, says<br /> NATO<br /> US-led NATO has taken a positive view of India’s abstention on the UN<br /> Security Council vote on military intervention in Libya<br /> NATO held that India’s move showed the world is united in opposing<br /> the actions of Muammar Gaddafi<br /> India supported the UN Resolution for recognising the former rebel<br /> National Transitional Council (NTC) and for handing over Libya’s UN seat to it<br /> Giving an unanticipated +ve turn to India’s abstention, NATO opined that India’s<br /> nonparticipation would lead to the channel of the declaration<br /> India-Lanka joint naval exercise to begin<br /> India and Sri Lanka are planned to hold a combined naval exercise off Trincomalee<br /> The 5 day starting September 19, 2011, combined naval exercise is being seen as<br /> part of labours to improve the bilateral guard cooperation in the post-LTTE era<br /> 63 rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards<br /> The 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony was organized on September 18, 2011 at the Nokia Theatre in<br /> Downtown Los Angeles, California<br /> Emmy Awards are known as: OSCARs of the small Screen<br /> The awards ceremony was to honour the best in primetime television programming from 1 June 2010 to 31 May 2011<br /> The best drama Emmy was awarded to “Mad Men“. Mad Men was awarded consecutively for the 4 th year in a row and<br /> “Modern Family” won the best comedy prize for the consecutive 2 nd year<br /> The list of awardess for the 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards are as<br /> follows:<br /> Best drama: Mad Men<br /> Best comedy: Modern Family<br /> Best miniseries: Downton Abbey<br /> Best variety or comedy show: The Daily Show<br /> Best actress, drama: Julianne Margulies, The Good Wife<br /> Best actor, drama: Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights<br /> Best actress, miniseries: Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce<br /> Best actor, miniseries: Barry Pepper, The Kennedys<br /> Best lead actress in a comedy: Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly<br /> Best lead actor comedy: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory<br /> Supporting actress in a comedy: Julie Bowen, Modern Family<br /> Supporting actor in a comedy: Ty Burrell, Modern Family.<br /> Best direction in a comedy: Michael Spiller, Modern Family.<br /> Best reality competition: The Amazing Race</div> <div>2011<br /> Global-Logic acquires Method<br /> Global-Logic, Software product development services provider declared the acquisition of global design and innovation<br /> consultancy firm Method<br /> Rajiv Gandhi International Prize conferred on the Azim Premji Foundation by IGNOU<br /> Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) conferred the Rajiv Gandhi International Prize for Technology in<br /> Education and Development on the Azim Premji Foundation<br /> The award established by the university in its silver jubilee year was presented to Azim Premji<br /> Azim Premji, upon receiving the award stressed on the need of integrating IT with mainstream education which would<br /> then prove far more useful in disseminating education among adults than children<br /> Azim Premji Foundation: Founded by Azim Premji in 2001, a not-for-profit organization<br /> Its aim is to extensively add towards a just, fair, humanitarian and sustainable<br /> society.It has been dynamic in backing the primary education sector and for this it<br /> has partnered with state Govt in India to improve the quality of elementary<br /> education within government run schools<br /> Rajiv Gandhi International Prize comprises of Rs. 5 Lakh cash and a citation. It is given to individual or institution for significant contribution in<br /> education, predominantly educational technology, for growth in developing countries around the world</div> <div>Bill<br /> Bill likely to come up in the Lok Sabha in the Monsoon Session of Parliament<br /> Bill passed in the Rajya Sabha last year<br /> Ms. Meira Kumar In her letter to political parties asked them to take steps for early<br /> passage of the Bill in the Lok Sabha<br /> Bill grants 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies<br /> Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs: S. Chandrasekharan appointed the new<br /> Secretary<br /> Mr. S. Chandrasekharan is the new secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary<br /> Affairs<br /> 1975 Batch officer of the Indian Railway Account Service<br /> Pong & Bhakra dams: Water level rising on a regular basis<br /> Water level in Pong and Bhakra dam is rising on a constant basis<br /> A heavy inflow of water due to rain and snow melting in the catchment areas of<br /> the rivers on which these dams are situated<br /> Level of water in the Pong Dam currently:1349.96 ft (about 64.68 ft higher on the<br /> same date last year) is highest in the past 8 years on the corresponding day<br /> Level of water in the Bhakra Dam is 1577.42 ft (the highest in the past three years<br /> on the corresponding day)<br /> Bhakhra Beas Management Board (BBMB) Power houses are experiencing<br /> maximum hydel power generation these days in a day<br /> Reconstitution of the Press Council of India by the Government<br /> The government has reconstituted the Press Council of India<br /> 27 new members included for a 3-year term<br /> The new members:<br /> 1. From the category of owners and managers of big, medium and small Newspapers:<br /> Vijay Kumar Chopra, R Lakshmipathy, Sanjay Gupta, Gurinder Singh, V K<br /> Chopra<br /> 2. From the category of editors:<br /> K S Sachidananda Murthy, Shravan Kumar Garg, Jagjit Singh Dardi, Sheetla<br /> Singh, Anil Jugalkishor Agrawal and Bishambhar Newar<br /> 3. MPs:<br /> Meenakshi Natrajan, Harin Pathak, Sanjay Dina Patil, Rajeev Shukla and Prakash<br /> Javadekar<br /> A separate budget for Agriculture from next financial year to be<br /> introduced by Chhattisgarh<br /> Chhattisgarh Govt decided to introduce a separate budget for agriculture from the</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : June 20, 2011<br /> 2011-06-24 08:06:56 GKToday<br /> World Refugee Day<br /> 20 th June is observed as World Refugee Day by the United Nations<br /> To recognize the brave spirit and resilience of refugees around the world<br /> The Theme this Year: “One refugee without hope is too many”<br /> Theme intended to persuade the people to “Do One Thing” to show their unity for<br /> refugees around the world<br /> This year scripts the 60 th anniversary of the Refugee Convention of the<br /> United Nations<br /> As per UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) more than 10 million<br /> refugees around the world<br /> Refugee: Someone who has been put on to run away from his/her country due to<br /> harassment, war, or hostility<br /> As per UNHCR In the beginning of this year over 1,98,000 refugees in India<br /> The figure likely to go up to 2,04,000 by the end of December this year<br /> India is NOT party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol<br /> India does NOT have a national refugee protection framework<br /> However, India keeps to allowing asylum to a large number of refugees from<br /> neighboring countries and respects UNHCR’s mandate for other nationals, mainly<br /> from Afghanistan and Myanmar<br /> Government of India deals in a different manner with different refugee groups but<br /> in general it respects the principle of the UNHCR documentation<br /> 1951 Refugee Convention is the key legal document in defining who is a refugee, their rights and the legal obligations of nations<br /> Wimbledon begins in London<br /> The biggest Tennis tournament Wimbledon Championship begins in London<br /> 125 th<br /> time the All England Lawn Tennis Club will host the Wimbledon Championship<br /> The first tournament in 1877<br /> Haryana lifts National Hockey Title after beating Karnataka<br /> Haryana lifts Hockey India ‘s first Senior National Hockey Championship<br /> (Men) title by defeating its rival Karnataka 2-1<br /> The final played at the floodlit Aishbagh Hockey Stadium in Bhopal<br /> S K Uthappa of Karnataka announced player of the tournament<br /> Ambubashi mela begins from June 22, 2011<br /> Thousands of Sadhus and Sanyasins from home and abroad have assembled at<br /> the famous Shaktipeeth- Kamakhya Dham in Guwahati, Assam for the<br /> yearly Ambubashi mela beginning on Wednesday June 22, 2011<br /> The door of the temple to remain close for the visitors for 3 days from 23rd to<br /> 25th June 2011 due to the Mela</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : July 14, 2011<br /> 2011-07-14 14:07:30 GKToday<br /> INS Sharabh decommissioned<br /> Indian Naval Ship Sharabh: A landing ship tanker<br /> The oldest commissioned ship of the Indian Navy<br /> INS ‘Sharabh’ decommissioned at the Naval Jetty at Port Blair in Andaman and<br /> Nicobar Islands<br /> Commissioned in January 1976, at Gdynia, Poland<br /> Ship had the merit of participating in many amphibious operations both on the<br /> eastern and western seaboard of the country and landed troops and materials on<br /> all major landing sites in the Andaman sea region<br /> New CVC: Pradeep Kumar<br /> Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar chosen as next CVC (Chief Vigilance<br /> Commissioner)<br /> Mr. Pradeep Kumar, retires as Defence Secretary on July 31<br /> He was chosen by consensus by a panel comprising Prime Minister<br /> Manmohan Singh, Home<br /> Minister P Chidambaram and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha<br /> Sushma Swaraj<br /> But his selection has been not been officially confirmed yet<br /> Mr. Kumar, a Haryana cadre IAS officer of the 1972 batch, was Secretary, Defence<br /> Production, prior to becoming the Defence Secretary<br /> Lok Sabha Speaker Ms Kumar meets leaders of political parties for<br /> endorsing women’s reservation bill<br /> Lok Sabha Speaker Ms Meira Kumar called for a meeting of the leaders of political<br /> parties who are yet to endorse the women’s reservation bill<br /> The meeting attended by Lalu Yadav of Rashtriya Janata Dal, Mulayam Singh<br /> Yadav of Samajwadi party, Dara Singh Chauhan of Bahujan Samaj Party, Ajit Singh<br /> of Rashtriya Lok Dal, E.Ahmad of Muslim League and Independent leader Inder<br /> Singh Namdhari among others<br /> The meeting carries importance in the background of the fact that Lok Sabha<br /> speaker is trying to gain consensus on the women’s reservation bill prior to the<br /> beginning of Parliament session next month<br /> India and Bangladesh to resolve boundary issues via a Joint Census<br /> India and Bangladesh to hold a joint census<br /> Joint Census in the areas along the border as a part of the process of<br /> resolution to the undischarged land boundary issues<br /> The 3 day census exercise involving officials from both India and Bangladesh is<br /> planned to begin from 15 th July 2011 and is intended at calculating the number of<br /> people living in these areas<br /> State Government of Rajasthan sanctions Mukhyamantri Gramin BPL<br /> Aavas Yojna</div> <div>www.gktoday.in<br /> Current Affairs : August 25, 2011<br /> 2011-08-25 19:08:52 GKToday<br /> Supreme Court: Compensation for land acquisitions to be based on market<br /> value<br /> The Supreme Court held that compensation given by the Govt to farmers when<br /> acquiring their land should be decided on the basis of its market value<br /> The court passed the order while hearing a bunch of petitions filed by the land<br /> owners seeking enhanced compensation for their land which is situated on the<br /> Ambala-Chandigarh Highway<br /> SC also increased the base price from Rs 2.75 Lakh per hectare to Rs 4.09 Lakh<br /> rupees per acre for the land which was acquired by the Punjab government<br /> The court said the owners are entitled to the highest value which similar land in<br /> the locality is shown to have fetched<br /> SC instructs Hospitals to formulate a mechanism for free treatment to<br /> poor<br /> The Supreme Court has directed that private hospitals getting subsidized land<br /> can’t run away from its responsibility to give free treatment to economically<br /> weaker section of society<br /> Extracting some of the hospitals for not giving free treatment to the poor,<br /> Supreme court demanded them to formulate a system with Delhi Government in<br /> order to ensure this<br /> Meanwhile, the court ordered that patients from Government Hospitals be referred<br /> to such private hospitals which would provide free treatment<br /> National Transitional Council to take Libya’s seat in League’s council<br /> The Arab League announced that Libya’s rebel National Transitional Council (NTC)<br /> will be the legitimate representative of the Libyan people<br /> With this Libya will return to its permanent seat on the League’s council<br /> The NTC will be the legitimate representative of the Libyan state in the meeting of<br /> Arab League<br /> The Arab League suspended Libya’s membership in February,2011 after<br /> Muammar Gaddafi’s forces launched a crackdown to try to stop the uprising<br /> spreading in the east of the country<br /> Bank supervision department to handle corruption complaints in Public<br /> Sector Banks<br /> In order to deal with complaints of charges of corruption in the Public Sector<br /> Banks, a special investigation cell in the banking supervision department of RBI<br /> has been created<br /> Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee informed that apart from this an officer in<br /> the Cabinet Secretariat will also scrutinize the complaints received against Board<br /> level appointees of public sector banks<br /> The nature of complaints against Board level appointees include allegations of<br /> writing of loans, taking over of accounts, other banks and irregularities in grant of<br /> advances</div> <div>Inquiry ordered into the alleged Mass Graves in Garo Hills by Meghalaya<br /> Government<br /> Meghalaya Government ordered an inquiry into the alleged mass graves in some areas in West Garo Hills district.<br /> Garo National Liberation Army’s (GNLA) alleged that mass graves exist at Tura and Samanda in West Garo Hills district, where rival outfit<br /> Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) dumped bodies after secret killings. ANVC has been holding peace talks with the government since<br /> a ceasefire in 2004.<br /> According to GNLA ,the ANVC, which is now under a tripartite ceasefire agreement with the State and Central Government, killed many<br /> youths secretly over the past two years.<br /> Divisional commissioner of Garo Hills region Peter W. Ingty heads the inquiry committee for the probe.<br /> Ban on Oil Imports from Syria : European Union<br /> European Union announced a ban on oil imports from Syria<br /> It could cut off major source of financial support for the government’s five-month-old crushing of dissent.<br /> Syrian government will find it difficult to fund the effort against the protesters.<br /> The US had already banned Syrian oil imports.<br /> Europe buys most of Syria’s oil, spends around 4.1 billion dollars in the country in 2010.<br /> Western governments have kept Syrian President Assad under pressure to step down. 20 – 30% of the Syrian government’s income comes<br /> from oil exports.<br /> The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 27 member states<br /> which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European<br /> Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the European Economic Community (EEC),<br /> formed by six countries in 1958. In the intervening years the EU has grown in size by<br /> the accession of new member states and in power by the addition of policy areas to<br /> its remit. The Maastricht Treaty established the European Union under its current<br /> name in 1993</div>
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